Are You Prepared For a Natural Disaster?
This morning I saw pictures of hurricane Ike's devastation, and it made me wonder are we prepared for trouble? In the northeast, the big issues tend to be storm damage such as downed trees, snow or ice storm, or electricity outage.
It sounds simple, but are you prepared with the following?
- Flashlight with batteries
- Candles with matches
- Firewood (if you have a fireplace)
- Charcoal or propane for your grill
- Food in the pantry, frig, freezer (don't open too often if the power is out)
- Stored water (important for well water supplies that rely on electric pumps)
- Radio with batteries
- Extra medications
- Storm specific supplies such as snow shovels should already be on hand (the time to get them isn't when the storm hits-- it won't be available because of all of the other last minute people).
- Full tanks of gas in your vehicles
- Gas for snow blowers, chainsaws, and generators (if you have one)
- Extra cash on hand
When I think back to the Katrina disaster, how many people were prepared? Do you really want to rely exclusively upon the government aid (Fed, state, or muni)? I don't.
Be prepared!
Posted by DDFD at 9/14/2008 8:58 AM 
Categories: Organizing, Self Sufficiency, Self Reliance, DIY
Tags: Preparedness Organizing Self Reliance Self Sufficiency DIY
Categories: Organizing, Self Sufficiency, Self Reliance, DIY
Tags: Preparedness Organizing Self Reliance Self Sufficiency DIY
Being prepared is just common sense, no matter where you live. Counting on the government makes no sense - you'll be disappointed, and you'll be providing more justification for the nanny state we have already created.
I live in the country where I only have 4 miles to a paved road, but it can be snowed closed for days. I'm fine at the house for two weeks or more because I am prepared.
Here in the western plains we also have to be prepared in our vehicles. People die in a blizzard if they leave their car and walk just 30 feet away.
The whole idea of preparedness should permeate much of what we do, but instead, Americans are reactive by nature. We have to get kicked in the pants before we wake up.
You don't need to have a survivalist mentality to be well prepared. Just have a thrivalist mentality, and be prepared to thrive in any foreseeable environment.
Be prepared to the extent that you value your life and the lives of those that are counting on you.
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The Boy Scouts had it right-- Be Prepared!
As for vehicles-- On-Star is no excuse for being lazy! We all need to take responsibility for taking care of ourselves or others in need.
-DDFD
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I keep emergency cash in the car, as well as a checkbook. It also has a book of county maps (one state only) for the purpose of finding alternate routes around blockages. This car is a Ford product with a keypad that unlocks the door with a combination. My kids can get in for shelter from the elements even if I’m not around. There is a key hidden in the car, so it is possible to drive away if I had to evacuate without my key ring. We keep emergency warm clothing in the trunk.
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Even $10 cash in the car can make a big difference.
The hidden extra key idea is excellent.
I use GPS now, but still have good old fashioned maps in the trunk . . .
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