More Hurricanes on the Horizon

Dear Black Bag Confidential Reader,

This week’s roundup of must-read articles includes the No. 1 item every bug-out bag should contain (but probably doesn’t), five survival items you should never skimp on and an offer for a lifesaving bundle of SEAL-approved tools.

But first up is a great piece from a first responder on important lessons learned after Hurricane Harvey.

Let’s get started.

1. Lessons Learned as a First Responder to Hurricane Harvey

We are smack in the middle of hurricane season, and right now there are TWO more storms gaining strength in the Atlantic. Hurricane Maria is churning through the Caribbean, threatening battered islands still struggling to recover from Irma. And Hurricane José has spawned a tropical storm warning for parts of the Eastern Seaboard.

In other words, we’re not out of the woods yet.

Take a look at the above article penned by Daniel Rodriguez, a former U.S. Marine Corps aerial gunner, for Imminent Threat Solutions. In it, he offers valuable tips from firsthand experience to prepare for potential disasters and to survive the aftermath of these savage storms.

Daniel’s piece includes a list of equipment that came in handy during his recent rescue efforts in Texas as well as a list of items for those stuck in hard-hit areas needing to be rescued. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, be sure to have these supplies on hand. I hope you never need them, but it is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.

2. Improvised Bomb Explodes on Packed London Commuter Train, Injuring 22

I can’t imagine many things more terrifying than being trapped underground when a bomb goes off. Fortunately, no one was killed in this attack, and of the 22 people who were injured, none were seriously hurt.

According to this article from The Washington Free Beacon, “Pictures taken at the scene showed a white bucket with a supermarket freezer bag on the floor of one train carriage.” It’s crazy to me that not a single person on the crowded train noticed a large, unattended bag with a bucket inside.

The ultimate lesson here is if you see something suspicious, you MUST say something. This is why it is necessary to practice good situational awareness. Remember — head up, eyes open. It saves lives.

3. Survival Flashlight Leads to the Rescue of Trapped, Elderly Victims

Of all the dangers former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley has faced, he says the one enemy more dangerous than anything else is darkness. In an emergency, your comfort, your safety, your ability to function — even your life — depends on how much you are able to see in the dark.

If all you own are cheap flashlights — and especially if you don’t own any at all — I highly recommend clicking on the link above to take advantage of an amazing offer that will net you seven SEAL-tested-and-approved flashlights to add to your emergency supplies.

These aren’t just ordinary flashlights. They’re so bright they can be used as distress signals (or to blind an attacker). They’re so strong you can run over them and they’ll still work. And they’re so versatile, you’ll find hundreds of everyday uses for them as well.

This incredible bundle includes two SEAL Torch flashlights, one hands-free SL5K headlamp, three mini tactical flashlights you can stash anywhere and one billy club flashlight that doubles as a brutal self-defense weapon. Claim yours now.

4. The No. 1 Item Every Bug-out Bag Should Contain — But Probably Doesn’t

Water? Check. Food? Check. Clothing? Check. Painkillers? Ummmmm…

In a survival situation, there will be many creature comforts you’ll have to learn to do without — hot water, television, air conditioning and heat, etc. That being said, you’ll want to have the necessary supplies to make yourself as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.

Lisa Bedford, otherwise known as The Survival Mom, runs down several types of painkillers and discusses the pros and cons of each so you can decide which ones are best to stock for your family in an emergency. Click on the link above to see what she says, and be sure to add these items to your bug-out bag STAT.

5. Five Cheap Things That Can Get You Killed

Prepping on a budget can be tough. And while there are corners you can cut and bargains you can buy, there are some items you should never skimp on, because doing so could get you killed.

This post from Survival Cache lists five pieces of survival gear you should really invest in — for your own safety. Give it a good read and then go through your own supplies and ditch any offenders. Don’t bet your life on poor quality just to save a few bucks. Remember, you can’t take it with you.

Stay safe,

Jason Hanson

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