New Orleans

This whole situation in New Orleans just makes me sad and mad.

The looting and firing at rescue workers and cops. Grrr!! Jeez people, yes this is a terrible tragedy, yes this is awfully difficult to live through. And how exactly is being part of the problem going to help? Be the change you want to see in the world. Work together, stop being every person for themselves and get together and work for the solution. Help the helpers that are there. Help each other!

Sigh, rant over.

Though this brings to light a really good reason to be prepared for disasters. A good to go pack...that would have been a help, yeah? Good to go packs for one person for 3 days should have a water filter (Katadyn is one of the best ), water purification tabs, canteen, 2 sets of extra clothes – include gloves, scarf and hat (real wool), bandana, good boots, goggles, poncho, extra pair of glasses if you wear them, water-proof matches (easily made with strike anywhere matches and dipped in beeswax) , food for 3 days - like MREs, honey sticks, candy – survival candy is a good idea, trail mix, First Aid Kit that has pain relievers and bandages (feminine hygiene – cause you know it's gonna happen at the worst possible time – plus they soak up blood from wounds really well), we also include cayenne pepper in powder – it helps staunch bleeding wounds and is good for shock, some Bach's rescue flower remedy and arnica salve for bruises and strains, squeeze bottle of castile soap, tooth-brush, comb/brush, travel pack of baby wipes, some toilet paper, beg repellant, deck of survival playing cards, any necessary meds and list of any allergies or medical conditions, camp stove, Mess kit supplies, flashlight (wind up dynamo is a great idea or the shakeable ones) , light sticks, small radio – best with shortwave band capacity (batteries)...especially good with the wind up dynamo, phone card, some cash (gold is a very good idea), box-link gold chain worn in a parachute cord shell, identification, phone numbers, note book and pencil, couple of heavy duty-fragrance free large plastic bags, compass and thermometer combo that can hook to a jacket, binoculars – small/compactable, good knife (hunting type like the Buckmaster and Spyderco are excellent choices), Swiss army type knife (make sure you have a can opener on it one of these is a wonderful idea) and Leatherman type multi-tool, sharpening stone of some kind, whistle and signalling mirror, parachute cord 550– several hundred feet...you can easily get this by wrapping a knife handle with it and (also be sure to use the one with the several strands...this way you can peel them apart and use the separate strands and shell for fishing, snares, etc.), using it for boot laces and braided key chains, Ranger survival handbook, good first aid book, fishing kit...just some line and hooks will do, survival hatchet and an Army E-tool and e-tool cover, a HAM radio if you are licensed – getting licensed is a really good idea, emergency blankets, sleeping bag in a waterproof stuffsack. Putting a lot of these items into ziplock bags will give you nice sealable containers as well. This should all be in a backpack (these are really good deals, tough and dependable GI ALICE packs that you can leave near a door or hall closet or keep in your car...someplace easily accessible.

The number one thing you should always have with you? YOUR BRAIN!!!! Seriously. Lets start using the gray matter between the ears people and work this survival stuff out! Think! Be creative! Don't rely on being rescued, be your own rescuer and help others along the way. Then we all win.