It's National Preparedness Month — Here's Your Head Start
There was a time, not long ago, when the government thought it could handle our needs whenever disaster struck.
To their credit, they named September National Preparedness Month. FEMA launched it back in 2004 to nudge Americans to get ready for emergencies.
Ready.gov is a government website packed with detail on personal preparedness — simple things folks can do to take care of themselves when disaster strikes.
For years, only a small number of Americans prepared for hard times. Then things changed. Extreme weather got worse. Natural and man-made disasters piled up. And more families started to see the value of being ready.
"Disasters don't wait. Make your plan today."
It's National Preparedness Month. And there's no better time to get ready. Those of us who believe in self-reliance think about this every day.
Right now is the moment to prepare for an uncertain future. As Ready.gov puts it, "Disasters don't wait. Make your plan today."
Many of us already have a head start. But whether you're a pro, a newcomer, or somewhere in between — today's tips are for you.
The big 3 — food, power & water
Most prep talk centers on three things: survival food, generators, and water filters. They handle the big risks — food supply breakdowns, power outages, and dirty water.
A lack of good food can make you sick in an emergency. And store shelves empty fast when supply chains break down. A solid stash of survival food will carry you through.
A power outage is almost a given in a disaster. And every year, Americans get sick — or die — from the fumes of gas generators. The fix? A fume-free solar generator you can run safely indoors.
Dirty water can make you sick too, or worse. So have a way to purify your tap water and any water you gather from outside.
Bare-bones preparedness checklist
What does being ready look like? Here's what I'd call a "bare-bones" checklist:
- A three-day supply of non-perishable food per person
- Three gallons of water per person, per day
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- A first-aid kit, plus any prescription meds
- Plenty of extra clothing
- Sanitation and hygiene items
- Important family documents
- Pet food and supplies
- Cash
Like I said, that's the bare minimum. You'll likely want more food and more water — plus a way to purify it.
And backup power, in the form of a solar generator and a few hand-held power packs. But you have to start somewhere. So start today if you haven't already.
Before, during, and after
Here are a few more tips from FEMA for each stage of a disaster.
Before — Know the risks and the warning signs. Get insurance, including flood coverage. Make a family plan. Build a supply kit. Help your neighbors get ready too.
During — Put your plan to work. Help others. Follow the guidance of the officials in charge.
After — Watch for damage near your home, like downed power lines. Repair what's broken. Take steps
to prevent the next loss.
Another benefit — peace of mind
There's more to preparedness than the physical side. There's an emotional side too.
It's not as obvious. But it's just as real. Knowing you have what you need to keep your family safe brings real confidence.
Knowing exactly what you'll all do when a crisis hits calms the fear of the unknown.
And taking steps to protect your home eases anxiety.
4Patriots has your back
Here's what to expect from us this month. All month long, we'll share tips, tricks, hacks, and survival know-how to help you prepare.
For severe weather of every kind — hurricanes, tornadoes, derechos, blizzards, heat waves, and deep freezes.
Plus food shortages, rising food prices, inflation, threats to our fragile power grid, and all sorts of other trouble.
Our mission from day one has been simple: get you ready. Let National Preparedness Month remind us all to be set for whatever life throws our way.
We put together a quick Emergency Readiness Checklist. Download your FREE PDF and start checking boxes before the next outage.
[Download your free checklist here].
