- Joined
- Aug 15, 2003
- Messages
- 494
My feeling, reading this thread, is that "being prepared" shouldn't be regarded only as an equipment issue. Okay, one will need some minimal equipment, but as in everything, the more knowledge and capacities you have, the less equipment you need...
My first advice -- so to speak -- would be to stay physically fit. I've seen severely obese people trying to run out of the twin towers in New-York... they just couldn't. They jammed those stairs and killed many people (including themselves) because of they were not fit. Be able to run for a while, and fast. Be able to climb and do some chin ups. Be able to crawl. Have some strength and endurance... Martial arts can also be useful.
My second advice -- still so to speak ;^) -- would be to have a good general culture. Know some basic physics. Speak the language. Know where you are (at least check the maps once in a while). Know the basics of first aid. Know how the human body and mind works... All the equipment in the world will never replace a good education (my grandfather dropped school in third grade, but he never stopped reading and learning by himself... don't blame the system if you're too lazy to be curious about the world).
Finally, my personal BOB contains:
- Leatherman Wave (great tool)
- Small roll of Duct Tape (can be used for just about anything, from reparing wires to holding a broken leg straight)
- 4-5 tie raps (the big ones, great for anything, and for handcuffing the average bastard)
- Lighter (2 good old, cheap Bics)
- Mini mag lite (AAA model... not very bright I'm blessed with a good natural night vision... touching wood)
- Bright colored bandana (a clean one, good for breathing protection, sun protection, first aid, making a torch, signaling, whatever)
- Wallet with an emergency 100.25$ hidden in it, my ID's and stuff (useful if they need to identify my body... :^1 )
- 12 hour cyalume stick
At home, I always keep:
- Alternate heating source (for both heating the house in winter and cooking): be EXTREMELY careful when heating yourself with fuel or anylike alike... It can poison the air with CO and kill ya...
- 3 days water supply for my family plus 3 other persons
- 3 days food supply
- A large, well garnished first aid kit
- Pump action 12 gauge with some serious ammo (magnum SSG and stuff...)
Best regards,
David
My first advice -- so to speak -- would be to stay physically fit. I've seen severely obese people trying to run out of the twin towers in New-York... they just couldn't. They jammed those stairs and killed many people (including themselves) because of they were not fit. Be able to run for a while, and fast. Be able to climb and do some chin ups. Be able to crawl. Have some strength and endurance... Martial arts can also be useful.
My second advice -- still so to speak ;^) -- would be to have a good general culture. Know some basic physics. Speak the language. Know where you are (at least check the maps once in a while). Know the basics of first aid. Know how the human body and mind works... All the equipment in the world will never replace a good education (my grandfather dropped school in third grade, but he never stopped reading and learning by himself... don't blame the system if you're too lazy to be curious about the world).
Finally, my personal BOB contains:
- Leatherman Wave (great tool)
- Small roll of Duct Tape (can be used for just about anything, from reparing wires to holding a broken leg straight)
- 4-5 tie raps (the big ones, great for anything, and for handcuffing the average bastard)
- Lighter (2 good old, cheap Bics)
- Mini mag lite (AAA model... not very bright I'm blessed with a good natural night vision... touching wood)
- Bright colored bandana (a clean one, good for breathing protection, sun protection, first aid, making a torch, signaling, whatever)
- Wallet with an emergency 100.25$ hidden in it, my ID's and stuff (useful if they need to identify my body... :^1 )
- 12 hour cyalume stick
At home, I always keep:
- Alternate heating source (for both heating the house in winter and cooking): be EXTREMELY careful when heating yourself with fuel or anylike alike... It can poison the air with CO and kill ya...
- 3 days water supply for my family plus 3 other persons
- 3 days food supply
- A large, well garnished first aid kit
- Pump action 12 gauge with some serious ammo (magnum SSG and stuff...)
Best regards,
David