SHTF Situations in real life

stsparky

stsparky

Joined
Apr 16, 2007
Messages
313
My friends live half the year here and half in Japan in the town of Yamagata. The train they normally use to get to Tokyo isn't running, and the straight shot takes them through Fukushima. Everything is being rationed north of Tokyo, so while they weren't threatened by the quake or the tsunami - the reactor situation had the family fearful. No one feels they are getting the full story from the government. The US Embassy isn't flying anyone home for free. And they aren't being helpful in getting US citizens home hale and hearty. So after a week of doing SIP - they're heading west to Niigata by bus and then getting themselves to Narita.

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Some of us live in active seismic zones, and have given thought to beefing up their Family Survival Kits. I believe we need to think of something practical for both the condo/apartment dweller as well as the home owner.

What makes sense? And when does moving make sense?
 
Since quakes happen without warning, we could be anywhere (at work, at the mall, at home) and along with that there are so many different things that could happen (buildings collapsing, roadways being blocked). Its a bit overwhelming to think and prepare for every scenario... i feel like i need to have my food and water strapped to my back at all times if i want to be ready :D.

With that in mind, i just try to cover a few things:

I keep a few things with me at all times, including my phone, flashlight and knife. Those are most useful day to day and in emergencies.

I keep some food and water in my car (enough for for two for 2-3 days) and food and water in my apartment. I figure i'd be close to one of those locations most of the time and should one place be in accessible, i'd have the other as a backup.

I'll can bunker up with family members and share supplies if needed.

I'll probably never move to avoid earthquakes. This is my home :). I just need to accept the possibilities and be prepared.
 
The situation in Japan is rather eye opening...

I myself live on the west coast of Canada, right along a major fault line.

I figure if I was at my house (further inland and built on bedrock and 400m+ sea level) I wouldn't be in too much danger, but out here at my university... its built at sea-level on a peninsula, and surrounded by a river delta (oh great liquifaction...). So 3 sides of rising ocean from a tsunami would sweep most of where I am right now away in no time.

It's one of those things that... you think about and say "oh yeah I should really put something together in case SHTF" but I bet a lot of us are very unprepared. I don't feel prepared at all as is.. but maybe this will be the wake-up call a lot of us need to stop putting off making those plans.
 
Thankfully, here in Ohio, there aren't too many disasters besides flooding. The worst thing I can think of around here is the tornados that hit down south occasionally. Even those aren't too bad with the exception of the '74 Xenia one.

Regardless, we have enough food to last us two weeks or so at home and enough water and snacks in the cars for a few days.
 
Ever since I started Search & Rescue I've been keeping a survival kit in the back of my car. I have my SAR pack but thats not really what I mean, the kit is a stanley rolling tool box and it's got food and a water filter, first aid kit , road flares , rope, the basics you get it. It gets real easy to overdo it too. Before you know it the back of the car is so full of survival gear there's no room for groceries. Pisses the wife off, she doesn't see the need.

Create a small kit today.
 
artichokie said:
I keep a few things with me at all times, including my phone, flashlight and knife. Those are most useful day to day and in emergencies.
Click to expand...

Living in close proximity to, and having worked at, local nuclear plants and government buildings I think about these things a lot more since 911. I keep food, water, and emergency supplies in both vehicles, but it's nearly impossible to much stuff on you all the time. I keep a few items on me always that I consider the last line. All of what you listed is included as well as a bandanna... and a good quality multi-tool when I remember to get it out of the console.
 
Several years ago, I bought a Maxpedition Last Resort attache' case for work to carry my laptop, files, battery, cables, notes, etc. from work. But the other reason I bought it were the extra pockets & bottle holder on the outside. I have enough "stuff" stored in those if some type of emergency were to prevent me from getting home for 2-3 days & I could not get to some type of shelter, I would still be ok. We also have the normal 3 weeks worth of food, water, first aid, communications, and other supplies in our condo, along with 2 bags that reside 24/7 in our Jeep. As Pyromaniac410 stated, weather is one of our main concerns here in Ohio, & as Mist also pointed out, we have 2 nuclear plants within a 40 mile radius of our home. We also have a few government contractor corporations that could possibly turn into a situation. If we have to stay indoors, we would be ok for a few weeks. If we have to suddenly evacuate, we grab the keys and go.
Hopefully, I wish we never have the need to use them . . . .
Be safe.
 
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