USK/SK Part 1

Hurricane Bob

      The idea of a survival kit readily available for "when it happens"  is a great idea.  I will be honest that i was a little shocked at myself for not having a well thought out procedure or any emergency rations.  I figured that a flashlight, a bottle of water, rain coat, and a pistol with get me through OK.  I now realize my thoughts could not be any further from the truth.  A survival kit and plan needs to be well thought out, and i figure thinking it through would be my first step in creating a plan and bag.

    First, I had to think of my environment.  I live in a medium sized city close to New York City.  If i left my condo it would take me 15 minutes to walk to the train station.  From there, i can hop on the express train and be in Grand Central Terminal  40 minutes later.  Then 10 minutes walking and you arrive in Times Square, so yeah i am in the Urban Environment.  Items  useful to you lucky people living in rural areas would be useless to me.  The idea of  local governments breaking down and a free-for-all ensuing seems far fetched; however, i would like to point out the weeks following Katrina in New Orleans.  What about the Rodney King Riots in LA?  Yup, the local government lost control for a period of time.  If a disaster takes  out the power for several weeks you will be on your own.  Cities depend on services bringing in supplies and bringing waste out.  Population centers are really a fragile thing.  When the fabric that holds these large communities unravels Riots are sure to ensue. 
    Second, I thought "where will i be when it goes down?"  Will i be home reading your blog?  will I be at work?  Will my wife be at work?  If my wife and I are in separate locations a different course of action will be required.  Should we have a central kit in the house and little kits in our cars?  Sounds like a good idea and i will implement this.
    Third, Time of year.  Here in New England we have four seasons.  New England weather can throw everything at you: 100 degree days, 0 degree days, snow, sleet, rain, and my least favorite wind.  Planning for a survival kit in New England can turn into a logistical nightmare, because you can't pick up and run with a years worth of clothing.

Tornado Damage in Texas

    With all this taken into consideration I have decided in the event of a disaster my wife, dog, and I should meet up at my mother's house.  Sorry guys, no grand plan to hike off the great white north.  I figure those people will be protecting their resources and car travel will not be possible. I figure if the whole family can work together we stand a chance.  From there It would be wise to hunker down until things cool down, and only move if the area becomes unsafe.