until the last minute to stock up on food and water? Do you even have a
working flashlight in your home or auto? As we have clearly seen,
waiting until it is too late does not work. Grocery stores run out, gas
stations run dry and we certainly can't depend on the government to help.
You need to start planning today, preparing for the unexpected so that
you and your family can survive. Official sources alwa...
How prepared are you? Will you be like thousands of others and wait
until the last minute to stock up on food and water? Do you even have a
working flashlight in your home or auto? As we have clearly seen,
waiting until it is too late does not work. Grocery stores run out, gas
stations run dry and we certainly can't depend on the government to 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 nowhere
near adequate for an extended survival situation. As we have seen a
natural disaster can last for more than 3 days. A possible bird flu
pandemic may keep you housebound for weeks or months at a time. So how
much is enough and what do you need?
You should plan on meeting your family's daily needs for a minimum of a
month, preferably up to 3 months or longer. This can include:
Food—Stock up on the basics. Flour, sugar, non-perishable foods like
macaroni products, rice (a 25lb bag of rice is around $6.00 at SAM's
club), dried milk. Canned goods usually are good for a year or two.
Start adding to your pantry now by buying a few extra items every time
you go to the grocery store. Take advantage of sales, coupons and store
brands. Buy foods you can fix easily, don't need a lot of water or don't
need to be cooked at all. You can also add to your supply long term
dehydrated foods that you can supplement your other food stores. They
are vacuumed sealed and have a shelf life of 20-30 years. MRE's ready to
eat meals can also expand your food stores. Buy food and supplies in
bulk at Sams club or Costco. Rotate your stock so you always have the
freshest food available. Also include things like high-energy bars.
Don't forget pet food.
Water—You can store water in large containers, 5-gallon mylar water
bags, camping jugs and other containers. You should also own a good
water purifier.
Tools—are you equipped to handle minor repairs around your home? Fix
your auto? Repair or build needed survival supplies? Tools to turn off
natural gas, shovels to dig out, chainsaws to cut up downed trees and
other essential rescue tools may be needed.
Energy—there may be interruptions or outages in electrical and other
utilities. Do you have an alternative way of heating your home? A way of
supplying power to lights and other needed electrical devices? Stocked
up on batteries? A portable generator can be used for emergency backup.
You will need gas to run the generator. Solar panels are handy for
charging batteries. Extra propane can be used for a stove, lights or
heat. Have several flashlights on hand. Newer flashlights feature L.E.D.
bulbs that burn brighter and last forever. Also look for hand cranked
flashlights that don't need batteries. Include lighting such as oil or
propane lanterns.
Medical— a good first aid kit is a must have. Over the counter drugs
such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids, etc. Also personal medications and
other first aid supplies. Don't forget spare glasses/contacts and
contact lens solution. Brush up on 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 hair clippers if you can't get out to
the barber. Have supplies on hand to deal with sanitation and garbage.
Communication—Newer walkie-talkies that have a 10-12 mile range will
help you stay in touch with your family in the event your cell phone
stops working. Give each member of your family one 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. Portable shortwave radios will
help you keep in touch with the world. A small portable tv will also
help keep you informed if the power is out. A hand cranked radio is also
a must have.
Camping equipment—stoves, tents, sleeping bags can all come in handy
especially if you need to relocate. Pick up camping supplies on sale and
used equipment at garage sales.
Bicycles—if you need to get around and there is no gas a bike is the
best item to have.
Relocating—if you choose not to stay in your home, then you need a plan
on how you will relocate-to another town or remote cabin, etc. You may
want to stock your vacation home with supplies and be prepared to "bug
out" before travel is restricted.
Figure out how far you need to get away. Think about storing extra gas
to provide a full tank and enough for your journey. 3 or 4–5 gallon gas
cans, could be enough to get you several hundred miles away. Because of
the fire danger it is very important that you store them safely and
rotate them on a regular basis. Meaning, if you have 3 filled cans, week
one dump that in your gas tank and refill that can. Week 2 dump the
second can in your gas tank and refill that can. Week 3 dump can 3 into
your gas tank and refill that can. Week 4 start over with can one. Using
this system you will always have 15 gallons of fresh gas on hand in
addition to gas that is already in your gas tank.
Plan your exit strategy from your city or town. Keep a map in your car
with the roads out highlighted. Find all the alternative routes out of
your city or town. Stay away from main highways if at all possible. Have
copies of the map in other vehicles if other family members need to meet
you later. Practice your escape route by driving it at least once.
Store your "bug out" survival supplies in containers that can be quickly
loaded into your vehicle. Keep a smaller version in your vehicle at all
times.
Start today preparing for the unexpected and if it happens you won't
need to divert your time and energy away from caring for your family,
waiting in long lines for essential goods and services or waiting for
the government or other aid organizations to come to your rescue.
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