Preparedness
Are You Prepared to Take Care of Your Family in an Emergency?
We can’t control the insanity that our nation’s leaders force on us. We can’t control the weather. What we can control is whether or not we are prepared to take care of our families. I am convinced that we best lead our nation, by first leading our families. We must lead them in many different ways and a significant way is by providing for them.
Are you prepared to provide for your family’s needs in times of crisis? Whether the crisis is natural or man-made, your family’s needs will be the same. The following is an outline to get you started on providing for your family in this important area. It is organized into major categories to get you thinking:
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Shelter
Tarp, Tent, Ponchos, Blankets/Sleeping Bags and Backpacks
The first thing you will need to do in an emergency is to find shelter. Get out of the elements, get under cover and ensure that your family has a safe place to shelter in place. This is imperative if the weather is extreme (hot, cold, wet, storm).
A Water Source
Water Barrels, Jugs/Bottles, Water Filter
After securing shelter, water is the next priority. It is so common we often fail to realize how vital this is to our survival. We can only survive for 3-4 days without access to some kind of water. You should have several ways to access water 1) a way to store water in bulk in your home (barrel), 2) Portable water to carry with you (Jugs/Bottles), 3) Water Filter to clean water that you find.
Food
Cook Stove, Canned Food, MREs, Energy Bars
Again, like the water, you should have access to several types of food, long-term, short term, and very portable. For long term, canned food works wonderfully. Short term you can use MRE’s and other non-perishables. Finally, you should have some readily available energy bars for eating on the run in an emergency. Also you will need a way to cook, or at least heat water.
Hygiene, First Aid and Safety
Toiletries, Bathroom facilities, First Aid Kit, Dust Masks
These common, everyday items will be hard to locate during an emergency. You should have some of everything you need readily available in an easy-to-locate backpack. Consider every one of your basic hygiene needs and pack enough for 3 days, minimum. A little bit of time and a few dollars spent on first aid can be a real lifesaver when someone in your family needs it. It can’t be overstated - when you need it, it’s worth all the time and money you put into preparing it. If you didn’t prepare ahead of time, you may put yourself in a very tentative position.
Tools and Equipment
Map, Swiss Army Knife, Compass, Shovel, Crank Flashlights, Crank Radio, Waterproof Matches
These assorted tools can make emergency living much more convenient and somewhat more comfortable. Without them, you are left to use your hands, or go without. None of these supplies are expensive, but in the right moment, they would be invaluable.
Fuel
Gasoline, Propane
You will need extra gasoline for your vehicles and/or to run a generator. The propane is for cooking if you have a gas grill. The time to stock up on necessary fuel is now when there is no crisis and it is readily available. You will be grateful later for your preparations now.
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Click here to view a Recommended 72-HR emergency kit.
Click here to view a recommended long-term preparation plan.
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Over the last 3 months, we’ve begun purchasing extra canned goods, etc. along with our regular shopping. Sam’s Club has been our source for most of this. Our goal is to do so every month and then begin to rotate out and utilize the oldest in order to prevent spoilage. Most of what we’ve purchased has an expiration date of at least 12-16 months. Many may think this unnecessary but having seen empty store shelves 12 days after a hurricane is an eye-opening experience. We’ve definitely had to make some sacrifices, but are excited about being more prepared than ever before.
Other preparation we’re working on are getting completely out of debt, purchasing silver in addition to our other investments each month, purchasing several firearms and learning how to use and care for them, and continuing to increase the size of our family garden during the spring and summer months.