Survival – Maneuvering Your Survival Plan (Part 1)

So here you sit, wondering what you would do if there is a total breakdown in the case of a natural disaster or worse a complete breakdown of the food, water, utilities and all other essentials.  

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Your mind reviews different scenarios based on movies or TV shows you have seen, however unreal they are.  Just for fun lets list a few.. one of my very favorites The Walking Dead, or how about even Tremors??  Giant underground worms that attack if you make any noise or movement since they can feel every vibration?  Ok, sure, it’s a bit out there!  But when people do not easily see a solution it quickly begins to feel wildly out of control and there might as well be huge ‘graboids’ out to get you!!!

Here in Alaska, where I live, we are a pretty tough bunch!  We can make do with very little if we need to.  If we haven’t become too accustomed to the niceties we can usually hunt, fish, camp and survive, or at least we think we can.  The one thing we don’t consider is other people.  Panicky, scared people are dangerous!  So how can we keep from becoming one of those dangerous people?

Lets make a survival plan!

First, you need to determine what is an “Essential” to you.  This may vary from person to person.  My priorities would be Shelter, Safety, Food & Heat to list my top 4.  I have many other essentials on my list but these would be at the top.  To some, Communication or Transportation might be at the top of your list.  So your first step is to determine what is the most important to you and your family in an emergency situation.

If we start with my list you can start to create a plan.

Shelter

  • Tent and Tarps
  • Sleeping bag
  • Bug out cabin in remote location

Safety

  • Guns
  • Ample Ammo
  • Taser or Stun Gun & Extra Batteries
  • Knives (easy to carry and require no additional items like firearms that need ammo)

Food

  • Water or a tool to filter water from a stream to be reused over and over. Remember water is heavy so you will want to pack light.  You can buy filters at most camping or outdoor stores.
  • Freeze Dried Foods – Variety Thrive Life Foods!!! These can be vacu-sealed ahead of time ready to go in your bug out bag!  Be sure to include Proteins!!!
  • Granola
  • Jerky
  • Trail Mix
  • Hard Candy
  • Some Canned Food (Keep in mind cans are heavy so you will want to go as light as possible)
  • Can Opener
  • MRE’s or Backpacker meals you can buy locally
  • Eating Utensils
  • Cooking Kit (Includes drinking cup)
  • Fishing Rod & Lures

Heat

  • Waterproof Matches
  • Kindling or paper for fire starting
  • Candle
  • Extra Fuel for Portable Stove

So you can see how a list could be formed.  There are many items that could be added to these categories but you get the idea.  It’s a good idea to plan a camping trip and make notes of what items are used for your “Essentials” list.

If you are anything like me when I go camping, I tend to take everything except the kitchen sink!  But, I don’t use all of it!  In fact I use only a fraction of it.  So think about what is important and how you can pack the bare essentials for each category.  Discuss the idea with your family and make a list of all suggestions and then eliminate items as you get ready to test out your plan… but I am getting ahead of myself, that will be the next blog!!

Until then get busy on your list!!!