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Cade’s Corner: Basic Survival Go Bag
Today I want to take a few minutes to go over some important preparedness basics.
Most people understand that being prepared can make all the difference in the event of a crisis or emergency situation.
And by now, with all the crazy things happening in this world, nearly everyone understands it CAN happen to you – and at some point it likely will.
But here’s the simple fact. Most people also haven’t started.
So whether that’s you, or you’ve already taken some steps to be ready in an emergency, this will be a good overview.
Let me quickly show you how to put together a survival kit, or “go bag.” The basics.
This isn’t intended to be comprehensive. And your own personal situation may require items specific to you or your family, like medications. But the point here is to take the first step, get the basic materials together…
And then make it better.
So I’m going to show you a bare bones version. Which – let’s face it – is better than nothing, and something you can put together TODAY.
Plus, I’ll share some simple ways to make it even better – without spending a fortune to do it.
Ok, let’s get started.
For your basic survival kit, hurricane box or go bag, you’re going to need something to hold your gear. A backpack is ideal, because you can pick it up and go and keep your hands free if you’re on the move.
But in a pinch, any duffel, cinch sack or even a trash bag will do the job if it’s all you’ve got. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough, at least for now.
That means get it together now, and make it better as soon as you can.
Now, let’s talk about food.
In an emergency, no matter what it is, you’re going to need something to eat. You can start with non-perishable, portable foods like granola bars, beef jerky or packs of crackers.
For a quick & dirty version of a kit, having something – anything to eat – beats the alternative.
But this is something you’ll want to upgrade soon. Because when it comes to food, you can’t be complacent.
These quick things you can pull together here don’t last forever, and they aren’t meals. So upgrading to shelf-stable meals like a 4Patriots 72-hour Survival Food kit makes total sense. You get significantly more calories and you will be a lot more satisfied. And you don’t have to worry about rotating your food every few months.
A pack of 4Patriots Emergency Food bars is another great option, because these bars last 5 years, and can withstand extreme temperatures. So stashing them in your car or garage isn’t going to be a problem.
Next comes water. At the very least, I’d suggest some bottled water and a canteen or refillable bottle. Again, this is the bare minimum.
To make your kit better, you have a few options. A Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter makes virtually any freshwater safe to drink. It’s portable, lightweight and very functional. Or you can even get a collapsible water bottle that will not only treat waterborne contaminants, but also functions as a rechargeable lantern.
It’s upgrades like this – things that serve multiple functions – that’ll take your kit to the next level.
I’d also suggest you assemble options for light. Seeing your way in the dark, during a storm or power outage, or making sure others can see and find you, is a must.
So a well built flashlight should definitely be in your bag.
But if you’re going to pack a regular flashlight, you’re going to need to include batteries too. That’s why a HaloXT is a great upgrade choice. It’s rechargeable via solar, can offload power to juice up your phone in a pinch, and has other life saving tools that make it perfect for stashing in your car.
You’re going to need fire too, for cooking and warmth, so some lighters or waterproof matches are a must.
To upgrade here, a rechargeable, flameless lighter like a Firebolt is smart. Because it can help you start a fire even when it’s windy, and it has a built-in flashlight function. Plus it never needs fuel.
Again, multi-functional wins the day.
Once you’ve covered the basics with your kit – food, water, light, and fire – you can customize it with all kinds of items. Spare clothes, items for shelter, first aid and more.
Just be careful not to pack too much. I’ve seen some folks pack 50-60 pounds of stuff together and they can hardly lug it out the door. This is a go bag, not a “drag bag.”
Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect out of the gate. But you do need to start to get prepared, and the time to start is now.
Even a very basic kit puts you ahead of most of your friends and neighbors, believe me.
You definitely don’t want to wait until a storm is bearing down on you, or you have to leave the safety of your home quickly, to start thinking about these things.
I want you to be a survivor, not a statistic. So do yourself a favor, and commit to getting a kit together as soon as possible.
Proper Food Packaging Is Crucial – Pandemic or No Pandemic
During the first few months after COVID-19 made its unwelcome appearance in the U.S., many of us worried about a few things that don’t seem so troublesome now.
Among them were the packages food items came in. Whether it was groceries we bought at the store, carryout orders or deliveries.
Some of us looked very carefully at the food we selected at supermarkets. We closely examined the packaging of meals we picked up at restaurants or had delivered to our homes.
And when food items – or anything we ordered, for that matter – were delivered by Amazon, UPS or another service, we were advised to leave the box on the front porch for 24 hours. And then spray it with disinfectant before opening it.
We’ve had your back on this
Eventually, the CDC told us the coronavirus was very unlikely to spread from packaging, and we relaxed.
But when you think about it, people should have been thinking seriously about food packaging from day one.
We at 4Patriots certainly have been. I’ll get back to that in a moment.
Anything we put into our bodies can have a tremendous effect on our health. We should always make sure the food we eat has been safely protected before we consume it.
Protecting against food’s enemies
We’ve talked several times about food’s worst enemies and how to protect against them. So we won’t belabor the point here.
Suffice it to say they are:
- Air. The more oxygen that food is exposed to, the shorter its shelf life.
- Humidity. Moisture is another foe of food. That’s where bacteria can grow.
- Heat. It’s important to keep survival food in a cool place. The storage temperature for most food should be between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Light. Light can deplete food’s vitamin content.
- Pests. In addition to keeping air and moisture out, an airtight food container will keep furry creatures out of your food.
Types of food packaging
What we want to focus on today are ways to package food so that those enemies are kept at bay. Among them are:
Food-Grade Buckets. This is one of the better ways to store food. These buckets come in gallon sizes (and even five-gallon), so they hold a lot of food.
Look for buckets with gamma lids, which form a more airtight seal. They are sturdy even when banged around.
Boxes and cans are fine for short-term food needs. But you can’t count on them for long-term storage. They are too easily damaged.
Glass jars. Some people like to keep certain foods such as grains in glass jars. They certainly look nice.
But unless you live in an area of the country that never experiences earthquakes or extreme storms, that might not be the best idea. Glass breaks easily. Also, you need to keep those glass jars away from light.
Plastic containers are inexpensive and easy to use, and pretty much unbreakable. After you’ve filled the container, place plastic wrap over the opening before putting the cap back on.
The downsides are that plastic can leach into food, and humidity is not well regulated. Pests have been known to chew through plastic.
Mylar pouches. Not only is it vital to keep air and moisture out, you also want a durable package that can take a few bumps over the years without bursting.
Look for sealed Mylar pouches with less than 2 percent oxygen content rather than cans or buckets. This is your best choice.
Food bars… packaged to perfection
One of the most popular 4Patriots food items is our Food Bars. They are made to U.S. Coast Guard standards for packaging.
We wrap them in advanced-polymer packaging to protect them against moisture, air and extreme temperatures.
Vacuum-packed and water-resistant, our Food Bars are designed to resist temperatures up to 300 degrees and as low as 40 below Fahrenheit. And unopened, they will stay fresh for up to five years.
Each compact bar contains 400 calories, and the concentrated nutrition is not thirst producing. They taste like shortbread with a hint of vanilla and lemon.
These food bars require no cooking, added water or a heat source. Just unwrap them and eat them. You can keep them in your vehicle, a backpack, your cabin, boat or RV.
Regardless of what food you eat – during this pandemic and after it finally fades away – make sure it’s packaged properly. Keeping food fresh and safe will always be important.
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Don’t Forget Backup Power on Your Camping/RV Checklist
There are few worse feelings in the world than remembering that you forgot something. Especially if it happens at a time when you can’t un-do your forgetfulness.
Like when you’re well on your way toward a vacation destination. Or when you’re in your RV, traveling to that special cabin in the woods. Or after you’ve arrived at a campsite.
In fact, I hate that feeling so much that I always put together a comprehensive essentials checklist in advance of my trips. And I literally check off each item after it’s packed.
I’ve been told I’m anal-retentive. But I’d much rather be called that than suddenly realize I had forgotten to pack something after it’s too late to remedy the situation.
Fall camping is fun
The fall is a great time for camping. Whether you’re driving there in your car, truck or RV. The weather is not too hot and not too cold. To quote Goldilocks, it’s just right.
And if you have all the stuff you might need, you can fully relax and enjoy your time away from the busyness of everyday life.
Today I want to provide you with a list of camping essentials that I use. I’ve tried to include everything, but you probably won’t need it all. Just pick what works for you and your family or companions.
The last time I compiled a list like this for you, I emphasized food items. They’re still very important, but today I want to single out backup power. It always comes in handy.
I’m also adding items for those of you using an RV for the first time, or one of the first times.
Don’t over (or under) pack
One of my family members likes to say, “If you’ve got it, pack it.” I’m not too crazy about that idea. I want enough but not too much for a camping trip.
To me, camping is about getting away from the rat race. I want a different kind of routine when I’m away from home. It’s a nice change of pace to see, use, wear and eat different things than normally.
You can make do with less on a camping trip by reducing the clutter. At the same time, you can still take all the essentials.
So, here’s the promised list of camping items. How many of these you pack could depend on whether you’re roughing it or heading to a campground where some amenities are provided. It might also depend on how long you’ll be gone.
- Tent, with footprints, stakes and mallet/hammer
- Ground cloth/tarp
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Backpack
- Blankets and pillows
- Headlamps, flashlights and extra batteries
- Camp table and chairs (if the site doesn’t have them)
- Mini-grill or camping stove
- Lantern
- Clothesline with clips
- Toiletries
- First-aid kit
- Prescription meds
- Sunscreen and protective hats
- Insect repellant
- Lip balm
- Rain gear
- Extra clothing, including several pairs of socks and underwear
- Hiking boots
- Bandanas
- Survival knife
- Multi-tool
- Duct tape
- Paracord or rope
- Saw or ax for cutting firewood (if needed)
- Compass
- Binoculars
- Field guides for flowers and insects
- Whistle
- Walkie-talkies
- NOAA emergency radio
- Disinfectant wipes
- Documents including vehicle registration, insurance, reservations, etc.
Food/food-related items
- Perishable food packed in a cooler or ice chest
- Non-perishable food for snacking
- Plenty of bottled water and other beverages
- Personal water purifier
- Fire starters
- Cooking, serving and eating utensils
- Cooking pots, pans, plates and cups
- Tongs and skewers
- Oven mitts
- Cutting board
- Tablecloth with clips or tape
- Canteen/thermos
- Coffee pot
- Can opener
- Heavy duty aluminum foil
- Dishwashing liquid and sponges
- Paper towels and napkins
- Tupperware
- Zip-top bags
- Trash and recycle bags
RV Essentials
During the worst of the pandemic, sales of RV campers skyrocketed. Many people who traditionally vacationed in popular and often crowded places decided to limit their contact with strangers.
RVs are a great way to travel and camp. But it’s best to know what to take with you in order to handle potential problems with a new-to-you vehicle. Here are plenty of items to consider, taken from a variety of sources:
- Your RV manual
- Drinking water hose
- Sewer kit including hose
- Surge protector
- Generator
- Electrical adapters
- Water pressure regulator
- Tire pressure gauge
- Emergency road kit
- Extra motor oil and fluids (washer, transmission, brake)
- Fire extinguisher
- Wheel chocks
- Rubber gloves
- Emergency brake cable
- Tire iron
- Tire patch
- Jack
- Leveling blocks
- Emergency warning light
- Fuses
- Well-stocked tool box
- Jumper cables
Stay powered up
As mentioned, I want to remind you of the importance of backup power when you’re on a camping trip. There are plenty of reasons for needing backup power. They include charging up your…
- Cellphones
- Emergency radio
- Mini-fridge
- Electric blanket
- Blender
- Hotplate
- Lights inside a tent
- Outdoor security lights
- Laptop or tablet
- Coffee maker
- Toaster oven
- CPAP machine and other medical devices
- Handheld electronic games
- Boombox
- Electric razor
- Mini-TV
- Blow-up mattress pump
- GPS unit
Without backup power, any one of the things listed above could prove useless to you on a camping trip. Yes, you could get by without some of them, but what if you had to make an emergency phone call?
What if an unexpected storm was headed your way and you needed information about it quickly? What if your perishable food started to go bad? Worst of all, what if you needed to power up crucial medical equipment?
Camping trips are a lot of fun and a great way to unwind with family or friends. They’re good for your body, mind and soul.
Just make sure you don’t forget to pack any of the essentials before you leave home.
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You Know You Need an Emergency Radio… But Which One?
You’ve received a few emails from me in the past about emergency weather radios. The purpose was to tell you how important it is to have one handy. That’s why these radios are included in just about every bug-out bag list you’ve ever seen.
Based on how many of you have purchased the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio, I assume you don’t need any more convincing.
You realize that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more violent. And you know weather forecasters are predicting more hurricanes and more tornados this year than usual.
So, I’m not going to waste your time trying to convince you to add one to your survival stockpile. But if you haven’t done so yet, I do want to provide some tips on what to look for in an emergency radio. Because there are many choices out there.
Say yes to NOAA
The first thing you should do when it comes time to selecting an emergency radio is make sure it’s a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.
Having access to critical information is key to surviving in any emergency. With a NOAA weather radio, you’re certain to receive timely information about weather threats in your area. Including evacuation routes and other breaking news.
These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24/7. If you program your county’s six-digit code into it, a loud alarm will sound when dangerous weather approaches.
Some of these weather radios allow you to choose which particular alerts you want to receive. And which you don’t.
Plenty of charging options
OK, now you’re set with weather alerts. Is there anything else you need in an emergency radio? Yes, plenty.
Let’s start with how to keep it charged. A dead emergency radio is useless, so don’t choose one that gives you only one or two options.
You want a radio with a powerful battery inside. But you also want other ways to charge it.
Including plugging it into an outlet, exposing the radio’s solar panel to the sun and cranking it up by hand.
Power bank with a flashlight
Any of those options will keep your emergency radio charged. But you also want to have a radio that can “share the wealth.”
You may find yourself in a position where you need to charge your cellphone. Or a tablet, e-reader, camera, flashlight, cooling fan or another item. Select an emergency radio that can do all that.
There’s no guarantee you’ll have daylight when a weather emergency interrupts your life.
You may need to light your path. So, make sure your radio includes a bright flashlight.
Light, compact and durable… with extras
Other features you want in an emergency radio are just as practical. For example, you don’t want one that’s heavy. It would be a burden to carry in your hand or in a bag.
You also want a radio that’s compact yet durable. One that can take a few dings without getting damaged. And what about some extras the average person might not think about?
Choose an emergency radio that includes a sturdy metal clip so you can attach it to a backpack or belt loop. Select one that has a charging indicator so you always know how much juice it has. Pick one with an earphone jack so you can listen discreetly.
Finally, you want an emergency radio that’s priced right. If for no other reason than so you can buy several of them. For your home and vehicle, and even as gifts for loved ones.
My recommendation is…
The emergency radio I’m recommending will not be a surprise. I let the cat out of the bag back in the second paragraph.
And it might be difficult to believe, but every feature I mentioned as being important in an emergency radio is included in one radio – the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio.
Of course, this is not a coincidence. We started with the end in mind with this product. We made sure this tactical information hub features NOAA weather alerts, with seven 24/7 weather channels and AM/FM and shortwave radio.
We insisted it include an LCD display clock with alarm and an ultra-bright flashlight.
We made it lightweight with the ability to recharge with the power of the sun.
We added a hand crank for emergency starting. We even made sure that it could power up other devices when you need them most. Including your cellphone.
I feel like we’ve made the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio as desirable as we possibly can. But if you need any extra incentive, how’s this?
If you purchase three of them, I’ll knock a small amount off the price of each unit, provide you with free shipping, and toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit and a free $25 gift certificate.
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Back-to-School Brigade Program Aids Military Families
When we think about the women and men who serve our country in the Armed Forces, we usually focus on their sacrifice and bravery. And that’s as it should be.
But something we often overlook is the financial struggle many go through. Especially when they are transferred from one base to another. Sometimes this process involves buying and selling homes every year or two. And placing their children in new schools.
Every penny counts. When the academic year rolls around, there are many school supply expenses.
That’s why Operation Homefront steps in with its Back-to-School Brigade initiative. This program provides fully stocked backpacks. They are distributed to tens of thousands of children of our military members each year.
Volunteers Make It Go
Samantha Martin has been an Area Manager for Operation Homefront for the past 2½ years. She covers four states (the Carolinas, Tennessee and Kentucky) for the organization.
“It’s an enormous region, so you can imagine that we rely heavily on our volunteers,” Samantha said. “Volunteers are part of what allows us to use 90 percent of our expenditures on programs for military families. We have an extraordinary reach in our programs. From relief to resiliency to recurring support.”
Among Samantha’s responsibilities are managing and growing nationwide programs. They impact service members and their families. As well as veterans. She also conducts research and plans, and coordinates all development and fundraising.
She also develops and grows community relationships with various groups. Including clients, service providers, volunteers, military organizations or representatives, and corporations and businesses. In addition, she organizes and maintains volunteer programs, assignments, recruitment, training and retention.
450,000 Backpacks Distributed
“Just over the last two months, we distributed about 30,000 backpacks at more than 130 different locations in all 50 states,” said Samantha. Her father served in the U.S. Navy, and her daughter and son-in-law served in the U.S. Air Force.
“As you can imagine, there is lots of planning, execution and volunteer training to do to pull this off each year.”
Since 2008, Operation Homefront has distributed more than 450,000 of these backpacks. Saving families over $50 million.
Included in the recent events were 800 backpacks distributed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Plus 800 at Clarksville Regional Airport in Clarkesville, Tennessee. And 500 at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
“When many of us think of summer, we think of pools, popsicles and picnics,” Samantha said. “For military families, it’s PCS (permanent change of station) season. And getting ready to start their kids in a new school.
“Military families have unique challenges. With the Back-to-School Brigade, we try to ease the financial burden on parents. And give the kids something to smile about. It’s very important to let them all know they have a support system.”
Dollar Tree Stores Step Up
Each backpack is filled with items children and teens from kindergarten through 12th grade need for their school year.
These items include basic supplies. Such as pens, pencils, crayons and markers. As well as notebooks, paper, scissors, glue, binders and composition books.
Since 2008, most of the supplies have been contributed by Dollar Tree customers in stores across the nation.
“We couldn’t do this without them,” Samantha said. “Dollar Tree stores make it possible for their customers to contribute supplies to the backpacks.”
Driving Through the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way donations are distributed by Operation Homefront.
“We’ve changed our formatting,” Samantha said. “It used to be an expo-style event. It was very festive. We’d have tables of resources for military providers. And a one-stop shop for school supplies and education needs.
“With COVID, we eliminated the indoor event and made it a drive-through. We also hand out flyers for our services. And partner with other organizations who align with our mission and support America’s military families.”
4Patriots makes a monthly financial donation to Operation Homefront. We provided 800 of our 72-hour Survival Food Kits to the Back to School Brigade at Fort Bragg.
Serving Those Who’ve Served Us
Operation Homefront is a national 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization. Their mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families. So that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in communities they’ve worked to protect.
Since 2002, Operation Homefront has provided so much. Thanks to the support of corporate and foundation partners, as well as individual donors. Including Critical Financial Assistance (CFA) and transitional and permanent housing. Plus recurring family support programs. And services to hundreds of thousands of military families each year.
That way, those families’ short-term financial challenges do not become long-term, debilitating issues. Operation Homefront provides financial relief pertaining to food, auto and home repair. As well as rent, mortgage, and utilities. Plus other needs to military families through their CFA program.
At its core, Operation Homefront serves America’s military families in their time of need. Why? Because they have served all of us in our nation’s time of need.
Anyone wishing to contribute to Operation Homefront should visit OperationHomefront.org. Then click on “Ways to Give.” The nonprofit is also active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. That’s where you can stay up-to-date on their programs and events.
