By Trina Dennis Brittain
Rocket Miner
Via- Wyoming News Exchange

ROCK SPRINGS — Some groups believe the world is going down in flames soon, especially after the election. Others think there are less dramatic but unexpected situations the public should prepare for.

While a local group believes everyone needs to be more self-sufficient, there are times when a strong community or support system becomes crucial.

According to Colby Gaylord, president of The Patriots of Sweetwater County, the group currently has a new logo and new name: Survivalists of Sweetwater County.

Gaylord said the group’s mission is the same, which is to provide the community with essential skills to survive in an emergency.

“What comes with that is creating a network of people we can rely on for help whenever we need it,” Gaylord explained. “It doesn’t always have to be an emergency. It could be something simple like moving a refrigerator out of someone’s house and hauling it away.

“We may not know them, but we’re willing to help.”

Safety is going to be the primary focus of the group, member David Jarrell added, as well as education and camaraderie.

Gaylord said, “With everything that’s been going on in the world, I think people have pulled away from each other and kept to themselves. We can’t achieve much with just one person. Everybody needs to be involved.”

A few years ago, Gaylord’s grandfather, an experienced outdoorsman and avid hunter, decided to hunt for elk. He left his truck without his pack. A storm blew in and he got lost. He stayed the night on the mountain as temperatures fell to –10 degrees.

“The search and rescue team’s dog found him alive,” Gaylord said, recalling his grandfather as talkative and in good spirits as he was transported for medical care.

“He said, ‘I knew where I was at, but I knew if I’d gone further, I wouldn’t.’ After that, I’ve made it a point to always have a pack with supplies.”

He chuckled as he said his wife teased him for assembling a pack.

“I always have essentials in my pack in case I get stuck on the side of the road or if I get hurt on a hike.”

He suggested the following items to be in an emergency pack: Water, food,flashlight, Bic lighter, duct tape, battery- operated radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible), extra batteries, First Aid Kit, medications, a multi-purpose tool, emergency blanket, sanitation and personal hygiene items.

He strongly urges others to have a go-bag ready in their homes for each family member in case of natural disasters such as flooding. Prepping the home with enough food and water, including a portable water purifier for the home and for an evacuation is a must, too.

“It’s not about having a bag to get to where you’re going, it’s having a bag so you can get out of your house,” Jarrell said.

“It’s better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it,” Gaylord pointed out. “We’re all about preparing for what might happen. It’s also important to be aware, see, hear, observe and collect as much information as you can.”

Jarrell said members are trying to change the perception of SOS.

“We are not a militia group,” he said.

Gaylord concurred, saying, “We’re not a bunch of people wearing tin foil hats, either.”

They simply describe themselves as individuals who prepare for natural disasters and other scenarios. Militias, on the other hand, are groups of people who are put together for military service. They often train in tactical gear, with weapons, and may give others the impression they’re helping communities in emergencies.

While the majority of SOS members may tend to be more conservative, Gaylord noted, the SOS is an open group.

“We don’t want to be biased to one party or another,” he said. “Anyone can join and learn how to prepare for emergencies.”

Jarrell agreed.

“Community is becoming more and more important,” Jarrell said.

SOS will offer free classes every month. Those who are interested can follow them on social media.