Emergency preparedness: Chicken Little or “It can’t happen here”?

To say things have been heating up in our world in recent months, even years, is an understatement. Just the number of disrupted homes in the Gulf states this year, alone, breaks my heart. Many have been rocked to the core and are facing challenges on every level. And the Gulf’s just one region, oil industry is but one sector of our society. When survival is the priority, many aspects of life suffer. If you’re caring for a family in addition to your self, the added responsibility in times of crisis can be overwhelming. High stress can compromise good decision-making and interrupt otherwise relative contentment.

The self-reliant citizen

Do you really want to be stranded in a crisis? How would you feel to be dependent on local government for your most basic of needs. I promise, so few people take this subject to heart, that when a crisis hits, the lines of those waiting for care are too long. Do you want to be subjected to this possibility, or would you really rather be in a position to respond capably? Are your local governments and charities equipped to handle your entire population in a crisis? Not likely.

With forecasts looming of unprecedented shifts in employment, financial, political and climactic norms, I’m objectively taking stock of my own preparedness. In fact, my research tells me that we are changing as a culture on so many fronts, and possibly in ways that could change our way of life permanently. Definitely time to go through my stored foods, check emergency lighting and fuel supplies, and update the emergency kit and contact list, for starters.

Pick your liability: “The sky is falling!” or “It can’t happen here.”

The truth is, ignorance and paranoia, alike, can be a liability. So how much preparedness is enough, and how much is overkill? In future posts we’ll talk more on self-sufficiency and emergency preparedness. I was raised to think that preparedness is normal and just plain smart. It doesn’t mean that I am paranoid or am happy to invite trouble. It simply means I’m equipped to respond well for myself and my children. At times in my adult life, my “preps” have helped us through in a pinch, with events like temporary power outages and unexpected losses in income, for example.

I’ve found that many people suffer from an attitude that “it can’t happen here”. Tell that to the recently upset families of the Gulf States. I bet they woke up the morning the spill happened with a different plan for the day. When Hurricane Katrina hit, I can guarantee stress was higher for Louisiana evacuees, many with families in tow, who had no back up plan, no emergency cash or food reserves, no “bug-out bag”. Yet, to think any of us is immune to crisis is foolish.

Start smart: the 72-hour kit

Many people simply don’t know where to start. Emergency preps can be daunting, but the best place to start is with the 72-hour Kit, also known as “the go-bag” or the “bug-out bag”. This backpack kit has the basics to get you through the first 72 hours of a crisis. There should be one for every member in your household. Update them annually, and store in a place where you can grab quickly.

On Saturdays, I’ll be sharing more about emergency preparedness and her cousin subject self-sufficiency. These are subjects that every responsible citizen should at least consider. Yet, they can also be very empowering and fun to explore.

What’s your PQ?

In the coming weeks I’ll help you assess your PQ, or, your Preparedness Quotient. I’ll help you prioritize what to organize, assemble, and acquire to round out your short, mid-term, and long-range preps. I’ll share my favorite resources, checklists, recipes and the results of many of my tests of preparedness products, foods and strategies. We’ll talk about the importance of neighborhood networking and creating SOCs, or self-organized collectives. Free resources will be in place soon at this site. We’ll even talk about emotional, mental, and spiritual preparedness. Soon you’ll be confidently glowing with deeper peace of mind.

Your homework today

Right now, print out the 72-hour Kit list. Assess flashlights, batteries, prescription medication, and my personal hot-button, toilet paper! Entertain some of the what-if thoughts: take stock of your property or dwelling, your neighborhood, and your town. What are your environmental hazards? What are your alternate communication and power methods?  What are your major routes in and out of your city, and what are the alternates? Who are your neighbors? Who is on your family contact list? Talk these basics over with your spouse or a trusted neighbor. I promise, these questions won’t turn you into a raving, paranoid lunatic, they will improve your capacity and peace of mind.

Let me know your questions and thoughts. I’m always expecting the best. Peaceful is the soul who knows they can ride out a storm out safely, and make constructive decisions from a more capable vantage point.

—Stephanie

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