Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Shelterbox...Useful And Practical !


All of us want to help in times on a national emergency in another country, but sometimes just giving money isn't the only way to help.

This company, ShelterBox, has a very nice package that can be customized for the disaster and then delivered to the affected area at a very reasonable price.

I think that this kind of aid would be much more beneficial to folks in need, as often stores are not open or even left standing, making it impossible to spend money anyhow!

Each box is packed at ShelterBox HQ in Cornwall, England. Depending on the location and nature of the disaster the contents of the box may vary but each box typically contains...

Shelter
At the heart of every ShelterBox is a disaster relief tent for a family of up to 10 people. It is custom made for ShelterBox by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Internally, each tent has privacy partitions that allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit.



A smile
A children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all,their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.


Warmth and protection

In addition to the tent, there is a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.



Self sufficiency

A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters enables people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.



Fit for purpose

Every item is durable, practical and brand new. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.



A heart to the home

Key items are either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove. The multi-fuel stove can burn anything from diesel to old paint. Some boxes also contain our specially designed wood burning Frontier Stove, pictured below. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.



Adaptability

We keep a broad range of equipment in stock so we can adapt the contents of a box to a specific disaster. For example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so we just sent tents, packing two in each box.



Now this is kind of like a bug out package for the whole family that all of the Preppers I know have for their own use! I just thought it was interesting that there was a company who specialized in this type of product. Not a bad idea, in my way of thinking!

I'm sure that many people in places like Japan would be very happy to have something like this right now! Not to mention all the folks in our own areas here in the states who are homeless due to floods and tornados.

I think that a smaller package similar to this could be put together as a gift to members of our own families, who haven't quite caught on that they might be needed some day! If a small amount of food items were included, you could just hand them a package at your door, point them to the yard or the road, and say "good luck"! Better than having them just hang around with their hands out, trying to lay a guilt trip on ya!

Now, want some coffee on the patio this morning? C'mon...I'll share with you!

18 comments:

Kathie said...

I'd say sign me up but with the stove and all the extras I am just wondering how much one of these set-ups would cost. I remember well the small underground shelter on my grandparents farm where we would go when heavy storms hit, or tornadoes were in the area. I loved it, was like your own private cave with all the amenities. Well, other than hot running water.

Ben in Texas said...

I'm with Kathy, since I ain't gonna dig me a fallout shelter anytime soon, that may fill the bill.. My biggest threat weather wise is Tornado. so I guess I'd need to chain it to something pretty substantial huh?

vlad said...

We discussed at some length the feasibility of buying an elderly van that runs good for a mobile shelter. Buy one without motor, fit towbar and register as a trailer. Carry family, tools, guns, food for months. Sleep safe from weather, crawlers and biters.
http://bisonsurvivalblog.blogspot.com/2007/01/junk-van.html
http://bisonsurvivalblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/junk-van-2.html
http://bisonsurvivalblog.blogspot.com/2007/05/junk-van-3.html

Anonymous said...

Thasa pretty good Irish tool box there, add some duct tape, zip ties, a glue stick and a good LED head lamp and you are good to go. I agree - the survivors in Japan could do a lot with a kit like that, God Bless 'em.

Thanks HermitJim.

Momlady said...

I wonder if the company has sent/donated any to Japan.

Dizzy-Dick said...

That makes a neat life saving package. I like it, but I use my motor-home for emergancies. When the hurricane hit, I we just went west in it until it blew over. Came home to no electric, so continued to stay in it until electic came back on. Makes a good emergancy shelter for old people like me.

Baby Sis said...

Looks good to me, Bubba. I maight have to check it out for myself (as a "mini-prepper") so I won't have to come knocking on the door of some whiskered gentle soul who won't say I-told-you-so and beg for help.

Many prayers for the solid folk of Japan. After living there for several years and seeing them in everyday life, I am not surprised at their non-violent and calm behavior. These are truly a people who put the welfare of community and others before themselves. Bless them all.

Big hgs to you, stalwart one, for your everyday life, as well.

Big hugs -

JoJo said...

Now that is a great idea and yes sending money is a lost cause. These kits would do wonders for folks left homeless. But I also wonder what it costs.
Glad to have some coffee on the patio with you

linda m said...

What a great idea!

Mike in Indy said...

Hi, Hermit jim this is what i have learned about this program.
They are asking for about 20 US a week to buy one kit and that equals 1040 US a year.
It covers the gear and shipping to any where in the world.
such a low cost to give help for 10people.
And you can also track your donation few charitys do that.

Sage said...

This is a company that is not too far from me in Cornwall, but also has branches across the world.. it does a great job of providing immediate shelter and comfort in a disaster zone.... a very worthwhile cause.

Marjie said...

Quite the comprehensive setup they have there. In particular, I like the fact that they've included a little something for the kids, who are so often shuffled aside in the need for more substantial things.

Mayberry said...

That's a cool kit! Wouldn't be a bad idea to put something like that together for sale. I've got all that in my "escape pod", but it took a while to get it together. At this late hour, it could be the ticket for those just waking up...

Bellen said...

Had a company, maybe the same one, demonstrate at an Eco-Fair, in Sarasota FL, 2 years ago. We thought it was a terrific idea for those of us in FL for hurricane survival.

Obviously, anyplace in the world where a natural disaster has occurred would benefit greatly.

Would be very interested in the cost and who could be in charge of distributing these kits - to avoid any misappropriation on the receiving end.

MamaHen said...

That is a really great package of things there and general idea all together.

Anonymous said...

What a great thing!!! So much better than money for those reasons You mentioned and I do like the things for the children!! They need any thing that can take their minds of the disaster around them!

Have a great day now!
Christer.

Adamson said...

That makes a neat life saving package. I like it, but I use my motor-home for emergancies. When the hurricane hit, I we just went west in it until it blew over. Came home to no electric, so continued to stay in it until electic came back on. Makes a good emergancy shelter for old people like me.

Unknown said...

Good work on this post! I really like the way you delivered your qualitative facts and how you made this fascinating and effortless to realize. Thank you!! towbarbrisbane.com.au