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I'm sure we've all been following the news about the destruction down in Paradise, CA. I worked in that small town for several years and am absolutely heart-broken at the destruction. A dozen of my friends lost everything. I don't want to see that happen to anyone else.
We can all agree that Paradise is a total SHTF scenario. Realistically such a disaster is far more likely than a zombie apocalypse or collapse of society. I've talked to a lot of people that have SHTF/Bug Out Plans like the situation will require evasion and shootouts. So let's put those situations aside for a moment and discuss more plausible disasters and how to prepare.
Here are a few of my thoughts:
1. I don't let the gas in my tank get below 1/2 full. I know of several people down in CA that were looking for fuel on the day of the fire. Once disaster strikes it's too late.
2. I carry a med kit and fire extinguisher in my vehicle at all times (along with a few other things). Be prepared to render aid when needed.
3. Think about the animals. Human life is the #1 priority but you'd have to have a pretty cold heart to have pets/livestock and not have an extraction plan if time allowed. One lady in CA was trying to find cat carriers to carry her several cats when the evacuation order came. Have a way to transport your pets and put some pet food aside next to your own emergency bag. I'm not advocating running into a burning building to save Snowball....but if you plan ahead you may not have to. (It should also be noted that pets, especially dogs, can offer a huge morale boost after a tragedy)
4. Have cash readily available. I know it can be tough to save. I spent a year throwing loose change in a jar and ended up with $200...so there are plenty of tips to save money. You probably don't need to dig out your gold coins in a natural disaster but you will have to buy food and other items for you and your family down the road.
5. Communication. In a serious situation the cell towers could be jammed with all the traffic. Have a talk with your family about alternate ways of communication or places to meet in case of emergency.
6. Consider alternate modes of transportation. Paradise had two main roads and one alternate road out of town. All were jammed with cars trying to escape and people ended up getting trapped. If you're in the Puget Sound area you know how bad traffic is on a normal day. Now imagine an evacuation. Consider a good bicycle, ATV, or other vehicle that can get you from point A-B
7. Keep important papers in a fireproof safe (you can even upload some to the cloud if you're tech savy).
8. Everything is replaceable but you. Be safe and have a plan. If disaster strikes be decisive and move quickly.
What other tips and lessons have you learned for a serious natural disaster?
We can all agree that Paradise is a total SHTF scenario. Realistically such a disaster is far more likely than a zombie apocalypse or collapse of society. I've talked to a lot of people that have SHTF/Bug Out Plans like the situation will require evasion and shootouts. So let's put those situations aside for a moment and discuss more plausible disasters and how to prepare.
Here are a few of my thoughts:
1. I don't let the gas in my tank get below 1/2 full. I know of several people down in CA that were looking for fuel on the day of the fire. Once disaster strikes it's too late.
2. I carry a med kit and fire extinguisher in my vehicle at all times (along with a few other things). Be prepared to render aid when needed.
3. Think about the animals. Human life is the #1 priority but you'd have to have a pretty cold heart to have pets/livestock and not have an extraction plan if time allowed. One lady in CA was trying to find cat carriers to carry her several cats when the evacuation order came. Have a way to transport your pets and put some pet food aside next to your own emergency bag. I'm not advocating running into a burning building to save Snowball....but if you plan ahead you may not have to. (It should also be noted that pets, especially dogs, can offer a huge morale boost after a tragedy)
4. Have cash readily available. I know it can be tough to save. I spent a year throwing loose change in a jar and ended up with $200...so there are plenty of tips to save money. You probably don't need to dig out your gold coins in a natural disaster but you will have to buy food and other items for you and your family down the road.
5. Communication. In a serious situation the cell towers could be jammed with all the traffic. Have a talk with your family about alternate ways of communication or places to meet in case of emergency.
6. Consider alternate modes of transportation. Paradise had two main roads and one alternate road out of town. All were jammed with cars trying to escape and people ended up getting trapped. If you're in the Puget Sound area you know how bad traffic is on a normal day. Now imagine an evacuation. Consider a good bicycle, ATV, or other vehicle that can get you from point A-B
7. Keep important papers in a fireproof safe (you can even upload some to the cloud if you're tech savy).
8. Everything is replaceable but you. Be safe and have a plan. If disaster strikes be decisive and move quickly.
What other tips and lessons have you learned for a serious natural disaster?
