Welcome to the Technolithic

Before we get down to what I hope is some useful advice, here are a couple of points to consider:

1. As most of you know, the Department of Homeland Security, the Red Cross and thousands of state and local governments have all issued guidelines for emergency preparedness, including details on the contents of emergency kits. In response, a number of private manufacturers have produced prepackaged emergency kits based primarily on government recommendations for short-term eventualities (generally around three days). These kits are fine, and they're certainly better than nothing, but frankly you can probably make a few additions to what you already have around the house and be just as prepared.

2. What you'll find here are some suggestions for getting through emergencies with increased certainty and comfort. This information is by no means comprehensive, nor do I offer any guarantees. You will find an emphasis on portability, but generally not the ultra-light types since I'm emphasizing an investment in equipment and strategies that are flexible for a wide range of scenarios. Finally, I will be recommending products, but these are in no way sponsored endorsements. What I'm sharing is some practical advice that you may find useful if you choose to go to the next level of preparedness.

TIP: I will provide informational links about many of the products, but if you're interested in purchasing, search on product names to find the best prices.

In most cases, the information will be presented to address two distinct scenarios:

STAYING PUT: FACING A NON-EVACUATION EMERGENCY -- USUALLY AN EXTENDED POWER OR WATER OUTAGE ( POSSIBLY COMPLICATED BY FOOD AND SUPPLY SHORTAGES) -- YOU CAN PREPARE AT THE LEVEL THAT BEST FITS YOUR COMMITMENT, BUDGET AND STORAGE SPACE.

EVACUATION: THIS INVOLVES PUTTING TOGETHER AN EMERGENCY KIT THAT CAN BE TRANPORTED TO A SAFER LOCATION. ALTHOUGH THE BIGGEST CONSTRAINT IS THE AMOUNT THAT CAN BE CARRIED (DEPENDING ON WHETHER YOU'RE ON FOOT OR IN A VEHICLE) YOU SHOULD PLAN THE KIT AROUND SOME OF THE LATEST CAMPING/EXPEDITION GEAR WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PORTABILITY, SIMPLICITY AND EFFICIENCY.

Click on the title links below to navigate to the different sections. There's lots of reading, but there's also a lot of valuable info all in one place. So stick with it.

If you have any questions or comments, send an email to technolithic@discovery.com.

PRELIMINARIES | WATER | FOOD | ENERGY