Posted on 03/01/2011 11:06:38 AM PST by blam
Environmental Disaster Preparedness, Five Things Every American Should Do, But Won’t
Politics / Environmental Issues
Mar 01, 2011 - 04:55 AM
By: Chris Kitze
Dennis Evers writes: We’ve all seen him on the news. The guy buying plywood, beer, chips and other survival essentials as the approaching hurricane can be seen over his shoulder in the distance.
Unfortunately, the majority of Americans aren’t much better when it comes to being prepared for emergencies. However, recent disasters have proven that the sheer magnitude of an event can overwhelm relief efforts, coupled with cutbacks in personnel, budgets and equipment, place the onus squarely on our shoulders.
Many citizens don’t see the need for preparedness, and that’s their prerogative, however a relatively small investment now for someone who is concerned about the possibility of a disruption due to a natural disaster, pandemic, terrorism, civil unrest or countless other possible scenarios, might mean the difference between a week or so of hungry terror or a week of edgy survival. Most people think of some wild eyed mountain man when the word “survival” is mentioned, but that’s no longer the case. When the Government strongly suggests preparing, there’s a reason behind it.
The ever increasing list of disasters and emergencies that can put you on your own is a long and often dangerous one. The violence and mayhem associated with black Friday will look like a minor scuffle when food shortages or any one of a hundred scenarios spark riots. Food flew off the shelf and stores were emptied in hours before the big snow hit the East coast this winter. With municipalities cutting essential services like law enforcement, the chances of having to “hunker down” increases exponentially.
Now the caveat. Being prepared doesn’t guarantee survivability, but it does greatly enhance your chances if the event is survivable. The following list is by no means inclusive as there are hundreds of variables, i.e., suburban vs. rural, gated community vs. projects, the type of disaster, number of persons being prepared for and on and on.
Given the countless variables, there are some basic necessities that are essential regardless of location or emergency. The following items are simply a starting point that will assist you in thinking about establishing some sort of basic preparedness. They will greatly improve not only your survivability, but your level of comfort in terribly uncertain times.
While FEMA recommends three days of emergency provisions, and it is a start, given the current climate, a week’s supply should be a good starting point, a one month stash would be better. Keep in mind that these items cannot be placed in order because of the countless variables.
You’ve made your decision, so now you need to get down to the business of survival.
1. Water. Absolutely essential for drinking, hygiene and cooking. Remember all of the people (who had ample warning) sitting on their roofs during Katrina? Imagine how much comfort a measly couple of bucks worth of bottled water would have done to reduce the misery factory. While one gallon per person per day is recommended, enough to drink would certainly be better than nothing at all. Even a few hours of thirst can cost you your edge. Several cases of bottled water would go a long way during an emergency and you can replace it as you use it.
2. Food. Another essential. You can go days or even weeks without food, but who wants to? Something you wouldn’t even consider eating under normal circumstances could look mighty good if you’re starved. Granola bars, canned food and crackers could mean the difference between a clear head or one thinking about a cheeseburger. Every time you go shopping, put in an extra few items that you normally eat. Check the expiration dates and get items with a long shelf life if possible. If something happens, you have food you’re used to and you can use it up as part of your regular food supply. Make sure you rotate it in and out to maintain freshness.
3. Shelter. You have to stay alive to ride out an event. For most of us, staying at home would be the ideal situation. However, any number of situations can require “bugging out” to a shelter or other safe location. Most of us have relatives within driving distance or know someone who might put up with us for awhile. If not, as a last resort the government or the Red Cross will usually provide emergency shelter. Have a plan nonetheless. If you have to stay and shelter in place at your home, business or apartment, or hit the road to get away from civil unrest, a chemical spill, fire or hurricane, you need to have a plan and be prepared to implement it.
4. Emergency Equipment. In addition to food, water and shelter, there are several essential items that will be required in the event you are on your own. Extra medicines are top of the list, particularly if they are required daily. A good first aid kit is another must have. An LED flashlight and lantern with extra batteries are essential. Warm clothes, sleeping gear, a camp stove and emergency sanitation gear are also essential. Last but certainly not least is some sort of self defense. You can easily find out what you need with a little online surfing of various websites, starting with ready.gov..
5. Time Killers. Even if the emergency is only a 48 or 72 hour event, you will want to have some playing cards, books, a Bible and board games on hand to help kill the time. You might even include some candies or other treats as well as coloring books and crayons for the younger ones.
Factors preventing many people from preparing are the “it can’t happen here” mentality, and plain old fear or a sense of being overwhelmed. People with the former attitude won’t see a need to prepare, and that’s their choice. (Until something happens and they expect the government to take care of all of their needs.) As for the latter, there is nothing wrong with fear, particularly the “where does one start” quandary, if it is turned into positive action. Instead of worrying about the future, prepare for it and get on with life. We’re talking about simple and subtle changes in your lifestyle, mostly relating to shopping and food storage habits. No one is advocating that you become a mountain man and live off roots and bark. Simply realize the need for a minimal amount of preparation, formulate a plan and get started working toward your goal, and pray that you never need to use it.
Ping.
near future event ping?
Very deep common sense in this article. Well done.
Colonel, USAFR
BFLR
The complete emergency kit:
Bag of beans
Bag of rice
Pan and skillet
candles (string and paraffin will do)
Matches or something to make fire
A good pistol or rifle to protect you from both 2 legged and 4 legged animals. (wink...wink...nudge)
Water? it’s all around...get some and boil it in the pan.
Entertainment? Play shadow animations on the wall using the candle.
Safety equipment? Be sure to have some old tire tubes (and tire pump) on hand in case you flood out.
Really? Stop and think about it...how long will most people be isolated until either the problem goes away or they are rescued.
These won’t make life easy on you but it sure will save your life.
Are You Ready download in about the middle of the page.
L
As an avid backpacker I have just about everything, I think, to last a decent amount of time. Water filter, camp stove, tent, cold weather gear etc.
Interesting on the food supplies...
The $1790 low-end is $8.52 per pound
The $9800 high-end is MUCH MORE, at $12.50 per pound. (although it does include an “emergency kit” as well)
Water: It’s never close enough or clean enough when you really need it - unless you bring your own.
“or they are rescued” - works for problems only up to a certain level. I have no confidence that a government agency will solve any of my family’s problems, especially in a large event.
also add:
1) a couple of good guns because...there will be NO police to keep order.
2) a mental preparedness that YOU will be on your own
3) the willingness to KILL in self defense—many won’t
4) like minded friends and allies
5) the understanding that the horrible situation will be 5 times as long than the media is reporting
.there will be NO police to keep order
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Yes, whether they use the ‘excuse’ like New Orleans - I left to go take care of my family is valid, or did they ‘Just Leave’?
Granted in the Wisconsin State House while we do not (nor will probably ever) know the instructions handed down to the police-Campus, State, City etc and security guards they did not ‘appear’ to be interested in moving the demonstrators or ‘protecting’ the building workers?
A couple of my fat friends look at my dogs and say how useful they will be in case food gets short. Little do they know that I am looking at them in the same way in case Alpo becomes difficult to find.
That or being raised by strong pioneer stock who lived by waste not, want not.
When the police are unionized, well....
Admittedly, I read the article very fast and may have missed it but if you have one or more freezers full of food, you’re going to need electricty, a generator will supply it.
Generators on the market have a tremendous price range, depending on how much you want one to be able to provide.
“near future event ping?”
Could be.
prepare bump
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