The end of business as usual. Now comes the tough part.

Disclaimer: If you read this post you will have no excuse not to be prepared!

The recent bombing in Boston should be a wake up call to everyone! We as Americans have an enemy which desires, works tirelessly towards and celebrates the destruction of this nation.

It is now time to wake out of our slumber and stand vigilant against these attacks.
We can no longer wander through our day with our faces stuck in our smart phones, tablets, laptops and any other screens.

We should be discussing an emergency plan with everyone we live with, live near, work with, and work for.
It is time for an action plan. A premeditated, thought through and agreed upon agenda.

At work, what would you do in the event of terrorist attack? Do you have emergency supplies in your office? Does your office have an emergency action plan? Is there emergency supplies in your vehicle for your drive home or to the predetermined "Bug out" location? Do you have dust mask close at hand in case your building is damaged and you need to leave through a cloud of dust? Do you have 'escape shoes' you can slip into for a run to safety?
Do you have a 'bug out' bag in your vehicle?

At commute, have you studied alternate routes should an event occur that blocks your normal way?
Is you vehicle allowed to get under a half tank, knowing you have need to 'bug out'?

At home, have you discussed with family members what is to be done in specific events?
Do you have emergency water and food set aside for 'anything' that might occur.

At home, have you discussed a meeting point outside of your home while everyone is about their daily movements?
Do you have trusted neighbors who can help if you can't make it home?

What knowledge, experience or training do you have if there is an emergency?

What, if any, assistance are you willing to lend to victims of an emergency? Can you afford to stop or do you go straight home to your family?

What time can you make available to learn what is necessary in order to survive and see to the survival of your family?
Most of us spend a lot of time on entertainment in many different forms. Could this time be better spent?

How would you feel if tomorrow there was another event and it affected your town or neighborhood and you were helpless and didn't know what to do?

Well, enough questions! Let's talk about actions!
How to get started:
I. Mental prep:
1. Write down you current living situation:
   a. type of home
   b. number of occupants,
   c. ages and physical abilities.
   d. any known emergency supplies (first aid, food in pantry, freezer or fridge)
2. How will you be separated from them on a daily basis.
   a. who is closest to home
   b. who is furthest from home
   c. who needs the most help
3. What finances can I channel toward emergency supplies
   a. emergency water filtration
   b. bottled water supplies
   c. canned goods or freeze dried (long shelf life meals)
4. What house hold supplies can do double duty as emergency supplies
   a. clothing
   b. Bedding
   c. furniture
5. Do you or any member of you household have any emergency training
   a. first aid
   b. CPR (w/AED)
   c. advanced first aid
II. Emotional prep:
  1. Discussing potential emergencies
   a. action plans for multiple scenarios
   b. age related 'what to do' discussions
   c. 'Bug-In' vs. "Bug-Out" action plans
   d.  Who job is it to do what.
   e. what to do if no one comes home.
   f. what to do if I am injured and I am supposed to be the leader.
III. Physical prep:
 1. What supplies can we carry with us.
   a. clothing
   b. water
   c. space blanket/poncho
   d. fire starting tools/supplies lighter, ferrocerrium rod, magnesium block with striker.
   e. knife(s) and multi-tool(s)
   f. cordage; braided strings, twine or rope.
  2. What expedient materials do we know how to utilize.
   a. insulation from heat loss to the elements
   b. insulation from heat loss to ground
   c. isolation from danger (camouflage)
  3. Do you know how to find food and water.
   a. are you familiar with the local animals and plants
   b. do you know how to purify questionable water sources
   c. do you know where to obtain water in an urban environment.
 4. Can we handle the rigors of survival
   a. Do you give up easy
   b. Do you want to quit when it gets hard
   c. would you give up if you were injured
   d. would you 'fall apart' if you loved one is injured or killed
(more to follow, but only if you are interested)

Survival should be defined as: when emergency meets preparation.
This is only the beginners outline. There is a wide range of preparedness subjects that run the gambit from the basic band-aid to the full blown bunker. Never-the-less, you have to start somewhere and YOU HAVE TO START NOW!
I wish you well,
Ed