Preparedness Month isn’t about fear—it’s about clarity. At Squatch Survival Gear, we believe survival starts with awareness. If you don’t understand the threats around you, no amount of survival kits or supplies will save you when disaster hits. That’s why we design American-made tactical survival backpacks and gear to meet the realities you face—not the fantasies big box brands sell.
A Tornado Story I’ll Never Forget
On May 3, 1999—just days before I was set to graduate from the University of Oklahoma and commission as an Army officer—I watched an F5 tornado, more than a mile wide, tear through Norman, Moore, and Oklahoma City.
Neighborhoods, schools, churches, and apartments vanished in minutes.
I left the university and started searching for survivors. Thanks to my time in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, I had a go-bag with a few first aid supplies and water. That small bit of preparation gave me the ability to push into devastated areas and help.
That day burned one lesson into me: if you live in Tornado Alley, you prepare for tornadoes. It’s not if—it’s when.
Why Knowing Your Risk Matters
Every region carries its own hazards. Some of the most common include:
- Tornadoes in the Midwest and South
- Extreme Heat in the South and South West
- Hurricanes and flooding along the coasts
- Wildfires in the West
- Blizzards and ice storms in the Midwest, North, and even Texas
- Urban unrest and grid failures in every city
Preparedness means looking at where you live, where you work, and how you travel—then asking the hard questions:
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What disasters are most likely here?
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What choke points (roads, bridges, power grids) will fail first?
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What’s the worst-case scenario, and how do I mitigate it?
Preparedness isn’t paranoia. It isn't fear-mongering. It’s the opposite. Preparedness gives you the clarity to act when others freeze. Taking action is always the difference.
How to Assess Your Personal Risks
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Research your area – FEMA, state, and county emergency management websites list common local hazards.
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Study seasonal threats – Understand storm seasons, wildfire cycles, and floodplain maps.
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Think secondary risks – Looting, power outages, or water shortages often follow the initial disaster.
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Make it personal – Consider your family’s daily realities: medical needs (do you have diabetics, Wheel Chair bound), commutes, kids in school, or reliance on technology (pretty much everyone).
Gear That Matches Risk
Awareness is step one. The next step is matching your risks with reliable gear:
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The Gnome Chest Pack → Compact, Berry-compliant outdoor gear for preppers who need maps, whistle, flashlight, and first aid instantly accessible. Also great for search and rescue teams for working in confined spaces.
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The Mothman Pack → Rugged, durable EDC gear for urban survival and travel readiness. Perfect for you Go bag. Small enough to not over pack, strong enough to go along way comfortably. Hopefully you won't have to but its better to need and not have then have and not need.
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Windstorm Whistles → Made in America, loud enough to cut through chaos when visibility and communication break down.
Final Word
Preparedness Month begins with knowing your risk. Don’t ignore the disasters that are common in your area. They’re not “if”—they’re “when.” (follow the link for some free downloadable tools to help you know your risk) Good Fortune favors the prepared
When the time comes, you’ll be glad you had a plan, the skills, and high-quality survival gear made in the USA—built by hand for people who give a damn.