Preparing for a Natural Disaster, Terrorist Attack, or Bird Flu Pandemic
Lifestyle FashionHow prepared are you? Will you be like thousands of people and wait until the last minute to stock up on food and water? Do you have a working flashlight at home or in your car? As we have clearly seen, waiting until it is too late does not work. Grocery stores sell out, gas stations sell out, and we certainly can’t depend on government help.
You need to start planning today, preparing for the unexpected so that you and your family can survive. Official sources always recommend having a 72 hour or 3 day kit. While it certainly helps, it is not suitable for a prolonged survival situation. As we have seen, a natural disaster can last more than 3 days. A potential bird flu pandemic can keep you confined to your home for weeks or months at a time. So how much is enough and what do you need?
You should plan to meet your family’s daily needs for a minimum of one month, preferably up to 3 months or longer. This may include:
Food: Stock up on the basics. Flour, sugar, non-perishable foods like macaroni products, rice (a 25-pound bag of rice is about $6.00 at SAM’s club), powdered milk. Canned goods usually last one to two years. Start adding to your pantry now by buying a few extra items each time you go to the grocery store. Take advantage of sales, coupons and store brands. Buy foods that you can easily prepare, don’t need a lot of water, or don’t need to be cooked at all. You can also add long-term dried foods to your supply that can supplement your other grocery stores. They are vacuum sealed and have a shelf life of 20-30 years. MRE Ready-to-Eat Meals can also expand your grocery stores. Buy groceries and supplies in bulk at Sams club or Costco. Rotate your stock so you always have the freshest food available. It also includes things like high energy bars. Don’t forget the pet food.
Water: You can store water in large containers, 5-gallon mylar water bags, camping jugs, and other containers. You should also have a good water purifier.
Tools: Are you equipped to do minor repairs around your home? Fix yourself? Repair or build the necessary survival supplies? Natural gas cutting tools, shovels for digging, chainsaws for cutting downed trees and other essential rescue tools may be needed.
Energy: There may be interruptions or blackouts in electrical and other services. Do you have an alternative way to heat your home? A way to supply power to lights and other necessary electrical devices? Are you full of batteries? A portable generator can be used for emergency backup. You will need gasoline to run the generator. Solar panels are useful for charging batteries. The extra propane can be used for a stove, lights, or heating. Have several flashlights on hand. Newer lanterns feature LED bulbs that are brighter and last forever. Also look for handheld flashlights that don’t require batteries. Include lighting such as oil or propane lamps.
Medical: A good first aid kit is a must. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids, etc. Also personal medications and other first aid supplies. Don’t forget spare glasses/lenses and contact lens solution. Improve your first aid skills.
Household Supplies: Everything from shampoo and toothpaste to toilet paper, soap, detergent, bleach, disinfectants, and everything else you use on a daily basis. Don’t forget the hair clippers if you can’t make it to the hairdresser. Have supplies on hand to deal with sanitation and trash.
Communication: Newer walkie-talkies that have a range of 10 to 12 miles will help you stay in touch with your family in case your cell phone stops working. Give one to each member of your family and tune them all to the same channel. Buy an emergency battery for your cell phone. They are good for about 60 minutes of talk time. Shortwave portable radios will help you keep in touch with the world. A small portable TV will also help keep you informed if the power goes out. A crank radio is also a must.
Camping equipment: stoves, tents, sleeping bags can all come in handy, especially if you need to move. Pick up camping supplies for sale and used equipment at garage sales.
Bicycles – If you need to get around and there is no gas, a bicycle is the best item to have.
Relocation – If you choose not to stay in your home, then you need a plan for how you will relocate – to another city or remote cabin, etc. You may want to stock your vacation home with supplies and be prepared to “run away” before travel is restricted.
Calculate how far you need to go. Consider storing extra gas so you have a full tank of gas for your trip. 3 or 4-5 gallon gas cans could be enough to get you several hundred miles. Due to the danger of fire, it is very important that you store them safely and rotate them regularly. Meaning, if you have 3 cans full, the first week dump that into your gas tank and refill that can. Week 2 dump the second can into your gas tank and refill that can. Week 3 dump can 3 into your gas tank and refill that can. Week 4 starts over with can one. With this system, you’ll always have 15 gallons of fresh gasoline on hand in addition to the gasoline already in your gas tank.
Plan your exit strategy from your city or town. Keep a map in your car with roads highlighted. Find all alternative routes outside your city or town. Stay off the main roads if possible. Keep copies of the map in other vehicles if other family members need to join you later. Practice your escape route by driving it at least once.
Store your “get away” survival supplies in containers that can be quickly loaded into your vehicle. Keep a smaller version in your vehicle at all times.
Start preparing for the unexpected today, and if it does happen, you won’t have to divert time and energy from caring for your family, wait in long lines for essential goods and services, or wait for the government or other relief organizations to come to your aid. his rescue.