HOW-TO GUIDE: CREATING AN EMERGENCY SURVIVAL PLAN

You may already have a Bug Out Bag, Vehicle Go Bag, or Food Storage setup in case of an emergency or natural disaster, but do you have a survival plan? Making a survival plan is something that a lot of preppers forget to do, but it’s one of the most important things you can have at your disposal in any emergency situation. These plans don’t have to be all inclusive, they can simply outline the steps you need to take when SHTF. Below are some suggestions and examples for you to use when putting together your emergency survival plans.

Bug Out or Hunker Down?

Depending on your situation, bugging out or hunkering down will be more suitable. For either plan you will have to adjust your emergency survival plan to make them work. If you plan to hunker down you will most likely need more food and materials. You will be worrying more about bulking up your materials. Packs like our Rapid Deployment Pack would be perfect for storing all your survival needs to keep stored at your house while still being able to carry it if needed. If you decide to bug out you will need food and supplies enough to last at least 72 hours. The Paratus 3 Day Operator's pack is the perfect Bug Out Bag. It is durable yet mobile, and like its name states, can be the perfect pack to bug out and get you by for a couple days.

"Bug Out" List

Creating a survival kit can be a lot of work. During an emergency when you have to get out fast you may not have all the items you wish you had nor the time to gather them. Creating a list of specific categories you’ll need for your bug out bag can assure that you are quick and prepared for any emergency. Here are some suggested items to put on your “bug out” list:

• Food- Non perishable foods are a must. Do research online to find out the best foods to get that will be lightweight and get you through an emergency. Getting freeze-dried meals or other non-perishables will last a lot longer in your survival kits before you have to replace them.

• Shelter- Do you have places in mind that can be used for shelter? Map out these places and make sure that they will have the resources you need to survive. Consider putting a map of these places in your bug out bag as well as other important locations marked on the map.

• Energy- Always assume the power will be out wherever you are leaving to. Pack battery powered equipment and make sure to have extra batteries.

• Money- Always have enough money stored in your kit to get by for a few days. Even if you think you have everything you’ll need in your bug out bag it's always a good idea to keep some extra cash for gas and other expenses.

• Protection- Guns and/or knives are great to add to your bug out bag. In emergencies it may save you or your family's life. Our Privy Personal Essentials EDC Case or the Outlaw II Sling Pack with the Shadow Shot Holster are perfect for carrying a firearm without taking up too much space.

Transportation

You will need access to a reliable vehicle in case of an emergency situation. Some emergencies require an off-road vehicle. If you don’t have a 4x4 truck, 4-wheel, dirt bike, or side-by-side think about including a neighbor or extended family member who has one into your emergency plan. Make sure the vehicle has enough room for everyone in your party and their bug out bags.

Designated Meeting Place

When disaster hits you need to establish a safe place to meet up with your family. The house may be under water or dangerous to meet up at. Pinpoint a meeting place so there is no doubt where to go. Have a backup meeting place just in case the first isn’t accessible.

Communication

You may not have good cell service during a time of crisis. Having alternative ways to communicate with the ones you love could be life or death. Walkie talkies are excellent tools for emergencies because they make their own frequencies. Have an established channel of communication and make sure your whole family knows how to use them.

Sharing your plan with other people will help protect them as well as you. Your family or friends can implement the plan for themselves. They will know where to go and what to do to help make the plan possible. This will also help others know where you will be in a time of crisis.

Practice Executing Your Plan

As you prepare your plan, meet with your family and friends. Practice executing your plan frequently, including making sure everyone knows how to use their emergency tools (i.e. firestarter, solar charger, etc). Be sure to go over ALL the details of the plan. Odds are someone won’t know how to use one of the tools or where to go.

Plan for Multiple Situations

Depending on where you live, the emergency will differ. Make plans for the different situations that are relevant to your location. If you are in Southern California for example, you would probably plan situations for a wildfire or earthquake, whereas in Florida you would most likely plan for hurricanes. The more situations you have the better prepared you are.

Write it Down

After practicing your plan make a written copy that your group can refer to as a reference to assure no one will forget what to do. Provide a copy of the plan to everyone in your group and suggest that they keep them with their bug out bags or survival kits.

Have your own suggestions for creating a Survival Plan? Tell us about them in the comments section below.