There are several different types of preppers. Some are preparing for an apocalyptic doomsday scenario. Others just want to make sure they are prepared for any disasters that might happen. Whatever the case, how do you know if you are prepared?
Preparedness in any situation can be broken down into 3 topics. Knowledge, Plan, and Supplies. If you have these three areas taken care of, you are more prepared than most.
Knowledge
When we talk about knowledge, we are talking about learning things that can help you survive. Maybe even just learning how to survive. You should learn and practice basic survival skills like starting a fire, or building shelter. Also, you do not have to have all of these skills mastered. If you have access to the knowledge through books and other sources of reliable information it can be just as helpful.
Another key bit of information is learning about your local area. The most important question you should be able to answer is, What are the most common types of natural disasters that can occur in my area, and how should I respond to each one? https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/common-natural-disasters-across-us.html
Another important part of knowledge is being informed when the disaster occurs. Follow safety organizations and local emergency services to be informed as events unfold. That way, you have all the knowledge you need to stay safe and protected in any situation.
Make a Plan
Having a plan is probably one of the most important things you can do for any situation. The more plans you have, the safer you are. While it is true that plans don’t always go the way we hope, having them can be a significant help in dangerous times. It keeps everyone organized and on the same page.
Your plan should have as many details as you can about how you should react in the time of crisis. Where will your family meet up if they are separated? How will everyone get there? How are you going to communicate and notify everyone that you are okay? What happens if we are forced to evacuate?
Then have backups for all of these things in case the first plans don’t work. Drill these plans so that everyone knows exactly how things should go. The more variables you can eliminate before a disaster occurs, the less you have to think about and decide on when the situation arrives.
Make sure to plan for everyone in your home. Are there any kids, seniors, or disabled persons in your household that might need special medical supplies or attention? Are there babies in your household? Do you have any pets?
Look to join organizations and other communities that have these plans in place or institute these plans. Neighborhoods and church groups are great examples of where you could use your community to help each other. Create, and implement communication and safety plans within these communities so that everyone is taken care of. Especially if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters and emergencies.
At the very least you should plan these essentials:
- At least two places to meet up. One should be out of your immediate area and the other should be close by.
- An emergency contact person outside your immediate area to contact and coordinate with.
- How you will stay in contact with loved ones during any disaster situation
Supplies and Kits
The first, and most essential thing that you need is an emergency kit. You will probably be fine without years and years of food and supplies buried underneath your house. However, a 72-hour kit with the proper essentials in it should be enough to get you through most disasters.
Here is a quick list of the things you should have in an emergency kit:
- Water
- Food
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit (with emergency blanket)
- Multi-purpose tool
- Gear for cooking and eating (can opener, stove, etc.)
- Important documents (maps of the area, ownership documents, medical information, list of emergency contacts, etc. )
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Any medications your family might need
Here are some other good things to consider:
- Special needs for certain people in your family (babies, seniors, pets, etc.)
- Games, books, and entertainment for passing time
- Extra set of keys for cars and houses
- Area specific disaster relief gear
- Example: If you live in an area with a lot of snow storms, have a plow and proper road salts.
- Example: If you live in an area prone to flooding, have emergency rafts and dehumidifiers
- Helpful clothing and gear, especially for specific purposes (work gloves, weather conscience clothing, etc.)
- Comfort Supplies (Bedding, pillows, sheets, towels, etc.)
- Helpful emergency gear (matches, whistles, mirrors, surgical masks, etc.)
- Duct Tape (If nothing else, have a lot of duct tape)
This emergency gear is super helpful for handling the various situations that might be thrown at you. However if you are looking for better ways to be prepared then you can start working on your storage. Having food and supplies stocked up is never a bad idea.
Storage is a good way to prepare for a more long-term situation. What if you lose your job and have to survive without your usual budget until you can find a new one? Or a pandemic forces everyone in doors for several months? (too soon?) Having food storage is a smart thing to do and a good way to know that you are truly prepared for anything.
All you have to do is buy something extra every trip you make to the grocery store and dedicate that extra item to your storage. I would start with essentials like water, but you don’t have to buy it all at once. Slowly build it up over time and you will have an adequate storage system in no time.
To find out how much you should buy, check out our food storage calculator.
Conclusion
If you focus on being prepared in these three key areas, Knowledge, Plans, and Supplies, you will be able to adequately respond to any situation that comes up. Remember that it is never too early to start preparing, but frequently too late. We recommend setting a specific date in your calendar every year to evaluate your preparedness and make plans for improvement.
