Shelter in Place vs LockdownShelter in place and lockdown are both orders given by the local authorities when an emergency is underway and you need to take some kind of action to protect yourself. There are a lot of similarities between the two but there are also a lot of very important differences. What's the difference between shelter in place and lockdown? A shelter in place is called in response to a chemical, nuclear or biological release and you need to take shelter for protection. Lockdown is called when there is an active shooter or a police emergency in the area that requires you to hide and take cover. Keep reading to find out more about the differences and how to protect yourself! Difference Between Shelter in Place and LockdownShetler in place and lockdown are two different things that are put in place for different reasons. I see them getting confused in a lot of different areas. There are even local schools and colleges getting the info wrong on their websites that they expect their students to use as guidance. Understanding the difference between the two makes sure that you're taking the right action to protect you and your family in case you're even in an area that has to shelter in place or lockdown. Shelter in PlaceShelter in place is primarily designed to protect you from airborne chemicals. When there's an emergency that makes it too dangerous to go outside in an area, there may be a shelter in place order given by local, state or federal government agencies. An overturned semi transporting chemicals on the highway, a leak at a local factory or even a biological attack by terrorists could all trigger a shelter in place order. What can cause a shelter in place:
[wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] You can learn how to build a shelter in place kit here. What to do During a Shelter in PlaceWhen you're told to shelter in place, it means that it's safer for you to stay inside then it is to evacuate the area. Shelter in place doesn't always have the same meaning everywhere you go. Because of that, you have to understand why you're being told to shelter in place. If you're sheltering because of a chemical or biological release or terrorist attack:
If you're sheltering because of an active shooter or criminal action:
If you're sheltering in place because of a natural disaster:
LockdownLockdown is called when there is an immediate threat in the building or nearby. The threat is usually a person with a gun or other weapon. What can cause a lockdown:
A lockdown is designed to protect you from a person (or people) with a weapon who intends to start shooting or is already shooting. They're normally inside the building but they can also be outside the building or in the immediate area. Most active shooters are trying to shoot as many people as they can. You don't have to know them in order to become a target for an active shooter. What to do During a LockdownThe action you need to take during a lockdown are pretty different than what you should initially do during a shelter in place. What to do if there is an immediate threat:
What to do if there is no immediate threat in your area:
ConclusionShelter in place and lockdown are two different things. Sometimes shelter in place is called for different reasons, so you should try to understand why you're being told to shelter in place. Lockdown means that you need to hide and barricade yourself as quickly as possible. If you're in danger you need to get out of the area! If you're in a place where you're not in danger, hide and don't draw attention to yourself. Shelter in Place vs Lockdown – The Difference Between Them was first published on: https://readylifestyle.com/ via Blogger Shelter in Place vs Lockdown – The Difference Between Them
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Tactical ShovelTactical shovels are sometimes overlooked when people go looking for a lightweight shovel that's capable of being used in both survival kits and in a tactical environment. Let's look at what makes tactical shovels useful, what they're used for and which ones you should buy. Best Tactical ShovelsTraditional shovels are designed based on the task that they're designed for. The handles are usually elbow-length when the head of the shovel is on the ground. The blade (head) shape and size are designed based on the type of material they're supposed to move. The less-dense the material, the larger the size of the head can be.
Tactical shovels don't necessarily follow these design standards. [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] Our top pick for a tactical shovel is the Condor Tool & Knife Wilderness Survival Shovel. What to Look for in a Tactical ShovelTactical shovels should be lightweight, strong and capable of digging first and foremost. If a shovel isn't capable of digging well, then you're much better off with some other type of tool. What to look for in a quality tactical shovel:
Shovels often need more attention to keep them from rusting. When you're digging a lot, the material that you're digging in is going to wear off any kind of protective finish that may be on the head. Make sure that you're not putting them away wet and occasionally check them for rust and clean them up as needed! Where Would You Use a Tactical ShovelTactical shovels can be used in any way that a survival shovel can be used, but their ability to perform in a tactical environment is what sets them above other shovels. Defensive Fighting PositionsThe primary use of tactical shovels is making defensive fighting positions (DFPs). This is probably the most common use of a shovel by soldiers. There are different types of DFPs that you can build depending on how much time you have and how much protection you need. Hasty scape/hasty fox hole - These are holes about 18" deep and long enough and wide enough for you to lay in. You can do this relatively quickly and even under fire if you had to. They give you cover from frag from incoming grenades, mortars, and artillery when there isn't any other cover. You can also dig one before you go to sleep in order to protect you from any unexpected attacks that happen while you're sleeping. Fox hole/DFP - A fox hole or DFP is made when you're going to be defending a position. Dig them 1 rifle wide (about 3'), 2 rifles long (about 6'), and to the armpits of the tallest person using it. As time passes you can improve your DFP by adding sandbags and overhead protection, and lengthening it to accommodate more people. Trenches - Trenches can be dug between fighting positions so you can safely move between them without exposing yourself to enemy fire. LatrinesThe next most popular use of a tactical shovel is making latrines. When you're staying in a place for an extended period of time, you need to do something with the waste that's produced. Digging cat holes all over the place just isn't a good idea. A slit trench dug in the area, away from where people are sleeping and working, keeps waste contained to one area and helps limit the spread of disease. Self-defenseThe first thing you notice when you pick up a tactical shovel is the fact that you could really do some damage to a person if you ever hit them with it. Using a shovel in self-defense isn't really something that happens in modern conflicts. This is more a holdover from WWI and WWII when massive trenches were built and often overrun by the enemy. When that happened, the soldiers would grab anything nearby to defend themselves and a small sharp shovel just fits the bill. Bug Out BagShould you use a tactical shovel in your bug out bag? The answer is probably not. When you're bugging out you don't really want to stop for long periods of time. You should be moving from your home to your bug out location, not stopping to dig a fire pit or a latrine. [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] If you really want a shovel in your bug out bag but can't justify carrying the weight of one, I'd suggest looking at something like the UST ParaShovel PRO. It's a multi-function spade that could easily find a role in just about any bug out bag without adding much weight. [/wc_box] In really harsh environments, a shovel can be used to make shelters so that may be a reason to add one to your bug out bag. If you've buried caches along your bug out route, then you're going to need a shovel to retrieve them so it also makes sense then. I can also see the potential benefit of being able to make a hasty scrape before going to sleep in some situations, but they're few and far between. Other Uses for a Tactical ShovelTactical shovels have the same uses that any other small shovel brings to the table. Some of the additional uses for a tactical shovel are:
The Downside of a Tactical ShovelThe main downside of a tactical shovel is the fact that it's not a full-sized shovel and is never going to dig as well as a full-sized shovel. Once you get past that, you're going to find that most of the time a tactical shovel is going to be great to have around. Best Tactical ShovelsWhen you look around on various online retail stores, you'll see all kinds of tactical shovels being pushed. They run from really cheap to really expensive and everywhere in between. They're also made from the full range of materials with some being nearly indestructible and others falling apart after you dig a 2-foot hole. The 5 tactical shovels that we've selected are all made of quality materials and fill their role really well. Even better, none of them are crazy expensive so you should be able to afford one if you're interested. Condor Tool & Knife, Wilderness Survival ShovelThe Condor Tool & Knife Wilderness Survival Shovel is just a great tactical shovel. Its overall length is 19.5" and the head is 5.5" wide. It only weighs 2.75 lbs so it's not going to kill you if you're going to be carrying it for a long time. The head is made of carbon steel that's pretty sharp on all of the edges. The nylon sheath covers the head well and makes it easy to attach the shovel it a pack or your belt. There's also a similar version that has a saw on one side of the head and a desert tan coating instead of the black coating. [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Pros
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[/wc_column] [/wc_row] Cold Steel Special Forces ShovelThe Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is just behind the CTK Shovel and pretty similar in construction. The overall length comes in just over 20" and it weighs right around 2 lbs. The shovel head is 4.5" wide with sharp edges on the digging side and is made of carbon steel. [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Pros
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[/wc_column] [/wc_row] Gerber E-Tool Folding SpadeThe Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is the next evolution of the traditional G.I. e-tool. It has a glass-filled nylon handle, aluminum shaft, and anodized aluminum head. The lock-up is great and digging with it is easy due to the head shape. If you're looking for a more traditional e-tool design, this is the folding shovel you want. [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Pros
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[/wc_column] SOG Folding Shovel - Elite E-toolThe SOG Folding Shovel - Elite E-tool has a synthetic handle and 1075 carbon steel head. The shovel locks in 4 positions and expands to 26 inches at it's fullest. Collapsed it comes in at 10.2 inches. The handle has a 7" saw blade that will do in a pinch but isn't the best. [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Pros
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[/wc_column] [/wc_row] M48 Kommando Tactical ShovelThe M48 Kommando Tactical Shovel is interesting. It has a little bit of an identity crisis that's pretty obvious and that almost kept it off the list. If you want a small shovel that can fill a couple of roles, then the M48 is certainly worth your time to check out. It has a stainless tool steel head that has an area meant for chopping and one on the other side that's designed to function as a really poor saw in a pinch. The handle is designed out of a strong synthetic material with a flare at the end that can make digging easier and also helps keep your hand from slipping off the end when you're swinging it like an axe. Its overall length is 16 1/4". [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Pros
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[/wc_column] ConclusionTactical shovels have been around for a long time. They let you do everything you're going to need in a tactical situation and can also hold their own in a survival situation. You can keep them in your car, add them to a survival kit, or take them camping and hiking. You can add one to your bug out bag if you really want to but I'd recommend against it unless you have a specific reason for why you'd need it. The post Best Tactical Shovel – What to Look for and Our Top 5 Picks was originally published on: Ready Lifestyle Blog via Blogger Best Tactical Shovel – What to Look for and Our Top 5 Picks Bug Out Bag ListThere isn't a one size fits all solution to bug out bags! The good thing is that it's still possible to put together a list of bug out bag items that you need to have followed by a list of items that are situational so you can tailor the list to your needs. If you're reading this, then you've probably already decided that you need to build a bug out bag. If you're still on the fence about putting together a bug out bag, these are aa few reasons that you should build one:
In case you still haven't made up your mind, I'm just going to very clearly spell it out...you need to have a bug out bag! The Purpose of a Bug Out BagWhen you're adding items to your bug out bag list, you need to keep in mind what the purpose of that bag is. This is probably the most important part of this article. If you understand what a bug out bag is for, you don't even need a list made by someone else, you can logically approach the subject and come up with what you need all by yourself. Always try to understand a problem and then learn how to fix that problem! Know why you're doing what you're doing. Don't just blindly follow checklists. In this case, a bug out bag is supposed to be the kit that you grab when you are forced out of your home. It should contain everything that you need to safely get to your bug out location so if you need to leave at a moment's notice, then you can just grab it and go. Pack it as if you have to walk from your home to your bug out location. Keep it light and keep it minimal! It also forms the base of any other bug out plan loadout that you may have. Bare Minimum That Needs to be on Every Bug Out Bag ListThese are the things that must be on a bug out bag list at a minimum:
This doesn't make the ideal bug out bag, but it does make it capable of doing what we need a bug out bag to do. [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] You can get our downloadable bug out bag list PDF here. BackpackThe backpack that you choose should be big enough to hold everything that you need without being overly large. We have a tendency to keep adding items until we fill whatever bag that we have. Just think about a backpack that you carry on a regular basis. How much is just in there that you never use and have no intention of ever using, but you still carry it with you every day...
WaterWe need to drink several liters of water every day to stay hydrated. Without water, we can die in just a couple of days. I like having 2 liters of water in bug out bags and then adding in a light water filter like a LifeStraw so I can just grab more water on the go. This keeps the weight of my bug out bag down and still gives me a way to have clean drinking water while I'm bugging out. If you live in an area that doesn't have natural water sources around, then you're going to need to carry a lot more water! You should plan your bug out route to take you past any water sources that you know of. If this isn't an option, then you're going to have to bring a lot of water and just deal with the weight, or bring less water and be aware of the fact that you're going to be dehydrated. I suggest always carrying more water and dealing with the weight. FoodFood is much less important than water. I put one or two ER Bars in my bug out bag and add a couple of PowerBars or Clif Bars and that's about it. I understand that I'm going to be hungry if I only have time to grab my bug out bag and hit the road. I'm okay with that. Like I said before, your bug out bag should keep you alive from your home to your bug out location. It isn't there to keep you full and comfortable. Comfort items belong in an add on kit that you can throw in your car if you have time and can drive, not on your bug out bag list. ShelterThe amount of shelter that you need is going to heavily depend on where you live and the current season. When it's cold out you're going to need to add a lot more than if you're in a warm area. Keep in mind the clothing you're wearing is part of your shelter as well. First Aid KitYou need to have a first aid kit with you to treat any cuts, scrapes or wounds you may pick up while you're bugging out. Small cuts can easily get infected and any wound that is bleeding obviously needs immediate attention. My preferred loadout for when I want a good all-around first aid kit and the ability to treat trauma is the Adventure Medical .5 Kit, the Adventure Medical Trauma Pak, and the SWAT-T Tourniquet. Make sure that you add any prescription drugs that you need as well. Other Items to add to Your Bug Out Bag ListYou need to be careful as you start looking at other items to put on your bug out bag list. This is where we can add a lot of weight if we're not very selective in the gear we choose. Just because something is discussed below, doesn't mean that you should add it to your list. These are ideas and thoughts to get you thinking so you can create a list that works for you. Only add things that you absolutely need. If it doesn't make getting from point A to point B faster, easier or safer it doesn't belong! Extra ClothingThe amount of clothing that you need to put in your bug out bag is minimal. When you’re determining what to pack, try to keep it light and non-bulky. You really only need enough to protect you from the weather. Pack a couple of pairs of extra socks so you can keep your feet dry, a couple of changes of underwear and a multi-function piece of headgear, like a shemagh, is always helpful. Lightweight raingear is another good thing to have. I like to go super cheap and bring a couple of heavy-duty trash bags. They can keep your gear dry and keep you dry by tearing a hole for your arms and head. Well broken-in boots or sneakers are the final piece of clothing that I'd recommend. LightA flashlight or headlamp is practically a necessity. A headlamp allows you to use your light source with both hands-free. Adding a hands-free light of some kind makes a lot of sense.
HygieneHygiene is important and adding some toothpaste, a toothbrush, baby wipes, and any feminine hygiene products you may need won't add a lot of weight.
WeaponsWeapons are often a pretty big point of contention when putting together a bug out bag list. I personally believe that you should either have an AR-15 or AK-47 for every adult that's bugging out. Certain laws and the area that you're in can make this tough. I completely get that. Make sure that you're armed as well as you can be in those cases. Protective GearDon't completely overlook extra protective gear. Glasses, glove, and a dust mask can all make sense depending on where you are. Should you add a plate carrier or body armor to your list? That really depends on what kind of threat you feel you'll be facing. If you're not sure if you need them, make sure you read our body armor guide here. Fire StartingYou're probably not going to stop to build a fire while bugging out. It just doesn't make sense in most cases. You can add some Bic lighters to your list but there really isn't a reason to go overboard here. Cordage550 cord is pretty much the standard for cordage in a bug out bag. You should be good with 25 or 50 feet if you decide to add it.
Knife / AxeIf you always carry a knife, then you're probably fine not having one in your bug out bag. If you don't, then I'd suggest adding a multitool of some kind. I like having a small hatchet because they're lightweight and offer a lot of utility if you're forced into a situation where you need to stop before you get to your bug out area. NavigationMaps of the areas that you expect to travel through should be in your bug out bag. I'd suggest marking your primary and secondary driving routes, walking route, and marking potential areas of interest and danger on your map at a minimum. A compass and GPS can also make your life a lot easier. MoneyKeep several denominations of small bills in your bug out bag. It'll let you make purchases when change isn't available. IdentificationAdding some kind of photo ID doesn't add a lot of weight and it could save you in the event that you need to interact with police or even try to get into some kind of government aid camp if it came down to that. ElectronicsPacking your bug out bag full of electronics can make it extremely heavy. At a minimum, you should probably have your cell phone with you and a way to recharge it. For me, that means a small solar panel and a battery pack.
Signaling DeviceA signal mirror is one of the best ways to show someone where you are when you're in a wide-open area or signaling aircraft. It's not great in areas without a long line of sight. Emergency whistles have the advantage of being able to be used in just about any area, but they can't be used at the same distances as a signal mirror. I personally like to have one of each. Special Considerations for an Urban Bug Out Bag ListUrban bug out bag lists should be built around a backpack that won't draw attention to you while you're walking through the streets. Drawing attention to yourself can cause you to be the target of rioters or other people feeling the stress of the event that caused you to bug out. Keep in mind that you're more likely to have to interact with law enforcement and government officials than if you live in the countryside. Picture IDs can make those types of interactions go a lot more smoothly. Choose knives and any firearms based on the current laws in your area. When things go bad, law enforcement is likely to be more restrictive not less. Don't plan on being able to carry anything you want just because some kind of disaster has happened to make you bug out. Special Considerations for a Rural Bug Out Bag ListRural bug out bag lists should focus on items that will let you stay out of sight if you need to and are more focused on wilderness survival. A camo pattern backpack that works in your area is a good idea. Unless there's a really good reason not to carry a rifle, you should have one with you when you bug out. This is especially true for rural bug outs! How heavy should a bug out bag be?Try to keep the items on your bug out bag list as close to a total of 25 lbs as possible. I find that to be the weight that most people are still relatively comfortable with. When you add more weight it will wear on you if you're forced to walk for several days in a row. If you can handle 25 lbs without a problem then feel free to add as much weight as you can take. I highly suggest that you actually carry it around for a weekend and see how it goes. Even if you find the weight to be okay, you'll end up finding other things to change to make it more comfortable to carry. ConclusionThink of bugging out like a military patrol. You're going from point A to point B...it isn't a camping trip. The only reason that you should be stopping for any significant amount of time is to sleep just long enough to rest a little or if something bad prevents you from continuing on. Make sure you check out our bug out bag article for more related information and a more in-depth look at some things. The previous post Bug Out Bag List – 2020 Guide and Downloadable Checklist is available on: https://readylifestyle.com via Blogger Bug Out Bag List – 2020 Guide and Downloadable Checklist Snow Emergency LevelsI was recently driving through Ohio and heard that there was a level 1 snow emergency in the area. I hadn't ever heard of a snow emergency level before so I did some digging and this is what I came up with. What is a snow emergency level? Ohio Attorney General Opinion 86-023 and Attorney General Opinion 97-015 give the sheriff of a county the ability to declare a snow emergency and temporarily close county, township, state and municipal roads in order to preserve the public peace. There are three levels of snow emergencies that can be declared. Snow emergency levels can impact your travel. Knowing how to react when roads are under a snow emergency can even save your life! Ohio's Snow Emergency LevelsSnow emergency levels are a way for local sheriffs to keep the public safe during times where a severe snowstorm has made the roads unsafe. It's a tool given to them by Ohio Attorney General Opinion 86-023 and Attorney General Opinion 97-015. They can declare a snow emergency on any county, township, state and municipal roadway under their jurisdiction. Level 1 Snow EmergenciesRoadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. Vehicles may be fined or towed if they are not removed from designated snow emergency routes. A sustained snowfall of 2-4 inches can cause a level one snow emergency to be declared. What Should You Do During a Level 1 Snow EmergencyYou can continue to drive during a level 1 snow emergency, but the roads will likely be bad.
Level 2 Snow EmergenciesRoadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution. Schools and some businesses do not operate during a level two snow emergency. A sustained snowfall of about 4-8 inches can cause a level two snow emergency to be declared. What Should You Do During a Level 2 Snow EmergencyDriving is legal during a level 2 snow emergency, but it's highly recommended that you try to stay off the roads.
Level 3 Snow EmergenciesAll roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest. Only police, medical, and emergency vehicles should be on the roads. Drivers can be fined or arrested if found driving on public roadways in a non-emergency situation. If a Level Three Snow Emergency is declared when students are at school or when a public building is open, officials will attempt to provide food and drinkable water to those affected. A sustained snowfall of about 8-14 inches can cause a level three snow emergency to be declared. What Should You Do During a Level 3 Snow EmergencyStay off the road unless it's an absolute emergency. It's illegal to drive during a level 3 snow emergency.
If you're driving during a level 3 snow emergency you can be charged under Ohio Revised Code Section 2917.13, “Misconduct at an emergency” or other laws. "Misconduct at an emergency" is a misdemeanor of the 4th degree, punishable by a jail sentence not to exceed 30 days and/or a fine not to exceed $250. If the misconduct creates a risk of physical harm to persons or property, it is a misdemeanor of the 1st degree, punishable by a jail sentence not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000. It's just better to stay at home! Finding Current Snow Emergency InformationUnfortunately, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation, a central website doesn't exist to find all declared snow emergencies. You can get some info on ODoT's site, but that doesn't mean that there aren't more counties with snow emergencies. The best way to find out what's going on is to monitor local news since sheriffs will likely contact them as soon as they've made a snow emergency determination. Who Determines Snow Emergency LevelsThe local sheriff is given the authority to determine snow emergency levels. Sheriffs use information from the following places to make an educated assessment of the road conditions:
Their primary concern is public safety on the roads. Who Created Snow Emergency Levels?According to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, Ohio Attorney General Anthony J. Celebrezze Jr.’s Opinion from 1986 gave the sheriff of a county the ability to declare a snow emergency and temporarily close county and township roads within his jurisdiction for the preservation of the public peace. Then, in 1997, Attorney General Betty Montgomery’s Opinion, lets sheriffs close state and municipal roads. Snow emergency levels are really interesting coming from an outsider's perspective (I don't live in Ohio). On one hand, I can see the benefit of giving sheriffs the option to restrict travel when the roads are really bad. On the other hand, a level 3 snow emergency declaration definitely oversteps my idea of what should be legal. ConclusionAlways plan ahead and have food and water stored at home so you're not put in a position where you need to drive when there's a severe storm! It's impossible to know what's ahead when you're driving down the road. If a level 1 snow emergency is in effect on primary roads in the area, you should expect that any of the roads that have less traffic will be a level 2 or level 3 snow emergency. The post Ohio’s Snow Emergency Levels – What They Mean and How to React! is available on: Ready Lifestyle via Blogger Ohio’s Snow Emergency Levels – What They Mean and How to React! Best Toilet Paper AlternativesEvery once in a while I see people asking what the best alternative to toilet paper is. It's actually a bigger deal than you may think. If you don't properly clean yourself it can lead to uncomfortable sores and rashes! What are the best toilet paper alternatives? Bidet, add-on bidet, handheld bidet, bidet bottles, spray bottle, newspaper, other paper items, baby wipes, adult wipes, cloth wipes, and toilet paper tablets are the best toilet paper alternatives. [/wc_toggle] Toilet Paper AlternativesIf you've been looking around for toilet paper alternatives for any amount of time, then you've probably come across all the articles that just try to throw anything in there so they can say that they have one more alternative than some other site...I can't stand it! All of these are actually useful ideas for alternative TP options. "Just drag your butt on the carpet like a dog" isn't going to show up on the list! WaterWater is probably the easiest way to clean yourself, but it's also the most important survival item there is. If you're cutting back on toilet paper because there just isn't any toilet paper available due to some long term disaster, think long and hard before you use water to clean your butt! If you're in an area that has plenty of water, then it's not a big deal, but if you live in an area that has limited water you're going to need to come up with a different option. Bidet - A bidet is a piece of hardware that sits next to your toilet and sprays water to clean you after you go to the bathroom. This obviously isn't for emergencies and would be pretty costly to add to your bathroom, but it's the best way to cut out the use of toilet paper on a daily basis. Add-on Bidet - Add-on bidets attach to your existing toilet and give it a bidet function. They have all of the benefits of a traditional bidet and don't require a lot of money or construction to set-up. This still isn't a good idea for a long term disaster (unless you're able to keep your water running) but it's great to get rid of toilet paper and cut down on your environmental impact. Handheld Bidet - This is a spray nozzle that connects to the toilet or a nearby faucet and is used to spray yourself after you go to the bathroom. They're the least expensive permanent bidet option. They have the same benefits and disadvantages of the add-on bidet but are usually much cheaper. Bidet Bottles/Perineal Bottles - Bidet bottles and perineal bottles are pretty much the same thing, they're just marketed to different audiences. Both of them have a squeeze bottle that holds water and a curved tube with a nozzle on the end. [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] You can try this travel bidet bottle if you're looking to try out something like this. [/wc_box] These are perfect for emergencies and don't use a lot of water. The nozzles typically produce a decent amount of water pressure so they actually do a decent job of cleaning you! Spray Bottles - You can actually use regular spray bottles pretty effectively. You'll have to experiment with different spray bottles since there's sometimes a lot of variation between manufacturers, but overall a spray bottle will work in a pinch. A quick note on using streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes as a place to clean yourself. You'll probably notice that I never mentioned going to the bathroom and then cleaning yourself in some body of water, or even better, just going in that body of water. That's because the main way that some of the worst waterborne diseases are transmitted is the fecal-oral route. That means from the feces of someone who's infected to the mouth of someone that's healthy and drinking from contaminated water. Don't take the chance of contaminating a water source. PaperPaper is a natural go-to when looking for alternative toilet paper. You can use all kinds of paper but some are better than others. Newspaper seems like it would be the best type of paper to store in bulk if you intentionally wanted to go that route. Just crumble it up to soften it a little and you should be good to go. Other paper sources will work too. Notebooks, magazines, catalogs, etc. can all be used. I would stay away from thicker paper and glossy paper if you can. Paper that has a glossy finish has a tendency to smear things around more than you're going to like. WipesThere are all kinds of wipes out there that work great as toilet paper. You can grab baby wipes, buy wipes that are specifically designed for wiping adult butts or even make your own cloth wipes. Baby Wipes - Baby wipes are one of the better toilet paper alternatives. They have chemicals that reduce chafing and prevent rashes. Adult Wipes - Adult wipes range from purpose-made wipes for camping and hiking to wipes designed to clean up after adults with incontinence. Either way, they're usually larger and thicker than baby wipes since they're made for adults. Cloth Wipes - Cloth wipes can be anything from old clothing to microfiber towels to so-called "family cloth". They work really well and aren't as gross as you'd think they would be. Make sure that you have a diaper bin or something similar and clean them properly before you reuse them. Disinfecting ClothIf you're going to be reusing rags or purpose-made cloth wipes, you need to make sure that you wash them with hot water. According to the CDC: "Hot water provides an effective means of destroying microorganisms. A temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for a minimum of 25 minutes is commonly recommended for hot-water washing. The use of chlorine bleach assures an extra margin of safety. A total available chlorine residual of 50–150 ppm is usually achieved during the bleach cycle. Chlorine bleach becomes activated at water temperatures of 135°F–145°F (57.2°C–62.7°C)." That quote is straight from the CDC's guidance for environmental infection control in health-care facilities. Following those guidelines will get your cloth wipes clean and eliminate most of the bacteria and other microbes at work in them. It doesn't make them sterile. Drying cloth wipes in the sun is another good way to kill off bacteria. The UV rays from the sun deactivate bacteria and keep it from being able to reproduce. Lemon juice is a great way to kill off bacteria and its strong smell can get rid of any nasty odors that may linger. The high acidity of lemon juice can kill microbes. Toilet Paper TabletsToilet paper tablets have recently gotten a lot of traction in the survival and outdoor communities. They're a compressed towelette that's biodegradable and stronger than normal toilet paper. [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] Portawipes compressed toilet paper is one of the highest-rated toilet paper tablets on Amazon. It comes with 500 tablets and 4 plastic tubes to transport them. [/wc_box] They can be rinsed and reused if you're using them as a washcloth or to clean up a spill and they hardly take up any space in a bag or emergency kit. As toilet paper, they're great because they only take about a tablespoon of water to rehydrate. After that, you get what's normally about a 9 x 9" moist towel that you can wipe yourself with. One is good enough for most people but you can use as many as you want. Combining Different TechniquesThe option that's going to work best for you is probably something that combines a couple of the toilet paper alternatives above. By combining different things, you can mix and match techniques to maximize cleaning and minimize the use of resources that may be limited. An example would be using water to clean yourself and then finishing with cloth wipes, or wiping with newspaper first and then finishing with baby wipes. Either of these would get you cleaner than any single toilet paper alternative alone. Storing Toilet PaperFlatten the roll of toilet paper before storing it or get rolls of toilet paper that don't have a cardboard roll in the center. These tend to be the "professional" rolls of toilet paper (read as not soft and single-ply) but they take up less room than store-bought rolls. After you flatten a roll of toilet paper you should store them in an area that doesn't get wet and won't get contaminated by insects or rodents. Once toilet paper gets wet or has insects and rodents in it, it's pretty much trash. Plastic 55-gallon drums would be an ideal place to store toilet paper for the long term. It really comes down to how important toilet paper is to you. How much toilet paper should you store?At first glance around the internet, it seems like the general consensus is that Americans use 3 rolls of toilet paper per week. If you dig around a little more you'll find that the federalist did a little math and it actually comes out to a little more than 1 roll per week per person (56 rolls a year). Let's just round that to 60 rolls per person per year of toilet paper that you want to have stored. (Keep in mind that women tend to use a little more than that.) Storing 60 rolls per person per year will add up fast, but if you're serious about having toilet paper in case of a long term disaster, then at least you have a number to shoot for. If I was storing toilet paper, I'd probably make it 70 rolls per person just to have a little wiggle room. Wiping Yourself with Other ThingsHistorically, there was a wide range of things used before toilet paper was invented. Mankind has spent a lot more time without toilet paper than with toilet paper, it was only invented in 1857 and still isn't used in many parts of the world. I'm not recommending that you use any of these methods unless you absolutely have to, but they've all been used in the past without too many ill effects. All of these things have been used before toilet paper came around:
Again, I'm not recommending that you go and start wiping your butt with coconut husks. I just put this list here so you know what's been done in the past in case you have to get creative at some point. ConclusionYou can wipe your butt with just about anything, but I like to go with what's the most effective instead of just grabbing a handful of sticks and hoping they do the job. If you plan ahead for emergencies, then you can have plenty of toilet paper stored. If you're just looking to cut down on your paper usage, there are a lot of good toilet paper alternatives out there that you can try. I would go with a bidet for regular use at home and some combination of a bidet bottle and wipes for disasters. Best Toilet Paper Alternatives – 11 (Actually Useful) Options is courtesy of: ready lifestyle via Blogger Best Toilet Paper Alternatives – 11 (Actually Useful) Options Civil Emergency MessagesHave you ever seen a Civil Emergency Message and wondered what it was? I don't blame you if you don't know what they are. The information that's available to the public is poor at best and pretty confusing. What is a Civil Emergency Message? A Civil Emergency Message (CEM) is a warning issued by a local, state or national government agency that is then broadcast by the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) system and Emergency Alert System (EAS). This emergency can be weather-related but it can also be part of an all-hazards notification. Let's look closer at what a civil emergency and a Civil Emergency Message are. What Makes Something a Civil EmergencyWhat makes something a civil emergency will differ a little depending on the specific area that you live in because they are usually declared by a local or state emergency management office. Usually, they are going to be a disaster or emergency that affects the local area and is either imminent or in progress. A terrorist threat, landslides, weakened dams, loss of water, flooding, or even an accident that's releasing chemicals into the air are all examples of events that could be labeled a civil emergency. What is a Civil Emergency MessageCivil Emergency Messages warn the general public of imminent threats to public safety or threats that are in progress as the message is broadcast. A Civil Emergency Message has a higher priority than a Local Area Emergency (a warning of a potential threat) but is not as specific or widespread as a Civil Danger Warning (an ongoing threat to a large population). This is an example of what a CEM will look like if one is broadcast in your area: Why Does NWR Broadcast Emergency Messages?The NOAA Weather Radio service was chosen to be the primary means of sending all-hazards alerts to the public. A study was done back in the 1970s and it found that the National Weather Service had much better coverage in place than other systems which made it easier and more effective for them to take on the responsibility of being the main office to send out emergency alerts. Modern technology has made it easier to reach people through the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) but NWR still broadcasts alerts over VHF radio in case other technology fails or you're in an area that's outside of normal cell coverage. They have the ability to broadcast to only certain areas or across the entire network all at once. [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] NOAA Weather Radio forms the backbone of all-hazards alert notification. That's why every emergency kit needs to have a NOAA capable radio in it! [/wc_box] NWR includes more than 1000 transmitters, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories. They broadcast up to date info 24 hours a day 7 days a week! The National Weather Service is an amazing resource to find out what's going on in your local area. They don't only put out weather advisories. If you're ever wondering what's going on in an area, just go to their website, plug in the zip code in the top left of the page and hit search. You'll get a ton of weather info but you'll also get access to any other dangerous conditions that have been observed in the area. It's a tool that a lot of people do know about! How Does a Civil Emergency Message Get Sent OutWhen a CEM is issued it usually comes from the local or state level emergency managers' office. They send the message to the National Weather Service who then broadcasts the message over the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). The CEM will also be broadcast over the EAS so you should get notified on your phone and the television. What Should You Do When You See a Civil Emergency MessageWhen you see or hear a CEM, you should do whatever is suggested by the message. If it recommends avoiding an area, then stay out of that area if you can, if it says to shelter in place, then shelter in place. It's really pretty simple. What to do if you see a Civil Emergency Message:
ConclusionCivil Emergency Messages are meant to warn you about an emergency that is going to happen, or is happening and gives you a suggested course of action to take. You should do what you can to stay away from the area or take the recommended action. Never go toward an area that's experiencing an emergency just to check it out and see what's going on! You not only run the risk of getting injured, but you can also cause emergency responders to have to risk their safety to rescue you. What is a Civil Emergency Message – What You Need to Do When You Get One was originally published on: www.readylifestyle-staging.gtgrgq9c-liquidwebsites.com via Blogger What is a Civil Emergency Message – What You Need to Do When You Get One Best Folding ShovelShovels are often ignored when people thinking about survival tools. I think that's because people imagine full-sized shovels, not e-tool style folding shovels. Folding shovels make a lot of sense in survival kits once you fully appreciate what they're capable of. It's relatively easy to use a folding shovel as a hatchet in a pinch. It's almost impossible to use a hatchet as a shovel. Best Folding Shovels for SurvivalTraditional shovels are designed based on the task that they're designed for. The handles are usually elbow-length when the head of the shovel is on the ground. The blade (head) shape and size are designed based on the type of material they're supposed to move. The less-dense the material, the larger the size of the head can be.
Folding shovels are a little different. [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] The SOG Folding Shovel - Elite E Tool is our top pick for a folding shovel to add to your survival kit. What Makes a Good Folding ShovelFolding shovels bring a lot to the table. They're light and fold into a compact package, but that's not where their usefulness ends. Most of them double as picks and axes and some of them even have additional tools in the handles like saws and some go so far as to add in knives, ice picks, screwdrivers, and firestarters! I like all of the additional tools that some companies add in but it has to be a good shovel first. Some folding shovels have so much added onto them that they're more of a novelty item than an actual tool anymore. What to look for in a quality folding shovel:
Folding shovels often need more attention to keep them from rusting. If you're digging a lot or using them roughly, the finish is going to wear off and you'll need to occasionally clean the rust off the bare metal. What Good is a Folding ShovelFolding shovels have a ton of uses and they're pretty easy to figure out. Anywhere that you'd like to have a shovel, but don't have room to stick a full-sized shovel is where they're going to shine. ATV / Side-by-SideIf you've ever spent a lot of time driving an ATV or side-by-side around in rough areas you know that you're eventually going to get stuck. Even if you have a winch there are times that you need to dig yourself out. Car / TruckHaving a folding shovel in the trunk or the bed of your truck is also a great idea. You may not need it all that often, but when you do, it can be a lifesaver. Shelter BuildingFolding shovels make shelter building much easier in some environments. Some of the most effective desert shelters require you to dig a 20 to 30-inch deep trench large enough to get your entire body in. This is a lot easier if you have a shovel, even if it's in the sand. Snow shelters are also a lot easier to build when you have a shovel. You can move more material and keep your hands a lot warmer with a shovel. CachesIf you're burying a cache in a place that you can't drive to then a folding shovel makes sense because you're probably already carrying a lot and full-sized shovel may be too big to carry on top of everything else. Carrying a shovel around may also draw unwanted attention. Bug Out BagDo you need a folding shovel in your bug out bag? Most of the time I would say no. When you're bugging out you don't really want to stop for long periods of time. You should be moving from your home to your bug out location, not stopping to dig a fire pit or build a shelter. One of the only times that I'd recommend packing a folding shovel in your bug out bag is if you're in a desert or snowy environment and may need to build a shelter to survive through the day. Even if this is the case, there are probably better shelter options than intentionally planning to dig a hole to sleep in. The other time that a folding shovel makes sense to me is if you plan on recovering hidden caches that you've buried along your bug out route. The Downside of a Folding ShovelThe big downside of folding shovels is the smaller size of the head and the short length of their handles. A folding shovel just isn't as good as a full-size shovel when it comes to moving serious amounts of earth. The difference between a folding shovel and a full-sized shovel is a lot like the difference between a hatchet and a full-sized axe. The Best Folding ShovelsThere are a lot of folding shovels out there that seem like they're a great deal. Some of them are under $10, some are a lot more expensive but seem like they come with every kind of tool you would ever need. Unfortunately, most of the time they're just too good to be true. They're made with cheap metal and bend and break easily. The three shovels that we're recommending are made by quality name-brand manufacturers out of quality materials. SOG Folding Shovel - Elite E-toolThe SOG Folding Shovel - Elite E-tool has a synthetic handle and 1075 carbon steel head. The shovel locks in 4 positions and expands to 26 inches at it's fullest. Collapsed it comes in at 10.2 inches. The handle has a 7" saw blade that will do in a pinch but isn't the best. [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Pros
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[/wc_column] [/wc_row] Gerber E-Tool Folding SpadeThe Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is the next evolution of the traditional G.I. e-tool. It has a glass-filled nylon handle, aluminum shaft, and anodized aluminum head. The lock-up is great and digging with it is easy due to the head shape. If you're looking for a more traditional e-tool design, this is the folding shovel you want. [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Pros
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[/wc_column] [/wc_row] Glock Entrenching ToolThe Glock Entrenching Tool is similar to the SOG folding shovel. It has a glass-filled nylon handle that extends to a little less than 26" with a metal head that locks in 4 positions and a saw blade in the handle that is right around 7". [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Pros
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[/wc_column] ConclusionFolding shovels can make a great addition to a survival kit. They make digging a possibility and can help you get your vehicle unstuck, bury a survival cache or even build a shelter in the snow or in the desert. I would suggest that you really think about how you would use one before you add it to your bug out bag, however. If you don't have a real reason to add one to a bug out bag then you may just be adding unnecessary weight. Best Folding Shovels for Survival in 2020 was originally published on: Ready Lifestyle Blog via Blogger Best Folding Shovels for Survival in 2020 Shelter in Place KitSheltering in place is one of the best ways to protect yourself from a disaster when it's too dangerous to go outside. It only makes sense that you should have supplies in a shelter in place kit on the off chance that you ever have to shelter in place, but what goes in that kit? What is a shelter in place kit? A shelter in place kit contains everything that you need to safely seal yourself in your shelter in place room when a disaster has occurred that makes it impossible or dangerous to evacuate the area. The kit contains enough essential items to sustain you until the disaster has passed. A shelter in place kit is required for most businesses but it also makes sense to have one at home in case of an emergency. Building a Shelter in Place KitSheltering in place is a way to protect yourself from an emergency or disaster situation that makes it too dangerous to leave the area that you're in. Chemical spills, biological or nuclear contamination, tornados or other storms, and the outbreak of a pandemic can all lead to a shelter in place order being given. What You Need to Build a Shelter in Place KitThere are some companies that sell pre-made shelter in place kits like this one, but they're not ideal and they don't have everything that FEMA recommends in a shelter in place kit. Most of the premade kits are missing first aid kits, duct tape, and plastic sheeting. If you decide to pick up a pre-made kit, make sure that you add these as soon as possible. Shelter in place kit inventory:
Additional items to add if your situation requires them:
What Makes a Good Shelter in Place RoomThe key part of a shelter in place room is the ability to seal it and make it as airtight as possible. This means that you should try to find an interior room that doesn't have windows. If you don't have windows in the room there is less that you need to seal up and not having exterior walls makes it less likely that a storm can cause damage to you in your shelter in place room. Many times, a room in the basement will be one of the better places to shelter in place. The walls are normally made of concrete and they're surrounded by earth, making them even stronger. Basements also normally don't have a lot of vents and can give you access to the central air system so you can turn it off at the source. The one time that sheltering in the basement isn't a good idea is if the disaster involves the release of a chemical that's heavier than air. In that case, it's better to shelter in a room above ground level if you can. What to look for when you're choosing a shelter in place room:
Why would you shelter in place?A shelter in place order is given when a disaster has happened and it's safer for you to stay inside and protect yourself than it is for you to evacuate. What can cause a shelter in place:
ConclusionA shelter in place kit allows you to safely stay inside in the event that a shelter in place order is issued or you decide that something outside has made it too dangerous to leave your home or office. This usually happens when there is a chemical release of some kind, biological emergencies (like a pandemic), or nuclear contamination. If you follow the shelter in place built that's laid out above, you'll have everything you need to keep you safe for at least three days. You can add even more food and water to extend that time out longer than 3 days. The post Shelter in Place Kit – How to Build Your Own with Checklist was first published on: https://readylifestyle.com via Blogger Shelter in Place Kit – How to Build Your Own with Checklist Bugging OutBugging out is a common term among preppers and people in the preparedness community. On its face, it's a simple concept, leave you home when there's a disaster or emergency, but it's much more complicated than that. What does bugging out mean? Bugging out is when someone leaves their home because of an impending emergency or emergency that is already happening. It gets its name from the scattering of bugs when you turn on the light or try to step on them and they scatter in all directions. If you're interested in bugging out then you should keep reading. There's a lot of nuance involved in bugging out intelligently and effectively. What Is Bugging OutBugging out is when you pack up your family, load as many supplies as you can into your vehicles and leave your home. It's not an ideal situation, but when you bug out it should be the lesser of two evils. I'm probably going to end up saying this a lot, bugging out should be a last resort! Don't live somewhere where you're going to need to bug out as soon any kind of problem happens. You home should be a safe place that can keep you and your family safe in all but the most dangerous situations. Why is it called bugging out?The term bugging out is believed to come from the Korean War during several instances of massive retreats that occurred during the war. It probably came from the 1930s commercials that showed bugs fleeing in front of a giant foot that's about to crush them or in reference to the way bugs scatter when they're found. It's a creative piece of slang that means retreat or relocate to a place that's safe, or less dangerous. Why would you bug out?The exact reason that someone would bug out is going to be different for everyone. Some people are going to plan to bug out as soon as there's any threat of social unrest in the area and others aren't even going to consider it until it's simply too late. You should aim for somewhere in the middle. Examples of events that may cause you to bug out:
Any event that would make living in your home or apartment unsustainable is a reason to bug out. What do you need to bug out?In order to bug out, you should have a packed bug out bag for each member of your family, a bug out location, a vehicle to get you to that bug out location and a bug out plan. Bug Out BagsA bug out bag should make up the backbone of your basic bug out plan. It should include everything that you need to get from your home to your bug out location and nothing more. When you bug out you should be in a vehicle, but you need to plan your bug out bag so you can carry it on your back the entire way. This is the worst-case scenario, so it's what we're planning for. The thing that you really need to keep in mind is that a bug out bag needs to be minimalistic. Pack only what you need not what you think will be nice to have. If you want to have nice to have stuff while you're bugging out then put that stuff in a tote that you can load into your vehicle and get rid of if you end up needing more room later on. These are the essentials that you must have in a bug out bag:
Urban Bug Out BagsIf you live in an urban environment, then you're much more likely to have to bug out than someone that lives in the suburbs or in a rural area. With so many people jammed into cities and literally living on top of each other, there's just a lot more that can go wrong. Even seemingly small disasters can turn into full-blown riots pretty quickly and with little to no warning. This makes an urban bug out bag one of the most important things for people who want to be prepared in the city. I normally recommend that you build an urban bug out bag in a way that draws as little attention to it as possible. You don't want it to be obvious that you're carrying a lot of supplies on your back if there are looters or hungry people around. Rural Bug Out BagsIf you live in a rural area, I think you're a lot less likely to ever use your bug out bag, but that doesn't mean that it's not still important. If you're planning to be able to bug out, start with a bug out bag no matter where you live. I consider rural bug out bags to be a little easier to put together than an urban bug out bag. You don't really need to worry about drawing attention to yourself and you can find a lot more backpacks that are at home in the country than you can backpacks that are big enough to pack everything you need and not draw attention in the city. Common Bug Out Bag QuestionsThese are a few questions that always come up when I discuss bug out bags. Do I need a bug out bag?If you were reading earlier then you already know that answer to this but the question comes up so often that I'm going to touch on it again. A bug out bag should be the foundation that all your other bug out plans grow from. It's the one thing that will always go with you when you bug out, so yes, you really do need one. How long should a bug out bag last?You've probably heard of a bug out bag referred to as a 72-hour kit or 72-hour bag. Does that mean that you should pack for three days? Not necessarily. Your bug out bag needs to get you from your home to your bug out location on foot. Whatever that time is, then that's how long it needs to last. There is no cut and dry answer that's going to fit everyone. I like to have a minimal amount of food to last the entire trip and water for the first day or so with a water filter so I can collect more water on the trip. Water is really heavy, so carrying a week's worth of water just really isn't possible. What should be in your bug out bag?The minimum you need to pack in a bug out bag is water, food, shelter, and a first aid kit. There are all kinds of other things that make sense to pack in a bug out bag, but that's beyond the scope of this article. If you're interested in bug out bag ideas I suggest you read this article. How heavy should a bug out bag be?I try to get my bug out bag to weigh around 25 lbs. If you go over that it's okay but you have to be aware that each pound you add is going to make each step you take all that much more difficult. When you start getting over 35 lbs you really need to think about what you're taking. Is everything an absolute necessity? Your bug out bag should keep you alive until you get to your bug out location. It doesn't need to keep you comfortable! Bug Out LocationsA bug out location is the place that you plan to take your family when you make the decision to bug out. If you have every other part of your bug out plan in place but you don't have a bug out location, then you really don't have a plan at all! Packing everything up and running out of the house with nowhere to go really isn't a plan and couple be disastrous for you and your family. The good thing is you don't need to buy some piece of property in the mountains to have a bug out location. You can make plans with a family member to go to their property if something goes wrong where you live and they can come to you if something goes wrong there. If you don't have a family then you can go to a close friend's house or even a secluded tract of public land. With all other things being equal, this is the list of bug out locations in order of desirability:
Your bug out location needs to be able to support you and your family when you arrive so you'll need to preposition food, water, and everything else you'll need when you get there. If you're going to a friend or family member's house, have them mark and store your food and water for you. If you're going to try to use public land, which I don't recommend unless it's your only option, you're going to want to cache food and water in a way that other people won't find it. What to Look for in a Bug Out LocationIdeally, you're going to want to go somewhere with a low population, that can support you and your family. You should look for land with trees, wildlife, water, and shelter. Areas that have extreme weather like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and draughts should be avoided if you can. Extremes in temperature also make the area less desirable. What to look for in a bug out location:
If you live in the U.S. then you're lucky! There are a ton of great areas to bug out to. Good places to look for bug out locations in the U.S.:
This is just a quick assessment of the country. You can find a good bug out location pretty much anywhere. Getting to Your Bug Out LocationAfter you have a bug out location you need to plan the route that you're going to take to get there. You're actually going to need several routes planned out. The main route that you choose should be the easiest and fastest route to your bug out location. It's probably the way that you normally drive there. Your secondary route should still be pretty direct, but it should take you around areas that may be compromised in the event of a disaster. Go around high crime areas, gang areas, population centers, etc. All of these could get bad in a disaster. Be creative when you're planning your routes. If you're going to travel on a highway, what happens if that highway is gridlocked? When you're planning your alternate routes (especially your walking route) look to see if there are man-made paths that you can use. Train tracks or easements cut under high tension power lines can make travel easier than trying to cut through a densely forested area. Mark everything that's important on hard copy maps. Either print them out or buy them online and keep them with your bug out bag. [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] I like Rand McNally road atlases and state maps, but you can use any type of map that you prefer. [/wc_box] What to mark on your maps:
Bug Out VehiclesThere is always a lot of talk about bug out vehicles in the preparedness community. The truth is any vehicle that you have is a bug out vehicle. You should take all of your vehicles when you bug out unless there's a specific reason not to. This makes it less likely that you'll end up stuck on the side of the road if one vehicle breaks down and it also lets you carry a lot more gear. Obviously, trucks with 4 wheel drive capability and more cargo capacity are better but if you just have a couple of Toyota Camrys you should still take them. Bug Out TrailersA trailer gives you a lot more cargo room and smaller cargo trailers can even be pulled by cars if you have a trailer hitch. I like the idea of having a cargo trailer loaded all the time and ready to go. (I haven't done it yet though.) You can pack it with food, water and whatever else you want, then just hook up and drive away if things get bad. Roof RacksRoof racks can hold a lot of gear and they're not nearly as expensive as a trailer. The main drawback of a roof rack is that you can't really have it preloaded like a trailer unless you have it loaded out all the time. BikesMountain bikes make a great bug out vehicle and they're a really good way to get around that doesn't need fuel. Consider taking mountain bikes if the roads are (or could be) packed with traffic. The later you're able to get on the road during a bug out, the more likely that you're going to hit traffic from other families trying to do the same thing. Weapons While Bugging OutBeing able to defend yourself while you're bugging out is obviously extremely important. The areas in-between the place you're bugging out from and your bug out location could be more dangerous than you originally planned for. The same disaster causing you to bug out may have already hit those areas throwing them into chaos. At a minimum, each adult should have a rifle and be able to use it effectively. If you have children that are old enough to use a rifle, then they should have one as well. That probably seems a little extreme to some people, but it really isn't. Ideally, no one will even have to touch their weapons and everything will go smoothly. Unfortunately, we can't just plan for the best-case scenario and hope everything goes well. We need to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Types of Weapons for Bugging OutHaving a rifle is critical. I'm of the opinion that you should have an AR-15 or an AK-47 style rifle for everyone in your family or group that can use one. You should also choose one or the other and stick to it. This means that you will all use the same magazines and ammo, and should be able to use the same spare parts if someone's weapon goes down. If you have a pistol to bring with you then you should take that with you as well. A pistol gives you more options when you're bugging out. If you don't want to be seen with a rifle, you can still conceal the pistol and be armed in areas where a rifle would draw unwanted attention from crowds or law enforcement. Other Things to Consider When Bugging Out With WeaponsA rifle is way more effective than a pistol, period. There are almost no situations where you're better off with a pistol over a rifle. You should always plan to take a rifle with you if it's at all possible. Weapons can draw a lot of attention in populated areas. If you're bugging out from a city you may want to keep your rifle tucked away until you need it or you get far enough away from people that you can start carrying it in the open. In the past, some areas have declared a state of emergency and used that to confiscate weapons from civilians. In the U.S. this is unconstitutional (making it illegal) but it didn't stop it from happening in the past. In a state of emergency, you may have manned checkpoints that you need to get through so plan accordingly. Always avoid confrontation if you can. Avoid crowds, don't get into verbal altercations, and definitely don't start fights. Even a minor wound can be life-threatening if you get into a firefight while bugging out. Bug Out PlanBugging out starts a long time before you're actually packing your gear into the car and getting out of town with the family. You should plan your bug out ahead of time so each step of the process goes as smoothly as possible. It's not the time to figure out what you need to take and where you're going while a massive hurricane is bearing down on you. We all have to understand that the ideal situation often isn't reality. When we plan our bug out, we need to make changes based on what we can afford and the reality of our own situations. The good thing is that with enough planning and forethought just about anyone can put together a bug out plan that will be successful and not break the bank. Choose the event or events that will make you bug out and stick to it. If you don't leave when you've decided to, you probably never will. Don't change your mind at the last minute. Before You Need to Bug OutEverything up until now has all been part of your bug out preplanning, but there's still some more planning that needs to be done. Your bug out bag is the minimum that you'll take with you when you're bugging out, but if you're driving and have time to load out your vehicle, you should pack as much as you can into it. Everything that you can take will make your life at your bug out location a little better. Pack the most important items first with the least important items toward the outside so you can reach them easily to get rid of them if you need to make room. Additional items to pack when bugging out:
If it's at all possible, you should have as much gear packed up and ready to go all the time. For most of us, it's probably not possible but packing up what you can and having a good list of the things that you can't keep packed up will make getting everything into your car a lot faster. If you have everything on a list, it'll also keep you from forgetting anything when the situation is stressful. The Last-Minute/No Notice Bug OutIn a last-minute/no notice bug out situation, something has happened that requires you to leave your home immediately. This could be anything from an unforeseen natural disaster to spontaneous social unrest that puts you and your family in danger. This is the worst-case scenario but also the easiest to plan for. Actions to take:
Bugging Out With a Few Hours NoticeBugging out with a couple of hours notice is the scenario that I see as the most likely to occur. In this scenario, you can foresee a disaster starting in the next couple of hours and decide you need to bug out. Actions to take:
Bugging Out With a Couple of Days or More to PrepareI see this scenario playing out if you have your ear to the ground and really know what's going on with local weather or world events. Most of us will still miss the signs but you may get lucky and see something coming. Consider renting a U-haul truck or trailer if you think something is going to happen in a couple of days. It sounds a little crazy, but if you're sure something is about to happen, then renting a large vehicle that can carry a lot of gear may make sense. Actions to take:
ConclusionBugging out should be one of your last options when a disaster strikes, but you should know how to bug out and how to do it effectively and safely. Plan before a disaster ever threatens your home. Start by finding a bug out location and building a bug out bag. Map out your routes to your bug out location and mark any locations of interest. Decide what's going to make you bug out and stick to it! Don't second guess yourself when you're under stress. The previous article Bugging Out – What it Means, How to Plan for It, and When to Leave is republished from: ready lifestyle via Blogger Bugging Out – What it Means, How to Plan for It, and When to Leave Hurricane Shopping ListAccording to the National Hurricane Center, the official start of the hurricane season in North America is June 1st to November 20th with the majority of the most powerful hurricanes coming between mid-August to the end of October. Follow this hurricane shopping list to get ready before a hurricane hits. What should be on your hurricane shopping list? Your hurricane shopping list should include water, non-perishable food, safety supplies, pet food, baby supplies, plastic sheeting, rain gear, paper towels, duct tape, flashlights/candles, hand sanitizer, and a basic tool kit. If you make sure that you have this general list of supplies, you should be fine in any hurricane. Keep reading to get a full hurricane shopping list.
The Supplies You Need so You're Ready for a HurricaneWhen you're getting your hurricane shopping list together, you need to look at all of the things you may need during the hurricane through the time that it will take for you to get power back, debris is cleared from the roads and local stores are up and running again. Sometimes this is almost as soon as the storm has passed, but other times it can take up to a couple of weeks before things are back to normal. Plan for the worst-case! What should you stock up on before a hurricane?When you're getting ready for a hurricane, your shopping list needs to have certain key items on it. At a minimum, you need to make sure that you have one gallon of water per person per day and enough non-perishable food to last until local stores can get power back, repair any damages and start getting shipments in again. FEMA suggests keeping at least a three day supply of food and water. If you want to really be prepared you should have at least two weeks of supplies since it can take this long to get power back on and everything up and running. The minimum shopping list for a hurricane:
Download this list as a PDF file. This is the absolute minimum amount of supplies that you should have on hand to be ready for hurricane season. What are good non-perishable food items for a hurricane?Canned foods, dried goods like cereal and pasta, energy bars and granola bars are all great to store for a hurricane. I recommend keeping a variety of foods that are easy to eat and don't need to be prepared because it keeps you from having to cook. Cooking requires you to have grills, camp stoves or some other way to cook that you don't need to worry about if you just buy prepared food. Stoves are also one of the most common forms of fires during natural disasters. House fires are dangerous under normal circumstances and they're even more dangerous when the fire department is not able to get you or could be delayed for a long time. Preferred foods for a hurricane:
Consider adding some snacks to your shopping list. Sweets are a great comfort food and can really help when you need a physical or mental "pick me up" during a disaster. What should be in a hurricane survival kit?If you're doing more than just running out to get enough food and water just before a hurricane hits, I'd suggest putting together everything on the lists below. It doesn't have to be expensive, just grab stuff from around your house and put it all inside a large tote or in one closet where everyone knows where it's at. Don't forget about your animals! Make sure that you have enough food and water for all of your pets. If you're going to evacuate you need to take them with you. They depend on you to take care of them. Shopping list to build a Complete Hurricane Kit:Plan for food and water for 14 days (2 weeks) to cover you through the possible outage of services.
Other items to add to your kit:
Pet Hurricane Kit:
These lists were compiled from information from FEMA. How much cash should I have during a hurricane?The exact amount of cash that you need in a hurricane depends on the needs of your family. It's really up to you to decide. I recommend keeping enough cash on hand to cover a week's worth of expenses and getting that cash in $5, $10 and $20 denominations. Cash will be usable even if the power is out or stores lose their connection to credit card companies. Having lower denominations of bills makes it possible to buy lower-cost items when there may be no change available without having to pay $20 or more for a case of water or gallon of milk. How do you entertain yourself during a hurricane?Don't overlook the importance of having something to keep you and your family entertained during a hurricane! This can be really important if you have small children. Boardgames, card games, and other things to keep their minds occupied and off of the fact that a potentially dangerous storm is going on outside can make it much easier for the family. Even after the hurricane has passed it's nice to have something to do to pass the time. Most of us are so used to being able to watch youtube on our phones and having internet access that it can actually be really stressful to be without electricity. Take this time to read some good books that you haven't made time for or just sit with the family and actually talk! Do you need a generator?A generator is a pretty big investment, but it can be a lifesaver when the power is out for long periods of time. If you have any family members that require refrigerated medications (like insulin) or medical devices that need power then I'd suggest you read our article to determine what size generator you need. Hurricane Facts - What You Should ExpectKnowing what to expect when a hurricane occurs can make getting ready for one a lot easier. There really is no cut and dry list of things that will work for everyone. We all have different situations that we need to deal with. If you understand what may happen, then you can add or subtract from the hurricane shopping list above and tailor it to better fit your own needs.
Hurricane categories and expected damage
Source: NOAA [wc_box color="primary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] The Honda EU2200i is our favorite portable generator for natural disasters. ConclusionHurricanes are one of the most destructive forms of natural disasters, but having a good hurricane shopping list can make getting ready for one a lot easier. They knock out power, tear down trees, destroy houses and office buildings and throw debris across roads making travel difficult. Make sure that you have at least three days of food and water for your family and pets. If you want to make sure that you're well prepared for a hurricane you should aim for two weeks of food and water. The post Hurricane Shopping List – 40 Items to Buy so You’re Ready for a Hurricane was first published to: ready lifestyle via Blogger Hurricane Shopping List – 40 Items to Buy so You’re Ready for a Hurricane |
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