Urban "E-Kit"

Tyrkon Lawson

Tyrkon Lawson

Joined
Oct 31, 2003
Messages
8,583
Hey guys and gals. Well one of my 2008 resolutions is to work on my "preparedness" equipment and supplies. I was reading through "Preparedness NOW" by Anton Edwards. I like this book because:

(1) It focuses on "urban" survival and "preparedness".
(2) It focuses on things families would need to consider as opposed to just a single individual.

Being married with three little ones this really appealed to me.

Anyway the first thing I decided to work on is when Anton refers to as an "E-Kit". This is a small personal survival kit that is kept with you at all times. Here are the items he suggests for the "E-Kit".

Multi-tool and/or locking pliers
Flashlight w/ spare batteries
Small pry bar
mini-first aid kit
whistle smoke escape hood or smoke mask
weatherproof matches & case
weatherproof lighter
pen & paper
50 lb Spectra cord
utility shears
mini chain-saw
sharpening stone
duct tape
emergency kit
safet pins of various sizes
tweezers
10 wood nails
Survival straw (water filtration)
tube of crazy glue
misc. hygine items
emergency money
energy bars
Aqua-Pure tablets
*******************************

I have most of these items and will spend the next week finishing up this E-Kit. I have added a small EDC knife (Swamp Rat - Swamp Warden and perhaps a larger knife). I am also going to add some type of optics and an emergency radio. I work in East Los Angeles as a school teacher. No tall buildings and I am on the ground floor. This E-Kit would be something I use to get back to my family where a larger "Go Bag" will be that will have supplies for the family.

What do you guys think of Anton's list? Any changes you would make given an "urban" setting. Thanks.
 
Well you know what it takes to get home. See if you can't shave some of that stuff off. Right now, my "E-Kit" consists of a Adventure Medical .7 First Aid Kit, Ritter Pocket Survival Kit, Leatherman Charge, Vic Farmer, BM Mini Griptilian, some OC, a flashlight, some granola bars, 16oz nalgene, waterproof matches, compass, some duct tape and an orange poncho.
 
I think the author is out to lunch.

Smash has a decent list. I would also add something that goes bang in a caliber that begins with a 4.

Skam
 
I would add a Hammer of some kind, and a Headlamp all in all a pretty good list. far better than what I have at this time. I really need to put something together.

Good Luck,
RickJ
 
Mini chainsaw? Hygiene items? I think the hygiene kit is unreasonable. I think the chainsaw is ridiculous. I personally carry an Altoids tin with stuff in it, a LM Blast, Streamlight TwinTask flashlight, Bandanna, mini compass and Inova Microlight on jacket zipper pulls. I think I can handle almost anything I come across. I live very close to my work though. If the distance was increased I would definitely ramp up the amount of gear I carried, but I still wouldn't have a chainsaw on me for any reason.
 
I'm not familar with Anton's book or philosophy, but his list you posted isn't too bad. You really need to modify everything to your area and requirements. Give your area, water would be a big factor and I'm not familar with East LA, but a weapon (even in the vehicle) would be a top priority for me. My wife teaches 8th grade in a seedy area of our town. She is going to keep her .380 in the SUV for "emergencies".

A good first aid kit, plenty of water along with a good flashlight would be on the top of list.

ROCK6
 
Because you mention getting back to your family, I would think you need somethings for the Navigation/Mobility Group.

You may have to take alternative routes due to natural or human obstacles. A really good map and compass would see to be a minimum.

You may not be willing/able to leave your car on the way home. You might need water.

Extra fuel in your car would be in order.

You may have to walk. Shoes/boots/socks/nondescript [dirty/worn] clothes, hat, and day pack.

.45 (Yah, I'm prejudiced. Better yet, soemthing with which you can hit a target.)

(I presume the whistle is not a feature of the smoke escape hood.)
 
Yeah, I would just throw in a .45 that's easy to conceal, and at least 3-4 clips.

Other than that, great ideas, love the prybar, hadn't thought about it!!
 
Wood nails? I let you know when I find that out. Good question.

Whistle: he mentions that in case you ae trapped you could use it to give away your location for rescuers.

Hood/mask: he mentions that as protection from smoke and ash like we say in 911. (I hope I never need one of those).

Oh, he mentions goggles, like swim goggles, as eye protection for smoke and ash as they are water tight. I thought that was interesting.

Distance: I only life about 17 miles from work. But on foot that could take a little time. I am in great shape but I'd rather have a bike than be on foot.

I believe Anton wrote this after 911 so was using that as an example. Perhaps he was thinking that a straight root home would not be that simple. Terrorist attack or natural disaster. I have most of the above items except for things like the escape hood and a few otheres.



But the things you guys have mentioned I do have. Thanks for the responses thus far. :)
 
Here's a thought. Go back and scope out conditions int he aftermath of the '94 quake. What would you have needed to travel from your worksite to home in those conditions?

And other disasters, natural and human.
 
Well-used small-denomination currency (obviously not just out of an ATM -- goes with nondescript clothing and bag).
 
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