Remembering Brian Kanterman Honors a Life of Service
4Patriots recently donated several items for a raffle that raised funds for Remembering Brian Kanterman, Inc. of Somerset, New Jersey. They were Patriot Power Cells, a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter.
When he reached his teen years, Brian Kanterman was already considered a very nice and respectful kid. But an incident that would be etched in his mind for the rest of his life was the catalyst for turning a propensity for kindness into a life of service.
A close friend died in a fire at age 13. The volunteer fire department was unable to reach the burning house in time. Devastated, Brian could have turned to unhealthy habits to help him cope.
Instead, at age 15, he became a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT). He eventually attained the rank of captain. As soon as he was legally able to do so, he volunteered for Community Fire Company 25 fire service. And became a nationally certified firefighter.
Brian attended Rutgers University, then became a police officer and eventually a deputy sheriff. Later, while rehabilitating from an injury sustained in duty and waiting to become a K9 officer, he served as a correctional officer in a Virginia prison.
It was there that Brian tragically passed away after an adverse reaction to an over-the-counter medication. It caused his heart to stop on Christmas Day 2018 at age 25.
Always Polite and Respectful
“As kids, both Brian and his older brother, Jason, were very competitive,” said Stan Kanterman. He is the boys’ father and a private investigator licensed in multiple states. “Both were black belts in martial arts and played traveling baseball.
“Brian played the trumpet and guitar. He was a drum major in the high school marching band. And a member of a first-aid squad and local fire department. Later he was a fanatic about going to the gym. Even when his back was hurting
“He would volunteer for any kind of community thing he could get his hands on. He was an umpire for Little League baseball and a volunteer at our temple for many projects.
“I remember many a day until he got his driver’s license when he would wake me up at 2 a.m. He wanted to respond to an emergency call and I had to drive him. I was very proud of him for the things he did.
“Brian was in the ROTC at Rutgers. He was one of only four cadets who completed the Washington 10K Run. Even with knee, hip and back issues. I’d call Brian a gentle giant. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, he was formidable looking. But very polite and respectful.”
Physical Setbacks Didn’t Stop Brian
Even outside his chosen professions, Brian set an example of service. Somerset citizens were never surprised to see him helping the elderly load groceries into their cars. Or assisting an unsteady person crossing a street.
When he’d see a man or woman in uniform, he would thank them for their service. And offer to buy them a cup of coffee. He also volunteered at animal shelters.
A number of physical issues slowed Brian down from time to time. But they never stopped him from fulfilling his life mission of serving others.
At age 19 he needed a hip replacement due to a deformity in that joint. The next year he underwent a back operation after a ceiling fell on him while he was battling a fire. As a police officer, he broke all the toes in both feet while pursuing a suspect.
Nonprofit RBK Established in 1999
Realizing the importance of carrying on Brian’s legacy, Stan and his wife, Tina, established the Remembering Brian Kanterman Inc. (RBK) nonprofit organization.
The RBK mission is multi-faceted. It includes:
- Purchasing police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty
- Providing service dogs to veterans
- Partnering with local shelters to provide emotional support animals to veterans and first responders
- Paying the costs of training individuals who wish to be police officers, firefighters or EMTs
- Offering scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement or legal fields
- Assisting veterans and first responders struggling with addiction to obtain support
- Awarding “go bags” to first responders
Eliminating High Price Tags
Many of these mission components involve high costs. The average police dog costs between $17,000 to $21,000. A PTSD dog is about $32,000 and a ballistic vest goes for $3,000.
A go-bag containing a medical kit for an officer and a dog, plus handcuffs and flashlights, can run up to $1,000. The average cost to train an EMT and firefighter is $750 to $2,000.
“We donated two K9s – one to the Allentown PA Police Department, a patrol K9, and another to the New Jersey Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, a bomb-sniffing dog,” Stan said.
“We have also purchased a PTSD K9 for a New Jersey veteran, which will be awarded in the next few months.”
Fundraiser Nets $25K for Charity
Last October, a Remembering Brian Kanterman event raised $25,000 for the charity. There were approximately 230 attendees at the fundraiser, held at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
“We truly appreciate the donations 4Patriots sent in,” Stan said. “And the quality of your stuff is important to us. People come back to our event because we don’t sell junk.”
Stan summed up the volunteer organization’s mission in one sentence:
“We wanted to make sure what Brian did didn’t stop with Brian.”
Review of HCMAGS Tactical Pack for the Ruger 10/22, by Francis, the Semi-Prepper
I’m 76 years old and we live in a Home Owners Association communiity near a major southern city in the suburbs. My wife and I will not leave our grandchildren who live in the city but they DO fortunately attend a Christian religious school, not a public school. I have previously posted about our first […]
Got a Basic Bug-Out Bag Ready and Waiting? You Should!
Being prepared means having a bug-out bag or survival kit packed and ready to go.
Following a disaster, government agencies need a minimum of three days to take care of people negatively affected by it.
You can lessen the impact of those 72 hours by having a survival kit assembled and waiting for you near your front door.
Here are some items you’ll want to include, understanding that the larger ones will need to be kept in a vehicle trunk:
Must-have’s
Water and a portable water purifier should be your first consideration. You won’t last long without clean drinking water. Learn multiple ways to decontaminate water. You absolutely must avoid dehydration to survive. Others include:
- Non-perishable food that can be prepared quickly
- Power banks
- Fire-starters
- Flashlights and batteries
- Battery-operated, solar, or hand-crank radio
- Survival knife, pocket knife, multi-tool and compass
- Sturdy shoes, change of clothes suitable for weather conditions, warm hats and gloves, and rain gear
- First-aid kit and instructions
- Space blanket, wool blankets and sleeping bags
- Plastic sheeting and rope or paracord
- Small stove or solar cooker
- Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
- Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
- Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
- Personal hygiene items including toilet paper
- Plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
- Medications for you, your family and your pets
Expanded list
- Loud whistle
- Emergency cash in small denominations
- Tools, including a crowbar
- Zip-top bags
- Fishing kit
- Local topographic map
- Permanent marker, paper and tape
- Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
- Contact lists with phone numbers
- Disposable camera
- Dust masks
- Special needs items for children, seniors and those with disabilities
Essential documents
Not everything you stockpile can be eaten, drunk or worn. You also need to have essential, up-to-date documents on hand. If you can keep the following information on paper and/or on your smart phone, in a computer document, and on the web, you will be well prepared for an emergency.
- Doctor and veterinarian information. This should include a list of current medications and allergies. As well as up-to-date medical insurance information.
- Updated will and power of attorney information
- Life insurance information
- Homeowners and car insurance information
- Bank account numbers and passwords
- Basic list of current bills
Multiple purpose items
There are many items you could include that would serve multiple purposes. They’ll come in handy regardless of what you end up using them for.
Duct tape is one. We could fill an entire book with uses for duct tape. But to name a few… fixing leaks in buckets and boats, wrapping a wrist or ankle after a fall on uneven terrain, a wound water-proofer, boot insulation, and sleeping bag patch. Others are:
- Super Glue
- Aluminum foil
- Steel wool
- Garbage bags
- Tarp
- Lip balm
- Bandanas
- Rubber bands and rubber gloves
- Coffee filters
- Vaseline
- Sewing kit
3 ways to build a bug-out bag
Now that we know what should be included in a bug-out bag, let’s take a look at how to assemble one so you’ll have it ready to go in an emergency. There are three basic ways to do this.
One is to build your own. The upside here is that you can customize the bag to the needs of you and your family. The downside is that it can be very time-consuming and sometimes rather expensive.
A second way is to purchase a ready-made bug-out bag. That will certainly cut down on your time expenditure. But it might not have everything you want or need, and it could become pretty expensive.
The third way is the one I recommend. It involves building your own bug-out bag with items you know you and your family will need, but then augmenting it with essential items that cover the three basics: power, light and food.
Survival Starter Bundle
You will probably not be surprised to learn that I have those three items prepared for you in a bundle that will save you time and money.
It’s called the Survival Starter Bundle from 4Patriots. We took our best-selling items – Survival Food, the Patriot Power Cell and the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight – and bundled them together for the ultimate survival trio.
The 72-Hour Survival Food Kit contains delicious and nutritious food designed to last for up to 25 years with proper storage. The HaloXT Tactical Flashlight has nine functions to keep you safe. The durable Patriot Power Cell gives you power you need for your electronic devices.
Separately these three items would run $225. But with this incredible offer, you get all three for only $77. And if you choose to buy more than one bundle, I’ll cover shipping and handling costs for you.
Remembering Brian Kanterman Honors a Life of Service
4Patriots Pitches in for Fundraiser
When he reached his teen years, Brian Kanterman was already considered a very nice and respectful kid. But an incident that would be etched into his mind for the rest of his life was the catalyst for turning his propensity for kindness into a life of service.
A close friend died in a fire at age 13 when the volunteer fire department was unable to reach the burning house in time. Brian was devastated. He could have turned to unhealthy habits to help him cope.
Instead, at age 15, he became a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) and eventually attained the rank of captain. As soon as he was legally able to do so, he volunteered for Community Fire Company 25 fire service and became a nationally certified firefighter.
Brian attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, then became a police officer and eventually a deputy sheriff. Later, while rehabilitating from an injury sustained in duty and waiting to become a K9 officer, he served as a correctional officer in a Virginia prison.
It was there that Brian tragically passed away after an adverse reaction to an over-the-counter medication, causing his heart to stop on Christmas Day 2018 at age 25.
Always polite and respectful
“As kids, both Brian and his older brother, Jason, were very competitive,” said Stan Kanterman, the boys’ father and a private investigator licensed in multiple states. “Both were black belts in martial arts and played traveling baseball.
“Brian played the trumpet and guitar, and he was a drum major in the high school marching band and a member of a first-aid squad and local fire department. Later he was a fanatic about going to the gym, even when his back was hurting, to keep himself in shape.
“He would volunteer for any kind of community thing he could get his hands on. He was an umpire for Little League baseball and a volunteer at our temple for many projects.
“I remember many a day until he got his driver’s license when he would wake me up at 2 a.m. because he wanted to respond to an emergency call and I had to drive him. I was very proud of him for the things he did.
“Brian was in the ROTC at Rutgers and was one of only four cadets who completed the Washington 10K Run, even with knee, hip and back issues. I’d call Brian a gentle giant. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, he was formidable looking, but very polite and respectful.”
Physical setbacks didn’t stop Brian
Even outside his chosen professions, Brian set an example of service. Citizens of Somerset, New Jersey were never surprised to see him helping the elderly load groceries into their cars or assisting an unsteady person crossing a street.
When he’d see a man or woman in uniform, he would thank them for their service and offer to buy them a cup of coffee. He also volunteered at animal shelters and would often take selfies with dogs he’d see on the street, posting them to his social media accounts.
A number of physical issues may have slowed Brian down from time to time, but they never stopped him from fulfilling his life mission of serving others.
At age 19 he needed a hip replacement due to a deformity in that joint. The next year he underwent a back operation after a ceiling fell on him while he was battling a fire. As a police officer, he broke all the toes in both feet while pursuing a suspect.
Nonprofit RBK established in 1999
Realizing the necessity of carrying on Brian’s legacy, Stan and his wife, Tina, established the Remembering Brian Kanterman Inc. (RBK) nonprofit organization.
The RBK mission is multi-faceted. It includes:
- Purchasing police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty
- Providing service dogs to veterans
- Partnering with local shelters to provide emotional support animals to veterans and first responders
- Paying the costs of training individuals who wish to be police officers, firefighters or EMTs
- Offering scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement or legal fields
- Assisting veterans and first responders struggling with addiction to obtain support
- Awarding “go bags” to first responders
Eliminating high price tags
Many of these mission components involve high costs. The average police dog costs between $17,000 to $21,000, a PTSD dog is about $32,000 and a ballistic vest goes for $3,000.
A go-bag containing a medical kit for an officer and a dog, plus handcuffs and flashlights, can run up to $1,000. The average cost to train an EMT and firefighter is $750 to $2,000.
“We donated two K9s – one to the Allentown PA Police Department, a patrol K9, and another to the New Jersey Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, a bomb-sniffing dog,” Stan said.
“We have also purchased a PTSD K9 for a NJ veteran, which will be awarded in the next few months.
“We only donate to volunteer departments. We give them the opportunity to bring on a new EMT or firefighter and get them the equipment they need.”
A variety of essential programs
Following are brief descriptions of the RBK programs:
Addiction Support for Veterans and First Responders
Sadly, many veterans suffer from addiction and do not get the help and resources they so greatly deserve. Addiction support geared toward vets can be found in a number of hotlines and resources seen at www.rememberingbriank.com.
K9 Replacement
RBK seeks to raise enough funds annually to purchase police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty or when it retired due to age or illness. Many K9 handlers have been left without a partner and are in need of a professional replacement.
Service Dogs for Veterans
Due to the prevalence of PTSD and mental illness among veterans, and the overwhelming stress that first responders deal with on a regular basis, there is an increasingly widespread need for well-trained service dogs to help improve their lives. RBK’s goal is to help fill this need through the adoption of emotional support animals and service dogs for first responders and veterans.
Police Officer, Firefighter & EMT Training
RBK seeks to help pay the costs to train individuals wishing to become police officers, firefighters and EMTs. And to contribute to those already in the field needing additional training and/or equipment.
Donations for Scholarships
Another goal for RBK is to provide scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement or legal fields.
EMT, Firefighter and Police Officer Grants
In the same vein as donating to scholarships, the RBK website offers the opportunity to donate to grants for EMTs, firefighters and police officers. These donations help young people achieve their dreams by becoming public servers.
Go-Bags
Deserving first responders receive go-bags consisting of a gear bag, a ballistic first-aid kit, handcuffs, flashlight, knife, note pads and pens.
Not-for-Profit Donations
All donations made through the RBK website go to not-for-profit programs. They go directly to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, veterans and more people needing help.
4Patriots contributes to fundraiser
Last October, a Remembering Brian Kanterman event raised $25,000 for the charity. There were approximately 230 attendees at the fundraiser, held at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
4Patriots donated several items for the raffle. Including Patriot Power Cells, a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter.
“We put together baskets based on three different tiers of value,” Stan said. “People buy as many tickets as they want and then we call out numbers for the next three hours, with volunteer runners verifying ticket numbers and delivering prizes.
“We truly appreciate the donations you sent in. And the quality of your stuff is important to us. People come back to our event because we don’t sell junk.”
Those interested in donating to Remembering Brian Kanterman may visit www.rememberingbriank.com and click on “Donate.”
Stan summed up the volunteer organization’s mission in one sentence:
“We wanted to make sure what Brian did didn’t stop with Brian.”
Hurricane Preparedness Tips from FEMA, Red Cross & 4Patriots
Today I want to provide you with tips on how to deal with hurricanes. Even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, you might still experience their effects. And some of these tips will also apply to other storms you are more likely to face.
As you probably know, 4Patriots is not the only organization issuing these warnings. They come from a wide variety of weather and emergency sources. Including FEMA and the American Red Cross. Both of which recommend stockpiling non-perishable food and water. More on that in a moment.
Incredible wind speeds cause devastation
Hurricanes are tropical cyclones occurring in the north Atlantic Ocean and the northeast Pacific Ocean. They have sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or stronger. Some have been recorded as high as 195 mph.
At the center of the air circulation is the eye, inside of which it’s relatively calm. But the strongest thunderstorms and winds circulate in the eye wall immediately surrounding the eye.
When you’re in the eye, you know you’re just about to get hit with the ferocious eye wall at any moment.
One advantage in dealing with a hurricane rather than a tornado is that you will have considerably more advance notice to prepare for it, thanks to meteorological advancements.
Destructive and deadly
The downsides to a hurricane – and there are plenty of them – are that they can be very slow moving and can bring excessive amounts of water with them.
They can cause extensive flooding and are often accompanied by thunderstorms and tornadoes. Plus sustained rains and winds. Hurricanes can knock out power for days or weeks. And cut off usable water supplies.
Some of the most devastating hurricanes in the U.S. in recent memory were Ida in 2021, Laura in 2020, Michael in 2018 and Irma in 2017. Plus Matthew and Harvey in 2016, Sandy in October 2012, and Katrina in August 2005.
The largest Atlantic hurricane on record as measured by diameter with winds spanning 1,100 miles, Sandy affected 24 states and caused an estimated $65 billion in damage in the U.S., especially in New Jersey and New York.
Katrina caused at least 1,833 deaths. Making it one of the five deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. And an estimated $81 billion in property damage.
Make a plan and stock up on supplies
Having an emergency response plan in place in case a hurricane is heading your way is crucial if you live in an area susceptible to these vicious storms.
The key to dealing with a hurricane is planning for it. Having a 72-hour survival kit and your bug-out bag ready to go and knowing your evacuation routes will save you valuable time.
It’s also crucial to have plenty of survival food and water stockpiled. The American Red Cross recommends a three-day supply for evacuation and a two-week supply for home.
FEMA suggests at least several days’ worth of food and water. At 4Patriots, we suggest as much as you can stockpile. You never know how long an emergency is going to last.
What to do before it strikes
One thing that is impractical to do in advance – but which you should be ready to start executing at a moment’s notice when you hear a hurricane is heading your way – is preparing your home. This involves:
- Boarding up windows with plywood or installing storm shutters.
- Securing your roof and siding to your house frame with straps.
- Reinforcing garage doors, trimming long tree branches and bringing outdoor furniture into your house.
- Familiarizing yourself and your family with utility shut-off switches and valves in your house in case you need to evacuate.
Other activities you should engage in prior to a hurricane approaching your area are:
- Familiarize yourself with emergency routes and shelters. Print out those routes and keep them in your vehicle’s glove compartment.
- Make yourself aware of community shelters in your neighborhood just in case you need to use one.
- Make sure your car has a full gas tank and that important items such as a first-aid kit are in your car.
During and after the storm
During a hurricane, assuming there was no evacuation order and you decided to ride it out, monitor emergency radio and mainstream media reports.
Close your blinds and move your most valuable possessions away from windows. Then stay away from those windows, close interior doors and remain in your home’s interior rooms.
Once the storm has passed, continue to monitor weather reports and try to use flashlights instead of candles if your power is out.
When you return after evacuating, keep an eye out for flooding, ruptured gas lines and damaged structures. Be aware that water may have become contaminated. Report any damage sustained by your home to your insurance agent as soon as possible.
Non-food items to gather
Of course, there’s more to preparing for a hurricane or other type of storm than survival food and water. You’d be wise to have these items handy as well:
- Flashlight and extras batteries. Or better yet, a solar-powered, tactical flashlight.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency weather radio
- First-aid kit and medications
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents
- Family and emergency contact information
- Blankets, extra clothing, boots, gloves, etc.
- Cash
- Maps
The Red Cross, FEMA, 4Patriots and you all know it’s crucial to have survival food on hand in case of an emergency.
Maybe you already have some stockpiled. Or maybe you’re a beginner to the preparedness game. Either way, I want to help you out.
For a limited time, I will provide you – free of charge – with a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit from 4Patriots. All you have to do is pay shipping and handling.
If you already have a stockpile of survival food, this is an inexpensive way to add to it. And if you’re new to preparedness, this is a great way to get started.
This Kit includes 16 total servings of delicious meals like Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal for breakfast, America’s Finest Mac & Cheese for lunch, and Creamy Rice & Vegetable Dinner.
All you have to do is boil, simmer and serve. These meals come in triple-layer Mylar pouches and will last up to 25 years under proper storage conditions.
Preparedness Notes for Thursday — April 21, 2022
On April 21, 1836, with their victory in the Battle of San Jacinto, Texas won independence from Mexico. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 100 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC are providing a […]
Blackhawk Serpa Versus Blackhawk T-Series, by Pat Cascio
I’ve been around firearms and firearm accessories, for more than 50 years, and I’m still amazed at a gun buyer who will purchase an expensive firearm, and then ask the dealer if they have any “cheap” holsters. It boggles my mind, that someone must have thought long and hard about their gun purchase, but no […]
Preparedness Notes for Thursday — April 14, 2022
Today marks the birthday of actor Adrien Brody (born 1973). He played the lead role in The Pianist. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 100 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC are providing a […]
Tornadoes Are Jumping the Gun in 2022
Late last month, dozens of tornadoes ripped through the South. Including in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Two people were killed and many were injured. Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
The tornado outbreak included at least one EF-3 storm. Meaning winds of 158 to 206 miles per hour. Debris was strewn over many miles. Tens of thousands lost power.
Apparently the weather gods do not own a calendar. April, May and June are supposed to be the most dangerous months for tornadoes in the United States. But the carnage started early this year.
2021 was a busy tornado season
It doesn’t take a meteorologist to understand that violent weather is becoming more frequent in America. And more extreme.
In 2021, there were more than 1,300 confirmed tornadoes. The average is about 1,200. They resulted in more than 100 deaths.
A total of 539 of the tornadoes were rated EF0 (65-85 mph winds) and 430 were rated EF1 (86-110 mph). A total of 102 were rated EF2 (111-135 mph), 21 were rated EF3 (136-165 mph) and three were rated EF4 (166-200 mph).
The EF4 tornadoes were reported in Georgia during March, and in Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky in December.
Storms thrive in spring
Why is spring a more dangerous time for tornadoes? Because that’s when atmospheric ingredients join forces to create the perfect storm.
A tornado is most likely to occur when a storm system is propelled by a strong southward dip in the jet stream into an area where warm and humid air is flowing northward.
That jet stream provides the wind shear, or changing wind speed and direction with height. This supports the rotating of supercell thunderstorms.
From the Earth’s surface up to a few thousand feet, a strong wind shear increases the likelihood those supercells will produce tornadoes.
April-June often features strongest tornadoes
Weather history shows that April, May and June are the months with the most potential for tornadoes. Both for the number of storms and their intensity.
More than 50 percent of tornadoes from 1999 to 2018 occurred during those months. There are an average of 272 tornadoes in May in America. That’s followed by June with an average of 202 and April at 189.
The percentage of tornadoes occurring from April through June rises when only the strongest tornadoes are considered.
For example, of the 59 F5/EF5 tornadoes (wind speeds over 261 mph) occurring since 1950, 49 were in those three months.
Prepare for the worst
There’s no way to know if this year’s tornado season will be similar or worse than last year’s. But with the start we’ve had, it doesn’t look promising.
The key is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Let’s take a look at some ways to get ready for a rough tornado season.
First and foremost, make sure your emergency response plan is in place. Whether you are home or at the office, everyone should know what to do and where to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
If conditions are right for a tornado to develop, a tornado watch will be issued. If a tornado warning is announced, that means a tornado has been spotted in your area. You should seek shelter immediately.
What to do during a tornado
Here are 5 steps to take during a tornado, according to Ready.gov.
- If you’re indoors, get to a basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of a building. Stay away from windows, doors, corners of buildings and outside walls.
- If you’re indoors but can’t get to a lower level, find the smallest interior room or hallway as far from the exterior of the building as possible.
- If you’re driving, try to head to the closest structure where you can take shelter.
- If you’re driving but can’t get to a shelter, get out of the car and lie face down with your hands over your head in a ditch or other lower level near the roadway but away from vehicles.
- If you’re driving and you see a tornado, don’t try to outrun it. Pull over immediately and seek shelter. Avoid overpasses, bridges, tall buildings and flying debris.
Once a tornado passes, you may not be out of the woods yet. Most people who suffer post-tornado injuries get hurt while trying to clean up debris. Including glass and nails.
Also keep an eye out for downed power lines, ruptured gas lines and damaged structures.
Items to keep handy
Make sure to sign up for your community’s warning system. The CDC recommends we have the following items on hand:
- A tactical flashlight, a battery-operated National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio and extra batteries.
- An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and routes to safety from each room.
- A list of important personal information. Including phone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, and insurance and property information. Plus phone numbers of utility companies and medical information.
- A 3-5-day supply of bottled water and non-perishable food.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- An emergency kit in your vehicle.
- A first-aid kit. Including non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment and sterile gauze pads. As well as absorbent compress dressings, tweezers and scissors. Plus adhesive cloth tape, aspirin packets and a first-aid instruction booklet.
Once you’ve done all that, there’s one thing remaining. Practice your plan with your family.
The average time between a tornado warning and an actual tornado is only a few minutes. You’ll be able to make those minutes count if you’re prepared.
HaloXT to the rescue
Earlier I mentioned the importance of having a tactical flashlight handy. My recommendation is the HaloXT from 4Patriots. It’s as sturdy as they come. Despite the fact that it’s small, lightweight and easy to handle.
It’s made from aluminum alloy so it’s very durable. It knows how to handle abuse. You can drop it or bang it, and it will still perform perfectly. It’s weather-resistant, shock-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
Now, the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight with its nine light functions, small solar panels, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter and compass will keep working even if you drop it.
But you don’t want to drop it while you’re using it. That’s why we’ve given it an anti-slip handle and an adjustable wrist strap. It even has a magnet so you can secure it to your car and use both hands to work.
I hope by now you’re convinced you need a HaloXT Tactical Flashlight. Or perhaps several of them.
Why Should I Prepare for a Crisis That Might Never Happen?
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We can debate that one all day if we want to. But here’s a more important question. What will come first, a disaster or your preparedness?
For far too many Americans, the disaster came first. And it left them wishing it had been the other way around. We see it frequently on the news. Extreme weather knocks out power, and most folks don’t have a generator.
Supply-chain problems result in food shortages, and most folks don’t have survival food stockpiled. Water contamination makes tap water undrinkable, and most folks don’t have a water purification system.
And now with war in Eastern Europe and the possibility of NATO getting involved if Russia extends its aggression, Americans might find themselves short of just about everything. Not to mention a pandemic that could show its teeth again.
Don’t wait any longer
4Patriots has been in the preparedness business for years now. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a time when preparing for an uncertain future was more important than it is today.
It seems like every year we break records for most hurricanes or tornadoes. Extreme weather events are not only becoming more frequent. They’re also getting more intense.
Wildfires are growing in number each year. And in the amount of landscape and buildings they destroy.
Political upheaval in our divided nation has never been greater. Civil unrest threatens peace-loving citizens.
Self-reliance has gone mainstream
I don’t want this communication to be all doom and gloom. So let’s look at the bright side. If nothing else, self-reliance is finally going mainstream.
People now realize that FEMA and other relief organizations can’t save them in an emergency. They understand preparedness is the only thing that can help them and their families deal with the next crisis. And the one after that.
I like how the Ready.gov website states it. “Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today.” Yep, there’s no time like the present.
If you’re reading this, you probably have a head start in the preparedness area. But whether you are experienced at prepping, a newcomer to the scene or somewhere in between, this information is for you.
Your preparedness checklist
So, what does preparedness look like? Here are some of my suggestions. Of course, we could always add more items.
- Six months’ worth of non-perishable food per person in your household
- At least one solar-powered generator
- Backup portable power banks
- One gallon of drinking water per person per day
- Water purification system
- Personal water heater
- Seed vault featuring non-GMO heirloom seeds
- Camp stove
- Tactical flashlights
- Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency weather radio
- Survival knife
- Fire starters
- Military compass
- Mess kit, including plates, bowls, cups and utensils
- Extra batteries
- Tools, including wrench and pliers, to turn off utilities
- First-aid kit, including prescription medications
- Plenty of extra clothing
- Sanitation and hygiene items
- Important family documents
- Pet food and other supplies
- Survival guides
- Ways to defend yourself and your property
- Cash
Before, during and after
Here are some additional suggestions from FEMA for before, during and after a disaster.
Before – Know the risks and danger signs. Purchase insurance, including flood insurance. Develop a family action plan. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Volunteer to help others.
During – Put your plan into action. Help others. Follow the advice and guidance of officials in charge.
After – Watch out for damage near your home, including downed wires. Repair your damaged property. Take steps to prevent or reduce future loss.
Preparedness = peace of mind
The physical benefits of preparedness are clear. You can see your survival food stockpile anytime you want to. You can hold your water purification devices in your hands. You can move your portable solar-powered generator into any room.
The emotional benefits of preparedness are not as obvious. But they’re just as real. Realizing you have adequate supplies to keep your family and yourself safe in an emergency instills confidence.
Knowing exactly what you and family members will do when a crisis occurs helps reduce fear of the unknown.
Taking steps to protect your home against intruders who may come calling after the stuff hits the fan reduces anxiety.
Patriot Platinum Survival Package
Regardless of where you are on the preparedness totem pole, the Patriot Platinum Survival Package is for you.
Featuring food, power, water and much more, this emergency kit is a one-stop shopping experience for ultimate preparedness. It has everything you need for a crisis. And it’s available on an easy monthly payment plan.
This kit includes 19 of our top survival products. Including two solar-powered generators, water purification products and survival food designed for long-term storage. And we make it even more attractive with 26 free bonus gifts.
Are you ready for whatever life might throw at you at a moment’s notice? You could be with the Patriot Platinum Survival Package.
