FROM CIVILIAN GAS MASK. COM

 Today, as never before, we live in a time of increasing uncertainty. Natural and man-made disasters are on the news nightly. The looming Bird Flu pandemic is a real possibility. We all like to think "hey, that can't happen here or it won't happen to me." Can't? Think again....

In the past year we have seen hundreds of thousands of people around the globe and in our own backyard hit hard by a variety of disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, tsunami (tidal) waves , nuclear - biological or chemical threats, etc. are all real possibilities at any time, on any day. Now we can also add the Avian Bird Flu crisis to that list.

In addition, add to this business layoffs, corporate downsizing and the possibility of terrorism and its huge impact on our already struggling economy, and you'll quickly see why more and more Americans are getting better prepared today. It just makes sense!

Let's face it. We American's are a "security-itis" people. We have "insurance policies" for EVERYTHING. We insure our home's for fire & theft, our cars, our health & teeth, plus we insure our very lives with life insurance. We even have pet insurance policies now! Is having a "Preparedness or Survival Insurance Policy" any less important?

Just like all our other insurance policies, all of us hope we never have to use them, but in the event something goes wrong, we're always glad that we were covered and "prepared". All insurance is intended to bring greater "peace-of-mind and security". It's intended to help smooth out life's tough unfair challenges, though we hope and pray that we never need to use them.

The "media" often ask if I'm not just playing off peoples "fears". I Tell them, absolutely not! Does an insurance agent play-off peoples fears of crashing their car? House burning down? No. These are all real possibilities. So are hurrcianes, earthquakes, pandemics, etc. Just like having a pair of jumper cables and a spare tire, it just makes sense.

All "insurance", at its root, is intented to bring "greater peace-of-mind and security". That's just what your "preparedness supply" insurance policy is intended to do also. Lessen the "fear" of a disaster, job-layoff, bird-flu, etc. If you are prepared, you're miles ahead of the 99% that aren't.

Most of us would consider it foolish indeed to drive a car with out a spare tire and set of battery jumper cables...just-in-case. It just makes common sense! So likewise, it's prudent to have a long storing food reserve and necessary preparedness supplies to protect you and your family before disaster strikes (find a recommended list of supplies at the end of this article).

As one friend to another, let me be blunt and straight to the point. YOU and YOU ALONE can greatly improve you and your family's chances of survival when disaster or economic hardship strikes by taking ACTION NOW… before crisis strikes.

The added peace-of-mind and security will be worth every minute of your time and effort. It may well become the WISEST and most important INVESTMENTS you'll ever make. Whether you buy your supplies from us or other trusted company, just get it done NOW!

Some in the "media" think it's some kind of "doom-and-gloom" survivalist mentality to have preparedness foods and supplies. They just don't think "real people" prepare. They just don't get it!

Our "normal customer" is blue collar America just like you. In fact, lately, we've seen a large amount of "professionals" preparing. Not a "survivalist" in the bunch. Hey, the "media" is the real fear mongers. They have have to sell papers and grab TV viewers with sensationalized headlines and "teasers" to make their money... big money. Just who's fooling who?

Now, let's look back to August 2006 at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Hundreds of thousands were caught unprepared. Panic, looting, lawlessness was rampant. The national guard is called out to restore order. The unprepared ALWAYS PANIC!

Just as important as shopping for a "rock solid insurance company" who will be there both before & after the purchase, so should you also look for a preparedness company with a rock solid reputation and track record who offers tried and proved products you can depend on when you'll need them most.

Your "Preparedness Insurance Policy" should consist of long storing food reserves (like freeze-dried foods) and preparedness supplies such as 72 hour evacuation kits, emergency light, heat, first-aid, hygine & sanitation supplies, etc. Ideally, enough to cover you and your family for 1 to 3 months or longer.

Unlike "paper insurance policies", you'll actually get something for your money NOW! Your supplies are always ready to use should disaster strike. In fact, the food portion, is the only "insurance policy" you can eat!.

Here's a startling statistic not many people are aware of. On any given day, if you were to call EVERY preparedness company in the America and ask how many "year supply foods units" (would cover a family of 4 for 3 months) you could purchase and have shipped TODAY, how many to you think you could purchase? 20,000, 2,000? 500? 250? Maybe 100?

The real answer would be closer to about 20 to 30 units max. Now just how long do you think those reserves would last when a disaster strikes, let alone of how in the world you would get them delivered to you? I have been in the preparedness business for over 20 years now and know first-hand what happens EVERYTIME. I have been "CLEANED OUT" several times within hours, some items in minutes, of a disaster happening. Panic buying and hoarding is always symptomatic of nearly all diasasters by those "caught" unprepared! Don't let that happen to you and your family!

Remember, you cannot purchase any kind of "Insurance" to provide food and survival supplies to protect you and your family. There is NONE, zippo! You, and you alone must do it or have someone else do it for you if you are unable to. NO INSURANCE COMPANY WILL DO IT, NOT THE RED CROSS, FEMA, OR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. The old saying, "If it is to be, itis up to me!" hits right to the point!

The Red Cross, FEMA, or Local, State of Federal government may be of little assistance for days or weeks (or months) when disaster strikes (remember Hurricane Katrina?). Immediate protection will only come from you and what you have prepared for NOW. The investment in obtaining your preparedness foods and supplies today may one day become one of the wisest and most important investments you'll ever make. It's been said that preparing today "may be as important as boarding the ark was in the days of Noah". Food for thought.

Will we see these more natural and man-made disasters in the future?
You and I know we will! I personally believe we haven’t seen anything yet. If you're a Bilbe believer, you know of the clamities foretold of which are still to come. Perhaps we should all more closely heed the Boy Scout Motto to “BE PREPARED”!

Terrorism and disasters strike when you least expect them WITHOUT WARNING and can happen anytime, anywhere. For this reason you MUST be prepared well in advance before crisis strikes.

Let me be frank. When the day of crisis arrives, and it SURELY WILL, the time to prepare will be over— it'll be like trying to buy insurance when the house is on fire. It will be too late. You must plan and act now while supplies are still readily availab

So, you've resolved to get going. What's your next step?

FIRST STEP IS NOT TO GET OVERWHELMED!!!

Yes, I know, I know, this can seem like a huge task when done all at once, sort of like having to eat a whole elephant. But you CAN DO IT if you do it one small bite at a time. Make your preparedness planning in bite-size chunks. For those with means, you may what it all done in one pop, and thats's ok, too.

Here’s What I recommend You do to Get Started:

• 1) Determine first what you will be preparing for, i.e., earthquake, hurricane, flood, tornado, possible job layoff, bird flu quarantine, etc.

   

• 2) Determine what length of time you want to prepare for. A minimum should be 2 to 4 weeks. 1 to 3 months would be better. A year would even be better yet.

   

• 3) What will you do about food, water, light, cooking, heat, sanitation, first-aid, etc? Look at the suggestions listed below to get ideas for getting started.

AGAIN, don’t get overwhelmed. Take it in small bite size chunks. Start with planning for 2 weeks and get the needed supplies together. Then progress to 1 month, then 3 months, or however long your goal is. Get your family involved in the planning and preparation.

If you’re ready to get started and need help, just give us a call at 1.800.866.4876 or place your order on our website at www.nitro-pak.com. Our Customer Service Reps are preparedness experts and will be happy to make helpful recommendations and assist you in achieving your preparedness goals.

With over 20 year's expeience, we know what works and what's junk. Every product we offer is tried and tested before we ever offer it to our clients. Anyone can sell your preparedness supplies, but the real question is what is the long term relationship? We've been here for 20 years and and counting. Bottomline, we'll save you tons of time, money and hassel!

Above all, get started NOW. Stop procrastinating. It's time to get it done!

Remember, it wasn’t raining when Noah was building the ark either.

Today, Real Peace-of-Mind and Security comes only to those who are prepared... ahead. Don’t procrastinate any longer. Do it NOW!.

—Harry Weyandt,
Nitro-Pak President

Simply click your mouse to "check" which items you still need, then print off this list for your reference. Helpful links have been added next to various items to assist you in finding them on our site.

WATER & PURIFICATION
Store a minimum of 2 gallons per day per person for 2 weeks
(approximately 30 gallons per person).
For added safety, store 55 gallons per person which would provide
about for 4 weeks of water per person (55 gallon barrels also the least expense per gallon for storage use). Use only BRAND NEW, NEVER USED containers for your water storage reserves.

(Suggetion: If you regularly get bottled water delivered to your home in 5 gallon plastic bottles, consider ordering up to 10 or so additional bottles [store in the garage] along with their stackable storage crates. Rotate this water weekly as used).

EMERGENCY FOOD
Next to water, food is a vital part of any preparedness plan. Food considerations you should be looking at when making your 72 Hour Emergency Kits are emergency foods that have a long storage life and that are made to be non-thirst provoking and are not effected by exreme heat or cold. Lifeboat "Emergency Rations" are ideal for this use.

Foods for home reserves should consist of both normal grocery store bought foods (a 2 to 4 week supply on hand minimum [3 months would be ideal]) and a variety of long storing freeze-dried or dehydrated foods. Remember to store what you eat and eat what you store. If you're not a regualr scratch cooker, don't store bulk bulk grains and the like unless your family normally uses them. Buy food items your family is familar with and will eat without a problem.

Foods should be lightweight, compact, and require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking. For long term storage, FREEZE-DRIED foods are our #1 recommendation. Freeze-dried foods, like Mountain House®, have up to a 25 year shelf-life, making them ideal for emergency backup. In addition they require much less water and require NO COOKING & NO PREPARATION. These are our top sellers today. It's what we call "no-brainer" food storage.

One other emergency food you may wish to consider are military MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat). These are excellent for run-and-go quick evacuations. 12 Meals typically come in a case. Shelf-life is usually about 5 years if stored at room temperature. Not recommended for kit stored in your car.

Emergency Food Suggestions:
Extra 2 to 4 Weeks of store bought non-refrigerated foods*
(canned goods, crackers, boxed drinks, cereals, oatmeal, etc.)
Freeze-Dried Foods in Pouches or #10 Size Cans
(Mountain House #10 can foods have up to a 25 year shelf-life, pouches 5-7 years)
Military MRE Ready to Eat Meals * (excellent for run & go evacuations)
Emergency Food Ration Bars for Kits (3600k)
Survival Food Tablets
High-Energy Powdered Drinks
Manual Can Opener
Long Storing Vitamins (Super Spectrim)
Instant Powdered Soup Mixes
Instant Oatmeal Packets
Disposable Bowls, Cups & Utensils
Foods for your Pets
High Energy Hard Candy

Recommendation: Write the purchase date on all food packages before placing in your pantry or cubboard. Most store
bought foods will require rotation within 12 months.

FIRST-AID SUPPLIES
Having a good quality first-aid kit on hand at home and one in your 72 hour kit is like money in the bank. Wounds treated immediately lessens the possibility of becoming life threatening.

Medical assistance may be hours to days away when disaster strikes. Be prepared with a good supply of first-aid supplies. In addition, we highly recommend taking some basic first-aid & CPR classes from your local Red Cross chapter, hospital or your local fire department. First-aid help after a disaster is critical and usually overwhelmed with others. You could save a life...perhaps someone you dearly love.

First-Aid Suggestions:
Group Size Comprehensive 1st-Aid or Trauma Kit
Compact Car/72 Hour Kit First Aid Kit(s) [KnuckleMender™]
Oral Rehydration Salts [CeraLyte®]
Extra Prescription Medications (4 to 8 weeks for Home Use)*
Personal/Family Prescriptions Medications (for 72 hour kit)*
Extra Bandages, Gauze, etc.
Surgical Exam Gloves (for wound cleaning)
Extra Asprin & Ibuprofen*
Dental Emergency Kit
Chapstick or Blistex*
Emergency Surgical/Suture Kit
(In an major disaster, it will be easier to find a medical professional who can use your supplies than expecting to find a medical person who has the supplies themselves)
Detailed & Easy to Understand First-Aid Book or Manual

SANITATION
After water, food and first-aid, sanitation considerations are essential. Sanitation is often overlooked. Most don't want to think about it, but it is of utmost importance. Unsanitary conditions bring about disease and dysentery (lower intestinal tract producing severe pain and diarrhea). Put this area high on your preparedness list.

Sanitation Suggestions:
Toilet Tissue Rolls (buy in bulk)
Instant Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol Wet Wipes or Alcohol Gel
Portable Chemical Toilet (home)
Toilet Odor Chemical (Bio-Blue)
Heavy-Duty Toilet/Trash Bag Liners (double bag to minimize breakage)
Large Rubber Bands (to seal liners)
Liquid/Bar Soap
Latex or Nitrile Gloves
Plastic Storage Barrel for Waste Storage
Chlorine Bleach (used as a sanitation disinfectant)

Specially marked trash cans or sealed survival cache barrels normally used to store your supplies can be used afterward to store sanitation waste for later disposal. See our plastic storage container above.

PERSONAL HYGIENE
Not as essentail but will make life more comfortable living in disaster conditions.

Toothbrush & Paste
Comb or Brush
Hair Shampoo
Solar or Hotman Shower
Shaving Razor
Contact Lens & Solution
Feminine Hygiene Supplies
Chapstick Lipbalm
Small Plastic/Metal Mirror
Bar or Liquid Soap
Wet-Wipe Towelletes or Alcohol Gel
Small Tissue Packs

FIRE PROTECTION
You may need to quickly put out a small fire when help is unavailable. Don't cut corners here. You've got to much to loose. Cheap insurance for any home or car.

Fire Protection Suggestions:
2-4 (one for each level of your home home and one for your garage) LARGE 5 to 10 lb. A-B-C extingusher rated for all fire types (grease, electrical & paper/cloth). Be safe. Get several. You'll be on your own! (Find at "Depot", "Club" or "Mart" stores)
One 2 lb. fire extingusher for each car
Several Boxes of Baking Soda [Arm & Hammer]* (helps put out small kitchen grease or electrical fire by smothering the flames when throwing a handfull at the base of the fire)

COMMUNICATIONS
The need to know what is happening and recommended evacuation routes is essential. Also helps the time pass faster and lessens stress when no TV or power is available.

Communication Suggestions:
Cell Phone w/ 12volt Car Battery Charger Plug/Cord
Quality Am/Fm Radio (battery operated
with built-in solar and/or windup power generator [FreePlay Plus])
Am/Fm w/ TV, Weatherband or SW Radio
12 volt Battery TV
BATTERIES Spares for each Flashlight, Lantern, Radio, etc. Get several sets/sizes for each! (Alkaline, Rechargeable Metal Hydride and 10 Yr. Lithium batteries recommended. Minimum 3 sets)*
Solar Battery Charger
Loud Whistle
List of Important Phone Numbers
Police Scanner
Compass & Detailed Map of Your Area
Pen, Pencil, Paper pad, small roll of duct tape*
Stamped Postcards (the mail will go through)

Suggetion: Have all family members know an outside contact person to check-in with if the family is separated when disaster strikes.

EMERGENCY LIGHTING
We recommend having several backup sources of light. Be sure to store plenty
of extra batteries & bulbs. LED flashlights and lanterns will provide longer
light use but not as bright of light.

Lighting Suggestions:
Mulitple Flashlights w/ Spare Batteries & Bulbs
LED Flashlights & Lanterns
Solar Rechargeable Lantern
Extra Batteries (alkaline / lithium) Min. 3 sets*
Instant Lightsticks (Green, Yellow or White are best)
Kerosene Lamps or Lanterns (Dietz®
or Aladdin® recommended)
Battery-Powered Camping Lantern
Long-Burning Candles
Propane Lantern—when safe to use
Spare Lantern Mantles
Waterproof Matches
Propane Fuel Bottles or bulk BBQ tanks
Power Generator (sizes vary. Portable Size: 1-2,000 Watt, Home Size: 3500-8000 Watt)
Generator/Auto Gasoline Storage (Find at "Mart", "Depot" or autoparts stores)
Fuel Storage Preserver

HEATING & COOKING
Small folding stoves like the Esbit Stove work best in 72 hour kits.

Heating & Cooking Suggestions:
Kits: Folding Esbit® or Jetboil Stove
Nuwick® Candle w/Folding Stove
Replacement Fuel Tablets
Waterproof Matches
Firestarter Sticks
Instant Hand/Body Warmers
Magnesium Fire Starter Stick
Home: Kerosene or Propane combo Heater & Cooker

Blankets & Shelter

Reinforced All-Weather Blankets
Utility Wool Blankets
Thermo-Lite Bivy Bag
Compact SPACE® Sleeping Bag
Survival Sleeping Bag
0° to 20° Rated Seeeping Bags
Heavy Winter Jackets
Popup Camping Tent

OTHER SURVIVAL GEAR
You may

Survival Gear Suggestions:
Pre-Made 72 Hour Kits
Surgical/Dust Masks
Leather Work Gloves
Duct Tape
Rolled Plastic Sheeting 3 mil Thickness
Fire Escape Ladder for 2nd/3rd Floor Homes
Smoke Detector & Carbon Dioxide Detector
Plastic Tarps (for shelter or protecting
exposed personal property
3 to 4' Crowbar
Gas/Water Shutoff Tool or Adj. Wrench
Folding Shovel
3-4' Bolt Cutters
Camping Wood Saw & Spare Blades
Chain Saw w/ Spare Chain Set, Oil & Fuel
Construction "Bump" Helmet
100 to 500' of Heavy Nylon Rope (shelter, towing, heavy pulling, etc.)
Assorted tools, screw-drivers, hammers, etc.
Plastic Eye Protection Goggles
Plastic Zip-Ties (hundreds of uses)
Self-Contained Motor Home (The ultimate evacuation vehicle)
Potassium Iodide Radiation Tablets
Personal Protection Items (pepper spray,
stun guns, handgun, rifle, ammo, etc.) P

KNIVES
Used for a variety of uses. Multi-Tools are especially useful.

Knife Suggestions:
Multi-Function Pocket Knife
Multi-Plier Tool (SOG/Leatherman/Gerber)

EVACUATION MASKS
Used for breathing dust-free air in an emergency.

Mask Suggestions:
N95 or N100 Hospital Grade Dust Masks
Evac-U-8 Smoke Hoods
Evacuation Gas Mask (Adult, VChild/Pet)
STORAGE CONTAINERS
Should be strong, water-resistant, and lightweight.
Cache Storage Barrel
Plastic Buckets
Backpack or Tote Bag —for your 72 hour gear

INFANTS & TODDLERS
Think of your childs specific needs.

Suggestions:
Baby Formula and/or Dry Cereal and snacks*
Large Box of Disposable Diapers*
Baby Wet-Wipes*
Baby Blanket/Jacket & Knit Cap*

Cash/Money
It is importand to have a "cash reserve" on hand for use in a disaster. The phone lines will be down that authorize credit cards and checks. REMEMBERMost businesses only take cash in a disaster.

Cash Suggestions:
Phone change (when the phones are active again). 1 to 2 rolls of quarters
Small bills $1, $5, $10's (Goal: $200-$500 or more. No $50's or $100's) Banks will not be open. ATM's will not working. Change may be limited. Stores take CASH ONLY.
Longer Term Cash Reserve (1 to 3 months living expenses) stored away from the bank.
Phone Card(s) might be usuable.

Morale Boosters
We recommend having a variety of morale boosters on hand to help occupy children and adults. These can consist of books, games, crossword puzzels, card games, etc.

Morale Boosters:
Small games, Puzzles, Playing Cards*
Small set of Holy Scriptures
Pocket Books
Chewing or Bubble Gum
Hard Tack Candy
Other Favorite Treats or Snacks

Recommended Books
We have found the following books useful and provide helpful suggestions.

Book Suggestions:
"Sense of Survival" Book
"Preparing for Emergencies” Book
"A Year's Supply" Book
"Survival in Today's Turbulent Times" Book
See our other books offered under "Books"

* Items marked with an (*) are items we recommend aquiring first, then added as many additional items as your budget will permit.

Click here to find a variety of preparedness supplies to build your own 72 Hour Kit Build Your Own Kit

The above list is not intended to be all inclusive for every possibility or disaster. Instead, it is intended to be a starting point of
reference as you make your own family preparedness plan).