LOOTING

Looting is unfortunately one of the problems a city can expect to deal with after a major disaster,

Almost immediately after the earthquake in Chile, February 2010, wide spread looting and civil disorder were common place. Law enforcement and the military were called in to enforce curfew and regain order. Looting was the law of the land.

2005 In New Orleans, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the same troubles took over the city. In just hours after the first streets were flooded, the looting and lawlessness began.

The thing is, the items taken were not just the food and drink you would expect desperate people to be after. They also helped themselves to Cars, Electronics, Clothing and basically anything that wasn't nailed down (and a few things that were).

People used the distraction of disaster as cover for criminal activity.

I know what you are thinking, one of two things.

#1

My neighbors would not do such things AND if they needed it, all they have to do is ask, you will gladly help them out.

#2

Not me! I have a gun and I'll keep the wolves off my door.

Okay, lets look at these answers. If you choose to help your neighbors, be prepare to help them all. Word gets out fast and unless you are stocked up like a super market, you are not going to have enough for them and by extension for YOU.

The idea that you can repel looters with your trusty 12 gauge and a mean look is dangerous as well. Standing watch is impractical if you don't have a group of trusted troops to man the guns while you sleep and guarding the storehouse only sends the message that you "do indeed" have groceries and supplies to protect. They will only be back like Tusken Raiders (Soon and in greater numbers). You may be your own fortress but you will be besieged and sooner or later they will smoke you out.

So whats the answer?

CACHE.

Having stores in secret off site locations may protect you. Pay by the month storage facilities could be used for water and dehydrated food stores as well as cooking pots, camp stoves and tools. Another GREAT idea for suburban families is to take frequent hikes to your local state land. If you carry in pre-packaged "sealed" 5 gallon pails or Rubbermaid-Tupperware storage tubs can be buried (3 ft) deep or deeper. Hike every weekend and you can establish dozens of caches that will be safe for up to two years at a time. Use only dehydrated foods for the best long term storage and resistance to temperatures changes.

Advantages: Multiple sites away from the home are more secure and likely to provide you with the best chance of food without hitchhikers.

Disadvantages: Not in the home (or even close to it) and may require you to travel away from the "secure" area.

Think like the civil defence people did years ago. Basements are great long term storage. There was a time when every school, library and some churches had a C/D shelter in their basements. They understood that these basements would be the gathering places of those seeking shelter from fall out (as if) so they stored tins of hard tack and cans of water in them. Do the same! Seek out storage space in the deepest basements you can find. Stack your storage and block it in then FORGET IT.

Leave instructions with family about where things are and how to safely retrieve them but speak about it with no one else...ever.

Looters are out there, they walk around looking just like the rest of us, they work with us, sit in the same Restaurants and go to the same Schools,Churches, Stores.

Fortune favors the prepared mind.......

Watch your six

RJ

FREEGANISM

One mans Garbage........
A fairly new name has been hung on an old idea making it more socially acceptable. The trend is moving across the country. "Freeganism" is the science of recycling waste from business. I say waste not garbage because this is not trash. Many if not all business's have daily leavings be it food from Restaurants, Bakeries,Produce vendors even some forms of production and manufacture.
The dumpster divers of the past are the Eco minded recyclers of today. The major difference being respect for all parties involved.
Today's Freegan does not rip through cans and dumpsters making a mess, they ASK first then sometimes with the help (or supervision) of the vendor, will look for waste and replace receptacles the way they were found. Often eateries will understand the process and separate over run from true trash, it saves them and the freegan energy and time.
Now, it should be stated that there are some who will intentionally pollute waste making it unusable. There are LAWS unfortunately that restrict food sellers/producers from donating over run to such organizations as men's shelters, soup kitchens or other charitable groups. Sad yet these same groups may Freeganize those vendors for the same reason as a "private individual". This removes the responsibility from the business.
At times, such manufacturing will have scrap plywood (pieces) insulation or wire,pipe,lumber,paint (that saves the vendor the cost of disposal)all may be recycled and are valuable.
TIPS:
Always ask before you scavenge, be respectful and if refused don't get pissy. Say thanks anyway and be nice. The business is more likely to allow you in the future if you are a regular guy not a jerk.
Dress for success, if you look like a bum, you are likely to be treated as one.
Have a vehicle that is suited for collection. Piling lumber on top of your Neon with clothes line is unsafe and not very efficient. Have a pick up truck, flagging and stout rope/webbing made for moving such loads.
Ask about schedules and trends in production. If Thursday is a slow bread day, you may want to ask for the over run on a semi regular basis. Fridays are always good fish days at some eateries and fish will spoil quickly. Produce vendors will have "over ripe' items every day. (think pie)
Using (or reusing) waste is cost effective and helps the ecology and in some cases is fun.
Learn where to look for goodies, be creative and use your imagination.
Be a partner to business's and become a regular customer in their stores and restaurants. Spend some money there and enjoy what they have to offer on a RETAIL basis, this will put you on top of the freegan list. You may become so friendly that you are privy to items long before they leave the store or restaurant.
Recycling within the community is good for everybody. Don't waste what might be usable and in all other ways not only fit but fine. Filling our land fills only feeds the rats.

Watch your six
RJ

SOFT TARGETS

In a world where almost anything is vulnerable to terrorist attack.

I had a quick look around my home town to see how hard of a target we would be and how we might be effected by a domestic terrorist incident.

I was troubled.

My first stop was the City Water Supply. I used my motorcycle to see how close I could get to this area before I was challenged. It was my hope that before to long a Shiny Black City Cruiser would pull up and I would be questioned by one of my friends in uniform.

The Reservoir, Treatment area and storage tanks were readily accessible. Only a flimsy fence and an open gate to protect the area. Oh I did see signs stating it was private property, that I'm sure would discourage the Terry Nichols and Tim McVeigh type.

I wore all black and never removed my black helmet, it was obvious to me at least that I looked like I was conducting a recce, camera in hand. I felt for sure some worker in the area would show up to run me off.....that didn't happen. Vulnerable! Even slight damage to this facility could mean real trouble to my community.

Next Stop, A Main Electrical Trunk on the main road, again I never removed my helmet and made it clear to every passing car that I was taking picture of the utility not some roadside flowers.

Not to be a nervous Purvis, but as I see it this area was vulnerable to high power Rifle attack. I did not see the security measures one might expect. No passing car called 911, I hung around and played with my camera. Once again problems for the community. Vulnerable!


Even if these communication equipment boxes were armored against ballistic attack,( and I doubt they are) a chain saw would have taken the pole down in less then a minute. The area needs Mercury vapor lighting and CCTV, Vulnerable!

Next Stop,
The Local Radio Station.


Off the beaten path on an unlighted back road, the transmitter tower is vulnerable to sabotage. Although the tower structure is fenced, the main power and antenna cables are above ground and Vulnerable!

Next Stop,
The Sewage treatment Plant.

Now here, I had a bit of a problem. Three construction workers in customary orange safety helmets gave me a long look from deep within the compound. I still managed to take a few shots but I had their attention. I left the area before I had a confrontation. Strange how only the Sewage guys gave a crap!
So, I guess there is some work to be done if we want to harden our infrastructure against disruption. As I always said, as far as security is concerned. Some problems CAN be solved by throwing money at them. I know the tax payer will balk about spending money for such seemingly needless things, but when the lights go out, the water stops, the toilets back up and no one knows why because the radio station is off the air, they'll want someone to do something about it. Of course by then it will be to late.

In the final analysis, no community is ever safe from incident, particularly domestic terrorism. I'm sure my home town is ahead of many many other communities, the fact is however , that in a climate if rising threat, do we do everything we can to protect our infrastructure or do we bury our heads in the sand and hope for the best???
Communities need to HIRE ADEQUATE SECURITY, put them on the city payroll to relieve the burden of local law enforcement.

They should be a model to other communities to be proactive before it cost us Big time. Send the message to the three C's (the Criminals-Crazies and Crusaders) that we are not a soft target and will protect our way of life.

Watch Your Six
RJ

THE TOP 100

Lists:
Check lists have been compiled by all preparedness minded individuals and organizations. Do and don't list, Equipment lists, Supplies, Radio Frequencies, Emergency Contact Etc. You can imagine the lists you rely on in case of an emergency.
One of the most interesting lists I have ever seen was from the pages of Popular Mechanics Magazine. It was the top 100 things every man should know how to do.

From Popular Mechanics:
Automotive
1. Handle a blowout2. Drive in snow3. Check trouble codes4. Replace fan belt5. Wax a car6. Conquer an off-road obstacle7. Use a stick welder8. Hitch up a trailer9. Jump start a car
Handling Emergencies
10. Perform the Heimlich11. Reverse hypothermia12. Perform hands-only CPR13. Escape a sinking car
Home
14. Carve a turkey15. Use a sewing machine16. Put out a fire17. Home brew beer18. Remove bloodstains from fabric19. Move heavy stuff20. Grow food21. Read an electric meter22. Shovel the right way23. Solder wire24. Tape drywall25. Split firewood26. Replace a faucet washer27. Mix concrete28. Paint a straight line29. Use a French knife30. Prune bushes and small trees31. Iron a shirt32. Fix a toilet tank flapper33. Change a single-pole switch34. Fell a tree35. Replace a broken windowpane36. Set up a ladder, safely37. Fix a faucet cartridge38. Sweat copper tubing39. Change a diaper40. Grill with charcoal41. Sew a button on a shirt42. Fold a flag
Medical Myths
43. Treat frostbite44. Treat a burn45. Help a seizure victim46. Treat a snakebite47. Remove a tick
Military Know-How
48. Shine shoes49. Make a drum-tight bed50. Drop and give the perfect push up
Outdoors
51. Run rapids in a canoe52. Hang food in the wild53. Skipper a boat54. Shoot straight55. Tackle steep drops on a mountain bike56. Escape a rip current
Primitive Skills
57. Build a fire in the wilderness58. Build a shelter59. Find potable water
Surviving Extremes
60. Floods61. Tornadoes62. Cold63. Heat64. Lightning
Teach Your Kids
65. Cast a line66. Lend a hand67. Change a tire68. Throw a spiral69. Fly a stunt kite70. Drive a stick shift71. Parallel park72. Tie a bowline73. Tie a necktie74. Whittle75. Ride a bike
Technology
76. Install a graphics card77. Take the perfect portrait78. Calibrate HDTV settings79. Shoot a home movie80. Ditch your hard drive
Master Key Workshop Tools81. Drill driver82. Grease gun83. Coolant hydrometer84. Socket wrench85. Test light86. Brick trowel87. Framing hammer88. Wood chisel89. Spade bit90. Circular saw91. Sledge hammer92. Hacksaw93. Torque wrench94. Air wrench95. Infrared thermometer96. Sand blaster97. Crosscut saw98. Hand plane99. Multimeter100. Feeler gauges

Although I agree with many of the skills on this list, I thought of a short list of my own that I feel is just as critical. Agree or not, it is here for your critique. Add to it, take away as you see fit. I made it my business to learn at least the basic principles of these skills if not mastering them.
Automotive:
Road side expedient repair of Hoses. Counter steer out of a skid. Perform a PIT (Procession Immobilization Technique) Maneuver. Drive in reverse at speed. Make a Bootlegger's turn, Ram safely. Back park a trailer, Engage 4x4 manual Hubs, Use different types of Jacks and Ramps safely.
HANDLING EMERGENCIES:
Emergency Tracheotomy. Use a Defibrillator. Take Blood Pressure. Give injections both IM and IV. Knowledge of Pressure Points to stop bleeding, Suture a wound.
First Aid Treatment of - Burns - Exposure to chemical weapons (OC-CN/CS/CR).
HOME:
Dig a proper latrine. Use a cast iron Dutch Oven. Replace shingle. Relight Pilots on stoves and water heaters. Shut off Water/Gas/Electrical supply to home. Fold and store Tarp and Rope.
OUTDOORS:
Rappel both with and without descending device. Climb a rope with Prussic knot. Forage. Use Snares. Read a TOPO map and use Compass/GPS. Determine direction without Compass. Produce a Discoidal Knife. Make Cordage. Safe Handling of Edged tools. Produce a Solar still. Set Up/Take down a Tent. Pack and carry a multi day backpack. Cross water course. Predict Weather. Sharpen edged tools and weapons.
WEAPONS CRAFT:
Identify Types of Arms and Ammunition and how to safely operate them. Mount, Set up and Zero a Telescopic Site. Bore Site a Laser Site. Estimate distance/Wind speed. Perform an Administrative reload. Perform a slash and Thrust with a knife. Handle an ASP, PR24 and Kubaton . Throw a knife-Tomahawk.
Tactical Skills:
Apply Handcuffs, Frisk and Search people. Perform a Choke Hold-Arm Bar-Wrist Lock-Leg sweep. Perform an Immediate action take cover drill. Learn basic hand signals.Pick a Lock.
HUMAN SKILLS:
Respect Others, Be Color Blind, Calm and redirect excited people, Actively Listen, Sympathize. Detect deception, Read Body Language, Provide comfort and Compassion, Talk to Children in a non threatening manner. Take Charge of a Situation. Be a good Follower, Be a Fair Leader, Be Analytical. Use your Spidy Senses.....Situation Awareness!

I hope some of these skills are thought provoking. Use em, Change em to suit your life style as you see fit. Good Luck.

Watch Your Six
RJ

SHELTER IN PLACE "on the fly"

Sheltering is the first requirement of family survival.
Your home is your castle but what if you're not home? Some communities have more to worry about then others. For instance, if you lived in an area that was prone to storm surge, you might well have plans (or should) for sheltering, you may have lived through it before and learned lessons the old fashion way. Sheltering may not be a viable option for you at all, so you might be the type that stays ever ready to Bug Out at the first sign of trouble. Hopefully you have a place to go AND can get there in time.

There are degrees of sheltering based on the situation. For instance a storm may last days, maybe weeks and you will need to fend for yourself and family for a long time.
If caught outside during a dangerous hail, wind or lightning storm, sheltering may only be hours.
I'm sure the reader knows that to shelter at home would be the easiest and most comfortable place to be stuck, but what if you were on the road when you were forced to shelter? You can't drive, you can't walk, what do you do?
You do what the man says..shelter in place. Even if that place is your vehicle.
An automobile can be shelter (tight shelter) if you have planned ahead. Lets look at three types of vehicular shelter.
They will all have some things in common:
Keeping you dry which will protect you from hypothermia.
Protection from lightning and air borne debris.
Have their own atmosphere, most contaminants will not get in (if prepped)
May provide warm or cool air (if the situation allows)
DO NOT run engine in deep snow. DO NOT drive through water of unknown depth.
A small "Coleman" type cooler should be kept in the trunk with water and snacks (NO CHOKING HAZARDS, if you have children this is important) a roll of duct tape (for covering vents) and a flashlight, flagging material, signaling tools, first aid and emergency alert radio (so you have a clue whats going on).

Until help arrives or it is safe to travel you may be STUCK inside the vehicle. Think cujo

The Passenger Car is small but will meet these needs. Make sure you can reach the trunk through the rear seat, easier in some cars, impossible in others. If you don't have trunk access, items will need to be "in" the vehicle (floor of back seat)
The Van is ideal for family shelter because of its size and layout. All Hail the Socker Mom. Its made for carrying more people, cargo and in some cases, fuel (better range). all important to shelter. The cooler box fits right in here. I use mine to keep refrigerated items cold on my way back from the grocers. I pull out the bag with my shelter items in it, lay it aside while the meat and ice cream stays cool. When I reach home and empty the cooler, the shelter items go right back in.
Pick Up Trucks are a bit limited in their ability to provide much shelter unless you have a camper cap style bed cover. These units can be a God send. A Pick up allows you to carry more then conventional vehicles in the rear, but sacrifices room up front. You can sleep in the back, but the front is for driving only.

Remember being mobile is a mixed blessing. You might be able to move a bit to better position yourself for the oncoming storm, fire or chemical cloud but you are a moving target as well. Your exact position is unknown to others. It may be hard for rescuers to locate you or reach you should your shelter become stranded. CARRY A CELL!

Or better still, A SPOT satellite messenger unit. These units can contact up to ten people at once via cell or E-mail. When received via E-mail, your rescuer will see a link with directions to YOU using GOOGLE maps, and will provide them with directions to your exact location.

YOU ARE NOT HOME NOW, YOU CAN"T STAY HERE LONG WITHOUT SUPPORT

Make sure responsible people know of your travel plans and what to do if you are late or don't arrive as expected.

One additional item of consideration. If your car has an aerial style Athena, you might consider tying a strip of bright survey ribbon (6 inches) to it. This might help you determine wind direction (important if smoke or chemicals are blowing) and it may help you be seen at a distance. It will at least help you find the car at the mall.

Watch your six

RJ

H2O

THIRST

My spirit wails for water, water now! My tongue is aching dry, my throat is hot For water, fresh rain shaken from a bough, Or dawn dews heavy in some leafy spot. My hungry body's burning for a swim In sunlit water where the air is cool, As in Trout Valley where upon a limb The golden finch sings sweetly to the pool. Oh water, water, when the night is done, When day steals gray-white through the windowpane, Clear silver water when I wake, alone, All impotent of parts, of fevered brain; Pure water from a forest fountain first, To wash me, cleanse me, and to quench my thirst!

Claude McKay

In the survivor's world, few things are more important then water. After Oxygen and Shelter, it is most critical to sustaining life. After an incident that is big enough to effect your community, water may be scarce or suspect. Sources of water vary and depending on your location, may be limited. If you are lucky enough to live in a rural area water may be plentiful but transient. In larger cities water may be down right impossible to find.
But finding water may not be as hard as making it safe to ingest. Stagnant water or water that may have been contaminated by waste run off MUST be disinfected! If you can boil water for a few minutes (Covered rolling boil for 10 Min)you can eliminate all living pathogens. Toxic metals and chemicals such as pesticides and insecticides as well as fertilizers will unfortunately remain. These must be filtered out. I recommend the BRITISH BERKEFELD filter for home or base camp, check Jamesfilter.com for more info or the Katadyn Endurance filter for the same applications. In the field for carrying in your Go Bag I like the Katadyn Hiker series hand filters.
Check Katadyn.com
Now what can you do if you don't own a filter or need to move and don't have time for boiling and cooling your water.

CHEMICALS.....BLEACH or IODINE

Bleach Disinfection: 5.25% solution NO ADDITIVES or PHOSPHATES! Just plain old bleach..the cheap stuff!
1 quart.....clear......2 drops
............cloudy.....4 drops
1 gallon....clear......8 drops
............cloudy....16 drops
5 Gallons...clear....1/2 Teaspoon
............cloudy.....1 Teaspoon
Let stand 30 Minutes
Your water should have a distinct chlorine odor/taste. If not add more bleach. An important note pointed out by a friend: Bleach by it's self is an "encapsulate", if not diluted with water, it actually will protect the bacteria it covers instead of destroying it. DON'T USE STRAIGHT BLEACH!....Thanks Bill

Iodine Disinfection: 2% Iodine
1 Quart.....clear......3 Drops
............cloudy.....6 Drops
1 Gallon....clear.....12 Drops
............cloudy....24 Drops
Let stand 30 minutes.
DO NOT try to disinfect more then 1 Gallon of water with iodine at a time. It is easy to poison yourself. Iodine treated water should NOT be ingested by Pregnant or nursing women or by people with thyroid issues.
Source FEMA

Cook it chem it clean it and carry it. Although it should not be wasted, Never ration water. Silly dried and desiccated dead men have been found with water in their canteens.

Watch your six
RJ

THE POCKET MARCONI

In times of panic or mass reaction to an emergency incident, telephone lines(Even Cell)tend to fill up their local trunks slow down or go down.

Communication over distance becomes difficult if not non existent. This is time for RADIO.

During the attacks of 911, New York's responding agencies such as N.Y.P.D. and N.Y.F.D. as well as others could not talk to each other. Every branch of emergency service had its own radio frequency. Thankfully that has changed, city planners have seen first hand the short sightedness of such "exclusivity" and now although these emergency service providers still have dedicated and secure radio frequencies, they also have "common" air space that can be used to communicate on a interdepartmental level.

THEY NEED THEIR RADIOS!

There will always be HAM radio, and thankfully operators eager to relay important information in and out of the effected area but what about the shopping House Wife / Home Maker, College Student, Office or Factory Worker? These folks may need to contact family and friends to confirm rondevu plans or just hear that voice that says "I'm Okay".

GMRS

General Mobile Radio Service is the way to go. No tests, license or special training. These "Walkie Talkie" type transceivers are easy to use, inexpensive to own and small enough to be carried with you in your go bag or glove box.

Transmitting / receiving distances will vary greatly depending on Model, Location and Atmospheric Conditions but if used on obscure selected channels (and there are many) as you approach your neighborhood, enter town (in smaller communities) or by way of relay (with other units in the vicinity) you can really reach out without much fuss.

These units are not FRS Family Radio Service frequency radios. They are singled out apart from those channels and unlike FRS require a licence for each user in the household.

No test is necessary to use GMRS just pay Uncle Sam his fee and go about your merry way.

Now, the facts are that Uncle Charlie (the FCC) just does not have the resources to locate and fine every unlicensed user of GMRS and I some how doubt they ever will. Remember the CB once required a licence and that got so out of hand they just gave up......Looks like we got us a CONVOY!

I believe GMRS will go the same route. Never the less, in an emergency I'm sure tens of thousand of these portable and in some cases base units will be on the air.

What really makes these units desirable is their low cost and availability. You can buy a pair at the local Mart store tonight and be on the air on the way home. Moreover, these units can talk to other units thanks to the common frequencies anywhere in the country. Now as a licenced user of an exclusive frequencies on the job, I can tell you, it's nice to be able to talk to others in your group without having to deal with outsiders "walking" on your conversation.

HOWEVER, lets look at the survivors needs, he may need to communicate with others that he has never even met before, the only thing they have in common is the frequency and the crisis at hand. Dozens or maybe hundreds of possible users within ear shot. That's useful and reassuring.

The other night I was watching our Troops in Afghanistan on CNN. I always study kit and equipment (I'll steal a good idea from anybody) when I noticed the Motorola GMRS clipped to some Sargent's MOLLE gear. Yup yes sir I guess these guys will use whatever is expedient and reliable. Good enough for our Troops in the desert - Good enough for me.

You can spend $30, $50, $90 and up for GMRS units, get the best you can afford and keep extra batteries for it with the radio. A special note: GARMIN the GPS people make units called RINO's, these GPS / GMRS radio hybrids allow you to navigate and communicate at the same time AND they transmit the user's location to other RINO users where it is displayed on the map screen.....way to cool. Talk about show and tell!

Watch your six
RJ

GAS

Self defense sprays like CN, CS and OC are inexpensive and easy to carry.

Pocket and key chain units are only good for a few shots but are still worth their limited size and useful range because they are easy to conceal.

Larger "police" models are superior in strength and effective range but they are not as easy to carry without attracting attention. Here in New York State where I live, OC or Pepper spray is legal but the wise man must watch where he carries them. If you try to access a government building such as the local Department of Motor vehicles or the Cop Shop, you may have it confiscated just for being stupid. You will have earned that title the old fashion way. Stupid is as stupid does. Don't leave these units in a hot car unless you cherish long walks...they do explode if the pressure goes up.

A very handy version worth owning is defencive Bear spray. These units are also affective on humans should you be assaulted while on the trail.

The surprise defensive spray on the list is Hornet and Wasp spray. These cans are large and not fit for carrying around with you but are great expedient chemical weapons with twenty (20) foot range and good dispersal (pattern) making it easy to hit a target. The chemical does a fair job in discouraging scumbags and repelling attackers.

Keep a can in the car-garage-on the porch.

Watch your six

RJ

Shoulder Bag LBE

Many people need to carry items such as those described in this Blog but need a more visually less threatening look then a Backpack or LBE (Load Bearing Equipment)

I find that a shoulder bag of the right proportions is great for schlepping "just in case" items without turning heads. These type bags are also great for Foraging and Collecting items of opportunity.

Nondescript and convenient, shoulder bags are more then just handy, they are indispensable.

I use bags that fit in depending on my surroundings and circumstance, Business Office or while Shopping even while on the Motorcycle, I accessorize the bag that best suits my needs and the environment. They serve me well without sending a signal that might have me confused with a vagrant or militant type.

Soft business attache bags or lap-top bags serve well to carry Cell Phones, N95, Flashlight, Sanitizer whatever you might need that you can't carry in pockets.

A softer "sportier" look might be a Gym bag or canvas outdoorsmen's tote. Casual and comfortable to hang slung all day long, easy to control and secure while walking-running-climbing-crawling.

Once you are use to carrying or more importantly use to being SEEN carrying a shoulder bag, you will not stand out at all. It's just your everyday look. Nobody will suspect you are carrying emergency gear.

Watch your six

RJ

IN THE KNOW

Staying Informed

Not always as easy as it sounds. If you don't have the facts, you can't act, you can only re-act and that's what everybody else will be doing. You don't want to be part of the crowd. You want to be in front of the exodus, ahead of the line or under cover as soon as possible. All Hazards Radios can help you be proactive.

I own and use many emergency band radios. I keep em at home at the office and in my car. When I hike-camp I carry one as well.

My two favorite portable units are the Midland and the Oregon scientific. Both are compact and programmable to the specific SAME codes (Specific Area Message Encoding) I need in my area. The Oregon Scientific is A/C-D/C powered with a simple plastic stand to sit on a desk or it can be mounted on a supplied belt clip. But I must say I do prefer the Midland, even with its dumb "Planet of the Apes" looking shape, The bright yellow color helps it stay found (I added reflective tape in places, I do that)it has FAR better reception. That is after all what we really need. Both units use AA batteries.

As base units, I use the time honored and reliable BayGen radio, AM-FM-Short Wave. The BayGen was invented by Dr Trevor Bayliss (a genius!) it is a wind up clock work generator that allows the user to power the unit with just a few seconds of "crank" time. I love this thing. It has been copied (sort of) by many others over the years, most knock offs charge an on board battery pack as you wind them up, but this is not what Bayliss's generator does. It actually has a GENERATOR that produces power on demand, it will never die....way cool.

The wind up 'chargers' are still nice but subject to degradation over time. Not the BayGen.

All radios should have weather channels if not full fledged "alert" features. This will set off an alarm and scroll a warning specific to your area across a simple LCD screen. WEATHER-Floods-Civil Emergency-Child Abduction alerts-Radiological Hazards-Earth Quake and a host of other important warnings you might not live without.

Of course short wave capabilities are important too. The world is a big place, short wave makes it a bit smaller. News from outside the affected area might be very important to you. A small multi band radio answers most of your listening needs.

Even small inexpensive dual band radios can be useful. Some of these models also sport built in LED lights. This can be handy but don't buy one just because it has a nifty light on it, spring for the best quality receiver you can afford.
All of these units have weather channels, the Sony is a digital radio with surprisingly good reception. I can't tell you the hours I spent late at night listening to Art Bell or George Noory (tune in and learn) on this thing from across the country and half way around the world ......clear as a bell.

A handheld scanner for monitoring Fire and Police calls as well as FEMA and National Guard is also handy, a good unit starts at a couple of hundred dollars but is well worth it.

Watch your six

RJ

An Overlooked Tool

Pry Bars are the number three most important tool you will ever carry.

The Knife, Hammer and then Pry Bar make up the urban survivors tool kit. With a multi tool to act as Pliers, these few tools can make most survival tasks possible.

Be it opening Cans Lids, Lock Hasps, Crates, Windows, Doors, Cabinets, lockers or anything that must be FORCED open such as a survivor might need without the need for subtlety.

I have seen some of the tiny pocket pry bars sold for key chains and these are real cool (if not Cute) for opening your beer can, they are just a bit shy for real work. A full sized CROW bar is not always easy or convenient to carry.

I searched for a prying tool that would not only carry well but would actually do the job, not just look cute on my key ring.

These are my Pry Tools.

I carry two types of bars, one small belt pry and one in an outer pocket of my go pack.

Wrapped with para cord for cushion, grip and insulation, these small bars also sport rubber end covers. They need em too. I semi sharpen the flats of the pry to better penetrate paint or rust. Mind you, not sharp enough to cut (although I could stab a mad dog if need be) but with a nice working edge.

I found a flashlight case that fits my hand pry as if made for riding on my belt. No danger of sitting on a edge or having your pack punctured.

Not so small that you can't really use them for serious work but compact enough for every day carry in pack or on belt.

Lets face it, sooner or later you're gonna need a pry bar. so pick up one or two of these handy flat irons, find a way to pack em so they are always close at hand. You will thank me.

Watch your six
RJ

Another Look At BUG OUT BAGS

Bug Out bags are a mainstay of the survival minded individual. To not have at least one B-O-B is to be ill prepared.

I have seen many BOB's in my time and some were wonderful kits that had allot of thought put into them. Some were odd arrangements with strange things like micro BBQ grills and other "luxury" items. When I think BUG OUT, I don't think BBQ....sorry dude.

What you pack will be based on your perceived needs, the terrain you are in and weather conditions so your BOB is bound to need tweaking from time to time. The standard 10 list should be represented of course but then you must remember that the BUG OUT BAG is really a small stock room on your back. While a backpack may fare well as a BOB, I take it a step farther.

My BOBs are duffels. Man portable-over packed-shoulder carried-Stack able duffels.

I found a duffel that screamed BOB and after giving it the twice over, I bought four.

They are heavy vulcanized nylon side stuffers. Water resistant (a good thing for long term exposure) and camouflaged which I thought would be very useful should I ever need to cashe one while on the fly.

I can easily carry thirty Lbs of support gear in this bag.

The zips are strong and well protected by a cover flap that utilizes Velcro closures on three sides. I use the flap to cover spacial items I may need immediate access to, A flashlight-10% OC spray and a small lock blade knife.

I carry for the family so items in these bags are not "tactical", they are for easing the stress of relocation....that's it.

Extra dry clothes, toiletries, Children OTC medicine and other items to provide comfort in times of transition are packed in separate plastic bags within the BOB.

The BUG OUT BAG is just one component of the survivor's travel plans. Not to replace the Backpack but rather to supplement it and to act as the thinking mans store room.

Watch your six

RJ