First you're probably wondering just what exactly a "Bug Out Bag" is. This is a military term used to describe to gear a soldier keeps packed and ready at all times. In the event that soldier needs to be rapidly deployed the soldiers kit is pre packed and ready to go. While this usually refers to all of a soldiers kit, you only need one bag. This bag will contain only essential items to keep you alive.
Depending on your location and the time of year will determine what exactly you will have in your bug out bag. Despite this there is some kit that is essential and should be in everyone's kit. Here are 11 items every bug out bag should include.
1. First Aid Kit
Of all items this is your most important, remember in the event of a collapse or natural disaster you have to rely on yourself, there won't be any 9-11 service, no paramedics, and no clean hospital beds if you are injured. Make sure your first aid kit whatever type has a few pocket CPR masks. These masks will keep you from getting an infectious disease or from having to eat a casualties vomit.
2. Flashlight
I recommend using a flashlight that doesn't require batteries such as a wind up with LED lights. I keep two in my bug out bag in case one is lost or breaks. Some models also have the ability to be used as a charger for items like cell phones, radio's or even iPod's. Another option is getting a head lamp which will allow you to go hands free. While these use batteries they tend to have longer battery life then their hand held counterparts.
3. Radio
Having a radio provides two things, information to the outside world, to safe zones or evacuation centers, and a distraction. While I don't recommend blasting music where ever you go (If there are any radio stations left that are playing music) as this can give away your position to others. Like flashlights try to find one that doesn't require batteries.
4. Knife and Multi-tool
Both are excellent choices and I recommend having both. For a knife you don't require a massive blade, a six inch blade is more then enough to be used as a tool and weapon. For multitools you can go the cheap route and purchase one for as little as 20 bucks, however I recommend spending a little more, say in the 80 to 100 range as these offer better quality which in turn means longer life and more resilient to abuse.
5. Fire Starter
Fire is vital to ones survival, so carry a few different types of fire starters with you. The obvious first choice would be either a lighter or matches which I recommend having several with you. Also carry a couple magnesium fire starters which are excellent at starting fires. Another option is to use steel wool and a battery, simply spread apart the steel wool and rub the top of a battery on it. Make sure that these two items are stored separately, the last thing you want is to have your backpack burst into flames, especially if it's still on your back.
6. Water Purification
In the post apocalypse chances are good that much of the fresh water will be contaminated. Also carrying several days worth of water is heavy, noisy, and unpractical. To keep from becoming sick keep a few bottles of water purification tablets with you and a few clean bottles (Any type will work). Simply add a couple tablets to your water and in about half an hour your water should be safe to drink. It's important to remember that these tablets won't remove all forms of bacteria, virus' or other contaminants.
7. Rope
Rope is necessary for a number of tasks such as building a shelter, climbing, repairing clothing and equipment, and building traps and snares to catch animals. I have three types that I carry in my bug our bag, the first is para-cord an extremely strong and lightweight cord that can be used for everything. The second is nylon cord to be used as general purpose rope such as tying up objects and building shelters with. The third is a heavy duty climbing rope for climbing and to be used as an improvised harness or "Swiss Seat"
8. Foot-powder
In the wasteland your feet will probably be your only form of transportation, you must take care of them. If your feet are injured your mobility is compromised and you become a target.
9. Shelter
I keep two large tarps with my bug out bag, rather then a tent which can only be set up one way and requires multiple parts, a tarp can be rigged up any way you need with the resources you have at hand. Tarps can also be used to collect rain water.
10. Compass
While a GPS (Global Positioning System) is easy to use and can provide your location within a few feet depending on model, they also rely on batteries and satellite's. Batteries will only last so long before needing to be recharged, and even though there are thousands of satellite's in orbit, they will start to breakdown quickly. A compass on the other hand if kept in working condition can provide your location for as long as you need it.
11. Food
Like water food is important to keep yourself going. With food you can go two directions either buy military style or inspired rations or canned food. Both have long shelf life, but canned food has one advantage it has water used to package the food which can be consumed adding extra nourishment. Remember with canned goods to check for air leakage. This can be done by simply pressing on the top of the can. If the can's top is rigid and doesn't move or moves very little it should be fine. If the top can be pushed down a lot then there is a air leak in the can and the food has most likely gone bad.
Like I mentioned earlier these are what I consider must haves for any bug out bag. Your location, budget, and other factors like time of the year will determine what other items you have in your bug out bag. For more ideas of what you can use to make your own bug out bag or to look for supplies for own visit my website The Razors Edge a post apocalypse survival guide. My website also have other tips and information, and videos on the post apocalypse to help you prepare.
A little about me
I am a former Canadian Forces soldier who has served the military honourably for 7 years. My website http://www.therazors-edge.com is a collection of that military experience mixed with my fascination for the apocalypse and end of the world related topics. I wanted to create a practical real life guide that can help you survive if our civilization collapses.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Selecting Foods For Disaster Survival
Choosing and storing foods for disaster survival is critical because of the possibility of being stranded with no way to purchase needed supplies for days on end. There are prepackaged survival food kits available, but with a little thought you can have everyday favorites on hand to add variety to meals. This will help raise everyone's spirits as well. As you stock up on foods take into consideration anyone in the family who has special dietary needs.
Water is your first priority. It is recommended that there be a one week supply of food and water. Allow about one gallon of water per person per day for tooth brushing, washing up and cooking. You will need about 28 gallons for a family of four. Store your water in sturdy containers, preferably glass, rotating and using it regularly so that it remains fresh.
Milk is an important item to include. Even though the electricity may be out, you will find milk in new types of cartons that need no refrigeration and has a long shelf life. As you gather your disaster survival foods note the expiration dates and use and replace the items regularly to keep them fresh. The milk can be used for cooking and for cereals, which are vitamin fortified to provide extra nourishment. Powdered milk is OK, but it uses some of your precious store of water.
Make a list so you can include your favorite canned fruits and vegetables. Pick a variety of colorful and sweet fruits like peaches, pears and mandarin oranges to satisfy the need for something sweet. Staple vegetables like green beans (even spicy pinto beans), peas, potatoes contain vitamins necessary to keep up everyone's strength. Canned items can be eaten cold if there is no stove available and no way to start a fire. Soups are important and canned meats, tuna, beef stew will all round out the menus you can create. Some foods that are too high in calories or fat for everyday use are good for short term survival situations because they supply extra energy and feel wonderfully decadent in trying times.
Snacks are important disaster survival foods that help to keep up spirits between meals. Select some junk snacks, potato chips, pretzels, nuts and dried foods and trail mix that all store well. The vitamin fortified cereals work as a snack and are also good for you. Be sure and include salt and pepper and small amounts of your favorite spices to dress up meals. Dried articles such as pasta, beans or rice should be used sparingly because they all take large amounts of water to prepare and you need to watch your water supply to make sure you have enough to drink. These items are also available in the canned food section of the grocery store.
Keep a list of your foods for disaster survival, post it on the wall of the storage area and check it often for content and expiration dates. This will keep you content knowing you are prepared for whatever comes.
Edie has many interests and her curiosity leads her to researching them resulting in free lance articles which help others meet their online goals. If you would like to spice up your bedroom look for a vintage duvet cover or a queen size duvet cover to add color and ambiance to the room.
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Water is your first priority. It is recommended that there be a one week supply of food and water. Allow about one gallon of water per person per day for tooth brushing, washing up and cooking. You will need about 28 gallons for a family of four. Store your water in sturdy containers, preferably glass, rotating and using it regularly so that it remains fresh.
Milk is an important item to include. Even though the electricity may be out, you will find milk in new types of cartons that need no refrigeration and has a long shelf life. As you gather your disaster survival foods note the expiration dates and use and replace the items regularly to keep them fresh. The milk can be used for cooking and for cereals, which are vitamin fortified to provide extra nourishment. Powdered milk is OK, but it uses some of your precious store of water.
Make a list so you can include your favorite canned fruits and vegetables. Pick a variety of colorful and sweet fruits like peaches, pears and mandarin oranges to satisfy the need for something sweet. Staple vegetables like green beans (even spicy pinto beans), peas, potatoes contain vitamins necessary to keep up everyone's strength. Canned items can be eaten cold if there is no stove available and no way to start a fire. Soups are important and canned meats, tuna, beef stew will all round out the menus you can create. Some foods that are too high in calories or fat for everyday use are good for short term survival situations because they supply extra energy and feel wonderfully decadent in trying times.
Snacks are important disaster survival foods that help to keep up spirits between meals. Select some junk snacks, potato chips, pretzels, nuts and dried foods and trail mix that all store well. The vitamin fortified cereals work as a snack and are also good for you. Be sure and include salt and pepper and small amounts of your favorite spices to dress up meals. Dried articles such as pasta, beans or rice should be used sparingly because they all take large amounts of water to prepare and you need to watch your water supply to make sure you have enough to drink. These items are also available in the canned food section of the grocery store.
Keep a list of your foods for disaster survival, post it on the wall of the storage area and check it often for content and expiration dates. This will keep you content knowing you are prepared for whatever comes.
Edie has many interests and her curiosity leads her to researching them resulting in free lance articles which help others meet their online goals. If you would like to spice up your bedroom look for a vintage duvet cover or a queen size duvet cover to add color and ambiance to the room.
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Sunday, May 30, 2010
Family Preparedness is the Key to Urban Survival
Your family needs to be prepared if they are going to survive an urban disaster. The world is not a friendly place anymore. With more than 50% of the population living in urban areas it is more important now than ever before that your family is prepared to cope with disasters.
Water & Foodstuffs
Authorities tell us that a 72 hour bag is all that we need to survive a disaster. They say this with the assumption that within 72 hours emergency relief would be set up to handle a flood of victims. But if we should have learned anything from recent disasters, it is the fact that they may actually need more time.
To be prepared for a natural or man-made disaster, your family needs to have water and foodstuffs safely stored for at least a week, even better would be a month. Remember the panicked people at the Super Bowl after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans? That picture alone should be enough to make us realize that a 72 hour bag is just not enough.
Potential Disasters
The reason that we are so vulnerable to potential disasters is because so many of us live closely together in packed urban areas. This makes any disaster affect many more people. It is also an inviting target for terrorists who want to be able to kill as many people as possible.
Key To Family Survival
If you want your family and yourself to be able to survive a disaster, you need to be prepared. You need to have a plan for evacuating your area if the need arises and you need to have a plan if the disaster is such that you are safer hunkering down.
You need to be prepared with water, food, and anything else that your family will need. It is too late to go to the grocery store when a disaster hits. Think about the last storm that came your way. Wasn't the grocery store a madhouse as people tried to stock up on food at the last minute?
And what if a disaster hits with no warning? You need to be prepared.
How To Get Prepared
Many people put off getting prepared because they think that it will be a complicated expensive process. This doesn't have to be true. It's like the old kids joke - How do you eat an elephant? - A: One bite at a time.
You can start a step by step plan that will allow you to be prepared in case of an emergency. By taking it one step at a time, you can be better prepared each day.
I have written a easy to follow guide that will show you how you can be better prepared for any emergency. Go to http://www.urbansurvivalhandbook.info to get more information.
Download our free toolbar
Water & Foodstuffs
Authorities tell us that a 72 hour bag is all that we need to survive a disaster. They say this with the assumption that within 72 hours emergency relief would be set up to handle a flood of victims. But if we should have learned anything from recent disasters, it is the fact that they may actually need more time.
To be prepared for a natural or man-made disaster, your family needs to have water and foodstuffs safely stored for at least a week, even better would be a month. Remember the panicked people at the Super Bowl after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans? That picture alone should be enough to make us realize that a 72 hour bag is just not enough.
Potential Disasters
The reason that we are so vulnerable to potential disasters is because so many of us live closely together in packed urban areas. This makes any disaster affect many more people. It is also an inviting target for terrorists who want to be able to kill as many people as possible.
Key To Family Survival
If you want your family and yourself to be able to survive a disaster, you need to be prepared. You need to have a plan for evacuating your area if the need arises and you need to have a plan if the disaster is such that you are safer hunkering down.
You need to be prepared with water, food, and anything else that your family will need. It is too late to go to the grocery store when a disaster hits. Think about the last storm that came your way. Wasn't the grocery store a madhouse as people tried to stock up on food at the last minute?
And what if a disaster hits with no warning? You need to be prepared.
How To Get Prepared
Many people put off getting prepared because they think that it will be a complicated expensive process. This doesn't have to be true. It's like the old kids joke - How do you eat an elephant? - A: One bite at a time.
You can start a step by step plan that will allow you to be prepared in case of an emergency. By taking it one step at a time, you can be better prepared each day.
I have written a easy to follow guide that will show you how you can be better prepared for any emergency. Go to http://www.urbansurvivalhandbook.info to get more information.
Download our free toolbar
Friday, May 28, 2010
Family Survival Essentials to Help Get Off the Grid
How reliant are you on the products and services of others? We rely so heavily on the system that if the system went away many would be lost and desperate. We all use electricity and buy our food from the supermarket but if there was a major power outage and the supermarkets closed would you be prepared with a cache of survival items? Have you been watching the economy and our government lately? Look at what is going on in other countries; we are not that far away from similar events.
Supply lines for food distribution in this country are about three days, meaning a dependence on "just in time" distribution systems, which will leave store shelves empty in the event of even the smallest crisis. If you don't have the ability to grow your own food long term, your life could be in danger. Start by planting a garden to grow your own food it can be fun and rewarding as well. Learn about home canning to increase your survival food storage bank. For a small investment you will end up saving over time as the jars are reusable and this will get you started in getting off of the food grid. Find seeds that are authentic strains which are NOT genetically modified in any way. When the going gets really tough you will only want this special type of seed which will produce not only outstanding nutritional plants but will allow you to plant the seeds from the plants you grow unlike sterile hybrids that will not reproduce. Start your survival seed bank now!
Electricity is a little harder problem to overcome the avenue that I have chosen to overcome this problem is solar panels. They are expensive so I add one at a time to the roof when I can afford a new one and hope to eventually get enough to stop my meter or run it backwards. If you Google solar panels you will find a wealth of information about how they work. I chose this method over generators as I will eventually run out of fuel, they are noisy and you have to run them outside alerting your neighbors or other prying ears you do not want. Wind energy is not an option for me in my suburban setting however you may want to look into that as well. The first unit I recommend is a portable unit that does not hook into your home. It has its own battery pack in a self contained unit with one or two panels outside that you can position. This way I can power the basement refrigerator getting it of the grid and keep the unit charged while it pays for itself.
By using these tips you gain some independence from these systems, and start saving money on electric and grocery bills. In this economy it will only benefit you and if there is a disaster or heaven forbid the economy collapses you will be better prepared with these family survival essentials. You can find more information about these survival products by going to my web page (link in author resource box).
With all of the severe weather events seemingly on the increase I have been stocking some canned goods for an emergency. Last year when the wind storm from the hurricane came through my house was without power for two weeks. After this I began looking for ways to better prepare for my family and found a lot of good advice and products. Unfortunately I cannot share them all in this short article however you may find more information in my web page Family Survival Essentials.
http://www.squidoo.com/Family_Survival_Essentials/
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Supply lines for food distribution in this country are about three days, meaning a dependence on "just in time" distribution systems, which will leave store shelves empty in the event of even the smallest crisis. If you don't have the ability to grow your own food long term, your life could be in danger. Start by planting a garden to grow your own food it can be fun and rewarding as well. Learn about home canning to increase your survival food storage bank. For a small investment you will end up saving over time as the jars are reusable and this will get you started in getting off of the food grid. Find seeds that are authentic strains which are NOT genetically modified in any way. When the going gets really tough you will only want this special type of seed which will produce not only outstanding nutritional plants but will allow you to plant the seeds from the plants you grow unlike sterile hybrids that will not reproduce. Start your survival seed bank now!
Electricity is a little harder problem to overcome the avenue that I have chosen to overcome this problem is solar panels. They are expensive so I add one at a time to the roof when I can afford a new one and hope to eventually get enough to stop my meter or run it backwards. If you Google solar panels you will find a wealth of information about how they work. I chose this method over generators as I will eventually run out of fuel, they are noisy and you have to run them outside alerting your neighbors or other prying ears you do not want. Wind energy is not an option for me in my suburban setting however you may want to look into that as well. The first unit I recommend is a portable unit that does not hook into your home. It has its own battery pack in a self contained unit with one or two panels outside that you can position. This way I can power the basement refrigerator getting it of the grid and keep the unit charged while it pays for itself.
By using these tips you gain some independence from these systems, and start saving money on electric and grocery bills. In this economy it will only benefit you and if there is a disaster or heaven forbid the economy collapses you will be better prepared with these family survival essentials. You can find more information about these survival products by going to my web page (link in author resource box).
With all of the severe weather events seemingly on the increase I have been stocking some canned goods for an emergency. Last year when the wind storm from the hurricane came through my house was without power for two weeks. After this I began looking for ways to better prepare for my family and found a lot of good advice and products. Unfortunately I cannot share them all in this short article however you may find more information in my web page Family Survival Essentials.
http://www.squidoo.com/Family_Survival_Essentials/
Download our free toolbar
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Practical Windowsill Herb Garden
When space is limited you can grow a few herbs in a windowsill herb garden. In pots or boxes that are placed in a window preferably facing south.
In cities all over the world where no garden is available you can see herbs grown in pots and other types of containers placed on the terraces, porches, balconies and windowsills to accommodate the household need for fresh herbs. There are a lot of herbs that can be grown in a windowsill herb garden that cannot be grown outside, and growing then indoors is a very good solution if you have that problem.
If you only grow in a few small pots on the windowsill you cannot expect to have enough to harvest and dry to use in winter, but if you choose to grow the evergreens you will be able to have them fresh almost all year. If you make the effort to find herbs of different varieties with more contrasting colors and choose containers with care, you can have a windowsill herb garden that is just as beautiful but obviously more useful than growing ordinary flowers.
Basil and Marjoram which can be frost sensitive are perfect examples of herbs to grow indoors in a windowsill herb garden.
Pick and prune every day to ensure fresh supply for cooking and also that they won't get too big. It is also recommended to shower them often if you face very dry climate, but don't be afraid to leave them for a few days as these culinary herbs typically are very tough plants.
When it comes to culinary herbs, a container that can hold 1/2 gallon of soil is a minimum, and if you consume more herbs and want to maximize yield, at least 1 gallon containers are to be used.
With bigger containers you can grow a lot more and if space is of concern this is often the best choice as you can actually grow multiple herbs in the same pot, it will carry more nutrients, can hold water longer, and it typically gives much bigger yield per square foot used compared to smaller containers.
By placing a suitable table by the window you can make your garden considerably bigger and it's also a good move if you don't have a windowsill in the desired window. If you can't find one that fits the purpose, you always have the option of having one made. And if you don't have a window that get a lot of sunshine, you can get growing lights to help those plants get the lighting they need. These are some ways you can get a lot more from your garden and will definitely be worth the effort to set it up, because it is no myth that fresh herbs is by far the best tasting and you will have just about an unlimited supply for your cooking, minor ailments or recreational use.
Mitchell L Williams is an herb garden enthusiast. For more great information on herb gardens, visit http://www.homegrown-herbs.com.
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In cities all over the world where no garden is available you can see herbs grown in pots and other types of containers placed on the terraces, porches, balconies and windowsills to accommodate the household need for fresh herbs. There are a lot of herbs that can be grown in a windowsill herb garden that cannot be grown outside, and growing then indoors is a very good solution if you have that problem.
If you only grow in a few small pots on the windowsill you cannot expect to have enough to harvest and dry to use in winter, but if you choose to grow the evergreens you will be able to have them fresh almost all year. If you make the effort to find herbs of different varieties with more contrasting colors and choose containers with care, you can have a windowsill herb garden that is just as beautiful but obviously more useful than growing ordinary flowers.
Basil and Marjoram which can be frost sensitive are perfect examples of herbs to grow indoors in a windowsill herb garden.
Pick and prune every day to ensure fresh supply for cooking and also that they won't get too big. It is also recommended to shower them often if you face very dry climate, but don't be afraid to leave them for a few days as these culinary herbs typically are very tough plants.
When it comes to culinary herbs, a container that can hold 1/2 gallon of soil is a minimum, and if you consume more herbs and want to maximize yield, at least 1 gallon containers are to be used.
With bigger containers you can grow a lot more and if space is of concern this is often the best choice as you can actually grow multiple herbs in the same pot, it will carry more nutrients, can hold water longer, and it typically gives much bigger yield per square foot used compared to smaller containers.
By placing a suitable table by the window you can make your garden considerably bigger and it's also a good move if you don't have a windowsill in the desired window. If you can't find one that fits the purpose, you always have the option of having one made. And if you don't have a window that get a lot of sunshine, you can get growing lights to help those plants get the lighting they need. These are some ways you can get a lot more from your garden and will definitely be worth the effort to set it up, because it is no myth that fresh herbs is by far the best tasting and you will have just about an unlimited supply for your cooking, minor ailments or recreational use.
Mitchell L Williams is an herb garden enthusiast. For more great information on herb gardens, visit http://www.homegrown-herbs.com.
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