The Media is one of the most potent sources of intelligence and early warning in the world that works 24 hours every day 7 days a week. But the Media often gets information wrong and can help blow the threat of different crisis out of proportion like in the case of the H1N1 Pandemic 2009. This is an attempt to give to tips and guidelines about how the Media works and how you can use it in a crisis or survival situation.
Electronic Communications
If the electrical grid may go off line your normal line of communications through TV and the internet may be disrupted. In that case a battery power radio with dynamo, a citizen band radio, radio scanner, short wave radio or HAM radio is a good tool of receiving information. If you’re using a radio the receive information: write down a log for the messages that you’re receiving and what time the information was received.
The journalists are the intelligence officers of the Media that helps collect news and report about events. In general journalists don’t have that much specialist knowledge but know little about almost everything. This means that they can often have too little knowledge about a particular event to understand what is really important and this may make the report vague and imprecise. This is also an effect of journalists working under an enormous time pressure, especially during a crisis. This time pressure means that there is very little time to check facts and the risk that journalists misunderstand something is significant. This can often result in a situation where different new media reports may be contradict other reports. Even if there are journalists how’s just searching for a scope or scandal, most of them are honest and serious people.
What is News?
Journalists and the Media gets information about thousands of events everyday but can of course not cover everything that happens so they have to choose what events to cover. Normally the information that gets broadcast in the media as news is something that deviates from what’s normal. Events that represent good and evil, life and death, black and white and other extremes also attract attention. The persons how get interviewed often represent the extreme cases, in a crisis situation the people how are hit the worst and live under the most horrible circumstances makes the most interesting people to cover. Needless to say, bad news is good news, so when the shit hits the fan it gets the attention from the media. If a news channel does not present the most interesting news, if they are not the biggest, fastest and first with ones to report about it, they will eventually be history.
So when a crisis happens the media tries to describe what has happened, tell the stories from the scene, warn and inform the public. The personal dimension of the crisis becomes an important part, to give the crisis a human face. The news media bring in experts to give their opinion and background to the event; they also start looking for what went wrong and creates debate over what’s happened. After the crisis is over the question of how this could happen and how should be held accountable starts.
The Importance Of Your Own Knowledge
Normally the coverage of an event starts with the dramatic pictures and interviews with government and local officials with the demand for answers, there is often some time before the background and fact start coming in. This is the crucial part for you: You must have knowledge about different kind of scenarios like natural disasters, industrial accidents, man-made disasters, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. You must also know your local crisis management system and what local resources are available and so that you can make a good assessment when the first information about the crisis starts to come in. This way you can take the appropriate response.
Some Of The Mistakes That Government Officials Make During A Crisis Situation
During a crisis situation the way the government officials informs the public about the crisis is very important. The first and most important thing is to admit when there is a problem. Getting down on the public’s level, taking responsibility, showing compassion and understanding of the consequences is important in order gain the trust from the public. And trust isn’t given to anyone, it’s earned. Indicating possible solutions to the crisis and ways out of the crisis is also important. If they don’t know what really is happening the best thing is to say exactly that: That they don’t have the information right now, lying for the media is often a grave mistake that may cause other problems to get investigated even further. Journalists (and poker players) are often expert of reading tells that indicates that people are lying.
Tips If You Ever Find Yourself In A Situation When You Get Interviewed
In interviews it’s a common technique for either journalists or other professionals like police officers to ask a question wait for the answer and not saying anything after the answers been given. This is a situation that most people find very uncomfortable. The result is often that the person continues to give information, often information that isn’t related to the question asked. If you ever find you’re self in this kind of situation, don’t be afraid of the silence, just wait for the other party to resume the questions.
• Whenever you find yourself in a situation when you get interviewed, take your time and think before you answer questions. Don’t let the interviewer stress you.
• Talk about your own area and speculate about thing you don’t know, lie or offer your own theories.
• Never talk with a reporter “Off the record”, there is no such thing.
• NEVER use the phrase “No comments”.
Keep your temper under control, if you get angry or hostile it makes “good” news. Before the interview starts be aware of your appearance, small details like a stain on a shirt may give the people viewing a negative impression of you. You only have one chance to make a good first impression. If you are having an interview it can be good to put a time limit before the interview, explain that you only have a limited amount of time for questions, this is especially important at press conferences. If you are in a situation where you inform the public during a crisis remember that what you say to others in different situations can be interpreted as official information.
Rumors, Propaganda and Disinformation
Rumors are a common problem in crisis situation: Incomplete information may be misunderstood by the media or the public and rumors may start to circulate. Rumors may in the worst case cause people to act irrationally and put themselves in harm’s way. In an antagonistic attack false information may be spread to increase fear or with the objective to make the job of the first responders more difficult. During armed conflict propaganda and disinformation are often used as a tool to mislead the enemy and weaken the resistance of the opponent.
The media makes an excellent tool for getting an early warning but there are other very important sources of information. Your social network is one of them. The bigger your social network is the more likely you are to know someone how might have important information and the more likely you are to get some assistance if you ever need it. Just remember: The doors swings both ways.
Natural Components Of Your Network
• Your family and relatives
• Your partner
• Your neighbors
• Your friends
• People from work
It can also be good to get to know your local politicians, people from the Police, Fire Department, The Military, FEMA, Doctors and other medical personnel, The Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and local Journalists just to name a few.
Keep names, phone numbers, addresses, birthdays and other information in a paper book, a digital back-up on your computer and mobile is also good. Keep in touch with people you know, send them post cards, keep in touch over the internet and e-mails, write letters, invite them over for dinner or a barbeque, go camping, fishing, hunting or hiking with them. Get to know them and make sure that they get to know you. Your social network is an important aspect in all areas of life, no matter if it’s a crisis situation, survival situation or if you’re looking for a job or advice.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
What is a crisis situation?
What is a crisis situation?
There is often a lot of talk in the media and other forums about different kind of crisis. A crisis is a situation when something bad has happened. There is a lot different types of crisis, some examples are
* The Chicago Fire of 1871
* The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire
* The Mississippi flood of 1927
* The attack on Pearl Harbor 1941
* The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
* The Three Mile Island accident 1979
* The volcanic eruption at Mount St Helens 1980
* The industrial accident in Bhopal, India 1984.
* The meltdown at Chernobyl 1986
* The terror attacks in New York and Washington 9/11 2001
* The train bombings on march 11 2004 in Madrid
* The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
* The bombings i London 7/7 2005
* Hurricane Katrina 2005
* The Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic in England
* The current economic crisis and the H1N1 Pandemic
Different persons have different definitions of what a crisis really is. In the book “The Politics of Crisis Management: Public Leadership under Pressure” the authors define a crisis with from three key components. The first key component is urgency. When a crisis accrues time is short. It’s important to act fast; it may be a question of life and death. The second component is threat. The threat may be to lives and health of people, physical objects like homes and property or other values like belief in the system or economic values. The third component is uncertainty. When a crisis happens there is always uncertainty about what’s has happened, what will the consequences be and how the crisis should be dealt with (Boin, Hart,, Stern & Sundelius 2007: 2-4).
This is the kind of events that this blog will try to focus on. The main focus will be on prevention, early warning, risk assessment, intelligence analysis, crisis management, crisis preparedness, survival and recovery.
Reference:
Boin, Arjen; Hart Paul; Stern, Eric & Sundelius Bengt (2007) The Politics of Crisis Management: Public Leadership under Pressure, New York: Cambridge University Press
There is often a lot of talk in the media and other forums about different kind of crisis. A crisis is a situation when something bad has happened. There is a lot different types of crisis, some examples are
* The Chicago Fire of 1871
* The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire
* The Mississippi flood of 1927
* The attack on Pearl Harbor 1941
* The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
* The Three Mile Island accident 1979
* The volcanic eruption at Mount St Helens 1980
* The industrial accident in Bhopal, India 1984.
* The meltdown at Chernobyl 1986
* The terror attacks in New York and Washington 9/11 2001
* The train bombings on march 11 2004 in Madrid
* The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
* The bombings i London 7/7 2005
* Hurricane Katrina 2005
* The Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic in England
* The current economic crisis and the H1N1 Pandemic
Different persons have different definitions of what a crisis really is. In the book “The Politics of Crisis Management: Public Leadership under Pressure” the authors define a crisis with from three key components. The first key component is urgency. When a crisis accrues time is short. It’s important to act fast; it may be a question of life and death. The second component is threat. The threat may be to lives and health of people, physical objects like homes and property or other values like belief in the system or economic values. The third component is uncertainty. When a crisis happens there is always uncertainty about what’s has happened, what will the consequences be and how the crisis should be dealt with (Boin, Hart,, Stern & Sundelius 2007: 2-4).
This is the kind of events that this blog will try to focus on. The main focus will be on prevention, early warning, risk assessment, intelligence analysis, crisis management, crisis preparedness, survival and recovery.
Reference:
Boin, Arjen; Hart Paul; Stern, Eric & Sundelius Bengt (2007) The Politics of Crisis Management: Public Leadership under Pressure, New York: Cambridge University Press
Travelling with Vehicles During a Crisis or Survival Situation
Vehicles
In case of an emergency or crisis situation it is good if you have your vehicle in a good working condition and with some basic gear in it. A vehicle can serve as transport for wounded or as fast transport during an evacuation. A vehicle intended to be used during evacuation is often referred to as a Bug Out Vehicle (BOV). A car with four-wheel drive is good for getting around in off road driving and if the roads are cover with snow. Make sure that the fuel in your car don’t get to low, check the tiers regularly and maintain a good service. Make sure to keep your windshield clean so can get a good view. I strongly suggest that you get some extra rear view mirrors so that your passenger can help you keep an eye out.
Every year somewhere between 30.000-40.000 people die in motor vehicle accidents in the United States alone. When you are driving always take your time and use the seatbelt. The faster you drive the more likely you are to get killed in an accident. Never drink alcohol or use drugs when driving. If the weather is bad or the visibility low adjust your speed accordingly. Using Smartphone’s and text messaging while driving are other activities that can often result in accidents. Remember that even if you don’t engage in these activities when you are driving others do. Stay alert.
There are combination safety tools with a seat belt cutter and glass breaker that is very good to have in your car in case of an accident. Victorinox has model of the Swiss Army knife called Rescue Tool that has a seatbelt cuter, glass breaker and other features. A Bug Out Bag (BOB) or Get Home Bag (GHB) in addition with appropriate clothing and footwear should brought along if you have to abandon your vehicle and make it back by foot.
Vehicle Emergency Equipment
[ ] First Aid Kit
[ ] Road Map, Compass and GPS
[ ] Things that help you stay warm; extra clothing, wool blankets, sleeping bags. It may also be a good idea to include equipment to build a fire and some handwarmers.
[ ] Some Water and Food
[ ] Some sources of Light; Flashlight or Headlamp and extra Batteries (lithium). Chemical Light Sticks are a good addition if you have to make reparations or change a tire during the night. A signal vest is a useful addition if you have to leave your vehicle during low visibility conditions like a snowstorm or during the night.
[ ] Extra Fuel
[ ] Folding or Compact Shovel like the E-Tool
[ ] Axe, Chainsaw or Folding Saw
[ ] Short Wave Radio or Citizen Band (CB) Radio
[ ] Jack, Spare Tire , Tier Iron and Fix-A-Flat Spray.
[ ] Adjustable Wrench, Duct Tape and Screwdriver
[ ] Leather working Gloves and Latex Gloves
[ ] Fire Extinguisher
[ ] Driver License, Insurance Information, Registration and Repair Handbook
[ ] Windshield Scraper and Towel
[ ] Snow Chains (for winter conditions)
[ ] Towing Cable
[ ] Jumper Cables
Secure all equipment. If you are in a car crash and haven’t secured your equipment it may cause severe damage to you. Even light weight items may become extremely dangerous in a high speed crash.
Some basic equipment can also be useful to have if you ever get caught in a traffic jam. Especially during winter conditions people often get stranded because of accidents and severe weather. If the weather is severe I recommend that you either wait until the weather clears or take precautions before you leave. Anticipate that the travel may take much longer than you first thought and bring extra clothing, a vacuum bottle with something warm to drink, something to eat and water.
Emergency Travel
• Make sure that you always travel at least two persons in every vehicle if possible.
• Always travel with two vehicles or more if possible. If you are travelling with two vehicles walkie-talkies is good tool for communicating between the vehicles.
• Make a radio check before you leave. The passenger should act as radio operator and navigator.
• Make sure to inform someone about where you are going, what route you are planning to take, how is travelling in the party, what you are planning to do and when you are planning to get back. Also make sure that everyone in the party that’s going knows this information.
• Don’t let the distance between the vehicles get to big, if you get pulled over at a check point make sure to park the vehicles close together so that no one can get between the vehicles. When you park your car, park in the direction you intend to leave.
• Don’t leave any valuable items in plain view, for example on the dashboard. Cover all equipment. Don’t carry fancy jewelry or expensive watches in plain sight.
• Roll up all the windows and lock the doors before you go.
• Don’t have alcohol containers, illegal drugs or other something else that is illegal or can be seen as suspicious in your car. Be aware of your passengers so that they don’t carry anything illegal.
• In high risk areas and countries suffering from civil war it is common that mines may be placed in front and at the rear of vehicles at improvised checkpoint to keep them from escaping. If you travel in a high risk area the most important part of your travel is to get intelligence about what areas that are safe and not. If you must travel in such an area it may be best to contact your embassy or UN Security officials.
Bikes
Bikes are an excellent way to get around and really good exercise. I suggest that you a good reliable bike that you can use every day and a mountain bike that you can use if you want to go off road. A bike rack for your car is a good accessory if you want to take your bike with on a camping or hiking trip.
The most important safety feature is off course a good helmet, I prefer the helmets from ProTec and Bell myself. When you take your bike out I recommend that you carry your Pocket Survival Kit and Folding Knife, Swiss Army Knife or a Multi Tool. Wenger has a special Swiss Army knife called Biker 37.
A good front light and a headlamp plus a red rear light are good when you ride your bike at night. Fenix has good flashlights and bikes mounts that work really well. A small GPS unit that you can mount on your bike is available from Garmin; The Edge 705. Gaiters are good for keeping your trousers away from the chain.
Checklist for other Equipment:
[ ] Puncture Repair Kit
[ ] Pump
[ ] Spare Valve
[ ] Adjustable Wrench or Barbell Spanner
[ ] Screwdriver
[ ] Helmet
[ ] Water Bottle or Water Bladder
In case of an emergency or crisis situation it is good if you have your vehicle in a good working condition and with some basic gear in it. A vehicle can serve as transport for wounded or as fast transport during an evacuation. A vehicle intended to be used during evacuation is often referred to as a Bug Out Vehicle (BOV). A car with four-wheel drive is good for getting around in off road driving and if the roads are cover with snow. Make sure that the fuel in your car don’t get to low, check the tiers regularly and maintain a good service. Make sure to keep your windshield clean so can get a good view. I strongly suggest that you get some extra rear view mirrors so that your passenger can help you keep an eye out.
Every year somewhere between 30.000-40.000 people die in motor vehicle accidents in the United States alone. When you are driving always take your time and use the seatbelt. The faster you drive the more likely you are to get killed in an accident. Never drink alcohol or use drugs when driving. If the weather is bad or the visibility low adjust your speed accordingly. Using Smartphone’s and text messaging while driving are other activities that can often result in accidents. Remember that even if you don’t engage in these activities when you are driving others do. Stay alert.
There are combination safety tools with a seat belt cutter and glass breaker that is very good to have in your car in case of an accident. Victorinox has model of the Swiss Army knife called Rescue Tool that has a seatbelt cuter, glass breaker and other features. A Bug Out Bag (BOB) or Get Home Bag (GHB) in addition with appropriate clothing and footwear should brought along if you have to abandon your vehicle and make it back by foot.
Vehicle Emergency Equipment
[ ] First Aid Kit
[ ] Road Map, Compass and GPS
[ ] Things that help you stay warm; extra clothing, wool blankets, sleeping bags. It may also be a good idea to include equipment to build a fire and some handwarmers.
[ ] Some Water and Food
[ ] Some sources of Light; Flashlight or Headlamp and extra Batteries (lithium). Chemical Light Sticks are a good addition if you have to make reparations or change a tire during the night. A signal vest is a useful addition if you have to leave your vehicle during low visibility conditions like a snowstorm or during the night.
[ ] Extra Fuel
[ ] Folding or Compact Shovel like the E-Tool
[ ] Axe, Chainsaw or Folding Saw
[ ] Short Wave Radio or Citizen Band (CB) Radio
[ ] Jack, Spare Tire , Tier Iron and Fix-A-Flat Spray.
[ ] Adjustable Wrench, Duct Tape and Screwdriver
[ ] Leather working Gloves and Latex Gloves
[ ] Fire Extinguisher
[ ] Driver License, Insurance Information, Registration and Repair Handbook
[ ] Windshield Scraper and Towel
[ ] Snow Chains (for winter conditions)
[ ] Towing Cable
[ ] Jumper Cables
Secure all equipment. If you are in a car crash and haven’t secured your equipment it may cause severe damage to you. Even light weight items may become extremely dangerous in a high speed crash.
Some basic equipment can also be useful to have if you ever get caught in a traffic jam. Especially during winter conditions people often get stranded because of accidents and severe weather. If the weather is severe I recommend that you either wait until the weather clears or take precautions before you leave. Anticipate that the travel may take much longer than you first thought and bring extra clothing, a vacuum bottle with something warm to drink, something to eat and water.
Emergency Travel
• Make sure that you always travel at least two persons in every vehicle if possible.
• Always travel with two vehicles or more if possible. If you are travelling with two vehicles walkie-talkies is good tool for communicating between the vehicles.
• Make a radio check before you leave. The passenger should act as radio operator and navigator.
• Make sure to inform someone about where you are going, what route you are planning to take, how is travelling in the party, what you are planning to do and when you are planning to get back. Also make sure that everyone in the party that’s going knows this information.
• Don’t let the distance between the vehicles get to big, if you get pulled over at a check point make sure to park the vehicles close together so that no one can get between the vehicles. When you park your car, park in the direction you intend to leave.
• Don’t leave any valuable items in plain view, for example on the dashboard. Cover all equipment. Don’t carry fancy jewelry or expensive watches in plain sight.
• Roll up all the windows and lock the doors before you go.
• Don’t have alcohol containers, illegal drugs or other something else that is illegal or can be seen as suspicious in your car. Be aware of your passengers so that they don’t carry anything illegal.
• In high risk areas and countries suffering from civil war it is common that mines may be placed in front and at the rear of vehicles at improvised checkpoint to keep them from escaping. If you travel in a high risk area the most important part of your travel is to get intelligence about what areas that are safe and not. If you must travel in such an area it may be best to contact your embassy or UN Security officials.
Bikes
Bikes are an excellent way to get around and really good exercise. I suggest that you a good reliable bike that you can use every day and a mountain bike that you can use if you want to go off road. A bike rack for your car is a good accessory if you want to take your bike with on a camping or hiking trip.
The most important safety feature is off course a good helmet, I prefer the helmets from ProTec and Bell myself. When you take your bike out I recommend that you carry your Pocket Survival Kit and Folding Knife, Swiss Army Knife or a Multi Tool. Wenger has a special Swiss Army knife called Biker 37.
A good front light and a headlamp plus a red rear light are good when you ride your bike at night. Fenix has good flashlights and bikes mounts that work really well. A small GPS unit that you can mount on your bike is available from Garmin; The Edge 705. Gaiters are good for keeping your trousers away from the chain.
Checklist for other Equipment:
[ ] Puncture Repair Kit
[ ] Pump
[ ] Spare Valve
[ ] Adjustable Wrench or Barbell Spanner
[ ] Screwdriver
[ ] Helmet
[ ] Water Bottle or Water Bladder
Monday, November 2, 2009
Bug Out Guide and Checklist
Evacuation in case of a major disaster or crisis is a subject that is often discussed among survivalists. The situation that you are trying to prepare for is a scenario when you will be forced to leave your home because of some kind of Natural or Man Made disaster. I recommend that you make a Risk Assessment and check for possible threats in your proximity that may force you to take this kind of action. Examples events can be a hurricane, flooding, dam brake or nuclear power plant meltdown. A Bug Out Bag (BOB) is a bag with all the equipment that you need to survive for a few days on your own. A BOB can also be called a 72 hour bag/kit, Go Bag, Get Out Of Dodge (GOOD) Bag or I’m Never Coming Home (INCH) Bag.
If you’re going to be bugging out there is a chance that normal communication like travelling by roads with cars or buses will not function as normally or stop working completely due to heavy traffic and you will be forced to make your escape by foot. Plan ahead and check possible routes on maps. Will different scenarios affect your route, will roads be under water in case of a dam brake etc. Next I recommend that you take your car, bike or simply go by foot on the best routes that you can identify. Write down the information you notice, is there anywhere you can find shelter, landmarks and where can water be found? Water is the most critical aspect and must govern your planning.
If you have to leave by foot you will have to carry all your equipment, this will not be an easy task for an untrained individual. Get in shape by training at least three times a week and take walks with your BOB to train the muscles in your back, the same for the shoes: start wearing them before you have to use them to prevent blisters. Get your teeth fixed as well, there an excellent tool if there not broken or damaged. If you never been camping or hiking make sure that you do that, there is no better way to learn what you really will need. I recommend this equipment for a BOB, or the following things when you go camping or hiking.
Clothing
[ ] Long sleeve base layer shirt (I recommend Merino Wool)
[ ] Short sleeve base layer shirt
[ ] Change of underwear
[ ] Hat or Watch cap
[ ] Gloves
[ ] Buff, Scarf or Shemag
[ ] Shell Jacket (Waterproof and Wind Proof)
[ ] Warm long sleeve shirt
[ ] Heavy Duty Pants
[ ] Poncho, Rain Clothing, Bivi-Poncho, Bivanorak or Fjellduk
[ ] Hiking Boots
[ ] 2 pair of Extra socks
[ ] Watch with a button compass on the wrist band
Backpack
Choose a backpack with a steel or aluminum frame, if you’re going to carry a heavy load over some distance you’re going to need a pack with stability. If the frame is internal or external is a question of what you prefer, both have advantages and disadvantages. Backpacks with external frames are generally stronger and can be used to carry other things than your bag like a wounded person or a heavy tank of water. Packs with an internal frame are often lighter and have a more slim design. Pack your items in waterproof bags; use different colors so that you know what’s inside the different bags. A waterproof backpack cover can also help keeping your equipment dry. Cell Phones and other electronic equipment are vulnerable to dirt and water; get a waterproof bag or container to store them in. Pack certain equipment like your first aid kit in a location that is easily accessible if you would need them. Always put the same items in the same location in your bag so you don’t have to spend much time looking for your items, this also makes easier to see if something would be missing from your pack. Always carry at least one knife and your pocket survival kit on your person in case you would lose your backpack.
Shelter
[ ] Sleeping bag, Sleeping bag liners helps to extend the lifetime of your sleeping bag
[ ] Sleeping mattress, Hammock or Hennessy Hammock
[ ] Tarp, Tent, Bivanorak, Bivi-Poncho, Fjellduk or Bivi-Bag
Light
[ ] Flashlight or/and Headlamp (LED)
[ ] Extra batteries (Lithium)
Fire
[ ] Matches in Waterproof Container
[ ] Lighter
[ ] Fire Steel
[ ] Tinder
Survival Knives
[ ] Fixed Blade Knife
[ ] Back Up Knife: examples could be a Folding Knife, Compact Fixed Blade Knife, Multi Tool or Swiss Army Knife
[ ] Sharpener
Pocket Survival Kit
[ ] Matches
[ ] Fire Steel
[ ] Snare Wire
[ ] Wire Saw
[ ] Sewing Kit
[ ] Button Compass
[ ] Safety Pins
[ ] Whistle
[ ] Candle
[ ] Compact LED lamp
[ ] Compact Knife or Razor Blade
[ ] Fishing kit
[ ] Pencil
[ ] Water Purification Tablets
[ ] Painkillers
[ ] Anti Diarrhea Tablets
[ ] Antihistamines
[ ] Antibiotics
[ ] Condom or Alok Sak
Water
[ ] One or Two Water Bottles (Nalgene, Klean Kanteen, Camelback or SIGG)
[ ] Water Bladder for your backpack; Camelback, Nalgene or similar system.
[ ] Water Purification Tablets
[ ] Water Purification Filter
Food
[ ] Freeze Dried Rations or Meals Ready to Eat (MRE:s). Minimum 6 meals for 72 hours
[ ] Powerbars, Flapjack, Beef jerky, Trail mix or other snacks
[ ] Tea, Coffee, Sugar and Powdered milk
[ ] Salt and Pepper
[ ] Stove: Multi Fuel Stove, Kelly Kettle, Trangia, Ebsit, Optimus Crux Lite or Jetboil
[ ] Fuel for your Stove
[ ] Cooking Vessels
[ ] Spork (Or Knife, Fork and Spoon)
[ ] Cup
[ ] Steel Wool, Mop and Washing Up Liquid (I recommend Fairy)
[ ] P-38 Can Opener
[ ] Map
[ ] Waterproof container for map
[ ] Compass
[ ] Cash or Gold/Silver
[ ] Passport and Immunization Record Card
[ ] Notebook and Pen
[ ] First Aid Kit
[ ] Blister Kit
[ ] Sunglasses
Other Equipment that can be useful depending on the Scenario
It is impossible to bring all equipment that can be needed during a survival situation, choices must be made. Examples of equipment that can be useful are a compact radio or scanner, this may allow you to receive news, weather reports and listen to how government agencies are responding to an event. An Axe, Compact Shovel, Kukri, Machete, Folding Saw or Parang can be a useful tool for collecting firewood and constructing shelter. Binoculars can be a useful tool for scouting terrain and spotting potential threats and problems.
A pair of trekking poles can be a great addition for keeping balance when going trough rough terrain, especially when wearing a heavy pack. For people with bad knees this can be a great help, trekking poles also make it easier to move around if you would suffer a sprained ankle.
Other personal needs may be medications or an extra pair of glasses. A compact Survival Handbook or memory cards may also be useful addition during an emergency.
Test all your equipment and learn how to use it.
Advantages
• A fully equipped Bug Out Bag can allow an individual to easier cope with a number of potential threats.
• If for some reason help or security can’t be reached after a few days of travel the individual will have access to important equipped needed. During a large scale disaster it will be hard for government agencies being able to supply a large number of people with basic necessities; in this case you will have to make do with what you have.
Disadvantages
• A fully equipped Bug Out Bag will have a high weight that will slow down the pace during an evacuation by foot compared to a low weight evacuation kit. The weight means that an individual must be well-trained in order to carry it over long distances.
• Buying all the equipment needed for a complete Bug Out Bag is a high cost, especially if high quality equipment preferred.
Summary
A fully equipped Bug Out Bag contains equipment that makes it possible to survive with very little or no external assistance. The major disadvantage is the high weight that must be carried; if a vehicle is available the weight does not matter as much, the high cost is also a disadvantage. If you decide to build a Bug Out Bag use it for other activities like hiking, camping and hunting so that you get familiar with the equipment. This also gives you a chance to enjoy the investment you made and enjoy outdoors activities. An alternative to going for the fully equipped Bug Out Bag is to build a Light Weight alternative.
No matter how much equipment a BOB contains it will never contain all the equipment that you may need in all situations. You will have to improvise and make do with what’s available. Learning how to build fires, create shelter, navigate, preparing food and other survival skills are more important than what equipment you choose to carry with you. The people around you are another critical aspect, having a friend by your side is often a much more important aspect for survival than having the perfect equipment.
Also see
Building The Right Bug Out Bag For You
The Bug Out Plan
Bugging Out As a Group
Light Weight Bug Out Bag
Get Home Bag (GHB)
Bug Out Bag - Example of Setups
If you’re going to be bugging out there is a chance that normal communication like travelling by roads with cars or buses will not function as normally or stop working completely due to heavy traffic and you will be forced to make your escape by foot. Plan ahead and check possible routes on maps. Will different scenarios affect your route, will roads be under water in case of a dam brake etc. Next I recommend that you take your car, bike or simply go by foot on the best routes that you can identify. Write down the information you notice, is there anywhere you can find shelter, landmarks and where can water be found? Water is the most critical aspect and must govern your planning.
If you have to leave by foot you will have to carry all your equipment, this will not be an easy task for an untrained individual. Get in shape by training at least three times a week and take walks with your BOB to train the muscles in your back, the same for the shoes: start wearing them before you have to use them to prevent blisters. Get your teeth fixed as well, there an excellent tool if there not broken or damaged. If you never been camping or hiking make sure that you do that, there is no better way to learn what you really will need. I recommend this equipment for a BOB, or the following things when you go camping or hiking.
Clothing
[ ] Long sleeve base layer shirt (I recommend Merino Wool)
[ ] Short sleeve base layer shirt
[ ] Change of underwear
[ ] Hat or Watch cap
[ ] Gloves
[ ] Buff, Scarf or Shemag
[ ] Shell Jacket (Waterproof and Wind Proof)
[ ] Warm long sleeve shirt
[ ] Heavy Duty Pants
[ ] Poncho, Rain Clothing, Bivi-Poncho, Bivanorak or Fjellduk
[ ] Hiking Boots
[ ] 2 pair of Extra socks
[ ] Watch with a button compass on the wrist band
Backpack
Choose a backpack with a steel or aluminum frame, if you’re going to carry a heavy load over some distance you’re going to need a pack with stability. If the frame is internal or external is a question of what you prefer, both have advantages and disadvantages. Backpacks with external frames are generally stronger and can be used to carry other things than your bag like a wounded person or a heavy tank of water. Packs with an internal frame are often lighter and have a more slim design. Pack your items in waterproof bags; use different colors so that you know what’s inside the different bags. A waterproof backpack cover can also help keeping your equipment dry. Cell Phones and other electronic equipment are vulnerable to dirt and water; get a waterproof bag or container to store them in. Pack certain equipment like your first aid kit in a location that is easily accessible if you would need them. Always put the same items in the same location in your bag so you don’t have to spend much time looking for your items, this also makes easier to see if something would be missing from your pack. Always carry at least one knife and your pocket survival kit on your person in case you would lose your backpack.
Shelter
[ ] Sleeping bag, Sleeping bag liners helps to extend the lifetime of your sleeping bag
[ ] Sleeping mattress, Hammock or Hennessy Hammock
[ ] Tarp, Tent, Bivanorak, Bivi-Poncho, Fjellduk or Bivi-Bag
Light
[ ] Flashlight or/and Headlamp (LED)
[ ] Extra batteries (Lithium)
Fire
[ ] Matches in Waterproof Container
[ ] Lighter
[ ] Fire Steel
[ ] Tinder
Survival Knives
[ ] Fixed Blade Knife
[ ] Back Up Knife: examples could be a Folding Knife, Compact Fixed Blade Knife, Multi Tool or Swiss Army Knife
[ ] Sharpener
Pocket Survival Kit
[ ] Matches
[ ] Fire Steel
[ ] Snare Wire
[ ] Wire Saw
[ ] Sewing Kit
[ ] Button Compass
[ ] Safety Pins
[ ] Whistle
[ ] Candle
[ ] Compact LED lamp
[ ] Compact Knife or Razor Blade
[ ] Fishing kit
[ ] Pencil
[ ] Water Purification Tablets
[ ] Painkillers
[ ] Anti Diarrhea Tablets
[ ] Antihistamines
[ ] Antibiotics
[ ] Condom or Alok Sak
Water
[ ] One or Two Water Bottles (Nalgene, Klean Kanteen, Camelback or SIGG)
[ ] Water Bladder for your backpack; Camelback, Nalgene or similar system.
[ ] Water Purification Tablets
[ ] Water Purification Filter
Food
[ ] Freeze Dried Rations or Meals Ready to Eat (MRE:s). Minimum 6 meals for 72 hours
[ ] Powerbars, Flapjack, Beef jerky, Trail mix or other snacks
[ ] Tea, Coffee, Sugar and Powdered milk
[ ] Salt and Pepper
[ ] Stove: Multi Fuel Stove, Kelly Kettle, Trangia, Ebsit, Optimus Crux Lite or Jetboil
[ ] Fuel for your Stove
[ ] Cooking Vessels
[ ] Spork (Or Knife, Fork and Spoon)
[ ] Cup
[ ] Steel Wool, Mop and Washing Up Liquid (I recommend Fairy)
[ ] P-38 Can Opener
[ ] Map
[ ] Waterproof container for map
[ ] Compass
[ ] Cash or Gold/Silver
[ ] Passport and Immunization Record Card
[ ] Notebook and Pen
[ ] Kwikpoint
Hygiene
[ ] Roll of Toilet Paper (in waterproof bag)
[ ] Soap
[ ] Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Dental Floss
[ ] Razor
[ ] Hand Disinfection
[ ] Insect Repellant
[ ] Sun Block or Skin Care Lotion
[ ] 550 ParacordHygiene
[ ] Roll of Toilet Paper (in waterproof bag)
[ ] Soap
[ ] Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Dental Floss
[ ] Razor
[ ] Hand Disinfection
[ ] Insect Repellant
[ ] Sun Block or Skin Care Lotion
[ ] First Aid Kit
[ ] Blister Kit
[ ] Sunglasses
Other Equipment that can be useful depending on the Scenario
It is impossible to bring all equipment that can be needed during a survival situation, choices must be made. Examples of equipment that can be useful are a compact radio or scanner, this may allow you to receive news, weather reports and listen to how government agencies are responding to an event. An Axe, Compact Shovel, Kukri, Machete, Folding Saw or Parang can be a useful tool for collecting firewood and constructing shelter. Binoculars can be a useful tool for scouting terrain and spotting potential threats and problems.
A Speedy Stitcher can be useful if you have to sew in thick Nylon fabrics like backpacks or leather boots. A Global Positions System (GPS) device with topographic maps is an extremely useful tool, especially when navigating into unknown terrain or low visibility conditions. For signaling a Signal mirror, Chemical light sticks, SPOT or Emergency flares can be useful. Spare parts and repair kits for your stove, tents and sleeping mattress can be useful especially under long lasting emergencies.
An extra pair of shoes in addition to your hiking boots like a pair of running shoes, light weight hiking shoes like a pair of Five Fingers or Merell Barefoot Trail Glove can be an extremely useful addition if your boots get wet when moving around or when you established a camp.A pair of trekking poles can be a great addition for keeping balance when going trough rough terrain, especially when wearing a heavy pack. For people with bad knees this can be a great help, trekking poles also make it easier to move around if you would suffer a sprained ankle.
Other personal needs may be medications or an extra pair of glasses. A compact Survival Handbook or memory cards may also be useful addition during an emergency.
Test all your equipment and learn how to use it.
Advantages
• A fully equipped Bug Out Bag can allow an individual to easier cope with a number of potential threats.
• If for some reason help or security can’t be reached after a few days of travel the individual will have access to important equipped needed. During a large scale disaster it will be hard for government agencies being able to supply a large number of people with basic necessities; in this case you will have to make do with what you have.
Disadvantages
• A fully equipped Bug Out Bag will have a high weight that will slow down the pace during an evacuation by foot compared to a low weight evacuation kit. The weight means that an individual must be well-trained in order to carry it over long distances.
• Buying all the equipment needed for a complete Bug Out Bag is a high cost, especially if high quality equipment preferred.
Summary
A fully equipped Bug Out Bag contains equipment that makes it possible to survive with very little or no external assistance. The major disadvantage is the high weight that must be carried; if a vehicle is available the weight does not matter as much, the high cost is also a disadvantage. If you decide to build a Bug Out Bag use it for other activities like hiking, camping and hunting so that you get familiar with the equipment. This also gives you a chance to enjoy the investment you made and enjoy outdoors activities. An alternative to going for the fully equipped Bug Out Bag is to build a Light Weight alternative.
No matter how much equipment a BOB contains it will never contain all the equipment that you may need in all situations. You will have to improvise and make do with what’s available. Learning how to build fires, create shelter, navigate, preparing food and other survival skills are more important than what equipment you choose to carry with you. The people around you are another critical aspect, having a friend by your side is often a much more important aspect for survival than having the perfect equipment.
Also see
Building The Right Bug Out Bag For You
The Bug Out Plan
Bugging Out As a Group
Light Weight Bug Out Bag
Get Home Bag (GHB)
Bug Out Bag - Example of Setups
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Equipment For Your Home – Checklist
The most important thing when it comes to storage is find solutions that allows you store and organize your equipment so that it is easily accessible. What kind of solutions that is best for you depends or you personal setting. Different kinds of shelf systems and containers can help you increase the amount of space that you can use for storage. This is a checklist intended to used as inspiration for what equipment that can be useful to have in an emergency or crisis situation.
Fire Safety[ ] Fire Alarm
[ ] Fire Extinguisher
[ ] Fireproof Blanket (Army wool blanket can also be used)
[ ] Evacuation Equipment; ladder etc
Medical and First Aid
[ ] First Aid Kit
[ ] Scissors (Trauma shears)
[ ] Tweezers
[ ] Wound Closure Strips
[ ] Bandages
[ ] Blister Plasters
[ ] Gauze Swabs
[ ] Thermometer
[ ] Mucus Extractor
[ ] Tourniquet
[ ] Suture set and Haemostat
[ ] Stretcher and Cervical Collar
Other Medical Equipment
[ ] Sunscreen and Skin Care Lotion
[ ] Insect Repellent and Mosquito Nets
Medicine
[ ] Painkillers
[ ] Anti-diarrheal
[ ] Antihistamines
[ ] Potassium Permanganate
[ ] Antibiotics
[ ] Fluid Replacement
[ ] Vitamins
[ ] Drugs that you have a prescription for
Equipment to start a Fire
[ ] Matches in Waterproof Container
[ ] Lighters and Lighter Gas
[ ] Fire Steel
[ ] Magnifying Glass
[ ] Tinder / Lighter Fluid
Light
[ ] Flashlight (LED)
[ ] Red, Blue or Green filter
[ ] Headlamp (LED)
[ ] Oil Lamp, Coleman Lantern or Dietz Lantern
[ ] Lamp Oil and extra Wicks
[ ] Chemical Lightsticks
[ ] Candles
[ ] Batteries
[ ] Battery charger, Rechargeable batteries, Solar Battery Charger
Radio[ ] FM/AM Radio (I recommend a model with dynamo)
[ ] Short Wave Radio, Citizen Band (CB) Radio or HAM Radio.
[ ] Batteries
Things that help you stay warm
[ ] Sleeping Bags
[ ] Sleeping Mattress
[ ] Extra Blankets (I recommend Army Surplus Wool Blankets)
[ ] Warm Clothing
[ ] Warm Shoes / Boots
[ ] Wood Stove, Kerosene Heater or Heat-Pal
Water
[ ] High Quality Water Bottle (Nalgene, SIGG, Klean Kanteen or Camelback)
[ ] Large Water Containers (5-25 liters) or WaterBOB
5 liters per person and day for the first week, 20 liters per person and day after the first week.
[ ] Water Purification Tablets
[ ] Water Purification Filter
[ ] Coffee Filters
Maps, Books and Papers
[ ] Survival handbooks (I recommend the "SAS Survival Handbook" by John Wiseman)
[ ] Phonebook with addresses, phone numbers and birthdays to your friends and family
[ ] Your local Phonebook
[ ] Passports and ID
[ ] Vaccination cards
[ ] Birth Certificate
[ ] Insurance papers
[ ] Diary
[ ] Notebooks (I recommend the notebooks from Rite-In-The-Rain)
[ ] Pens
[ ] Waterproof container
[ ] Kwikpoint
[ ] Medium amount of Cash
[ ] Silver or/and Gold
Maps
[ ] City
[ ] Local
[ ] Road maps
[ ] Regional
[ ] Country
[ ] World
[ ] Sea Charts
Navigation Tools
[ ] Compass
[ ] Button Compass
[ ] Global Positioning System (GPS)
Cooking
[ ] Stove; Multi Fuel Stove, Kelly Kettle, Esbit, Jetboil, Gas Stove, Heat-Pal or Trangia
[ ] Fuel for the Stove
[ ] Cooking Vessels
[ ] Barbeque Grill or Wood Stove
[ ] Dutch Oven
[ ] Muurikka (Steel wok plate)
[ ] Hand Grinder
[ ] Mortar and Pestle
[ ] Vacuum Bottle / Thermos
[ ] Can Opener
[ ] Potato Peeler
Food
[ ] Food that can be stored in room temperature
[ ] Meals Ready to Eat (MRE:s) or Freeze Dried Rations
[ ] Canned Food
[ ] Cooking Oil
[ ] Salt (Unlimited Shelf Life)
[ ] Sugar
[ ] Honey (Unlimited Shelf Life)
[ ] Ungrinded Wheat
[ ] Oats
[ ] Dried fruits and nuts
[ ] Rice
[ ] Pasta
[ ] Tea, Coffee and milk powder
Protection
[ ] Hard Hat
[ ] Heavy Duty Leather Working Gloves
[ ] Thin Leather Working Gloves
[ ] Surgical Latex Gloves
[ ] Safety Goggles
[ ] Ear Muffs and Ear Plugs
[ ] Protective Footwear
Survival Knives and Other Tools
[ ] Fixed Blade Knife
[ ] Folding Knife
[ ] Multi-Tool
[ ] Swiss Army Knife
[ ] Parang, Kukri or Machete
[ ] Knife Sharpener
[ ] Axe
[ ] Sharpening File and Sharpening Stone for Axe
Basic Tools for Home Repairs
[ ] Tarps and Plastic Sheets
[ ] Hammer
[ ] Nails
[ ] Saw
[ ] Screwdrivers and screws
[ ] Shovel
[ ] Pickaxe
[ ] Crowbar
[ ] Bolt Cuter
[ ] Sledge
[ ] Broom
[ ] Adjustable wrench
[ ] Spanners
[ ] Pipe Wrench
[ ] Allen Keys
[ ] Tool Belt and Tool Box
[ ] Paracord and Rope
[ ] Duct Tape and Electrical Tape
[ ] Steel Wire
[ ] Super Glue
[ ] Yardstick and Tape Measures
[ ] Wheel Barrow
Hygiene
[ ] Antiseptic Wipes and Hand Disinfection
[ ] Disinfectant and Bleach (Limited Shelf Life)
[ ] Toothpaste, Toothbrush and Dental Floss
[ ] Washing Powder
[ ] Soap and Shampoo
[ ] Washing-Up Liquid
[ ] Camping Shower
[ ] Emergency Toilet or Outhouse
[ ] Toilet Paper
[ ] Heavy Duty Trash Bags
[ ] Scrubbing Brush, Mop and Dust Pan
[ ] Buckets
Other Equipment
[ ] Generator
[ ] Fuel for the Generator
[ ] Extension Cords
[ ] Emergency Flares / Signal Mirror / Marker panel / Emergency Strobe / Whistle
[ ] Sewing Kit and Speedy Stitcher
[ ] Repair Kit and Spare Parts for your Stove
[ ] Fishing Equipment / Fishing Net
[ ] Binoculars
[ ] Special Personal Needs (Extra Prescription Glasses, Medication etc)
Survival Kits and Bags
[ ] Pocket Survival Kit
[ ] Get Home Bag (GHB) or Light Weight Bug Out Bag
[ ] Bug Out Bag (BOB)
[ ] Every Day Carry
Survival Kits and Bags
[ ] Pocket Survival Kit
[ ] Get Home Bag (GHB) or Light Weight Bug Out Bag
[ ] Bug Out Bag (BOB)
[ ] Every Day Carry
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