National Preparedness Month Is About to Begin

There was a time in the not-too-distant past when the government believed it could effectively respond to our needs when natural disasters and other crises occurred.

That’s why organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were formed. The intentions were good. After all, we should be able to expect help from agencies we support with our tax dollars when emergencies occur.

But before long – and especially recently – disasters, crises and emergencies increased in both number and intensity. FEMA tries, but they’re too short-staffed and spread too thin. They don’t have all the resources they need. As a result, the help they offer sometimes comes too late. 

Understanding it could no longer meet the needs of people affected by these events in a timely fashion, the government began preaching the same message we’ve been communicating since our founding – preparedness is crucial for survival.

Preparedness has gone mainstream

To their credit, they established September as National Preparedness Month. Launched by FEMA in 2004, its purpose is to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies.

Ready.gov is a government website that goes into great detail about individual preparedness. Such as things people can do to take care of themselves when a disaster strikes. 

The folks at FEMA may not fully share our passion for independence and self-sufficiency. But at least they recognize problems have become too large. And that individuals need to look out for themselves. 

For a while, only a relatively small number of Americans were preparing for an uncertain future. But with extreme weather worsening, natural and manmade disasters increasing, civil unrest intensifying, and a global pandemic changing everything, preparedness has gone mainstream.

‘Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today.’ 

National Preparedness Month begins in six days. And I say, not a minute too soon. We who believe strongly in self-reliance think about preparedness every day. 

But I’m glad a month is dedicated to this cause. In a moment I’ll let you know what you can expect to hear from us regarding preparedness in September.

There’s no time like the present to get prepared for an uncertain future. As the Ready.gov website says, “Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today.” 

Many of us already have a head start in this area. But whether you are experienced at preparing, a newcomer to the scene or somewhere in between, the information I’m sharing today is for you. 

The big 3 – food, power & water 

Much of the talk around preparedness often centers on survival food. Plus generators and water purifications products. They are essential for handling food supply chain disruptions. As well as power outages and water contamination.

The lack of nutritious food can also cause you to fall ill during an emergency. Store shelves empty quickly when food supply chains break down. Having a good supply of survival food will see you through. 

It’s pretty much a given that a power outage will occur during a disaster. Every year, Americans get sick or die from the toxic fumes of gas-powered generators. The answer is a fume-free solar-powered generator that can be safely used indoors.

Water contamination is another thing that can get you sick or worse during a crisis. Make sure you have ways to purify your tap water and any water you source from outside.

Bare bones preparedness checklist

What does preparedness look like? Here’s what I would call a “bare bones” preparedness checklist:

• A three-day supply of non-perishable food per person
• One gallon of drinking water per person per day
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First-aid kit, including prescription medications
• Plenty of extra clothing
• Sanitation and hygiene items
• Important family documents
• Pet food and other supplies
• Cash

As mentioned, that’s a bare minimum. It’s very likely you will need more survival food and more water. Plus water purification devices.

And back-up power in the form of a solar-power generator and hand-held power packs. But you have to start somewhere if you haven’t already begun.

Before, during and after

Here are some additional suggestions from FEMA for before, during and after a disaster.

Before – Know the risks and danger signs. Purchase insurance, including flood insurance. Develop a family action plan. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Volunteer to help others.

During – Put your plan into action. Help others. Follow the advice and guidance of officials in charge. 

After – Watch out for damage near your home, including downed wires. Repair your damaged property. Take steps to prevent or reduce future loss.

Another benefit – peace of mind 

There’s another component to preparedness besides the physical benefits. And that’s the emotional benefits.

They’re not as obvious, but they’re just as real. Realizing you have adequate supplies to keep your family and yourself safe in an emergency instills confidence.

Knowing exactly what you and family members will do when a crisis occurs helps reduce fear of the unknown. 

Taking steps to protect your home against intruders who may come calling after the stuff hits the fan reduces anxiety. 

4Patriots has your back

As promised, here’s what you can expect from us during September. All month long we’ll provide you with tips, tricks, hacks and survival information to help you prepare for problems.

Such as severe weather of all kinds. Including hurricanes, tornadoes, derechos, blizzards, heat waves and deep freezes. 

As well as food shortages and food price hikes, inflation, physical and cyber attacks against our vulnerable power grid, and all sorts of other issues.

Our mission from day one at 4Patriots has been to get you prepared. National Preparedness Month can serve as a reminder to all of us to make sure we’re ready for whatever life throws at us.

Kick off National Preparedness Month EARLY with a FREE 72-Hour Survival Food Kit. Just cover S&H. Hurry, expires 8/31.

Click here to claim yours before this page gets shut down