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Deb H (USA) on 03/04/2008
5 out of 5 stars

It seems that there have been many catastrophic events in the past so many years; this has gotten me thinking about what might be good to put in a lightweight backpack - for quick carry away. Of course there are a number of interesting insights to be gleaned from Earthclinic but I thought that maybe it could be an interesting topic to put out there for debate and discussion. It seems that governments may (or may not!) know what their rolls are in catastrophic situations but so often the everyday person is caught off guard and unprepared. (Even just recently, for example, it has been written in our local paper that the underground water pipelines are badly aging and could collapse, causing water contamination for many, many people. And yet, no discussion about what people could do to prepare for such a thing.) And on and on! Anyway, just a suggestion. Best regards! Deb

Replied By Deb H (USA) on 03/18/2008

I would like to go to my neighborhood camping and hiking store and talk to them about packing a waterproof emergency kit since I think that campers and hikers seem to have worked through many potential problem situations. My initial thoughts include such things as emergency cash, small tubes of antibiotic, arnica (stuff for cuts, scrapes, sprains); Odwalla bars or Kashi bars or high quality, lightweight foods like these, something for water purification (maybe a travel purifier... not sure about this); maybe some small items found in a formal first aid kit like scissors, tweezers, gauze, etc., perhaps some dry undergarments. It seems that a person could have a really good stash of emergency supplies of miniature items so that a kit could be lightweight but well stocked.

Your idea about discussing food strategies is excellent. This has been a topic of conversation around here and a number of people I know will be joining local CSA farms. Although it never got off the ground, at one point, people in my neighborhood were talking about doing pot luck dinners maybe three nights a week; each week hosted by a different neighbor who would supply dishes, silverware and clean-up. This might be fun to do in conjunction with a church as well. Many church kitchens have been abandoned but are wonderful for serving up group meals.

Replied By Joyce (Joelton, TN) on 03/09/2008

To the lady who wrote asking for things to have in light weight backpack in event of a catastrophe, I suggest that you research this on the internet - or even better go to a bookstore and buy yourself a book on survival tactics which should tell you lot of things, including building emergency shelters. If you do not have one already, get one on edible plants growing wild. After all, a backpack can only hold enough for a few days, and you may have to survive longer. Study these before putting them in your backpack & review them occasionally after that. You will find lots of books available on survival.

Replied By Davidmp (Hasty, Usa) on 08/22/2010

Suggestion 1: Buy and read the books "When All Hell Breaks Loose" and "98. 6 Degrees The Art of Keeping Your A** Alive! " by Cody Lundin.

Suggestion 2: Buy a very good bushcraft knife (not a survival knife) and learn how to use it. In an emergency, your knife will become your absolute best friend.

Suggestion 3: Take a good survival course. By good I mean one taught by someone with several years experience. Thoroughly check out the instructors.

Suggestion 4: Stockpile a minimum of 72 hours of light weight, easily transportable food (freeze dried). Also, 72 hours of water - most suggest 1 gallon per person per day. But that generally takes into account water for personal hygiene.

Suggestion 5: Build a well stocked first aid kit. These can be purchased, but most are only a start to a complete kit.

Suggestion 6: Stay away from commercially produced survival kits. These are designed for making money not keeping your butt alive.

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