What are you doing to prepare?

Ok, so December 21 is fast approaching. You may or may not believe that the world is going to end on December 21, 2012. And, even if you don't many people believe that the US and quite possibly the whole world is headed for disaster of some type, maybe not on December 21, 2012, but at some time in the future. Many of people are preparing for this. Now, even if you don't believe that something is going to happen, it never hurts to be prepared for a disaster. Disasters don't have to happen to the whole world or the whole US, they can happen to just your state or your city or town. Tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and fires are just some examples of common disasters that can affect your life and the life of your family. Look at the east coast right now and what is happening there. People without power, without shelter, without heat, without food, without drinking water, and without fuel. Point is disaster can happen at any time. Whether you expect it or not.

Let's focus on the east coast right now. Look at what's happening to the people there. There is a lot of chaos and these people had warning of the storm that was going to hit. They were told that Hurricane Sandy was coming, they were told that they should either evacuate or prepare for it. They were told to prepare. Look at the people there today. It is quite obvious that most of the people affected by this storm did not prepare or did not prepare adequately enough.  

What could these people have done to help themselves? Well here's a small list of items that the average person should have on hand just in case a disaster should by chance happen to them. Now this is not by any means a complete list. This is just a beginning list.
 
Shelter

·       Tent

·       Tarp

·       or know of a safe place you can relocate too

Warmth

·       Fire starting equipment, matches, lighter, wood, newspaper, sticks, flint, magnifying glass, magnesium block fire starter, etc...

·       Portable camp stove, sterno burner, portable gas heater, generator, etc...

·       Candles and lanterns are also a source of heat

·       Propane, kerosene, or fuel for your lanterns, stoves, and heaters

·       Make sure you have your fire starting equipment stored in waterproof containers and in a safe dry place. It won't help you if your matches are wet and won't strike.

·       Blankets! Make sure you have extra blankets or sleeping bags to help you keep warm!

·       Extra flashlights and batteries!

Food & Water

·       Have at the very, very, very least a 3 day supply (for each person) of food and water on hand! This might not be enough but it will at least help you and your family get by until you can find more!

·       Dried fruit and vegetables are great to have for emergency use

·       Oatmeal, powdered milk, powdered eggs are great to have

·       Granola bars, energy bars, sports bars, cereal bars, are also great to have around

·       Crackers, wafers, biscuits, are great to have around

·       Canned meats, summer sausage

·       Canned goods, can openers, pots and pans to cook with, cups and plates to eat off of

·       Peanuts and other nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanut butter

·       Water! Have at least 1 gallon of water on hand for each person for three days if not more! Make sure this water is ready to drink! It won't do you any good to have empty containers that are not already filled! They need to be filled and ready to go!

·       If you have a child or an infant make sure you have the food items you need for them (Formula, baby food, extra bottles, snack foods). 

Clothing

·       Have at least a couple of days of clothing on hand and ready to go. This will not only help you stay dry and warm, but it will also help you stay clean.

·       Shirts (long sleeve and short sleeve)

·       Socks

·       Pants (long and short)

·       Underwear (long and short)

·       Hats

·       Jackets

·       Rain jacket, slicker, or poncho

·       Extra pair of shoes 

Medicine

·       Either have on hand extra prescription drugs that you are taking or have your prescriptions in a place you can get them quickly if you have to go to another place to be safe. It is always preferable to have extra on hand already packed and ready to go.

·       First aid kit! Bandages all sizes, antibiotic ointment, painkillers, burn ointment, tape, scissors , icepacks, sting swabs, alcohol swabs, peroxide, needles, tweezers, are all good to have.

·       Allergy medications, cough and cold medication, antibiotics

·       Eye drops, bacterial wipes  

 Toiletry Items

·       Soap, detergent, toothpaste

·       Towels and washcloths

·       Shaving products, toothbrush, clippers, small scissors

·        Toilet paper, paper towels, cotton balls,

·       Tampons or feminine napkins

·       If you have an infant make sure you have extra diapers around!  

Now, like I said above, this is not a complete list but this will at least get you started and get you the main things you need to survive until help gets to you. There is also one other consideration I should mention. If you have pets make sure you have a safe place to leave them, or if you are taking them with you, or keeping them with you, make sure you have the things they require as well. They also need a supply of food and water.

I hope this helps you be at the very least a little better prepare. One other note. Don't sit around and think someone else is going to do it for you. You have to take your life and your survival in your own hands. It's your responsibility to take care of yourself! Take responsibility for your own life! Others may not be able to get to you quickly and help may not get there right away. You have to be prepared!