With the unpredictable nature of life and the world, preparing for worst-case-scenarios can mean the difference between extreme discomfort and smooth sailing.
Imagine this scenario: You have just arrived home from work. You sit down to watch the news and see that a massive storm with torrential rains is heading your way. The authorities advise everyone to stay indoors and off the roads for the next 72 hours because of high winds and the risk of flooding.
Situations like these occur more frequently than most people realize. While no one likes pondering worst-case scenarios, advance preparation can save your life—and significantly ease your stress during emergencies.
Whether facing natural disasters like flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, or chemical spills—or personal emergencies—such as illnesses, accidents, or losing your job, having food, cash, and other necessities tucked away can mean the difference between thriving and surviving.
Considerations When Preparing for Emergencies
Most of us have become accustomed to conveniences like running water and grocery stores for our basic needs. However, in an emergency, these conveniences may disappear. Planning ahead can significantly increase your resilience and may be vital to your survival if things go sideways.
While everyone’s needs during an emergency differ, food and water are universal necessities. Most experts advise having at least three days’ worth of food and water for everyone in your household, including pets. This should be enough for you to survive until the emergency has passed and help can get to you. Be prepared for extended emergencies by gathering enough food and water to last up to two weeks or even a month if your budget and storage allow.
The American Red Cross recommends maintaining a three-day emergency supply for evacuation and a two-week supply at home.
When preparing, consider the following:
- The number of people and pets in your household who need food and water.
- Dietary restrictions (allergies, diabetics), preferences, and whether certain foods require cooking or water.
- The shelf life of the food you choose, ensuring you rotate supplies every few months for freshness.
- Your ability to cook without power, such as having a camp stove or gas barbeque.
- Make sure you have the necessary utensils and storage options, such as cool, dry areas for keeping food and water. Disposable plates and cutlery don’t require water for washing.
- Because you may not have electricity, plan meals in single portions as you may be unable to refrigerate leftovers.
- Make sure you have lighters, matches, candles, flashlights, batteries, knives, zip lock bags, bleach (to disinfect and purify water), and other essentials that you keep in sealed plastic bags.
By Emma Suttie, D.Ac, AP
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