[Giveaway] 5 Things to Have on Hand When Disaster Strikes

In celebration of As We Know It's release (trailer, purchase links, etc. here), I've decided to share some survival tips and a giveaway...

Read on, friends!

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned promoting my disaster novel, AS WE KNOW IT, it’s that most people fall into two camps: gawkers and ostriches.

• In the face of a chaotic world, ostriches prefer to stick their heads in the sand. They crave lighthearted stories that allow them to escape the doom and gloom seen on the news every day.
  
• Gawkers, on the other hand, are the ones (subconsciously) rubbernecking to get a view of the train wreck. Experts believe that the worse things get in “real life,” the more we take comfort in situations bleaker than our own. It sounds morbid, but defensive pessimism actually allows us to harness our anxiety and prepare for these worst-case scenarios—just ask Dr. Julie Norem, the psychologist who dedicated an entire book to the subject.

That got me thinking. How could I prepare for a disaster scenario? Which five staples would I want to have with me?

5. A Mylar blanket
Treat it like a blanket, set it up to reflect campfire heat, or use it as lining (sleeping bags, windows, doors, etc.) Alternatively, use it as a shiny fishing lure or signaling mirror. And let's not forget that you can shred these things. Make cordages, slings, etc.

4. Fire
If you can rock a bow drill, more power to ya. For the rest of us, there are ferro-rods, weatherproof matches, lighters, and even magnifying glasses. Not to mention the ol’ battery and steel wool.

3. Knife
The same tool you use to clear a path can be used to hunt and dress game. Ready to eat? Whack your knife with a wood baton to split logs, and then spark your fire by striking the blade against a stone. You can even use it as a utensil when the food's ready! It slices. It dices. It... well, you get the picture.

2. Duct Tape
You can't do much better than duct tape in the multipurpose department. Use it to make bandages, splints, slings, repair patches, cordage, shelters, clothes, bug strips, and more! Seriously. The possibilities here are mind-blowing.

1. Water
The average person might be able to make it three (hellish) weeks without food, but push most of us past three days without water and we’ll drop dead. End of story. While having a supply on hand would be preferable, it can weigh you down on the go. Instead, purification tablets and Life Straws make for more portable options.

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Question

Which five things would you want to have on hand?

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Giveaway

Because I don’t trust any of you deviants with something sharp or flammable--and because I’m afraid to claim a knife or firestarter at the post office (LOL)—I decided to start your survival kit with a few of my other favorite essentials:

• A basic first aid kit, containing: 1 knuckle fabric bandage, 2 Povidone - Iodine pads, 3 antiseptic towelettes, 1 Needle, and 1 Moleskin 2" x 3".5 Mini Strip
  
• A waterproof, submersible, impact-resistant flashlight on a carabineer
• A pack of 5 Mylar blankets to preserve body temperature
• A paperback copy of AS WE KNOW IT—you know, to read with your flashlight when you can’t access Netflix. ;)
  

All you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway