Page 98 - American Survival Guide - October 2017

MUST-

HAVES

Ideally, you will have your survival bag, but there
are times when you won’t, such as when on a family
vacation. If this is the case, here is a short list of what to
have—no matter what.
• First aid kit: Make sure you have a good one with
you. I pack mine in my checked baggage when going
on vacation or on assignment. Not only might there
be a need to treat yourself and your family, but in
some cases, you could be the only medical help
available to treat others.
• A Swiss Army knife or a multipurpose tool should
be packed. The possible uses of these tools are
endless. (This tool must be put in checked baggage.)
• A two-day supply of nonperishable food. I always
carry MREs, Mountain House or Paleo Meals to Go.
• A weather band radio allows you to monitor ‹ The safest way out of a bad situation might not be the most direct route. Know your
surroundings, and have a plan devised before you need to implement it.
emergency updates. These radios are powered by
batteries, solar panels or a crank. In fact, some units
The Florida Keys are islands that extend south and west from the southern tip of the
include all three options. Some also allow you to Florida peninsula. Unlike the Hawai’ian Islands, where your only way in or out is by boat
charge small devices such as smart phones. or plane, in the Keys, you also have the added option of a two-lane road (U.S. Route 1).
• Communications: A cell phone, laptop or tablet is a Unfortunately, it will be jammed in an emergency, especially during the tourist season.
Thankfully, tsunamis are not common here (and there is no high ground to run to).
must. Make sure it is fully charged. However, only use it
What this area does have are hurricanes and fierce tropical storms. A major storm could
to communicate with the outside world. This is no time
easily close down the road to and from the Keys and the Florida mainland.
to surf the Web. It is not just coastal and island floods you need to be aware of. Throughout the rest
• Some sort of light source should always be on hand. of the country, you have to be aware of a variety of threats: earthquakes, floods, severe
• Some sort of
cold, snow and ice storms, high heat, tornadoes and hurricanes (to name just a few).
I carry a Bushnell Rubicon rechargeable headlamp, cold, snow and ice storms, high heat, tornadoes and hurricanes (to name just a few).
I carry a Bushnell Rubicon rechargeable headlamp,
I’d like to say that natural hazards will be the only scenarios you might face … but I
because it allows my hands to be free. I’d like to say that natural hazards will be the only scenarios you might face … but I
because it allows my hands to be free.
would be lying. Sometimes, cities can be scary places. Whenever you visit an unfamiliar
would be lying. Sometimes, cities can be scary places. Whenever you visit an unfamiliar
area, including developed areas, always look for a way out. Find all the exits in a restau-
area, including developed areas, always look for a way out. Find all the exits in a restau-
rant, movie theatre or tourist attraction. Know where emergency equipment is kept and
rant, movie theatre or tourist attraction. Know where emergency equipment is kept and
how to get help fast.
how to get help fast.
The point I am trying to make is that it doesn’t matter where you are; every area has
The point I am trying to make is that it doesn’t matter where you are; every area has
its concerns that you need to be aware of and be able to handle if the need arises. The
its concerns that you need to be aware of and be able to handle if the need arises. The
more aware you are, the better you will be able to cope.
more aware you are, the better you will be able to cope.
BE PREPARED
BE PREPARED
As much as I would like to say that my “survival” bag goes with me on every trip, I can’t.
As much as I would like to say that my “survival” bag goes with me on every trip, I can’t.
If I am driving to some location, then, yes, it is with me. If I am traveling by plane, my bag
If I am driving to some location, then, yes, it is with me. If I am traveling by plane, my bag
stays home. Many items in that bag would never get through the TSA screening process.
stays home. Many items in that bag would never get through the TSA screening process.
But that does not mean I go unprepared.
But that does not mean I go unprepared.
I always pack food, a means of communication, a first aid kit and a few other
I always pack food, a means of communication, a first aid kit and a few other
items—“just in case.” I pack some freeze-dried meals, my laptop and cell phone (both
items—“just in case.” I pack some freeze-dried meals, my laptop and cell phone (both
fully charged) in my carry-on bag. I also carry a notebook and a handful of pens (which
fully charged) in my carry-on bag. I also carry a notebook and a handful of pens (which
can be used for self-defense if needed). In my checked baggage are my Swiss Army knife,
can be used for self-defense if needed). In my checked baggage are my Swiss Army knife,
Solo Stove portable bio-mass stove, Bushnell Rubicon headlamp, Bushnell PowerSync or
Solo Stove portable bio-mass stove, Bushnell Rubicon headlamp, Bushnell PowerSync or
‹ The author always carries the Bushnell Rubicon headlamp for his
SunJack portable solar panels to keep everything charged, as well as my first aid kit.
hands-free lighting source. SunJack portable solar panels to keep everything charged, as well as my first aid kit.
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