PREPARE TO BE PREPARED…

Ask yourself, today, right now, are you prepared if the lights go out…and stay out???

Probably not, right? Not even close to prepared, right??? What do you think you need to have on-hand to be prepared and safe? I’m not talking about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I’m referring to extra fuel, water, food, cash, first aid kit etc. You have that all in your Go-Bag right now, right? Enough supplies for you and your family to survive comfortably for the FEMA recommended 72 hours? On the FEMA website, they recommend the following be in your Go-Bag;

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

I’m sure you already knew all that…but, just in case you didn’t, as most of us are not Doomsday Preppers, here’s FEMA’s list of ADDITIONAL Emergency Supplies;

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) (PDF — 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or free information from this web site.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper — When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or, in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Got all that packed up, do ya? Well then, make sure to make room for the Supplies for Unique Needs;

For Baby:

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Moist towelettes
• Diaper rash ointment

For Adults:

• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

• Jacket or coat
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirt

So, for those of you keeping track…

As difficult as it is for me to not write in a sarcastic tone, I do hope you understand the importance of being prepared for the next natural disaster. No one ever thinks it will happen to them… but how nervous do you feel when the lights go out? I’m not suggesting that you build a bunker in your backyard, or to start stockpiling weapons in preparation for the Zombie Apocalypse, but I am strongly recommending you take the necessary precautions to prepare for the inevitable.

For any of you interested, the National Geographic channel produced a 90 minute video titled American Blackout, which imagines the story of a national power failure in the United States caused by a cyberattack (those squirrels are relentless)— told in real time, over 10 days, by those who kept filming with cameras and phones. You’ll learn what it means to be absolutely powerless. Gritty, visceral and totally immersive, see what it might take to survive from day one, and who would be left standing when the lights come back on. Truly scary stuff!

Please take my word for it….Be Prepared…and lest we never forget, it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.