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How to Prepare
Emergency preparedness, or prepping, is gaining significant attention nowadays as increasing numbers of people recognize that natural disasters in the US and worldwide are occurring at an alarming rate. Events such as droughts, earthquakes, extreme cold and heat, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tornadoes, tsunamis, wildfires, and winter storms are becoming more frequent and severe.
Beyond natural disasters, you should also prepare for other emergencies including influenza pandemics, home fires, technological and accidental hazards, and terrorist threats.
Each type of emergency presents unique challenges, and you should consider all of them when planning to face the realities of today's world.
The fundamental necessities of life remain consistent regardless of who you are or where you live: clean water, food, shelter, and heat (when temperatures drop).
Water
To ensure a reliable supply of clean water, here are key steps and items to have ready.
For Droughts
Inspect all plumbing for leaks and have any issues repaired by a professional plumber
Ensure household faucets are equipped with aerators featuring flow restrictors
Select water-efficient appliances
Install low-volume flush toilets
Use ultra-low-flow showerheads
Compost food waste in a container instead of using a garbage disposal, which consumes significant water
Plant drought-resistant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees
Employ micro and drip irrigation systems, along with soaker hoses, for watering plants
Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds that compete for water
Capture rainwater from downspouts
For Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Volcanic Eruptions, Winter Storms, and Extreme Cold
Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active individual requires a minimum of one gallon daily for drinking alone, though needs vary based on age, health, activity level, diet, and climate. Store water in manageable containers that can be easily moved when full. If smaller containers are unaffordable, larger ones are still far better than none.
Food
For food preparedness, plan for the most severe disaster likely in your region, aiming for 6 to 12 months of independence from store supplies. Begin modestly, purchasing what you can afford over time—any amount is better than none. We recommend #10 cans of long-term storable food for part of your stock, as they withstand hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods effectively. Supermarket cardboard packaging often fails in disasters, rendering wet or damaged food unusable.
At a minimum, maintain a two-week supply of stored food for your family. Build it gradually by adding a few cans at a time or opt for a pre-planned kit.
Cooking
To prepare or heat food, secure an indoor-capable stove with versatile fuel options. Propane is ideal for clean burning, but wood compatibility is crucial as a backup if propane depletes or fails. The SS Hexagon Wood Stove is an excellent option, accommodating both fuels.
Heat
Plan reliable warmth when power fails, as most gas furnaces require electricity to operate. Homeowners benefit most from a wood-burning stove, which doubles for cooking and heating water. Affordable small stoves start at around $153. Renters needing portability should consider the Mr. Heater Big Buddy propane heater—safe for indoor use and highly effective at producing heat.
Here are some additional resources for those interested in moving to the country and locations where you can survive the best in the United States.
Strategic Relocation Documentary - Strategic Relocation Book
Country Living University is a great video training series for those wanting to learn country living skills and reasons for moving out of the cities. Watch a free video on the three bigest reasons to move out of the cities.
Sustainable Preparedness is another great resource for you. They have many good DVDs, books, and video downloads on country living and being prepared. What some of their free videos.
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