In the last column we took up the topic of preparedness and getting through a potentially dangerous situation caused by a man-made or natural disaster.The comments on the column agreed that we need to be prepared and that taking a few steps to prepare can save a life in the unlikely situation we find ourselves in a dangerous situation.
I will make a few recommendations as to the common-sense items you could include in a small emergency bag later in this column.
Before we get into basic preparedness, we need to look to the upcoming dangerously cold weather this coming week; we are looking at temperatures that with the wind chill will be very dangerous, and we must take them seriously.
After spending three winters in the great State of Alaska, a person learns a few things, so let me suggest a few tips.
In your home at night close all the blinds, drapes and curtains; the air trapped behind the window coverings will act to insulate the largest heat loss source in your home. When not in use, close closets, cupboards and drawers; the cubic feet in those spaces will add up and closing them will help keep your home warm with less energy use. If the rods holding the curtains can hold the weight, hanging a blanket or sheet over the curtains to add insulation during this cold period. Check windows to be sure they are latched shut; in most cases the latching device will cause the window to be tightly closed helping to eliminate drafts.
Over-dress for the cold; always dress in loose layers rather than one heavy layer. If too warm, remove a layer and add it back as you cool. For the duration of the Arctic air, add a blanket to your car, and adding an extra coat could not hurt.
If outside, plan on not more than a half hour, returning to a warming area often. Hypothermia can creep up on you; if you start to shiver, stop immediately and get warm. Use the buddy system, checking each other often for white patches on uncovered skin.
Always remember that you do not have to fear the cold, but do have to respect it.
OK, back to preparedness kits. As I see it, we have two types: a basic emergency kit and a get home kit, both designed to be in your vehicle but light and small enough to be carried in an emergency.
The basic bag:
A. “Space Blanket” or regular blanket, perhaps both.
B. Mr. Basura suggested an emergency candle, I agree. A three-wick emergency canned model can provide heat (12 hours), even boil water and warm soup. Remember any candle will work, three or more may be needed if small.
C. Food, protein bars or dehydrated soup or commercial emergency rations for one/two days.
D. A small metal pot or cup for cooking or melting snow.
E. A flashlight; I prefer the type with a crank that will work even if the batteries are dead, but any type will work.
F. Windproof matches or a cheap Bic lighter.
G. Basic first aid kit.
H. A knife with fixed or locking blade.
I. Bottled water or survival straw.
J. Hand sanitizer without fragrance (the alcohol can also be used to start fires) and toilet paper in a Ziploc bag.
Most folks already have most of the items on hand and can build a kit for little cost.
Next, we have the “get home bag.” If the worst happens and you find yourself 60 miles from home (most folks spend 98% of their time within 60 miles of home) and you need to walk home.The basic kit plus:
A. Bivy bag and survival tent. Around ten dollars each on Amazon.
B. Plastic disposable rain jacket/extra sox
C. Food for three days, bars and soup
D. Duct tape
E. Insect repellent, sun screen combo.
F. Para cord 50 feet.
G. Metal water bottle.
H. Life straw filter system, water purification tablets
I. Pack.
J. Instant coffee, even in an emergency we need to be civilized.
K. Radio AM/FM/Weather
L. Any prescription medications you may need.
The list is open to debate, but this is the basic stuff needed. Of course, modify the kit to fit your needs.
