cnekman's blog

Fire can be a vital link between survival and succumbing to the elements.  It can be used for cooking, boiling water, keeping warm, and lifting spirits during stressful times.  Over the years, I have watched many fellow campers attempt to build a fire and fail, so I thought I would share some insight.

Introduction to building a fire

Following the earthquake and tsunamis in Japan, I received dozens of calls regarding the threat of radiation exposure and availability of of potassium iodide.  I thought it best to address this issue. 

Earlier this week I received a news release from Kitsap County Health District that puts this issue in perspective.  Scott W. Lindquist, MD, MPH, wrote:

On April 29, 1965, I was sitting in Mr. Peterson's class at Mann Junior High, in Lakewood, Washington, when we were hit by a deafening noise.  My first thought was one of the military transport planes from McChord Air Force Base was landing on the school.  In somewhat of a daze I heard Mr. Peterson yelling from under his desk for us to get under ours.  I did and from that vantage point I could see out into the parking lot at what appeared to be waves flowing through the pavement, the cars being bounced up and down.  It lasted about 45 seconds and was terrifying.

 You have just returned to bed after helping your husband off to the airport,  and glancing at the clock, see that it is almost 4:30 AM.  Just as you are drifting back to sleep, you are literally shaken out of bed by a terrible quaking.  You open your eyes, but it's black and you can barely see some large objects  in the bedroom being tossed around.  There is a loud boom; probably the dresser falling over, and something

When hazardous materials such as chemical, biological, or radioactive contaminants are released into the atmosphere, either by an accident or an act of terrorism, you may be given direction by authorities to shelter-in-place.  In this case shelter-in-place means finding protection in an inside room which has few or no windows, and securing the room from toxins.  The room should not be in the basement, or on the ground floor, if possible, since certain gases are heavier than air and will move to the lowest level.

In preparation for, or following a disaster you may be directed by authorities to evacuate your home or business, or you may be able to shelter-in-place.  When discussing  shelter-in-place, we need to divide the subject into two separate categories.  The first category is using a building as simply a shelter from the elements and the second is protection from chemical, biological or radioactive contaminants.  In this article I will address the first.

During a major earthquake, furniture can fall over and be thrown around the room.  Objects on shelves can become projectiles, and pictures may come off walls.  For the safety of those inside and to protect valuables, large and heavy furniture, pictures and valuables need to be secured.  Here are a few suggestions.

A major earthquake will knock over shelves and hot water heaters and make a mess of your garage or utility room.  If you have a gas hot water heater, there is the potential of gas lines breaking, resulting in fires and explosions.

Throughout my life I have spent countless weeks in the mountains backpacking, and among other things, it has taught me how to survive on very little for days at a time.  As a 12 year old Boy Scout, I hiked the Low Divide Trail (The Press Trail) down through the heart of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State, and as I recall I was carrying close to 50 lbs.  This is remarkable considering I weighed less than 100 lbs.  In the years since I've been able to reduce the weight of my pack to less than 20 lbs., for a five day trip and survive just fine. 

When putting together an emergency kit, determine: