Better Safe Than Sorry

As reports of flooding in Seattle and its surrounding areas become more and more commonplace we should be gearing up for the worst. Putting together a survival guide is not only smart, it’s responsible and prepares you and your family for a disaster. If you aren’t sure what sort of things to gather for your survival kit think heat, communication, health, and tools. There are a superfluous amount of products out there designed to help you prepare for those “just in case” moments, but in lieu of digging through the abundance of options we have mapped out a great compilation of the coolest and most functional devices for you. To prepare for a disaster, imagine performing your daily routine without electricity or water. Keep a kit in both your home and your car. We live in a commuter society so there is a chance you will not be at your home in an emergency situation.

Heat The “Ultimate Survival Technologies StrikeForce Fire Starter” is hot, hot, hot! Portable and totally practical, this tool produces a flame three times as hot as a traditional match. It weighs less than 4 oz. and is definitely an essential for your survival kit. This unique fire starter is weather proof and actually creates an even larger flame when wet because of the magnesium powder. It even has a small case for tinder. Another fire starting option is a box of waterproof matches. Since the box is coated with a non-toxic moisture resistant finish they are also perfect for all weather conditions.


Photo Compliments of REI

Without heat in emergency situations your body temperature can fall rapidly. To keep yourself warm, and hopefully comfortable, use these personal body warmers. You can place them on the innermost layer of your clothing and feel the warmth for 12 hours. They are extremely affordable and are an emergency must have!


Photo Compliments of Sports Authority

Shopping List:

Strike Force Fire Starter, $23.95, from REI (222 Yale Ave N; 206.223.1944, www.rei.com)

Water Proof Matches, $1.99, from Federal Army and Navy Surplus inc. (2112 1st Ave; 206.443.1818; www.gr8gear.com)

Knowledge
With a helpful book on the survival essentials you should be prepared for most emergency situations. Emergency Survival: A Pocket Guide provides simple instructions for outdoor safety and first aid skills. The text’s goal is to deliver quick information and to the point tips for enduring an emergency situation, although the book does urge that you have some previous knowledge of first aid procedures and outdoor survival since it does not supply extensive explanations of these things.


Photo Compliments of REI

Shopping List:

Emergency Survival Pocket Guide, $3.50, from REI (222 Yale Ave N; 206.223.1944, www.rei.com)

Communication In emergency situations the ability to contact people of your whereabouts is of the utmost importance. With the “Spot Satellite Personal Messenger” you can send out your location through a GPS satellite network in accordance with Google Maps. This communication device is valuable for tracking your location and keeping in contact with loved ones, even where cell phones are not able to function.


Photo Compliments of Sports Authority

Shopping List: Spot Satellite Personal Messenger, $120, from Sports Authority (44 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue; 425.456.0600, www.sportsauthority.com)

Tools Bring out your inner mountain man with the “Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool”. It has the body of a pocketknife but contains all the tools you would need during a disaster. The Leatherman comes equipped with a universal bit driver and bits, straight, needle nose and regular pliers, a bottle opener, a can opener, and of course a knife. It is made from stainless steel and will serve you well for a multitude of unexpected tasks you might have to perform in an emergency situation. We often rely on modern conveniences during our daily routines but without electricity this tool will be essential.



Shopping List:

Leatherman’s Skeletool Multi Tool, $59.99, from Joe’s (328 NE Northgate Way; 206.838.0333, www.joessports.com)

Advanced Family Survival Kit This all inclusive family survival kit is designed to provide for 10 people for up to 72 hours. It literally has everything you would need during an emergency and is a great option for families and offices. Inside a hiker’s backpack comes emergency water, calorie food bars, and water purification tablets. The “Dynamo Radio Flashlight” inside includes a cell phone charger, an AM/FM radio, and a siren. You squeeze the flashlight to charge it so no batteries are ever needed. You’ll receive candles that double as a stove, matches and glow sticks, a compass, blankets, ponchos, all the tools you would need to build a shelter as well as an extensive hygiene kit. Along with your first aid kit you even have a deck of cards! After all, in the aftermath of a natural disaster you might want to play a good old game of black jack!


Photo Compliments of Survival Outpost

Shopping List:
3 Day Two Person Advanced Survival Kit, $89.99 from survivaloutpost.com (www.survivaloutpost.com)

Water Purification Tablets, $12.99, from survivaloutpost.com (www.survivaloutpost.com)

5 in 1 Whistle, $2.39, from survivaloutpost.com (www.survivaloutpost.com)

Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag, $5.25, from survivaloutpost.com (www.survivaloutpost.com)

Eco-Charge for Cell Phones, $29.99, from survivaloutpost.com (www.survivaloutpost.com)


Check Out Kelley's Survival Guide Segment on King 5!

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