top of page

BE PREPARED: AFTER THE FLAMES: LESSONS IN SURVIVAL AND RESILIENCE IN LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOODS

Hrolfr

The wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles left a landscape of devastation in their wake. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash, yet among the ruins, some homes still stand—islands of survival amidst a sea of destruction. These are the stories of the residents who stayed behind, fought the flames with whatever resources they could muster, some were lucky, and now find themselves in a new kind of battle: surviving in the aftermath.

 

Heroes with Buckets and Pool Pumps

 

 When the fires bore down on their neighborhoods, some residents made the difficult decision to stay and protect their homes. Armed with little more than buckets, hoses, and pumps drawing water from swimming pools, they faced the roaring flames head-on. A few wealthy hired private firefighters.  Their determination paid off; some houses were saved, standing intact while their neighbors’ homes were consumed. These efforts are a testament to human grit and resourcefulness.

 

However, the victory was bittersweet. Soon these same residents faced a new crisis. With law enforcement and the National Guard enforcing strict no-entry policies to prevent looting and the spread of new fires, those who stayed behind are effectively trapped. Supplies of food, water, medicine, and fuel are dwindling. The very systems that residents relied on to save their homes have left them isolated and unsupported.

 

The Struggle for Survival

 

In these burned-out neighborhoods, life has become a test of endurance. Friends and family members have attempted to smuggle in supplies, but many are turned away at checkpoints. Meanwhile, residents who were prepared with stockpiles of essentials are faring better, though even they face challenges as supplies run low.

 

These stories highlight the importance of preparedness. In times of crisis, government assistance may be delayed or unavailable. Those who are ready to shelter in place with weeks—or even months—of provisions are better equipped to weather the storm. It’s a harsh reminder that survival often comes down to self-reliance.  This is an important virtue of Odin’s Warrior Tribe and one echoed in our faith. 

 

The fires in Los Angeles serve as a wake-up call. Natural disasters can strike with little warning, and their aftermath can leave even the most resilient communities struggling to recover. Here are some key takeaways for anyone looking to be better prepared:

 

Stockpile Essentials: Keep at least several weeks’ worth of food, water, and medical supplies on hand. Include pet food, baby supplies, and any specific medications you or your family members need.  Don’t forget toilet paper and an emergency composting toilet.

  

Emergency Power and Lighting: Invest in a backup generator, flashlights, and plenty of batteries. Solar-powered chargers and lights can also be invaluable.  If you have an outdoor grill, make sure you have enough propane. 

 

Water Supply: Consider installing a rainwater collection system or keeping a water pump for your swimming pool if you have one. Having the means to fight small fires can make a significant difference.

 

You should think about having at least three fire extinguishers for adequate coverage, maybe five depending on your house’s size.  Place them in high-risk areas: one in the kitchen (where cooking fires are common and make sure it is a fire extinguisher geared for that task), one near the garage or workshop (if applicable), and one on the second floor in a central hallway or near the bedrooms for quick access during a fire. And if there is a basement one there that can be reached easily. 

 

First Aid and Training: A well-stocked first aid kit and basic medical training can save lives in an emergency. If you have an older family member, consider getting an AED.

 

Safes have been invaluable during the Los Angeles fires, offering residents a way to protect important documents, valuables, and heirlooms from the devastation. However, the extreme temperatures of some fires, which can exceed 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, have proven too intense even for fire-resistant safes. In these cases, items inside the safes have been damaged or completely incinerated despite the safe's protective features. Choose safes for guns and ammo and other items with high fire-resistance ratings and understanding their limitations in extreme conditions.

 

Self-Defense: Depending on your jurisdiction, being legally armed and trained in firearm safety and usage can provide peace of mind and protection.

 

Community Networks: Build relationships with neighbors. In times of crisis, a strong community can pool resources and support each other.

 

Our ancestors lived without the safety nets of modern government assistance. They hunted, farmed, built shelters, and protected their families with their own hands. While we’ve come a long way since then, the need for self-reliance remains. Government aid is welcome and often necessary, but it is not guaranteed. And, $700 is not going to do much at all if your home is burnt.  At the end of the day, we are responsible for our own survival and the well-being of our families.

 

The recent fires in Los Angeles are a stark reminder of this reality. To those affected, the message is clear: preparation is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Let’s learn from their experiences and take steps to ensure that we are ready for whatever challenges come our way. Being prepared isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity.

  

A fundamental value of Odin's Warrior Tribe is to BE PREPARED.  If you must leave your home, then there are some other things to consider having ready to go in your vehicle and in a go bag.

 

Being prepared includes a full tank of gas in every vehicle and some spare gas cans stored safely in the garage or in the vehicle if in the back country.  Another Pro-Tip, make sure your significant other/driving age children fill up their gas tank too or worst case fill it up for them.

 

In our Tribe Warrior Cult, it is a requirement to have a 72-hour Go Bag.  But you should also have a Go Bag that is in your vehicle and tailored to the situations you might face and weather. A vehicle Go Bag is necessary if you are traveling long distance and especially out of your regular AO (Area of Operations).  Try to Be Prepared for the most likely scenarios.  For example, in Northern areas, getting stuck in your vehicle in the snow.  So, you want shovels, tools, sleeping bag, warm clothes, water, food, signaling devices, battery charger, fire extinguisher and more.  There are those of us who have lived in places where we were not supposed to.  Along mountain ranges in enemy territory and such.  The Chieftain and others in the Tribe have done that – in places like along the Afghan/Pak border where we wore Hajji gear if seen from a distance.  

 

Things to consider in a vehicle:

 

Water (bottles/Camelback)

Water filtration

Cash ($300-500 minimum) No big bills - $20’s are good If overseas a lot more cash and in local currencies (some hidden) Maybe a silver coin or two.  (Silver and gold coins are part of British SAS E&E kits though the US leans towards blood chits. 

Energy snacks

Knife

Spare medicines (if you take some regularly – a several days supply)

First aid kit including tourniquet.

Bug spray/tick repellent/sunscreen as needed.

Fire starters

Signal devices

Rescue tools (axe/saw)

Sleep system

Weapon (s) some cases a long gun.

Cold weather gear if applicable

Rain Jacket

Flashlight/Head lamp

Cell phone battery charger

Toiletries (TP in plastic bag), soap, and toothbrush

Hand sanitizer

towel

rope

Instant coffee (is that just me? Because with coffee every day is a great day.)

   

"A man should know how many logs.

And strips of bark from the birch

To stock in autumn, that he may have enough.

Wood for his winter fires."

Havamal

 

OWT RULES FOR A DAILY WARRIOR LIFE

 

 “Always be prepared, armed, and in Condition Orange (Jeff Cooper system).

Always have cash. (Precious metal as well)

Always keep your Hof clean.

Keep your vehicle maintained with a full tank of gas.

Eat well, drink lots of water, and get a good sleep.

Be generous with friends.

Honor your Gods and Ancestors.

Exercise and Train daily.

Never give up.

Visualize success.”







 

 

 

 

 

18 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Contact

Find us on You Tube, FB, and Instagram at Odin's Warrior Tribe.  

 

  • YouTube
  • Facebook Social Icon
  • Instagram
SUBSCRIBE FOR EMAILS

Copyright  Odin's Warrior Tribe 2021

bottom of page