Even if you never experience a catastrophe, the peace-of-mind that comes with being fully prepared for anything is invaluable.
That is why I decided to compile a list of information that is useful for those interested in learning basic survival and sustainability skills.
I will be adding more information to this database as I gather knowledge.
Secure your personal belongings and valuables
1. Photograph all valuable documents, printed photos, notebooks, and valuable art and store in Google Drive or the Cloud. If your computer is destroyed, you will still have access to them.
2. Get organized and become a minimalist. Take an inventory of your belongings, everything that you consider valuable or priceless. All of those items should fit in a backpack that you can easily carry. Think of what you would want if you were stranded alone on an island- think emotional support gear. For example, some of my essential valuables are a small crystal collection, my grandmothers jewelry, and a drawing my younger brother made me.
Next, assess the items you can’t carry.
Is there a way to protect them in case of emergency? You can buy a lockbox that is water and fireproof. Or, consider renting a safe in a secure location. After a fire, homes are left unprotected and are often raided, so keep it locked up.
With this method, you won’t have to worry about your personal items, but the most important aspect of emergency preparation is survival. Prepare a kit and place it in an easily accessible place in your home, and make a second kit for your car/bike if possible.
There are a few basic items that everybody should invest in for peace of mind:
Water- a water purifier that operates without electricity or batteries and can filter the dirtiest water into drinkable H2O. In an emergency, a purifier can save your life. Keep a stash of water bottles in your home and vehicles. 90 gallons is the ideal (a 3 month supply) but store as much as you can with the space you have.
If you’re ever at home and hear that power might shut down, fill up your bath tub and sinks with water for reserves.
Visit “FindaSpring.com" to map out sources of natural spring water near you.
Cooking and warmth: Waterproof matches and a small propane camping burner. If you have space, keep a stash of dry firewood ready at all times.
Food: in case of severe emergencies, where government resources are not enough to help the entire population, it is helpful to have a 3 month supply of food to keep yourself alive until help comes or you can move to a better location. Stock up on rice, beans, lentils, tuna, protein powder, and seal in waterproof bags first, then a heavy duty case to protect from fire.
First aid and hygiene: antibiotic creams and pills, gauze and bandages, skin glue (in case of deep wound, instead of stitches), instant ice packs, Ibuprofen (to reduce pain and fever), and your personal medications. Keep a stock of wet wipes and small clippers for hair and nail hygiene. In an emergency, it’s about bare minimum and staying light weight.
Protective clothing: waterproof walking boots (protect from water and sharp objects on the ground) warm, breathable, long socks to protect ankles, sturdy fireproof jacket (protects against sharp objects and fire), a gas mask (in case of fire or gas leak), protective gloves, eye goggles, a sturdy scarf, and a hat.
Energy: in case of total grid collapse, invest in off-grid power solutions: portable solar panels and battery bank, rechargeable batteries with hand crank, solar powered lanterns and flashlights, mini wind turbine generator.
Shelter: a small tent is better than nothing when faced with extreme emergencies. In a pinch, a large plastic tarp or even black garbage bags that are used for yard work also serve as good protection from the elements. Even if you have a tent, keep a stash of plastic tarps or trash bags with duct tape in case your tent needs to be repaired or expanded.
Transportation: if you have a vehicle, make sure to keep the gas tank full at all times. Take it for regular oil changes and check ups. The last think you want is car trouble during an emergency. Keep an extra tank of gas in your garage in case of a gas shortage. Even if you have a car, the best form of transportation in an emergency is a light-weight bike. An electric bike is an option, but only if it isn’t too heavy to pedal on it’s own.
A bike is ideal because you can maneuver between traffic jams, you can ride on unpaved areas, and you don’t need any gas or electricity. Keep your bike in top shape by checking tire pressure and oiling the gears.
Learn basic bike repairs like how to change an inner tube, how to fix the chain when it comes off the track, and how to quick-patch a hole in your tire.