Sunday, April 26, 2009

Survival, are you ready?


What does one do in Alaska (or sub arctic area) concerning a pandemic, natural disaster in some range and capacity? Not many want to think about that especially since most think we are invincible in some way, shape or fashion.

There was an earthquake this morning, a smacking type… or what is known as a shaker. It woke me up out of a deep sleep around 8AM and scared me. Many people ask me why earthquakes scare me. I was in the earthquake in Washington State Feb 28 and The Alaska ones in Nov. and know the force first hand.

So it got me to think of what would happen if there happen to be some type of disaster here or anywhere. What would happen? Would we be left behind? Would it be like the 1964 earthquake where the military loaded those who didn’t think of anyway to rebuild, left on a C130 and sent to where ever.

Personally, I don’t hold our Government to anything. They have shown that they are incompetent in all capacity concerning disasters no matter what kind or manner. From Hurricanes like Katrina to Earthquakes like the 1989 California type to great flooding. Our Government is just unable and unstable to help other then those who choose to defraud.

I have a personal survival pack, that I can double and triple for my Mother and my Boyfriend is necessary. I have a couple good rifles and ammo for food if need be, fishing gear if the right season and dry/canned goods. I have a small kit for emergency purposes that I need to update as well as items to keep warm. Do you have that? Would you think that far forward?

I have been called insane, crazy, etc. for thinking like this. But it doesn’t take much for someone who has been hungry to think like this if they have ever gone without. I can say I have been hungry, wandering the streets having to do for myself and not telling a soul at that time in my life due to pride. But even pride gets put aside when the spirit is broken. I will never go hungry again.

What I recommend and give advice, is not because you should listen to me, but a subtle reminder that no one is going to watch out for you but you. Here is what I have, and just a suggestion. If you would like or have other ideas, please suggest some in the reply:

Water, bottled and at least 2 cases. And 3 large water bottles from a water store. You will use it.
Dry goods, Rice 50lbs bag, Pasta (elbow is the best as it takes less space) at least 10 lbs. 5-10 jars of Peanut butter.
Canned items like vegetables will be a good sent. Make sure to get a variety.
Dehydrated fruits and vegetables. You will NEED these for some vitamins.
Dehydrated meat. As this will be a blessing for energy.
Nuts of all varieties. Macadamia is best for fat, almonds for energy and walnuts are good for digestion. Peanuts are great but you will be constipated if you eat too many.
A multi-vitamin and supplements. Keep yourself HEALTHY!
Hygiene items, from toilet paper to paper towels. Baby wipes will be something you can trade if you get enough of them. Women should remember Tampons will be traded as well as Diapers. Remember Babies will need them.
Powdered milk. It will help, but won’t taste pleasant.
Survival Gear such as batteries, matches, candles, knives (I would suggest you get a survival type) a spork, small and easy to handle pots to boil water if needed, water pills.
An emergency kit with everything you can think of. From saline solution to needles if need be. You can never not have enough items in this. If you have some extra items like pain pills or pills that you stopped taking for a cold. Put them in a Freezer bag and put them in a freezer to keep them fresh, but not close to something that may “leak” on them. These will be priceless in the end.
Clothing… light but breathable and warm. Cotton, as much as we love it, kills. Synthetic materials are a must but always take a sweat shirt and a pair of jeans just in case. They have always been lifesavers. Just remember when in a predicament to shed them as cotton will stay wet for hours and you can not get warm in them if they are wet. If you do not have anything, look online at the outlet stores, it doesn’t matter what “fashion” is in, think warm and survival in the long run.
Shelter is what you make of it. If you can take a tent and a sleeping bag (synthetic up to -40 is the best) and a tarp, you are sent. Rain is a killer more so then snow. Wind is also a killer. Always remember that you will never make it in a windy rain so find the lee of a rock face or slope and hunker down.


I also recomend some snow shoes and if you have one and know how to use it, a Bow with good carbon arrows. They will be a lifesaver if you are unable to use a rifle.

God help us all. I would like to think more people think like I do… but I know they don’t.

3 comments:

  1. You might want to check out Eagle Enterprises on International for water pouches. They have small ones that don't explode when they freeze... Your bottled water will, so will the boxed liquids. They cost less than a dollar each. On the plus side, they thaw fast when you put them in your sleeping bag with you or against your body during the day. (And NO, I don't work at Eagle... I'm just a survival preparedness person, too.)

    Also, be careful with the dry meat. Too much gives you the runs. Be careful to alternate fish and red meat consumption so you don't have lipid malabsorption problems. Boxed tofu doesn't need refridgeration and lasts for several years. You might want to re-think the types of pasta in your kit; maybe switch to a rice or potato type that requires less water to prepare.

    And finally, boiling water won't kill everything. Nor do treatment pills and filters. I would recommend distilling; that method makes all water completely safe and doesn't take much more fuel than boiling.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rain awesome recomendations. I was just going off for a extreme emergency. I will look into those items.

    Be safe :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Interesting post. This makes sense even if the disaster is simply a powerline blowing down. Several winters ago, Delta was without power for a little over a day - there were a number of people (old timers actually) who couldn't heat their houses as they had no way of pumping the oil. The power came on before too many pipes started freezing, but people were getting nervous. Many couldn't cook and had to go to neighbors. Imagine if that had gone on for a week. Thank goodness for my woodstove.

    www.alaskadirt.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete