Urban E&E skills?

I haven't had a JanSport in years either but I remember they held up pretty well in college. I think it safe to say the would not draw unwanted attention.
 
Hospitals and pharmacies would be flooded with injured people and people looking to loot. I'd stay away. Same with major chain stores and whatnot.
 
First off, let me say how much I love this thread. I work in NYC, and commute about 90 minutes each way to get to my corporate job which is slowly stripping away my personality and soul. That said, I'm a damned good Marketing Manager- could sell ice cubes to eskimos and all that. My ice cubes are always perfectly square and come in 6 different colors, and a Tacti-cube with picatinny rails for Alaskan forum members.

Anyway, my blackout story isnt one of survival or preparation. Quite the contrary actually. I was 24 years old at the time and my priorities were much, much different. I was living in Long Beach, Long Island and my buddy and I were playing hookey from work for the day (we were pharmaceutical sales reps- hey, these drugs sold themselves.The irony is the name of the product I was selling, which is for another time).

It was getting hot in our apartment and I was getting pissed at losing in Madden 2003 so I asked him to plug in the air conditioning. Hopefully, while he was not looking I could run a play or something. I shit you not, the second the plug hit the outlet the power went out. I was like "dude what did you do?" He was swearing that he didnt do anything wrong and I clearly did not believe him- his nickname is "Mush" and pretty much everything he touches breaks, ESPECIALLY electronics. So at this point I poke my head into the hallway and see all the lights are out. I yell back into the apartment "Hey dipshit, you knocked out the power on the whole floor!"

It slowly dawned on us what was going on, and we walked down to the boardwalk to see a lot of people sitting in their cars listening to the news on their car radio. Once we learned it was a blackout we scrambled for the essentials (essential to me before my "awakening"). He ran as quickly as he could to get the cooler, while I ran up the street and bought ice. We filled the cooler with beer and set up the volleyball net right near the boardwalk. I spent the entire blackout getting... errrr, blacked out with about 20 people playing volleyball. It was actually.... awesome.

All kidding aside, Fast forward about 5 years. I am married. Wife is pregnant. It hits me like a donkey punch between the eyes. 9/11. The blackout. WTF was I thinking? Well, obviously I wasnt and my priorities/mindset have changed significantly. Was it easier living back then- sure. But not a day goes by during my commute into the city where I say to myself "I hope nothing bad happens today, and if it does, im walking across the 59th street bridge ASAP". I carry a backpack, small first aid kit, 2 mag lights, Leatherman squirt, slippie SAK in my pocket, and a small foldable map of NYC with ferry routes and train lines.

My wife and kids are prepped for a "bug-in" situation, as Long Island, as I understand it, simply doesnt even have an evacuation plan. We have BOBs pre-packed, the kids do as well. We are as armed as NYS will allow, and we openly discuss, but not obsess, on our plans in case of some kind of emergency. Both if I am stuck in the city or if we are together. I agree, having some plan, some type of next step, and keeping a cool head are the most critical resources at your disposal.
 
Kurtz265 said:
I was living in Long Beach, Long Island and my buddy and I were playing hookey from work for the day (we were pharmaceutical sales reps- hey, these drugs sold themselves.The irony is the name of the product I was selling, which is for another time).
Click to expand...

Soma. :D
 
We had a run on water here last summer due to a boil water alert. I had plenty of water, but went to the local pharmacy to pick some up for family and neighbors. I got in early, walked out with two cases of water. People were losing their temper's and composure faster than the water was running out. On my way out the door I told the clerk to call the police - things very quickly were turning nasty because of panic. Its important to realize that some people's first reaction will be panic. Avoid external entanglements.
 
I only live about an hour north of you... The Earthquake kit should be a requirement in CA!
Things that I think are often overlooked especially if you work an office job(I use to)

Shoes/Socks- Comfy hiking or athletic. I keep an old pair of trail shoes in my car because hiking a few miles in loafers will probably make you want to die.
Change of clothes (who wants to wear trail shoes with a three piece suit?)
Hat
Dust Masks or particulate masks... If you get stuck on the 405 and have to hike out the highways have tons of gases you don't want to be breathing.
Sunglasses
SPF

you mentioned a throw away wallet... I always carry two wallets...one of the CC's and ID/and some cash...the other has some other stuff and a couple 20's stashed. Im ok handing over one of them... The other comes with a muzzle

There was talk about a police scanner. From all the training Ive been to regarding the riots and critical incidents response, a police scanner will only work to let you know where to stay away from. Most of the time the radio is so backed up with calls for service that they aren't updating hot spots and info. Unless you know your 10 codes and or agency specific radio talk and have a great understanding of the city it might be a waste of time. The emergency radios are nice though.

Final thought... Does your wife or SO have a small pack and or the necessaries to deal with a delayed response to her location and or the ability to get back to safety. Do you have an agreed upon meeting place away from home? (note: If these questions don't apply its time to stop building BOB's and get a girlfriend)
 
Well, assuming this is a short term disaster, and not a long term society changing one, I'd say MRE's are a bit too much, instead, opt for the First Strike Rations ( FSR's ) I'm quoting the following from the army's official statement on their website: "The FSR® is a compact, eat-on-the-move assault ration designed for short durations of highly mobile, high intensity combat operations. The FSR® is substantially reduced in weight and cube and enhances Warfighter consumption, nutritional intake, and mobility." That's exactly what you need for this sort of thing. They're small, easy to store, and highly portable.


Also, the things I have readily available for a short emergency:
A First Aid Kit
50 feet of paracord in the form of a belt ( also as a gun sling, for more dire situations, probably needed in scenario two )
A zippo lighter ( I don't smoke, but fire can mean the difference between life and death )
A swiss army knife
Food, and a quart canteen filled with water.

For evacuation scenarios:
A Backpack with 3 days worth of clothes in it.
A first aid kid
MRE's or FSR's
One quart of water per person, per day
My paracord gun sling/belt
A lighter
A self defense weapon. Probably needed if I'm going to have to traverse unfit roads, filled with looters and other people looking for help, and desperation can make people do stupid and crazy things.
A cell phone, provided it's still usable and the network still works.
A backpack, doesn't have to be load bearing or anything fancy, just my regular old rucksack.
A radio.

I'd go on about society break-down and long term emergencies and scenarios but I won't. That's not what this thread is about, right?

All of that is assuming I'm home, but if I'm out and about and for some reason here in New England we have an earthquake or something, I don't know. I'd have my cell phone, wallet, swiss army knife, and a small LED flashlight on my key chain.
 
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In light of the recent earthquake in Japan I wanted to update this thread. The idea of having a bike to move about was discussed here and in similar threads. Especially in light of a major quake. My wife has some friends who have family members over there. They said the roads where they are were damaged and that they could not use their cars to get around. However, some had bikes that worked great and really came through for them. Just f.y.i. for everyone in earth quake country.
 
Great thread. I have only recently been thinking this over since I am now working in down town Detroit and have to walk a block through a neighborhood that could be used in a world war II movie (no exaggeration) just to get to work.

I can't take a knife or a gun into work or even leave it in my car in the designated parking lot.

Seriously, in this setting, I think it would take days to get home (25 miles away) if the freeways where out of commission; I think I'd feel safer sneaking through Baghdad at night than this area.
 
A few points regarding my survival/E&E/preparedness philosophy...
Regarding the law:
I'm of the mindset I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six, but I'm also a New Hampshire resident and therefore face far fewer legality issues, and I work at home, so the likelihood I'm in a city (or near law enforcement or other people at all) is very low. Now, this is not to imply I've committed any crimes in preparation for disaster, just that I would be willing to break the law during a SHTF situation.
Speed vs. power:
I am not an ounce counter, but I like compactness. I carry a Glock 34 with a cut down grip so as to accept Glock 26 magazines (and in your case, this could make legal magazine carry easier). Could I just carry a J-frame or a .32 caliber (heck, a .25 or even a .22) for self defense? Yes. But I like the larger gun for defensive purposes. I carry a lot of medical supplies, though I could "get by" with less.
Outer appearance:
While I am by no means an outwardly militaristic type, I don't hide behind a guise of sheeple clothing. I wear what is practical, and in an SHTF situation like the one you describe, I have a change of clothes into a slate grey jacket and brown BDU's (RIT dyed brown). This (at least to me) appears quite harmless, but the jacket is cut in such a way that I'm confident it could conceal even an armor system if necessary. I'm not afraid to have MOLLE on my bag either, some people are scared to shit of using MOLLE or any other webbing. Then again I have a truck gun (AR15) that needs mags so my get home bag has magazine pouches. They don't look too obviously military, the bag has some leather trim, (it was a custom deal made out of a county comm XL bailout bag) and to anyone who sees me on the street, it's just a briefcase with pouches on the outside.

These are just my thoughts on the subject, and my concerns are pretty much A.) snow storm; B.) some kind of strike against America on some massive scale (I know I need to leave the conspiracy theories at home); C.) zombie invasion. I've used this kit in snow storms and it worked great. Nobody questioned me about the AR15 (it was in the passenger seat, the state trooper who pulled me over saw it was unloaded and the storm case was closed, all was good), and I didn't even get looks at the gas station I went in to on the way home.
And one last thing, regarding food (though this might not apply to you city-slickers, it depends on whether you will flee through any of the city parks). Some very good items to have in your car (as hunting and even emergency defensive use) include: a slingshot capable of shooting arrows (youtube it), a rifle such as the M6 or a Ruger 10/22 with a 16" barrel and folding stock, and/or a .22 revolver (S&W makes a 10 shot .22 revolver I believe, excellent survival handgun given the accuracy and relatively nonthreatening look).
YMMV
 
Wife is Japanese.

When the Sendai Quake hit, we were on our way to Hawaii. The Tsunami warning forced the pilot to return us to LAX.

Our friends are in Yamgata, and had lost power for a day and a half.

These events have forced me to re-evaluate my SIP strategy. I'll be getting more potable water here at home, and 3 days of fuel to cook food and boil water. My current pack will become my get back home kit.

I'm going to do a walk through and make the condo quake ready.

Guess I'll have the 6 before the 5.

----
Wife isn't thrilled with the idea of guns. I'm unsure myself that I'd find one immediately useful (I'm pondering a 22 caliber air rifle or a blowgun as a stop gap). I've always been a fan of the Henry Survival Rifle. I was hoping to get her shooting this trip. Ah well. Sometime soon.

I think there are earthquake faults everywhere, the old Fort Miami fault in Michigan is due to surprise folks soon enough. That seems more likely than anything else.

I'd like input on what make sense for earthquake areas.
 
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This is a awesome topic it even compelled me to register and relinquish my lurker status to comment.

Sorry about how long this is but its been running through my head since I read the topic.

I think kit wise I would take as little as possible following the philosophy your gonna tend to be bothered less if it looks like you have nothing to take to this extent there is a good chance I would also dirty myself up to look like I had already been mugged and looted depending on the situation.

The car is kind of a dependent on the situation it could and most likely would make you a target however it could also get you home much quicker. I think I would take the chance if it was viable you can always ditch the car if you need to. One thing to remember as well if you are attacked in the car you can always use it to defend yourself.

If I was able to legally acquire and own a knife and preferably bullet resistant vest I would be wearing it. I think of it this way when I get on a boat I wear a life-jacket because it could very well save my life and I consider a vest the same which is why I believe they should be legal everywhere it may make the police's job harder but it could save lives.

For the minimal kit :

- a decent pocket knife I'm going for the Izula folder when its out if possible.

- a couple large garbage bags which would be good for rain gear or getting water from foliage if need be as well as various other uses.

- some good cordage para-cord or whatever something that works well for a bow-drill string would be nice as well.

- a change of socks or two can also be used for bandaging and other uses.

- a couple lighters in addition to a decent fire steel.

- a walking stick/staff for this I would prefer something about a foot taller than me wood and possibly wrapped with cordage and snare wire with metal caps on either end but nothing that looked too fancy there are lots of uses for this.

- water I would most likely have some the area I am in its really not much of a problem getting it the containers would be nice tho something that could be used for boiling would be great if I am stuck on the way home.

- food I would carry some snacks the snare-wire with the staff a small fishing kit and I was allowed to own one a blow-dart gun possibly integrated with the staff would be nice for getting some food carrying a gun around here is basically not permitted so gotta make due.

- Here's one that most will probably find kind of odd I would gather some rock's either before or after everything happened decent sized ones that could become rather nasty tossed into the spare socks and tied to the cordage or simply as a nice distraction.

(I have always figured if someone pulls a knife on me if possible I am going to run while running I will look for things to defend myself with ie. tossing a rock or two at their head or a large stick to assist me in getting away if your in good shape and fast this probably won't be as much as a problem engaging in a knife fight is not something I would care to try as there are a lot of variables the person could be more skilled or have some buddies coming as well as many other situations if they were to close I would back away to a safe distance if need be before outright running if possible try to avoid injuring them since I believe people are more likely to give chase either to save face or get revenge)

- various other things that could come in handy would be a light of some kind a first aid kit would be rather handy ideally containing something like quick-clot and butterfly bandages, some tape and glue could be handy as well.

The main focus of the kit would be basically getting you home in decent shape and alive where you would hopefully have something to fill any gaps and get you through. Once home personally if we are talking about something that's going to most likely get worse I would get as far away from people as possible however I am kind of odd.

Once again sorry about how long this was and I'm sure there are lots of other good ideas and such around the topic already has quite a few, I kind of feel bad posting here since I don't even own a ESEE knife yet but I am kinda waiting/saving up for a LS and Izula folder.
 
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For any of you who have lived through a major disaster such as major earthquakes, Katrina type storm, etc., what is the amount of time from post disaster to urban riots happening?
I ask, because most of us seem to be concerned with either getting home after such an event or at least getting out of the immediate area. It seems to me that there is at least a 12-24 hour "window" before the hooligans come out of their holes and start thinking about messing with others/rioting/looting, which should allow for relatively safe passage.
The closest I've been to anything like that, was as a cop in downtown Seattle during the 1999 WTO riots.
Thoughts?
 
Rich275 said:
For any of you who have lived through a major disaster such as major earthquakes, Katrina type storm, etc., what is the amount of time from post disaster to urban riots happening?
I ask, because most of us seem to be concerned with either getting home after such an event or at least getting out of the immediate area. It seems to me that there is at least a 12-24 hour "window" before the hooligans come out of their holes and start thinking about messing with others/rioting/looting, which should allow for relatively safe passage.
The closest I've been to anything like that, was as a cop in downtown Seattle during the 1999 WTO riots.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...

That's why getting home asap is a priority for me. I live in a nice area so riots are not as big of a concern. However, I work in Los Angeles so riots are a concern for sure. If all goes well I should be long gone before the low life elements are about. My routes are mostly away from shopping areas, malls, etc... where the "stuff" looters want is located. Still, I'll carry some insurance for close encounters all the same.
 
My girlfriend at the time of the big riots here in Los Angeles lived in a bad area west of USC. The violence you saw was overblown in its reporting. And looting became a bigger concern.

Some sort of bike makes good sense though. You'd want to manage fuel use.
 
Question, are these Masks good quality? My family are looking for me to order several and I just wanted to make sure I was buying the correct ones. I know Don mentioned NIOSH95, but I was unsure of good/bad brand/design.

Thanks as always.
 
Delkancott said:
Question, are these Masks good quality? My family are looking for me to order several and I just wanted to make sure I was buying the correct ones. I know Don mentioned NIOSH95, but I was unsure of good/bad brand/design.

Thanks as always.
Click to expand...

Unless you get a mask fit tested to know it makes a good seal on your face, any N95 mask is as good as any other.
 
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