Hello from Anita!
It was four in the morning when the walls started cracking and swaying. Dishes came sliding off shelves, crashing to the ground, as we held onto each other, terrified. Tumbling down a wavy staircase, our little family emerged into the black night.
So accustomed to earth’s stability, it is frighteningly unsettling to have the ground roll and undulate under foot.
The 1994 Northridge Earthquake was our first experience with massive damage from a natural disaster. As freeway overpasses collapsed, motorists plunged into oblivion.
Major roads were shutdown for months, and for us, living in a remote mountain canyon, the closure of the Pacific Coast Highway was disastrous. It didn’t reopen for nearly two years.
Grocery store shelves quickly emptied. Wells caved in. Communications were disrupted. The physical aftershocks of that earthquake continued for days, the mental shock lasted for months.
Most Americans have gotten clarity about the thin veneer of civilization displayed in recent months and years of political unrest. It appears that our country has tumbled down a rabbit hole into craziness.
What’s next?
War with China? An EMP? Another plandemic? Or just the run of the mill, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, ice storms and power outtages.
Wherever you live, even FEMA suggests some basic preparedness.
One of the many attractions of living in a rural area is staying far from the chaos of the city. If this interests you, start with my free Rural Road Map, a guide to buying land.
There are many levels of preparation to consider wherever you live, from having flashlights and water on up to a solar power system not reliant on fuel.
My "list"is based on the assumption that your ultimate purpose is to love, serve and trust the Almighty. Asking Him first for guidance at every turn is a given. Prayer and study will give you the "peace that passes understanding" needed to operate without anxiety in potentially turbulent times.
TOP TEN EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
1. Water : One gallon per person per day for drinking( at least) plus additional for hygiene. Municipal water can be shut off without electricity working.
2. Food : Canned goods, dehydrated food like fruit, nuts and staples such as pasta, rice and beans. A can opener is important. Plan on some food that doesn’t require heat just in case of power outages. A propane camp stove, with extra propane can come in handy in that situation..
3. Self defense : Looting is common in disaster scenarios. The police have their hands full and you need to be ready to take care of yourself. Guns and additional ammo. Stay in good shape.
4. Back up heat source : Electricity is often the first casualty in natural disaster scenarios. A fireplace or wood stove plus wood, lighters and kindling, can be the difference in life or death. Extra blankets for your family and for others who aren’t as prepared as you. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, snowstorms, mudslides and pandemics(!) happen in an instant.
5. Light : Candles, flashlights, extra batteries, solar lanterns. Cell phone battery power chargers.
6. Fuel : get in the habit of topping off your car’s fuel tank when you get to the halfway mark. Old school paper maps, bug out bag, and walking shoes.
7. Bug out bag in your car ( I will follow up with a list )
8. Cash in small bills for the short term.
9. Extra Medications, children’s supplies diapers, bottles, games. Remember your pets and carriers.
10. A family plan on where to gather if communication goes down.
There are so many situations and possible reasons for the need to be prepared, this is just a start but covers some basic short term needs. For the absolute best preparedness book, check this out. DARE TO PREPARE.
Remember, how to eat an elephant. One bite at a time.
Anything I should add?
One thing I would add is a well-equipped first aid kit, ideally something along the lines of a First Responder kit. I was trained and issued such kits when I was employed as a police officer and EMT. Now that I am retired, I have purchased such kits and keep one in the house, and in each vehicle.
Thanks, Anita! This is a great reminder.