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Survival tips for wimps

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posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 12:55 AM
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Most of the threads on ATS deal with surviving the total collapse of civilization. There’s no way I would survive something like that and honestly I wouldn’t want to.

I’m interested in tips on surviving a regional disaster/evacuation - when you’re not a survivalist.

Please don't laugh or think this is silly, I take care of two disabled adults, so I can’t really end up in some major evacuation center.

Does anyone have some ideas on how to make it through a regional disaster? I’m not just talking about the oil spill - there’s plenty of other things to worry about like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, ect.

I used to be a frequent flyer so I have come up with some of my own tips. These are the types of suggestions I'm looking for:

1. Once a evacuation is announced - if you live in a major city - it’s probably too late to get out using major highways. Your best bet is flying out. Sure it’s expensive but some things are worth it. Besides, you will have an easier time finding hotels instead of ending up in some shelter.

2. When staying at a hotel, ask if it has back-up generators. Without power, card key systems do not work so you can’t even enter your room. Most older holiday-inns have back-ups.
(I was in the New York area during the last major black-out and I was so happy to be staying at one of the few hotels with a generator )

3. If you are stuck without a car and no rentals exist, it might be cheaper to buy a old car for a few thousand and then resell it when you are done.

4. Scan all your old family photos and store them with a place like SnapFish. There’s Kodak high speed scanners at some grocery stores - you can scan a 1000 pictures in a few hours.

5. Have your prescription with National retailer like Walgreens/ same with Banks.

I hope someone has more tips.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 01:04 AM
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You are probably better staying in familiar surrounds in a bad situation,you dont want to be stuck out somewhere cold,wet or to hot.Just stay indoors ,tape up windows and doors ,make sure you have some water stored in drums or bottles and just a basic kit you may have for a blackout,candles radio,Gas mask, torch etc.Unless its nuclear weapon in which case you will be toast anyway.Good luck .



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 01:22 AM
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Stock up on bottled water, candles, and non-perishable food items.

To deal with a long power outages during cold weather, stock up on wood for your fireplace.

If you don't have a fireplace, make sure you have long underwear, as well as a sleeping bag which is made for sleeping outdoors in temperatures below zero.

A hand-cranked or solar powered radio and flashlight are also good to have on hand.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 01:40 AM
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Gun.

Ammo.

Knife.

Potted Water.

Water Filter

Freeze Dried Food.

Sleeping Bag.

Charcoal Grill.

Tent.

Lighter.

Durable Backpack.


The above poster is correct, stay in your local area, where you know your surroundings. While you still have time, learn how to use the equipment listed. Gun's are perfect for hunting and defense, need a good knife to skin your kill. Also, I'm not saying go out and get the most expensive, badass .308 for your hunting rifle. Plenty of game to be had with an accurate .22. You can pick one up at most gun shows for about 80 to 100 bucks. Ammo is super cheap too. You can get 550 rounds at Wally World for about 15 bucks.

If you have to evacuate an area, add a tent to your kit and drop the grill. You can walk out of an area faster than idiots clogging up the highways in a car will get out. Keep a low profile, don't use a flashy Alice pack or MOLLE pack, just grab a typical backpack that you would see someone have a computer in. Keep your rifle loaded but pointed at the ground. Use a car or bike to get you to the edge of town, avoiding major roads, and known ghettos and then just walk out.

Remember, the key is knowledge, don't wait until SHTF to learn how to use your gear. Also, not everyone is going to survive. Keep that in mind if someone tries to rob you. It's you or them. Make sure it's you that stays alive.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 01:56 AM
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Also carry a 'dummy' wallet with you - fill it with a few $/£ but keep the rest of it hidden elsewhere on your person.

IF you do get robbed, then give them the wallet with less money in.

--

As above, don't risk the highways / motorways as every other bugger will be leaving at the same time, either stay at home or walk out of town.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 02:08 AM
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Don't try to leave.

If you don't have the skills, you are better off where you are until things settle down.

Imagine gridlock and chaos with two elderly adults.

I like the idea of finding a hotel with a backup generator, but wouldn't it be simpler to have your own? Suppose a major apartment building, that wouldn't work however. For "bug in" types, a generator and gas is likely your most important item after food and water.

Guns are great tools, but I get the impression you are not a gun person. Find a way to defend your home. Mace, bear spray, whatever. The hand crank radio is a good idea, and some 100 hour candles. Check out Emergency Essentials. They sell a lot of the stuff you need, including those goofy pre-made BOBs. I would NEVER recommend those for anyone actually looking to bug out, as you would need trusted gear, but if you are staying put, and don't have the time to refine your skills, it's better than nothing.

Something most people overlook, get a wrench to shut the gas off to your stove, HW heater, whatever. Major earthquake, hurricane, a ruptured line can ruin your day quick.

If it is a full blown evac, the local and state authorities and National Guard would likely be at the ready to help with getting older folks out, so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Mess. I always overlook that as I don't need any. Talk with your doctor, see if you can start getting 3 or 6 month scripts, so you never run out, and have a lot on hand if you need it. Unless it's pain meeds or anything with street value, they may work with you.

If you are that concerned about photos, do this now.

While I do not agree with the fact you would not be able to, or want to survive a long term disaster, I believe it is our duty to take care of ourselves and those around us, I hope some of my advice helps. Good luck should you ever need it, heck, I may be the guy knocking at your door offering you a cup of coffee.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 03:17 AM
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If you're NOT a gun person...get to be one. Also get to know some. Not the beer drinkin barn shootin type (though they have their uses too
), but the responsible gun clubbers who are safe and can teach YOU to be safe as well. Gun's have helped humans stay alive for hundreds of years. Can it be done without them? Yes. Does it make it 1000x easier? YES.

In a survival situation, Vegans and Vegetarians are gonna loose their lofty morals pretty damn quick. Same way with guns. When everyone else has one, you better get one too...and its better if you are already familiar with them first.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 05:29 AM
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reply to post by mr-lizard
 

Great tip by the way always easier to give them something than to argue, plus you can throw it to one side and run, whilst they pick it up.

My advice get yourself a BCB Nato survival kit they would cost about $20 in US I think, they have everything you need if it gets to the point where you end up camping out. And this tin is very small, palm size. Another useful little tip is to use candle wax to waterproof your matches, just cover the head then scrape it off when you want to strike.

This is one I have, it used to be £5 cheaper


cgi.ebay.co.uk... tem5ad48d6d33#ht_1247wt_911

Possibly not what you were looking for, but I like to start at base level preparation, any situation above needing this tin would be a luxury.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 06:15 AM
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Some good tips.


I'd like to add that physical preparation is also important. Even if you are staying put, it's important that your body can handle increased activity.

If you have to walk out, can you? I live close to London and in the event of any regional issues where we would have to leave, we'd walk out. Even at the best of times traffic is a night mare around here, imagin what it would be with millions of panicked people driving out. Thing is, when we first started thinking about this, we realized that frankly, we wouldn't make it very far!

Even staying at home you may need to carry heavy items, walk to find supplies, ect;

We started to train our bodies, walking long distances, wearing in our walking boots, making sure that our stamina was up to the job of getting us out of dodge.

We began to use some basic tools, chopping wood sounds easy enough, but trust me, if you have never done it, it can be VERY tiring!

We learned some basic navigational skills, if you need to leave you don't want to go the wrong way.

Yes you can buy stuff, but if you don't know how to use it, or your body fails you due to lack of stamina it won't do you much good.

As for guns, I'm mixed. I currently live in the UK, the gun laws here are VERY different from what I am used to, growing up in the south, so having a mini arsenal isn't really an option for me, but there are other types of defensive weapons one can learn to use, not just for defense but also offensivley ( hunting and such I mean).

Good luck!



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 06:22 AM
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The most important thing is that the gov and police are murderers.

Thats the most important thing to remember.

Its not a left or right thing, as both left and right have there murderers in power.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 06:40 AM
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I am on pain meds and my doctor gives me 4 months prescriptions every visit. I agree that 3months or more of prescription meds sshould be on hand,

Being disabled adults they may have needs the rest of us don't usually need, you know what those are - so stock up!


Potable water, water filter, crank radio, sleeping bags, oil lamps, dried foods and definitely a firearm.

you will have your hands full in an emergency, my parents are nearly in their 80's so it may not be long before I have the same situation as you. I'll be watching for more tips. I think you've gotten some great responses so far.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 06:48 AM
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reply to post by Merigold
 


Why don't you buy yourselves some bikes instead of trying to walk out of London?



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 06:49 AM
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If you don’t have a gun get one if you can’t get a bow and get good with it.
Get a knife and get good with it too.
Learn about silencers and how to manufacture them if you will be staying in the city, 1 shot in the night can draw a lot of attention.
If none of the above is possible get a baseball bat or a cricket paddle or whatever you guys across the pond call them.
Just get an equalizer of some sort, from there with some sneaky sneaky if needed you can upgrade.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 07:08 AM
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reply to post by Asktheanimals
 


We actually have bikes and have considered this option. It's definitley an option we have on the table. Doesn't change the fact that you need to be half way decent shape to bike for long distances.



posted on Jul, 1 2010 @ 07:36 AM
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Definitely some good tips. In most situations you are certainly better off staying put unless it is an evacuation event.

I bugged out of coastal SC in 1999 for Huricane Floyd. However, I waited until about 3 am (after the evac. order) to make my move which was almost enough time to get me to Charlotte NC without hitting a traffic log jam. In that event, keep actual maps of your region handy and plot an alternative route. When I hit the traffic, I turned around on the highway and made my way back to the last exit and navigated back roads to my destination without any traffic problems. Avoid highways that are designated as official evacuation routes.

As for supplies, that topic can go on forever.

Fill your bath tub with water ( you can actually buy a bag of sorts that fits in the tub to give you an ample potable water supply) Its called a Water BOB

Stock up on MRE's with heat packs, freeze dried or dehydrated food etc...

Keep a back up source for cooking if you have an electric stove. I always have a backpacking stove that can run on white gas, kerosene, or unleaded fuel. Small propane burners are cheap and easy to store as are the small green cylinders.

Here is my preferred source for many items.

www.campingsurvival.com...



posted on Jul, 6 2010 @ 06:54 AM
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reply to post by Daughter2
 


Join up as a volunteer with Civil Defence or what ever your local equivalent is
. If you don't have a sector post team or a Community Emergency Response Team in your local area then see if you can get members of your community together and form one if not both of those groups . You might even get some useful training such as a basic First Aid course for free .

Cheers xpert11.



posted on Jul, 6 2010 @ 09:28 AM
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Another idea might be to pick up some basic self defence and martial arts tips. Okay obviously this won't be as useful if the opponent is armed with a firearm, but anything else you'll stand a decent chance (although the option to run is ALWAYS better - make no mistake about that - never try to be a hero unless your or a loved one's life depends on it).

Apart from that - join a gym, or if you can't afford a gym then i suggest getting yourself in shape by doing some cardiovascular exercises (jogging and swimming) aswell as push ups, pull ups, sit ups, squats etc - also take some long walks now to ready your muscles. Take a rucksack with you and fill it with some books or small weights - so you get used to carrying loads.

Maybe take some time out and go camping somewhere safe, but practice fire building and shelter building, also learn how to filter water and learn some navigational skills - nothing too taxing but could be essential when needed.

Since we all still have access to the internet there is a multitude of information available online - anything from printable maps to SAS survival skills to psychology analysis or fire building / water filtering tips.... Learn to recognise flora and fauna as you never know when you may have to survive in the wilds.



posted on Jul, 6 2010 @ 01:06 PM
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Make copies or keep originals of SS card, birth certificate and immunization cards in safe or waterproof container. Slowly build up supplies each week, first aid kits, hygiene products and canned food. Stay on top of expiration dates on food and medicines so nothing gets wasted.



posted on Jul, 6 2010 @ 02:12 PM
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In addition to the good suggestions already offered, I would add a good portable radio with extra batteries or a wind-up model.

Also, it's a good idea to get to know your neighbors beforehand. It's good to know who you can depend on in an emergency.



posted on Jul, 6 2010 @ 03:01 PM
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Because we don't have a clue on what exactly would happen, this is a very difficult question to answer.

A lot of people suggest to stay where you are, but that's not always possible. Lets say, for whatever reason, you have to leave the comfort of your home immediately. The first thing you need to do is quickly round up all your family members. Most pets are an absolute NO. They would cost you much time and resources. However, if you have a dog who can walk without a leash and might be able to kill (small animals) to eat and sniff out water, for all means bring him! He might even be able to help you with finding food and water. Sadly, most dogs cannot do this, so your best bet is to let them free, let them live their last days with Mother Nature.

The next thing you need to do is tell your family to grab everything possible. You should have already stocked up and things like non-perishable foods, water bottles, backpacks, windup radio, heavy clothing, blankets, weapons, money, dummy wallets, outdoor tools (like shovels), buckets for water, and probably the most important, matches. Matches can boil water, cook food, make warmth, light, scare away others, and can be weapons. You should have made a meeting spot, like by the mailbox or something, because you need to meet up quick. Once everyone is ready, GET OUT OF THERE! Don't even try taking your car - there will be no operating gas stations and the streets would be jammed with cars. Best go leave on foot, or maybe even bicycle, of you can manage. Keep in mind you will have to abandon the bike at some time.

You need to get as far away from that place as possible. Your best bet may be away from civilization. Also, if you happen to stumble upon someone you know, tell them to join you, the more the merrier. I would head for the woods. Here you have many resources and are away from the big rush of people in the city. Once you have been traveling for a long time, setting up camp every night to get rest, try to find an abandoned building to stay for a while. If theres an operating airport nearby and if you have enough money, you need to fly away. Your best bet is to ask around and find the least corrupt place possible to go, even if it means a new country. Go there and find a place to stay, but don't get too comfy.

Lets say you weren't able to fly out. You should get the the calmest place possible and try to settle a bit there. Hopefully you brought a shovel, because it might be best to go underground. A good place to be would be a sewer; they're very stable and hidden.

As for what happens next, you may be completely on your own... Try reading a few books on survival, that should help.

Good luck!


[edit on 6-7-2010 by nicolee123nd]



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