This fits into so many areas of discussion here that I looked at all of them, and couldn't decide where it was most appropriate. So, I am puttng it here and let Ken puzzle it out. What started this was my post in the tech area about having solar chargers in case of loss of power. Then, I was thinking that it really covers a lot more area than just that, and might even deserve its own sub-topic because it is so important. No matter where a person lives; there are always chances of some kind of bad weather taking out power, making travel impossible, or just cutting off normal food supplies. Now, we also have man-made disasters as well. I am sure that a lot of the people around Ferguson were not going out much last summer with all of the shooting, burning, and riots going on. So, for many reasons, it is just an important thing to be prepared for emergency situations, and being able to get by without the usual comforts of life for a while , should it be necessary. Growing your own garden is one good idea, and even if you don't have much room, or are physically unable to plant a garden, you can still grow many plants in containers, on a balcony if necessary. Food storage is another important aspect, in case we can't get to the store for food, or (even worse) there is no food in the store. I think there are so many different aspects of preparedness that this topic can touch on, that it would be awesome if it can have its own area somewhere on the forum.
They always tell us in California to prepare for "The Big One", but after you've gone through tons of small earthquakes, you tend to not worry too much and not get everything prepared... although we have the basics covered just in case... and we have enough food growing in the yard that we could manage for a while - we'd just have to become fruitarians!
We have had the same kind of a situation out here; but the warning is for tornadoes rather than earthquakes. Every time a storm comes through, they assess the possibilities of it carrying tornadoes, and we have tornado watches, and often, tornado warnings, when the spotters actually see one forming. When the storm does come through, we may not even get much rain or thunder, let alone any signs of a tornado; but other times, the storm is heavy and trees or branches get blown down, and sometimes, other areas actually do have tornadoes touch down. Even so, we were not prepared when a series of tornadoes tore through Alabama several years ago, leaving total destruction in their path. Trees and power poles were across all of the roads, electricity was out, cell phone towers were down; even the ambulances didn't make it into our area for almost a full day. Once they finally had a road open to get to the trapped and injured people, the sirens and ambulances didn't stop for hours as they rescued people from homes that were now huge piles of rubbish. For almost two weeks, we had no power. We did have water, but only cold water. Stores were all closed, banks were all closed, roads were all closed. You couldn't get any money from the bank , or spend it if you could have gotten it. We all just stayed home and survived as best we could. Since then, I have tried to store some extra food, some candles, and add solar powered radios and lights that we can use should it become necessary again. There might not be any way that a person can be totally prepared; but every little bit that you can do will indeed be a blessing if something unexpected does happen.
We have always been somewhat prepared as far as candles, matches, batteries for radios, canned foods and an opener. We also have several cases of bottled water and I do container grow several veggies. Of course the gardening is only through spring to fall which is why I stocked up on many canned goods.
To prepare one must have basic living supplies in surplus, foods that will not go bad for a long time are perfect when it comes to preparing for unexpected disasters. Large rations of water are a must have in disasters. Generators are also great to have for electrical energy production. Other things would be some good movies, board games, and books to pass the time with family as if nothing where happening. Not to mention underground bunkers for the more extremists.
We had a storm several years back that had us without power for almost a week. We did have food and water but not enough. We had candles and batteries and a radio to help with something to do. We need to prepare better since you never know when it will happen.
Here in Thailand we have few disasters. But since I used to live in the Los Angeles area and know about earthquakes, I do keep extra water and rice in my home. I am fortunate that I have a key to the small store downstairs so I can get supplies if necessary. There was a large flood in Bangkok several years ago and even the 7-Eleven's were running out of stock. The good thing about living here is that everybody chips in when needed. A little tip for storing rice. If you keep it sealed in the freezer, those little bugs (you can not see them until they mature and then are little ugly black bugs) that are there will not have a chance to grow!
Hmmm, I guess I could have put the tuna light here in this thread, but I didn't see it in time. I usually have much more on hand in the way of supplies, than I do right now. Times are tough, and the wallet's tight. Thankfully, though, I have great neighbors, who will help if I need it. One thing I like about this area, is we reach out to one another. I've helped them, they've helped me, we don't keep track, and I know others in the neighborhood feel the same. They might gossip a bit, but when push comes to shove, they're willing to help. I always have flashlights, and also have a battery lantern. I do keep some canned goods on hand, and have a manual can opener, and always have enough food and litter on hand for the cats. I can forage if I have to, but the cats will eat well .
This is one advantage of living in a third world country. We get electricity 10 hours per day we get water for 1/2 hour every other day and there is no quartette of that either. We are in a disaster all the time so people take it and go about their business. I have watched disasters in other countries that the electricity goes out for a day and people want to riot or they don't have water and they are protesting. I think if a world wide disaster comes the people living in the third worlds will come out better.
Martin, what happens if someone needs electricity to live, such as someone who is on medical devices? I guess y'all don't have/use a lot of refrigerated or frozen food there, since it would expire. I know standards of living are different in various areas, and we get used to what we have to, but I have a difficult time dealing with the heat here in the Summer. Every year, there are stories of elderly and infirm who die from heat related illnesses in Chicago, here in the Houston area, etc., so I guess that is one way of cutting down on the population. I do agree with you that people in third world countries would fare better in the event of a worldwide disaster. Many here are used to very soft living, and could do with a bit of a wake up, but I worry about those with serious needs, who would not survive.
I have a cupboard with emergency items like a flashlight, candles, bandages, weather radio and a few other items. Only problem is, if we should get a tornado, this stuff would be long gone along with the house.
I have electricity 24/7 but that takes having a inverter and batteries also back up with a generator. The hospitals all have back up generators. The poorer people go without refrigerator or freezer and get by. Most houses have gas lamps and candles as a stand by
I've heard of inverters, but will have to research to find out what they are, and what exactly they do. I love the idea of never losing power. That would be nice, because it goes out here from time to time. Usually it's a transformer that blows. With Hurricane Season approaching, this is a topic that's been on my mind.
Yes, I think we become easily spoiled by soft living. We often have electricity down, but we still have water. I think it may be true about third world countries. I know what it is like to walk and collect your water everyday. I know what it is to be without and have to share everything. I could do with some soft living. I think there are very few things you can do to prepare for a disaster.
Well, there is a saying prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Maybe if more of us went by the philosophy we might be better prepared for those things that do happen. But there seems to be some disconnect at times in society when someone voices security issues or taking precautions, where others tell them they are being alarmist. Well, that was before the world started to change that is and there was 9/11 and horrible violent situations in schools such as Sandy Hook. Suddenly the alarmist seem to have credence. But the sad thing is we had to learn the hard way instead of taking prcautions before the things happened. As for whether I am prepared for a disaster, well I live in Arizona, and we do have violent Monsoon storms at times the most we can do though is make sure we have working flashlights in case the power goes out.