Emergencies

Different types of emergencies require different responses. Formulate plans to deal with a variety of possible emergencies. One of the first decisions is whether you should stay at your current location or evacuate. Roads could be gridlocked or impassable. If you must go, do you have a destination and can you survive there. Can your vehicle traverse the landscape if roads are damaged or gone?

Stay Put or Vacate

Many wannabe preppers boast about bugging out and surviving in the outdoors. Most do not have the training or equipment to survive. Know your abilities and your limits. A viable option for many emergencies is to stay, or “shelter in place.” In a major emergency the government agencies could be completely overwhelmed. Strive to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks. There may not be electricity, gas, water, emergency services, or phones for days or weeks. Your home may be damaged so you should have adequate food, shelter, and water.

You may be forced to evacuate. Your emergency plan should include several places where you can go until the danger passes. Always have backup plans. Know how to vacate your workplace and/or school.

Types of Disasters/Emergencies

Disaster Plans

Your disaster plan should include contract details.

  • Where will your family members meet?
  • Who is your out-of-state “check-in” contact

Be aware that in a disaster the cellular network will probably be overwhelmed. LAN lines might work better. Try to text whenever possible because it puts far less burden on the communications infrastructure. Also have plans for escape or evacuation.

  • What route can you use to escape your neighborhood?
  • What are the alternate escape routes?
  • How can you escape your current environment (home, school, restaurant, etc.)?
  • Do you have a means of transportation and fuel?