The ability to self-rescue is important. A 100-year storm or adverse event isn’t something that happens every hundred years, it merely means you have a 1% chance of experiencing it any given year. Denying these potential threats can result in serious injury or death to you and your loved ones. Or becoming refugees.
Americans increasingly see the nearly Biblical damage caused by Hurricane Helene from Florida through the Appalachian mountains to North Carolina. We also see the feckless response of the Biden-Harris administration.
Meanwhile, three months ago, Secretary of Homeland Security Myorkas said FEMA is “tremendously prepared” for hurricane season. Now, in the aftermath of Helene, he’s complaining that FEMA is broke. FEMA spent $1.4B moving illegal aliens into our nation and now they have no funds for their true mission of helping Americans suffering in disasters. Welcome to the Biden-Harris “America Last” policies.
And don’t forget Joey Biden pledging $1 BILLION in relief funds for Africans displaced by natural disasters… in Africa.
Americans in America? Sorry. “We hate you. Love, Biden Admin”
Fortunately, the bulk of the people in the affected areas tend to be strong people. These folks believe in God and helping their neighbors. And they are doing just that.
The feckless FEMA non-response should reaffirm to everyone that the government won’t always be there to help and that self-rescue is everyone’s first priority.
In the aftermath of any disaster or emergency, you are your own first responder. With proper planning and preparedness, you can help your family turn that life-threatening emergency into an inconvenience. A failure to plan is a plan to fail. Moreover, there are places for people who didn’t prepare. They are called “refugee camps.”
Preparedness really isn’t hard.
Ready.gov has some great information for everyone on how to prepare for emergencies before they happen. These include specifics for those with pets and disabilities, for businesses and more. Ready.com coaches people on how to build their own emergency kits, plans and much more.
The one area they mysteriously don’t cover involves defending your family from morally and ethically challenged “individuals.” But if you’re reading GunNews or a regular at GSL’s website, you probably already have at least a passing understanding that guns represent the great equalizer.
Some important considerations worth noting:
Good friends are priceless and will come when you need them – if they are able. Of course, you have to reciprocate. Good neighbors are priceless as well, which is why it’s important to build bridges with your neighbors, even the ones that can be problematic at times.
Don’t overlook personal safety gear and first aid supplies. Gloves will protect your hands. So have lots of gloves. Good boots will protect your footsies. Throw in some clear safety glasses for low-light cleanup. Then there’s things like a bump cap or helmet. Falling objects are a thing in the aftermath of storms. Chainsaw chaps provide cheap insurance against serious, potentially crippling injury when you’re tired, wet and uncomfortable running a saw. Remember that emergency medical care will likely not be available by calling 911. First aid supplies will be very important. At the very least, you should have an Israeli Battle Dressing (aka “The Emergency Bandage”).
No matter if you live in an apartment, trailer or house: Keep your car’s gas tank full. If you live in a house or trailer, keep some extra gasoline on hand. Stabilize it with PRI-G or StarTron fuel stabilizers, and keep it in tightly sealed containers. Winter-blend gas is preferred as it will start easier in cold weather.
Don’t get dehydrated. Drink plenty of water. The first thing to go when you get dehydrated is your ability to concentrate. If you’re using a chainsaw, generator or heavy equipment, a loss of concentration can turn crippling (or shocking) in an instant. Be sure to store at least a case of bottled water for every member of your household for emergencies.
Kiddos (pre-teens, at least) often love to help. Get them appropriate sized work gloves (procured ahead of an emergency) and give them a task that’s relatively safe to keep them occupied. Don’t forget the reward for following through. Failure to keep them busy might result in them hindering cleanup, instead of helping it.
If you’re doing damage assessment or storm cleanup after dark, light is your friend. Make sure you have a headlamp so you can use your hands, in addition to flashlight(s) and batteries.
Communication. Have some sort of backup communication. This includes battery chargers for your phones, walkie-talkie UHF/VHF radios, and even potentially a Starlink receiver.
Prudent planning.
Prudent planning will help your family survive and maybe even thrive in the aftermath of a disaster. Better yet, it will keep you and your family alive and out of refugee camps.
The only solutions that work are the ones you do for yourself – Raymond Benwood
In Appalachia the people were preppers but when a wall of water washes your House down the river with your preps inside its hard to survive. This is why we “ALL” need “Bug Out Bags” for every member of your family down to the age of 5. You need them in your car and Home. Never try to be more than 10 – 30 feet away from your “Bug Out Bag”
You must have some long term freeze dried foods, items to prepare the food, change of Socks, Under garments and a change of clothing. Everyone needs an IFAK pouch similar to what a soldier carries, but stuffed with Baby, insect and Poison Ivy wipes. Add in a water filter or water bottle, fire starter. Include Led 2 Flash lights with extra batteries taped to the light. For the Children’s Bags use food bars, socks, under garments and a change of cloths. Para cord and 2 Flash Lights. Keep their Bags light.
This is going to irk some of you But think about what your children would need to live a for a few days if you were separated from them temporarily or permanently. Educate your children on situation awareness. In the Hurricane this summer; Illegal Immigrants found some of these children alone and Hungry. These children became rape victims some are believed to have been murdered.
I know there is more to this subject but I hope you understand
PLEASE plan accordingly.