Camping Can Help You Survive Natural Disasters. Prepare Now!

We chose to add this page, not because we are hard core, end of the world as we know it survivalists, but because we have had to survive natural disasters and our camping skills paid off.

Last winter we were without power for 12 days due to an ice storm in our home state of Oklahoma. We don't have frigid winters but in this case, the storm affected 750,000 people in our state. These folks were either without power, or had roof damage because of fallen trees or both. It was without a doubt the worst ice storm we had ever witnessed. It was impossible to get to a store to buy food, if they were even open, for several days because the roads were impassable. Many people had to go to shelters which quickly filled up and then there was no where else to turn. It was very frightening for a while.

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We have also been flooded out of our home, had a home hit by a tornado, been snowed in by Minnesota Blizzards for several days at a time, but have never yet been in a hurricane. We are not generally unlucky people. Maybe we are just old enough to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time on several occasions. What ever the case, our camping skills and equipment probably saved our lives. We are not trying to sound overly dramatic but we always have our camping equipment in good repair and accessible. We also have what we call our "bug out box". It is a collection of items we know we would need if we had to be ready to survive awhile without all the modern conveniences of home. Check out our sponsors for great deals on necessary items.

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What You Need To Survive

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SOME OF THE OTHER BASIC ITEMS FOR SURVIVAL IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE ARE LISTED BELOW. THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE LISTING BUT CRITICAL.

SHELTER

For our basic survival tent we use a small dome tent. It is compact, easy to set up and easy to stay warm in. You can also use a pup tent. This is not the tent that we take for road trips or vacations. It is strictly an emergency shelter. When you set up your tent, you want to make sure that water will not run through it and that the door does not open into the wind. Make sure that you have sleeping bags that are rated for the climate you are in. Most of the time, three season bags rated to about 20 degrees will do fine. You will also want a couple of blankets to snuggle in around the campfire. For these, we use emergency wool blankets similar to what the Red Cross uses. These are available online and are extremely reasonable in cost.

COOKING GEAR

We use a small single burner multi fuel backpacking stove. Again, this is not what we take on extended campouts. This small stove will accommodate two to four people very well. We also have a 4 person mess kit for cooking and eating. Once again, the small backpacking version for emergencies. Check out the video below for instructions on building a micro-stove out of an Altoid tin using alcohol for fuel.

FOOD

Freeze dried food is the simplest and is quite tasty and will last for a long time between disasters. You will always be prepared if you have several meals on hand. We advise that you buy several and try them to see what your family likes. Then you can buy those to keep on hand. Canned soups, etc are fine except they are heavy and bulky but still usable. Make sure you have water or a safe water source. Snacks are important especially those that are high calorie and taste good. We keep some hard candy in our "bug out box" as well.

MISC.

Flashlights ! Everyone should have one ! We each have a small light on a lanyard that we wear around our neck. They are perfect because they are hands free and light up your path. Lanterns are almost a necessity. We use a small single mantle propane. Candles and candle lantern work fine but you must be sure not to burn them in enclosed spaces unless you are using beeswax candles. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Paraffin candles are unhealthy in closed areas, can make you sick or could possibly kill you. Watch the video to see how to build a simple Altoid tin micro-stove that will cook and provide heat for up to twenty minutes on 2oz of alcohol fuel. Be sure to use in well ventilated area.

Check out these tips for Winter Camping submitted by Benedict Smythe

a. Before you set out for camp, check the latest weather forecast. Winter weather can bring sun or storm. Make sure that you are prepared for challenges prompted by the weather. Match your camping gear with the weather predictions.

b. Make sure that you have an alternative plan in case the weather spoils your plans. Be ready to face adverse reality. You must have an alternative camp site and an alternative itinerary.

c. You must have enough food, beverages, and clothing in case you get stuck in a storm. Make sure that your camping gear and supply is enough to last for a week or more out in the cold.

d. Never forget to bring tools for navigation. Navigation in the snow can be very hard. That is why you ought to bring GPS tools that can help you find your way even if the roads and foot trails are all covered in snow.

e. When traveling for a winter camp, it is necessary to use camping boots that are capable of traveling even in the slippery snow. When traveling during the early winter, many campers recommend the use of sturdy leather boots.

f. If you are bound to pass by trails with less snow, you should still use your snow boots. However, if the snow is quite dense, you should opt for an actual snow traveler.

g. Never camp in places that are not frequented by many campers, especially if you are not an expert. Make sure that somebody knows where you are setting your camp. When choosing a camp site, choose places that are highly recognized by the local authorities as an official camping site.

h. Before you set your camp, check the signboards and warning signs. On your way to your camp site, take note of all the signboards and landmarks that you find along the way. This can help you get back on the right track in case you lose your way.

i. Bring things that can entertain you along the way. Although you can bring your electronic play stations, it will be best if you bring books, cards, or board games that you can share with your fellow campers.

j. During winter, keep in mind that sunsets are quite fast so you will have to bring flashlights with you, along with other lighting tools. It will be best if you have an electric emergency light aside from the usual matchsticks and lamps. Bring extra batteries as well.

k. To fight the cold winds, you should be dressed properly. In fact, you should wear layers of clothing. First, wear clothes that transfer moisture away from the skin. Then, wear clothes that provide adequate insulation such as wool or fleece. Lastly, put on something that’s water proof or those clothes that can drift snow.

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