A Common Sense Approach
All kinds of disasters strike, many without warning, around the world every day. Are you prepared? Most people are not prepared for even the most common disasters. In the “prepper” field we hear a lot about the coming zombie apocalypse and total grid down scenarios that are being batted around like they are going to happen tomorrow. Ok yes, they are possibilities, but the truth is you are far more likely to lose your job or be in an accident that changes your life than one of those possibilities.
Identify the challenge – Balance
What we need to do is have a balanced view of the potential disasters based on hard evidence and stop following the crowd. Always looking at the worst case scenario will leave you broke and unhappy with stuff that is useless in most situations. Sticking your head in the sand will obviously leave you unprepared. What are the disasters of which I speak? They include, but are not limited to and listed in no particular order:
____ Snow/Ice Storms
____ Rain Events and Mud Slides
____ Floods
____ Tornadoes
____ Hurricanes
____ Localized power outages
____ Fires
____ Job Loss and/or Personal Financial Calamity
____ The Big Stuff – zombie apocalypse, EMP, civil and international conflicts/war.
How to Plan for Disasters – Prioritize
Start by defining the disaster that is the biggest challenge. What disasters are most likely to strike you and your family? Research the area you live in and find out which 3 disasters are most likely to create a problem for you and your family.
Think very seriously about each of those events listed above from 2 perspectives: 1) the probability that it actually will happen and 2) imagine the “possibilities” if these events actually were to take place. (For my location, I am much more likely to deal with a snow event than a tornado.) Then plan based on the most likely scenarios for your area. Do not try to cover all of them. You will wind up owning “stuff” you simple do not need.
How to Plan for Disasters – Bite Sized Pieces
Once you have defined your top disasters, then it’s time to break down life into bite sized pieces and begin working on building your knowledge, skills, and resources to thrive during a disaster. Some of lifes bite sized pieces could include but certainly are not limited to:
____ Have a plan to survive/thrive!
____ Food
____ Water
____ Housing
____ First aid/medical
____ Energy demands, (For example, gas and electricity)
____ Communications
____ Financial considerations
____ Faith issues
____ Self preservation/Protection
Each of these pieces need to be considered from their very basic parts to their most advanced possibilities. For example, is there bread and water? A roof? A quality first aid kit? Batteries? A Bible? Etc. VS a chicken in every pot? A Mansion? A fully staffed and equipped hospital next door?….. Eventually each of the items in this last list should be checked off as at least “got a start.”
Start by doing one thing a week. Learn a skill and practice it. Make a calendar to help you stay on track. Remember, FEMA recommends that most families be prepared for three days in an emergency. In the prepping community, folks suggest being prepared for a year. Start small and build up your key resources, (knowledge, skills, and physical resources), until you and your family are comfortable with your preparations. After all of the learning and building: practice, practice, practice… …then learn more.
How to Plan – Resourcefulness
Part of your planning should include how to get the items you need for the least cost. Be resourceful!!! I was at a camp and needed a small grill to fit a backpack stove so that a little pot I had purchased would stay on the stove. The camp store had a 15” grill for $18 that I would use once. I found a coat hanger for the job and fashioned my own grill for nothing.
Conclusion
You know a disaster is coming. (It’s never “if,” it’s always v when.”) You may not know what it is going to strike or when it will hit you and your family. You can, however, be prepared. By taking a few simple steps you can simplify your planning for disasters. Remember to identify the challenge, prioritize, making bite sized pieces, and be resourceful. Your confidence level will go up and you will be more successful when you take a common sense approach to preparing for disaster.