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 