Lightning Strike

If you’ve been reading this column for a while then you know I always encourage everyone to carry a get-home bag.  Some call it a “bug-out” bag or a “go” bag.  But because disasters don’t always happen while you’re snugly at home, you should have some items, supplies and tools with you to help you function (translated: keep you alive) until you can get home.  Everyone’s bag will be different.  Mine includes some extra blood pressure pills, some food, something with which to purify drinking water, some clean socks and other clothing items (no need to go into intimate detail here) and something I can use to start a fire.  

    Depending on your travel habits, your individual bag will be custom designed by you to meet your lifestyle.  There are literally hundreds of companies online that are happy to sell you a ready-made kit, but again if you’re a veteran reader, you know that I advocate building your own kit.  You get to choose the items YOU will need for your particular situation AND you get to pick quality products to fill up your bag.  In other words, you are invested in your own survival and there is no need to outsource that responsibility to someone who doesn’t even know you.  

    If you need ideas on what to put in your kit, then by all means look over the list of contents on some of the better kits, but build your own.

    From time to time, I offer my opinion on a particular product you may want to consider for your kit.  Every kit needs some means of alternative fire starter just because you may want to start a fire to keep warm.  Imagine being out in the hills, hunting, firewood-getting, or just sightseeing and all of a sudden you slide off the road.  Or a fallen tree blocks your egress.  Or you find yourself behind a locked gate.  Building a fire would be one of the things you’d want to do to keep warm, keep you company and maybe even heat up some food.  

    I recently came into possession of a “Lightning-Strike” fire starter.  There are dozens of products available that use this technology.  It is a variation of the old flint and steel although none of these products actually use flint anymore, rather it consists of something called ferrocerium.  Commonly referred to as a ferro rod. When you grind a piece of steel against a ferro rod, a spark is produced.  

    The Lightning-Strike fire starter is about the size of a Mini-mag flashlight.  Constructed of machined, anodized aluminum it is an ingenious design which contains dry tinder in the water-tight handle storage area and a tubular-slotted barrel which houses the ferro rod. When the steel striker grinds against the ferro rod, a spark is ejected from the end of the barrel.  Because of the larger-than-average ferro rod and a larger- than-average steel striker, the spark this thing gives off is significantly bigger than any similar device I have used.  And because of the “shotgun barrel” design, you can direct the spark to go where you want.  Invented in Powers, Oregon, by Darrell Holland and sold from his website (www.hollandguns.com), this could be the perfect addition to your collection of necessities.

Now for the downside:  It’s not cheap.  The $60.00 price tag could put some folks off, but this is after all, the Christmas shopping season and if you’re looking for that perfect gift for your outdoorsman or prepper-dude (or dudette) then you can’t go wrong with the Lightning Strike.  It is a quality product, easy to use and well thought-out.  I’m very pleased with mine and show it off every chance I get.

As always, send your questions and comments to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  Dave Robinson is the Postmaster in Bandon, Oregon, and the author of “Disaster Prep For The Rest Of Us”.

Lightning Strike II

Back in December, I wrote a column about a product to which I was recently introduced.  It’s a fire-starting device called a Lightning Strike. Several weeks back I had opportunity to use mine. Check out blog post dated December 7, 2014.  

Each year on Memorial Day weekend I take my two grandsons on a little trip.  We drive over to Central Oregon and camp out in a little campground that lies right next to a big tract of BLM land near Fort Rock. One afternoon we decided to ride up to Hole-In-The-Ground (look it up).  My 8 year old grandson was riding with me on my four-wheeler and were about three miles from camp when a windy rain shower blew in and we were getting drenched and cold.

I drove off the trail and dropped down out of the wind into a fair-sized gully where we hunkered down in the lee of a big burned-out stump.  The stump was open on one side and we set about gathering some kindling and dry sticks and laid a small fire inside the stump.  I dug my Lightning Strike out of the pack on my ATV, shoved a couple of the tinder pucks under the kindling and handed the fire starter to my grandson.  After only two strikes on the ferro rod, the pucks caught the spark and in minutes we had a nice little fire going.

Now I realize this wasn't exactly a "survival" situation, nor we were ever in any actual danger, but that little fire warmed us and taught my grandson a valuable lesson. (Besides making a pretty cool memory.)

The rain shower passed and we extinguished the fire, making sure it was safe to leave untended and proceeded on with our ride.

For more information or you’d like to get your hands on one check out www.hollandguns.com.  

Just thought you'd like to know.

    Kids Prep

Several months ago our electricity failed one evening in the midst of a wind storm.  The lights blinked twice and then total darkness.  Flashlights in hand we fired up our Coleman lantern and settled down for an evening of “camping in”.  After a couple of hours of primitive living, my six year old grandson asked when the power was coming back on.  I took some time to tell him about what might have happened to cause the outage and that right this minute there were crews out there working in the dark and the wind and rain to bring the electricity back.  I assured him that by morning we would probably have our lights again.  Sure enough, by the time we got up, electrical power was restored.  There were no episodes of fear or overt insecurity, just the horrid inconvenience of trying to adjust to life without TV or x-box for the evening.

Children learn to take their cues from from the adults in their lives.  If the grownups are panicked, then children will likewise be undone.  When the adults have made some simple preparations and are ready to handle the unexpected, it can serve well to bring stability and avoid all the drama associated with fears.  Secondly, it is time well spent to explain what has happened, what is being done to fix things and how soon things might be expected to return to normal.  You might ask if they are afraid.  What are you afraid of?  Reassure them that you are there with them and nothing bad is going to happen.  Tell them you have plenty of food and supplies and remind them that they are warm and secure because you are a wise and caring parent you have already prepared for just such an emergency.  No worries!

Disaster preparedness for kids can be a fun and exciting activity. Getting their own backpack and emergency gear can become a game.  Picking out the perfect flashlight (don’t forget extra batteries), gathering extra clothing and a spare toothbrush makes your kids feel like they’re a part of the grand solution.  The internet is loaded with resources for kids.  FEMA (www.ready.gov) has games, puzzles, cartoons and something called “Readiness U”.  Your children can even earn a certificate of graduation when they master Knowing the Facts, Making a Plan, Building a Kit, then they earn the right to graduate from Readiness U.  How can you go wrong when you have help from Flat Stanley and Flat Stella to help your kids navigate their way to preparedness?  Even NASA has a website designed especially for kids that offers tips on surviving hurricanes and other hazards.

So when you’re making your plan and getting your kit together, involve the kids.  They’re always part of the plan anyway and they love to be involved in preparedness.  As always send your comments and questions to  disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.   Dave Robinson is the Postmaster in Bandon, Oregon, and the author of “Disaster Prep For The Rest Of Us.”

 

Stuff About Knives

“Mary gave him a bran-new "Barlow" knife worth twelve and a half cents; and the convulsion of delight that swept his system shook him to his foundations. True, the knife would not cut anything, but it was a "sure-enough" Barlow, and there was inconceivable grandeur in that - …”.   - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

       Knives have always been a part of American culture.  From a rite of passage for Tom Sawyer to today’s hi-tech blade systems and multi-tools.  Whether or not you carry a knife in your pocket or purse every day, you should have one in your kit. There are folding knives, non-folding knives, multi-bladed knives and all kinds of spring-loaded knives.  Big ones, little ones and in-between ones.  There’s a knife for every purpose and for every budget, and like most things, you get what you pay for.        

       Everyone knows about Swiss Army knives.  Understand that not all red plastic-handled knives are the genuine article.  There are only two companies authorized to market “Swiss Army” knives.  Victorinox and Wenger. Victorinox acquired Wenger in 2005 and they have decided to retain the Wenger nameplate.  To determine the brand of a knife, open the blade.  The brand is engraved on the ricasso (base of the blade).  If it simply says “China” or “Pakistan” or “stainless” then keep looking, that is unless you’re buying a cheap gift for your brother-in-law.

               Some of the best quality knives are made right here in Oregon.  Gerber, CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool), Benchmade, Kershaw and Leatherman, to name a few.  These companies offer a wide selection of quality products.  Most companies offer knives that appeal to the “survival” crowd.  Once again, use wisdom when choosing a knife. Some so-called survival knives wouldn’t help you survive a 30-second power outage much less a real emergency.  Let me tell you about a couple of knives I own and recommend.  First is a folding knife made by Tool Logic.  It features one-handed opening, a built-in whistle, an LED flashlight and a magnesium fire striker.  Cost is in the $50 range.  The other is marketed by Bear Grylls of Man vs. Wild .  Manufactured by Gerber, it is a fixed-blade knife.  Incorporated into the design is a whistle, a firesteel, and a sharpening stone.  The butt of the handle is designed to pound things like tent stakes, walnuts and even nails should the need arise.  Cost is also in the $50 range.

               Another must-have for your kit is a multi-tool.  Multi-tools were made famous by Leatherman and have been copied by several other knife makers.  All multi-tools have a knife blade, an assortment of screwdriver heads, a set of pliers and depending on the model, a saw, wire-cutter and mini-scissors.  As most men already know, a good multi-tool is a very valuable item to have.  

               I would be interested in hearing your knife stories or recommendations for outdoor equipment.  As always, email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com. Dave Robinson is the Postmaster in Bandon, Oregon, and the author of “Disaster Prep For The Rest Of Us.”

          

Sanitation

During a major disaster, water mains may break, the municipal water processing system may fail or plumbing may be disrupted.  At the same time, something we take for granted, a flushing toilet may not be available.  In the event of an earthquake, it’s not too much of a stretch to expect that your plumbing, both incoming and outgoing could be disrupted.

Human waste, if not disposed of properly, can not only cause a sanitation and hygiene mess but if not managed properly will spread disease.  This is known as a secondary disaster.

For those who live in rural areas and your waste is managed by a septic system, you may be in good shape, barring any damage to your plumbing. Some of the newer systems being designed are dependent on an electric pump or grinder.  If that’s the case, then a reliable generator needs to be a part of your plan.  Our disaster preparedness plan isn’t complete until we have considered some alternative way to dispose of waste.

Several solutions are available from a toilet seat that snaps to the top of a five-gallon bucket for $10, to a chemical porta-potty costing $200 plus.  If you opt for the five-gallon bucket solution, don’t forget to get some small trash bags to use as liners.  

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti taught responders several lessons.  In a region that was marginally sanitary in the best of times, it became painfully aware that in a post-event environment, the health climate deteriorated rapidly and drastically because of the lack of adequate sewage capability. Health officials are still battling cholera in Haiti.   

Any disruption of sanitary service poses significant health risks.  Every so often a major city experiences a shutdown of garbage services.  The mountains of accumulated trash are an attractive nuisance to all sorts of disease-bearing vermin, including rats, mice and dog packs.

On a different note, researchers are learning about compost piles and their drawbacks after a disaster.  Composting is basically managing the decomposition of certain biodegradable products.  In other words and in base terms:  it is simply a managed collection of garbage intended for a noble purpose, eventually.  (My apologies to all organic gardeners everywhere.)  The word of caution here is to insure that your compost pile is well-secured and does not get scattered nor become an attractant for disease-bearing rodents or other scavengers.  Communities will have their hands full with trying to restore basic services without worrying about the runaway rat population.

As always send your comments and questions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.   Dave Robinson is the Postmaster in Bandon, Oregon, and the author of “Disaster Prep For The Rest Of Us.”

Going or Staying

    Whether you call it a Go-Bag, a Bug Out Bag or a Get Home Bag, the intent is the same; to survive when things get all shaken up.  Each of us packs a bag of things we think we will need when either forced to evacuate our home, or if there is a disaster while we are somewhere other than home.  

    I happen to live in rural, coastal Oregon.  Small towns, no traffic problems, no congestion and best of all, peace and quiet.  The bag I carry is specifically for getting home.  There is really very little need for folks in our area to have a bug-out plan.  The only reasons we might need to evacuate our homes would be wildland fires, flooding, or impending tsunami.  

    Now if I lived in a metropolitan area, my plan would be different.  The entire climate is different.  When there are more people, the dangers are increased.  Traffic gridlock contributing to frustration, road rage and downright panic. We only have to watch the looting and rioting when there’s a disaster to know people will misbehave when they know they can do so with impunity. Remember, scared people behave badly!  My entire plan would be to get out of the city to a pre-arranged location.  AND my plan would include a tipping point when certain factors dictated the prudent and swift egress of me and my family, before it was too late!

    If society collapses for whatever reason, riot, natural disaster, or governmental breakdown, it is usually to one’s benefit to get out of town!  This would not be the time to try to decide what to take, where to go and how to get there.  

    So lets make a list.  If I have to leave home in a hurry what do I take?  Start writing down all the things you would need if you only had minutes to get out. Rather similar to planning a camping trip.  If you have a destination in mind, good.  If not, then arrange for a place you can stay for the duration. There is a term for a person escaping from a bad situation with no plan or pre-determined destination.  The term is refugee!

Good ideas for your list can be found at www.ready.gov and www.redcross.org.  Both websites are excellent resources.  Then go online and Google “bug out bag”.  This will bring up dozens of websites who want to sell you a ready made kit.  Whatever you do, resist the temptation to buy a ready-made bag.  The guy who put it together knows nothing of your needs and besides, it is important you know what’s in it.  Remember many life-saving decisions are oftentimes made way before you ever leave home!

    If you’re like me and your concern is more about getting home, then your list will vary a bit.  It’s still a little like a camping trip, you just don’t know where you’re going to be.  I spend 10 hours a day working a half-hour from home.  In the event an earthquake closes the roads, I may have to get creative about perpetuating my well-being while making my way home.  

    Whether you’re an urban dweller or country boy (or girl) it’s important to plan for your survival.  Today is a great day to get started!

    As always send your questions and comments to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

goTenna

Most folks these days carry a cell phone.  No one disputes that cell phones have completely changed our culture.  We stay in touch with our spouse, kids, grandkids, employees and the rest of the world for that matter.  Cell phones do, however, have one main drawback; not all locations have coverage.  Especially in my corner of the world we have remote mountains, canyons and valleys that simply don’t get coverage.  These outback locales are also where we hunt, fish, camp, hike and go four-wheeling!  

    Enter a new product: goTenna.  This Blue-tooth connected device enables your cell phone to send text messages to another “goTenna” equipped cell phone when there is no traditional cell service.  So lets say you are out hiking with your group and suddenly you realize you are no longer with your group.  “No problem,” you say, “I’ll just call them and we can re-connect.”  Oops, no service.  That’s when you pull the goTenna out of your backpack, sit on a log and calmly text your companions for assistance.  The device is about the same size and shape as the toothbrush holder I carry in my shaving kit.  Not only will it send text messages, but it will show a topographical map location on your phone (and that of your companion) pinpointing your location.  

    You might argue that similar technology is already available with a Garmin Rhino GPS radio.  This is true but FRS radios are limited in range, and unlimited in cost. The goTenna claims a range of 50 miles.  That is if you’re standing on a mountaintop and your friend is also on a mountaintop and if you’re holding your mouth just right.  Realistically, a one-to-six mile range is more like it considering actual terrain and conditions.   A Garmin Rhino with all the bells and whistles will set you back up to $450.00 per unit.  Two units are needed.  The goTenna is currently accepting pre-orders for $149.00 per pair.  I say “pre-orders” because they are not actually available for purchase, but orders taken now will be filled early in 2015 following final bureaucratic approval by the FCC.  At that point the cost will jump to $149.00 per unit.  If you’re interested, a four-unit family package is now offered for $289.00

    One additional feature is that your message is encrypted from end-to-end.  When the central server (cell phone tower) is bypassed there is no opportunity for eavesdropping.  Also you can opt for a “message destruction” feature that is also secure.  All of this means something to the folks who are concerned about the security of their text messages, even if you are in an area that has cell service.  Not only will this work when you’re out in the hills, but in the concrete jungle as well when you want to keep your messages private.

    The idea was hatched two years ago by a person who lived through hurricane/superstorm Sandy.  The prolonged power outages also meant prolonged communication blackouts as well.  The goTenna was developed to keep the communications flowing even when the power grid had failed.  

    So if you spend time in the out-of-doors and like to stay in touch with your family or companions, you might want to consider the goTenna to add to your backpack or get home bag.  I’ll update this once my pair of goTennas have shipped and I have a chance to actually use them.

    As always send your questions or comments to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.