I been watching a bunch of videos and reading some news related to survival stories and been wondering if there really is any way to reach out to a majority of the people out there about the basics of survival. After the major influx of interest by the public in survival (or so the media would have you believe) after y2k and with the new advent of 2012 theories it seems like still people have no idea about the simple basics. Survival shows aired in my area are mainly les stroud survivorman and bear grylls and neither of these address the common situations such as a broken down vehicle or stuck vehicle.

Would some form of PSA even be taken seriously by The general public? Or would it be considered "survivalist and not for me"?

The basics Im thinking about are pretty simple. Leave expected arrival time with someone and map of route you will be taking, Add enough Water and precooked food to last a week at one basic meal a day for each person, Check your vehicle for issues, make sure to have a jack jumper cables and tow cable, proper clothing for the climates you will expect to experience during the drive, so on so forth and the most important do not leave your vehicle and attempt self rescue OR split up.


Any ideas suggestions other basics?

I think it is a good idea. The problem is anything currently done by the Federal or national agencies are all pretty "soft-touch" in their approach. There is not much of an edge to them. Also, any of the websites they direct people to are typically cumbersome and non-engaging or uninspiring.

To your point about the public's perception: the production quality is the key factor in this. If the ads were really slick and professionally done, and let us not forget relevant, then there is a chance some folks would jump on the wagon.

My $.02

Agreed The current prep videos found on most Government state or city based websites are appalling. They feature robotic acting Incoherent scripts of unhumanlike speaking an almost 40s PSA style and worst of all bad and lacking advice information and such.

Packing 100 pounds of crap into a giant bin so you can "take it with you" if you have to leave is just flat out stupid advice. Two bottles of water and a can of spagettios for your entire family for a week is just stupid. And the number 3 that the media loves to harp on is getting on my nerves. Not to mention the complete lack of Advice instructions and tips for any situation outside of a natural or Human based disaster.

Enligthen me, please... what is "PSA"???

Even if they go out and buy the equipment they still need to have some skills. For instance in the town I live in there are two outdoor stores (soon to be three when REI comes in) that sell Doug’s original pocket kit. But just the folks walking in the door of those stores-- probably have a better idea of for instance how to get a sustaining fire going from a spark and tinder than the average joe. Doug’s kit does have darn good printed instructions with the kit.

So they either need knowledge and practice or well written instructions with the kits no matter what the size of the kit and how the kits supplement each other. Then they will also have to maintain the supplies and equipment. I’m sure too many go out and buy a flashlight and toss it in the trunk only to find it not working with leaking batteries a year or so later.

Next they need adequate clothing and footwear kits for the environment they are in or traveling and in cold climates that does get fairly expensive.

PSA= public service announcement; basically a commercial that is aired for free.

PSA= Public Service Announcement

The muppets and humans cast of Sesame Street have made several "urban" preparedness videos and show them quite often.

Sesame St. Gets Ready!

They cover making a BOB, supplies you should have at home, and even one about the flu. The idea of expanding the video line to include car kits and other common emergencies is a good one.

-Blast

Edit: I was just looking through the Sesame St. page, they've added several new videos since I last checked including hurricane kits and what to do if a parent is deployed.

I remember seeing a few ads for Ready.gov. IIRC, they didn't really say much other than to visit the website. It was still a welcome change from most ads though.

IMO, so few people die or are even injured in these scenarios that it make zero fiscal sense to spend public money on an education campaign for this purpose. I'm certain that more people get injured or killed walking and texting at the same time. Also, nothing airs for 'free'. Someone always pays for the time, either the taxpayers, radio station, or advertiser.