Survival Kits-Build Your Own III

A survival kit, a.k.a.  a bug-out-bag, can be all that separates the quick from the dead.  It can mean life itself in a nasty situation that calls for getting out  and away  FAST!  No matter what you’re running from, if you gotta run, do it FAST.  You won’t have time  for much on your way out so turn off the gas,  grab your bag,  shut the doors and windows  and  GO!

If you’re prepared with an escape plan and your survival gear is current and complete, you will probably  have a  little extra time that you wouldn’t have if not so well prepared.  These spare moments can be critical if you have pets, for instance, that need evacuation help.

If there are other people involved that might not know the game plan in an emergency situation, theses few minutes can be used for a brief orientation meeting,  so-to-speak.  It is a major life decision on your part in dealing with  individuals who have no idea what is going on or what to do.

It will be up to you (the prepared one) if you even want these people with you in a life-threatening situation.  Remember; you know what to do, you know how and when to do it, and you have a reasonably good idea of how long and how far you can go with your supplies.

Assuming that you are not so cold and callous as to not even wave goodbye in your hurry to leave  and you do intend to help them,  it can be a good idea to have more than one survival kit handy.

Depending on the circumstances, extra gear can easily be provided for most people.  This is also true for any pets that need to go with you.  Don’t go crazy and outfit everybody on the block but have some extras that can be grabbed fast in a convenient location.

Several extra water bottles or gallon jugs (pre-filled)  is the first priority.  If they are not pre-filled have one of your guests do that while  you handle the logistics of added company.   It gives them something to do,  hopefully calming them somewhat, and they will feel more part of the group if they can contribute something.

If you have extra pack sacks or bags already stocked, distribute them to your crew, adding whatever is handy to fill them up.  Towels, blankets, toilet paper, extra clothing  (don’t waste time fitting them out, just get something close)  whatever is handy in the food department that will travel well.

Stay away from glass containers,  liquor, candy, food that will spoil quickly and heavy, bulky objects like a T.V. or your aquarium.  Anything glass will probably break making a mess if not injuring someone.

Liquor, except for a little medicinal stash shouldn’t be included because it will promote dehydration and your water supply is critical.   The same for candy,  anything with sugar or corn syrup will leave you thirstier after drinking, thus compounding the water ration problems you will have anyway!

For obvious reasons nix on the T.V. and aquarium, also P.C.’s, toaster ovens, your drum set, golf clubs, etc.  Have an idea, already!  I sometimes wonder at what people consider necessary when packing a survival kit.  Hey, I’m not against saving photo albums, jewelry, laptops, or cats, they just need to be packed in a separate bag that can be ditched if need be.

Anything that’s purpose is to save your life, put in your primary survival kit.  Anything else, even redundant survival gear or  “precious” family heirlooms, even Moe the cat should be  separately  packed in an over-the-shoulder bag or duffel that can be hidden or stashed if it’s not possible to carry any further.

It’s important to have your gear in bags that can be carried on your back, or over-the-shoulder.  This keeps your hands free for other purposes  like  grasping, holding a walking stick  or carrying a weapon.  Stopping to set your suitcase down every time you need to wipe your nose is not acceptable!

The Primary purpose of evacuation is saving your life, if you live through the disaster you can always go back to where you dropped the extra bag and get your goodies.  But if carrying that extra weight slows you down or makes it more difficult to survive in any way, DITCH IT!

This all applies if you are escaping in a vehicle.  If for some reason you must leave the vehicle and hike, take what is comfortable to carry and hide the rest.  Not hiding the extra gear is inviting someone to take it!

A politely worded note explaining whose gear it is , or perhaps a big sign telling everyone to KEEP OUT! is probably the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of.  We are not talking about a stroll in the park here, we are talking about desperate times and desperate people who will do anything to survive!

When all is said and done, the lone survivor must consider the possibility of unplanned guests and provide the minimum gear for them if the need arises.  Being prepared for a disaster or emergency evacuation situation involves much more than just extra batteries for your flashlight and some dehydrated food!

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