Category Archives: News and Events

Powerful Photos from Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

In the aftermath of an 8.9 earthquake that devastated Japan, unbelievable images have surfaced from this terrible tragedy.  Even though the earthquake was the most powerful one on record in Japan, it was the subsequent tsunami that took the most lives and destroyed the most property.  These photos demonstrate the power and ferocity of this heart-wrenching calamity.

japan-earthquake-cars-on-fire

Tsunami Vehicle Graveyard
source: Flickr

japan-earthquake-highway-split

Earthquake Center Divider
source: Flickr

japan-tsunami-debris-trash-boat

Sea of Clutter
source: Flickr

japan-tsunami-house-fire-floating

Fire on Water
source: AP

japan-tsunami-containers

Not Contained
source: Flickr

Free Shipping on a Practical Family Gift for Christmas

Christmas and the holiday season are upon us. Through December 18th, we’re offering FREE SHIPPING* on all survival kits and supplies.

We may be biased, but practical gift-giving is a popular topic in a down economy.  Our family emergency survival kits make a great gift.  It’s the gift everyone needs (whether they acknowledge it or not), but very few want to spend the money or time.  So we say, consider the gift of peace-of-mind for your family, loved ones, and close friends.

christmas-holiday-family-gift

We have a selection of 14 ready-to-go survival kits to fit any family situation.  If you prefer to take the time to create your own kit, we sell emergency supplies independently, along with empty backpacks and bags with the inscription “survival kit” on the front.

Our primary goal is to help you and your family easily and inexpensively prepare for any emergency. Please stop by our survival supply shop and have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

*requires a minimum purchase of only $50

Earthquake in Haiti: Told by Photos of Faces of the People

A photo is worth a thousand words.
And since this week has kept me largely without words, the following are a few photos that capture the fear, heartache, and disbelief of tens of thousands of Haitians.

haiti-earthquake-child-rescued-by-rescue-worker
courtesy of Thpls

haiti-earthquake-rescued-boy-head-bandage
courtesy of United Nations Development Programme

haiti-earthquake-woman-face-grief
courtesy of Chicago Red Cross

haiti-earthquake-girl-medical-treatment-bandage
courtesy of United Nations Development Programme

haiti-earthquake-boy-in-orphanage-surrounded-by-kids
courtesy of Mark Ovaska

2012 The Movie – Pros and Cons

2012-movie-logo

Hollywood is at it again. Whether you like it or not, plenty of media attention will be given to the new movie “2012″ debuting in mid October. I’m not a movie critic, so don’t expect a thumbs up or down. But I did want to identify a few pros and cons that will result from the new flick.

Positive Impacts of 2012

  1. Emergency preparedness will be a hot topic.  Those who are prepared will feel validated.  (Those who aren’t will feel it’s time.)
  2. At least for a little while,  many people will remember what matters most – loving others.
  3. Ticket sales will reverse our recession.  Well, not exactly.  But I had to give you at least 3 reasons.

Negative Impacts of 2012

  1. The subject matter instills fear, stress, and panic.  (Not really the ideal motivator to be prepared.)
  2. When people believe the end is inevitable, they take drastic measures. (Please don’t sell your home and all your possessions and move to the jungle…it’s hotter than you think).
  3. You’ll have to drop another $12 to watch the sequel in 2013, if nothing happens.

So if you’re not going to see it, at least watch the trailer to see what you’re missing.  And if you are going to see it, be sure to sign up for the lottery to “ensure your chance of survival” (clever marketing site by Sony Pictures).

Simon Says Prepare, Then Share

Life! It’s wonderful.  Especially when you share it with family.  Like most fathers, I work hard to protect my family.  I pay for life insurance, home insurance, car insurance, health insurance, and so on.  Our whole lives we pay premiums to protect ourselves from an emergency, accident, or disaster.

Fortunately, I’ve learned that the most important insurance a father can have, is the assurance that his family will be fully prepared no matter what happens in the world.  From tornadoes to terrorism, to pandemics and pestilence, you never know what lies ahead in your path.  Each uncertain event presents unique needs for shelter, food, water, safety, communication, and comfort.

All of us take for granted our modern world.  In a time of convenience and comfort, it’s easy to forget how our ancestors struggled to survive.  We’re so wrapped up in our day-to-day lives, we rarely pause to realize how much we really have.  And we forget how easily it can be taken away from us.

And so today, September 11, my family and I have decided it’s time.  Time to share our tips, kits, lists, and more, so you can prepare yourself and your loved ones for the next emergency.  So start today…prepare, and then share it with someone you love.