Don't Panic?

[denham]

Most survival books I read say over and over again 'Don't Panic!' What are your tips for staying calm in a crisis? I am feeling very on edge lately.

[rockymtngirl]

I think part of keeping panic in check is preparation and planning. If you know the things you need to get through a crisis or emergency and you have taken the time to put your plan together, panic becomes less of an issue I think.

RMG

[jim]

Yep. When you're not a victim, you have a lot less to fear. Get prepped, get armed, do some planning.

What state are you in?

jim

[cinok]

Amen Jim


Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency to me

[alwaysacowboy]

Planning and preparation are the key, but here's a tip;
try out your plan. You would be amazed at how many plans seem great when you think about them, then fall apart when you actually try them.
A couple of simple examples;
I have been using scoped rifles for years. When my wife and I decided on personal defense weapons, we chose .357 magnum revolvers and lever action carbines. Sounded great, except I now wear bifocals and can't see the iron sights. Fortunately, my rifle is a M94 Winchester Trapper, and I could put a scope on it.
It's also been years since I wore a gunbelt, and while my weight hasn't changed, I apparently lost my butt (can I say that here?), long story short, I have a really hard time keeping a gunbelt up, never thought of that either.
Those examples may sound silly, and the last one was meant to bring humor into a serious subject, but the idea still is valid, it seemed like a good idea until I tried it, then it didn't work.
Art

[denham]

What state are you in?
Indiana

[Archangel]

Try doing the steps.
Walk through the problem one step at a time.
Like you do in CPR

[leera]

I learned a long time ago,that when you panic,it just makes everything that much worse and prevents you from thinking clearly.

So,take a deep breath,calm down,and think the situation through......

Planning is key,but so is practice,practice your plan until you kinow it in your sleep......

Let's say I have a small emergency kit in the car,it has everything I need to stay warm and safe....but if I haven't practiced using the items,it won't do me any good,will it?

If you have a first aid kit,know what everything is for and how to use it all.

If you keep a firestarter and campstove,know how to light a fire with it,and how to safely use the stove....flint and steel take a bit of practice,as does a magnesium fire starter.

These are just examples of course........

[dkemple1]

just reviewing and going over what you need to do, will help you stay calm. If you practice "mock" disasters or situations enough, it will eventually become habit. Just like anything you practice enough.

[Crash]

...Let's say I have a small emergency kit in the car,it has everything I need to stay warm and safe....but if I haven't practiced using the items,it won't do me any good,will it?

If you have a first aid kit,know what everything is for and how to use it all.

If you keep a firestarter and campstove,know how to light a fire with it,and how to safely use the stove....flint and steel take a bit of practice,as does a magnesium fire starter.

These are just examples of course........

I hadn't really put much thought into what to keep in my car because, given sufficient notice of a SHTF situation, we don't plan to bug out at all--think we're going to stay in our home.

However, we may not have sufficient notice, so we do need some things in our car all the time.

Thanks for bringing this up.

Crash

[leera]

:)

I don't plan on bugging out either,but I have a long commute to and from work,and in the winter(Michigan here)you want to keep a few basics in the car.

I keep a first aid kit under the driver's seat,emergency flairs and reflective lights under the passengers seat,the mag light hangs out in the pocket on the back of the seat.

I also keep a bag with a folding campstove,fuel,ignition system(flint and steel,magnesium firestarter,and as a last ditch effort,waterproof matches.

This bag also has a folding plastic cup,a small metal cup with a long handle,a folding saw(they work for small limbs only,but in a pinch,it'll do)a lockback knife, and a few other odds and ends.

The glove compartment has my small fishing kit as well.

In the winter I also keep my winter camping gear,which includes sleeping bags rated to -15.

You should keep granola bars or other snacks in the car as well,just for comfort more than anything else.

Should you be stranded for a longer amount of time than you thought you'd be,you can use the campstove to melt snow for water,never eat snow,it only lowers body temp and encourages hypothermia.

[pcrowder]

[quote author=leera link=board=sel-primitive-skills;num=1223228627;start=0#10 date=10/10/08 at 06:26:19] :)


You should keep granola bars or other snacks in the car as well,just for comfort more than anything else.

Just make sure to keep them in a metal canister or box...otherwise, the mice will get to them before you do! ;)