In Event of A Disaster
By EvrWonder
@EvrWonder (3571)
Canada
February 1, 2009 1:48pm CST
A devastating Earthquake.
A Tsunami,
A wide spread Fire,
Have you been faced with any of the above?
In event of a catastrophic disaster,
Where would you want to be, Ideally?
I would want to be close to family members.
However, this is not always possible.
If a disaster struck, it is likely that some family members would be separated from the others. We may all be alone.
Either at work, in the midst of going to visit each other.
Maybe we would all be at our own homes sleeping in our own beds.
Since we reside right next to the Ocean and have been having small earthquakes regularly, It is said that it is not a case of "if" but "when" the Big One strikes, I have often thought that moving to the middle of the country would be safest.
I would be alone and without my family and closest friends, who would be left behind.
Advisories say to be prepared to fend for ourselves for at least 72 hours.
I have my survival kit packed, do you?
No matter where in the world we reside, disaster can strike at any time.
Do you give this much thought?
I imagine some don't, thinking if it is going to happen it will and that there isn't much that they can do about it.
True enough but wouldn't you want to survive? I do.
Since we reside in the area that we do, often family members, discuss between themselves what we would do in case of a Tsunami. We have suggested to go to the highest point in our area, that we would be alerted to be prepared.
My thought is that since there is only one main road to the highest point in our territory, there would be an alarming amount of vehicles trying to all get the same place at once.
My ideal plan is to have a boat that is handy enough to be available in case of a disastrous flood. A Tsunami may take my boat away far away but if it was still accessible, I could retreat to my boat, with my dog and go pick up my family members if they hadn't already drowned.
I have also thought about an underground bunker and would love to build one.
Would it be water proof?
How could I stop the water from entering since it would be under ground?
Has anyone made a bunker in case of a disaster?
Do you have a boat?
How do you plan to possibly survive a unforeseen disaster that could strike at any given time?
In my survival kit I have
Waterproof matches and candles
a survival blanket
a can opener
a whistle
a wind up flashlight
water
canned food
both of which I refresh every six months
band-aids
and a small jack knife
a spoon
I am adding to my survival kit all the time.
I also have a first aid kit.
Here is one of the most comprehensive lists I have found online, for contents one might consider adding to their Survival Kit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_kit
Do you have anymore ideas?
8 responses
@Savvynlady (3684)
• United States
1 Feb 09
I escaped the earthquake that messed up San Francisco and Oakland in '89 by like a week. I was coming back to California after being stationed in Korea a year and we were tying up loose ends there to come back, and we caught a plane down south. The next week, they had the earthquake across the very bridge we came across to get to the airport. S.F./Oakland Bridge. Hurricanes, I been through a couple. Frederick in '79 was my first one. We stayed out of school a couple of weeks. I went through Georges in '98 which wasn't much; Lilly in '02 which was a little something something, Ivan which had us running scared in '04 but went over us then Katrina in "05 which just flooded us. I went through a couple of blackouts in NYC in '65 and '77. I remember the one is '77. After Katrina, I told myself to get out of dodge because these hurricanes bypassed Mobile and blessed us, but another may be for us, so I plan to go.
2 people like this
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
3 Feb 09
You have been through many disasters and close calls. Where do you plan to go from Alabama? Hurricanes can be devastating. I hope that you find a way to safe haven, that you will be free from any more earthly tragedies in the near future. I appreciate your response. I am surprised at how much you have witnessed and lives through when it comes to living through a disaster. Thank you for your response .
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Feb 09
That's a fairly comprehensive list they give. I have a lot of basic stuff but it's not all together. I think a selection of seeds is also a good idea for a possible long term situation. I live in central NSW and I think I have instinctively moved inland because of various threats. They say that 85% of people live on or near the coast of Australia.
My thoughts are that our biggest threats are from terrorists. I also believe that our power and water supply would be the most obvious targets. I also think that in the case of any sort of disaster, those who have planned and taken steps to ensure their survival will be at the mercy of those who have not...it's a dog eat dog world.
I too think about my family in these circumstances. I hope they would be able to make their way to me...my thoughts are for those in the cities, actually having somewhere to go to would be a big aim. Most people would have nowhere to go and they'd be clueless.
Where do you keep your survival kit? Is it all contained in something or spread around?
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
3 Feb 09
It is a comprehensive list of useful things to compile a survival kit in case of a disaster. I highly recommend everyone to have at least the bare necessities in a pack and set close by in case it is ever needed.
Seeds is also a great idea. England has a seed vault. We have a seed exchange but to save seeds in case of a major disaster is one of the best ideas I have ever heard! Thank you.
I harvest many seeds annually and must re-think how I may preserve them.
I agree that terrorism is one of the biggest threats in your area formed by my own observation and opinion.
Good point though, about those who have planned may be at the mercy of those who have not in case of a disaster. It will be every man for themselves so may be a hand pistol or some bear spray may be a wise addition. I think flares as well.
I am concerned about my family members also. As well as my dog. You know she is only five pounds and a Yorkie. i am getting her a life jacket soon. It is her next present from me.
My survival kit is in a black leather back pack. All of the contents are inside and is in the bedroom, right by the front door on the shelf right inside the door.
The first aid kit is in the car.
Thank you for your response.
1 person likes this
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
9 Feb 09
Nice. It is a good idea to plan ahead in thinking about our animals. Especially our farm animals. My Moms farm used to flood. The horses seemed to go to the barn. It was up off the ground enough that they could stay dry but the chickens wound up in my Moms row boat, with her. Can you imagine the image? It was quite funny to see but the event was a real pain.
Back packs are a great way to go because you can wear them and this way your hands can be free.
I think dehydrated food with bottles of water is a good idea instead of canned food so the pack doesn't weigh so much.
I feel for animals such a goats, cows, horses etc, in event of a natural disaster.
We could build an ark.
I read once about Noah's Ark and the Unicorns. You know the song by the Irish Rovers, The Unicorn Song? " Noah cried, "Close the door because the rain is falling
And we just can't wait for no unicorns".
Here is a link to the Lyrics:
The Unicorn Song, by The Irish Rover's
http://www.thebards.net/music/lyrics/The_Unicorn_Song.shtml
Quite Something When you think about it.
Noah didn't wait for the Unicorns.
Can a goat not be tethered, temporarily?
Thank you for your comment.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
3 Feb 09
A backpack is a good idea...it would be easy to carry and easy to have ready in an emergency. I have a couple I can use.
I have animals...2 goats and a dog and a cat. I could keep the dog and cat safe if I moved to my friends farm but there are no adequate fences to keep the goats safe. I would let them go in the same paddocks where the cattle are.
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
4 Feb 09
It is rather difficult to prepare for any kind of disaster... natural or otherwise.
You cannot prepare for something... unless you know what you are dealing with.
Survival skills are far more important than a survival kit.
If you do survive the disaster... you would be able to find whatever you need to survive. If there is nothing left... chances are that you have also lost your survival kit. And if you did not... your kit won't keep you alive for very long.
Disasters comes in many forms.
But the safest place is far inland (at least 200 miles from the coast) and far away from the big cities (at least 200 miles).
Inland... you only need to deal with two kind of disasters. Fire and Flood.
And you can prevent both by not living in aeras which are prone to them.
You can also minimize the risk of being hit by a tornado by not living in aeras prone to them.
Why do people put their life at risk by living in danger zones is beyond me.
They are fully aware that the risk is there.
And when it happens... they cry and feel like victims. Why?
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
9 Feb 09
Good points Aussies. I suppose, Like myself, we live in a "danger zone" because I was born in this region. Family resides here so this is where we live. Someone's got to.
I appreciate your expertise as to where to live as well as that about survival skills. You are correct. Inland is best. If the earth were to shift on it's axis to a major degree, it wouldn't matter where any of us lived. Survival skills or otherwise.
We are forewarned to have our kits prepared for us for at least 72 hours.
I guess it is the least you can do if you live on a coast line, short of uprooting and moving inland.
This has been a strong desire of mine, although leaving family behind doesn't sit well with me.
An internal battle I must live with. If I do not survive a natural disaster, I don't survive.
I believe in fate. If I am meant to survive, I will.
Thank you for your comment.
@arcidy (5005)
• United States
2 Feb 09
Luckly we havnt been faced with any natural disasters thats why I love new hampshire we dont have to worry about earth quakes. Fires dont happen that much I doubt tusnamis will ever happen and I know we havnt gotten and tornadoes or twisters. So Im very happy we live here.
1 person likes this
@zhuuraan (961)
• United States
9 Feb 09
I don't have a survival kit, but it is a good idea. I'm in texas, so we don't get much. We're in tornado alley but I'm so far south they don't really hit us. There are hurricanes off the gulf but I'm far enough north not to get anything more than the remnants of the rains. There are earthquakes in north Texas, but they don't really effect us. Worst we normally get is a nasty rain storm or hail. Still, I think a survival kit is a good thing. Great ideas too. As for the food though I'm not sure i'd use canned food because often times it must be put in the microwave. Instead I would use something else which can be eaten as it is. Chips, pop tarts, whatever. If you're gonna have canned stuff, maybe something like vienna sausages or something that can be eaten plain.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
10 Feb 09
Your location there in Texas sounds almost perfect.
The ideas provided by members of MyLot are some good ones.
I am glad to have a survival kit and feel that it is the least I can do, short of building a bunker.
I think if it really came down to it, I could eat the contents of canned food cold. Or if I could, I would start a fire and warm it there, maybe.
Providing instant food in a survival kit is a good idea. Raisins are good, Light, small and nutritious. They can keep for a decent amount of time also.
This does give us something to think about, that's for sure. Time to get creative as to what we can add for nutrition in our survival kits. I still think dehydrated food is a great idea. Simply add water. It is lightweight and small but nutritious.
@mariposaman (2959)
• Canada
2 Feb 09
You might consider a windup radio in that survival kit. They have a crank on them and usually include a light. You can use the radio everyday if you want but it always has that crank in case the power goes off. We had the power go of for about three or four days once and luckily it was summertime. I had a small radio to use and lots of batteries, I guess the radio stations must have been on generators.
I do not have an emergency kit as such. I usually keep lots of canned goods in my pantry and I have now a wind up radio and usually keep a flashlight by the bed anyways. I have candles. The only problem I would have would be backup heat in the winter time. Otherwise I could survive probably for a week.
I live inland and an area where there are no earthquakes. I live very high on land so little chance of flood. My worst disaster would be man made like war, very unlikely, or a electric power failure and I a vunerable to that as well as a gas furnace malfunction. I have thought about a generator but they are expensive but I should get one. I should also get a gas fireplace to heat the house in case the power goes off. That is my biggest worry here is heat in the middle of winter and the gas furnace runs off electricity too.
I doubt many people have a 72 hour emergency supply of anything as they just run to the store when they run out of anything.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
3 Feb 09
Of course! My wind up radio. i have one of those too. I have it beside my bed and use it regularly so I forgot to add it to me list because I was thinking of only my packed kit. Thank you for reminding me!
Good thinking. The one I have also has an alarms on it. Press the button and it goes Wooo Wooo. It comes with adapters so you can also charge a cell phone. Not that that would be of any good possible, sine it needs the cell towers to work but, is good just in case.
It had a flashlight on it as well.
I also have a C Crane Wind up Solar Panel radio. Kind of big though.
Your location sounds ideal. Heat could be a problem. Feathered blankets are good for keeping in body heat even when it is really cold out or a sleeping bag designed for 40 below or more.
I think that there are many people with the survival kits. Perhaps more than you or I know of.
It is a very good idea and is something that I )obviously) promote.
A generator is a great idea as well, with ample fuel or else solar powered. That way one could have a little heater.
Otherwise have some propane a propane camp stove and a way to build a fire, even if it were outside.
I like the idea of where you reside. Sounds soothing.
I am just outside the main city but can walk there within minutes. I am right on the water and so would rather reside in the middle of the country as I have said but that would mean leaving my family behind. I am not so keen on leaving my people behind.
Thank you for your response.
1 person likes this
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
9 Feb 09
Our biggest threat is an earthquake that would inevitably cause a Tsunami.
Otherwise, wild fire.
Tornadoes here are not a threat.
I agree that we should not use propane or generators indoors.
Patios are great for barbeque's. We are only allowed them in concrete apartment/condo living arrangements, not wood structure. Apparently.
Although I see propane barbecues being used in wood structure apartment building balconies.
Yes, a Tornado in Ontario in 2005:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1124565678327_17/?hub=Canada
Previously, in 1985, there was even a worse one: (scroll down this URL)
http://barrie--ontario.blogspot.com/
Again in 2008 but wasn't as bad. I think it was mainly just high winds in 2009:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080608/tornado_follow_080609
I am confident that we will luckily avoid any tornadoes in my neck of the Canadian Woods. I hope for you the same.
Thank you for your comment.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
4 Feb 09
We live in Missouri so we don't generally get things like tsunami's, hurricanes, typhoons, things like that. We are on a fault line so an earthquake is a possibility (though severly rare) and we have had flooding before. As for survival, nope not prepared. I do have the cat carrier in a good spot so if he had to leave our home in a hurry I wouldn't have to go looking for it. I'm within 2 blocks of all my family here so we'd all converge on my mom's house (it's within the 2 blocks as well). At least we'd all be together to face the problem.
[b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~
**STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS**[/b]
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
9 Feb 09
We are on a fault also and have had a bunch of small earthquakes. Our biggest concern is the big one that would inevitably cause a Tsunami, as I have previously described.
It is good for you and your family that you are all close enough to be together easily, in case of an emergency, along with the cat.
