What You Need to be Prepared for Emergencies

As a nation, we have recently seen the devastation caused by the wildfires in LA, and hurricane Helene along the southeastern US. Furthermore, over the last several years we’ve dealt with civil unrest, chemical spills, power grid failures, even a pandemic. As a result, many lives were lost, property and infrastructure was destroyed, and supply chains were shut down. Amongst it all, a valuable lesson was learned:

You can’t count on the government to come to your rescue.

At the end of day, you need to be self reliant. So ask yourself, are you prepared for a natural or man-made disaster? Do you have long term food and water? Do you have critical medical supplies? Are you equipped with the necessary gear to sustain you and your family during the immediate days after a catastrophe? The proper gear can be the difference maker between success and failure in an emergency situation. Gather the supplies you’ll need to be prepared.

Long-Term Emergency Food and Water

Having an emergency food supply is an essential part of disaster preparedness. We’ve all seen it before, when panic ensues before an incoming disaster, the shelves at the local food market become bare. And once that supply chain is halted due to ruined infrastructure, pandemic, or whatever else, you could be without sustenance for too long. Remember, food is energy, and energy is survival. Keep yourself and your family fed in a disaster. Stock up on an emergency food supply.

Bug Out Bag / Emergency Kit

Keeping an emergency “Go Bag” in your car or office is a great idea for when crap hits the fan and you need to survive and get home in unforeseen circumstances. A pre-built, compact kit keeps you organized, mobile, and equipped. These kits contain things like food rations, first aid, PPE, tools, batteries, and other survival gear. Prepare now, so when disaster hits, you can be an asset instead of a liability.

First Aid Trauma Kit

Don’t overlook the importance of a comprehensive trauma and first aid kit. During a disaster, the hospital system and EMS will be overwhelmed, if accessible at all. That’s partly because the potential for injury is greater during such events. Having the ability to care for bleeding, fractures, burns, and other injuries can help sustain life long enough for professional assistance to arrive. Get the supplies, get trained, and be prepared to be your own first responder.

EMP Protection

It’s unfortunate to say, but the threat of an EMP is very real in our modern geopolitical landscape. We rely on our electronic devices daily, including our vehicles. Having some form of EMP protection means you will be able to ensure your vehicle operates after an EMP, helping you get home, save family members, or even get supplies while others cannot.

CBRN Gas Mask and Filters

A CBRN gas mask and respirator can become a life saving piece of equipment during a pandemic, or after chemical spills, natural disasters, or even amidst chemical warfare. A proper respirator and filter will protect your face, internal organs and respiratory system against a full spectrum of toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents, including chemical, biological and nuclear threats such as radioactive dust, noxious gas, vaporized pollutants and more.

Portable Solar Power Station

Maintaining power to electronic devices for communication and information gathering is vital in an emergency situation. It allows you to call for help, stay connected to emergency alerts and updates, and empowers you to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. Access to information is valuable in an emergency situation and it is something we should prepare for.

Final Thoughts

Having the right gear is important, but it won't be of any help to you if you aren't trained to use it. Make it a priority to learn life-saving skills, and become proficient with the tools and gear you have.