Survival Kits for South Florida?

Joined
Nov 17, 1998
Messages
3,317
I just came back from a vacation in the Florida Keys. There are stretches of US1 South that I would not want to be stranded on. Especially with all those "Crocodile Crossing" signs! What would you all put together as a kit for traveling/living in the Keys?
 
how about a good boat :)
But seriously I lived in a flood zone last year and did build a survival kit that was a fishing vest with an inflatiable pockets that turned it into a life vest. It used those little co2 cannisters. It was right after Katrina so I figured it was a good idea. But Im honestly not familiar with the keys, and as far as crocks I woud suggest a high power carbine with FMJ's.
 
My parents live in central FL, I've visited the Keys a lot over my life.

The Florida Keys, and State of Florida don't mess around, if a storm track even looks like it will remotely affect South FL, the Key's are evacuated.
They take it seriuously (unlike another place did).

They do truly "Bug Out". It's mandatory.
If you refuse, the State of Florida (typically a State Police officer) asks you to sign a Waiver stating that you are aware it may be days or weeks before they could get there to save you , should you even survive.
This results in 90% of those who say their staying to decide otherwise and Bug Out, also.

Now, in terms of a Kit. I am guessing that for those who live in the Keys, they are prepared for a Bug Out.
They know where they will go (Aunt Sallie's in Orlando?).
They know to top off their gas tanks.
They gather pesonal belongings, pets, drinking water , etc and they say goodbye to their home, which may not be there when they get back.

They are very much realists in my estimation.

After the last evacuation of the Keys last summer (05 Wilma?) It was a near miss, striking elsewhere in Florida. The media interviewed returning residents to ask them what they thought about leaving when the storm didn't even hit?
(muckrakers)
The residents told reporters it is part of life in the Keys, its the price they pay for living in such a great place the other 364 days a year.

They just need to survive the journey northward by auto. It's slow and methodical. A full tank of gas and Drinking Water are probably the two most needed things.
Oh, and of course your favorite blade, a big chopper, 10" plus. :) :)
 
Fix-a-flat
Jumper Cables
Sunblock
Water
Snacks
Full gas tank

It's not an expedition to the land before time. It's just a drive to the next county, along with lots of other people. The police and highway patrol are around if you get stuck or break down. The crocodiles and alligators are only a problem if you drive over them on the road and screw up your front end. The folks who feed them or pull their tail for a picture find out that stupidity is self correcting.
 
sawed-off 12 gauge.
skoal mint.
case of beer.
big ol knife.
4x4 truck, equipped with dog cages in bed.
big belt buckle.
fishing pole.
coonskin cap.
 
insect repellant.
A 'hootchie' type shelter. Can be tied around a rucksack or whatever to make a river crossing float. Swim quick when crocs are around!
 
It's not an expedition to the land before time. It's just a drive to the next county

or state, but you've got the right idea.

sawed-off 12 gauge.
skoal mint.
case of beer.
big ol knife.
4x4 truck, equipped with dog cages in bed.
big belt buckle.
fishing pole.
coonskin cap.

Nobody would saw off a good shotgun, and coonskin is too hot for Florida.

Shotgun
1,000,000 CP spotlight
Skoal
one case of beer per family member per day (this is the recommendation of the Florida EMA Office)
Buck 110 or large fixed blade.
4x4 truck, with dog cages.
6' step ladder to get into truck.
Large, shiny belt buckle (reflection can be used to signal aircraft)
Fishing pole-take you bass rig. Saltwater fishing sucks when the winds are over 45mph and the surge is greater than 10'.
Cowboy hat OR, ballcap with Skoal, Remington, or NASCAR logo.
 
Back
Top