Preparedness: A note to my community.
We live in an area that is proving to require grit and preparation for disasters. Prolonged power outages, service and resource limitations, travel blockages, falling trees, flooding, fires, etc. are things we can expect to occur at least twice a year in some areas.
As of this writing, it is winter. We are amidst the aftermath of an ice storm that caused an extensive amount of damage to our infrastructure, properties, homes, trees, and has put a major strain on people both in their means of survival and mental/emotional well-being. A snow storm put us in this same position 5 years ago and every year fires surround our area and threaten our communities.
Many people are not properly prepared. Rural living requires that you must be able to be self-sufficient to some degree. You have to set yourself up with certain things. You have to be honest with yourself if this type of living is aligned for you. You have to know and accept that this shit happens and be ready to face it for what it throws at you because it’s going to happen again. Right now it is January, winter is just getting started. Whatever you learned you really need from this last storm, start preparing NOW.
Our community has amazing people that show up in big ways to help. They clear trees from roads, share resources, and lend their skills and supplies to those in need. They are heroes. We are lucky to have them and I am grateful for everything they do.
Here’s a general list to help you prepare. Prioritize what you struggled with the most, and find the things that will suit your needs in a way you can manage.
(This list contains links to some suggested supplies. I am not affiliated with any of these companies.)
POWER SOURCES:
gas generator, solar generator, solar charger. (The fridge and freezer are important to keep running so you don’t lose your food.)
WATER:
Are you on a well? Set your well up with a generator. You may need an electrician to help you.
Do you have animals? Plan for their water needs too. Livestock require lots of water, especially in extreme cold or hot. Keep a back up stock of food for animals too.
Water storage: many water tank options are available from rain barrels to large capacity holding tanks. Know your water needs, and a way to keep your stored water and spigots from freezing. (Keep at least one hose in your garage at all times. An unfrozen hose is invaluable.)
Keep several 5 gallon jugs full for your own drinking water.
FOOD & COOKING:
Non-perishable food that can be eaten without being cooked or simple heat and serve items.
Propane cook-top such as a camp stove or gas grill. (We love our blackstone grill personally.)
LIGHTS:
Flashlights-keep them charged and have back up batteries, keep at least one flashlight in your vehicle.
CASH: No power usually means no card transactions at local stores.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Games, books, crafts, etc- A quiet house running in survival mode can get boring, especially if you’re used to being on your device or watching tv all the time.
OTHER VERY USEFUL AND IMPORTANT ITEMS:
Chain saw, shovels, rakes, fires starters, paper plates & bowls (limiting dishes while conserving water), fire extinguisher, batteries, crank radio, non-cellular or WiFi dependent communication (it helps to be on friendly speaking terms with neighbors), gas can (use and replace stored gas frequently. Old gas is not useful), propane, medications, first aid supplies, muck boots and waterproof clothing, gloves, etc.
VEHICLE:
Always at at least half a tank of gas.
Keep a preparedness kit in your vehicle in the event you are stuck in your vehicle away from home.
There are many other things that could be added to this list, but if you have at least these things covered you will be well prepared.
Events like this can bring up many internal fears, frustrations, troubling thoughts, and personal challenges. They force you to sit with yourself and your mind. These are times where mindset can make all the difference in your situation. We cannot control the events around us, but we have absolute control how we think and act. Events like this tell us the truth about ourselves, and that can be hard, but it can also be empowering. You get to choose. Your mindset is the most important foundational preparation to make.
Your breath is a powerful tool to calm your nervous system down when you’re stressed. Long, slow deep breaths are a magical tool that you can use no matter where you are.
You can do hard things. Now go do the things you know you need to do. You’ve got this.
