Preparing For The Approaching Storm

Barring an 11th-hour miracle, war between the Allies and Iraq is all but certain, and could come at any moment after Hans Blix's next report on February 14th - some say as early as the 17th. While an Allied victory seems certain, even quick, other factors are equally uncertain, even troubling. There is almost no doubt among Americans that when war comes, terrorism in some form is bound to be attempted in the United States. Also, there is the very real and troubling chemical and nuclear saber-rattling going on between the U.S. and Iraq, as well as North Korea. As I said a few weeks ago, there's a storm approaching, and we can see it coming.

No matter which way you look at it, the mainland of the United States is as vulnerable as anywhere else, and the faster we remember one lesson of September 11 - we are now and forever a front in the War On Terrorism - the better prepared we'll be for any possibility.

But what does preparedness mean to the average person these days, and what should they be prepared for? The answer: be prepared for anything. Sounds difficult, but it isn't, at least when it comes to the basics.

First, food and water. Most people live paycheck to paycheck and rarely keep more than a two-day supply of food around the house. However, it's time to stock up on the essentials. Canned foods, non-perishable items and bottled water would be a good place to start. ALWAYS buy what you and your family will eat anyway. Also, at least one gallon of water per person per day is a good rule of thumb. I'm not saying stock up the bunker, just have a better supply of food on hand that doesn't spoil quickly, and remember to rotate through this supply, replenishing it anytime you use any of it.

Next, be sure to stock up on other essentials, things you don't normally think of every day. Batteries for flashlights and radios, first-aid supplies, ammunition (if you have any weapons in the house), and maybe a small supply of cash, in case you have a weekend emergency and can't get to an ATM or your bank for a while. Make sure anyone with prescriptions always has plenty on hand.

A get-away pack is always a good idea, not only for terrorism but other possible emergencies as well. What if there were some other natural or man-made emergency which would require an immediate evacuation? A get-away pack for each member of your family would allow you to clear the house in a few minutes' time. Each pack should contain enough food, water and clothing for at least a day or two away from home, in case it takes a while to reach another shelter or home. Packs should be light enough to carry in case you have to walk some distance, and contain food that requires little or no preparation.

Check your house and think about scenarios. What if a chemical or radiological bomb were detonated near your home and you couldn't evacuate. Is there an area or room in the house which can be quickly sealed, such as a hall bathroom, where everyone can fit? What would it take to seal this room? Think about that, then come up with a plan and stock up on duct tape, a roll of plastic, plywood, caulking and nails or screws. Place supplies (including food, water and other essentials) in a closet in this area, and don't forget radios as well as board games and cards - you could be stuck in there for a few days.

Finally, think about where your family is during the day, and come up with a few meeting places in case of emergencies. Is it easy or difficult to get in touch with everyone on a normal day? How far apart is everyone? Is there a central location, such as your church, where everyone could meet? Talk about it, and make a plan that works for you and your family.

You may never need to use any of this advice, but remember why we buy insurance: just in case. The storm is coming, and as with any storm, vigilance and preparedness are the keys to surviving the storm and eventually winning this war on the home front.

...could come at any moment after Hans Blix's next report on February 14th - some say as early as the 17th

Well, in a way thats true. There is that report that on Friday we're going to issue Saddam a 48hr deadline to go, but when you look at the logistics it doesn't make much sence.

Yes, it's true that on the 15th 50% of Kuwait will become a closed military zone and yes there's a lot of forces in the region, but there is still a lot of shipping that won't reach Kuwait till late-Feb, and the Brit's wont be ready till early March, they've only just started loading ships in Germany this weekend.

And the 101st has to deploy to Turkey, where we're still only looking at upgrading ports at the moment.

There is a possibility that an air war could start before all the major ground elements are in place, but, I dunno.
Smart money is on early March I think.

Here's a quick grab of related links:

Here is a thread I put together last year right after 9/11. It contains information on a 72 hour kit, the kit has everything in it that one person would need for 72 hours. One can grab it and run. There is also information there about home food storage, using and storing food all the time.

Emergency Preparedness (year's supply of food, 72 hour kit)

190 posted on 09/04/2002 12:52 PM EDT by Utah Girl

(+) THE ART OF THE CACHE (+) [Free Republic]

Here's another good link for free online military training manuals about survival, NBC etc. Click on "Enter library" and then select "field manuals". Military manuals online

SwiftPublishing (telephone 1-800-644-1057)sells several security/survival publications written by Joel Skousen.

Bio/Chem Preparations: Overview

Nuclear Survival Preparation: Overview

Florida's Latest News: ANTHRAX FACT SHEET -- From the Centers for Disease Control

Simplified Antibiotic recommendations for prevention of Anthrax/ Biological Warfare bugs

"Also keep in mind that doxycycline or cyproflaxin antibiotics are pretty effective against most of the germs used in bio warfare."

Both can be found/ordered here.

Shelter In Place: Make Your Kits

Very readable article about Bioweapons and Anthrax

Unclassified 10/31: CIA Chemical, Biological, Radiological Incident Handbook

Advice on Chemical/Biological/Nuclear Attacks


Israeli pets to wear gas masks if Iraq attacks


Survival Supplies and Other Links
Be advised "Nuclear War Survival Skills" has been updated & revised ( 1999 ) and is the "one" book to get if you get no others...

TimeBomb2000 is an awesome Forum for sensible individual preparation and overall news gathering: Over a million detailed threads archived (4 locations) describing every practical self-reliant tip possible

Not that I would ever argue against being prepared for anything, but my prediction is that we won't see any terrorism from this war. There'll be plenty of alerts and maybe even a few close calls (or what will be made to appear to be close calls), but al-Quesadilla knows that if they commit another atrocity, they will be utterly destroyed.

On 9/11, the country was in total shock and didn't know what to do. People are creatures of habit and routine, and the country's routine was peace, and people were in no mood to change it. In fact, many (myself included, I confess) were wishing it was all some kind of bad dream that we would soon wake up from. Now, it's different. Now, there's a different routine, and a different mood. And I think Al Q knows that.

Being prepared is great, but prevention is better. If we were serious about protecting the US, we'd do 2 things:

1. Deport all Muslims.

2. Announce to the world that if a Muslim terrorist strikes this country, his home country and Mecca will cease to exist within 24 hours.

It is just ridiculous for us to continue to let the enemy come into our country while we cower waiting for another attack.

Survialists again, huh ? Just like the enviro wackos they have been selling doom for decades. They have also been selling MRE's, iodine pills, and survival knives...so what.

Its the end of the world folks, stock up now while supplies last ! None of these items will be available after the sun burns out and goes supernova. Sheesh.

With an 11,000 gallon cistern under the house, I guess I'll have to start selling water by the gallon. Oh wait, the money will be no good. On second thought I will trade for gasoline and cigarettes.

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