Natural disasters used to be a rare occurrence. Tornadoes floods earthquakes and hurricanes happened but not with the severity and frequency that they seem to happen today. Regardless of what the cause they exist. Its important to be prepared to face what comes next especially if you live in an area where those natural disasters are prone to occur.
For starters education is key. Read. A lot. There are hundreds of websites and prepper blogs devoted to this topic. Some like the
SHTF Blog are gun-centric while others run the gamut. For a wide variety of prepper blogs and resources check out this list of the
Top 27 Online Resources for Survivalists and Preppers.
Food
When it comes to food its imperative to know what kind of foods would best grow in your area. What is hearty? What grows the most plentiful and the fastest? Cookbooks can give you recipes but first-hand experience is the best teacher. You may also choose to investigate what kind of animals would serve you well as a homesteader or prepper. There is an incredible number of online resources that address this issue. Prepper blogs abound with information on everything from a meat and potatoes lifestyle to wholly organic or vegan. Also consider dried or canned foods in case you are
stranded without electricity for an extended length of time.
Ammo
Ammo is important and for more than just hunting. It will be important for self-protection and even notifying others of your location. Whether you choose a handgun rifle or shotgun be sure to stock up on an ample supply and keep your
bullets properly stored.
Survival Preparedness
Its one thing to sit on your couch and imagine you are in the center of a zombie apocalypse with no water power and little food. Its another entirely to be out in the world with few if any resources. Being prepared to survive a natural disaster even for a short time is simpler than you may think but it requires basic knowledge and skills. For example everyone should know that the three things needed to survive in any situation are food water and shelter. Also vital is the rule of 3:
- You will die in 3 minutes without air.
- You will die in 3 hours without warmth or shelter when in freezing temperatures.
- You will die in 3 days without water.
- You will die in 3 weeks without food.
First Aid
First Aid often goes beyond supplying a simple Band-Aid particularly in the event of a natural disaster. Any training learned years ago basic first aid CPR etc. may have gone out the window so its best to refresh those skills on a regular basis.
First aid needs may include treating hypothermia concussion cuts broken bones heat or sunstroke exhaustion dehydration and much more. Knowing what to do and preparing for the worst may save a life.
Bug Out Bag
Prepare a Bug Out Bag (BOB) in case of a disaster. Chances are you might not have to evacuate your home but its best not to take chances. Most bags are equipped to last for 72 hours which is the rule of thumb of how long it usually takes to achieve some normalcy in a situation. Use your judgment on what to pack. Common items are food first aid kits weather resistant clothing a flashlight water maps matches etc. Ready-made BOBs can be purchased at various locations. Prepare a second stash of supplies for staying at home including plenty of water. (The average person requires 1 gallon of water per day.) Dont forget any medications child or pet essentials.
Other essentials for your BOB is a copy of phone numbers and important documents such as passports birth certificates and of course money.
Planning an Escape
Even the best BOB wont help you if you dont know where you will go in the event of a disaster. Have a minimum of two routes chosen for escape. Avoid main highways when possible to prevent delays accidents and being cut off with no exit.
