Originally Posted By: gryps
Given the heavy development in the DC metropolitan area, you could probably improvise much of what you might lack. Consider how Les Stroud used discarded items in several of his episodes during the first season of his show.


gryps, for just that reason I've taken to carrying a second wallet with stuff in it that will allow me to improvise. For instance, I carry a couple of water purification tablets in factory foil packages and some alcohol wipes. Find a 2 liter soda bottle and I'm set as long as I can find a water source. Your advice is right on, isn't improvisation part of the Seal doctrine?

Blast, I'm speechless. Or is it shock?

Originally Posted By: ducktapeguy
I've always followed the rule, prepare for the most likely event.
But then, I also think you really don't need to have any specific disaster in mind to prepare for.


That's what I'm thinking as well, you said it much more directly than I did.

Originally Posted By: benjammin
One thing I would elaborate on is the likelihood of armed confrontation. Not going where you shouldn't be is a great step toward avoiding such a situation, but sometimes it cannot be avoided. Given the frequency with which carjackings, home invasions, parking lot assaults and such occur, I'm convinced part of my preparedness issue is being well armed and able to defend myself.


That's a whopper of a discussion. In the interest of full and open disclosure I do own a shotgun which I haven't fired in a couple of decades. Never fired a handgun. If I were wandering through bear country I'd probably not be shy about taking a 12 guage with me. But keeping a loaded weapon in the house is not my style. And I couldn't possibly take it anywhere I travel, especially on business. If Susan's worse case scenarios begin to look likely I might walk over to the local sporting goods store and pick up a couple of boxes of shells with which I would protect home and hearth (and, I can see the replys coming now, have my gun serviced).

I have no problem with folks owning guns legally and using them in a responsible manner. Not for me though. The concept of self defense and the eroding of our rights to be prepared to execute it is another and a serious discussion to have.

Thanks to all for your kind words and suggestions.
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In a crisis one does not rise to one's level of expectations but rather falls to one's level of training.