s Hurricane Rita intensifies, the world has refocused on the never ending ordeal of the citizens of the Gulf Coast. We feel so badly for them all; yet, in the way of human nature, we are so thankful that it is not us. We know that for so many of those poor souls, the hardest test is yet to come. While they may struggle for years just get back to where they were, the rest of the world will move on to another headline, another sound bite, another catastrophe.

Disaster striking others often leads to introspection. Are we ever ready for contingencies? Do we have what it takes to be a survivor: mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially? How would you try to anticipate unexpected emergencies? Would you have the physical stamina to survive? How mentally tough are you? Can you think rationally instead of emotionally? Are your finances in order? We may castigate ourselves as weak, in body and spirit, but when times get real tough, the tough rise to the occasion, amazing themselves in the process.

Being prepared with a plan of action can provide great comfort when the world around you is raging out of control. Now, you don?t have to adopt true survivalist?s philosophies, such as those that are so sure the world is doomed they have already stored 18,000 dried eggs, among other supplies. I kid you not!

Mental toughness comes from being as prepared, then moving forward to face whatever the challenges presented, just as Bermudian residents have done for hundreds of years.

Emotional toughness evolves from experiencing, living, loving (and enjoying) the moment, whatever it is. Those that care, share. Those that love what they do, who they are, and where they are in life surrounded by community, stand a far better chance of coping than those who place their values in their physical surroundings while focusing on what will bring them fulfilment in the future. In today?s world, the now is real, the when may never happen.

Physically surviving means putting the plan into action. Most of us cannot afford to rush out and buy every storm item, but if you pick up a few things every week ? and lay them aside ? they are there when the need is the greatest. because it means sacrificing a little every week to enhance your ability to care for yourself and your family no matter what happens. If you never need it, you now have a bigger nest egg.

Here are some of the basic survival components, many of which were passed down in our family by our very frugal shrewd relatives. fill a specific tool box (or area) that is kept intact (don?t let those children ransack it) with a crowbar, duct tape, screwdrivers ? both kinds, roll of wire and cutters, hammer (and lots of long nails) rope, pliers, bits and pieces of wood of various sizes including couple of sheets of plywood ? to cover holes, broken windows, hatchet or axe, tarpaulin, several sizes, more duct tape, a few concrete blocks with charcoal (impromptu barbecue), hacksaw (with a sharp blade), a couple of buckets (you never know when you?ll have to bail from the water tank), several large and small coffe cans, pedal bicycle (when nothing else electrical works you legs can still go round and round), extra car battery, siphon tubing for gas, very fine steel wool (burns when paper is wet), a generator if you can afford it, plenty of gas stored properly, extension cords, an old land-line phone, be sure it works!bandaids, antiseptic cream, clean rags, large bottles of isopropyl alcohol, peroxide (a disinfectant and mouth wash, too), Lysol, sunblock, old sun hats, tweezers, eye wash solution, ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids, deodorant, lip gloss (you?d be surprised at how stress can cause dry mouth/lips), disposable razors, small bottles shampoo (the kind you bring home from trips) and soap for washing in salt water. Yes, you can buy it although you can use dish detergent in a pinch, but taking yourself (in a bathing suit) with salt water soap to the nearest bay/beach will allow you to stay passably clean. the general rule is stock up on candles and flashlights, but batteries run out quickly when used constantly. And have you ever tried to read by candlelight? No wonder our pioneer ancestors went to bed early. A better lighting solution is kerosene lamps, keeping a few extra wicks around and lamp oil, your lantern glass chimneys clean and covered with plastic wrap until you need them, lighters (several), solar/battery powered radio (and wireless solar computer, if affordable), sterno (place holes halfway down a large coffee can, sterno inside, metal plate on top or saucepan, presto an improvised cooktop).Water, Protein, fat, fibre you need them all, but water first. Keep as much as you can afford to store in water tucked away. Save empty bleach bottles, just two drops can make iffy water potable. Dried and canned milk, nuts, balance bars, canned meat, high protein soup/stews, veggies, dried fruit, pick the non-perishables with the greatest nutritional punch. passports, wills, birthcertificates, investment and pensions statements, insurance policies, family memorabilia in a large book ? dry, in the attic perhaps or hot water heater. Scan those family pictures, if you can, to CD. Precious vital documents can take months of frustration and anxiety to replace.

How much do you have in your account right now? Enough to pull out cash, because in a power outage, cash is king. And find a secure place for it, not on your person! Everyone knows everyone carries more cash in emergencies.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When money is scarce or non-existent, neighbourly acts of barter are incredibly important. If you have not stored up any caring credits with anyone, you may find yourself last in the loop to be helped, or not at all. Work on your relationships with others, you do need them.

And when things seem out of control, never, ever underestimate the power of prayer.

Good websites: ; ; and a great book ?Basic Preparedness?

Please send me your comments on your survivalist techniques ? there are many more tried and true techniques out there! I?d like to add them to the list