YOU'VE GOT 3 MINUTES!!!

[uglymike]

Benkelman, Nebraska, small town in SW Nebraska several days ago. It's 3 A.M.; 35mph-50mph winds, near zero wind chill. There's an uncontrolled prairie fire just a few miles outside of town roaring straight at you. This happened, true story.

We know folks who are "preppers" from there. They were NOT ready, and they thought they were.

Are you? Is your bug-out bag ready? I mean, REALLY ready? I took inventory within the last 24 hours and tweaked mine a tad after hearing their story.

Oh, by the way all you cowboy movie fans, Ward Bond was from Benkelman.

[Struckat]

Close, but fail.

[wolverine]

funny you would posts this.  we did a trial run a few weeks back and found the food we chose was completely unrealistic for a real situation.  we have since packed lightweight food that needs no heating or just hot water to prepare.
i vacuum sealed individual portions of food like instant potatoes and powered eggs.  individually packaged spam and ramen noodles are also good choices.  in an on the run situation, carbs are more important the proteins.  protein needs a lot of fluids for the body to metabolize it.  granola is good for this, it can be eaten while moving.  solo sailing for weeks at a time, i have a good idea what to bring and what not to bring.


we now have our bug out bags hanging in the garage next to the jeep.  filled jerry cans are there too, along with bicycles that can be secured to the jeep in minutes.  while the truck can carry more, and go farther on a tank of gas, it's not a 4x4.  the jeep is large enough for the 2 us and our gear, yet small enough to bypass traffic jams and drive off road if needed.  we also have individual maps of the lower 48 states as a back up to GPS.  i planned out several routes to our daughter's place in montana and we have a 2nd and 3rd meeting place if she's not at her home.


we still need to coordinate what radios to purchase as our daughter and her in laws will buy the same type. 


my wife was hesitant to spend the cash at 1st, but when i reminded her we will be moving this year to an area with a high risk for hurricanes, she was cool with it. 


i've experienced 4 tornados in the last 30 years.  the 1st over dozen people were killed and i survived only because i climbed down into a deep ravine.  the 2nd passed overhead as our 6 year daughter and i were skating at a local park.  by the time the sirens alerted us, the tornado was already there.   the 3rd passed over the prison i was working at and i was in a tower at the time.  the way it swayed i thought for sure it was coming down.  the last one again i was at work, and debris from the neighboring farm fell all about us.   it hit a town south of us and brought down a large building everyone sought shelter in, taking all of their lives. 


for many years we have kept cushions, water, food, electric lanterns, flashlights, whistles, a radio, life vests for padding, a 1st aid kit, helmets, a pry bar, heavy work boots, and durable clothing in our storm shelter.  if a storm hits in the night, there's isn't time to dress before fleeing to safety.   


3 minutes is barely enough time to get into a shelter or basement let alone think about what to bring with you.  better to be prepared and never need it, than not be prepared and have a situation arise.   

[mobilemail]

Not even close.

Bring the sauce, I will be the barbecue.