What You'll Need During A BDSO or Natural Disaster.

[Kid Stanislaus]

I'm hoping this post will qualify as a political discussion 'cuz I don't know where else to put it. Anyway, I want to discuss what people should have on hand during a serious BreakDown of Social Order (or a natural disaster like an earthquake and tsunami!). John Connor's article on page 78 of the latest issue of GUNS magazine suggests a number of things that I'd not thought of and some I had. Here is John's list: 1.) A wrench the right size to turn off the gas meter in case you smell gas in your house (this is more likely during a natural disaster), 2.) Water filters, purifiers and containers, 3.) Dust masks, 4.) Dental Emergency Kit (a broken tooth means massive amounts of pain), 5.) Crowbar and shovel (for rescuing and burying people), 6.) Tarps, lines, bungee cords (these are essential for building temporary shelter), 7.) Charged extra phone cell batteries (that ought to be self explanatory!), 8.) Zipped lips! (don't tell ANYBODY about your preparations for natural disaster of BDSO 'cuz when TSHTF they'll show up well armed and take your stuff).

He didn't even mention guns and ammo 'cuz he's probably think'n each and every one of us will have that matter well in hand. However, I think a good quality and reliable hand gun, a short barreled pump shotgun, and a bolt action rifle in some form of thirty caliber would be wise. I'm not all that hot on the 223 but if that's your cup of tea then go for it.

OK, now what do the rest of you think? Personally I'm storing LOTS of water in 5 gallon container. You'll need a MINIMUM of one gallon of water per person per day. If you have a family of four then a 90 day supply is, well, you do the math. I also suggest that each member of the family have a sturdy pair of hiking shoes and a backpack in case it becomes necessary to break out in the dark of night and do a forced march. A hand cranked radio and flashlights would be essential. What else?

[Librarian]

Outdoors, Camping and Survival is the place.

[racky]

you should read "Patriots." "Emergency, this book will save your life" is pretty good too.

[Kid Stanislaus]

I'll check those out. Any suggestions from this forum. How about wool socks? Anybody think wool socks are an essential item for survival in a BDSO or Nat. Dis.?

[llamatrnr]

Large plastic trash bags to use as ponchos; 6-8" pvc pipe and caps for burying guns, ammo, other valuables . . .

[odysseus]

There are many comprehensive lists out there regarding this stuff, and your small list is certainly essential. Often you are not going to be able to get and have access to everything. Imagine having to cut in half that perfect list, and then what will you do with it, and cut it in half again. On the top is always drinkable water.

I will only add a couple of things that are important that sometimes is not mentioned. Good medical injury kits, but also antibiotics of both wound application, but pills - if you know what and how to use them. Also sanitation, you need to properly prepare human waste and have cleaning materials to keep everyone clean as possible.

[Kid Stanislaus]

Large plastic trash bags to use as ponchos; 6-8" pvc pipe and caps for burying guns, ammo, other valuables . . .

I like the large plastic bag idea but as for burying guns, I ain't burying none of my guns!!

[Kid Stanislaus]

There are many comprehensive lists out there regarding this stuff, and your small list is certainly essential. Often you are not going to be able to get and have access to everything. Imagine having to cut in half that perfect list, and then what will you do with it, and cut it in half again. On the top is always drinkable water.

I will only add a couple of things that are important that sometimes is not mentioned. Good medical injury kits, but also antibiotics of both wound application, but pills - if you know what and how to use them. Also sanitation, you need to properly prepare human waste and have cleaning materials to keep everyone clean as possible.

You make really good points. I think a really good first aid kit is essential. Also I'm going to stock up several gallons of hydrochloric bleach, its a great sanitation item.

[racky]

duct tape around a business card. and foil

[Kid Stanislaus]

duct tape around a business card. and foil

Ah yes, duct tape, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom gave us duct tape!!

[echo1]

Why would you need to bury your guns? Have you ever priced an 8" PVC cap? It's worth alot of .22lr rounds. You're on the Stanislaus far enough up stream to avoid most ag contamination, so you should be good to go on H2O. I'm in Ripon, and like most of the other Hamlets in the valley, plenty of armed good folks, that would ralley to the defense of the community from the Mongul hoards. Plus, if we have to bug-in, the 2 largest well fed water storage tanks of their type in the US. Almonds, lots of almonds nuts. That and vitamin C will sustain you for a long while. If we have to bug out, different story. In that case, see you in the Sierra compound. Via con Dios. PAX

[Californio]

I'm hoping this post will qualify as a political discussion 'cuz I don't know where else to put it. Anyway, I want to discuss what people should have on hand during a serious BreakDown of Social Order (or a natural disaster like an earthquake and tsunami!). John Connor's article on page 78 of the latest issue of GUNS magazine suggests a number of things that I'd not thought of and some I had. Here is John's list: 1.) A wrench the right size to turn off the gas meter in case you smell gas in your house (this is more likely during a natural disaster), 2.) Water filters, purifiers and containers, 3.) Dust masks, 4.) Dental Emergency Kit (a broken tooth means massive amounts of pain), 5.) Crowbar and shovel (for rescuing and burying people), 6.) Tarps, lines, bungee cords (these are essential for building temporary shelter), 7.) Charged extra phone cell batteries (that ought to be self explanatory!), 8.) Zipped lips! (don't tell ANYBODY about your preparations for natural disaster of BDSO 'cuz when TSHTF they'll show up well armed and take your stuff).

He didn't even mention guns and ammo 'cuz he's probably think'n each and every one of us will have that matter well in hand. However, I think a good quality and reliable hand gun, a short barreled pump shotgun, and a bolt action rifle in some form of thirty caliber would be wise. I'm not all that hot on the 223 but if that's your cup of tea then go for it.

OK, now what do the rest of you think? Personally I'm storing LOTS of water in 5 gallon container. You'll need a MINIMUM of one gallon of water per person per day. If you have a family of four then a 90 day supply is, well, you do the math. I also suggest that each member of the family have a sturdy pair of hiking shoes and a backpack in case it becomes necessary to break out in the dark of night and do a forced march. A hand cranked radio and flashlights would be essential. What else?

My Fire Captain buddy recommends a 16" chain saw, located away from the house, so you can cut your way back in to your home if it collapses to get the rest of your supplies, also to be able to clear a roadway. Long chain with hooks and nylon straps help with that also.

[rp55]

Large plastic trash bags to use as ponchos; 6-8" pvc pipe and caps for burying guns, ammo, other valuables . . .

Good work boots. Three pair minimum. Two to rotate and a spare. Watch Big 5 sales for Coleman and use the coupons that show up. If you know someone in the Navy get them to pick you up what they call "Boondockers." They wear them on flight decks and in engine rooms and are the most indestructible shoes known to mankind.

[Ripon83]

A generator is a good idea and isn't that expensive now days, but I prefer a diesel generator which I believe is hard to get in CA? Remember its a lot easier to make bio diesel then it is gasoline (for the generator). A battery charging solar panel isn't a bad idea either. At least you can keep the flash lights or AM radio going. Oh flash lights and an AM radio are good ideas too.

As for weapons I have them for myself and my wife who does not shoot. She doesn't want to but I keep the 22's for her (and I like shooting them cause they are cheaper) and the bigger stuff for myself.

Ripon, by the way, someone mentioned above, is just an awesome place. Just don't think of bugging into Ripon unless you are already there.... In addition to being on the Stanislaus River the city has wells from 300/500 feet aquifers to 2,000 feet - so I'm guessing they can get water one place or the other.

[Dooligan]

My Fire Captain buddy recommends a 16" chain saw, located away from the house, so you can cut your way back in to your home if it collapses to get the rest of your supplies, also to be able to clear a roadway. Long chain with hooks and nylon straps help with that also.

Or, how about a keeping your supplies in small tool shed outside? That way, you can simply pull apart the downed structure with your hands.

Seems a little safer than conducting heavy S&R into a collapsed structure.

I find it strange that a fire captain would suggest entering a compromised building and conducting S&R for supplies (not even survivors) without the proper training and equipment. He might want to not tell people that. It is dangerous.






In other words, please don't ever enter a structurally compromised building and potentially become another victim. Period.