September is National Preparedness Month, encouraging households nationwide to plan for the unexpected. Being prepared can make all the difference, whether it's a natural disaster, financial loss or a sudden medical diagnosis. Here are some basic survival preparedness for beginners tips to help you and your loved ones stay ready for anything.
Prepare for Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can strike at any time, and that's why being prepared is crucial.
One of the first steps when it comes to survival preparedness for beginners is to create an emergency kit.
Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit. It's also essential to include any necessary medications and important documents in your emergency kit or go bag.
Additionally, developing a family communication plan is vital. Make sure everyone knows how to contact each other during an emergency.
Depending on your region, research off-grid communications options such as satellite phones. Designate a meeting place with backup options in case evacuation is necessary.
Understanding your local risks is also crucial. Knowing the specific natural disasters that could affect your areas, such as hurricanes on the coast, tornadoes in the Midwest or earthquakes on the West Coast, can help you prepare effectively.
Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelter locations. Staying informed is equally important.
Follow weather alerts and emergency notifications. Buy a battery-powered radio and keep emergency candles on hand in case of power outages.
"Preparation is key," says Misty Spottier of Insurance Claim Academy, a licensed public insurance claims adjuster who has handled thousands of insurance claims from unexpected events. Spottier suggests that families should stock up on essentials like food, water, cash, medicine and hygiene items to survive for at least two weeks. "Have evacuation plans for disasters likely in your area. Review and practice these plans regularly."
Protect Your Family's Future from Financial Loss
A sudden financial setback can be devastating, but there are steps you can take to safeguard your family's well-being. Building an emergency fund is one of the critical steps in financial self-sufficiency.
Aim to save three to six months' worth of living expenses, which can serve as a lifeline in case of job loss, unexpected medical bills or other financial emergencies. Reviewing your insurance policies is another essential step. Ensure you have adequate health, home and auto insurance, and consider life insurance if you don't already have it.
Creating a budget is a practical way to track your income and expenses, helping you identify areas where you can cut back. Prioritizing saving and paying off high-interest debt should be on your list.
Preparing critical financial documents like bank statements, tax returns, and insurance policies is also wise. Make digital copies or organize these documents and keep copies in a secure, accessible place.
Plan for Health Emergencies and Unexpected Medical Diagnoses
Unexpected medical issues can be overwhelming, but with some preparation, you can navigate them more smoothly. Start by knowing your medical history.
Record your family's medical history, including allergies, medications and chronic conditions, and share this information with your healthcare provider. Creating a healthcare plan is also essential and something to do sooner rather than later. "No one expects the unexpected, so preparing now brings peace of mind," says Spottier.
Discuss with your family how you will handle medical emergencies. Know the location and route to the nearest hospital. Make a list of emergency contacts and ensure all the adults in your household have it.
Another step in preparedness involves reviewing your health insurance. Understand what your health insurance covers and identify any gaps in coverage, ensuring your plan includes emergency care provisions.
Additionally, prepare a medical kit tailored to your family's needs. In addition to your regular first aid kit, include items specific to your family, such as prescription medications, inhalers or an EpiPen.
Use Cybersecurity to Protect Your Digital Life
In today's digital age, survival preparedness also means protecting your online presence. One of the simplest yet most effective steps is using strong passwords.
Ensure that all family members use strong, unique passwords for their online accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
Education is vital when it comes to cybersecurity. Teach your family about the dangers of phishing scams and malware and how to recognize suspicious emails or websites.
Regularly backing up important files and photos is also critical in safeguarding your digital life. You can use an external hard drive or a trusted cloud storage service to create copies of significant documents.
Secure Your Living Space
Your home should be a haven, and there are home safety steps you can take to ensure it stays that way. Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a fundamental safety measure.
Regularly check that these detectors are functioning and have fresh batteries, replacing them as the manufacturer recommends. Having a clear and practiced evacuation plan is also crucial. Ensure all family members know the safest routes out of the house in case of fire or other emergencies.
Secure your home further with sturdy locks on doors and windows, and consider installing a home security system or cameras. Doing so can provide additional peace of mind.
Regularly practice fire drills and emergency evacuations with your family. This can better prepare them and save critical time in a real emergency.
Survival Preparedness for Beginners Quick List
Preparing for long-term emergency situations requires careful planning and resource management. For a family of four, focus on essential needs such as food, water, shelter, health, and financial security. This will lay the groundwork for resilience and self-sufficiency.
Here are some practical steps to help you get started with survival preparedness for beginners.
Build Your Food Supply
Start by creating a long-term food storage plan. Aim for a variety of non-perishable food items that are easy to prepare and nutrient-dense. These should include
Canned Goods
Stock up on vegetables, fruits, beans, and meats. Choose options with a longer shelf life and those your family enjoys eating.
Grains and Legumes
Store rice, pasta, quinoa, lentils, and dried beans. These staples are filling and versatile. Remember to print out a few basic recipes such as lentil soup or stovetop rice and beans.
Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Foods
These are great for long-term storage. They maintain nutritional value and can be rehydrated easily.
Planning Meals
Create a meal plan that utilizes your stored food. Rotate items by using older supplies first, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Water Storage
Water is critical for survival. Aim for at least one gallon per person daily for at least three days. Consider the following options for water storage:
Water Containers
Invest in food-grade water storage containers. Consider 5-gallon jugs for ease of transport and use.
Water Filtration Systems
Equip your home with a reliable water filtration system like a Berkey to ensure access to clean drinking water.
Rainwater Harvesting
If applicable, look into systems for collecting rainwater. This can supplement your water supply.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
An effective emergency plan can save lives. Involve every family member in the planning process to ensure everyone understands their role:
Communication
Establish a primary and secondary method for family members to communicate during emergencies. This may include text messages or a family group chat.
Meeting Place
Designate a safe location where your family can regroup if separated. Consider factors like safety and accessibility.
Emergency Contacts
Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family members, neighbors, and local authorities. Share this list with everyone in the family.
Health and Medical Preparedness
Maintaining your family's health during long-term situations is essential:
Medical Kit
Assemble a comprehensive first-aid kit tailored to your family's needs. Include necessary medications, bandages, antiseptics, and any personal medical supplies.
Herbal Apothecary
Consider building a herbal or all-natural medical kit with tinctures, essential oils, and home remedies. Include at least one good herbal remedy reference book on herbs and natural remedies.
Healthcare Provider
Keep a list of all family members' medical histories, including allergies, current medications, and any chronic conditions. Share this information with healthcare providers if needed.
Financial Security
As a former financial advisor, I know all too well that financial preparedness often gets overlooked when it comes to survival. And, of course, in a worse-case SHTF scenario, dollars won't matter nearly as much as skills and items to barter.
However, for anything other than the worst case, the currency still has value, and money still matters. So here's how to prepare.
Emergency Fund
Aim to save three to six months' living expenses as a base for financial self-sufficiency. This fund should be easily accessible and used only for genuine emergencies.
Budgeting
Create a detailed family budget to track income and expenses. Look for areas to cut back and redirect savings into your emergency fund.
Important Documents
Organize and back up crucial financial documents, including bank statements, tax returns, and insurance policies, both in digital and physical forms.
Training and Skills Development
Investing in skills will empower your family during long-term situations. Consider family members' ages, current skill levels, and interests when assigning survival skills and preparedness training.
Emergency Skills
All family members should learn basic emergency skills, such as first aid, CPR, and fire safety. Consider enrolling in courses together to reinforce these skills.
Self-Sufficiency
Explore activities like gardening, canning, and basic repairs around the home. These skills not only promote self-reliance but also enhance your family's resilience.
Keep preparedness simple
Planning for the unexpected isn't complicated, and getting started with long-term preparedness for your family does not have to be overwhelming. Yet, as Spottier says, it requires making it a habit and a priority. "The time you invest now will pay off if disaster strikes," she says.
Focus on the essentials: food, water, health, and finance. "Families should stock up on emergency essentials like food, water, cash, medicine and hygiene items to survive for at least two weeks," Spottier says. "Have evacuation plans for disasters likely in your area. Review and practice these plans regularly."
By taking these simple steps, you'll help ensure your family is prepared for whatever comes your way. For more information and resources on staying safe and ready, visit your state and regional websites or consult with local authorities in your area.
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