Today, with unexpected weather patterns doing the previously unprecedented, families need to have in place a minimum of seven areas of preparedness to survive. As such, many of them are applicable to most any scenario so here’s some advice and tips to help make your list battle-ready for most any eventuality.
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Adequate Supply of Safe, Drinking Water
Recent disasters such as the tsunami disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plan and the rural communities of West Virginia recently experienced what happens when their water supply became polluted with radiation (RAD) contamination or plain chemical leakage.
Tips:
Having large water containers for hygiene as well as for drinking purposes, along with a good, high quality water filtration system is utmost in helping survive any water scarcity emergency. Be certain to keep water supply out of basement if your region is subject to flooding or out of the sun if in a warm region. -
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An Adequate, Sustainable Food Supply
There’s something about stressful emergencies that make people more hungry and thirsty than normal. Keep not only nourishing food in a storage or pantry area, but plenty of snacks for the kids and appropriate food on hand for any handicapped or elderly people. Don’t forget your family pets!
Tips:
Generally, a two or three-week supply is advisable either in cans or jars. Dehydrated or freeze-dried food, although more expensive, will also fit any emergency. Furthermore, don’t forget to plan where you’re going to do your cooking or heating: an outdoor grill, an inside gas-stove or over little fuel cans. Just do the planning now!
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A Backup Electrical System
Depending on your geographical region, even a small-size backup emergency generator is a minimum requirement. In an area with plenty of sun, then solar-power is an excellent but more expensive way to go.
Tips:
Be certain to have plenty of re-chargeable batteries charged by a solar battery charger; wood for a stove or fireplace; and/or a battery-run mini-fridge or cooler with a battery-charged fan, if need be.
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Medical/Health Supplies
Now is the time to have an extra supply of prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) supplies on hand. Rubbing alcohol, bandages, antiseptics and an improvised first-aid kit should be easily accessible.
Tips:
Remember to allow for daily hygiene paper consumption and have a designated place to wash your dirty cloths-your washing machine may not be functioning.
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Ready Transportation
Having a ready serviced auto or truck with blankets, first aid kits, flashlights and even candy bars is a must. If need be, having snow tires and a full complement of tools is a good backup strategy.
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Communications
A telephone is good; however, a telephone with cellphones and a supply of pre-charged batteries are even better. Some have survived emergencies having their laptops battery-charged while accessing a satellite link system. In extreme cases, it is good to have a HAM radio on hand to be able to communicate locally with other HAM radio operators.
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Protect Against Regional Freezes
Every few decades, it seems that a region will endure a major cold streak. The damages to homes and other structures cost millions of dollars. According to Brother’s Plumbing of Toronto, a frozen pipe that bursts in your home could cost you personally over $10,000. Old pipes are the most vulnerable to this kind of damage. Consider in what ways your home could be vulnerable in times of cold and the solutions you might implement.
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Alternate Sources of Aid
Having in place an address book with the phone numbers of several 24/7 pharmacies, neighbors, plumbers, electricians, ambulance service and the local police and fire departments, is advisable.
Whatever precautions you choose, some preparations are better than none in an emergency and certainly securing your family’s well-being has no price.
Source: doomsdaymoose.com
Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer from Sacramento, California. A mother of two, Hannah enjoys writing on blogs of all niches.