Summary: Show Notes: Episode 174<br> Today on the First 40 Miles, have you ever thought about how your skills as a backpacker can be a huge benefit to yourself and others during a natural disaster? Today we’ll share a story from a listener who experienced the devastation in Puerto Rico. Then, we’ll share a survival hack that will turn your empty pack into something that everyone should have—just in case.<br> Opening<br> <br> * Disasters coming our way<br> * Community Preparedness Fairs<br> * Are backpacking and emergency preparedness related?<br> * What are you doing to be prepared? What can you do? What’s the first step if you have nothing?<br> * You may be more prepared than you think…<br> <br> Top 5 Ways That Being a Backpacker Can Help You During a Natural Disaster<br> You have developed skills to be independent, self-sufficient, forward thinking, problem solving<br> <br> * It’s a backpacker’s mindset to be self-reliant.<br> * It’s that idea that “I’m in charge of my response, and I’m going to figure this problem out.”<br> * Plus, as a backpacker, not only are you going to be a problem solver—you’re going to be a pre-problem-solver and ask those “What if?” questions, and find answers.<br> * Because of who you are as a backpacker, you’ll be better prepared for disasters.<br> <br> You are “at home” anywhere<br> <br> * American Red Cross shelters can be a huge blessing during a natural disaster, but at some point during the disaster, you may want to weigh the cost and venture beyond the shelter once it’s safe.<br> * During disasters, the shelters may fill beyond capacity, there is little privacy, resources drain quickly<br> * It’s also empowering to know that you have the physical ability to evacuate the area by foot, if need be. This is an extreme case, but it’s still an empowering thought.<br> * A person who can take what they need and travel 10-20 miles<br> * You’re “at home” indoors or outdoors<br> <br> Less dependent on public services and utilities<br> <br> * Utilities go out<br> * No water, no electricity, no natural gas, no Wifi, no cellular network, no garbage pick up<br> * How is that any different than backpacking?<br> * You’ll be used to some of the inconveniences, discomforts that come with disasters<br> <br> You can help neighbors<br> <br> * “I can’t do everything, but I can do something”<br> * When you are self-sufficient, it puts you in an incredibly humbling position where you can help those who cannot help themselves.<br> * Widows, families with young children, those who have lost hope, those who can’t figure out what to do next. Because you’re prepared, you can help<br> * EMS during a crisis or natural disaster<br> <br> Backpackers have the basic three: resources, skills, experience<br> <br> * We talked about the 5 basic tools of outdoor survival a few weeks ago, cut, cup, cordage, cover and combustion.<br> * But if you want to boil it down further. You need three basic things to survive.<br> * Resources, Skills, and Experience<br> * Which one could you improve on? Where are you lacking?<br> <br> FEMA’s mission is “to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a Nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.” (We have a huge role in disaster response, relief, and recovery)<br> Listener Audio: Emanuel Bravo Ramos<br> A backpacker’s perspective on disaster relief in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria<br> Backpack Hack of the Week™: Using Your Backpack as a 72 Hour Kit<br> <br> * “Contains water, food, clothing, shelter, supplies for sanitation, medical supplies, contact information, identification and other vital documents, aids to mobility & navigation, and comfort items. It is packaged in a backpack or other carry-able container.<br> * “It is assembled in advance,
