From Amazon: Patriots is a thrilling narrative depicting fictional characters using authentic survivalist techniques to endure the collapse of the American civilization.  Reading this compelling, fast-paced novel could one day mean the difference between life and death.

After only 4 chapters I'm pumped and can't seem to put it down..well just long enough to write this quick post!  Do yourself a favor and buy Patriots: Surviving the Coming Collapse!  Do yourself a bigger favor and pre-order his next book coming out Oct 4th, 2011 called Survivors: A Novel of the Coming Collapse

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• Home Preparedness Checklist: Earthquake
• Emergency Preparedness: The Risk – Natural Hazards

The following checklist is just a guide on what you can do around your home to keep you, your family and others that may come near your home, safe and sound. Please remember that even with proper preparations, if at any time you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay. That being said, here are a few tips to prepare you and your home for hurrican season:

General Preparedness

• Keep your vehicle gas tank above ½ full
• Portable Genset generator make sure you have enough fuel
• Test your genset / generator prior to storm
• Have a hand crank, battery backup radio with NOAA

Home Preparedness

• Board up windows and/or close storm shutters
• Keep trees and shrubs around your home trim and clear of debris
• Ensure downspouts and rain gutters are clear of debris
• Ensure all important documents, valuables and family heirlooms are in a safe dry place
• Secure all outside ornaments and basically anything not tied to the ground
• Turn off all propane tanks and gas mains
• Ensure you have a 72hr Emergency kit and supplies for you, your family and pets
• Ensure you have required prescription medication on hand for 7 days min
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water

This is a small list, not a comprehensive list. Each individual and/or familiy will have to tailor their Hurricane prep list based on their own needs and location.  Don't forget to check with your local municipality. They often have guides, supplies and advise available for free to help you prepare your home and personally.

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• Emergency Preparedness: The Kit
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Tactical Trauma Kits are compact in size so they pack nicely into your EDC, Grab and Go Bug Out Bag and/or vehicle emergency kits. This Tactical trauma kit is 10th on Amazon Best Sellers List. For the price and value, this needs to be a part of your emergency preparedness kit.

Fully Stocked MOLLE Tactical Trauma Kit First Aid Pouch List Price: $49.95 Fully Stocked MOLLE Tactical Trauma Kit First Aid Pouch Product Description This Tactical Trauma Kit was designed by a former pararescueman to be used by those who might find themselves in the line of fire; police, military, tactical groups and hunters. The pouch offers easy access to all essential items in case of an emergency and includes a blood stopper kit. The molle compatible pouch is designed to strap onto your MOLLE vest, pack, leg drop platform or other gear and unfolds to provide easy and immediate access to your gear. Measures approximately 8" x 6" x 3.5". This Tactical Trauma Kit includes: 1 bloodstopper Kit, 1 4" cohesive Bandage, 16 Bandage strips 3" X 1", 1 5" X 9" Abdomen pad, 1 burn gel package, 1 1 first aid instructions. 1 SS Tweezers, 1 EMT shears, 6 Safety Pins, 1 Pair latex gloves, 4 pain relievers, 2 Ammonia Inhalants, 6 Benzalkonium Chloride wipes, 1 Triangular Bandage, 5 butterfly closure strips and 1 tape designed by a former pararescueman offers easy access to all essential items in case of an emergency and includes a blood stopper kit molle compatible Measures approximately 8" x 6" x 3.5" Customers Who Viewed Fully Stocked Tactical Trauma Kit First Aid Pouch Also Viewed Fully Stocked MOLLE Tactical Trauma Kit First Aid Pouch List Price: $49.95 ................................................................................................................................................. ORANGE EMT EMS TRAUMA BACKPACK Sale Price: $55.09 ................................................................................................................................................. Escape & Evade Tactical Military Survival Kit Sale Price: $137.95 ................................................................................................................................................. US PeaceKeeper Replacement Supply Kit for Rapid Deployment Packs List Price: $95.70 Sale Price: $62.12 You save: $33.58 (35%) ................................................................................................................................................. Voodoo Tactical Deluxe Professional Special Ops Field Medical Pack - Olive Drab OD Green 15-8174 Sale Price: $107.95 ................................................................................................................................................. MOLLE Tactical Trauma Kits available from 55 Pc Tactical Trauma First Aid Kit US $39.95 NEW TACTICAL TRAUMA KIT 1 CONTAINS 55 ESSENTIAL ITEMS US $38.95 Tactical Trauma EMT First Aid Kit Medic Field Bag M39 US $199.99 Tactical Trauma First Responder EMT Aid Kit Backpack Bl US $199.99

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• Adventure Medical Kits SOL Origin Survival Tool
• Emergency Preparedness: The Kit

SOL Origin Survival Kit and Essential Survival Tools List Price: $60.00 Sale Price: $38.68 You save: $21.32 (36%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 3 to 5 weeks SOL Origin Survival Kit and Essential Survival Tools Product Description The SOL Originredefines the survival kit from the ground up. In one product that fits in the palm of your hand, the Origingives you the collection of tools you need to survive the unexpected and make it back alive. Think of it as the ultimate cross breed of the traditional ten essentials and a survival kit, all wrapped up in one lightweight, easy to carry, indestructible package. The heart of the Originis its ABS-plastic waterproof case, which contains an array of key survival tools, including TinderQuik fiestarting tinder, 150lb-test braided nylon cord, mil-spec stainless steel wire, and an emergency sewing and fishing kit. And, for those unfamiliar with wilderness survival, backcountry expert Buck Tilton’s survival instructions contain over 60 survival techniques and strategies. However, the body of the case is really what sets the Originapart - integrated into the lid is a flip-up Rescue Flash signal mirror with retroreflective aiming aid. Flip the case over, and find the one-hand-operable Fire Lite firestarter, as well as a removable liquid-damped compass. Finally, secured in a button-release slot is a fully-functional folding blade knife, with a 100db rescue whistle and ultra-bright LED light integrated into the knife handle. The AUS-8 drop-point blade has been designed for the precision cutting you need during survival emergencies, and it excels at slicing, whittling, and any task where blade control is essential. The SOL Originis the lightest, most space efficient, and most durable survival kit on the market. Welcome to the future of survival – the Originis mandatory equipment for any outdoor adventurer. AUS 8 steel blade with lockable liner is harder, holds an edge longer and sharpens easier than common steel. Rescue Flash Signal Mirror flips open from top lid and features 20 mile signal power. Fire Lite striker emits a powerful shower of sparks. Whistle - pealess and fail-safe up to 100db. 10 lumen LED light provides powerful task lighting. Removable directional compass. Waterproof compartment protects your valuables. Additional 10 stainless steel wire, 10 nylon cord, foil, tinder and survival instructions help you get back alive Even if you're not a huge fan of the pre-packaged survival kits, the SOL Origin Survival Kit and Essential Survival Tools is worth your attention and addition to your kit. There is a reason the SOL Origin Survival Kit has beed on the Amazon Best Sellers List since it was released. Of course this is not your be all end all type of all in one survival kit, and yes you can piece together a much more robust kit on your own, but that is not the target audience of the SOL Origin Survival Kit and Essential Survival Tools. This kit is great as a gift for the quasi outdoorsman, camping, hiking, back country camping and more. It's good value for the dollar, compact and includes the essentials to get you by if you were stuck. www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2BljDhSnik Customers Who Viewed SOL Origin Survival Kit and Essential Survival Tools Also Viewed Adventure Medical SOL Origin Survival Essentials Tool ................................................................................................................................................. SOL Origin Tool Sale Price: $49.99 ................................................................................................................................................. SOL Origin Survival Kit available DURACELL LI ION 100w Duracell PowerSource Power Source US $179.99 Survival Tool Kit SOL Origin Adventure Med 21 Pcs US $49.99 SOL Origin 7 in 1 Multi Survival Emergency Pocket Tool US $69.99 SURVIVAL KIT SOL ORIGINAL Adventure Medical NEW HEAVY DUTY US $55.00

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• Emergency Preparedness: The Kit
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Anyone can piece together their own kit. The advantages of putting an Emergency First-Aid Kit together is that you can tailor it to you and your families specific needs. Here are some basics:

Bandages and Dressings:

* Assorted sizes and shapes of Band-Aids
* Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
* ACE bandage for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries
* Triangular bandage for wrapping injuries and generating an arm sling
* Aluminum finger splints
* Eye shield, pads, and bandages

Personal Care Equipment:

* Thermometer
* Syringe, medicine cup, or medicine spoon for giving distinct doses of medicine
* Disposable, instant ice bags
* Tweezers, to get rid of ticks and little splinters
* Sharp scissors
* Sterile cotton balls
* Sterile cotton-tipped swabs
* Blue "baby bulb" or "turkey baster" suction device
* Save-A-Tooth storage device in case a tooth is broken or knocked out; contains a travel case and salt answer
* Safety pins
* First-aid manual

Medicine for Cuts and Injuries:

* Antiseptic solution, like hydrogen peroxide or wipes
* Antibiotic ointment, including bacitracin, polysporin, or mupirocin
* Sterile eyewash, for example contact lens saline answer
* Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
* Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching
* Ibuprofen for pain
* Additional prescription medications
* Anti-diarrhea medication
* Antacid (for upset stomach)
* Laxative

Miscellaneous items:

* Plastic gloves
* Flashlight
* Additional batteries
* Mouthpiece for administering CPR
* List of emergency phone numbers
* Blanket
* Dried food
* Canned goods
* Can opener
* Prescription glasses
* Eye wash solution
* Bottled water

Don't forget to always include prescribed medicines. Some doctors, depending on the prescription, will provide a month or more so you can have enough on had in case of emergency.Similar Posts:

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A 72 Hour Emergency Kit wouldn't have the luxuries that people would sometimes like, but it must possess the products necessary. If you are putting a 72hr emergency kit together yourelf, a simple backpack carefully packed with items to cover the basics is good. Although it's good practice for each person to have their own 72hr emergency kit, you can purchase or piece together a good 2 person or even 4 person/family kit in one larger Grab and Go or Bugout type bag. The most important thing is to review all contents of your kit regularly, rotate the contents for products that expire and pack your kit based on your particular risks and location.

Here are some of the items that shoudl be a part of every 72 Hour Emergency Kit...

FOOD
There are many options for Emergency Food Supplies. It's important the meals have a long shelf life without refrigeration. Choose meals that require minimal cooking. Good quality options are bouillon cubes, powdered drinks (hot cocoa, cider), dried fruits and nuts, jerky, and chocolate to suck on. Most of these meals give energy, diet, and assistance to raise the morale. Complete FOOD are also available from various companies, Mountain House being one of the most reputable.

WATER & HYDRATION
Water can be saved in your home in a variety of containers, but small one or two gallon sized containers for transporting are important. 2L pop bottles are perfect. Collapsable containers coupled with water filters are handy for storing inside an emergency kit since they may be folded when empty. Large obvious plastic bags are extremely helpful in collecting water from dew or rain. Water may also be boiled, distilled, or purified with Water Disinfectant or perhaps a water purification package. Many of these techniques ought to be incorporated inside your package.

COOKING
Having a bag of charcoal and a Habachi Grill is all you need to prepare basically any food item. Nonetheless they are bulky and charcoal cannot be used indoors. There are MREs that have self contained heat/cooking pouches you can use inside. Waterproof matches, water proof fire starter, and compressed fuel pills are a couple of products that may be very useful. Remember to always think safety first!

LIGHT
Multiple light resources are a must in your emergency kit. Hand crank flashlights for mobility, lanterns for longer lasting light sources and even conventional oil lamps and candles will help calm nerves and keep a sense of well being while in distress. Hand crank or Dynamo flashlights/torches/lanterns as well as soloar powered chargers are some of the new technologies availabe to keep the lights shinning rather than just conventinal batteries which need maintenance and rotation.

COMMUNICATION
This really an area that people forget to incorporate into their kit. A good whistle is a must and can be blown with less energy and heard farther than your voice. Additionally a mirror is great for signaling for help. A good hand crank radio/2-way radio/flashlight is a great multi-toll to have in your kit, to keep tabs on what is going on, where government bodies are asking individuals to go or how to proceed.

MEDICAL FIRST-AID
Obviously a Emergency First Aid Kit is essential for just about any emergency situation. Fundamental products along with a simple first-aid instruction sheet must be incorporated in most package. Also ensure you have a min 7 day supply of personal medication and supplies to be on the safe side.

Other items to think about...

It is crucial to possess a packet of copies of your important papers for example: insurance along with other legal papers, wills, birth certificates, marriage license, banking account amounts, family photos along with other documents. If a person is becoming separated it's very useful to have the ability to provide the government bodies a current picture of what you are searching for. Make sure to include some cash inside your package, both small change and bigger amounts.

NOTE: Remember some products have to be rotated. It may be a sensible practice annually whenever you improve your clocks to daylight savings time, and alter the batteries inside your smoke alarm, also to rotate increase any products inside your 72 Hour Emergency Kit that should be transformed. This way most commonly it is up-to-date and ready to have an emergency.Similar Posts:

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There are many types of emergencies and it will be impossible for you to build an emergency car kit to cover everything, however there are basic components you MUST have in your ECK (Emergency Car Kit).

First Aid Kit
Every vehicle MUST have a first aid kit. I cannot stress this enough and the fact that they are so inexpensive to get makes me wonder why they are not part of the OEM equipment if every car. So if you do not have one now, make a First Aid Kit your first purchase. You can buy a basic kit or even a specialized Car First Aid Kit. The vehicle first aid kit comprises everything the basic kit will have but also include specific add-ons such as, but not limited to: motion sickness tablets, accident report form, call police flag, etc...

Spare Food
Food and water are also hight on the list.  Even if you have a small car, it does not take much room to hold a couple jugs of water and high energy bars. These store very well and for long periods of time so throw them in your Emergency Vehicle Kit and forget about it. You will appreciate it if you do need them.

Flashlight and/or Crank Radio with Flashlight & Cell Charger
Although these are not new on the market, they are mostly targeted towards the camping crowd. It is important to have a flashlight in your kit, but I would strongly recommend spending the extra money and purchasing a hand crank radio/flashlight/charger. By extra money, I mean you can pick up one of these units between 30-80 dollars plus depending on all the extra bells and whistles. These multi units are great as they are LED lights which use less energy, allow you to charge you mobile phone in case of emergency and also let you tune in to weather alerts and radio stations in case of an environmental disaster so you can keep informed of the situation around you.

Jumper Cables and/or Battery Boost Pack
Jumper cables are nice to have, but what if you're in the middle of nowhere and killed your battery by mistake? At a minimum, have a set of good jumper cables in your kit, but it is well worth the extra money to purchase a Battery Booster Pack. These are self contained battery packs that will let you jump start your car or truck on your own. As with the hand crank radios, you will pay more based on options. Some of the booster packs can include: AC inverter plug, trouble light, radio, etc...

Warm Blanket and Warm Clothing
This category really depends on your climate. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to have gloves, hat, long underwear, extra jacket, socks etc... everything you would need to stay warm. One of the most important piece to have in your kit is a comfortable pair of shoes, sneakers and/or boots. Think about how we usually dress while traveling on our vehicle. Now think of how horrible it would be to walk a couple miles in high heel shoes for help or have to spend the night in your office shirt and light jacket due to a snow storm.

Roadside Emergency Kit
A good roadside emergency kit will also include a pair of jumper cables, so you would be covered for that basic requirement, but they include so much more. Think of a roadside emergency kit as a first aid kit for your vehicle. It will include items like reflectors, call police or emergency type banners, flares, tow rope, flashlight, gloves, safety vest, shop cloth, etc.. All these items you can use in cases of distress where you went off the road, broke down on the side of the road and many more.

Basic Toolbox
I know we're not all mechanics, but we're not rebuilding an engine. What I refer to as a basic toolbox is a box containing slip joint pliers, wire cutters, slotted screw-drivers, adjustable crescent wrench, locking plyers, spare fuses, lug wrench, non-flammable tire inflator, jack & wheel chuck, tire pressure gauge, multi knife/tool, etc.. you get the point.  The nice thing is if you are not mechanically inclined or do not want to piece this together, you can purchase a toolbox designed specifically for a vehicle emergency kit that include all of the above and then some.

Top Up Fluids
This is one item you rarely see in a basic vehicle emergency kit. I always carry an extra quart of oil, antifreeze and supplies to temporarily fix a blown radiator hose (length of rubber hose and clamps), steering fluid and break fluid. I guess this comes from my offroading experience where you need to bring what you can with you to repair your vehicle in the middle of nowhere. Well even though in this case we're on the road, it is still highly recommended you have these supplies to get you out of a jam. The nice thing is you can pick up containers of these items in small "top up" form so they take less room and will last for a very long time if not opened.

One last bonus item is for everyone to get comfortable with the basic understanding of their vehicle. Have the owners manual available and get acquainted. Ask a mechanically savy friend or good mechanic to give you a once over of the vehicle, showing you items like how to properly check your radiator fluid, check break, oil and transmission fluids where applicable, check the pressure in your tires, changing a tire, identifying the drive belt and how to put a temp replacement and anything else you would like to know. Remember, the goal is not to become a mechanic, but to be able to identify a mechanical problem if your stranded and possibly be able to fix it. Being aware is the first step.

Each person will design their kit based on their own comfort and skill level, but the list noted above is my recommended "basic emergency survival car kit" so you can be self sufficient in case you find yourself in a compromised position and away from any help. In this case you will need to be self sufficient and able to sustain yourself until help can arrive.

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Grab and Go Emergency Kit:An emergency grab and go kit should include a minimal 3 day food and water ration per person just like your home 72 hour emergency kit, but since this is meant to be a portable kit, it's best to use MRE (Meals Ready to Eat), freeze dried foods and water filters/purifiers.  Food supplements along with first aid kit, hand crank/battery powered NOAA/AM/FM radio, emergency sleeping bag, candles, duct tape, utility knife, 5-in-1 survival whistle and more... should be placed in a duffel bag or back pack near your emergency exit like a front entrance closet.  Don't forget to add a copy of your emergency plan and an extra set of home/car keys.

Vehicle Emergency kit: You will never know the importance of having an emergency kit in your vehicle until you are stranded with no way to communicate.  First thing you should have is an Emergency Road Side Kit.  These kits can be pieced together or bought in an a nice self sealed case.  They house all the necessary tools and supplies to get you back on the road and/or be seen.  Additionally you want to have first aid kit, food, water, blanket, hand warmers, crank/battery powered NOAA/AM/FM radio, etc... a smaller version of the Grab and Go Emergency Kit you can store in a small backpack and leave in your trunk. 

Home Emergency Preparedness: You can use your Grab and Go Emergency Kit for home emergencies, but there are small things you can do to make an extended emergency easier on you and your family.  Preparing a select menu, rotating pantry and alternative cooking source will allow you to prepare hot, nutritious meals.  Start slowly by bulking up supplies at sales and in no time you will have a months supply of meals.  A hot nutritious meal is great for moral and energy.  In follow up articles we will cover how to piece together a complete emergency kit however you will want on hand a good first aid kit, invest in an AC electric generator, wood stove, extra blankets, potable water storage, crank/batter operated NOAA//AM/FM radio, candles/lantern and more.  The most important to remember is to inventory what your needs are and build a kit to suite.

The best thing about piecing together your own emergency preparedness kit is you can tailor it specifically to your families needs.  You can slowly gather the emergency supplies for each kit until you have them completed so there is no need for large up front cost.

These kits are the suggested minimal to have on hand and will keep you and your family safe and ready to deal with an emergency in a quick, effective manner.  These kits obviously merge into each other, but having the 3 basic kits ready to go will ensure you have emergency supplies ready when you need them.Similar Posts:

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Health Information:Medical conditions, allergies, surgeries and history are good to have written down in case you are not able to communicate to health authorities.  Also work with your doctor to prepare a suggested two week supply of prescription medication to keep in rotation in your emergency kit.

Safe Exit and Meeting Place:Planning multiple safe exits from your home and neighborhood is essential.  Depending on the emergency, a quick exit and preplanned meeting location will help ensure you and your family will be safe.  Remember that your your family may not be together when an emergency arises, so having a planned meeting place with multiple safe exit routes from home, work, school, etc... is a must. 

Children: if you have children in school or daycare, find out how they will communicate with you and your designated support person should you not be available.  Always make sure they have correct contact information.

Pets: don't forget to prepare for your family pets.  You'll need to pack food and water for your pets along with possibly a pet friendly shelter and/or hotel.  Pets will not be permitted in most public shelters and take secondary precedence over human life of course, so it is your responsibility to plan and care for your pet during an emergency.

Quick Home Shutdown: All house members should know where and how to shutdown your electric panel, water main and natural gas where applicable quickly in case of emergency.   

The most important part of your emergency plan is to keep it up to date and keep it in an accessible place.  Keep a copy in your emergency kit and leave a few copies with your extended family.  Planning and preparedness will give you and your family the edge in an emergency.  Be Prepared.Similar Posts:

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Preparedness Tips

• When a severe storm is forecast, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose – indoors and outdoors. Flying objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property.
• Trim dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house.
• Stay away from windows, doors and chimney during the storm event.
• If appropriate for your location, select a sheltered area that you and your family chose for your emergency plan.
• Follow Emergency Communcations and evacuate when requested.  Make sure you take your emergency kit with you.
• Use a cellular phone during severe weather and never use a land line during Lightening Storms.
• If you are caught in your vehicle during severe weather, pull over away from power lines and wait it out.

 Blizzards

• Blizzard conditions can create situations of zero visibility.  In extreme cases, string a rope between outbuildings if you need to venture outside.  Basically stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress for the weather and always let someone know where you are going and the route you will take.
• If stuck in a vehicle during a snow storm, stay in the vehicle. Open the window on the none wind side to allow some fresh air and keep moving your fingers and toes to keep them from getting cold and possibly falling asleep.  In the worst case it is ok to run the engine about 10 minutes every half-hour for heat only if the exhaust is clear and the interior ventilated.

Hail

• Take cover when hail begins to fall. Forget about your car, plants and patio furniture. Hail, when coupled with wind, comes down with great velocity and can cause severe welts or worse. Stay away from windows and skylights.
• If caught outside, seek shelter under a bridge or something solid.

Heavy Rain

• If heavy rain is forecast, check drainage around your home to ensure proper runoff.
• Go through your basement/cellar and move anything that could be damaged should you have a flood.

Ice storms

• Freezing rain will accumulate on everything outside. Safest place is to stay indoors, however if you need to venture outside watch building overhangs and powerlines for falling ice and week structures.
• Stay away from down powerlines and call your local utility.
• Freezing rain will make driving very hazerdous. Stay home if possible and if you do need to venture out in your vehicle take every precaution and drive defensively.

Thunder and Lightning Storms

• Take shelter during lightning storms and stay away from windows, power lines, telephones, etc...
• Before lightning storms, immediately shutdown and unplug sensitive electronic equipement such as computers and televisions.
• If you are caught outside, take shelter or stay crouched away from tall objects like trees and powerlines. 

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• Emergency Preparedness: The Risk – Natural Hazards
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