The time to prepare for an emergency is not when disaster strikes but rather before any type of catastrophic event hits. It is good to be prepared and have a battle plan for fires and even floods but being equipped for all kinds of disasters, whether natural or man made, is essential in one’s survival.
There are ten ways to prep yourself and your family to survive during a crisis. Following most, if not all, could mean the difference between living one or two days and living for a week or more.
Water – The Basic Essential of Life
It is always best to have a gallon of water on hand for each person in the household. Another gallon jug should be prepared to last the family up to a week (seven days). Place the water in plastic jugs such as milk containers. Be sure to have water purification tablets or filters on hand, should the need arise.
Emergency Food Storage
Non-perishable foods, such as canned goods or boxed vegetables, that were stored should last the family up to a week. If you have a family pet, they need food set aside as well.
Alternative Cooking Source
Whatever stove you normally cook food with, be it electric or gas, having a barbecue or propane stove available is essential should the utilities be out. Make sure that the propane tank is full and another is accessible.
Family Clothing
Prepare a large suitcase of clothes for the family. Sleeping bags, though not always necessary, should be set aside just in case.
Wood For Cooking/Heating
There should be an ample supply of wood since it can be used in fireplaces or wood burning stoves.
Light
Be sure to keep a flashlight on hand and plenty of batteries. This is something that should be used during emergencies. Some flashlights now use solar power or can be cranked by hand… an alternative to tons of batteries used.
Prescription Medications
Keep prescriptions handy at all times for family members who need them. Keep a good supply of both the non-prescription as well as the prescribed medicines. If need be, contact the person’s healthcare provider to get an advanced on refill prescriptions.
Cash on Hand and Extra Gas
Nowadays, people are using debit cards to get money but credit may not work if there is an emergency. For this reason, it is best to use cash and have it ready should the ATM fail or your bank’s system doesn’t seem to be operational.
Make sure to keep the car half full due to the long lines that inevitably appear after emergencies. If possible, use a gas jug and fill it up if you know the “disaster” is coming. It is another way to avoid those long gas pump lines.
Emergency Entertainment
Even though the world is so technologically advanced, if the power is out, people will want something to do to pass the time. Grab a book to read or have some board games so the family can keep amused without worrying when the power will be back on.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
This is important because neighbors will help each other out in times of crisis. Should utilities be disrupted, a neighbor can help those who were affected or unable to prepare. Neighbors tend to keep eye on people’s property, if they need to.
Preparing for what could come or could happen is not being paranoid; it’s being responsible.
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