After a recent post that I did on Disaster Preparedness, I thought that I needed to expand on the subject, especially after some of the responses that I’ve received.
In this previous post, I made the comment that I was somewhat of a “prepper”. The word prepper has different meanings to different people. Some people envision a prepper as having a warehouse of foodstuffs, an underground bunker and a stockpile of weapons.
Being a Prepper to me, simply means to have an Emergency Preparedness Plan.
Having a Preparedness Plan in place is nothing new. Around 1950, during the cold war between Russia and the USA, selling backyard bomb shelters was popular, even a status symbol. Tornado shelters are still a common sight in Texas.
A BASIC preparedness kit Should Have these items:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
There are those people that may laugh or scoff at the idea of a Preparedness Plan. But there are MANY, MANY reasons to do this. To name a few: Earthquake, Flood, Hurricane, Landslide, Pandemic, Nuclear Explosion, Power Outage, Hail Storm, Tornado, Tsunami, Wildfire, Winter Storm, etc, etc.
An incredible website for information can be found at READY.GOV
Personally, I try to keep a year’s supply of food on hand. I go through my food supply periodically and if I have items that may be getting close to expiring and I know that I won’t be able to consume it before it expires, I donate these items to a local food bank.
I also keep an extra supply of daily necessities on hand, such as, toiletries, soap, shampoo, basic first aid supplies, etc.
Other things to think about during an emergency are important papers and medications. And don’t forget about your pets. Be sure you plan for them as well.
There is much much more to this subject that I could expand on. I encourage you to do your own research and make a plan that fits you and your loved one’s needs.
There are a lot of things in this world that are simply out of our control. The best we can do in an uncertain world is to be as prepared as we can.
Below are a few websites with good information that may help you start your own preparedness plan.
https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/index.asp
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html
https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/emergency-preparedness?lang=eng
Penny Wilson Writes 
I really agree about the importance of having a preparedness plan. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and the list of essential items is helpful for anyone looking to start preparing for emergencies. Thanks for sharing this useful information!
Thanks again,
Chris Cantrell
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Thank you, Chris. 🙂
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Wonderful insight, Penny and thank you for the tips and resources! A train derailment, a gas leak, an electric substation going out…so many reasons being prepared can make your life easier in an emergency. 💞💞💞
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Yes. Lots and lots of reasons! So many people just don’t get that. Thanks, Dawn. ❤
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Thank you for sharing! 🙂
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A very interesting post, Penny. The Mormons teach the same principles, stockpiling basics just in case. I do think the Covid affair has made preppers out of many more people.
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I agree, Mike. The Mormons is one of the sites I listed as a resource. Thanks 🙂
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HI Penny, thanks for sharing your prepper plan. I also have all these things readily available. I don’t have a year’s supply of food, but I aim for six months, give or take. I also have a hijack plan in case someone tries to hijack me in the driveway.
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I knew you were a smart girl! ❤ Thanks, Robbie. 🙂
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This is an interesting concept, Penny, and not one I have ever considered doing. I can see the sense in being prepared, though, although being in the UK, there is less of a risk of some of the emergencies such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados and tsunamis. However, where I would have said we don’t have forest fires, with the climate change worsening by the day, that is more likely over here, too. Last year, when we had those 42C temperatures in the summer, it really showed people that we could also be at risk from fires. As it was, there were several houses, fields, and woods that burnt down. Until the governments act on the climate emergency, this can only really get worse, not just for us in the UK, but the risks of some of the above-mentioned emergencies are likely to be more and more common. Perhaps, I should think about storing up some essentials, too. Thanks for sharing this important and valid post, Penny. Xx
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Although there may be a lot of things that you don’t have to worry about, there are the Unexpected things that come up that you need to prepare for. COVID for instance. The supply chain was terribly interrupted here in the US and toilet paper and bottled water was in short supply. It’s the What If’s that will catch you unprepared. Thanks for visiting and the comment, Ellie. ❤
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That’s true. During the Covid period, we had toilet roll shortages, but also, people were panic-buying and everything was in short supply, even tinned beans and dried pasta and rice. There were limits put on items like toilet roll and bottled water to make sure everyone got their fair share. Thankfully, although people are still getting Covid, there aren’t so many deaths from it.
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We had the same thing happening here. That’s why you need a plan, Ellie.
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I will give that some thought. Although I can’t afford to go out and stock up on things in one go, I should be able to buy a few extra bits every week when the supermarket shopping comes. Thanks for prompting me. Xx
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That’s how I did it. Just pick up something extra every time you shop. Before you know it, you’ll be all stocked up! ❤
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