PREPAREDNESS

Picture the following scenario: Driving home in the twilight from work, you're tired after the day's pressures. Instead of concentrating on the road, you are lost in thought about tonight's plans. Suddenly there is a problem with the suspension in your car. It feels odd and worsens rapidly. You get hit between the eyes with a sudden, horrible realization that it's not the car; it's an earthquake!

Everyone pulls over in alarm. The situation is further complicated as you discover that the bridge ahead has collapsed. Seen in your rear view mirror, the overpass is a pile of rubble across the freeway. Your goal is still the same, getting home.

I commute 29 miles each way and am somewhat prepared for the above event. I never want to be required to follow through with my plans and I hope it never happens to you. An emergency while traveling could be many things; fill in the disaster "blank" for what you are most likely to face in your area. Whether it be extreme winter in Montana, lava flows in Hawaii or New Zealand, earthquake in most places, tsunamis on the coasts or even a flat tire can give you reason to be thankful you planned ahead.

CONTENTS

General Advice

General Tips

List of Car Supplies

Tips For Your Supplies

GENERAL ADVICE

Assume whatever "it" is, has just happened. Are you safe? Do you need to move?

First, do CAPS (as in put on your thinking CAPS):

Calm down
Assess the situation
PRAY.
Set your course of action.

Mentally, go on Yellow Alert*, Red Alert** if you must, depending on the situation. Forget unassociated problems; concentrate on the difficulty at hand. Relax and remember, it could be worse. Think positively. You will get home safe and sound, this event will fade and life will move on. Don't allow yourself to be distracted from your goal of getting home safely.

Yellow and Red Alerts are from Frank Cuccioni's Tactical Response System.

*Yellow Alert is anticipating problems, observing your environment, looking people in the eye as you pass them. Avoid all trouble.

**Red Alert is handling trouble you can not avoid.

You'll have several decisions to make:

1. Should you move your car to a more, or less, visible location? (If possible). To hide or remain visible... This depends on your unique situation; follow your intuition. Being in sight helps someone who may look for you know more about your situation. Being out of sight may protect you and your property.

2. Should you leave a note with the car? (Will someone be looking for you)?

3. If you have to walk home, what is your course? Sketch a plan. Divide the plan by setting goals like landmarks. Go for one goal at a time .

In preparing to leave your car, gather your gear. Check clothing and SHOES . Don't be in a hurry to hit the road. You'll waste time and energy if you need to return to your car for a forgotten item.

It may be wise to eat and drink before leaving or as you set out . You have your supplies; snack and drink frequently . This gives you extra time to think if needed. Don't start out with a hunger or thirst disadvantage. Your supplies may contain a meal that is heavy or bulky. This is a good time to consume that meal; there will be less weight to carry.

Before you have a problem, mentally explore multiple ways to get home. Note bridges, overpasses, rivers, bad neighborhoods etc., and take the course of least resistance. "Never step on what you can step over, never go over what you can go around, never climb up what you can walk around". (Daniel Boone?)

Set a comfortable walking pace, slow down to baby steps if necessary to climb or descend steep grades. If your feet hurt, or you get a warm sensation somewhere on the feet, STOP! Fix this problem before you get a blister .

Remind yourself it could be worse, count your blessings, stay calm. You must help yourself first before you are fully capable helping family, friends and others. For example, in an aircraft if the oxygen masks drop, calmly put it on and start it. Then help others put theirs on.

Stay on Yellow Alert; don't allow yourself to be surprised by anything or anyone. Act confident and look confident. This helps ward off predators. Statistics show that would-be muggers avoid people that walk purposefully and are aware of surroundings.

By the time you reach the first goal, a phone for instance, hopefully the situation has improved. Other possible first goals might be:

Someone is contacted to pick you up

Public transportation is running

Check into a motel or shelter

If your first goal is not met, go to the second goal and keep walking .

Ten miles is a good hike, fifteen is a power hike. If you're home is further than that, shelter becomes an issue. This is a widely variable problem and not easily addressed here. Bare minimum shelter is a Space Bag or Space Blanket which keeps in your body heat and weather out. Improvise if you can't make it home in one day's walk.

Having emergency gear in your vehicle, having planned ahead and by setting goals, you will greatly ease your journey to get home.

Everyday Carry Gear (EDC) for Survival

What survival gear should people carry on a daily basis. I carry the following Items everyday. These are things that I carry on me–not in a pack or bag of any kind. My particular mix changes throughout the year and some items come into and go out of favor, depending on whether or not I’ve used them recently.

As a gear-junkie-minimalist, my tendency is to carry any and every cool toy that I have access to, but I end up carrying as little as possible. I try not to have bulging pockets or have other “tells” that scream out that I’m carrying lots of goodies.

So, here’s what I carry every day on my person and why:

1. A Glock 27 with a spare full size mag. I carry them in a Smart Carry Holster on my right hip with the butt of the gun above my belt. In the winter, I carry a full size 1911 in a CrossBreed Supertuck fairly often. It’s likely that I’ll be switching from my Glock 27 to either an XD sub-compact or a commander 1911.

I use the Smart Carry Holster for several reasons, but one of the most boring/practical ones is that it allows me to sit on a public toilet if I need to. It doesn’t have any retention, but that has only been a problem for me one time in over 1000 days of wearing it. When I find a better holster, I’ll switch.

2. A CRKT M16-03Z knife. This knife is a workhorse & I love it. I tend to carry knives that I won’t mind abusing/losing instead of high-dollar knives. In addition to being tough enough to beat on for splitting wood to make kindling/tender, one of the main reasons I carry this particular knife is that it has a “nub” on the back side that I can press to open the blade. It’s big enough that I can open the blade with gloves on or with cold/wet hands.

3. A Ka-Bar LDK (last ditch knife) around my neck. This is basically a very thick razor with a small, skeletonized handle that goes in a small kydex sheath on my chest, under my shirt. After getting tired of seeing people’s scared faces when I pulled out my CRKT, I began using this knife for most utility purposes in public a couple of years ago.

4. A Surefire Backup flashlight. This is a TINY pocket sized flashlight that puts out 80 lumens and works for both utility and improvised light tactical applications.

5. A “Porsche” stainless steel pen. I LOVE all of the new tactical pens that are out, but my biggest problem with them is that they either look tactical or have a weapons company name/logo on them. My Porsche pen doesn’t scream, “WEAPON!” I have to admit that it does make me look a little snobby to be carrying a $100 pen with “Porsche” written on it, but the upside is that I have never had a problem with it when going through security checks.

One of the most practical reasons why I carry this pen is because I never have to use a “leashed” pen at a grocery store/gas station. Frankly, leashed pens disgust me. I freely admit that this is probably more of an emotional stance than a logical one, but I always assume that they have never been cleaned and have all of the bacteria in the world on them. As long as I’m carrying my own pen, I don’t have to use the leashed ones.

6. Pepper Spray. I used to think that pepper spray was a joke until I went through pepper spray training. Now I carry it with me every day. I realize that it won’t always work on drugged, drunk, or deranged people, but it still has several applications. Carrying a gun is great, but there are several situations where pepper spray is a better tool. A few examples:

A. If you don’t think you could shoot a person with a gun, pepper spray is an alternative.

B. If you encounter a vicious neighbor dog, spraying it could cause a LOT fewer problems than shooting/cutting/striking it. In addition to the legal issues surrounding discharging your firearm, killing your neighbor’s dog will likely cause a lot of strife. Simply using pepper spray could allow you to stop an attack and diffuse the situation without having to tell anyone what you’ve done.

C. If you have a lethal threat, pull your firearm, and the person drops their weapon but doesn’t leave or obey your commands, what do you do? They might be waiting for you to screw up or get close enough so they can attack you, but you can’t shoot them unless they’re posing a threat…pepper spray is a possible solution that could allow you a non-lethal response to buy you submission until the authorities arrive.

D. If you are fleeing a bad guy, you can use pepper spray with limited effectiveness as an area-denial tool. Spray it over your shoulder, on a doorknob, or in a doorway that the bad guy has to go through and it could buy you a few extra seconds.

7. A TINY lock pick set.

And that’s it. I usually wear boots with paracord laces and a good leather belt, but I don’t load myself down very much. Could I carry more? OF COURSE! I carry more/different gear when I’m doing security/medical work. I keep all sorts of medical, survival, and tactical gear in our vehicles. And, I keep food bars and a multi-tool in my computer bag, but I keep the gear on my body to a minimum and always keep my eyes open for improvised medical items and tools that I could use if I needed to.

That last sentence is a key one. The more you train your mind to recognize improvised medical, tactical, and survival tools, the less you actually have to carry with you, which makes your wardrobe choices easier, your load lighter, and allows you to blend in easier. Again, knowledge, skills, and a mind used to improvising will allow you to adapt and overcome many more situations than “stuff” alone.

There are literally dozens of items that many people feel are “must haves” for everyday carry like multi-tools, lighters, zip ties, duct tape, & more. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I choose not to carry those items unless it looks likely that I’ll need to use them.

Traveling:

Unfortunately, not everyplace in the US likes people to be able to defend themselves. I’ll agree with that stance when they issue free 24/7 bodyguards, but until then, I think it’s a pretty stupid stance. When I go to DC or California, I don’t carry my sidearm, I carry a shorter knife, and I make sure that my OC has the proper labeling on it.

GENERAL TIPS

TIP 1: Make friends along the way that you commute. Is there someone you work with? Go to school with? Go to church with? Make a note of their address and phone number; they will be more willing to help than a stranger.

TIP 2: If Goal Number One is a pay phone, call someone and tell him or her your situation and plan. In disasters, phone lines are often jammed with incoming calls to stricken areas. This can prevent local calls, but you can frequently call long distance. Have an out-of-the-area emergency contact, a friend or relative a hundred or more miles away, who can relay vital information. Tell your family who your emergency contact is before disaster strikes. Consider a prepaid phone card.

TIP 3: The next time you are about to wear those old reliable walking shoes or boots, stow them in your car before they are worn out; make them your emergency pair. They are already broken in, you know them and they know your feet. If walking is required, you can choose between what you're wearing and "old reliable".

TIP 4: Snack or drink when you feel the need. Don't let yourself become run down from the effort. Snacking provides a distraction from your chore, it prepares your body ahead of an unforeseen exertion. Stay on Yellow Alert.

TIP 5: If you don't walk or hike much, make time to practice a portion of your route to get the feel for it. Check out books on hiking; look for some that explain walking techniques.

TIP 6: Do not allow your feet to blister! I can't stress this enough. Buy sock liners, thin silk or synthetic socks that go on under your regular socks. You may also want to try a high performance sock for walking, such as Ultra's. Check specialty stores like REI. If you suspect a blister developing. Stop, remove your shoes and socks. Inspect your foot, inspect you shoes. Have moleskin in your kit and apply it to the red-warm-inflamed areas. When treated, and your foot is cool again, put on both pairs of socks and then the shoes. Pay attention to your feet!

TIP 7: Normally your last resort is walking home. If another solution is workable or safer, opt for it. Pray to make good decisions.

SUPPLIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE

Bug Spray or Lotion

First Aid Book

First Aid Kit with Moleskin, including prescription medications

Foot Powder

Lip balm, like Chapstick or Blistex

Sunscreen

Large Bottle of Mouthwash - according to Ted Wright of "Wright's Complete Disaster Survival Manual", mouthwash can be used for:
- mouthwash
- antiseptic
- saves water when cleaning teeth
- soother for tired feet
- underarm freshener
- washing minor cuts and wounds

Can Opener

Food: ready-to-eat, requiring no preparation; choose individual serving sizes and snacks for on-the-go

Disposable Eating Utensils: plastic knife, fork and spoon, if needed, depending on food choices

Plastic Cup

Water, and/or Water Filter with a container

Personal Hygiene Items

Premoistened Disposable Towelettes

Toilet Paper, folded and in a baggie

Trash Bags for hygiene purposes, small-size

Book

Cash: coins and small bills, enough for a motel room or tow service

Knife

Map

Pencil/Pen Paper

Additional Clothing to suit seasonal needs such as gloves, sweat suit, hat or windbreaker

Adhesive Reflector Tape (to be applied to your coat and shoes if you have to walk at night)

Comfortable Shoes or Boots, extra socks and sock liners, extra underwear

Disposable Face Masks

Extra Coat, jacket, or sweater. Waterproof may be a wise choice

Sunglasses

Trash Bags for warmth or waterproofing, large and heavy duty

Work Gloves

Backpack for carrying essentials if walking becomes necessary

Candle, emergency type in its own shielded container

Duct Tape (it has a thousand uses!)

Fire Extinguisher

Pocket Lighter like BIC

Flashlight and Extra Batteries (metal flashlights can double as weapon)

Heavy-duty Blanket or Sleeping Bag

Space Blanket or Space Bag

Tools: Auto repair items, belts, hoses, clamps, rubber hose for siphoning, folding shovel, crow bar

Walkman type AM/FM radio and Extra Batteries

Whistle

The above items are minimums. You may also want to consider the items on the list below. Customize to suit your needs.

Cellular Phone and/or CB Radio

Cord, nylon that is thin, light and strong

Extra Gas Can or gas in a Jerry can

Flares, Reflectors, and/or Emergency Signs (Flares are not allowed in all countries)

Heat Source, Hand Warmer, MRE Heater

Weapon - personal choice item, and governed differently everywhere.

TIPS FOR YOUR SUPPLIES

TIP 8: Always keep the fuel tank at least half full. In areas of ice and snow, a full tank will provide extra traction.

TIP 9: Be aware of temperature extremes in automobiles. If an item has a shelf life, wide temperature variations will hasten its deterioration.

Rotate medications very frequently. Check with your physician or pharmacist if your prescriptions, as well as nonprescription items, are heat or cold vulnerable.

Rotate your food supplies. I recommend hiking bars you can eat and replace frequently. MREs, nuts, high calorie bars, etc. are also good.

Rotate batteries more frequently.

TIP 10: Water is heavy and bulky. It will constitute the largest amount of weight allocated to supplies. Check into filtration. Filter straws are available that can generate 10 gallons of drinkable water from a mud puddle.

TIP 11: For convenience, you can store parts of your kit in different areas of your automobile. Food can be protected in the trunk in an ammo can or Tupperware container.

TIP 12: I highly recommend the Browning Arms Featherweight line of Knife. They are light and not as expensive as you may think.

TIP 13: Layer clothing for added warmth.

TIP 14: If you must walk, watch weight and bulk of your gear. I travel very light. I love my torso or fanny pack. All the weight is on your hips and your back won't sweat. This is the area where the more money spent on quality pays off in the end. Be picky about your Pack!

TIP 15: If you have chosen to stay in you car, be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you must run the engine to keep from freezing, remember to crack a window.