8 Quick Tips for Preparedness

By Tim Gamble

   Between Shadows and Light.

In an ever-changing world, being prepared for emergencies or unexpected situations is not just wise, it's essential. Whether it's a natural disaster, a personal emergency, or simply a power outage, here are eight quick tips to help ensure you're ready for whatever comes your way:

1. Create a Disaster Supply Kit

• Basics: Include water, non-perishable food (especially food that doesn't have to be cooked, such as peanut butter, pop tarts, cans of tuna & chicken, etc.), a manual can opener (the electricity may be out - Amazon link), an emergency radio (Amazon link), flashlight, first aid kit (Refuge Medical link), and extra batteries. Work gloves and weather-appropriate clothing and blankets are also good ideas.
• Additional: Add items like cash, personal documents in something waterproof, a multi-purpose tool (Leatherman is my favorite - Amazon link), a good utility knife (The Finn Hawk is a good one: Amazon link), maps, hygiene items, and special needs items for infants, elderly, or those with medical needs.
• Portable: This kit needs to be portable so you can take it with you if you need to "bug out." Ideas include having a pre-packed backpack, suitcase, or tote bin. Make sure your vehicle is in good repair and fueled-up at all times.

2. Develop an Emergency Plan

• Outline clear steps for what to do in various scenarios. Decide on meeting places, routes, and a communication plan (article link) if family members are separated. Practice this plan at least twice a year.

3. Practice Situational Awareness and the OODA Loop

• Situational Awareness is more than just paying attention. It is being able to quickly analyze your situation, recognize potential threats and opportunities, and to be able to make good decisions on the spot. (article link)

4. Secure Your Home

• Review your home for potential hazards (fire, tripping, improperly stored chemicals, etc..) and address any issues.
• Make sure all fire/smoke alarms are functional with fresh batteries, and that you have one or more fire extinguishers.
• Consider reinforcing windows and doors, installing dead bolts, etc.
• Consider motion-activated outdoor lights (Amazon link).
• Consider security cameras (Amazon link).

5. Learn Basic First Aid

• Taking a first aid course can be invaluable. Knowledge of CPR, how to treat burns, cuts, or stop bleeding can save lives in critical moments before professional help arrives.

6. Maintain Your Supplies

• Check your emergency kit regularly. Replace water, food, and batteries as needed. Keep medications current, and ensure that emergency equipment like flashlights or radios are in working order. (Especially make sure that batteries inside your electronics aren't starting to corrode. I've lost more than one flashlight that way!)

7. Know Your Community Resources

• Familiarize yourself with community shelters, emergency services, evacuation routes, and local organizations or neighbors you can turn to for help. Know the way local authorities will communicate to the public in an emergency (particular radio stations, websites, etc.). Community preparedness can significantly impact individual safety.

8. Financial Preparedness

• Have an emergency fund in a savings account or CD. In times of crisis, financial stability can greatly reduce stress.
• Have some cash stored safely at home in case ATMs are down and banks are closed in an emergency.
• Pay off debt if you can. Being out of debt relieves stress and can help you be more flexible in times of recession, job loss, etc.
• Review your insurance - do you have coverage you need for potential disasters in your area? Keep copies of insurance papers in a safe place, and have contact information and account numbers in your wallet and/or bug-out bag.

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ACEP First Aid Manual, 5th Edition (Amazon link) - Everyone, prepper or not, should learn first aid. This first aid manual of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is much more up-to-date (2014) than the American Red Cross manual, which hasn't been updated since 1992.