Tier Three Preparedness: Evacuation (Bugging Out)
The evacuation plan was something that developed over several months. I prepared my initial evacuation plan based on the geography. There is an ocean in one direction and a nearby mountain chain on the other side, so my initial plan had two locations to the north and...
Tier Three Preparedness: Planning Process
Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency (PACE) At first glance, PACE planning may seem a little excessive. We first looked at the PACE plan in the communications section. But as we work through it, I think you will see its value. Primary—I hope that if you...
Tier Three Preparedness: Area Study
In the military sense, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield, or the Area Study, gathers information about an area's physical, social, military, economic, and government environments before taking action. I don't suggest you follow the military model. It's...
East Palestine Ohio Train Derailment
On February 3, 2023, a train traveling through East Palestine, Ohio, derailed. About 9 pm, 38 of its 150 cars came off the tracks, and fire spread to an additional 12 cars. Twenty of the affected cars were carrying chemicals and combustible materials. The Fire...
Tier Two Preparedness: Communication
Before we discuss crisis communication, let's consider how to better protect information in everyday life. Pretty much anything I write about securing your cell phone or internet communication today is subject to change tomorrow. So, I will touch on a couple of...
Tier Two Preparedness: Medical
As conditions degrade, especially if firearms are involved, the need for medical training exponentially goes up. Generally, there are three levels of training commonly available. Basic CPR and first aid, Wilderness First Aid, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care. ...
Tier Two Preparedness: Communication
Before we discuss crisis communication, let's consider how to better protect information in everyday life. Pretty much anything I write about securing your cell phone or internet communication today is subject to change tomorrow. So, I will touch on a couple of...
Tier Two Preparedness: Medical
As conditions degrade, especially if firearms are involved, the need for medical training exponentially goes up. Generally, there are three levels of training commonly available. Basic CPR and first aid, Wilderness First Aid, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care. ...
Tier Two Preparedness: Home Security
Before we jump into defensive security, let’s start by defining the term. Security refers to measures we can take to deter a person from harming us or gaining access to our property. Imagine a series of concentric circles, each requiring a given amount of effort...
Hurricane Katrina and Security Concerns
On August 23, 2005, Tropical Depression 12 formed southeast of the Bahamas. One day later, it strengthened to become Tropical Storm Katrina. On August 25th, it became a Category 1 hurricane, and modeling showed it would impact southern Louisiana. The Governor declared...
Tier One Preparedness: Power
When we consider energy requirements, I like to break them down into two categories: the basic blackout kit and the longer-term disruption. The basic blackout kit is for that short-term disruption in power that is probably only a few hours. It's something like a...
Tier One Preparedness: Food and Water
An incoming hurricane is a slow-moving telegraphed punch. People know it’s coming, and the last-minute panic buying will clear the shelves in the grocery store. But the storm itself is a very temporary and predictable event. So buying habits return to normal in a...
Hurricane Hugo and Basic Disasters
There are various disasters, and many are unique to particular areas. Tornados, volcano eruptions, earthquakes, and floods are examples of disasters that may be confined to specific areas. But regardless of the type of disaster, the effects on systems of support are...
Introduction to Preparedness
During the 2010s, the “prepper” term emerged, describing individuals who were preparing for a future, possibly apocalyptic, event. Television shows depicted extreme personalities, often caricatures of more practical people. The shows largely succeeded in linking...
Immediate Action: Fire, Finance & Crime
House Fire Before we get into the apocalyptic golden calf of preparedness known as Without Rule of Law (WROL), Shit Hits The Fan (SHTF), or The End of the World as We Know It (TEOTWAWKI) I’d like to introduce three topics more likely to happen, and easier to explain...
Tactics In and Around Vehicles, Part One Parking Protocols
According to the FBI, in 2020, 73% of violent crime outside the home occurred on streets, sidewalks, convenience stores, gas stations, and parking lots. How can we improve our awareness, especially in and around vehicles? I like a particular parking lot...