BOB A Friend In Time Of Disaster
Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010
by Mark Totilo
Isaac's Tent Ministries
In the event of a disaster, a BOB (Bug Out Box) may be your best friend.
It's the time of year when everyone in Florida becomes a weatherman. From June 1 st to December 1 st more attention is given to the tropical updates on the Weather Channel. When a hurricane approaches the peninsula, Floridians become weather junkies especially if your city is in projected path or cone of probability.
If it is determined a disaster may be imminent, nervous preparations are begun to protect ones family and possessions. When word comes an event may hit ones locale and evacuation is ordered, the scramble begins. In the midst of the angst and last few minutes before leaving, basic necessities can be forgotten. That's where a Bug Out Box comes in.
A Bug Out Box is a waterproof box with basic survival gear inside. It can be prepared months in advance and is ready to go if a disaster occurs. Some things found in the Bug Out Box are first aid items, medicines, water purification, food, matches, rain gear and blankets. Pretty basic stuff and ordinary, but when are unavailable, become very valuable.
If a large scale evacuation should occur the time saved by throwing your Bug Out Box in the car and leaving quickly, could save your life. It might be a good idea to keep a pared down Bug Out Box in the car at all times in case of an emergency.
Several years ago, I was stranded on the side of the road for many hours trying to fix my car in extreme heat. I had a Bug Out Box in the back of the car with emergency water pouches. So I knocked down a couple of bags of water and was good to go.
Another term used for BOB is the Bug Out Bag. This is usually a backpack that contains survival items and can be carried if transportation becomes unavailable.
Carry in your Bug Out Box at least a 72 hour supply of food and water for all of your family. You may be on your own for at least three days or longer. Hurricane Katrina showed how long it takes for emergency crews to fully mobilize. Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) are good idea to carry with you. The Marines and Army use these for field rations. These can be heavy. Another good idea is the Mainstay Energy bar which are lighter but have what you need nutritionally to survive.
The following is a description of a Mainstay Energy Bar:
5 year Shelf Life Non-Thirst Provoking Withstands Temperatures of -40 F to 300F (-40C to 149C) Ready to Eat: Each package contains 3 pre-measured 400 calorie meals. Individualized portions eliminate the messy breaking-up that occurs with other bars Allows for on-land emergency consumption in a high-stress active situation. Contains no cholesterol or tropical oils. Meets the US Coast Guard standards (160.046/23/0). It's new modern packaging even meets the stringent guidelines set by the Department of Defense (SOLAS 74/83). Enriched with vitamins and minerals exceeding the RDA requirements. Pleasant lemon flavor which appeals to everyone.
Warmth is another hot topic to cover. Emergency blankets are compact and can fit nicely in any Bug Out Box.
Fire is very important and must be considered for cooking and staying warm even in tropical environments. Matches are a good idea and should be waterproof. A fire-starter kit is an even better idea. Here are three good suggestions: flint and steel, Magnesium block or H-25 Strike Master Fire Starter. A combination of the Magnesium and Strike Master is the best matchless fire starter. Carry them all and you'll have a roaring fire in minutes.
Into every life must come a little rain and if you're outside during a rain storm unprotected, it can be miserable. Rain ponchos are a must have. It will keep you dry and you will protect valuable body heat. Your clothes will stay dry and you'll stay healthier.
A First Aid Kit is a must. Injuries must be treated quickly and dressed properly to keep infection away. Pain control and fever reducers are good to have on hand. Use sparingly because relief from a disaster may not come quickly.
Essential Oils are a great thing to carry in a Bug Out Box because they can be used in simple first aid and treat other sicknesses that might occur because of an extended survival situation. Essential Oils have been proven in clinical studies to aid with the getting rid of bacteria's and viruses. They also can help aid the symptoms of a Nuclear, Biological or Chemical attack.
This is only a few items that should be in a Bug Out Box and one can be tailored for the unique needs of your family. Take the time and put one together because those who count on you will be most grateful if a disaster happens.
Visit our website http://BugOutBox.Net for more information about surviving a disaster.
Be prepared get your Bug Out Box ready today.
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