ARE YOU PREPARED??

[Stimpys Dad]

The events in Japan have made me do some thinking on preparation for unforeseen events that could happen to any of us.

Questions such as :

What is in the ditch bags that are always in the boat.

What else do I need in them?

Have you thrown them loaded into the water to see if they will really float?

Have you practiced using everything in them under less than ideal conditions?

Have you actually been in the water in a PFD, float coat or float suit?

Have you actually practiced getting back into the boat from the water?
At best it is not easy even with good equipment.

Practice could teach you a lot in a hurry.

Then look at your vehicle what do you have in it just in case?

Then look at what supplies are kept in the house just for emergencies.

We live on an Island in SE Alaska,where there is the potential for earthquakes, tusanamisand forest fires.
we have to be prepared. We use our C-Dory in some pretty remote areas,
We have to be prepared.
We know that at best it would be sometime before help would arrive.

Have you watched the Coast Guard Water and Shore Survival Videos? If not Google them up and take some mental notes.

We all go out in our boats? Are all of us really ready for the worst case happening?

Do you live in an Earthquake zone? Are you Prepared?

Look at Kathrina and the FEMA mess don't count on the Government for help. Be prepared to save yourself

Food for thought.

Regards Doug Cruickshank

 

[El and Bill]

Doug -
Your post is spot on - certainly all along the seismic zones of the west coast (see my recent post - West Coast US - Quakes) we should all have a survival plan, as you suggest - whether on an island in Alaska or in downtown Seattle. As can be seen in Japan (a country with a higher degree of readiness, apparently, than the US) there can be a period of time without electricity, food, gas, water, pills, etc. Just as most of us cruisers have prepared "ditch bags" with emergency supplies we should have those ditch bags (or similar) in our homes readily available. Forewarned is forearmed.

And earthquakes aren't the only possible disasters that could force us to rely on ourselves. Also, earthquakes in the US, are not just along the Pacific rim - Good food for thought, Doug.

 

[thataway]

Marie and I were talking about this at dinner. In Calif. we always had bug out bags, a tarp and sleeping bag, as well as water in our car trunks. In Florida during Hurricane Season we have extra gasoline, water and the RV packed, as well as hard drive back ups of the computers all ready to go. We also have copies of our insurance papers, medical histories, business records etc on DVD back ups in the safe deposit vault at the bank, as well as in the RV, and in a personal "ditch bag". One other item which is essential in an emergency is cash, mostly in small denominations (enough to live on for a few weeks at least). No credit cards will work if the power and phone is out--and you can still buy items (if available) with cash. Both our RV and diesel excursion have a fuel range of over 700 miles, so these vehicles are kept full of fuel, and ready to run in if we have to go somewhere inland. We also have pre arranged family we will contact in separate parts of the US so we can communicate. (Being a ham radio operator helps in this way also)

I keep a back pack with a change of clothes, sweats, foul weather gear, basics, space blanket, fire starting, flash lights, a firearm, multi purpose tool etc ready to go all of the time. I also have a GPS, multi band ham transciever, multiple AA batteries, We also keep the boat ditch bag next to the "bug out bag". The ditch bag has flares, strobe light, VHF radio, EPRIB etc. Marie agreed that she needed a similar "bug out bag"--maybe kept in her car trunk--we also keep a case of water in both cars. At home, we keep at least several weeks basic food in the pantry. If we have the RV--100 gallons of water. 50 gallons of water in the water heater of the house-another 30 or so gallons in the Tom Cat...

Although we have a 16 KW natural gas generator--it is fine for hurricanes, but if there was an earthquake (unlikely here)--the natural gas would be probably cut off. We might be back either to an older 5.5 KW gas generator or 2000 watt Honda for just refer and freezer.

If there were a big Tsunami on the gulf coast we would be toast--the house is only 12 feet above mean water. Chances? USGS has a lengthy paper on the subject--conclusion is both subsurface landslide or earthquake could and have caused Tsunami's in the past. Unlikely, but still remotely possible. So we keep our ears on!

 

[Levitation]

We are way inland from the ocean... We are not that high above the Great Lakes but geologically there is no evidence of the lakes catastrophically rising up and flooding across the countryside... Being near the middle area of a tectonic plate has it's advantages... Michigan faces mostly storms, ice, freezing, tornadoes, and lightning... Major fire is possible, but again the land being cleared into farm fields greatly reduces the fuel source to sustain massive fires.. There have been a few small earthquakes, but again Michigan does not have a geological record of a major earthquake being a likely event - possible, but not likely in my lifetime unless Yellowstone blows, then all bets are off...

So, in the event of a major disaster our problem is not likely to be evacuating from here - it is more likely to be dealing with the city hordes who will flood into the countryside demanding food and shelter from those who chose to avoid the teaming and steaming cities... We are more likely to have to flee from them than from nature...

 

[localboy]

...don't count on the Government for help. Be prepared to save yourself...

Truer words never spoken. I lived through two hurricanes back in Hawai'i. I saw the aftermath; the panic for basics, the scramble for same. I'm talking basics like food, water, clothing, shelter, medicine, toilet paper etc. Never mind "luxuries" like fuel or a way to heat food... And IMO both paled in comparison to what is currently occurring in Japan. It has made me re-assess how prepared we are. It would impact us more severely as I would be called to work long days away from home, as part of my job. M would probably be the same due to her being an R.N.

Good info here:
http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site...Page=e507d7aada352210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

 

[starcrafttom]

I have a small problem with those that do not think that the government would be there to help. I lived Thur hurricane Hugo in 89'. I was a marine stationed there at the time. In the morning when the clouds cleared and the rain stopped it was "the government" that was on the streets and very little else. cops, fire and yes yours truly with a chain saw in hand. We marines spent two to three weeks clearing trees , packing families and cleaning up roads.

after Katrina the first thing I saw in the air was the coast guard and the military. You know " the government" The coast guard and others air lifted 1000's out of the water and wasteland. The first food after the haiti quake was MRE's and or food cooked by the navy, not some thing I would wish on anyone but better then nothing.

Yes you have to plan to take care of your self for the first 24 to 48 hours but I would not go around thinking the government is not going to do their job. Cops, fire, coast guard , national guard and yes even a few Marines are always there and willing to put life before limb and work before play. and don't you forget it.

 

[rogerbum]

I have a small problem with those that do not think that the government would be there to help. I lived Thur hurricane Hugo in 89'. I was a marine stationed there at the time. In the morning when the clouds cleared and the rain stopped it was "the government" that was on the streets and very little else. cops, fire and yes yours truly with a chain saw in hand. We marines spent two to three weeks clearing trees , packing families and cleaning up roads.

after Katrina the first thing I saw in the air was the coast guard and the military. You know " the government" The coast guard and others air lifted 1000's out of the water and wasteland. The first food after the haiti quake was MRE's and or food cooked by the navy, not some thing I would wish on anyone but better then nothing.

Yes you have to plan to take care of your self for the first 24 to 48 hours but I would not go around thinking the government is not going to do their job. Cops, fire, coast guard , national guard and yes even a few Marines are always there and willing to put life before limb and work before play. and don't you forget it.

Amen - now let's complain about taxes.... :wink:

 

[Fairbro]

Lets not get too over zelous friends. One could also say: Don't forget Iodine pills and geiger counters plus stakes for vampire hearts and zombie repellents. I gotta say that the quiet dignity that the Japanese people are showing the world in the aftermath of what, if it's not armegeden must be right next door, is an inspiration and lesson in what really matters in a civilized society.

 

[starcrafttom]

roger , somethings they should do and some they should not. and if you want I would be glad to dicuss it with you over beer, your beer. but not here , now or on this thread. :wink:

 

[Fairbro]

The tread is what it is. To say: "Let's not talk about it here." in my humble opinion puts it under the rug. I want to shout what no one else seems to want to address in this whole matter. If this disaster happened in America I think there would have been riots, looting, insurection and isolated anarchy! People in Japan went without food for long periods of time because the stores were CLOSED! The ones that were re-opened were sold out of food but not liquor! (I drink, I drink a lot, I'm drinking now!) I don't see broken windows and doors on the empty stores. I don't see gangs on the news roaming the streets to prey on the disadvantaged. Please don't think I am anti-american, I just wish we could be better. That includes myself!

 

[starcrafttom]

last year ( or the year before) a large section of the Midwest was flooded. no food, no clean water, no sewer for weeks, and you did not see much of it on the news at all. why ? because there was no riots, looting, or crime to speak of. And it is neither the first time or the only time. The bad behavior you speak of is the exception not the rule.

 

[localboy]

I have a small problem with those that do not think that the government would be there to help.

OK. WITHOUT making this into something bigger, I'm just giving my opinion. WHEN, not if, something like this happens here we better be ready to survive, on our own, for a few days, minimum. I hate to disagree w/ Tom, but I don't think we will see the armed forces, Nat'l Guard, FEMA or anyone else from the gov't (local, state or Fed) instantly swoop in w/ red capes on. JMO. Oh, they'll muster all Uncle Sam can eventually...but in reality, it's gonna take a few days, especially if it happens in a large city.

Lets not get too over zelous friends.

I don't think having a few days worth of food, water, clothing, prescription meds etc is being over zealous. I think it's being prudent & realistic.

One could also say: Don't forget Iodine pills and geiger counters plus stakes for vampire hearts and zombie repellents.

I would say some guns and ammo would probably come in handy though, especially if it really went to poop. No one's taking my supplies w/out a fight.

last year ( or the year before) a large section of the Midwest was flooded. no food, no clean water, no sewer for weeks, and you did not see much of it on the news at all. why ? because there was no riots, looting, or crime to speak of...

I believe you are refering to the floods that occurred in the Mid-West. I agree; no riots, looting, murders etc. Why? Those people were used to being self-sufficient. THey got together and did what they had to do to survive, just like they had always done. .

Now, contrast that w/ Katrina. Those people did nothing. They sat on their behinds and when the poop hit the fan, they rioted, looted, stood around thinking "what now?"...Why? They were dependent on Gov't. They did what they had always done. And the result? Riots, looting, homicides, anarchy and people on roofs/baconies looking up for the Coasties to come save them.

IMO, if this happens where I live the people who are used to relying on themselves will survive. Residents of Seattle: they're doomed. :lol:

 

[Larry H]

Where I live in a rural area of Snohomish county, WA, we have been told to EXPECT to be on our own for up to 1 week after a major earthquake. Our rural area will not be high on the list for assistance.

My neighborhood has formed its own Emergency Response Team to help each other after a major emergency.

The best advice, no matter where you live, is to be ready to be self sufficient for up to one week.

No fire dept, no EMT's, no power, no water, no food stores makes for really tough living, unless you are prepared!

 

[Jazzmanic]

I have a small problem with those that do not think that the government would be there to help.

OK. WITHOUT making this into something bigger, I'm just giving my opinion. WHEN, not if, something like this happens here we better be ready to survive, on our own, for a few days, minimum. I hate to disagree w/ Tom, but I don't think we will see the armed forces, Nat'l Guard, FEMA or anyone else from the gov't (local, state or Fed) instantly swoop in w/ red capes on. JMO. Oh, they'll muster all Uncle Sam can eventually...but in reality, it's gonna take a few days, especially if it happens in a large city.

Lets not get too over zelous friends.

I don't think having a few days worth of food, water, clothing, prescription meds etc is being over zealous. I think it's being prudent & realistic.

One could also say: Don't forget Iodine pills and geiger counters plus stakes for vampire hearts and zombie repellents.

I would say some guns and ammo would probably come in handy though, especially if it really went to poop. No one's taking my supplies w/out a fight.

last year ( or the year before) a large section of the Midwest was flooded. no food, no clean water, no sewer for weeks, and you did not see much of it on the news at all. why ? because there was no riots, looting, or crime to speak of...

I believe you are refering to the floods that occurred in the Mid-West. I agree; no riots, looting, murders etc. Why? Those people were used to being self-sufficient. THey got together and did what they had to do to survive, just like they had always done. .

Now, contrast that w/ Katrina. Those people did nothing. They sat on their behinds and when the poop hit the fan, they rioted, looted, stood around thinking "what now?"...Why? They were dependent on Gov't. They did what they had always done. And the result? Riots, looting, homicides, anarchy and people on roofs/baconies looking up for the Coasties to come save them.

IMO, if this happens where I live the people who are used to relying on themselves will survive. Residents of Seattle: they're doomed. :lol:

Really Mark? "They" as in African-Americans? Blacks? Yeah, Mark, "they" sat on their butts for days totally helpless as their homes and neighborhoods were destroyed by one of the worst hurricanes ever to hit this country because our Republican president chose not to respond to the crisis until it was obvious it was a terrible situation. Of course, if "they" were affluent white urbanites or suburbanites, rather than poor blacks, I'm sure the response would have been much quicker. Don't get me started with your racist cr%p. You're one of the reasons I quit this site a few years ago. If you think you can go on record on this public site as if you're point of view is the only point of view, then you've got another thing coming. I've tried several times to ignore your ignorant remarks in the past but I am not letting this racist cr%p go any longer and I'm calling you on it. IMO. :amgry

I'm sure my remarks will stir even more emotions on this site and I'm ready for the s#%t to hit the fan and if that means I no longer choose to participate on this site, then so be it. But as one of the few minorities on this site, I will not let your remarks go unchecked.

Peter
a proud Filipino-American and one of the few minorities on this site

 

[thataway]

Each diseaster has its own problems. I have the greatest respect for the Military and was a Major in the Army. However, even in Pensacola, with a huge concentration of military, they had minimal part in civilian rescue or aid during Hurricane Ivan. Ivan was not as bad as Katrina--but perhaps we have a different type of people here in Florida. There was no wide spread looting, but there were opportunistic individuals. I was back to my house within 10 hours of the eye passing over, even though I had to wade/swim part of the way. I also helped the fire rescue folks extract some foolish neighbors who stayed in their home. (I called in the rescue via ham radio) However, from time zero on, we were on our own. (OK FEMA brought by a case of water weeks later)...
Our neighborhood set up our own day and night patrols to prevent looting, we housed those whose homes were so badly damaged that they could not stay in them (over 50% of the houses). People pooled food and fuel, and water so that our needs were all taken care of in our own subdivision. People were prepared (but not for the extent of damage to property which occured).

What I did see was the Salvation Army on the front lines the first day. Long before Red Cross or any other organization was mobalized. I have also been near the center of the Watt's Riots (Harbor General Hospital, where victums were taken, and we were under police guard 24/7), and Long Beach in the 1992 riot. I know that there may be times when you have to protect your loved ones and home from lawlessness. We cannot count on the government to do that. I do realize that there are going to be government hero's who will help with clearng roads, SAR, and population control. But you cannot count on that every time or every where. A few years later I was discussing these issues with our newly elected Sheriff--and he asked why we didn't just call the Sheriff's department when we had some less than honest folks in the neighborhood post Ivan. Answer--the phones (cell and land line) were out. A deputy might get there in 30 minutes, but no guarantee. If we had a problem, we took care of it then and there. The perputrators did not return.

 

[Larry H]

Folks who live in cities have come to expect services to be provided by those cities. Why else would anyone live in a city?

I too, watched the tv and wondered why the feds did not send in help immediatly after Katrina.

This is the same administration whose president was reading stories to school children when 9-11 happened. He continued reading for 10 minutes after being told that "America is under attack" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_for_the_day_of_the_September_11_attacks

I am pointing this out to illustrate that we must first help ourselves, and not to expect the government to come rushing to help in a large scale disaster.

Like the Boy Scouts said...Be Prepared!

In the event of an earthquake;

First, Help yourself and your family.
Second, When you are secure, help your nearest neighbors.
Third, Help your neighborhood, but do not become a victim yourself attempting dangerous rescues. Do not enter any building that is badly damaged. Look in from the doors and windows, call out to anyone inside to come to your voice. If you must enter, have backup that stays outside.

 

[Da Nag]

I'm sure my remarks will stir even more emotions on this site and I'm ready for the s#%t to hit the fan..

No shit, no fan.

A thread lock will suffice.