PREPAREDNESS FOR DISASTER SURVIVAL
DURING PERSONAL OR BUSINESS TRAVEL

By: Venture07

(Includes Discussion And Checklist For Travel Emergency "Jump" Kit)

WHAT IS THIS ARTICLE ALL ABOUT?

When I first drafted this, I included a lengthy introduction, including some rather "pat" statements about the perilous times we live in; followed by some broad philosophical reflections regarding the importance of planning and preparedness in all of life's endeavors. Then I got totally carried away and included an over abundance of information on my background, qualifications, and experience.

After the first re-read (and waking myself up several times) I eliminated all that in favor of moving quickly and directly to the information that you will need; i.e., information which may save your life should you be unfortunate enough to be caught right in the middle of a sudden and catastrophic disaster, either natural, or man made! This is no "soft sell" to the concept of survival! I make no "political" statements or comments, other than to admonish the reader not to count on "the system" to provide you with one bit of help or support when you actually need it! I have outlined a "no nonsense" approach to preparedness, and survival based on my own personal experience and that of close friends who have "been there and done that", in some cases many times, under the most non-permissive conditions imaginable.

I have either tested and used all of the equipment and techniques described herein myself, or the information comes from sources whom I have trusted and do with my very life! This does not necessarily mean that they will always work well for you! Training, conditioning, experience, a high level of common sense, and a superior mental attitude toward survival have the ultimate bearing on how effectively, and in what condition you come out of a dangerous situation.

Comments on the various items of equipment that I list and discuss do not constitute "endorsements", only that I have used the item or technique, and it functioned well for me under the conditions outlined. I'll also take the process one step further, and tell you the weak points and failures of some of the equipment items listed, and suggest ways to overcome that particular weak point, or prevent failure.

Catalogs and store shelves are filled with items that are supposed to be the "ultimate" in survival equipment. Some of the equipment is excellent, however, a lot of that shiny stuff is pure junk that if used under "go for real" conditions, will almost surely fail, with an appropriate on-the-spot penalty for the user. I've also learned (the hard way), to strive for simplicity in equipment, and to carefully acquire items that have more than one use. Remember, when it comes to equipment, only the best is good enough, but the "best" does not always mean the most expensive!

The equipment that I have tested and selected for my own use not only provides high quality performance under the most adverse conditions along with outstanding durability; but also instills a welcome degree of "comfort" into the process. Many of us traveling these days are not in the very best physical (or emotional) condition! Attempting to sleep tied in a tree, or in a ditch with four inches of cold water, may be a "character building" exercises that many of us have undergone in the past, and could probably do again - if we had to. However, we do not have to "practice" being miserable. We remember quite vividly how to do that and would rather not repeat the experience, if we have the option!

POSSIBLE SITUATIONS

During or shortly after arriving at a relatively unfamiliar location by air travel, you well may be confronted by any number of hazardous situations, ranging from a severe earthquake, flooding, a devastating tornado, or spontaneous civil unrest. The assumption is that you are far from your home, in a potentially or overtly hostile environment, and without immediate and trusted "friendly" support.

Traditionally, and for reasons of practicality, air travelers usually "travel light". Luggage for a short business trip in today's corporate world, usually consist of a light briefcase, possibly a laptop computer, one of those annoying "suit carriers" that hold more that a sea trunk, and a shoulder bag.

The extra equipment that I suggest, and which may save your life, weighs no more than a medium suitcase, (approximately 28 to 30 lbs.) The container can be checked through to your destination, and "Red Capped" to your rental car if you don't want to carry it yourself.

The scope of this article is on travel to a destination by air, and then personal safety and security on the ground while traveling on to a second destination, usually by rental car. With severe weather almost routine, and the threat of earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding; the chances of being caught up in one or more of these events while away from home are greater than ever before. Toss in the literal "combat zones" that many cities have become due to crime, gangs, and a general breakdown in law and order, and the importance of preparedness for what used to be "the unexpected" makes more sense than ever!

Consider that you've just landed at LAX on the "red eye flight". Its 1:30 Am and you have managed to get your rental car, survived getting "jacked" near the airport, and have made it to the "405" heading north to pick up the "101" to Santa Barbara. You're cruising along in light traffic between Simi Valley and Ventura with just enough ground fog present to provide a spirit of adventure, and suddenly the roadway starts doing the rumba, and acting like jell! After a few seconds, of shake, rattle and roll, you manage to get the car stopped safely, and have survived the earth and boulders that have smashed across the roadway. You sit there a moment, terrified and in shock! You get a grip on your mind, and begin taking inventory of your condition. You find that aside from a few bumps and bruises, you're okay. When you finally get up the nerve to get out of the car, you visually assess the situation as best you can in the dark, and find yourself trapped! You have steep embankments on your right, and dirt and small boulders are still trickling threateningly onto the roadway, the Pacific Ocean is to your left and a few screwed and wrecked cars in front and behind you. Some panicky people are starting to emerge from the wreckage, and do strange and dangerous things. You think that you can remember seeing the exit to Ojai ahead, but now it doesn't look like there is any roadway immediately ahead of you to the exit! In short, it looks like you are going to be right where you are for an indeterminate amount of time before "help" arrives.

As an alternate event, it may be that you are traveling on business to some remote part of the country where you have never been before. You're unfamiliar with the location, high-threat urban areas, the composition and current mood of the local population toward strangers, or where and how to obtain assistance. You're traveling over unfamiliar rural roads, at night, in a heavy rain storm, with lightning and thunder the likes of which you haven't seen since you were a kid growing up in the mid-west. You're in a rental car that you don't know the condition of, and suddenly, as you round a curve, the roadway disappears - washed out from in front of you. Assuming that you have managed to stop safely, you find that your vehicle has sustained mechanical damage, and can no longer be driven. There is no other traffic on the road, and you have been traveling through thick woods and swamp country. No houses or other signs of civilization can be seen, or have been for the last hour. The storm is getting worse, and you must leave the vehicle or be swept away by rising floodwaters.

At this point, you have very few options. If you are like most of today's business travelers, you're dressed in a business suit, or sports coat and slacks combination, with shoes that are inadequate for extended off-carpet walking. you're lugging a briefcase, and a suit carrier containing a change of cloths, and maybe your jogging shoes. The only map that you have is the one that they gave you at the car rental counter. Your in-pocket resources consist of a wallet full of credit cards, nail clippers, possibly a cellular phone, and your "sky-pager". Not much to face the predicament you presently find yourself in!

The first option you consider is to get on that cellular phone and call "Triple A" or dial "911" for help. Well, if you haven't experienced it yet, cellular phones have a way of turning into high tech paperweights when you need them most! Remember, you're in a remote part of the country, flooding is going on all around you, and the last thing you heard on the car radio was a tornado warning for the area.

Your second option at this point may be to leave the vehicle, and try to scramble up the embankment to higher ground, through the thick dark woods, soaked, cold and scared. If you find a piece of reasonably level ground, you may try to squeeze as much of your body inside of your suit carrier as possible, and attempt to survive hypothermia until morning - good luck!

Your third option upon leaving the vehicle may be to wander through the driving rain and darkness, back up the road way in the direction that you came from in hopes that you will meet another vehicle or spot a dwelling and thus be rescued. Well, lets assume that the flooding hasn't cut you off yet and you do manage to come in contact with another vehicle on the road. Assuming that you don't get run over outright, or shot at, the vehicle does stop. Upon approach, you discover that the snaggle-toothed, leering occupants of the beat-up old pick-up truck, are typecast straight out of the movie "Deliverance"! All three of them are drunk out of their minds on local "moonshine", and are taking a real fancy to "them purdy city duds", and that "fancy gold watch that you're "a-wearin". Within seconds, it's become abundantly evident that your potential rescuers have just decided to have you for supper as the main course! Again - good luck!

Now, let's take a look at what should be your real "best option".

THE BEST OPTION - PREPAREDNESS

Through hard-won experience, I always carry what I call a "Jump kit". The term, as far as I can determine, is an old military one that refers to a bag or container that's always packed and "good to go", and grabbable on a moment's notice! The kit contains all items of equipment that you would need to survive and complete a mission. The type, size, weight, and contents of the jump kit vary depending on the mode of travel, the season, the area to be visited, and the mission to be completed.

My air travel jump kit weighs approximately 28 pounds, and contains the exact equipment that I would need if "all systems" suddenly failed and I found myself in the middle of nowhere and "marooned" as a result of a natural disaster. The list of contingencies also includes being trapped in some urban hellhole as a result of a wrong turn. In a "worst case" scenario, I have enough equipment with me to survive and "walk out" if I have to. I've listed the contents of my air travel jump kit for your convenience in checklist #1, at the end of this publication.

PRE-TRAVEL PLANNING

Before I began the discussion on the contents, uses and options of the jump kit, let's go back for a moment, and do a little pre-travel planning. First realize that we are no longer living in a safe, controlled, and civilized environment. Those who think that we still are, are deluding themselves, and might as well stamp the word "VICTIM" on their foreheads in bright red letters! The country is rapidly turning into a jungle, where only the fittest, most aware, and best prepared survive. The weather, other natural disasters, and crime are unleashing an unparalleled amount of suffering and disruption. Being a victim of these occurrences on one's home ground is bad enough, but the impact multiplies geometrically when you are caught alone, in strange and unfamiliar surroundings.

TRAVEL AREA RECONNAISSANCE/INTELLIGENCE GATHERING

There is an old adage in the intelligence community, which states: "Nothing happens without a build-up phase". This can also be said for most emergencies. No matter how short the notice, there is always time to gather information about your destination, even if its only done during the time you spend at the airport while waiting for your flight.

At a minimum, you should consider obtaining a state road map(s) of the area that you are traveling to, and do a thorough "map reconnaissance" of the area that you will be traveling through and operating in. If possible, a city map should also be obtained and thoroughly reviewed prior to your arrival. Consider contacting the weather bureau, and getting the extended forecast to cover the length of your stay. This can be done by either phone or the Internet if you own a computer and have access. Consider contacting the local police or sheriff's department to ascertain if there has been any recent storm damage in the area, if roads and bridges are still intact, and if there are any areas that you should avoid. If you talk straight to the law enforcement representative, and tell them honestly that you are new to the area, and you want to know what areas of the city, county, etc. are considered to be high threat areas so that you can avoid them, you will usually get straight answers. Friends or your business contacts in the local area may also provide useful information. Don't count on getting factual information from the local chamber of commerce. They will tell you everything is just wonderful, even if there is a riot going on!

Take the time to become as oriented to the location that you are traveling to as you can. If you are already familiar with the area, and have friends or relatives there, you may want to consider alerting them that you are going to be in the area. Any friendly contact you have in the local area may provide you with help, emergency shelter, or humanitarian extraction if necessary.

SUGGESTED TRAVEL APPAREL

People traveling by air today, wear anything from those goofy looking shorts that make you look like you don't have any knees, and a tank-top, and sandals, to business suits or other suitable business attire. If you have to travel only a short distance from the airport, and go directly to a business meeting, then by all means, travel in your "corporate jungle" costume. In this case, you may consider carrying your "adventure" clothing along in a carry-on bag, so that if you are thrust into a "disruptive" situation, you can rapidly get rid of the costume, and be dressed out in functional clothing. There is also a different psychological advantage to being appropriately dressed to meet an emergency. That's one of the reasons that SWAT teams get "psyched" during the formal dress-out ritual.

Unless it's in the dead of winter, and I'm traveling to the northern regions of the country, I usually stick to the same combination. In cool to moderately cold or stormy weather, I augment the clothing I am wearing with a set of light thermal underwear, heavy sweater, knit "watch" cap, soft wool scarf, lined leather gloves, and a lightweight Gore-Tex® waterproof parka. This combination provides comfort in all but the most severe cold weather.

The clothing that I recommend for travel does lower your profile somewhat, as you see more and more travelers dressing this way. It makes no attempt to "blend in", but you would be surprised at how it does just that! Starting from the top and working down, my travel apparel usually consists of the following:

Warm weather ensemble

(Stick with me on the colors, there's a reason I'll explain later on).

A. Tan cloth "flop" hat, with three inch brim

This is a great utility hat. Its cut different than the GI "flop" hat, and does not have those useless nylon loops sewn around the crown that are suppose be there to stick twigs and grass into for "camouflage". This hat is moderately water resistant, comfortable, and gives great protection from the sun. It also folds or rolls up for quick storage.

B. Lightweight tan or olive cotton canvas long sleeve "safari" shirt

These shirts are gutsy and reliable. They have plenty of pockets, and the 100% cotton ensures that you will stay cooler in the high humidity of the east and south, or the dry heat of the southwest. They are easy to launder, and don't need ironing to look stylish!

C. Lightweight tan or olive cotton canvas "safari" trousers

These trousers are basically of the same material and style as the shirt. There is even a type that has cleverly installed zippers at thigh level, to allow the removal of the lower legs, and converts to a comfortable pair of hiking shorts. D. Good high-quality, cushioned sole athletic socks

These are the kind that wick moisture away from the feet, and allow it to evaporate.

E. High quality, medium weight hiking boots, with Gore-Tex® liners

F. Some version of the "Safari" or the old "photo journalist vest. (The kind with at least 10 pockets for securing sun glasses, airline tickets, passports, small flashlight, various other "goodies", and papers that you do not want to lose. These are marvelous pieces of equipment, and I have never failed to receive queries when I travel as to where they can be purchased.



The following checklist outlines the contents of the "jump kit". Items can be added or omitted as the individual sees fit. Please give serious thought to assembling and carrying one when you travel in these perilous times. If just one of you survives and/or escapes a dangerous situation as a result of the information that I have included in this article, then it has been worth the effort! If this has benefited you in any way, please share your experience with me and others by E-mail to this web page!

Keep your powder dry, and always remember that "luck" is not a factor...only proper preparedness!

CHECKLIST #1

Individual "Jump Kit" Air Travel
Warm To Moderate Cool Weather
(within the continental u.s. only)

WARNING: A word about the knife in your Jump kit - many law enforcement jurisdictions consider carrying any type of knife with a cutting blade over 3 inches in length in a backpack, suitcase, handbag, etc. or on your person, not in plain view, as a "concealed weapon". Be aware - suggest a check of the laws where you will be traveling. Best bet is to stick to the "legal" length.

CAVEAT: This Jump Kit is for use when traveling by air to destinations within the continental United States only. Different items are required for Alaska and Hawaii. Travel to a foreign country is a whole different situation. For instance never attempt to take any item of military equipment, or anything "camouflage" into a foreign country. At a minimum you may be branded as a "mercenary", questioned extensively, and watched by the country's secret police while you are in-country. Some third-world countries would even consider your cute little binoculars "spy equipment".

AFTER-USE MAINTENANCE AND RECONSTITUTION CHECKLIST FOR INDIVIDUAL AIR TRAVEL "JUMP KIT"
warm to moderately cool weather

The absolute last thing that you are going to feel like doing when you return home from a long flight or harrowing road trip is to fool around with your gear, at least for the first 72 hours. If you let your equipment sit for longer than 24 hours, you will probably let it sit until either it mildews, or you need it again! That's the catch! When you need it again you may not have time to run this checklist, and if needed, and not maintained and reconstituted, your kit may fail you. Practice what the late Elvis used to say: "TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS". Even the "professionals" have sometimes been made "believers" the hard way when it comes to the old adage, "take care of your equipment, and your equipment will take care of you!"

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