Prepping for what
Disasters can come in many forms. A pandemic, a hurricane, a drought, an earthquake, a tornado, a wildfire, a blackout, or a cyberattack could all create a disaster scenario. The best way to be prepared for any potential disaster is to have a plan and to be prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Natural disasters
While you may not be able to control the weather, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the damage natural disasters can cause to your home and property. Severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, blizzards, and hailstorms can wreak havoc, and being prepared ahead of time is the best defense.
Before a natural disaster strikes, review your insurance policies and make sure you are adequately covered. Familiarize yourself with your policy details and what is included so that you know what to expect if you need to file a claim. Take photos or videos of your belongings as well as any damage that has already been done to your property so that you have a record for insurance purposes.
Assemble an emergency kit with items that will be essential in the event of a power outage or evacuation, such as food, water, first-aid supplies, medications, flashlights, and batteries. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the kit is located and how to use the items in it.
Create an emergency plan for you and your family so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Include evacuation routes, meeting places, and designated emergency contacts. Practice your plan often so that everyone knows what to do instinctively if an emergency does occur.
Keep tree limbs trimmed away from your home and secure any loose gutters or downspouts to prevent water damage from heavy rains. Inspect your roof regularly for loose or damaged shingles which could lead to leaks during a storm. In areas prone to flooding, consider installing flood vents or building floodwalls to protect your property from rising waters.
Economic downturn
An economic downturn is when there is a sustained decrease in economic activity. This can be measured by a decrease in the gross domestic product (GDP), productivity, or employment levels. During an economic downturn, businesses may experience a decrease in demand for their products or services, which can lead to layoffs or plant closures. Consumers may also cut back on spending, which can further hurt businesses.
Pandemic
A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. In a pandemic, a new virus for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world and can infect large numbers of people.
A pandemic is different from an epidemic, which is an outbreak of disease that occurs in one country or region. An epidemic can become a pandemic if the disease spreads to other countries or continents.
The last global outbreak of the disease was the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Between April 2009 and April 2010, this pandemic resulted in more than 18,000 deaths worldwide, including more than 12,000 deaths in the United States. The 1918 Spanish flu was the most catastrophic pandemic in history, killing an estimated 50 million people worldwide. More recently, the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa resulted in more than 28,000 deaths.
Most experts agree that it’s not a matter of if another pandemic will occur, but when. Given this, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of a global outbreak of disease. Below are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family during a pandemic:
1) Get vaccinated against common diseases such as influenza and pneumonia. This will help reduce your risk of getting sick during a pandemic.
2) Practice good hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should also avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3) Stay home if you are sick to avoid infecting others. If you must go out in public when you are sick, wear a face mask to protect others from exposure to your germs.
4) Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you must be around someone who is ill, practice social distancing by maintaining at least six feet between you and the other person.
5) Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve – not your hands – to prevent spreading germs to others
Prepping basics
If you are new to prepping, you might be wondering who the best prepper is. The answer to this question is not as simple as you might think. There are many factors that go into deciding who the best prepper is. In this article, we will cover some of the basics of prepping and help you decide who the best prepper is for you.
Food and water
No matter who you are, or where you live, you need food and water to survive. If an emergency strikes, having a stockpile of non-perishable items on hand can mean the difference between life and death. The first step in prepping is to create a list of the essential items you will need to maintain your health and sustain your life in the event of an emergency. Here are some basics to get you started:
-Water: Aim to have at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. Store water in clean, food-grade containers.
–Canned food: Stock up on canned goods that do not require refrigeration, cooking or water, such as canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, and stews. Be sure to rotate your food supply so that nothing expires.
-Dried foods: Dehydrated foods have a longer shelf life than fresh foods because the water has been removed. Dried fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains are all excellent choices.
-MREs (Meals Ready to Eat): MREs are high in calories and do not require cooking or refrigeration. They can be stored for years and are an excellent option for emergency situations.
–First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any emergency situation. Be sure to include bandages, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and ointment, as well as any prescription medications you or your family members may require.
First aid
An emergency can happen at any time. Prepare yourself and your family by having a plan and basic supplies on hand, including a first-aid kit. A first-aid kit is a collection of supplies and tools used to give medical treatment. It’s handy to have in your home, workplace, and car in case of an emergency.
A basic first-aid kit should include:
-Bandages of various sizes
-Sterile gauze pads
-Adhesive tape
-Scissors
-Tweezers
-Antiseptic wipes or lotion
-Soap
-Safety pins
-Cotton balls or cotton swabs
-Disposable gloves
-Instant cold pack
You may also want to consider adding other items, such as:
-Prescription medications
-Nonprescription medications, such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and antacids
-A thermometer
-Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
It’s important to regularly check the items in your kit and replace expired items. You should also keep the kit in a place that’s easily accessible.
Shelter
The shelter is one of the most important aspects of survival. In an emergency, you may find yourself without access to traditional shelter options, so it’s important to know how to improvise. When selecting a shelter site, look for a location that will protect you from the elements and any potential hazards. If you’re in a cold climate, choose a location that will allow you to build a fire for warmth. If you’re in an area with potential flooding, find high ground. Once you’ve selected a site, follow these steps to construct your shelter:
- Find two sturdy objects to use as support beams. If you’re in a wooded area, look for trees or logs that are around the same size. If you’re in an open area, find two large rocks or sticks.
- Place the beams parallel to each other and at least four feet apart.
- Lean smaller sticks or branches against the beams to create walls. Make sure to pack the sticks tightly together so there are no gaps.
- Cover the structure with leaves, grass, or any other materials that will insulate and protect you from the elements.
Clothing and bedding
One of the most important aspects of being a prepared individual is having the right clothing and bedding for the situation. Depending on where you live, and what type of climate you experience, the clothing and bedding you need will vary. In general, it’s a good idea to have a few key items on hand that will keep you warm in cold weather, cool in hot weather, dry in wet weather, and protected from the elements in all types of weather.
Some essential items to consider include:
-A heavy coat or parka for cold weather
-A raincoat or poncho for wet weather
-A hat or scarf to protect your head and face from the sun, wind, or cold
-Sturdy boots or shoes that will protect your feet and keep them dry
-Lightweight clothing for hot weather
-Bedding that is appropriate for the climate you live in
Tools and supplies
No kitchen is complete without the right tools and supplies. Here is a list of what you’ll need to get started on your cooking journey.
-A sharp knife: A sharp knife is a cook’s best friend. It will make prep work easier and help you avoid accidents in the kitchen.
-A cutting board: A cutting board is a necessary tool for any kitchen. Make sure to get one that is the right size for your countertop and easy to clean.
-A pot or pan: A pot or pan is essential for cooking on the stovetop. Choose one that is the right size for your needs and that will hold up to regular use.
-An oven: An oven is necessary for baking and roasting. Be sure to choose one that has the features you need, such as a self-cleaning function.
-A set of measuring spoons and cups: Measuring spoons and cups are essential for baking and cooking recipes with precision. Be sure to get a set that includes both standard and metric measurements.
Sanitation and hygiene
Sanitation and hygiene are crucial for survival in any situation, but even more so in an emergency. A disaster can quickly lead to unsanitary conditions and increased risks of disease, so it’s important to have a plan for keeping yourself and your family clean.
One of the most important things you can do is to create or stock a disaster supply kit with everything you need to maintain good sanitation and hygiene. This should include items like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, toilets, and enough clean water for bathing, flushing toilets, and washing dishes. You may also want to consider stocked portable showers, if possible.
In addition to your disaster supply kit, there are some other things you can do to be prepared. Make sure you know how to turn off the water to your home in case of a broken pipe or leak. And practice proper handwashing techniques often so you’ll be more likely to do it correctly in an emergency situation.
Defense
One important aspect of prepping is self-defense. This could be learning how to use a gun, knife, or another weapon; it might be taking a self-defense class; it might be learning martial arts. But whatever form it takes, self-defense is an important part of being prepared. You need to be able to protect yourself and your family from both two-legged and four-legged predators.
The best preppers
Prepper websites
Prepper websites are a dime a dozen these days. With so many people interested in preparedness, it’s no surprise that there are so many websites devoted to the topic. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time.
Here are five of the best prepper websites out there, in no particular order:
- The Prepper Journal – http://www.theprepperjournal.com
- SurvivalBlog – http://www.survivalblog.com
- The Organic Prepper – http://www.theorganicprepper.ca
- Preparedness Advice – http://www.preparednessadvice.com
- Backdoor Survival – http://www.backdoorsurvival