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Atlanta Hwy 85 Bridge Fire – What Prepper’s Need to Know

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This past Thursday a fire was purposely set under a bridge in Atlanta on Highway 85. The fire has destroyed the bridge and rendered it inoperable. For those of us that have traveled through this area know the tremendous disruption this has created. Over 250,000 people each and every day travel over that bridge – but now need to find another way.

Survival and preparedness websites for decades have talked about the possibility of supply chain interruptions and non-passable highways all caused for one reason or another. This event in itself certainly shows an existing vulnerability in our infrastructure that could be exploited. That exploitation – if widespread – could truly create a devasting economic event throughout the United States.

The Atlanta bridge fire is a reminder that we all spend a lot of time away from home and on the road. What if something occurs and we cannot travel our regular route? What if we have to walk? Are there “bad” sections to travel through? How much gas is in my vehicle at any given point? Is it enough?

A lot of questions.

5 Preparedness Recommendations When Traveling:

  1. Don’t let your gas tank drop below half full.
  2. Keep a supply of water such as a case of water bottles in the vehicles trunk or storage area.
  3. Have at a minimum a small food supply such as nutrition bars, MRE’s, crackers, etc.
  4. Toilet paper – a few rolls for when the “S” true hits the fan.
  5. Keep a couple of portable backup battery chargers to keep cell phones operating

A plastic tote or backpack holding the above supplies – plus more – is advisable. Although cell phones have GPS capability an assortment of maps is a good idea as well

Be careful out there and drive safely.

Rourke

 

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4 Comments

  1. Capt.Michaels says:

    Ah…the old “F” word. I’ve brought of the fire topic quit often. Meh.

    I thought about us/this website when I saw the report. I talked to my kids and said. Look at all those temporarily stranded people. I was quick to take an opportunity to explain this is a perfect example of why we prep and EDC, (Every Day Carry). In the summer months we have to change the water and food regularly as the heat destroys what we keep in the vehicles. BUDK, which I believe is partnered with this site? Offers Wise EDC for 69.99.5-day one person kit, but could be stretched for 2 people for a couple of days or at least 1 day for a family of 5 or 6. Better than nothing. You can watch the sales and/or use some of the coupons to get for closer to 49.99 or even less. Not bad for a rotation needed only 2 to 3 months.

    If your on a really tight budget. Get a cheap back pack, some sorta of carry item, or even a card board box to keep everything in. Goodwill, etc. Put some of the items Rourke mentioned above. Speaking of which. You can really go cheap and survive just fine. For example, MRE’s are usually suggested. However, you could buy a 12 pack of either Ramen or Manchurin noodles for under $2.50. Think about it. MRE’s though totally self containable, but now your now talking weight. Also, are you going to exchange out those things often do to summer. The heat will affect/destroy the self life. 4 or 5 of those add a lot more weight than you think. You can get all the protein you need to sustain a family for a day or two from those instant noodles with extremely less weight, no real expiration, and can endure any environment.

    You then only need to add a good amount of water bottles, preferably a big glass container or several small glass water bottles with water. I just did a quick search for glass water bottles at one well known store. A 4-pack of 20oz glass water bottles under $20. Use which ever resource you choose to purchase them. You can always empty and refill glass. Plastic, is not advised. The plastic will eventually leech into the water. Especially, from heat.

    Now you only need a few more things like a First Aid kit, Blankets, batteries or battery charger, a knife(s), light source,(recommend a Luci), some rope, ponchos, and other items you feel are needed. The only thing you will need to rotate is the water regularly. The rest of the items stay with the pack so it’s not a re-occurring cost. Thoughts/suggestions/additional?

    Reply
  3. goingray58 says:

    Hmmm .. I agree with the Half thing .. even in town.

    A lot depends on your area of the country as to what you need… Southwest or arid locations .. water is a bigger deal than it is in the south…
    I travel with a gallon of distilled water … and a gallon of Tap water.. and a couple filters. And I’ll figure out what I want to do when I have to .. I can leave it.. share it whatever.
    If you travel with small children/family .. very different load out than a single Guy.
    Distance is a thing too.. 50 miles doesn’t’ seem like much until you have to walk it and have a river or other significant obstacle.. between you and home.
    Ditto on real maps, especially if traveling… as GPS is not alway available.. a Compass is cheap. And if you get that might as well have the maps useful for land nav and compass reading.
    As for food .. I keep that on each end of the trip and minimizes heat degradation .. and if over 50 miles I carry it, and more. Then put it back when I return.
    If you can’t do that consider caching a tote.. on regular routes.
    I tend to over pack in the vehicle and I’ll dump, bury or share depending on the situation. A busted bridge would need different stuff than an EMP etc..
    Most people could come up with reasonable alternatives to expensive gear and food if the think about it up front. I’d rather have thought about it first.. routes, materials, etc..
    Stress is bad enough situation to force mistakes when overwhelmed. If 8 of ten steps apply to a situation you have much less to think about. water, food, fire, defense, shelter.. and thinh/plan out from there for your situation.

    Reply
  4. Jim says:

    I grew up around Atlanta. Fires like this, in 4-6 locations on I-75/85, could completely shut down the city. Another 2-4 locations on I-285 and no one is going anywhere.

    Reply

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