Survival Tech (James Kim RIP)

[hellhound]

The Labor Day weekend and then the 9/11 anniv. reminded me of people doing everyday stuff.. showing up at work, driving to see family for a holiday (Kim stuck in snow desperate to risk his life to save his family).. 2 years ago on Christmas Day I saw my 1st dead body... an 8 - 10 yr old boy ejected from the car in an accident (musta happened less than 4 minutes before.. he was in the street, I saw his lifeless, open eyes as traffic stopped our car next to the scene.... totally made my day F-d up... but made me think...
Is saving 5 minutes worth the whole car dying? (there was also afew wrapped pressents spilled onto the road).. Much respected/loved reviewer/host James Kim apparently wasnt rushing/speeding but got stuck in bad weather during holiday travel.

Weather changing and Fall/Winter "travel" holidays coming up (plenty of production time) Patrick needs to do a segment on emergency/EDC (every-day-carry)

I'd love to be able to afford a GPS. I make sure my Cell battery is maxxed when even going a 40 min drive. Phones are more than just a phone... On my 2gig SD card I have a small 1st aid "reminder" pdf (cpr etc). I have a copy of my birth cert and soc. sec#, along w/ a txt file of meds I'm on, medical history and emerncy contact #s... No.. I'm not dumb enuff to leave all that open... Its in a password protected .zip file that I renamed a .doc file. My POU (philosophy of use) w/ this is: If I'm unconscious, a hospital ER wont look at my phone but if I have afew lucid moments I can say... "*.doc rename *.zip and password". I've been many hospitals since shattered m back in motorcycle wreck... They got plenty PCs w/ USB ports and geeks around (the geek might be a parttime janitor but such simple renaming will be understoood).. Why do that "encryption? because dont want a crackhead who stole my phone to get my stuff while he's looking for tunes. He'll just get an "invalid/corrupt file" message.
A camper buddy also clued me in that phones w/ a camera are also good if a pet or small child eats some vegitatition and gets sick.. can possibly take a pic of the plant to show medical help for treatment.
Might not be "Tech" but I have a leatherman multitool on me at all times. I also have an extra shirt and sweatpants (extra layer/change of clothes if freezing rain-type thing).
I'd like to know more about the new LED lights. Ive seen some smaller than a pen boasting great battery and brightness.
Maybe afew gadgets that can plug into a car's cig lighter to either "call for help" or help you survive until you are found.
Once again... my best to James' family and my most respect to him... even tho he was "unprepared" (for the unexpected... but thats generally what happens when something's "not expected")... After it looked like "desperation-time" w/ the information he had available.. he put the lives of his family above his own to find help.

I didnt know the man... but afew things bring a tear to my eye... no that must be irritation from my cig (I'm way too Rambo for that).... He went out in feet of snow wearing loafers (yuppie) to try and save his family... and the HUGE amount of volunteers that turned out to help.
I'm sure there is new tech/gagets ...maybe an Iphone app along w/other stuff.. I know there is a new jelly (the size of a nickel) that can start a fire off just a spark that will burn for 15 min to dry/torch up even moist/wet wood.
Katrina anyone? Cali fires? Midwest floods? You dont need to be a terrorist-pananoid militiaman.. Whats the motto...: Hope for the best, Prepare for the worst.
Survival rule of 3... prioritize your needs.. 3 hours (exposure- get shelter and heat if cold), 3 days (water), 3 weeks (food).

EDC ideas?

[lavahot]

Well, it's my understanding that the events that led to Kim's death were caused by faulty directions given to him by a GPS, which didn't know that certain country roads close during the winter in Oregon.

That said, I got my buddy a Swedish FireSteel (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/754d/) when he went off to the Army. He tells me it works like a charm. This FireSteel knife (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/7f02/) also might be useful, if not more so. Having a window breaker (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/car/8e0c/) can also be useful if you get trapped or drive into a lake. Flashlights are indispensable and flashlights (http://www.georgesports.com/sl-3877-n2m.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=cashback) without (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/car/9d6f/) batteries (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/875c/) are awesome (http://www.cosmeticmall.com/product_detail.aspx?product_id=309265&nav_mode=&category_id=0&brand_category_id=0&search=#ic). Also, DO NOT travel by car without a first (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travel-outdoors/ab76/) aid (http://www.first-aid-product.com/consumer/car-emergency-kit.htm) kit (http://www.buy.com/prod/lifeline-first-aid-aaa-road-adventure-kit-74-pcs/q/loc/17250/203929599.html).

A GPS is handy, but always use your best judgement when traveling, don't take country roads without confirmed directions.

When I got my new car last winter, my folks got me a kit with flares, an 12v airpump, flashlight, etc. It came in a red zipper case with handles and velcro on the bottom so it stuck to the floor in the rear storage area in my Explorer. I would definitely get something like this into your car before you go traveling.

I agree with the suggestion for Pat and Veronica to do a holiday travel emergency preparedness guide. It would be helpful and have real relevance.

[revision3fan]

My understanding of Mr. Kim's death is that he was not using any GPS but was relying instead on maps. A road with a gate that was supposed to be closed was not. He drove down this road and eventually became stuck in snow.

He did however receive a text message while being stuck in the snow. A cell phone technician read about this in a news account and found Mr. Kim's cell phone number on a website. The technician went through many logs in order to find what cell tower sent the message. Once the tower was identified, the technician identified approximately where the phone had to be and contacted the searchers.

If searching for a cell network, move to high ground or the top of a vehicle and hold the phone up. Perform a manual search and give the phone at least a few minutes to sync and show up on the carrier's logs.

[computoman]

A map works much better with a compass/.

[masherscf]

A map works much better with a compass/.

I was going to say this. Some basic supplies, little outdoorsmanship and some simple survival knowledge will get you farther than flashy gadgets. The Achilles heal of most gadgetry...even flash lights are the batteries.

As heroic as James Kim was in trekking out to find help for his family, I can't stress enough that leaving the shelter of his vehicle was basically the wrong thing to do. A person can live 2 weeks without food, 2 days without water and 2 hours without shelter. Having adequate shelter is the more important rule to survival.

[tokenuser]

I keep a travel auto emergency kit in the car.

It contains basic first aid supplies, thermal blanket, road flares, waterproof matches, flint/steel, jumper leads, tire inflate/repair in a can, crank dynamo torch, tow rope. A fire extinguisher is normally in my trunk too - but it needs replacing.

I also generally have a tarp and heavy string or rope in the car as well (useful for trips to local hardware store), and a leatherman tool in the glovebox.

If I am traveling any distance, I also carry water.

I used to go camping with a lot less :)

To be honest the most important thing is missing on that list - basic survival knowledge. Nothing fancy - no more than you'd learn as a Boy Scout. If you have a local REI, drop by and pick up a book on the subject. Read it, then keep it in the bag with the rest of the travel stuff.

Also missing is basic first aid training. This goes beyond CPR. I got certified many years ago when I was working in a steel plant - I let the certification slip, but have retained the knowledge. Do a first aid course with your local Red Cross ... if nothing else it looks good on your resume.

[fee]

Well, it's my understanding that the events that led to Kim's death were caused by faulty directions given to him by a GPS, which didn't know that certain country roads close during the winter in Oregon.

That said, I got my buddy a Swedish FireSteel (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/754d/) when he went off to the Army. He tells me it works like a charm. This FireSteel knife (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/7f02/) also might be useful, if not more so. Having a window breaker (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/car/8e0c/) can also be useful if you get trapped or drive into a lake. Flashlights are indispensable and flashlights (http://www.georgesports.com/sl-3877-n2m.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=cashback) without (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/car/9d6f/) batteries (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/875c/) are awesome (http://www.cosmeticmall.com/product_detail.aspx?product_id=309265&nav_mode=&category_id=0&brand_category_id=0&search=#ic). Also, DO NOT travel by car without a first (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travel-outdoors/ab76/) aid (http://www.first-aid-product.com/consumer/car-emergency-kit.htm) kit (http://www.buy.com/prod/lifeline-first-aid-aaa-road-adventure-kit-74-pcs/q/loc/17250/203929599.html).

A GPS is handy, but always use your best judgement when traveling, don't take country roads without confirmed directions.

When I got my new car last winter, my folks got me a kit with flares, an 12v airpump, flashlight, etc. It came in a red zipper case with handles and velcro on the bottom so it stuck to the floor in the rear storage area in my Explorer. I would definitely get something like this into your car before you go traveling.

I agree with the suggestion for Pat and Veronica to do a holiday travel emergency preparedness guide. It would be helpful and have real relevance.

He didnt have a GPS they had a map. Although you cant always trust a GPS.

R.I.P James

I agree that Patrick and Veronica should do a show about travel emergency preparedness guide.

[hellhound]

nice responses and input to a thread I was worried about making...
I thought I'd get alot of "You are paranoid" replies.

I think that not too many people think of having an Emergency kit in the trunk of their car... a 1st aid kit, traffic flares, a blanket... those are the minimum (maybe throw in an MRE into the kit).
Keeping w/ the Techzilla forum... and not delving into a survivalist thread of a 1095 steel survival knife or a 440C steel blade....
I'm sure Patrick has exp. w/ his Baja/desert racing for info on emergency packs. And with some thought can make a segment on an EDC (Every-Day-Carry) system.

I'm using the term "system" after watching afew youtube vids by "Nutnfancy" (he reviews knives, guns and clothing from a tactical framepoint).

He has a great insight into "using a system". A system means that if you choose one tool/item.. then you dont need another tool/item. and depending on your preferences you need to make a kit/system that takes best advantage of your knowledge/skills and isnt redundant (carrying duplicate/obsolete tools). But his emphasis is from a military/police viewpoint.. I'm looking from a "help me survive a week" thought process.

In a Katrina/hurricaine/flood situation... where the water from UR tap is risky... what new techy purification tools are there? Are they portable incase your car (like James Kim's) gets stuck near a stream?

Since the new HDTV/broadcast freq change... are there cheap battery/rechargable/cig lighter powered radios to get weather? or small cheap power converters?..

Sounds like a 15-20 min Rev3 ep. altho subject matter can include "primitive" skills.. (like a flint/steel to make a fire to keep core body temp up in sub zero temps), but I think there might be enuff "tech"... for Rev3 to want/help keep their audience alive to continue receiving their product.

BTW.. I'm abit of an oddball because I live in such a crappy ghetto neighborhood that I daily carry a 9mm and a Muella 10 inch Bowie/paratrooper blade. Thats something that 99% of people dont have to deal with... but if I want to go to the convenience store 3 blocks from my house... I pass 4 or 5 prostitutes, 3 or 4 crack dealers and 1 or 2 heroin dealers... I can deal with someone trying to victimize me... I'm wondering about lack of electricity/plumbing/heat.. stuck in a car on the road... Katrina/flood/tornado/blizzard type tech

[trunolimit]

The Labor Day weekend and then the 9/11 anniv. reminded me of people doing everyday stuff.. showing up at work, driving to see family for a holiday (Kim stuck in snow desperate to risk his life to save his family).. 2 years ago on Christmas Day I saw my 1st dead body... an 8 - 10 yr old boy ejected from the car in an accident (musta happened less than 4 minutes before.. he was in the street, I saw his lifeless, open eyes as traffic stopped our car next to the scene.... totally made my day F-d up... but made me think...
Is saving 5 minutes worth the whole car dying? (there was also afew wrapped pressents spilled onto the road).. Much respected/loved reviewer/host James Kim apparently wasnt rushing/speeding but got stuck in bad weather during holiday travel.



I saw my first dead body around Christmas also. I was a volunteer in west nyack as a fire fighter and we where first on scene at a car accident. we had to use the jaws of life so I was pretty excited since I've never had to use them before but when I saw the guy (older man) it shocked me for a while. I wonder what it is about dead things that scares us. I remember when my dog died and i had to put him in a bag I was terrified of touching him even though i've picked him up a million times before when he was alive.

The thing about speeding is that logically it's not worth it but
A: it's fun and
B: 5 minutes is the difference between your on time so you get to keep your job or your 5 minutes late so your fired.

I'm not saying it's ok to speed but it makes sense at the time.

[gadget_nut]

nice responses and input to a thread I was worried about making...
I thought I'd get alot of "You are paranoid" replies.

Not from me. I make my living on the road. I see my home base about 30 days a year.
There are certain things you'll never find me without.
Now that I've had one for a while, a GPS.
Even with the GPS, a Rand-McNally truckers road atlas. It will have road information not found on standard atlases or state/regional maps.
Fresh, dry clothes.
A minimum of 3 days emergency food.
Imagine how much water you'll drink in 3 days. Double it. Now, put double that amount in your car.
Blankets.
Fleece(hoodies, sweat pants, etc).
Wool undies and socks. They'll keep you warm, even when wet. This will give you time to get where you can dry and change in to something dry.
A pistol and, if there's room, a long arm. For both defense against predators and emergency hunting.
And last, but not least, a level head. I've never had an appointment so important as to justify risking my life or the life of another.

[davmoo]

I don't think you're being paranoid either.

During the warmer months I admit I don't carry much more than a GPS, a good compass, and a map of the areas I drive in. But during the winter, it can get damned cold and snowy here in and around Indiana. -10F is a regular winter, and -20F isn't rare. Snowfall is the same way...I've personally seen 36 inches of snow in less than 24 hours, and it was just a few winters ago and not the "distant past". In the city there isn't much problem, but in the country it looks the same every direction you look (especially when its all covered with snow), and its easy to break down dozens of miles from any kind of civilization. In winter, in addition to the GPS, map, and compass, I keep the car stocked with a down-filled mummy bag, a change of clothing, a flare gun and flares, a CB radio, road flares, a canned-air horn, a small propane camping stove, water, and enough MREs to last a week. And I *always* make sure that at least one person (usually my mother :) ) knows where I'm going, and if its more than a few miles from home, what route I'm taking.

[tokenuser]

When I lived in SoCal, we were a little paranoid about earthquakes. In Australia all we needed to worry about was bush fires, and they gave you enough warning that you could evacuate to a safe area. With earthquakes, that option wasn't there - it hits, and then there really are no safe areas, so we were a little over prepared. In our garden shed we kept two large plastic garbage cans loaded with emergency supplies (energy bars, water, blankets, tarps, etc) - tools int he shed. Even if the house came tumbling down around us, we would be able to get to the garden shed.

We moved to North Carolina, and that thinking got largely abandoned. Central C is about as safe as you can get. All I did over winter was keep a spare propane bottle on hand in case the power went out so I could run the BBQ.

Then we moved again. I now live in tornado alley. They say our county is the third busiest in the US for tornado activity ... and is located nextdoor to the #1 pick.

Its been a quiet year so far with unseasonably cool weather, so numbers are down, but we still need to get a kit together for tornados.

We have a basement - not that its ideal, since it is almost a walkout basement and has large windows at ground level. Its also where we keep our wine, so thats good I guess.

But, one thing we do need is a Weather Alert radio - the sort that sets off an alarm when a particular condition is met. Anyone got a recommendation on one of those?

[davmoo]

But, one thing we do need is a Weather Alert radio - the sort that sets off an alarm when a particular condition is met. Anyone got a recommendation on one of those?

I've got Radio Shack radios, both the new model and the older model. They work great. Initial setup can be a little tedious, but that's true for any S.A.M.E. radio.

[hellhound]

Where do U get UR MRE's? (looking for decent price).
And any reviews/help on water filtration.. or just get the chlorine **** "whatever" tablets?

I had an "emergency" gym bag by my rear door for awhile... but unemployment has made me dip into it for day-to-day living.... lack of $ and laziness has it neglected.
I cant afford a car or the insurance so try to tote a backpack w/ "lightweight" gear along with room for regular stuff.
I never assume that the guy/gal giving me a ride has the brains, or has the gear, if there is an extended problem.

I wonder what Patrick Norton has seen "packed in" emergency kits in his Baja races!

Afew months ago there was a fit MMA/UFC fighter that went camping in the desert... (brainfart cant remember the name... he was going "Nature Spirituality" to help w/ his Alcoholism).. but he died after his motorbike ran outta gas, and he ran outta water.

I dont plan on going to the desert.. but if a sewer main breaks and contaminates my water.. I'm screwed right now. Arrgg.

About a year ago here in Baltimore.. a waterpipe broke and flooded a street with 10 feet of water.
The police told residents that they'd allow them 5 minutes to go into their homes and retrieve belongings before the houses were condemned and torn down..
wow..

What would you grab?

[masherscf]

Where do U get UR MRE's? (looking for decent price).


My Brother-in-law is in the army.

[davmoo]

My Brother-in-law is in the army.

I do it the same way. Two cousins are in the army and are stationed at locations within easy driving distance of me. Every now and then I just let them know what I want, and they pick it up and let me know how much it cost.

[tokenuser]

Are MREs really that useful to have in the home? If I was in an isolated location I could understand it, or driving cross country in marginal weather, but just how useful are they in the home?

I could survive for a week using what was in the cupboard - using the (propane) grill if necessary to heat food. I could even have fresh bread (damper (http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/egg/egg0597/damper.html) - omit milk, and add powdered milk and use beer instead) cooked in the firepit outside if I needed to (after cleaning it out ... not sure when the last time the previous owner would have used it).

[masherscf]

Are MREs really that useful to have in the home? If I was in an isolated location I could understand it, or driving cross country in marginal weather, but just how useful are they in the home?

Not that useful at all. We have them squirreled away in case we need to leave quickly. They're not that useful even for camping. You can get better food at the outdoor store.

[mikec]

The thing about MRE's is that they can be eaten heated or at air temperature. Sure it may not taste great at 40 degrees F, but you will get calories.

There is some great camping food out there but some of it requires heating and re hydration.

[davmoo]

Are MREs really that useful to have in the home?

No, not really, unless you have no other way to fix anything. If I'm at home and, for instance, the power fails, if things aren't back on in an hour or so I'm going to fire up the generator anyway, and I'll just cook a normal meal in the microwave.

I keep MREs on hand for when I travel in the winter. If I get stranded in the middle of nowhere with snow up to my car windows, that MRE is going to look mighty damned good. The reason I like MREs for that is because they are totally self-contained, including the heat source if needed.