BP, the government and the people of this nation have run out of time.  The media blackouts cannot erase the proof of oil tides and dead carcasses washing up on the coast of the Southern Gulf States.  Many are beginning to call this a modern day “Black Death.”  There is no quick fix for this diabolical mess and no amount of money can be thrown at the problem to wish it away.  Let’s examine what we do know: the waters are toxic, the air is toxic, the rains are toxic, and soon the water sources will become toxic (We will not even go into the speculation that the methane in the water could cause an exponential explosion, thus creating a tsunami).

According to an article, emergency planners are dealing with a prospective “dead zone” within a 200 mile radius from the Deepwater Horizon disaster datum in the Gulf.  Therefore, mass mandatory evacuations are being planned by government agencies. 

The article indicates that government insiders are suggesting that “plans are being put in place for the mandatory evacuation of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville, Hammond, Houma, Belle Chase, Chalmette, Slidell, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pensacola, Hattiesburg, Mobile, Bay Minette, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Crestview, and Pascagoula … The toxic rain from the Gulf is expected to poison fresh water reservoirs and lakes, streams, and rivers, which will also have a disastrous impact on agriculture and livestock, as well as drinking water, in the affected region.” 

The mass exodus and relocation of millions of families will happen.  It’s just a matter of when and where these displaced citizens will go.  

Wake Up and Be Prepared to Evacuate

Evacuating a Community –  With the threat of thousands of communities being displaced, there will be widespread chaos.  If a mandatory evacuation is announced, the faster a person begins traveling to their destination the better chance of dodging traffic and any unnecessary stressful situations.  If a person can evacuate before a mandatory evacuation has been announced, the better off they will be.  

To expedite the process of preparing for a mandatory evacuation: 

• A well defined preparedness planwith maps and alternative routes in place.  Do not leave unless there is a plan in place.  Additionally, prepare multiple plans if the initial plan does not work.
• Purchase maps to use during the course of the journey.
• A 72 hour bag that is ready to go for the family as well as a bag for any pets.
• Collect any family heirlooms or memorabilia.  There may be a chance you will not see your home for a while.
• Have a small supply of food and water (at least 3-5 days worth).
• Leave as soon as possible.  Do not wait until they have opened up the contraflow lanes to evacuate.
• Have some money set aside for an emergency.  Prepare for some ATM machines and banks to be closed. 
• Make sure the Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) is well maintained.  Having the proper items to keep it going can be of great value in a disaster situation.  Items such as an oil, extra tire, fix-a-flat, collapsible shovel, etc.

It seems that natural storms have become more severe in recent years.  No one takes hurricanes lightly anymore due to the shock and awe that hurricane Katrina caused when she came ashore.  Hurricanes are violent storms that can cause so much damage it can level an entire town.   

Hurricanes are serious tropical storms with winds that exceed 74 mph and have a tendency to cause structural damage to homes and commercial businesses.  Inland flooding is also a concern for many who live on the coasts because a hurricane can dump dozens of inches of water in a matter of days.  The extent of the damage done by a hurricane depends on the category that is has been assigned.  The categories range from 1 (minimal damage) to 5 (severe damage).  Plans and preparations should be made prior to the possibility of a hurricane threat.   

Those that live in the coastal areas know that hurricanes are always lurking around the corner.  Therefore, it is only logical to have a disaster plan in place in the case this is the year the hurricane will hit.   

Make a Plan

A disaster plan is one of the most important aspects of preparedness.   A decisive plan of action should take into account the pros and cons of any given situation.  The basic premise of having a disaster plan is to know what your Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C is before the disaster strikes.  Your main priorities are shelter, fire, and water, and food.   When preparing a disaster plan, keep all the information together in a binder called the G.O.O.D Manual.  This will keep vital information, emergency plans, contact information, etc organized and ready in the case someone needs it in a pinch.  It would be wise to write down a main contact of someone outside of the hurricane area that you can use as a communication hub to relay pertinent information to other members of the family or friends.  This is important because 1. You do not want to be on the phone the entire time calling people with updates, and 2. Phone lines are going to be maxed out.  It will be hard to get through multiple times. 

If you plan on bugging out or evacuating, get the evuaction plan in order, needed items together and try and leave before the mass exodus.  No one wants to be caught in idle traffic for hours.  Also, having extra gallons of gasoline would also be beneficial.  In the past, many refugees who did not have extra gas and ran out of gas ended up having to abandon their cars on the highway.  Bottom line is plan ahead and try and leave as early as possible.

Calling one person will minimize the time of the phone, and you can concentrate your effort on other important things.  Additionally, contact a friend or relative to see if you would be able to stay with them (if you plan on getting out of the storms path).  

Learn about your community emergency response plan, as well as the national weather radio stations prior to the threat of a storm.  The National Hurricane Center is also a good source for information regarding approaching hurricanes and tropical storms.

Plan For The Worst Scenario and Get Emergency Supplies Now

Typically, when a hurricane watch or warning is issued, there is a mass flock to the stores to gather items.  People tend to buy the exact same thing (canned goods, water, infant formula, etc), and these are the items that run out the fastest.  Those who wait to gather supplies until the last minute are typically the ones who will either end up waiting in long lines, or go home empty handed because all the stores have sold our of supplies. 

The most important item to have on hand besides a plan, is water.   Multiple disaster organizations suggest having 1 gallon of water per person per day.  This suggestion is for drinking purposes only.  If a person wants to flush their toilet or clean dirty dishes, they will need to have extra water on hand.  Having a water filter or micropur tablets is a good idea to have on hand in the case that city water is interrupted or a person’s well has become contaminated.  Here are some additional suggestions for having extra water on hand:

• Properly clean and bleach a bath tub.  Caulk the drain hold and allow it to dry.  Fill it with water.
• Freeze zip loc bags filled with water.
• Use emtpy juice containers (cleaned thoroughly) and fill them with water.
• Fill buckets with water to use for flushing the toilet.

Gathering foods for a short term disaster can be relatively inexpensive.  It is a good idea to plan for the worst case scenario so that everything can be prepared for.  Since electicity going out is typically a problem with hurricanes, purchase foods that can be stored without refrigeration.  Furthermore, plan meals to meet a 1500-2000 calorie diet that are high in nutrients so that individuals in the home can keep up their energy levels up.  Keep in mind any members of the family that are on special diets (including pets). 

Other supplies such as flashlights, batteries, a battery operated or solar radio, first aid kit and a good can opener are some other additional items one may need if a hurricane hits.  Gasoline will also be in an extremely high demand.  Especially if a person is using a generator to power a home.  Having a ready supply of fuel will help make the experience of bugging in a little less of a burden and more of a minor inconvenience.

Protect the Home

Prior to the storm, the home should be prepared so that when the storm hits, it sustains minimal damage.  Below, one can find some tips on how to prepare the home.

• Move the furniture into the center of the room so that if the windows break, the incoming rainfall does not damage the furniture as badly.   
• Take pictures of the home for insurance purposes, check insurance policies and take valuable pictures and memorabilia.  Turn off the water valve on the water tank.  
• Bring in any lose furniture or backyard items inside.
• Remove any dead limbs from the yard.
• Prepare windows and doorways for possible flooding.
• Clear out any gutters or drains so that flooding waters can drain
• Find a room with no windows to use as a shelter and set up sleeping bags and other supplies there.

For additional information on preparing a home, here is a Homeowner’s Checklist that can be viewed.

In Summation  

Once May roles around, people all around the east and gulf coast begin to brace themselves for the possibility of being up close and personal with a hurricane.  Hurricanes are storms that arenot a force to be reckoned with.  There high gale force winds and flooding cause serious damage to homes as well as create severe beach erosion.  Having a decisive action plan, food, water and supplies already stored and knowing how to protect your home will keep you and your family as safe as possible.

Additional Reading Material:

www.nhc.noaa.gov

www.hurricaneworkshop.com

www.hurricanes.gov

www.solarstik.com/emergency.php

Some may find it hard to envision how truly dependent we are upon “the system” that produces our creature comforts such as electricity, running water, transportation of goods, and let us not forget about air conditioning.  What if a massive event caused that system to shut off?  How do you think society as a whole would react?  How would you fare from the entire system being terminated?  Are you prepared?  Could you survive?

In the History Channel’s: After the Apocalypse, this series takes the audience into a shtf situation through a storyline about a family who has to find a way to survive escaping from a city, as well as finding a way to survive the dangers that torment the refugees along the way.  The series also does a good job of explaining how, in fact the fragile system that keeps us collectively docile can quickly unravel thus causing the degradation of society as a whole.

Below is the entire series for your viewing pleasure:

This series puts the importance of preparing into perspective (and silently applaudes those who have the forethought to begin prepping).  Again, it is sometimes hard to envision how fast the country could crumble.  This series is a great tool to use on those that are new to prepping and may not understand fully the importance, or for those friends or family members that you are trying to help begin to prep.

While it is important  to listen and keep up to date on the current status of a disaster, as well as actively acquiring information regarding the disaster, the action of packing up and evacuating rests in the evacuees hands; not the governments or the businesses telling the person they have to work until the last minute.  Relying solely on the government’s ability to manage a crisis, takes the power out of a person’s hands and places into a stranger’s hands (who may not have your best interests in mind).  Many have forgotten this and rely only on a governmental body to tell them when they can leave.  It is important to emphasize that the needs and agendas of a local government are different than the citizens. 

Don’t Be Another Statistic: Be Ready

In a situation where people are facing an evacuation order, time is precious.  Typically, people are not ready or prepared to bug out.  When the individuals are unprepared and is combined with the city’s unpreparedness, it does not make a good scenario.  There is no better example of the governemnts incompetence to handle these massive evacuation orders than with what happened during the evacuations of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.   Many state and local governments wait until the very last moment to issue an evacuation order.  Planning to evacuate thousands, if not millions of individuals in a 2-3 day time span, will cause nothing but mass chaos and unnecessary conflict. 

If one lives in an area where they could be prone to disasters, it is always the best bet to have the following ready:

• A well defined preparedness plan with maps and alternative routes in place.  Don’t leave unless there is a plan in place.  A person who is prepared to leave and has a set destination in mind is more prepared than the person who is scrambling around their home trying to find items and not even thinking about what their emergency plan will be.
• A 72 hour bag that is ready to go for the family as well as a bag for any pets.
• Leave as soon as possible.  Do not wait until they have opened up the contraflow lanes to evacuate.
• Have some money set aside for an emergency.  Prepare for some ATM machines and banks to be closed.  Example: You finally get on the road and realize you are low on gas.  All the banks and ATMs are closed.  In this scenario, once the gas runs out, you will be stuck  with no money for food, shelter or transportation.
• Make sure the Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) is well maintained.  Having the proper items to keep it going can be of great value in a disaster situation.  Items such as an oil, extra tire, fix-a-flat, collapsible shovel, etc.

Knowledge is Critical

Knowledge is essential in any type of emergency evacuation scenario.  Imagine how important it would be if  someone had the advantage of having the information to leave 3 hours before everyone else did.  If they were already prepared and ready to go, it would be a huge advantage.

• Awareness of the different advisory forms to get the most information.  A person does not have to listen to the TV to get information.  There are many types of emergency advisories: radio, police scanners, Internet, twitter, and even a cell phone disaster alert sytem to alert a person at the earliest time possible.  This will give someone a heads up of what it to come.  
• Know which station on the radio has Emergency Broadcast Stations.

Every minute is critical when bugging out.  If a person is not prepared, then they are losing valuable time.  Using all known communication resources to get information and staying clued in will put a person at a greater advantage than those only listening to one type of communication form.  Gathering information ahead of time of what the possible threat is (flood preparation, hurricane preparation, tornado, societal uprising, etc), and finding ways to avoid them will put a person in a better mind frame when they actually have to come head to head with the threat.   

Know The Signs

Waiting until an evacuation order is issued is considered too late for many people who consider themselves prepared.  Knowing the signs and acting on them is the key to bugging out at the best time.  If a person knows what to look for, they can prepare to leave ahead of the hoard of evacuees. 

Some signs include:

• When people begin buying emergency food and water supplies.
• Hearing the news sources talking about a possible threat is the time to begin preparing to leave.
• Seeing long lines at the bank where people are withdrawing money is a sign that something is up.
• Long gas lines is also an indicator of people beginning to prepare for a possible evacuation.
• Increased military and police presence in the streets and the community.
• Long lines at home improvement stores from poeple trying to buy supplies to prepare homes for disasters, buying generator needs, etc.

If a person is already prepared for such a disaster, they will not have to wait in lines full of stressed out people, not have to fight their way through a grocery store or get into a possible altercation trying to fill their cars with gas.  In times of crises, many are not prepared, and the stress levels are increased exorbitantly.  Everyone has one thing on their mind – getting supplies and getting out.  If a person already has their supplies in order, getting out ahead of everyone will put them at a greater advantage.

Consider the Dangers and Know the Threats

Knowing when to bug out solely depends upon the person and what they are trying to avoid.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  Obviously, evacuating in a high stress situation is absolutely the worst case scenario. Yet, this tends to be the norm for many.  Many believe that bad things cannot happen to them, so why bothering in planning for it?  This mind frame is what leads to dangerous situations. 

Many who wait until the government suggests it is necessary to evacuate will have more of a chance of getting caught in mass chaos, be amongst unprepared and stressed out drivers, and possibly face bouts of crime.  Leaving at the wrong time can put a person and their family into jeopardy.  Seeing the signs and knowing when to bug out will play a pivotal role in evacuating safely.  Not to mention giving a person the advantage of having the right mind set, leaving quickly, and more importantly – safely. 

The information provided is intended to give suggestions of what one may do in an evacuation situation as well as to suggest that people use the information provided by media sources and use their own sound judgement to make a decision to evacuate a city.   This post in no way advises people not to listen to their local governments or relative news sources.  It only suggests that people use the information provided by media sources and to leave when they believe it is pertinent.

According to FEMA, evacuations are more common than many realize.

Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes.  Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently.  Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.

 A decisive plan of action should take into account the pros and cons of any given situation.  Be objective.  The main priorities to keep in mind are shelter, fire, and water/food.    Always have Plan A, B and C.  And stay focused at the task at hand.  Evacuating due to an unforeseen emergency has two parts:

Evacuating from a home due to a fire or flood - If a home evacuation is in order, there is little time to collect belongings.  Some experts say a person has 10 minutes or less to collect needed items.  Prepare a list a head of time of the items that would need to be taken such as photo albums, identification (birth certificates, social security cards, financial documents, wills/deeds, and medical insurance information), proof of address, as well as items for a 72 hour bag.   Dividing the duties between family members will make this situation more efficient as well as make better use of time. 

Household Emergency Evacuation Plan

• Draw a blue print of the home and then draw an evacuation route and a meeting place.
• Make one drawing for each story of the home.  Keep this in a area of the home where members of the family can see and review often.
• If the home is more than one story, have an emergency ladder or rope to use as a secondary evacuation method.
• Have maps ready for the closest evacuation centers, main and alternative route for leaving the city in North, South, East and West directions.  Driving the routes a head of time can determine the best ways of arriving at the determined location.
• Meet up spots outside the affected areas if a family is separated and not traveling together.
• Designate person outside of the area as a primary contact for the family.
• If there is time, shut off main gas valves to the home.

Source – www.nationalterroralert.com

Evacuating a community – Community evacuations normally provide a person with more time to prepare their homes and collect belongings, but this is not always the case.  The faster a person begins traveling to their destination the better chance of dodging traffic and any unnecessary stressful situations.  If a person can evacuate before a mandatory evacuation has been announced, the better off they will be. 

Community Evacuation Plan

• Plan the evacuation -  Have maps on hand with the planned route already made. 
• Have a Plan B – In the event that certain roads are closed, have an alternate evacuation route. 
• Have a place to meet - If a family is not all together when an evacuation is ordered, having a predetermined meeting place will allow the members to reunite and travel to their primary location.  Make sure each of the family members knows the meet up spot.
• Choose a location to stay – When evacuations are ordered, some go to hotels to wait the disaster out, some flee to family or friend’s homes that are outside the affected area.  Where ever that location is, make sure that if need be, staying there for a longer amount of time is alright.  If a person goes to a hotel, bring extra money in case staying there longer is needed.

Source – www.nationalterroralert.com

Considerations When Evacuating

• Is there reliable form of transportation?
•  Are there properly mapped out routes? 
• What is the emergency evacuation procedures for children’s schools?  Will they be taken someone else?  Can you get them?
•  Is there a full tank of gas (and extra gas if needed)?
• If there are possible dangers or bad weather elements, can a person stay safe and protected?
•  Is there an alternate route or escape route?
• Leave early enough to avoid any traffic.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes.
• If possible, try and stay off of main highways feeding into the city. 

If a person or family has no means of transportation and realize that walking is the only option:

•  What is the route that will be taken? 
•  What is the distance walked each day? 
• Where will each person sleep? 
• Does the person have a method of signaling in case of emergency?   
• Does the person walking realize that extra food and water will be needed to compensate for the extra needed energy from walking?
•  Is the person properly dressed for this type of traveling? 
• If the person follows the main highway system out of town, there could be a lot of trouble that could occur.  Can the person defend themselves? 
• Does the person have an escape route?

Evacuating With Pets

The Humane Society encourages all pet owners to take their pets along when a evacuation is ordered.  According to the Humane Society, “many pets who are turned loose or left behind to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, accidents or exposure to elements.”  Many evacuation shelters do not accept pets, so plan accordingly. Preparing a three day or 72 hour kit pet kit will keep the pets as safe as possible. 

 Evacuating a home or community is a stressful situation for many who are unprepared for this possibility.  Following the correct protocals by having a family emergency plan, a decided meeting place, pre-established traveling routes and maps can help alleviate this tension high situation. 

 Related Articles:

Are You Ready Series: Emergency Medical Supply

Are You Ready Series: Emergency Water Supply

Are You Ready Series: Emergency Clothing

Are You Ready Series: Essential Footwear

Are You Ready Series: 72 Hour Kits

So what happens if you are in your car when a mandatory evacuatation comes to order?  Would you be prepared to leave with only the items in your car? 

What Is a 72 Hour Kit?

A 72 hour kit is essentially filled with items that will meet your basic survival needs (food, water, safety, shelter) for at least 3 days time.  The items placed in the kits should be light weight and functional so that, if need be, carrying the kit will not be a strain due to unnecessary items.  Initially, the most important part of  preparing for an event is to have a well thought out a plan.  This plan should be in place before you evacuate.

To prepare a 72 hour kit for your vehicle,  use a plastic container  and fill it with:

•  3 Day Supply of Food
• Water – 3 Day Supply
• Water Purification Tablets
• Blankets
• Emergency Shelter
• Flashlight or a Light Source
• Extra Batteries
• Rain Poncho
• Work Gloves
• Knife or Multi Purpose Tool
• Chains For Tires
• Small Shovel or Collapsible Shovel
• Rope
• Air Compressor (to air tires)
• Fix-a-Flat
• Extra Tire
• Waterproof Matches
• Signaling Device such as a Flare, Mirror,Whistle or Light Stick
• Extra Clothes compatible to the season you are in.
• Hand and Foot Warmers (optional but very effective if you need to be in the cold weather for a long period of time)
• 2 Extra Pairs of Socks
• Extra Jacket for Layering
• Toiletries (Toilet Paper, Soap, etc.)
• First Aid Kit
• Survival Book to Look to for Survival Information
• Maps and navigation devices (compass, GPS device, etc)
• 5-10 gallons of extra gasoline

Having a 72 hour kit for your vehicle is a way to curb the feelings associated with being unprepared for disasters.  If packed properly, a 72 hour kit will give you everything you need to keep you alive for 3 days.   Having one of these for your car can be used in the case of an emergency evacuation, or if your car stalls in a remote location where there is no way to signal to get help.  Adding a few items to the trunk for one of these unforeseen disasters or events will not only help you prepare, but also keep you safe and focused on finding a solution in the case that you find yourself in one of these situations. 

Personally speaking, when I assembled my family’s bug out bags it took a few hours to run through the house getting all the supplies in order.  If I was in a time sensitive situation, I would have forgotten half of the items I packed.  It’s essential that your B.O.Bs (Bug Out Bags) are ready to go.

 What To Put Into a 72 Hour Bag?

What would your family need for 3 days?  Better yet, what items would you take out of your house that would save your life for 3 days?  It does not really matter what type of bag  is used to place your items in.  Many people use duffel bags, backpacks and suitcases to store their gear in.  However, many experts advise that the bag or container should be waterproof.  For those with multiple people in their family, each person in the family should have their own 72 hour bag that is placed into a large plastic container.  A bag or container with a carrying handle would be advisable if the container holds many items or is for a family.  Some thoughts to keep in mind when preparing your 72 hour bag are:

• Have a plan in place (choosing the location, let family members know where your destination is, the contact information, a secondary destination, etc.)
• Keep the basic needs in mind: food, water, shelter, clothing, safety and communication. 
• Try and find items that are light weight, functional and versatile so that carrying them in a container will not be a strain. 
• Take your bag out and use it a few times to test that nothing is forgotten.

Food

A little food can go a long way if you are creative enough.  Find a stove to cook food in, and boil water. Try and find foods that are light weight an high in calories and have lots of energy. Have enough food for a 3 day period.  Some possible food suggestions would be:

• MRE’s
• Crackers
• Pasta
• Hard Candy
• Energy Bars
• Dried Fruits and Nuts
• Instant Oatmeal
• Granola Bars
• Powdered Milk
• Jerky

Some other suggestions for meals would be:

• Bouillon Cubes
• Instant Rice/Mashed Potatoes
• Dried Soups
• Camping Freeze Dried Foods
• Gum
• Instant Pudding
• Powdered Drink Mixes (Tang, Crystal Light)
• Paper Plates, Cups and Eating Ware

 Water

Having a good water supply is more important than food.  A person cannot go without 3 days of water so have a plentiful amount.  At a minimum, each person should have one gallon of water per day.  In an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster, water is one of the first items to disappear off of a store shelf.  If you can pack more water, then go for it. 

• Individual water bottles in the pack, gallon jugs of water, etc.
• Canteen
• Collapsible water container
• Water filter
• Water purification tablets

 Clothing

Clothes in the 72 hour bag should be rotated every season and be appropriate to the environment you are in.  Having items in your bag that can be layered is a great option. 

•  If it is the winter season: Pack all cold weather essentials in maintaining body heat: Layered clothing, warm hat preferably with flaps over the ears, waterproof pants, mittens, etc.
• Work Gloves
•  Have at least one change of clothing in your bag and two extra pairs of socks.
•  A good pair of boots (hiking or combat boots) with a deep trench in the sole.
• Rain Suit
• Poncho
• Hat to keep the sun off your face.
• Bandanna

Shelter

A shelter is to keep out the natural elements at bay as well as provide a warm place to sleep to maintain body temperature.

• Tents (lightweight)
• Sleeping bag
• Durable long lasting emergency blankets
• Tube tent (emergency shelter)
• Tarp
• Garbage bags can even be used for a shelter.
• Mylar emergency blankets 

Fire

Having fire lighting gear will help maintain proper body temperature, assist in cooking food, and boiling water.  If an emergency arises and you have to leave, you want to be able to have items on hand to make a fire to stay warm.

• Waterproof matches
• Magnesium Fire starters
• Cigarette Lighters

Communication

In a survival situation, communication is key.  Family members and friends want to know that everyone is safe and sound and have made it to their ideal locations.  Additionally, news sources such as radios need to be heard to find out if you are in a safe location, safe to go back to your home or are in a dangerous area.

• Cell Phone
• A 2-way radio
• Radio to get news and information.
• Whistle
• Battery powered tv
• Scanner to hear about police situations and fires that may be in the area
• Signals such as whistles, flares and mirrors are important

Tools

Tools will be used for a variety of reasons.  Tools for hunting, shoveling, cutting, and for navigational purposes are all essential items for a 72 hour bag. 

• Knives ( to cut large machete type and a smaller Gerber hunter)
• Multi-tool 
• Camping shovels
• Candles
• Hammer or hatchet
• Collapsible fishing pole with hooks, line, bobbers, etc.
• Flares
• Maps, compass or GPS devices  ( Having extra compasses ensures that navigation is accurate).
• Rope (paracord),
• Knife sharpening stone,
• Flash light with extra batteries

Written Survival Sources

In a high stress situation that some are not used to, forgetfulness plays a part from dealing with all the changes that are occuring.  Having some manuals to look upon for survival information, or for spiritual information to lift the moral is a good idea and does not take up much space.

•  Survival Manuals
• First Aid Manuals
• Bible

Safety

There is no guarantee that everything will go as planned.  There are times when emergenies arise.  Having a well stocked first aid kit is essential in the case that someone gets injured.  Taking a basic first aid course to give the proper aid is an instrumental tool in providing the right type of care.  First aid kits should be filled with every type of first aid gear that could be needed. 

• Band-aids
• Antiseptic
• Gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Tourniquet
• Celox (Emergency Blood Clotting Granules)
• Bug spray
• Sunblock
• Poison ivy cream
• Skin irritation cream
• Pain reliever
• Anti-Diarrhea Medicine
• Prescription medicine
• Cold/Flu medicine
• Scissors

Weapons are another type of maintaining safety.  Having the ability to defend yourself is another thing to keep in mind.  Having any form of weapon can ward off anyone trying to attack your family or property.

• Hand gun
• Rifle
• Shot gun
• Knives
• Taser

Hygiene

In a bug out situation, many assume it could be for a few days, but it could be for longer periods of time.  Keeping yourself clean is not only beneficial to those around you, but also to maintain health.  Hygiene items are a good idea to put in your 72 hour bag:

• Toilet Paper
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Cleaning Wipes
• Soap
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Laundry Detergent

Personal Documents

When fleeing to a location other than your home, have the proper identification, and emergency information with in the case that you need to present it to a police officer, red cross disaster worker, state trooper, park ranger, etc. 

• Journal (with a pen)
• Identification Information (drivers license, passports, wills, marriage licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, proof of address)
• Licenses for guns or for fishing, etc
• Health Insurance Information 

If a disaster hits, and you are unprepared to flee the situation, fear and panic set in and mistakes are made.  To better access the situation, preparation makes all the difference.  Knowledge and preparation helps to control fear and keep a person calm.  Calmness and clarity are the emotions that a person wants in a disaster situation.  A 72 hour bag for multiple family members can take a longer amount of time than one may think.  Having it preassembled and ready to go can put a person ahead of the game when it comes to bugging out.   As previously menitoned, preparedness for disasters begins with each individual.   The more prepared a person is, the mor swiftly they can act, the calmer they will be, and the faster they can leave.

72 Hour Kit E-Books:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3036529/Mormon-Emergency-Preperation

http://www.scribd.com/doc/17778582/Emergency-Preparedness-Grab-n-Go

It is safe to say that America is in a full fledged depressionary period and as the people are starting to feel the effects of the economic dead fall, they will look for alternate ways of obtaining products.  We are in a bartering economy.  In fact, many residents in Massachusettes are turning to bartering goods and services in order to fight off the tight finances of this day and age. 

Recently in an article in USA Today, Craigslist postings in the bartering section have gone up 100% according to Craigslist spokesperson, Susan MacTavish Best.

Whatever the case may be, bartering for goods or services, in a SHTF scenario, will be more valuable than the paper dollar.  People will need goods to keep them a float, and maintain their survival supplies, as well as to have simple, yet affordable indulgences.  Initially, a person will want to acquire the basic survival needs  in a bug out situation.  Initially, in a dire situation where people are unprepared to leave they will need survival goods (food, clothing, shelter, clothing and protection).  In an economic crisis, skills of knowing how to find food, fixing cars, gardening, making items such as animal pens, etc will be useful in a bartering situation.  Having some extra of these items in your long term storage could be used for bartering and trading:

• Baby Formula/Cloth Diapers – In a bad situation, Mama Bears will do just about anything to take care of their cubs. 
• Seeds - I cannot stress how important having seeds is to survive.  A true prepper is not only prepping for short term situations, but on long term situations and supplies to sustain a family for as long as possible.
• Micro Livestock -  Livestock that are small, produce and do not take much to room to thrive such as chickens, ducks, pygmy goats and rabbits can provide food and manure for farming.
• Weapons - In a bad situation having weapons to protect yourself, family and property is priority #1.  Having extra weapons and accouterments that go along with weapons will be one of the top bartering items.  Items such as: Knives, Hunting Knives (heavy bladed knives for hunting),  Ammunition/Guns.  When purchasing extra bullets and guns, stick with the most popular models. 
• Mason Jars - Preserving your garden foods, meat, etc will provide food during the cold, winter months.  Many people, especially in the city no longer preserve their foods on their own.  They will need canning jars.
• First Aid Kits - In any article regarding bugging out, and preparing for a given emergency, a first aid kit full of supplies is always mentioned.  These days, people are not prudent and do not prepare for the worst.  First aid supplies, such as suturing needles, thread, saline solution, gauze and celox will be in high demand.
• Vitamins – Keeping your self healthy and illness free is a top priority.  If a person becomes vitamin deficient, ailments such as scurvy will become prevalent.
• Tools – Simple hand tools are an essential on any supply list.  Pick axes, hand saws, shovels,  hammers, wrenches, and screw drivers. 
• Fire Starting Gear – Everyone wants a nice fire to cozy up to.  Maintaining proper body heat is essential to our health as well as our mental health.  So stock up on lighters, waterproof matches, flints, etc.
• Honey and Sugar  – This item is not a necessity, but it would be a popular item and would give a break from the mundane, bland meals.  Honey can be used for medicinal uses such as alleviating diarrhea, and can be used as a base for cough medicines.
• Silver and Gold Coins - Silver coins and 1964 US quarters, and small gold coins if the SHTF will be the best form of currency.  Large silver and gold bars may be harder to barter with.     Plan on silver and gold to be the only monetary currency available – and stock up!
• Vegetable Oil - Use it for cooking and combine oil and herbs to make flavored oils.  When you are finished with the oil, then the used oil to make diesel fuel.  Further, use  the byproduct, glycerin to make soap.
• Gasoline – People will need gas and lots of it to power their vehicles and farming equipment.  In a bug out situation, do not have a lot on hand in the instance a mob or dangerous person tries to steal it from you.  Carry multiple 5 gallon containers of it.  The 1 ounce silver coins could be used to purchase 1 gallon of gas, etc.
• Fishing Supplies - Having alternative ways to catch food is always a good supply to have on hand.  Fishing equipment is very lightweight and the hooks, line and lures do not take up space in a bag.
• Medicines – Many rely on store bought medicines and do not have the knowledge to make their own.  If they can buy medicines to relieve ailments, they will.
• Boots - I cannot stress the importance of having a good pair of boots.  Military grade boots that have flexible soles and deep tread are the best type of shoes to have as far as walking/hiking in nature go.
• Coffee/Teas – This is one of those simple indulgences that many of us can’t live without.
• Liquor – Some like to kick back and try and forget the hard times.  Liquor can be made from almost anything: fruit, cactus, potatoes, rice, even honey.
• Cigarettes/Tobacco – Many cannot kick the habit of tobacco.  This is another indulgent item that many will do just about anything to get.

 

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