So, are you and your family prepared? The prepper movement shows no signs of ever slowing down. If anything, there are more people joining the ranks every day.
People who are following current events are becoming more and more fearful about their future. They see many possible scenarios that could leave them in a desperate situation and they see the need to be prepared. They want security against both man-made and natural disasters. Only those with strong determination, ingenuity, and solid planning will be able to handle the types of chaotic scenarios that threaten us today.
It's the same with everything in life - preparation and planning are key. You need to be mentally prepared as well as physically and munitionally prepared. Always have a plan and a back-up plan to go with it. Protect yourself, your family, and your home from ruthless mobs and unexpected intruders. When disaster strikes laws, morals, and ethics disappear. People change in ways they never believed they could. It truly becomes a dog-eat-dog world. Always practice your survival skills. Don't become complacent and lazy.
You should be adept at starting fires, building shelters, collecting water, trapping game, and in self-defense. It takes brute determination to survive with limited resources during a time of crisis. Getting out alive is what it's all about.
Sadly, you will never be totally prepared. No-one can predict with 100% accuracy what scenarios will unfold and what would be needed to handle them effectively. All you can do is your best. Think things through and plan for any possibility you can see happening. Even though you can't be 100% prepared, being as prepared as you can is far better than having yourself thrown into a crisis situation unprepared. Be smart, take the time to get organized and ready.
Get your strategies in place and have some peace of mind. Always be ready to adapt to any situation. We live in very unpredictable times. We need to be ready with good solid survival tactics and learn new tricks and shortcuts. Then we need to practice our skills until our confidence is high. You can pull your family through perilous times if you plan ahead and equip yourself properly.
PLANNING FOR SENIORS
Emergencies and disasters strike very quickly and with no warning. You may be forced to evacuate your neighborhood or even become confined to your home. You could be stuck without gas, water, electricity, or any communications. Learning how to protect yourself and properly cope with a disaster applies to seniors as well as younger citizens. Many seniors have physical limitations that means their planning will be different from the younger more healthy citizens.
Because the local officials and the relief works probably won't be able to get to everyone right away, you need to have a plan in place to deal with your specific situation and any medical or physical problems you may have. There are 3 basic steps to being prepared
- (1). Buy a Kit
(2). Create a Plan
(3). Stay Informed
You never want to be among the crowd of people who are rushing out to the local stores to horde up on supplies. Critical supplies like water, food, and medicine are things you want to already have in good supply close to your home.
They should also be readily accessible and transportable in the event you would have to evacuate. Here are some good tips for seniors during a disaster situation
- a. Have your disaster supply kit packed, ready, and close at hand.
b. Put together enough supplies to last no less than 3 days.
c. Put your supplies into easy-to-carry containers (preferably with wheels)
d. Tag your bag with an ID tag.
e. Put labels on all equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes).
f. Update your kit regularly at least once every 6 months or as needed. Keep fresh medications available with fresh batteries, water, and food.
BASIC KIT-BUILDING GUIDELINE
These are some things you'll want to consider adding to your kit in accordance with your specific needs:
1. The rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water per person for each day. You'll need a 3-day supply if you have to evacuate and a 2-week supply if you stay home.
2. You want to include foods that you don't have to cook, either canned or dry, enough to last the same number of days as the water above.
3. It's good to have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio to keep informed.
4. Always have a flashlight and extra bulbs and batteries.
5. Keep at least a 7-day supply of meds in your kit.
6. Put in a first-aid kit and a manual.
7. Add in a multi-purpose tool that will fold up into pocket size.
8. Throw in some personal hygiene and sanitation items (toilet paper, garbage bags, etc.)
9. Store copies of important documents in your kit (pertinent medical information, lease or deed to your home, insurance policies, birth certificates, medication list).
10. Cell phone with extra battery/ chargers.
11. Emergency contact info for family and friends.
12. Cash and coins (You may not be able to access any ATMs).
13. A local map of your area.
14. Emergency Blanket
15. Some type of loud noisemaker to attract emergency personnel.
16. A change of clothing and a small rain jacket.
17. Put in extra sets of keys for your house and car, etc.
18. If you have pets you'll need pet supplies (food, vaccination records, etc.).
WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
Disasters come without warning and the weather conditions cannot be planned for unless you cover ALL the bases. Have suitable clothing ready for all seasons and when the crisis hits grab the one that's appropriate. Each person should have a coat or jacket ready as well as long pants and a long sleeve shirt. A good pair of boots with a hat, mittens, and work gloves should also be in your kit. Add in a sleeping bag or a warm blanket.
VEHICLE PREPAREDNESS
It may be that you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to leave in your vehicle.
In this case here are some things to consider to be ready for the road:
a. Maps.
b. First Aid Kit/ Manual.
c. Bottle Water.
d. Tire Repair Kit.
e. Set of Jumper Cables.
f. Non-perishable Foods.
g. Flashlight/ Batteries/ Bulbs.
h. Blanket, Mittens, sand, shovel, windshield scraper, tire chains, florescent distress flag.
i. Sunscreen, umbrella, and something for shade.
Create your disaster plan carefully. Never count on having a lot of time to react. Go over your plan regularly and try to make sure you leave nothing to chance. Fill your family and closest friends in on your plan so they can help emergency crews if you get isolated. Consider all your physical and/ or medical limitations and account for them while creating your plan. In your emergency contact list make your there is at least one person or family that is an out-of-town contact. This can prove to be very helpful. Let them know what you have planned (just the basics) so they have knowledge of how and where to look for you should you become separated from the public. In a disaster area it can sometimes be much easier to make a long distance call opposed to local calls.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Contact your local community to see what sort of emergency plans and procedures they have in place. Learn about how they'll respond and how and when they would implement evacuation plans. These things are good to know in advance of any emergency. If you're receiving home health care have a talk with your case manager and see how they plan to react in the event of an emergency. Find out how they would be able to assist you in your own survival plan.
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