How to Prepare for Survival

If you have been watching the news this week, it's been a little bit scary. Armed protesters overran the Capitol building. And now we are hearing reports that the unrest and violence could very easily continue. We are even hearing rumors of calls for another Civil War!

Now I am not going to get into a political discussion here. Because the fact is it doesn't matter which side is right or wrong. The fact is that once the violence gets out of hand, ordinary people, like you and me, could find ourselves in a survival situation pretty quickly.

We've already seen what happens when people are frightened and uncertain. People were being attacked and even killed over MASKS! And remember the great toilet paper shortage of 2020? People who weren't prepared suddenly found themselves facing an unknown and unexpected situation and they panicked. And did something that made them feel more in control of their situation. They hoarded and stockpiled toilet paper. You and I know what a colossal waste of time and money that was. But they felt the need to do something to bring some order to their world and this is what they chose. 

And it only got worse. Because now others going to shop saw there was very little or no toilet paper on the shelves. They did the only thing that made sense when faced with that fact. They also hoarded and stockpiled when they could. Stores began putting limits on the amount you could purchase at one time. And still, shelves were empty for quite a while.

But those of us who knew this day would come in some form or fashion weren't concerned. We had toilet paper! And lots of other supplies as well. Because we were prepared.

In these uncertain times, being prepared just makes sense.

Here's what you need:

1. Food - shelf stable. Easy to prepare. Include options that do not require heating or cooking. Have enough for 3 meals per day plus snacks for 3 weeks per person.

2. Water - I recently wrote a post on storing water. The post says to have enough for 2 weeks. I now recommend 3 based on recent events. You can check out all the info on storing water here. 

3. Medications - if you or any family member requires medication to survive, make sure you have at least 3 weeks supply on hand if possible.

4. A first aid kit - and please take some first aid training so you know how to use it. Call your local Red Cross. If they aren't doing in-person classes due to Covid, at least take the online training.

5. Batteries, matches, and flashlights.

6. A battery-operated radio.

7. Depending on where you live, you might need to consider the weather. Sleeping bags, thermal blankets, and even something as simple as Hot Hands warmers can be critical if the temperature drops. 

8. Important paperwork. Birth certificates, driver's licenses, passports, insurance information, bank information. You don't want to be searching for these if you suddenly have to evacuate.

9. Cash. Again, you don't want to have to evacuate and hope you can find an ATM functioning along the way. 

10. Basic hygiene supplies. Yes, toilet paper! Paper towels. Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Soap or body wash. Cleaning supplies. Cleanliness will do much to prevent illness. 

11. Any special needs. Diabetic test kits and strips, CPAP supplies. Anything you or your family member requires on a regular basis to maintain your health. 

12. Pet supplies if you have pets. They will need food and water as well.

13. (optional) If you are prepared to use whatever means necessary to protect yourself and your family, firearms and ammunition. But only if you know how to use them and are prepared to do so. 

Get your entire family involved in preparing for emergencies. Everyone should know where the emergency supplies are and what to do if something happens. The better prepared everyone in your family is, the better your odds of surviving in an actual survival situation.