Disaster Survival Information

Planning for survival should start with basic disaster survival information and knowing what disasters are likely to happen in the area. Is the region vulnerable to ice storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires or volcanoes? Does it have high value targets prone to attack by terrorist? These questions should be answered before the planning begins.

Check with the local Red Cross or go to their website and download the PDFs dealing with likely disasters, and learn where shelters are located. Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car, because disasters can arise at any time. Include everyone in the family in the emergency preparedness discussions, so each person knows what to do, and where to go if disaster occurs.

Survival Kit

Next, a survival kit should be put together with at least three days worth of supplies included. You might want to consider using a backpack to store your survival gear and it will provide the added advantage of being mobile in case hiking is required. Some people use a wheeled-suitcase as their bugout bag or emergency go bag.

At a bare minimum, the kit should contain masks for breathing through light smoke or dust, some water and water filters, lightweight no-cooking-needed freeze-dried food and basic first aid items. Some matches or other means of starting a fire, as well as an multi-tool with a knife, screwdriver and pliers should also be included in your survival kit.

Emergency Radios - During a disaster, authorities will be broadcasting vital information, so particularly useful would be the Red Cross FR300 emergency radio. It is powered by cranking the handle and combines a NOAA weather radio, flashlight and cell phone charger.

You will also want to put together a packet of important documents like birth certificates and insurance papers, along with photocopies of identification and credit cards. Seal it in a waterproof bag. The weight of the pack should be balanced with the need for additional items.

Once basic supplies have been gathered for leaving the home in an emergency, the planning should move to disasters that will be survived in the home. In the case of a pandemic illness, families may need to stay away from others for months while the pandemic runs its course. Ice storms have been known to keep people stranded in their home for weeks. Swine Flu Personal Evacuation Pak

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The pantry should contain at least 3 weeks worth of food, although 3 months worth would be better. Foods that require little cooking are best, especially if the power is out. Canned foods that contain their own water and only need warming are a good choice.

Storing water is critical because city water can become contaminated in a disaster and wells may be of little use without power. Each member of the family will require a gallon a day of water for drinking and another gallon for washing themselves and dishes. As soon as news of an impending disaster is broadcast, fill the tub with water along with any jugs that are on hand. You must also remember to turn off the water supply to the house, so the water in the water heater and pipes will not become contaminated.

Once all your supplies have been gathered, you will need brush up on your survival skills. Consider taking first aid classes from the Red Cross or weapons training at a range. Learn to be self-sufficient in as many areas as possible. With the right disaster survival information, you can manage and survival almost any emergency.