How to be Prepared

My son just attended a First Aid Merit Badge training. I sat off to the side reading for school, but I heard most of what was said. One would think that such a training would be a preparedness tool, but I have to differ in this case. The presenter was immature and rushed through important points. He did not know many things and constantly told the boys that they would never need the knowledge of many things he was supposed to be teaching.

If we are really looking to become prepared, we need to find real mentors and advisers. I do not say teachers for a reason. Anyone can teach facts, but a mentor will help you learn them. An adviser will guide you to conclusions. I prefer a combination to really learn what I want and need to know.

I think that the key to being prepared is to reason things out, practice them and study on my own to fill in gaps or gain new understanding. I knew I was lacking understanding in market philosophy, so I went out and found several sources of information and reasoned out the arguments. I knew two years ago that the US was headed toward an imminent financial crisis. I have known for years that there were problems in the markets, but it was only after serious study that I understood how bad it would be and where the signs would begin to manifest themselves. This allowed me to make preparations before the crisis set in.

Do I have a plan for economic problems? Yes. Do I know how to cook without fuel? Yes. Do I have an earthquake plan? Yes. It goes on and on. Will I need each plan? No. Will each plan be sufficient? No. But having at least a partial plan is better than none.

Let me know what you have questions about.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Lessons Learned

I've learned a few lessons of late regarding preparedness. First of all, I attended a fire extinguisher training from the city fire department where I work. I had posted wondering about carrying a small fire extinguisher after seeing a car fire. Well, at least for that purpose, there is no need. The fire department won't touch a car fire with anything less than a 2.5" hose because they are so hard to put out.

The presenter also said that the smaller extinguishers are of little use since they usually don't contain enough suppressant to extinguish most small house fires. The only time he knew of one actually putting out a fire was when the top melted off of one and smothered a stove top fire.

My wife and I also went on vacation recently and discovered that it is better to listen to the weather band on your emergency radio regularly so you are prepared for the coming storms. Our tent roof failed to hold back the rain, and we got as wet inside as anything did outside. It pays to have a rain fly.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Nothing Like a Bunch of Scouts Together for a Camp

This last weekend, my oldest son and I went to a scout camp together. He was there to learn about the difference between the Cub Scout and Boy Scout program. I'm not sure how much he learned, but we did have fun. (My back later disagreed with that assessment.)

The most interesting thing to me was the whole idea of preparedness. The Scout motto after all is Be Prepared. Well, the leaders did a pretty good job of preparing, but there was an oversight on immediate preparedness that was poignant.

Each group of Cub Scouts was assigned a Boy Scout to be a Patrol Leader. Some were better scouts than others. My son's leader was a bit disinterested in the boys. So at one point he was minding only his own business and whittling while the boys almost listened to the instructor. As he was doing so, he sliced his finger with his knife. With blood gushing nicely from the wound and trying to be inconspicuous, he put pressure on the wound and then was directed to the pavilion where there were some leaders free to attend to him.

In all this mayhem, my son realizes that he had packed his first aid kit and retrieves it from his day pack and offers it to the instructor. He was then sent off with the kit to the pavilion. His was the only kit readily available at the camp.

How important will it be to you to be preparedness minded? Will you hope for a young scout to save your skin, or will you Be Prepared?

- Mark

Value is based on perception.

Laundry List of 72-hour Kit Items

Sometimes laundry lists can be useful, so here we go. I'll have to comment on the items more in detail later.

Water (72 hours worth will depend on your location.)
Food (High energy and protein)

• 3 Breakfasts
• 3 Lunches
• 3 Dinners
• Snacks as you might need

Something to eat on and with depending on food
Weather gear

• Rain poncho
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Hat

Change of clothes (think about getting wet and how you'd want to prepare.)
Medications
Hygiene items

• Soap
• Towel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Floss
• Feminine products
• Contact supplies
• Toilet paper (flatten the roll)
• Diapers and wipes

Knife (a good leatherman type utility tool would be better)
Compass
Whistle
Shelter
Bedding
Matches in a waterproof container
Candle
Copies of important documents

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificate
• Drivers Licenses
• Bank Account Information
  

Light (flashlight or headlamp)
Radio
Extra batteries
Toys and games
Something to put all this into for portability

As you can see, this is not an extensive list. I'll have to add to it as other items come to mind.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.