Disaster Preparedness

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Robbvious, Apr 21, 2012.

  1. Robbvious

    Robbvious Light Load Member

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    A little background: I was a driver for 3 years until 9/11, then went back on active duty in the USAF, and I'll be re-entering the field after my retirement later this year.
    My professional career has revolved around disaster preparedness and complex catastrophes, and now that I'm going to be driving again, I'm wondering how or even if drivers prepare for unexpected situations. For example, a short time ago, Schneider's Dallas OC was struck by a tornado, leaving many drivers without the basics of life that they keep in their trucks.
    For years, I've had "bug out bags" in my home and a "get home bag" in my car. These bags would allow me to survive for at least 3 days, providing food, water, shelter, and spare clothing. FWIW, I would never go to a FEMA or any other shelter, instead, I'd do whatever it takes to protect my family or get home to them.
    My question is this: do you drivers have some kind of plan in place should you ever be forced to abandon your truck to get to a place of safety if some unforseen disaster happens?
     
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  3. -MadMax-

    -MadMax- Light Load Member

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    Feb 29, 2012
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    No. I don't. Glad you mention this...

    I have all "that kind of stuff" in my basement ready.
    But all I take with me is my Camel Back back pack I got on Sand Hill which I keep a hoody and some rain gear in. Has a net on it I store my orange vest in and a latch I hook my hard hat with.

    That's it. Oh, I keep my head lamp in there too.
    Technically, I guess I could put water in the bladder, but then I'd have no room in the back pack portion lol.

    Great post. Really give's ya food for thought. Guess I'm lucky in one aspect of which I SHOULD be home every night... but then again, I do NYC trips often and would hate to be stuck THERE not prepared.

    So, what do you keep in your bag? (for the truck)

    *EDIT*
    PS:
    GO RON PAUL
     
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  4. walstib

    walstib Darkstar

    I just make sure I have water...
     
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  5. Gizmo_Man

    Gizmo_Man Road Train Member

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    Hardly around
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    Nope, I don't and frankly, don't care to.

    I will depend on others to help me, I'll be like a little foreigner looking for a handout.

    Hey, if it works for them, then it should for me.
     
  6. AZS

    AZS Honk if anything falls off

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    I have an EDC bag in the truck. thats more of a personal type though consisting of knives, flashlight, lighter, whistle, etc.
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2012
  7. Robbvious

    Robbvious Light Load Member

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    Jun 25, 2008
    JanesVegas, WI
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    Well, I'm not in the truck just yet (I retire from the AF on 1 AUG), but should think that I'll take something of a combination of my get home bag and my bug out bag. I think my biggest concern is some major national catastrophe and being 2000 miles from home. That's pretty danged unlikely, and that's why it's the biggest fear. More mundane things like breakdown or accident that forces you out of the truck are really everyday things. I think 72 hours is about the maximum a driver would be out of a truck in this case, so that's what I'll build a kit around.
     
  8. KenD

    KenD Bobtail Member

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    Mar 29, 2012
    Niagara Falls, ON
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    You bring up a good point. I was in Saudi Arabia (Fire Chief @ export refinery) on 9/11 and following that I had my E-pak in the event of. Since I have been home, I admit I also have become complacent and am not prepared.

    I have our evac plans in place for getting off the Niagara peninsula in the event of an incident in NY state. I am soon getting into the trucking business and will have to re-think emergency preparedness not just for myself but my XYL here at home.

    Thanks for getting me thinking - again.
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2012
  9. Squirel

    Squirel Crusty Critter

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    Any of you see the reality show about "Preppers"? Well there was an OTR husband and wife on it who had guns and amo, bought camo nets to conseal the truck and trailer, stocked up medications and food & water on truck.
    I was think how in the heck can they have guns & amo crossing states etc. ??
     
  10. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    I do keep a couple daysworth of food,( b.beans , tuna packets, sardines, crackers) and always a case of water. been snowed in out in BFE ,before and had nothing except fuel to keep warm and 1/2 thermos of cold coffee.not again!!!!! also have a small portable radio, am/fm and short wave. 2 flashlights. and a crap load of cloths. lol. never know where I'll be so warm and cold climate cloths. prepared for disaster ?? probably not. stuck in BFE a couple of days ,yup.
     
  11. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    I carry a bug out.

    And, I'm considering getting a decent mountain bike.

    I don't figure anybody is walking home in 3 days, unless they're real close.
     
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