So you want to delve into the world of preparedness? Welcome… and prepare to be overwhelmed. It is not your fault. We have all been there. With good intentions, you will plan and plot to prepare yourself for any disaster your imagination can contrive. Like you, we had no clue what to do.
Do not distress! Below are four easy steps to get you started.
1. Do a personal risk assessment
• Domestic risks: Look at your home and home life. What are the possible events that could occur? Some examples may be a health crisis of elderly or disabled family members, a medical emergency, or unemployment. Consider safety in your home. Carbon monoxide, fire, property damage from fire, burst pipes, etc.
• Geographical risks: Where do you live? Tornado alley, hurricane territory, fire or earthquake areas, maybe areas of extreme heat or cold? Check to see if you are at risk of mudslides, overflowing rivers and dams.
• Local risks: Observe what is outside of your home. What disasters could happen in your area? Consider civil unrest, chemical plants, refineries, hazardous materials transported by rail or road.
2. Food and water
Even if it is enough to get you through 72 hours of any emergency, go get it. Water is an inexpensive, yet life essential. Use your risk assessment as your guide. Purchase food that you will be able to prepare and eat according to your possible risks. Don’t forget food for any pets you may have. They will be hungry too.
3. Medical and personal items
• Start with those in your home with medical or health issues. Take into consideration, medicine and medical supplies. In addition to specialty drinks/food and equipment, this may include incontinence supplies and other daily disposable items.
• A good quality first aid kit also needs to be on hand. It should cover the basic OTC medicine, along with bandages, gauze and medical tape.
• If you have a baby in the home, remember to have extra diapers and wipes. Also stock up on additional menstrual supplies.
4. Basic survival
• Basic items would be toilet paper, batteries, flashlights, a radio, matches, and cash. Again, go over your risk assessment and decide what you will need.
• Have fuel on hand. Make a habit or filling your gas tank when it gets to half empty. Have fuel on hand to cook with, heat your home and any light source.
• Make copies of important papers. Prescriptions, family contacts, insurance information, doctors’ numbers, etc.
These four steps can get you off to a good start into a prepper’s world. You will have some peace knowing that you can get through a small emergency. All of these steps can be looked into at a more expansive and deeper level. As you continue to work on being prepared, you will develop skills and confidence you did not know you had.
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