Damn Good Ideas for Disaster Survival

Sure, we in the Frozen North aren't likely to suffer hurricanes, raging forest fires, or tidal waves.  We don't live below sea level (New Orleans), on the side of a volcano (remember Mount Saint Helens?); or along the San Andreas Fault.  However, that doesn't excuse us from being unprepared should *something untoward happen.  (Oklahoma City, Twin Towers, tornadoes, blackouts, etc).  


Excerpted from www.survivalblog.com  - The Daily Weblog for Prepared Individuals Living in Uncertain Times

1. Have a bug-out kit ready at all times.
    1A. Renew supplies in your bug-out kit on a regular basis.
    1B. Plan on needing a LOT more supplies than you think.
    1C. Pack essentials first, then luxuries.
     1D. If your stuff is organized it's a lot faster and easier.
2. In a real emergency, forget about last-minute purchases.
3. Make sure your vehicle (or you) can carry your essential supplies.
    3A. A big bug-out vehicle can be a handicap.
    3B. Don't plan on fuel being available en route.
4. Make sure you have a bug-out place handy.  Route selection is very, very important.
5. Provide entertainment for younger children.
6. Have enough CASH money with you for at least two weeks.  If yours is a local bank and all are under water, for example, checks are unverifiable (read: worthless)
7. Don't be sure that a disaster will be short-term.
8. Don't rely on government-run shelters if at all possible.
9. Have account numbers, contact addresses and telephone numbers for all important persons and institutions.
10. Have portable weapons and ammo ready (close at hand.)
11. New Orleans - people who were prepared were frequently mobbed/threatened by those who weren't.
12. When help gets there, you may get it whether you like it or not.
13. Expect rescuers (including law enforcement) to enforce a distinctly un-Constitutional authority in a disaster situation.  
     13A. Don't believe that rescuers are all knights in shining armor who will respect your property.  
14. Your personal and/or corporate supplies and facilities may be commandeered without warning, receipt or compensation.
15. Those who think themselves safe from the disaster are often not safe from refugees.


I'm not a survivalist per se, but I'll damn sure not be the last one in line when disaster strikes.  Thoughts of my own I would include to above list:

-Don't expect your cell phone (or any communications device) to work.

-Bolt cutters can be the "universal key".  However if you must cut through a chained gate, snip the chain link closest to the lock and allow the owner to once again lock his property if at all possible.  This may save him from becoming your enemy.

-If your equipment is well-maintained you might be okay. If not, Murphy's Law will bite with a vengeance.

-Disaster will NOT issue an invitation.

-No matter how much we love them, pets cannot always be saved.  Deal with it.

-Food or supplies may become more valuable than money very quickly.



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