How to Survive a Disaster with Steve Rawles

Survivalism expert Jim Rawles discussed what we can do to prepare for disasters and catastrophes, particularly in the case of the power grid being knocked out. The greatest threat we face is from socioeconomic collapse, which could be triggered by mass inflation, leading to the dollar becoming worthless, he said. While the US has had local and regional disasters, we've never had a national event, such as an EMP attack or huge solar storm that would take down the entire grid. People need to be prepared and learn self-sufficiency in the event of such an outcome, he advised, adding that if there's severe damage to the power grid it could take years to restore service.

One of the most important things for preparation is a water filtration system-- "If you don't have water within 24 hours, you're going to be a refugee," he said. People in northern climates also have to consider heating issues, such as having a working fireplace and expedition-quality sleeping bags. He recommended that people have up to a three-year supply of food-- one year for themselves, and the rest to give to charity. Interestingly, he also suggested stockpiling nickels. In contrast to other current coins, the 5 cent pieces are made from copper and nickel, and may at some point in the future have some utility for barter, he said.

Low cost training options (such as through the Red Cross) can put you and your family ahead in your chance for survival, as well as joining local volunteer Fire Departments or ham radio clubs, where you can learn about the community and make important contacts, he continued. Rawles also suggested making a 'List of Lists': separate sheets of paper with various headings such as Food, Medicine, Self-Defense, and Communication; each page would have a list of topics they need to address for self-sufficiency.

Biography:

Jim Rawles has been an enthusiastic survivalist since his teenage years. He is now a survivalist author and lecturer and the editor of www.SurvivalBlog.com. He is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer who held a Top Secret security clearance (with Special Background Investigation) and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

Survivalism is approached by its adherents in different ways, depending on their circumstances, mindsets, and particular concerns for the future.[26] The following are characterizations, although most (if not all) survivalists fit into more than one category:

Safety Preparedness Oriented

Learns principles and techniques needed for surviving life-threatening situations that can occur at any time place. Makes preparations for such calamities as structure fires, dog attacks, physical confrontations, snake bites, lightning strikes, car breakdowns, Third World travel problems, bear encounters, flash floods, home invasions and train wrecks.

Wilderness Survival Emphasis

Astronaut Susan J. Helms gathers firewood during winter survival training.

Stresses being able to stay alive for indefinite periods in life-threatening wilderness scenarios, including plane crashes, shipwrecks, and being lost in the woods. Concerns are: thirst, hunger, climate, terrain, health, stress, and fear. Prepares with: knowledge, training and practice. Survival kit often includes: water purifiers, shelter, fire starters, clothing, food, medical supplies, navigation, signaling gear, and a heavy-duty survival knife.

Self-Defense Driven

Concerned with surviving brief encounters of violent activity. Focus is on personal protection and its legal ramifications, danger awareness, John Boyd's cycle (also known as the OODA loop—observe, orient, decide and act), martial arts, self-defense tactics and tools (both lethal and non-lethal).

Natural Disaster, Brief

Lives in tornado, hurricane, flood, wildfire, earthquake or heavy snowfall areas and wants to be prepared for the inevitable. Invests in material for fortifying structures and tools for rebuilding and constructing temporary shelters. May have a custom built shelter, food, water, medicine, and enough supplies to get by until contact with the rest of the world resumes.

Natural Disaster, Indefinite/Multi-Generational

Artistic depiction of a cataclysmic meteor impact

Possible scenarios include: global warming, global cooling, environmental degradation, warming or cooling of gulf stream waters, or a period of severely cold winters caused by a supervolcano, an asteroid strike, or large scale nuclear proliferation.

Bio-Chem Scenario

Concerned with the spread of fatal diseases, biological agents, and nerve gases. Examples: Swine flu, E. coli 0157, botulism, Dengue Fever, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, SARS, rabies, Hantavirus, anthrax, Plague, cholera, HIV, Ebola, Marburg virus, Lhasa virus, sarin, and VX.[30] Might own NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) full-face respirators, polyethylene coveralls, PVC boots, Nitrile gloves, plastic sheeting and duct tape.