Okay, so September is National Preparedness Month. This year is the ninth one. That link will take you to the CDC site and all kinds of handy tips (and yeah, some of the scenarios might creep you out). I’m sure apocalyptos and survivalists everywhere are scoffing, because they are ALWAYS prepared, and probably have bug-out bags stashed all over the country.
But if you’re NOT one of those, and you think they’re nutty and a little too far into conspiracy theory echo chambers, consider this: natural disasters can create scary situations, and they can affect you anywhere in this country. Whether it’s a hurricane, a tornado, a flood, a wildfire, a blizzard — whatever — being prepared to deal with it can, at the very least, make living, say, without power manageable and reasonably safe, or it could save your life.
It’s not that hard to have some basics stashed around the house for hunkerin’ if you’re able to remain in your home, and it’s not that hard to make sure you’ve got bug-out bags prepared for you, family members, and family pets. The CDC link above that I provided has some good tips about what those basics are and what you need to be thinking about in terms of time. That is, how much for how long. That’s key to preparedness. Have a plan. Think about who all is going to be sharing your space if you’re hunkerin’, because that will determine things like how much water and food to have around for a set period of time. The CDC recommends you have at least 3 days’ worth of food and water, and to think about having 2 weeks’ worth.
In terms of that plan, and especially if you have kids, it’s a good idea to touch base with schools to find out what kinds of plans they have in event of a disaster, and the “shelter-in-place” deal. Find out what your community leaders would do in that scenario. It’s also a good idea to have some supplies stashed at work. Again, the CDC site linked above has some super-good info.
Basically, disaster (or whatever) preparedness involves asking “what if?” What if regular honeybees hanging out at Three Mile Island suddenly mutate into GIANT RAGING BUZZFARMS OF DEATH and knock out the power grid to the eastern seaboard? Or what if some weird virus infects the brains of squirrels nationwide and they RAMPAGE DOWN MAIN STREET in Anytown, USA, hordes of furry death and destruction? Or, more realistically, what if you’re in the path of a hurricane? What would you do to prepare? What scenarios could you envision happening during something like that, whether you evacuate or hunker?
While you ponder those scenarios, here are some other links for more info about National Preparedness Month as well as some other sites that might prove helpful.
Office(s) of Emergency Management. Check with your local OEM. Here’s Denver’s as an example. It’s a good idea to check the OEM sites regularly to find out what’s going on in your communities with regard to emergencies.
EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network), Louisiana State University
CitizenCorps, with some preparedness webinars
Bug-out bag tips, from Survival Cache.
Frugal Dad has some cool tips for a bug-out bag.
Zombie Squad offers tips on different types of bug-out bags, too. (and no, I am not pulling your leg. Hit the link.) And here they are with the Personal Survival Kit. Here’s some bug-out gear from them.
And please, do remember that many folks are still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Isaac. You can help. Text 90999 to give $10 to the American Red Cross. Or find them online HERE. If you’re on Twitter, check the hashtag #nolahelp for info on how to donate and/or volunteer. Also, many are still dealing with the effects of the wildfire season out West. So your donations to the Red Cross will help there, too. Thanks.
All rightie. So maybe spend some time this September thinking about preparedness. And do get your family and friends involved too. Create scenarios! Involve the kids! PREPPING CAN BE FUN! 😀
Happy Tuesday!
Andi Marquette 
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