Natural disasters and other emergencies often happen without much warning, so it’s good to make sure you are well prepared beforehand. Whether it’s an earthquake, a hurricane, a blizzard, or a regional power outage, it’s important to be prepared just in case. You may not experience such a disaster in your lifetime, but doing a little preparation in advance will ensure you’re ready for any unexpected emergency.
Food and Water
You should store at least three days of food and water for every member of your family. Think about foods that have a long shelf-life and can be eaten cold. There are many canned goods that will last up to five years. According to The Food Guys, when you go to the grocery store, you should consider buying a little extra each time until you have 300 pounds of grains, 60 pounds of dry legumes, 25 pounds of fats and oils, 75 pounds of dry milk, 60 pounds of sugars, 185 pounds of dried or canned fruits and 185 pounds of vegetables per person. You also need to store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Invest in a portable water filtration system so that you can purify water after that if necessary. Keep your food and water in a dark place where temperatures remain stable and in containers that pests cannot invade.
Energy
If the electricity goes out or the gas lines break, you’ll need alternative forms of energy. According to Engipartners, lithium ion batteries have a massive energy density and tend to be fairly low maintenance, which makes them ideal for larger energy needs. These batteries are useful for powering many things, including emergency radios. Solar-powered generators are lightweight, and they can keep your home functioning as long as there is sunlight. You may also want to stockpile gas canisters, but companies put stabilizers in gas, so it should be rotated at least once a year.
Medical Supplies
You should keep some medical supplies on hand. Remember that FEMA says that it can take up to 72 hours for their personnel to reach a disaster zone, and depending on the situation, hospitals may have to be evacuated. You need to prepare for an emergency lasting at least 72 hours. Then, start preparing for an even longer time without necessary supplies. A good place to start is to get your own medical handbook and purchase the supplies that are recommended in it. That way, you can take care of many situations at your location.
Though natural disasters and other similar emergencies are rare, it’s always good to be prepared for one. If such a disaster strikes, going to the store may not be a viable possibility. It’s important to have the ability to rely on yourself so you can be prepared for any disaster that may come your way.
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