174: Scared or Prepared?

Show Notes: Episode 174

Today on the First 40 Miles, have you ever thought about how your skills as a backpacker can be a huge benefit to yourself and others during a natural disaster?  Today we’ll share a story from a listener who experienced the devastation in Puerto Rico.  Then, we’ll share a survival hack that will turn your empty pack into something that everyone should have—just in case.

Opening

* Disasters coming our way

* Community Preparedness Fairs

* Are backpacking and emergency preparedness related?

* What are you doing to be prepared? What can you do?  What’s the first step if you have nothing?

* You may be more prepared than you think…

Top 5 Ways That Being a Backpacker Can Help You During a Natural Disaster

You have developed skills to be independent, self-sufficient, forward thinking, problem solving

* It’s a backpacker’s mindset to be self-reliant.

* It’s that idea that “I’m in charge of my response, and I’m going to figure this problem out.”

* Plus, as a backpacker, not only are you going to be a problem solver—you’re going to be a pre-problem-solver and ask those “What if?” questions, and find answers.

* Because of who you are as a backpacker, you’ll be better prepared for disasters.

You are “at home” anywhere

* American Red Cross shelters can be a huge blessing during a natural disaster, but at some point during the disaster, you may want to weigh the cost and venture beyond the shelter once it’s safe.

* During disasters, the shelters may fill beyond capacity, there is little privacy, resources drain quickly

* It’s also empowering to know that you have the physical ability to evacuate the area by foot, if need be. This is an extreme case, but it’s still an empowering thought.

* A person who can take what they need and travel 10-20 miles

* You’re “at home” indoors or outdoors

Less dependent on public services and utilities

* Utilities go out

* No water, no electricity, no natural gas, no Wifi, no cellular network, no garbage pick up

* How is that any different than backpacking?

* You’ll be used to some of the inconveniences, discomforts that come with disasters

You can help neighbors

* “I can’t do everything, but I can do something”

* When you are self-sufficient, it puts you in an incredibly humbling position where you can help those who cannot help themselves.

* Widows, families with young children, those who have lost hope, those who can’t figure out what to do next. Because you’re prepared, you can help

* EMS during a crisis or natural disaster

Backpackers have the basic three:  resources, skills, experience

* We talked about the 5 basic tools of outdoor survival a few weeks ago, cut, cup, cordage, cover and combustion.

* But if you want to boil it down further. You need three basic things to survive.

* Resources, Skills, and Experience

* Which one could you improve on? Where are you lacking?

FEMA’s mission is “to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a Nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”  (We have a huge role in disaster response, relief, and recovery)

Listener Audio: Emanuel Bravo Ramos

A backpacker’s perspective on disaster relief in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

Backpack Hack of the Week™:  Using Your Backpack as a 72 Hour Kit

* “Contains water, food, clothing, shelter, supplies for sanitation, medical supplies, contact information, identification and other vital documents, aids to mobility & navigation, and comfort items. It is packaged in a backpack or other carry-able container.

* “It is assembled in advance,