Prepare: Emergency Evacuation Supply List

I hate the idea of having to evacuate from my home due to an emergency. Where I live, there is little chance of a wild fire driving me from home, but there are other scenarios to consider. First, a sudden alien invasion. Or a nuclear attack. I think an enemy invasion force would give me plenty of time to get ready. But let's consider something with little notice or warning.

Here is my Emergency Evacuation Supply List and Plan

If I had to get the family out of Dodge quickly, I would depend upon the family car. I keep it at three quarters full at all times. I keep the following in the car -

1 empty five gallon gas can
1 inverter
1 set jumper cables
1 CB radio + antenna
1 set of FRS radios (less than one mile range)
1 set of basic hand tools
Generally a case of water, but sometimes less in the summer when it can go bad
1 jug anti freeze
1 quart oil
1 standard blue tarp

I would add to the car at least 3 more gas cans (probably tied to roof and filled at nearest station), some larger tools like a shovel, an empty bucket, some trash bags.

Next, I would add food and water. As many cases of water as doable.

For food, it would be empty the pantry of ready to eat foods like cans, heat and serve meals, protein bars, candy and so on.

Next would come the big ice chest with a layer of ice on the bottom. Milk, lunch meat, cheese and what not on top. That goes in the car too.

Each member of the family gets one soft sided duffle type suitcase. Put enough clothes and shoes for 3 to 5 days. Make sure there is extra underwear and socks.

Next comes the stuff bag. This hold toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags and diapers.

Next comes the emergency bag. A shoulder bag with medical supplies and small backup foods like protein bars.

Next are guns. Shotgun goes on the front dashboard or in front of front seat passenger. Hand guns are worn by adults. All carry spare ammunition and more ammunition and long guns are stored in back.

The dog is going to have to find a way to ride in the back with the stuff or at the kids feet in the back.

Once everything is loaded, I will put the bike carrier on the rear hitch. It will hold four bikes. The bike trailer folds and is on the roof.

The first stop will be for gasoline if possible. If not, we ride on what is in the tank and the one full can (five gallons) in the garage now.

I keep maps and routes in the car already. I have no plans to stick to a major interstate or find myself blocked by FEMA troops directing me into a camp for my own "safety".

The key at this point is to have somewhere to go until thing blow over or a place to start over. That is where skills and supplies come in handy.

Think about the recent adaption of the movie 'War of the Worlds' with Tom Cruise. He left New Jersey for Boston. There is a brilliant move. Leave one big crowded place for another. Yes, they wandered through the country, but the plan was to get to a city where mom was.

The guy was caught with his proverbial pants down. You have to be ready for an emergency evacuation with supplies, a survival mindset and a plan. Otherwise, you end up running around the house looking for batteries and mustard.

SHTF: Best You Can Do Scenario

Note: Michael - this one is for you!

Best Case You Can Do Scenario - Part 2 of yesterday's post.

For the past several months, you have been quietly purchasing extra food and storing water. The events of Hurricane Katrina, compounded with the gas and food shortages of 2008 have prompted you to make some real changes in you and your families' lifestyle. It just so happened that a new government, more terrorism and nukes in every other third world nation coincided with your decision.

Having kept a close eye on the news, you saw the writing on the wall. Clearly there was going to be a global war or as close to it as possible. With military forces spread so thin, it would most likely escalate to nuclear war and soon.

You called your boss and took advantage of that two weeks of unused vacation time a little bit earlier than usual. Rather than be stuck twenty plus miles away in downtown, you plan on staying close to home.

Your wife could not take time off, but is not going to work unprepared. Her car has a full tank of gas, or as near to it as possible, at all times. In the trunk is a "bug out bag" containing shoes, change of clothes including socks, food, water, flashlight, N95 masks, a first aid kit, a .22 semi pistol with 50 rounds spare, a multi tool and a folded tarp which can be made into a shelter or rain cover if needed.

In addition, the two of you have agreed upon alternate routes from her office to home. Along with her cellular, she has a FRS radio with a five mile range and spare batteries in the car as well. In the event of emergency, she is to head for the house without delay.

The kids are still in school, but with you nearby for the crisis, you plan on picking them up no matter what happens. The kids know to stay at the school until you arrive. Three other families have been given permission to pick up the children should you not be available. There are code words and procedures in place for the children to follow in the event of emergency.

The kids have their own mini emergency kits in their backpacks. They include extra food and water, but also a poncho, flashlight and another FRS radio in a plastic bag with extra radios. They know when to turn it on and not to play with it.

When the President's announcement goes out over the air, you go into action. Your first job is to get the kids from school. You phone your wife and tell her to head home directly. In the car, you speed dial the children's school. As expected, its busy, but you know how to get them out of there.

Once at the school, you get both kids and get them in the car. Heading home, you see the first lines forming at the gas station. Your car is full and there are five five gallon cans full at the house waiting.

Once in the door, you direct the children to start filling both bathtubs with water. You splash a bit of bleach into both tubs and get in the kitchen. You pull the contents of the pantry down to the basement. In the corner, you have a bricked off 10 x 10 section. Sure, its not NORAD, but it will provide more protection than 99% of the population has right now.

Besides the contents of the pantry, you move down stairs everything from the medicine cabinet, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, all the batteries and lighting you have carefully stored.

You already have "The Package" from Rad Meters so you are good to go there. But you supplemented by picking up extra KI online.

Your wife comes in and announces there is a line out the door at the Kroger grocery store down the street. No, she did not stop in. She has been tripping over the extra canned and packaged food in the house for weeks now.

You direct the family to continue bringing things downstairs while you mount the pre-cut plywood over the windows. You put both cars in the garage and lock the house down tight. You put out the solar panels you purchased at Harbor Freight in the back yard and make sure the line running to the basement is well hidden.

In the basement, the six 55 gallon drums are full of water. There is a basement faucet you will use until water pressure drops too low. The bathtub water is for when you come out.

Around dusk you here the sirens going off upstairs. Your turn off the main electric breaker and gas line to the house, secure the house one last time and get to the basement.

Outside you think about the poor souls still on foot trying to make it home. You did not have a fortune or a well stocked hidden retreat, you just did the best you could with what you had.

Maybe you will make it. Maybe not. But at least you tried.

SHTF: My survival backpack

I have been taking several trips lately by car and finally decided to have a designated bag I could keep in the closet for the truck. Over the past week I have traveled about 1500 miles by car. Three business trips within the state, one camping trip and one family drive.

I chose a backpack because I can load it at home, throw it in the backseat and wear it on my back if forced to walk.

The survival backpack I chose was actually my son's old school backpack (digital camera is not available or I would take pictures!) which is camoflage and looks survivalish, if that is a word.

The contents..

Water - 4 .5L bottles
Food - 4 packs Ramen noodles, 4 trail mix bars, 4 tea bags, 2 packs instant coco
Supplies - two contractor trash bags, one flashlight, one caribiner type flashlight, two gallon ziplock bags, two 2.5 gallon ziplock bags, one water filter, one swiss army knife, one pair surgical gloves, one pocket first aid kit, one N95 mask.
Clothes - one folding rain poncho

That's it.

Water, food and basic supplies to build a shelter, collect water and perform basic tasks.

When I leave the house, I throw in the bag one pair jeans, two pair socks, one pair shoes (old sneakers), one shirt or sweater depending upon season.

I plan on adding more things to my survival backpack after the sale at Harbor Freight this month.

I cannot stress the need for each of you to include some sort of survival bag in your car, especially if you drive as much as I do.

Even if your driving is limited to a ten mile radius around your home.. like driving the kids to school, or to the store or office.

I ask myself frequently, "What would I do if I had to walk from here to home?"

So find a bag or backpack around the house and put together your own survival backpack.

So, what do you think?

Leave a comment or click below!

Thanks and be ready!

SHTF: Harbor Freight

If you read a bunch of preparedeness and survivial forums, posters will frequently alert other readers to a big sale at "Aldis" or "Fred Meyer" on canned beef or Wylers drink powders.

Unfortunately, most readers are nowhere near the retail outlets identified (think the closest one is 1600 miles away). The well meaning forget the internet is global and readership is reflective.

However, I carefully study the maps which show where visitors to this blog come from. And when I combined that with a circular which came to my house yesterday I had to put this notice out.

Harbor Freight is a discount hardware store found in most states. The day after Thanksgiving they are holding a huge sale (like most retailers that day).

The prices were unbelievable and HF makes a great place to pick up some survival equipment deals..

A gasoline siphon - 3.99
7 function pocket knives (great trade item) - .99 each.
Survival knife - 7.99
Electric hair clipper set (post SHTF income stream!) - 5.99
Headlamp with swivel - 2.99
6 pairs of knit work gloves - 1.99
5 pack of particle masks - .59 (add these two items to your JIC or BOB bag).
and lots more.

HF is on the web at http://www.harborfreight.com/ and worth checking out. Wait for the sale though for extra savings!

72 hour emergency kits

You often hear about having a 72 hour kit, three day kit, bug out bag, get out of dodge bag, etc.

Basically, the idea is to have a three day supply of stuff packed and ready to go should need to move quick.

First, I think a 72 hour emergency kits for the home are nice, but really a waste of time. Unless you are expecting an alien invasion a la "War of the Worlds" or a "Red Dawn" scenario, grabbing a bag and running out the door is a "most likely not going to happen scenario" in my survival book.

Too many writers and experts make a big deal about having the right bag and correct contents to survive for 72 hours.

However, for the car, office, school and other off site locations, a 72 hour emergency kit is mandatory. You never know where you will be when the SHTF and when it does happen, you can bet you will not have everything you need. But try anyway.

First, you need a bag. Some experts describe the contents of their 72 hour bag and when combined, lead me to believe that they will be carrying a sack like Santa Clause as they claw their way away from Armageddon.

Consider instead a bag you have already and are familiar with. Be it a backpack, duffel or suitcase. I would recommend that you have one which can go over one shoulder, on back is better, which allows hand free access when moving.

Make sure the bag is water proof and can close completely.

Outside pockets are nice for objects needed quickly.

Contents of the 72 hour emergency kit should include the following:

Water - a quart a day is minimum so plan on 3 quarts basic and extra. Use a Camelback hydration system, carry an extra water bladder type container in the bag and have at least two belt type canteens as well.

I keep water (12 pack .5 liter) in my office desk and another 12 pack in my car. If there is time and I am at the office, I will fill up with cold water from the break room at work.

Water purification tablets. A small bottle of bleach is helpful too, but make sure it is in a tightly close container!




When your water supply runs low, have your purification tablets and a high quality water filter system.




Food - Sure, you can go for days without food, but I would rather have it than not. If you are not a hiker or camper, than you really have no idea how much food your body will need. Believe me, you will need more than less, especially if you are on foot.

(Which brings up another thing to consider for your 72 hour kit, will you be on foot or driving (or boat, plane, etc)? I pack for foot travel which means I have to plan accordingly weight wise. Do the same and you will not find yourself standing next to a dead vehicle trying to tote out 200 lbs. of stuff).

The gurus tell you to pack three days worth of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE), military grade food packages. If you have never humped and dumped this type of grub, I suggest you try some before you put them in your 72 hour bag.

In the meantime, pack some foods you may have eaten already but which are low in weight:
- Ramen Noodles - Calories, fat and lots of sodium. Weigh nothing and cost even less which means you won't mind throwing them away or eating them once every six months when cleaning out your 72 hour bag).
- Tuna and Spam in a packet. Both of these products come in heavy cans, but also come in single serving, long lasting foil packets.
- Protein bars.
- Instant oatmeal, grits and soup in packets.
- Instant coffee, tea, coco packets.
- Hormel single serve non-refrigerated meals.

Each of these items weighs very little and takes up small amounts of space. I would repackage all of them in one or two gallon ziplock bags to keep things dry.

For a back up you can consider MRE as mentioned above or other similar food products like these.




Plan on bringing along some plastic wear (fork, spoons, etc) in a small ziplock bag as well as some sort of metal cup to heat water inside of.

Shelter - It would be great to bring along a travel trailer, but reality dictates if traveling on foot, you only have what is in your 72 hour bag. Get the lightest tent possible which will fit in your bag.




Two things to remember: Any shelter is better than none and weight counts for everything.

I would also bring along a light weight tarp available from most big box retailers. It can be used as a temporary shelter, ground cloth or for water collection.

Lighting - Have multiple options. LED flashlight in pocket or on key chain. Head lamp in bag. Flashlight in outside pocket of bag. Lightweight lantern for camp. I prefer battery power for all lighting and avoid camp fuels when possible.







Heating, warmth - for warmth, pack an extra pair of clothes, a lightweight jacket, gloves, knit cap, long underwear and something to cover your face from the wind. You can build a fire so bring matches or better, a number of butane lighters (at least three). As I mentioned, I am not a proponent of hauling camp stoves. Bring along on can or two of Sterno (sealed) instead.

Pack an extra pair of shoes and socks in your 72 hour emergency bag. I stick an older pair of sneakers in my car bag, but also have a pair of good quality walking shoes in my main bag. If I am at work, I am going to want to take off loafers or other dress shoe and replace immediately.

First aid - I cannot stress enough how important it is to have first aid supplies in your bag. The most common ailments are going to be internal (headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, etc) so pack accordingly. External problems will be cuts, bites (bugs) and bruises. Bring along band aids, but also a topical antiseptic as well for disinfecting wounds.

Head covering - winter or summer, keep you head covering. Also bring along sunglasses.

Protection - let's start with the easy and work our way up.
- N95 masks - as many as you can comfortably carry.
- Goggles of some sort.
- Nitrile gloves.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Knife, folding.
- Firearm/ammo - optional if you are afraid of them or local laws prohibit their ownership, carry or operation in nearly every situation. If you do wish to have a firearm, * go light *. Get a .22 pistol or collapsible AR-7 type rifle and 50 rounds of ammunition. The shotgun and 50 shells weighs 10-15 lbs. than the former.

Where are you going? Maps, local and topical. Compass.

Communications - Cell phone no doubt. Shortwave portable radio. FRS radio. CB radio is useful too.






Remember, the purpose of the 72 hour kit is not to replicate your home and survival retreat in a single bag. That is impossible and the downfall of many a survivalist.

Rather, pack enough for a three day walking trip out of a bad location.

One more note, have an idea where you might be heading.

Prepere: Earthquake Survival Kits

I have read of a number of earthquakes in China and California the past few weeks. Unlike most natural disasters, earthquakes are nearly impossible to avoid if you live in a earthquake prone area.

Having a good earthquake survival kit is two fold; it is there if a quake strikes and it can also be used for a "bug out" or "get out of dodge" bag.

I found a great list on the internet of supplies which are mandatory for an earthquake survival kit. Being a flatlander who lives in non-quake country, this type of reading is mandatory and enlightening.

Besides the standard water (two quarts per person per day, don't forget the pets!) and food (non-perishable, canned, needs no heating, ready to heat), an earthquake survival kit should include items most likely associated with quake preparedness.

First instance, tools. More than your standard all in one Gerber multi tool, but heavy duty tools like shovels, picks, crowbars, axes and pipe wrenches. In a post-earthquake survival situation, you may be called upon to rescue friends and loved ones from collapsed structures.

And all the debris calls for heavy duty boots, dust masks, hard hats and thick palmed gloves. Many of the items found in an earthquake survival kit would be a surprise in a standard home or car emergency kit.

What about shelter? If the home is damaged by the quake or is at risk from aftershocks, most earthquake survival kit owners have temporary shelter one hand such as a tent, tarp or other temporary shelter.

Here was a novel item on the earthquake survival kit; powdered lime for the "natural toilet" to control odors and keep away pests. After a quake, most survivors have no intention of abandoning their home and wish to protect their possessions. That means roughing it on site until organized help arrives.

An earthquake survival kit has a greater number of contents than the standard survival kit, but has a greater and more pressing need in earthquake prone parts of the world. Those of us into preparedness can learn quite a bit from the earthquake crowd about everyday preparedness.

Prepare SHTF: School Emergency Kits

With August drawing to a close, the "back to school" sales begin in earnest around the country. While the wife and kids hit the big box retailers for clothes, lunch boxes and three-ring binders, you and I are going shopping too. Just for some other back to school stuff..

Your child needs a school emergency kit. Why? Very likely, you have a imagined a scenario where you are at work or home and the children are miles away at school waiting for you to come get them. It is best to have them prepared with a few supplies which might help them out during the interim.

First, your child already has a bag for their school emergency kit; their backpack. Yes, they already have books, lunch and what not in their backpack, but there is always room for a few more things.

Food -

Your child will need food for their school emergency kit. Add a few protein bars, Ramen noodle packets or spam singles. Combined, they will be part of a three day/800 calorie a day food supplement. Tuck some hard candy into an outer pocket as well. Don't forget, your child will have their lunch and there may be additional food sources available from the school cafeteria. Train your kids now to know where to track down food sources for them and their friends in the event of an emergency.

Water -

Water is invaluable in the school emergency kit. Two things - At least one bottle of water in the backpack for emergencies only and an additional water storage container. My kids have half liter water bottles they take to school. They know to refill them from the water fountains when they run low. If possible, add a low cost reusable water filter to the school emergency kit. Make sure kids know where water can be found at school; the water fountains, cafeteria, bathroom fountains, etc. Drink tap water first and save sealed water bottles for last.

Lighting -

An emergency kit should always take lighting into consideration. Include a sturdy AA flashlight and two light sticks. Put those light sticks in an outer pocket or in the bottom of the backpack wrapped in foil or in a sealed ziplock bag.

Communication -

Emergency kits mean emergency communications. Most kids older than 10 have cell phones. Even if you need to pick up a "pay as you go" pre-paid phone for emergencies, do it. Always make sure kids know which number to reach you and other trusted adults.

Am option might be a two way family radio service radio. If you choose this route, make sure it runs on AA batteries like the flashlight.

Warmth/Bedding -

If your child is stuck at school or in the bus overnight, staying warm might be important. Pick up at least one folding rain poncho. They cost less than a dollar at the sporting goods store. Get one of those reflective blankets. Add at least one spare pair of socks as well.

Work gloves are useful as well.

Additional -

The school emergency kit should include one bottle of hand sanitizer (travel sized of course), an N95 face mask, and a pair of nitrile gloves. All of these things are invaluable, "when used correctly" during a potential pandemic or to even to avoid nuclear fallout.

Protection -

You know the zero tolerance policy so avoid adding anything to your school emergency kit which might be considered a weapon. Instead, make sure your child's kit includes a small first aid kit and a good whistle.

Most of all, include in your school emergency kit the one thing which cannot be bought in a store - knowledge. Prepare and train your child for a variety of short term and long term emergencies. Knowing what to do when the time comes up saves lives.

Back to school is a busy time. Don't forget to make emergency preparedness plans for your child which includes their school emergency kit.

SHTF: Car emergency survival kits

The other day I mentioned some of what I keep in my desk at work in an emergency survival situation like the SHTF.

In my car is another matter. First, I have more room which is a good thing. The bad thing about stuff in your car is, a) it might get stolen if someone breaks in your car at work or while it is parked at the mall, b) it is suceptible to the elements and where I live, it gets pretty toasty in a parked car and c) what do you do with all that stuff if your car does not start or runs out of gas on the way home?

First, I keep in my emergency survival kit the following handy items:
1. An inverter to convert car power to AC power; handy for stuff like cell phones, computers, etc.
2. A combination air compressor (tire inflation) and emergency light.
3. A tool box containing a variety of hand tools, road flares, tie downs and an odd fan belt or two.
4. One container of motor oil.
5. One jug of antifreeze.
6. One CB radio with antenna.
7. Another set of FRS radios.
8. A handheld super bright flash light which is powered off the cigarette lighter in the car.
9. Two regular flashlights.
10. Some fishing gear I keep leaving in the car.
11. One case of bottled water. Probably not good with the temperatures and plastic breaking down in heat.
12. One generic cheapo tarp.
13. One roll toilet paper.
14. One roll paper towels.
15. One bottle hand sanitizer.
16. One pair of work gloves.
17. A baseball bat (in case I go to a baseball game or something. There is a baseball glove and a couple of baseballs in there as well!).
18. A hat.
19. One windbreaker.
20. A cheap folding baby stroller. This is probably the best thing in the car. Imagine having to carry a small child 5 or 6 miles home? Or a bunch of stuff?
21. One five gallon gasoline container.

These contents, plus those in my bag at work and a few other odds and ends should be enough to get me home and hopefully avoid the worse that others deal with in a survival situation. I can think of more emergency preparedness stuff for my bag and car just from writing this article!

SHTF: Emergency Survival Kits

Do you have an emergency survival kit in your home, office and car? The goal of an emergency preparedness kit is not to live indefinitely from the bag, but rather to have enough supplies to get you home or to another safe location.

Let's explore some of these options for you and you family.

Emergency survival kit for the office.

After 9/11 and the World Trade Center, I started keeping emergency preparedness supplies close at hand. First in my car, but working in an office building, I began keeping one in my desk. If you do not have the luxury or room to have your own locking desk, keep your emergency survival kit as your everyday carry bag for work or as a substitute for a purse.

Here is what I keep in my emergency survival kit:
1) I use a medium sized backpack which fits in my office desk drawer.
2) 4 .5 liter bottles of drinking water
3) 1 nalgene water bottle with filter
4) 4 protein bars
5) 4 bags on snack foods like cookies or nuts.
6) 1 flashlight with fresh batteries (check often).
7) 3 N95 air filtration masks (available at any hardware store).
8) 3 pairs of nitrile gloves.
9) 1 bottle of hand sanitizer.
10) Toiletry kit including travel sizes of soap, shaving, etc.
11) 6 tea bags
12) 2 packets of instant cocoa
13) 50' of rope
14) battery powered cell phone charger.
15) One pair of cheapo shoes for backups.
16) 2 pair of socks.
17) One pair of sweat pants.
18) Swiss army knife
19) Gerber-knockoff multi tool.
20) 2 inexpensive FRS (family radio services) walky talkies with batteries.

There are several more things I could add to my emergency survival kit for the office, but it is a work in process.

Next, what is in my car emergency survival kit!