What It Takes To Be Prepared For Survival

If you have had the television on lately, you can probably see what it takes to be prepared for survival. Today, I’m calling this post “my come to Jesus article”. Whatever religion you may or not believe in, here’s the deal today. I sure hope the world is praying for the chaos that’s going on in Haiti and the east coast due to Hurricane Matthew. May God bless those who decided to stay in their homes and those that lined up in cars to fill their gas tanks to get out of dodge, so to speak. I used to say please keep your gas tanks at least 1/2 full. Now I am pleading with you to keep your gas tanks at least 3/4 full. Cars were lined up for miles to get gas, and most gas station tanks became empty very quickly. Florida must be really organized because they quickly geared up to have them refilled by tankers and hopefully have enough gas now to last five days. I realize there are a lot of variables in that five-day period, but I tip my hat to the Florida authorities.

What about water?

Now on to my water speech. I have been receiving phone calls and emails about gouging prices in areas where water is scarce. First of all, I’m appalled that someone would raise the prices to sell the normally 24-pack of water that is usually under $5.00 a case for $30.00 a case. Really, are you kidding me? No, this is what is going on, right now, it’s called greed. I guess I better apologize for standing on a soap box today. Now, you and I might not live in say Myrtle Beach or Fort Lauderdale, but we are human and we should be kind to one another, right? Well, this is what may happen in your neighborhood if you have a disaster. It’s my understanding based on the news that they have people patrolling for this price gouging, thank goodness. I hope they put those people in jail with huge fines for doing this.

Are you prepared to share some water with your neighbors? I want you to really think about this. That nice young man at church last week may be knocking on your door for water or food because he didn’t prepare to survive a day, week, let alone a month or two at his home without water or food. I want you to think right now about how much water you have in your home to help your family members survive a disaster, assuming you didn’t have to evacuate. At the very least you must have one gallon per person per day. I prefer four gallons per person per day.

Be Prepared For Survival:

Four people=16 gallons of water per day=112 gallons of water per week=480 gallons of water per month

That’s a lot of water, yes it is, but I get thirsty just thinking of one gallon of water per person per day. Okay now, this is for YOUR family, not the neighbors. You heard me, we must take care of ourselves and share when possible. Man, that sounds kind of mean, doesn’t it? How can we get our neighbors to get on board to be prepared for survival? Sometimes I feel like I’m preaching to thin air. Other times, I can tell that people get it. I have one friend that really gets it. Her name is Lisa and we talk about being prepared and survival topics all the time. Well, I shouldn’t say all the time, but we get it. We realize the need to be prepared for survival. We are both teaching our kids to be prepared. it’s a way of life for us.

We Need Enough Stored Food

Food is another thing. Here is my chart to help you purchase food items you eat weekly. Where do I start  It’s easy, fill in the blank lines/boxes and buy a few cans or boxes of food for at least seven days for your family. Thirty days would be even better. Buy food that you can open with a can opener, or boxes that you only need to add water to prepare. You can buy some #10 cans of fruits and vegetables and beans or meat for protein. Add some dairy, if you prefer, and you are set. This is why you need so much water. You can’t survive without water.

Plastic and Paper Goods

Paper/plastic products are another important issue. We can eat on paper plates without wasting water to wash plates, cups, and utensils. Dixie Paper Plates, 8-1/2 Inch, 48 Count, (Pack of 10)(Product size may vary) and Kirkland Signature Crystal Clear Cutlery – 360 ct and SOLO OF12BI-0041 Single-Sided Poly Paper Hot Cup, 12 oz. Capacity, Bistro (Case of 300)

Hand sanitizer, portable potty, and toilet paper complete with bags to replace are also important items. Add some kitty litter, and you are good to go, literally.

Flashlights are very important. Get some that work with batteries to replace or get solar ones. Goal Zero Torch 250 Flashlight with Integrated Solar Panel or Goal Zero 90109 Solo V2 Solar Flashlight

Be Prepared for Injuries

First aid items are also critical in an emergency. Here’s my list. First-Aid-Kit-Checklist-Printable Remember if the power goes out the stores may close and you will not be able to get Ibuprophen, children’s Motrin, Tylenol, or whatever product you prefer to use for the kids. I have to have aspirin. My Doctor Suggests Silver Solution and my essential oils, that’s how I roll. I have a complete first aid kit in which I rotate the products as needed. If you can get your doctor to fill your prescriptions for 90 days, then do it. If you have to pay cash, sell something if you have to buy the 90-day supply. Cash goes further than you may think.

How Will You Cook?

Cooking could prove to be a challenge. I prefer a butane stove because it uses very little fuel. You can boil water with it. Our gas barbecues are fine, but they use too much fuel to boil water. Camp Chef Butane 1 Burner Stove with Camping Case and 12 Butane Fuel GasOne Canisters for Portable Camping Stoves

Communication Is Critical

Cell phones: keep your phones charged and purchase a solar or similar charger to keep your phone charged for communication purposes.

Radios: get one that is reliable with a hand crank or batteries to keep you informed about what is going on in the world if you lose wifi or power.

These are just a few ideas to get you going.  We never know when the world around us can change unexpectedly. Do what you can with the resources you have to be prepared. You truly will be glad you did!