No Doom and Gloom

Before we get started with this issue, I’d like to tell you my approach with Prepping 101. It’s not about “doom and gloom”, it’s about always being prepared for yourself, your family, and your community. We want every issue to be family friendly and something you can use as a tool to take your preparedness to the next level.

When I was young, our family always took a preparedness approach to life. Not because they were “Preppers” but, because they were always ready for winter to come, for life to happen, and realized there would always be some sort of “winter” in the many areas of life.

With that, here’s our next issue…

Welcome to the second edition of Prepping 101! In our inaugural newsletter, we laid the groundwork for preparedness, focusing on the absolute essentials: securing your water supply, building a foundational food pantry, and assembling a basic first-aid kit. If you haven't had a chance to dive into those topics, we encourage you to revisit Edition 1 to ensure you have a strong starting point for your preparedness journey.

This week, we're taking two crucial steps forward in building your family's resilience: creating a robust Bug-Out Bag (also known as a Go-Bag) and establishing reliable communication strategies for when traditional systems are unavailable. These topics are vital because preparedness isn't just about having supplies; it's also about mobility and maintaining connection, especially when unexpected events disrupt our daily lives.

Why These Topics Matter: Mobility and Connection

Imagine a scenario where staying in your home is no longer safe – perhaps due to a wildfire, flood, or another immediate threat. In such situations, having a pre-packed bag that allows you to quickly and safely evacuate is paramount. This is where the Bug-Out Bag comes in, providing the essential items your family needs for a short period away from home.

Equally important is the ability to communicate. When the power goes out or cell towers are down, how will you connect with loved ones? How will you receive vital emergency information? Developing a clear family communication plan and understanding alternative methods ensures that even in a crisis, your family can stay informed and connected. These two elements, mobility and communication, are cornerstones of a comprehensive family preparedness plan, offering peace of mind and enhancing your ability to respond effectively to any challenge.

The Essential Bug-Out Bag (BOB): Your 72-Hour Lifeline

In the world of preparedness, a Bug-Out Bag (BOB), often called a Go-Bag or a 72-hour kit, is a pre-packed backpack designed to help you and your family survive for at least three days if you need to leave your home quickly. It's not about packing everything you own, but rather carefully selecting essential items that provide sustenance, shelter, first aid, and communication during an emergency evacuation. Think of it as your family's portable safety net.

What Goes Inside Your Family's Go-Bag?

When assembling your family's Bug-Out Bags, consider each member's unique needs, including children, infants, and pets. The goal is to have individual bags that are manageable for each person to carry, if possible. Here's a breakdown of key categories and family-friendly items to include:

1. Water and Hydration: The Source of Life

Water is paramount. While you can't carry an endless supply, your Go-Bag should include enough to get you through the initial hours and tools to find and purify more. Pack at least one liter of bottled water per person. Crucially, include a portable water filter, such as a hand-pump filter or a personal straw filter, and water purification tablets. These allow you to make unsafe water sources drinkable. Don't forget collapsible water bottles or hydration bladders for easy carrying and refilling.

2. Food and Nutrition: Sustaining Energy

Choose lightweight, non-perishable, and high-calorie food items that require no cooking or refrigeration. Energy bars, MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat), dried fruits, nuts, and jerky are excellent choices. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. If you include any canned goods, ensure you have a manual can opener. Pack enough for 72 hours, remembering that children might prefer specific snacks that offer comfort during stressful times.

3. First Aid and Hygiene: Health and Comfort

A compact, yet comprehensive, first aid kit is non-negotiable. This should include bandages of various sizes, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), gauze, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, and any allergy medications your family members might need. Crucially, pack a supply of any personal prescription medications, along with copies of prescriptions. For hygiene, include small toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes. Feminine hygiene products should also be considered. Maintaining hygiene helps prevent illness and boosts morale.

4. Shelter and Warmth: Protection from the Elements

Protection from weather is vital. Include an emergency blanket (often made of Mylar, which is lightweight and retains body heat), a lightweight tarp, or a bivy sack for temporary shelter. Depending on your climate, a compact sleeping bag or a warm blanket for each person is important. Pack ponchos or rain gear to stay dry, and extra layers of warm clothing, including socks, hats, and gloves, even if the weather seems mild. Temperatures can drop unexpectedly, especially at night.

5. Tools and Utilities: Problem Solvers

A good multi-tool or a sturdy survival knife can handle many tasks. Every bag should have a reliable flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. Fire-starting tools like waterproof matches, a lighter, and a ferro rod are essential for warmth, cooking, and signaling. Duct tape is incredibly versatile for repairs. Paracord or rope has countless uses, from securing items to building shelters. A whistle is a simple yet effective signaling device. A compass and local physical maps (not relying on digital devices) are crucial for navigation.

6. Important Documents and Cash: Essential Information

In a waterproof bag, keep copies of vital family documents such as identification cards, birth certificates, insurance policies, deeds, and medical records. A small amount of cash in various denominations is also important, as electronic payment systems may be down. Create an emergency contact list with phone numbers and addresses, including your designated out-of-state contact, and keep it laminated or in a waterproof holder.

7. Personal Comfort Items: For Morale and Specific Needs

Don't underestimate the power of comfort. For children, a small toy, book, or drawing supplies can provide much-needed distraction and reassurance. Include any specific items for infants (diapers, formula) or pets (food, leash, medical records). If anyone wears glasses or contact lenses, pack an extra pair or supply.

Packing and Maintenance Tips for Your Go-Bag:

•Weight Distribution: Pack heavier items closer to your back and center of gravity for easier carrying.

•Accessibility: Items you might need quickly, like your first aid kit or water filter, should be easily accessible at the top or in outer pockets.

•Waterproofing: Use dry bags, heavy-duty Ziploc bags, or even trash bags to protect critical items from moisture.

•Regular Review: Check and rotate the contents of your Go-Bags every 6-12 months. Replace expired food, water, and medications. Test batteries and ensure all equipment is in working order. This ensures your bag is always ready when you need it most.

Staying Connected: Communication When the Grid Goes Down

In an emergency, one of the most stressful challenges can be the inability to communicate with loved ones or receive vital information. When the power grid fails, cell towers can go down, landlines may cease to function, and internet services can become unavailable. This is why having a proactive family communication plan and understanding alternative communication methods is just as important as having physical supplies.

Your Family Communication Plan: A Lifeline in Crisis

Even before considering gadgets, a well-thought-out plan is your first and best tool for staying connected. This plan should be discussed and practiced regularly with all family members, including children.

1.Designate an Out-of-State Contact: Choose a relative or close friend who lives outside your immediate area as a central point of contact. During widespread emergencies, local phone lines often become congested, making it easier to connect with someone further away. Everyone in your family should know this contact's name and phone number by heart, or have it readily accessible.

2.Establish Meeting Points: Plan two distinct meeting locations:

•Near Home: A safe, easily identifiable spot close to your residence (e.g., a neighbor's house, a large tree, a community park bench) for sudden, localized emergencies like a fire or gas leak.

•Outside Neighborhood: A secondary location further away (e.g., a relative's home, a community center, a church) in case you cannot return home or need to evacuate your entire area.

3.Emergency Contact Cards: Create small, waterproof cards for each family member to carry. These cards should include:

•Names and phone numbers of immediate family members.

•The out-of-state contact's information.

•Important medical information (allergies, medications).

•Blood types.

•Any other critical details.

4.Practice Your Plan: Just like fire drills, regularly review and practice your communication plan. This helps everyone remember what to do and reduces panic during a real emergency. Discuss different scenarios and how your family would respond.

Alternative Communication Methods: Beyond the Cell Phone

When the grid is down, you'll need to rely on methods that don't depend on traditional infrastructure. Here are some family-friendly options:

1.Two-Way Radios (Walkie-Talkies): These are excellent for short-range communication within your family or a small group. Family Radio Service (FRS) radios are inexpensive, easy to use, and do not require a license. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios offer more power and range but require a license. They are perfect for communicating between family members who might be in different parts of the house, yard, or even a few blocks away during an emergency.

2.NOAA Weather Radios: These specialized radios are essential for receiving official emergency broadcasts and weather alerts directly from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many models are hand-crank or battery-powered, ensuring they work even without electricity. Some even include a flashlight and a USB port to charge small devices, making them multi-functional tools for staying informed.

3.Text Messaging (SMS): Surprisingly, text messages often work when voice calls fail during network congestion. This is because texts require less bandwidth. In an emergency, try sending a text message before attempting a phone call. Keep messages brief and to the point.

4.Ham Radio (Amateur Radio): While requiring a license and some training, ham radio is one of the most robust and reliable communication methods for long distances when the grid is down. It's a fantastic hobby that also provides a critical emergency communication capability. Many communities have active ham radio clubs that offer training and support.

Conserving Power for Your Devices

Even with alternative communication, power is often a limiting factor. Here's how to make your batteries last:

•Power Banks: Keep several fully charged power banks to recharge cell phones, two-way radios, and other small electronic devices.

•Solar Chargers: Portable solar chargers can provide a renewable source of power for small electronics, especially useful during extended outages.

•Conserve Phone Battery: Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services on cell phones. Keep screen brightness low. Use airplane mode when you're not actively trying to communicate to save battery life. Only use your phone for essential communication.

Your Next Steps & Resources

Congratulations on advancing your family's preparedness! By understanding Bug-Out Bags and communication strategies, you've added two vital layers to your resilience plan. Remember, preparedness is a journey, not a destination, and every step you take makes your family safer and more confident.

Your Action Plan for This Week:

Don't try to do everything at once. Pick one or two items from this list and focus on them:

1.Start Your Family's Go-Bags: Begin gathering items for each family member's Bug-Out Bag. Prioritize water, food, and a basic first-aid kit.

2.Review Your Family Communication Plan: Discuss with your family your out-of-state contact and establish clear meeting points. Make sure everyone knows the plan.

3.Create Emergency Contact Cards: Prepare and distribute waterproof contact cards for each family member.

4.Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio: Ensure you have a reliable way to receive emergency alerts, especially one with hand-crank or solar capabilities.

Recommended Resources:

To further your learning and find more detailed information, we recommend these trusted resources:

•Ready.gov [1]: The official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, offering comprehensive guides on emergency preparedness, including family communication plans and emergency kits.

•American Red Cross [2]: Provides valuable resources on disaster preparedness, first aid training, and family emergency planning.

What to Expect in the Next Edition

In our upcoming edition of Prepping 101, we'll explore home security and self-defense basics, as well as delve into basic survival skills that every family member can learn. Stay tuned for more practical advice!

Closing

Thank you for being a proactive member of the Prepping 101 community. Your commitment to preparedness makes a real difference for your family's safety and peace of mind. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Stay safe, stay prepared!

Sincerely,

Bob Yeager
Prepping 101