Your BOB may come in handy, but...

[Codger_64]

I know some of you get tired of me posting my opinions here, and to them I apologize, but here is my perspective of this:

Preparedness, for whatever, is a matter of personal responsibility. It begins now, not when someting appears on the radio or TV. Now...decide what risks you are taking by living where you do. Are you prepared and willing to cope with the consequences of whatever potential hazards you subject yourself (and your family) to by living there? Do the benefits of living there outweigh the chance, remote or pending, of disaster striking you? If not, move. Find a place less hazardous to live.

I've mentioned before several times about the hurricanes I endured and how I prepared and fared. At the time, I was considered by many to be a heartless bastid. Mainly because of my stand on the issue of a lot of people who lost everything...home, furniture, appliances, clothing, papers...everything. Some even their lives. They chose to live on a spit of sand a couple hundred yards wide only a few dozen feet above sea level right on the gulf. I chose a similar circumstance, but a bit more protected, though still between the intercoastal waterway and Pensacola bay. Evacuation was only possible days before a hurricane. Across a bridge over a mile long across open water.

I left there and moved to the country near Memphis, albeit right on top of the New Madrid Fault line, also in "tornado alley". Better the devil you know than....???? Well, I grew up in the area and knew the risks and how to cope with them by rote. Every place has it's hazards. Every person has a responsibility to know them and prepare to survive, whether by leaving or staying.

Codger

 

[Liam Ryan]

An ideal BOD for me would be a familiar favourite camping spot, in a secluded area, water nearby, away from roads and even trails.
I would probably have a good sized cache and even keep a fire hidden from view, smokeless in the day and screened at night, to keep away the hungry beggars and takers.
Even in this BOD location it would be a good idea to have a BOB ready to go for a number of reasons, forest fire, bandits, zombies, whatever.
It would be easy to have a semi permanent, comfortable sanctuary from the reasons for your departre, but I wouldnt be able to resist doing a little recon, under the cover of darkness, to gather supplies (not looting, unless absolutley necessary) and maybe just to see whats happening...

 

[docdredd]

Doc Silas, that's good experienced talk right there.

Things like trenchfoot, infections, are almost forgotten back here in the world.

I saw a guy go into shock once, in the field, he got stung by a bee, not an immediate allergic reaction, but the sting site became infected over days, (Dirty bee?) he got nauseous, chills, fever, etc, all in less than 24 hours from the first signs of any trouble. We then srumised may not ahve been a bee, could have been anything, spider bite, Wasp, or whatever other unknown critters were in that part of the world.

Carrying every single thing we would ever need to medicate ourselves would be tough, but, a little antibacterial ointment can save ya. At least the basic first aid kit is a MUST.

Good advice, thanks doc.

Sounds like your friend was having a delayed form of anaphalixis, Or he was bitten by a black widow. both of these cases would produce the symptoms you reported.For those of you that venture off on your own or with a group a wise addition to your kit would be Benadril or just get the generic stuff your are lookin for a drug called diphen hydra mein (one word its just easier to say when you break it up) while it wont do much for black widows it will delay (most) of the serios affects of anaphalixis. and as an added bonus give you a clear nose and help you sleep. sorry didnt mean to get off the topic just wanted to put out some info that may come in handy. on that note has any one started a field drug kit topic? if not i may have to hit that one up
see ya doc silas

 

[falnovice]

I would give a +1 to Codger, and the post on the last page about the best peice of equipment being your noggin. I think they are both tied together.
THe brain is the most advanced tool for combat, peace, medical and survival needs. Don't leave home without one.

 

[Crow Butte]

Codger, I think you are headed in the right direction. You make your bed and lay in it. Everyones choice of preparation and equipment must fit their circumstances and abilities. This forum will give anyone who looks here enough ideas to get themselves on the road they need to follow.