Top Threats You Need to Be Prepared to Survive
Intense weather and terrorism may be very different from one another, but they do have at least two things in common. One, they can show up out of nowhere, and two, they can be extremely deadly and destructive. This is especially the case when you’re not prepared for them. It’s important to talk about top threats you need to be prepared to survive.
Sadly, most Americans give very little thought and time to planning prior to when emergencies occur. If people would just have gathered supplies and come up with a plan, many more people would still be living today. This is not to say that we can control any of these situations, but having a plan can improve your odds of survival. The question is, are you ready? Here are the top threats and disasters that you need to be prepared for in order to survive.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes can cause major flooding in areas and extensive damage to homes, businesses, schools, and more. There is also the threat from downed power lines and roads that can no longer be traveled. Dozens upon dozens of lives are lost every year due to hurricanes. This is why it’s a threat that you need to be prepared for as best you can, and you certainly should listen to emergency officials when they provide you with important information. This applies to before, during, and after the hurricane has hit your area.
When you’re planning your hurricane emergency kit, be sure that you think about all of your family members’ needs, whether you have an infant, an animal, the elderly, or someone who has a severe illness or condition that requires certain medications and treatments that need to be available.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes may seem small compared to a hurricane, but most times they can be unpredictable while showing up with very little warning. They are also capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 miles per hour, which can result in neighborhoods and small towns to be decimated entirely in a matter of minutes.
Every year, they cause billions of dollars in damage to so many communities throughout our nation and take an average of 60 lives in the process. Whenever a tornado watch or warning comes on your television set, don’t brush off the emergency experts. That’s your opportunity to get ready or move to a location in case the weather turns from bad to worse. You should have a plan in place for where you and your family will shelter until the tornado has passed. Hopefully your home is one that weathers this disaster.
Earthquakes
In the United States, there are 45 states that are at a medium-to-high risk for an earthquake to occur. That’s scary! I’m willing to guess that you may even be living in one of those states. Earthquakes can cause major damage to not only structures and buildings, but also causing many deaths and major bodily injuries on top of that. Take a look at this earthquake emergency management checklist of certain things you should do before, during, and after one takes place.
Wildfires
Wildfires start out rather small in most cases, but if left undetected, in very little time at all they can spread rapidly and affect a large area. Wildfires thrive in areas that receive little rainfall, followed up with windy and dry wood conditions where plenty of trees and vegetation spur them on. Unfortunately, most of the time they are caused by humans that have been careless.
It has also been shown that many of these fires are started by Mother Nature, such as when lightening strikes during a storm. There have also been times when local government agencies are working a “controlled burn” to clear dead trees for brush, and then the fire flares up and grows out of control.
The last thing you want is to be trapped with nowhere to escape to during a wildfire. This is why you need a game plan in place long before it ever happens. These are a few of the important measures that you should consider before, during, and after a wildfire has occurred. This is definitely one of those top threats you need to be prepared to survive.
Power Outages
Out of every incident on this list, a power outage is probably the most common one you’ll ever have to deal with. They may seem to be more of a minor incident among this list of emergencies, but if you’re dealing with hot or cold temperatures on top of that, they too can turn deadly.
If it’s during the winter, and a rather large amount of snow has been dumped on you, you’ll need plenty of supplies to keep you warm. Properly insulating your home, having extra blankets and sleeping bags, along with a woodburning stove are a few ways to keep your body heated.
During the hot summer months, you’ll need a few methods and supplies in order to stay cool. Sleeping downstairs, wearing light clothing, blocking off bedrooms, and having multiple battery-powered fans are just a few ways of doing that.
Terrorism
The morning of September 11th was a day that caught the city of New York completely by surprise, along with the rest of our nation. All of us were left dumbstruck and glued to our tv’s waiting for an explanation. The bitter pain and wrenching heartache that we felt for the lives that were lost, along with those left behind to pick up the broken pieces, left us feeling empty and angry.
Though it’s been nearly two decades since that tragic day, many Americans who lived through it still realize that terrorism can happen in America, anywhere, and at any time. So it too is something that we should still be prepared for. These are a few things that all of us should keep in mind, at all times, in order to be better prepared.
Pay Closer Attention to Your Surroundings
While you certainly can’t control a terrorist situation, you can increase your chances of survival by being more observant beforehand when you’re out in public.
- Whenever you enter a building, immediately look for the exits (think of how you can reach them should an emergency ever happen).
- Don’t stay in a place if you feel uncomfortable or someone appears or is acting strangely.
- Report suspicious behavior to a security guard, store employee, or nearby security officer.
Things to think about when traveling:
- Never leave your luggage unattended.
- Be on the lookout for peculiar activity.
- Report any luggage that has been left unattended.
- Under no circumstances should you ever accept a package from a stranger.
- Stay clear of dark streets or neighborhoods that you aren’t familiar with.
Other Top Threats to Prepare For:
Above, I mentioned a number of the top threats that you and your family need to be well prepared for. But the ones I listed below are threats that you need to consider and plan for also:
- Droughts
- Floods
- Heatwaves
- Winter storms
- Pandemics (Covid-19 made this one fairly obvious)
- Transportation accident (critical car supplies you always should keep in your vehicle)
Top Threats You Need to Be Prepared to Survive
Final Word
A majority of the time, emergencies catch people completely by surprise, which can bring about devastating and deadly consequences. That’s why it’s so critical that you plan for these threats ahead of time by gathering essential supplies that you’ll need in order to survive them. Have you, or someone you know ever been through one of these scary situations? I’d love to hear your story and how you were able to survive it. May God Bless this world, Linda.
Copyright Images: Fire Disaster AdobeStock_214937060 by vladteodor, Hurricane AdobeStock_274470486 by allister, Tornado AdobeStock_98500637 by vchalup, Earthquake AdobeStock_256717340 by pololia, Power Outage AdobeStock_335895840 by PheelingsMedia, Terrorism Riots AdobeStock_144922037 by Luis Sandoval M., Winter Storm AdobeStock_298849070 by Milan
I was gonna say Family at Christmas but yeah your right LOL
Hi Matt, oh my gosh, this the BEST COMMENT EVER! LOL! Merry Christmas, Matt! Linda
You too Linda
Living in Arizona we don’t have a lot of the natural disasters other areas do. But it is good to be prepared for what could happen in your area.
Thanks for the tips Linda.
Hi Tiffany, you are so lucky! We have fires and floods here. In Utah, we are all waiting for the BIG earthquake! Merry Christmas, Linda
We are subject to several of these. We’ve tried to be prepared for whatever can possible come our way. Hopefully nothing bad comes our way, but anything is possible at any time. Only God knows what will come next. I have noticed that about 2 weeks after Thanksgiving the Covid numbers jumped considerably. We aren’t planning on a big Christmas this year. I’m just planning on hubby and me. I’ll get our turkey breast on the 23rd and cook it on Thanksgiving. My anniversary is the 24th. 31 of the best years of my life. Or will be. It’s been the very best years of my life! The less stress ever!
We have been through several of those, especially Hurricanes and Tropical Storms while living most of our lives along the Gulf Coast of Texas. After moving to the Texas Hill Country, we have endured hail, tornado and threat of wildfire. We are spending our Christmas by ourselves. Our daughter and SIL live in the Houston area, which is red zone for Chinavirus, so they did not want us to come over there. Our SIL works in retail, so he only has Christmas day off. So, they can’t make the almost 200 mile trip for one day. On Christmas Day, after church, we plan on taking a daytrip up through the Hill Country. And, we are a little bit ahead of y’all. We will celebrate our 49th anniversary on March 11th. Hope everyone stays safe and warm and has a very Merry Christmas. And, hope next year is better than this one. LOL!
Harry, I live in East Texas, but love the Hill Country! It’s beautiful. We have family live there. Close to the Austin area. But then East Texas is beautiful, too. I’ve lived here all my life. Have lived within 50 miles of where I was born.
31 years for me and hubby on Christmas Eve.
Deborah,
I am very familiar with East Texas Piney Woods. I worked in the oil industry and spent a lot of time around the Kilgore/Longview area. Also, my wife’s brother lives at Gladewater. And, yes, East Texas is beautiful as well. In fact, every region of Texas is beautiful in its own way. We seem to have it all in our great state. Lots of other good states around, but I feel like I will stay in Texas with our variety. Been here 72 years, too late to leave now. LOL!!
Hi Harry, Texas really is a beautiful state with beautiful people and the best cooks! Life is good in Texas! Linda
Harry, you are so right! I’ve been here 69 years and it’s too late for me to leave, too. Well until I’m gone to my eternal home. I’m not too far from Gladewater. Kilgore or Longview. On Hwy 80 west of there.
Small oils field town of Hawkins. You are right about other states around being beautiful, too. All of them are in their own way, but I’m a Texas girl. We went on a cruise and I bought a t-shirt that has Texas on it. Yes, I’m a proud Texan. LOL Have an awesome day!
Hi Deborah, I wish I was a Texas girl! I really mean that! Linda
Hi Harry, oh, this sounds so fun to travel through the Hill Country! 49 years in March!!! What a blessing! We will be 52 years next July, YIKES! How time flies! Life is so good! Merry Christmas! Linda
Linda,
We spend a lot of time on many backroads on our motorcycle. Greatest way to see the Hill Country and the many great county and ranch roads. Don’t get much riding in during the winter since you can’t depend on the weather as well as in Spring through Fall. But, even in winter, I get out for a short jaunt every few weeks. Gotta get my riding in before I get too old for it. LOL!!!
Hi Harry, life is so good when we enjoy what we can do before we get too old! Great comment, Texas is so beautiful! Linda
Hi Deborah, oh, boy, that sounds yummy! I’m doing the same thing for Mark and me, the turkey breast. Oh, life is so good for you now, 31 years on the 24th!! What a blessing! Merry Christmas, Linda
I am fortunate in that I don’t need to “plan/prepare” for hurricanes and tornados – BUT, we have had tornados in Western Washington state that were locally destructive and we do have wind storms on occasion. The biggest threats that Emergency Management tells us to prep for are earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Of course, it has now been 40+ years since Mount St Helens erupted or rather blew out her side, she is still active. I watch the earthquake activity in the Cascade mountains and while most are 1.5 and less in strength, there are quite a few on a daily basis. AND we, here on the west coast, are overdue for THE BIG ONE – predicted earthquake to be over 9. IF/WHEN it hits, we are likely going to be demolished by the earthquake itself or the resulting tsunami. I am not particularly worried about it but I am prepared for it.
With COVID-19, I am, I believe, prepared for almost anything that might be thrown at me.
Hi Leanne, wow, I can still remember all the ash on our cars clear down here in Utah from Mt. St. Helens. I can’t imagine all the stuff you saw being up north!! Its the BIG earthquake that Utah is preparing for, I suspect we will not make it through that one. If it ends up being a 9.0, most of us on the Wasatch front will not survive. We can only be prepared for the worst and expect the best. Merry Christmas, Linda
Actually, I lived in Arizona when Mount St Helens erupted! I missed all the excitement! But, 7 years later I worked on the Toutle River Sediment Retention Structure (a dam on the Toutle River) that was to prevent ash and sediment from flowing down the Toutle River into the Cowlitz River then into the Columbia River. I was able to fly over the area and even 7 years after the event, it looked like a moon scape! 17 years after, I again was able to fly over and it had really regenerated – new trees, a lot of green and wildlife.
I agree, we can only prepare for the worst and pray for the best. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. Also praying for a WAY better 2021!!
Hi Leanne, We are all praying for a better 2021! Merry Christmas to all! Linda
Hi Linda,
If you have the time, could you please contact me via my email? I have a couple of questions for you and would rather address them privately in email.
I hope that you and yours will enjoy a Blessed Merry Christmas and a Prosperous, Healthy New Year.
God’s blessings on you.
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, I just sent you an email. Merry Christmas!! Linda
Hi Linda! If you wanna be a Texas girl, come on down. We have plenty of room here. Just don’t go to a big city. LOL
Hi Deborah, it’s so funny because Mark was looking at property in Texas! I was shocked because I didn’t think he would ever leave Utah. I could for sure! Linda
I love Texas. So, tell him to find that land and come on down. we have room enough for you and Mark. LOL Texas is a big state!
Hi Deborah, I would love it, just waiting for the right time. Linda
Any time is the right time to come to Texas. Besides we rarely ever get snow. LOL it does t get below freezing too often either. True, but I won’t try and rush you. Well, it anymore than I have already.
Hi Deborah, I have to wait until the time is right. I’m still trying to get Mark to declutter. I need to be able to face the
“packing” issue! LOL! Mark loves it here, he golfs twice a week. When he looks for a property he checks out how far away the golf courses are. LOL! Linda
I have been thinking about Texas lately. I am very afraid of the tornado’s and hurricane’s and while I can take care of myself, it’s my animal’s that I fear for. I am wondering if it’s possible to build an underground barn so to speak. Hopefully, there is some very rural property for me.
Hey Linda, tell Mark to check out Holly Lake, close to Hawkins. It has a golf course on site. Mineola also has a Country Club Golf course. Tyler has a couple of Golf courses. I’m sure Longview has a few golf courses. That’s all I know of here in East Texas. We don’t golf. LOL I craft, and hubby does his thing. Not a lot lately. He has t been doing too well. And cold weather makes his back hurt worse. He has rods and screws in his lower back. I think the screws have come loose, but he won’t have it checked. He also has chronic and acute pancreatitis. He’s had it since 1974. But he’s still kicking. Just not as high or as hard.
Hi Deborah, I will for sure!! I feel so bad for your sweet husband. It’s crazy I think sometimes we give up after visiting doctors because it really is a guessing game sometimes. I know where I live I do not have a lot of choices for healthcare. Chronis and acute pancreatitis are not good. But he’s still kicking! Love it! Linda
It seems to get a little worse every year. His pain tolerance is so high, his appendix ruptured while he was working on a train. He was an Engineer. He got home and was running a fever, so I called the doctor. She said to either get an appointment with the gastroenterologist on Monday or go to the ER. I told hubby she said go to the ER. After they did surgery, we found out that not only had it ruptured, gangrene had started. He stayed home for a month.
Hi Deborah, wow! It’s a good thing you went to the ER! Oh my gosh!! Linda
4 children and 9 grandchildren means I am destin to finish my days in Western New York. Most of our emergencies would involve snow and wind. If you have the brains that God gave a gopher, and STAY HOME, when bad weather strikes you should be alright.
We are about 30 minutes from the Power Vista which could be seen as a major threat. Our final threat is King Cuomo, but for that, there is no hope.
Hi Chris, oh my gosh, the brains that God gave a gopher, I have the giggles now! But you are so right! I rarely go out for two reasons, I want to stay healthy, and I want my husband to stay well. There are no words for Cuomo, wow, wow. I hope our Country can survive this mess we’re in. God help us all! Linda
What ever comes at us we need to be ready. We don’t get hit very hard where I live by the yearly storms and hurricanes, but we often loose power and things do get messed up.
Tornados, earthquakes and such would scare me as they require even better planning, preparations and diligence.
Hi Frank, where I live we are subject to flooding and fires. We have had two 500-year floods in 15 years. Our builder per the county where we live only has to prepare for a 100-year flood. Well, someone needs to up their game. A 100-year flood is somewhat doable, but a 500-year flood is not. Sandbags do not stop a 500-year flood. Crazy times, my friend. Merry Christmas, Linda