#Emergency Preparedness

[thatdisasterauthor]

Finally had my dashcam come in handy after having it for five years, and it is going to save A LOT of people a lot of hassle. An afterschool program bus (a half-sized school bus) pulled out into an intersection without the right of way and was hit by a small car. Thankfully no one was seriously injured, but obviously everyone was very shaken. There were about ten kids on the bus, mostly middle-school aged, plus the driver. The car had a family with a young baby and grandma.

The accident was 100% the bus driver's fault. But she kept insisting the guy who hit her had his turn signal on, which gave her the right of way to go in front of him. He didn't. (And, honestly, even if he DID have his signal on, you're driving a bus full of kids, the legal right of way doesn't really matter, you should be acting extra cautious and waiting to be 100% sure you have a clear path).

If I hadn't been right behind the bus with a clear view for my dashcam, this whole thing would be a mess of he-said/she-said. The parents of those kids would struggle to get adequate care for their kids, the driver and family in the car would struggle to get adequate care and get insurance to take care of it. It'd just be a mess. But I did have a dashcam and I was able to give the SD card right to the State Trooper, which will easily clear all of that up.

And, mind you, this was a cheap ass dashcam. It was about $20 on Amazon and the glue holding the front to the back was so low quality it melted in the heat of being in the car, so now the thing is held together by a ponytail holder looped around it a couple times. I'll be upgrading now, though. I want something I can access the footage with my phone in the future.

But yeah. Get yourself a dashcam, even if it's super cheap. You never know when it'll come in handy. Also, give your kids a hug.

[pumpsoul-oct123]

The Importance of Preparedness: 10 Essential Items for Your Survival Kit

1. Water and Water Filtration

What to Include:

Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.

Water Filtration System: Portable water filters or purification tablets to ensure you can make any water source potable.

2. Non-Perishable Food

What to Include:

Canned Goods: Fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals.

Dry Goods: Rice, pasta, cereals, and protein bars.

Specialty Items: Baby formula, pet food, and items for dietary restrictions.

3. First Aid Kit

What to Include:

Basic Supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, and scissors.

Medications: Pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications.

Specialized Tools: Tweezers, a digital thermometer, and a CPR mask.

4. Emergency Lighting and Power

What to Include:

Flashlights and Batteries: LED flashlights with extra batteries.

Solar-Powered Lights: Solar lanterns and portable solar chargers for electronic devices.

Hand-Crank Radio: A multi-function radio that can receive weather updates and charge your phone.

5. Shelter and Warmth

What to Include:

Emergency Blankets: Thermal blankets or sleeping bags.

Tarp and Duct Tape: For creating makeshift shelters.

Warm Clothing: Hats, gloves, and extra layers of clothing.

6. Personal Hygiene Items

What to Include:

Sanitation Supplies: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable soap.

Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.

Waste Bags: Plastic bags for disposing of waste safely.

7. Important Documents

What to Include:

Identification: Copies of passports, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards.

Medical Information: Health insurance cards, medical records, and prescriptions.

Financial Information: Bank account details, credit card information, and insurance policies.

8. Tools and Supplies

Why It’s Essential: Having the right tools can make a significant difference in an emergency, allowing you to perform necessary repairs, signal for help, or navigate your surroundings.

What to Include:

Multi-Tool: A versatile tool that includes pliers, a knife, and screwdrivers.

Whistle: For signaling for help.

Maps and Compass: Local maps and a compass for navigation if GPS is unavailable.

9. Communication Devices

What to Include:

Cell Phone and Charger: An extra charger or power bank.

Two-Way Radios: Battery-powered radios for communication if cell service is down.

Emergency Contact List: A written list of important phone numbers.

10. Personal Protection Equipment

What to Include:

Face Masks: N95 respirators or other protective masks.

Gloves: Durable work gloves for handling debris.

Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against exposure.

[suzilight]

[physalian]

Having a bug-out bag came in use yesterday so I thought I’d recirculate the benefits of having one. It’s a pre-packed backpack or travel bag that is ready to go in emergencies.

I first made mine after a different narcissistic roommate made me too afraid to go home after I insulted his ego, to the point where I had my friend guard the house in the front yard so I could run in, grab what I needed to stay overnight somewhere, and leave.

I resolved to never be unprepared again, and am relived to say that while the bag hasn’t been useful for its intended purpose, having it in my car has saved me on beach trips, hurricane evacuations, and other overnight trips where I otherwise forgot something at home.

It sits in the trunk of my car and does take up a fair bit of space, but I’m never lacking for space in my car anyway.

Inside:

Cash

Pens/stationery

Multitool

Separate switchblade

First aid kit

Batteries

Multiple chargers

Flashlight

3 outfits, 2 warm, 1 cold (Florida)

Assorted underclothes

Sweatshirt

Bathing suit

Toiletries

Bath towel

1 closed and 1 open-toed pair of shoes

Hat

Sunscreen

Sandwich/grocery bags

Hair ties/brush/clips

I do have to toss some things every now and then as they degrade in the Florida heat, but most of the toiletries were picked up in the travel aisle for cheap. I keep mine in my car but you don’t have to.

If I could safely keep pet food for my cats with it, I would, but again, the heat.

Stay safe out there!

[themelanindigitalwave]

🚨 Stay Alert—The Time to Prepare is Now! 🚨

Every day, the world feels more uncertain. From political tensions to racial divisions, from the migrant crisis to mass shootings, and even rising inflation—these distractions can easily cloud our vision. But now, more than ever, we cannot afford to drop our guard. The time to prepare is NOW.

The Urban Survival Playbook is your ultimate guide to navigating these troubling times. This isn’t just another product—it’s a lifeline for you and your family. As the Black community, we’ve always faced challenges with strength, but being prepared is the next step in protecting our future.

💡 Why You Need This:

• Learn how to safeguard your family in an emergency.

• Gain strategies to handle food shortages, economic crisis, and unrest.

• Build mental resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Don’t let distractions put your family’s safety at risk. Visit our website today to get the Urban Survival Playbook and start preparing for the future. Waiting too long could cost you everything.

🛡️ Be prepared. Be empowered. Be ready.

[marcustumblerius]

[etakeh]

Hey so PGE is having lots of outages in the PDX + area.

Charge your phones, find your flashlight/candles/jar of glow in the dark plastic marbles, consolidate your blankets and pillows into a central location, all that good stuff.

[czedwardsblog]

Summer Reminder: M44s

From a 2021 twitter thread Summer reminder, since many are heading out into the national parks and federal lands: Be VERY careful with anything that looks like a sprinkler head or trash in the ground – it could easily be an M44 cyanide device. It can kill humans and dogs.Our tax dollars pay for this poison. An M44 device in the ground. It looks like a pink marshmallow on top of a sprinkler…

[captawesomesauce]

So I'm just getting a bit of my stuff prepped for Hurricane Hilary and these pics are just a snippet of what I've got lined up. The thing is, I'm not too worried about Hilary as I'm planning on staying home, chilling, and just reading on my kindle until it passes. BUT, all of this stuff is good to have in case of an earthquake which can happen any day of the week, any time of the day! So it's good to be prepared! For those who want my list that I have been checking off today, it's below the read more. The key things are:

Food (x)

Water (x)

Meds & First Aid (x)

Cash on hand (x)

Gas in car (x)

Fans for dealing with the heat (x)

Solar Panels & Battery packs (x)

Stuff to do (arts/crafts/kindle) (x)

Wet weather gear (x)

Clothes 1 pair of leather wildland gloves Clothes 1 pair of padded extraction gloves Clothes 2 Fire Brush jackets Clothes 2 Hard hats Clothes 2 pair of good closed toe shoes Clothes 2 pair of gorilla grip safety gloves Clothes 2 rain coats Clothes 2 rain hats Clothes 2 Umbrellas Cooling 1 Fan/lantern (C batteries w/4 extra batteries) Cooling 1 standing room fan Cooling 3 handheld fans w/water tanks Fire 1 Fire extinguisher outside front door Fire 1 window/balcony escape ladder Fire 3 Fire blankets (1 in the kitchen, 1 bedroom, 1 office) Fire 4 Fire extinguishers throughout the house Food 1 long bbq lighter Food Lots of blueberries Food Lots of canned soups Food lots of condiments Food Lots of crackers/chips/Pretzels Food Lots of freeze dried fruits/veggies Food Lots of Nuts and Trailmix Food Lots of ramen Food Lots of shelf stable/canned meats Food Lots of veggies Light 1 handheld led lantern/flashlight Light 12+ led lights for rooms Light 2 chest mounted lights with reflective harnesses Light 2 handheld flashlights Light 2 head mounted lights Light 8 led puck lights med 1 large stocked first aid kit w/burn & trauma supplies med 1 small stocked first aid kit with bleeding supplies med blood pressure cuff Med N95 & P100 masks med pulse ox meter med stethscope Misc Cash on hand in small bills Power 1 100w Solar Panel Power 1 car jumper/battery pack Power 1 Large Battery pack 146WH 42000mAH Power 1 Large Battery pack 150Wh 40800mAH Power 1 Large Battery pack 250WH 64800mAH Power 1 orange solar panel battery pack (10,000) Power 1 orange solar panel battery pack with wireless charging (10,000) Power 1 white battery pack Power 2 21W Solar Panel Power lots of rechargeable and non-rechargeable AA/AAA batteries Radio 1 desk scanner with NOAA weather alert Radio 2 handheld transceivers Radio 2 programmed handheld scanners w/NOAA radio SD Mace Peppergun SD Taser Stuff to do 2 kindles loaded with books Stuff to do arts and crafts projects Tool 1 demolition tool Tool 1 folding pocket knife Tool 1 Machete/Saw Tool 1 Multipurpose Shovel (shovel/e-tool/window breaker/fire starter/saw/axe) tool 1 raptor EMS shears Tool 1 SOG multitool Tool 2 full rolls of duct tape Tool 2 full rolls of masking tape Tool Various Bungee cords Tool Various ropes & tie downs Water 1 5 gallon collapsible water bucket in the tub Water 1 5 gallon water bottle w/dispenser Water 1 large pitcher of water Water 2 30 cup water filter pitchers Water gallons of bottled water Water multiple 2l and 3l camping bladders of water

[treetreader]

would anyone be able to recommend bushcraft/wilderness survival/off grid type stuff that ISN'T from gross ass right-wing conspiracy theorists? much of what im finding online is that crap and i dont wanna support that

anything would be much appreciated bc im trying to compile resources to have on hand in case of emergency and also trying to be more sustainable in my life choices

some goals i have rn (not all at once obvi)

starting a kitchen garden and learning to can the produce i grow (in the works)

water storage and use for gardening

planting a native grass lawn (in the works)

Native wildflower garden for pollinators (in the works)

upping my cooking skills

mending the clothes i have (doing good here)

spinning yarn

[pumpsoul-oct123]

Why You Don’t Have to Be a “Doomsday Prepper” to Be Prepared

When people think of prepping, the image that often comes to mind is someone stockpiling canned goods, building bunkers, and preparing for a catastrophic event. This stereotype of the "doomsday prepper" has made many dismiss the idea of preparedness altogether, thinking it’s only for the overly cautious or conspiracy theorists. However, being prepared isn’t about fearing the end of the world; it’s about taking practical steps to ensure you and your family can handle everyday emergencies. Here’s why you don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to be prepared.

1. Everyday Emergencies Are More Common Than Disasters

While large-scale disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes make headlines, everyday emergencies are far more common and can be just as disruptive. Think about the last time you experienced a power outage, a severe storm, or even a car breakdown. These situations can happen to anyone, anywhere, and having a plan in place can make all the difference. Preparedness is about being ready for the things that are most likely to happen, not just the worst-case scenarios.

2. Preparedness Is About Practicality, Not Paranoia

The idea of prepping often gets a bad reputation because it’s associated with extreme scenarios. However, practical preparedness is about taking sensible steps to protect your home and family. This could mean having a first-aid kit readily available, keeping a flashlight and extra batteries in the house, or knowing how to shut off your home’s gas supply in an emergency. These are everyday actions that can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

3. Basic Preparedness Is Easy and Affordable

One of the misconceptions about preparedness is that it requires a significant investment of time and money. While some people may choose to invest heavily in supplies and equipment, basic preparedness is something anyone can achieve with minimal effort. Start small by putting together an emergency kit with essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Over time, you can build on this foundation, but even a small amount of preparation can make a big difference in an emergency.

4. Knowledge Is Power

One of the most important aspects of being prepared is having the knowledge to respond to different situations. This doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in survival skills, but learning basic safety measures can go a long way. For example, knowing how to perform CPR, how to use a fire extinguisher, or how to purify water in an emergency can be invaluable. These are skills that anyone can learn and don’t require a doomsday mindset.

5. Preparedness Is About Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most compelling reason to embrace preparedness is the peace of mind it brings. Life is unpredictable, and while we can’t control everything, we can take steps to mitigate risks. Knowing that you have a plan in place for emergencies can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control. It’s not about living in fear of what might happen, but about being ready for whatever comes your way.

How to Start Your Preparedness Journey

If you’re new to the idea of preparedness, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are a few simple steps to help you begin your journey:

Assess Your Risks: Consider the most likely emergencies you might face based on your location and lifestyle. For example, if you live in an area prone to power outages, focus on preparing for that scenario first.

Build an Emergency Kit: Start with the basics—water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and a flashlight. You can expand your kit over time as you identify additional needs.

Create a Family Plan: Talk to your family about what to do in different types of emergencies. Make sure everyone knows where to go, how to communicate, and what to do if they’re separated.

Learn Basic Skills: Take the time to learn a few essential skills like CPR, first aid, and fire safety. These skills are useful in everyday life, not just in emergencies.

Stay Informed: Keep up with news and weather reports so you’re aware of potential threats. Having information early can help you act quickly and effectively.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to be prepared. Preparedness is about practical, everyday actions that can protect you and your loved ones in a variety of situations. By taking a few simple steps, you can gain peace of mind and be ready for whatever life throws your way. Remember, it’s not about fearing the worst—it’s about being ready for the unexpected.

[muzzleroor-1st2ndamendmentinfo]

Good morning everyone!! If you still have not decided, here is Paul Harrell's top 5 choices for shtf self defense weapons you should own! Hope this helps! Have a great day!!

[lianabrooks]

Let's talk about how to prep for hurricanes...

This is a very basic checklist for a simple 72-Hour Kit (sometimes called a Bug Out Bag). It has supplies to last your for three days, which is the estimated time needed for relief organizations to arrive in your area and start handing out food and water after a major disaster.

(more below the cut)

VITAL RECORDS – ID, proof that your children are yours, proof of medical insurance, vaccine records, marriage records, and insurance records for your house and car. If possible, make copies of records for everyone in your household so that there are multiple copies. It’s also worth keeping photos of things like birth certificates either in the cloud (there’s a debate here) or with friends or family who live in another area.

FOR THE KIT:

– Protein/granola bars

– Can opener (not electric)

– Trail mix/dried fruit

– Dishes/utensils

– Crackers/cereals (for munching)

– Shovel

– Canned tuna, beans, meat, Vienna sausages, etc. (“pop-top” cans might leak/explode)

– Radio (with batteries)

– Pen and paper

– Axe

– Canned juice

– Pocket knife

– Candy/gum (jolly ranchers or chocolate can melt and mint gum might “flavor” other items so be careful what you pick)

– Rope

– Duct tape

– Water (1 gallon per person/day)

– First Aid Supplies

– Change of clothing (short & long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, jackets, ect)

– Toiletries

– Roll of toilet paper

– Undergarments (water- proofed in a zip lock bag)

– Rain coat/poncho (lg black trash bags work well for this also)

– Feminine hygiene/deodorant

– Soaps – hand/dish

– Blankets & emergency heat blankets

– Shampoo/hand sanitizer

– Cloth sheet

– Immunization card

– Plastic sheet

– OTC medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, TUMS)

– Prescription medications (enough for 3 days)

– Battery lighting (flashlight, lamp)

– Extra batteries (BE CAREFUL NOT TO MIX THESE ITEMS WITH FOOD ITEMS)

– Flares

– Candles (or crayons – a crayon can be lit and used as a candle for up to 15 minutes)

– Lighter

– Water-proof matches

– Infant needs (if applicable)

– Birth/marriage certificates (also a copy of your insurance with numbers, pictures of your house and valuables, your car info, ect)

– Pet needs (if applicable)

– Insurance policies

– Comfort items (stuffed animals, pictures)

– Cash

– Credit card

FOR KIDS:

– picture album with pictures of family and contact information

– a couple small toys (even new ones)

– extra clothes

– a small surprise that you know they’ll like (this makes the emergency so much easier)

FOR PETS:

– food

– travel food and watering bowls

– pet pads if applicable

– pictures of the pets and contact info so you can share if separated

– medicine

– medical records

(PLACE THESE ITEMS IN A WATER-PROOF CONTAINER!)

Cheap 72-hour kit menu:

DAY ONE

Breakfast – oatmeal, hot cocoa

Lunch – ramen noodles, granola bar, gum

Supper – granola bar, 1 jerky, hot cocoa

Snack – raisins, 10 tootsie rolls

DAY TWO

Breakfast – oatmeal, hot cocoa

Lunch – peanut butter crackers, raisins, juice

Supper – ramen noodles, granola bar, gum

Snack – 1 jerky, 10 tootsie rolls

DAY THREE

Breakfast – oatmeal, hot cocoa

Lunch – trail mix, fruit snack, juice

Supper – granola bar, 1 jerky, hot cocoa

Snack – 10 tootsie rolls, gum

[themelanindigitalwave]

🌍 The World is Changing: Are You Ready? 🌍

Right now, we are living in unprecedented times. Political tensions are rising, racial divisions are deepening, the migrant crisis is overwhelming our cities, and violence seems to be at every corner. Inflation is making it harder to get by, the Israel/Palestine conflict continues to escalate, and homelessness is becoming a growing crisis. As Black people, we have always been resilient, but now is the time to prepare and protect what matters most—our families.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

The Urban Survival Playbook is the single most important digital product you can purchase right now to navigate these uncertain times. This isn’t just another guide; it’s a blueprint for survival, crafted with our community in mind. Whether it’s mass shootings, economic collapse, or civil unrest, being prepared can mean the difference between chaos and control.

🛡️ Why You Need This NOW:

• Stay ahead of the curve—learn how to protect your family before disaster strikes.

• Get practical, no-nonsense strategies to keep your home safe.

• Plan for emergencies like food shortages, natural disasters, and power outages.

• Build mental resilience to handle the stress of an unpredictable world.

💡 Take Action Today!

Don’t wait until a crisis catches you off guard. Your family’s safety depends on your preparedness. Visit our website and get the Urban Survival Playbook now. It’s time to start planning for the unexpected. Waiting could cost you dearly, but being ready will give you peace of mind.