Today, I want to talk about some serious stuff concerning why we must prepare now! We have discussed it for years and had some interesting horrific situations in our country and the world continue to happen frequently! Preparedness at home should be front and center for all of us.
Here are some thoughts to contemplate: we have had hurricanes, tornadoes, school shootings, church shootings, wildfires, earthquakes, and illegal people crossing into our country and doing unimaginable crimes. Some of these people are arrested, and some disappear without being prosecuted.
We often think about necessary preparations due to these extraordinary situations, and forget that being prepared should include times when we get sick and can’t work, have a devastating accident, lose our job, and more.
New Orleans Attack
I’ve been listening to the news all day about the horrific death toll in New Orleans from a terrorist driving a truck into a New Year’s Eve celebration. Not only will some families have lost a breadwinner loved one, but others have personally been seriously injured. Who is left to take care of family members?
Las Vegas, Nevada Attack
Trump Hotel In Las Vegas, Nevada
My gut tells me that in the next 3-40 days, we may experience things we have never seen before. I hope I’m wrong. Most of us are prepared with food, water, antibiotics, OTC medications, and first aid kits. You also need a team; by this, I mean choose your neighborhood “team” wisely, if you haven’t already. We need to help look out for each other during the tough times!
This team will be your backup; your team will share and trade items with you and watch your back. You’ll need physical ways to protect your family; yes, I’m talking about protecting your family. No one else will.
The Government Will Not Deliver Food or Water
After a major disaster, the government will not deliver food, water, or first aid supplies to your home or community as quickly as you may think. We saw what happened after Hurricane Helene and all the people who are still struggling with housing and medical care. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can only do so much.
If possible, can you divide your team? I don’t have a team; I have Mark and me. But if you have a team, get together with your team and make assignments. We must be ready. Please keep your gas tanks at least 3/4 to full during this time.
I must be honest with you; I’m not physically going to be able to evacuate, and I will be “bugging in.” Years ago, I was ready and equipped to bug out, but then I realized I had nowhere safely to do so. Everyone is different, so we must make a plan ahead of time based on our circumstances.
We Must Prepare Now
Food:
Everyone will be responsible for providing the food needed for their family. Canned Foods I Highly Recommend You Store Don’t forget a manual can opener for all those cans. Consider the needs of the older people and infants in your family. Having infant formula is critical if it applies to you.
Water:
Most government agencies and groups like the American Red Cross suggest one gallon of water per person per day. I get thirsty thinking about only one gallon a day. Please consider four gallons of water per person daily for drinking, personal hygiene, washing dishes, washing your underwear, etc.
Don’t forget the water we need for our pets. For pets, you will need one ounce (30 ml) per pound. If your dog weighs ten pounds, you will need at least 10 ounces of water each day to stay hydrated. WaterBricks
Paper Products:
As I write this, I think about the fight over toilet paper at Costco a few years ago. I have the giggles because I remember neighbors who only had one roll. Who only has one roll of toilet paper? My cute friend was delivering toilet paper to several people. I had ten cases in my garage ceiling.
I’m not a hoarder. Those days are gone, and we no longer have a large garage space to store stuff. My food storage does fit into my tiny home. Oh well, life has changed since we moved up north.
Please stock paper plates, bowls, utensils, and cups for hot and cold drinks. I don’t like waxed cups because they do not last as long as heavier paper cups. They tend to melt together in the heat as well. Straws are fantastic; trust me and get some. Paper towels, toilet paper, and baby wipes. Another excellent item is Bathing Wipes.
Cleaning Supplies:
Bleach would be number one; if you have a septic tank, you will be in better shape than the rest of us. If your sewer backups, be prepared to sanitize and disinfect the area. Dawn soap is my favorite, but you should stock up on your favorites. I have about eight bottles of Dr. Bronner soap, which is fantastic. You can add water and make a great bottle of soap. Store buckets, rags, and garbage bags, you can never have too many.
Personal Hygiene Items and Feminine Supplies
Menstrual pads, tampons, butt wipes, baby wipes, shampoo, bar soap, body wash, or whatever you use, get it in case stores are closed for weeks or months. Get extra for adult diapers, baby diapers, paper, or cloth. Fabric toilet wipes are fantastic since they can be washed and used again; my girls were raised with cloth diapers, so it’s not an issue for me in an emergency. Cloth Wipes
Cooking Devices:
If you purchased MREs that only require hot water, please remember that you’ll still need a way to boil that water and cook meals if we have a power outage from storms or our power grids are sabotaged. Please stock fuel if you can cook outside if you have lost power. Dutch Ovens are great in fire pits. How to Store Fuel. Butane stoves are reasonably priced. Butane Stoves and Butane Fuel.
What Are Some Other Items We Need to Consider?
As we’ve mentioned, every family is different and requires different preparation items, but here are a few additional items to consider for your home emergency kit:
- Blankets- a warm blanket for all family members can be a lifesaver
- Change of clothing – if you get wet or covered with mud you’ll be glad you have these
- Whistle
- Extra Batteries
- Hand Sanitizer
- Chargers for your cell phone and other devices
- Duct Tape
- Fire Extinguisher(s) – there are different kinds of fires to deal with
- Plastic Sheeting for shelter
- Prescription Medications
- Important Family Documents: could include deeds, insurance policies, bank and health records, etc.
- Basic hand tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches
- Communication Device – NOAA weather radio, hand-crank radio, and walkie-talkies beside your cell phone
- Evacuation Plans
Final Word
This is a very short post about why we need to be prepared now, but I will be grateful if just one family thinks about stocking up tomorrow. Please pray for the families and first responders In New Orleans, Las Vegas, and other areas going through attacks. May God Bless this world.
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