Countdown to the Apocalypse 71 Days left

Saturday was pleasant for November and my husband and I did the last garden chores and garage cleaning, preparing for the long winter coming soon.  We just need to wash and oil the long-handled garden tools, stash them in the attic and then announce to ourselves--"Good enough."

Then we'll move on to the other preparations that we need to make for the dark days ahead and these preparations will take a little more thought and care and we can't settle for just good enough. 

I not going to suggest that we have to hunker down like doomsday preppers, but I am going to look at lists of survival equipment and supplies to have on hand.  After the widespread destruction of Hurricane Helene, the need for access to water and back up food supplies when there is no access to power or safe travel routes seems very important, regardless of where you live or what catastrophic event has occurred.  

For many of us, the catastrophic event that was election day has inevitable but uncertain consequences.  How can we prepare for so many unknowns?  Uncertainty is so uncomfortable and shakes our confidence.  Purposeful safety preparation is one small way that we can get some control back in our lives, so that we can avoid panic and muster our courage and strength when it is needed.  There are many things outside of our control, but we are not powerless. One area to consider is our personal and family safety.

STEP 4:  Prepare to be safe regardless of the situation

Let's ensure that we have a plan for our personal and family security in case we have to stay in place or evacuate.  Here's a list of things to gather suggested by the Red Cross.  This is a good idea that most of us have ignored, but we can bring a new mindfulness of the potential challenges ahead.  

1. Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
2. Water: One gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
3. Flashlight
4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
5. Extra batteries
6. First aid kit
7. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
8. Multi-purpose tool
9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items
10. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
11. Cell phone with chargers
12. Family and emergency contact information
13. Extra cash
14. Emergency blanket
15. Map(s) of the area

After you gather those basic supplies for your kit, add unique things each member of your family may need, such as:

1. Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
2. Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
3. Games and activities for children
4. Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
5. Two-way radios
6. Extra set of car keys and house keys
7. Manual can opener

Depending on the types of disasters that are common where you live, also consider adding these things to your kit:

1. Whistle
2. N95 or surgical masks
3. Matches and candles
4. Rain gear
5. Towels
6. Work gloves
7. Tools/supplies for securing your home
8. Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
9. Plastic sheeting
10. Duct tape
11. Scissors
12. Household liquid bleach
13. Entertainment items
14. Blankets or sleeping bags

After you assemble a kit that contains the items or a list of what is needed and how and where they can be accessed quickly, have a family council to make an emergency plan together and role play your actions.

In future posts we'll explore other ways to prepare ourselves mentally, physically, financially and spiritually.  See you tomorrow.

...Now where is that covered tub that's just the size I need to gather all this stuff?