Regular Homeowner Disaster Preparedness: Simple lessons from a prepper for everyday families.


(Baltimore, MD)- After watching Hurricane Harvey rip through Texas (still ongoing as I write), it is reminder of the simple steps we can take at home to protect our families. Although the Mid-Atlantic has not experienced a storm of this magnitude, we have to remember  30"+ snowstorms that leave even the heardiest of adventures stuck for a few days.

You do not need to be a "prepper" in order to prepare. Having a storm or natural disaster plan is simply responsible and we want to help make it easy.

1. Have supplies
2. Have a Plan
3. Stay Informed

Below is a list of items we recommend. We broke this into 2 categories then discuss the benefits of "staying informed". The first are necessary and not having this in your home AT ALL TIMES is simple irresponsible.  The 2nd are items will make life at home easier and help you in the worst of times.


1.  ITEMS FOR SAFETY

Absolutely Necessary Items:
 - Prepare this as a kit. Have set aside in your home at all times, only to be used in case of emergencies. Keep note of expiration dates and rotate items which risk going bad.

1. Water- 1 Gallon per person, per day (3 days recommended)
2. Medicine- A 3 day supply of all medications PLUS a selection of others (pain relievers, comfort medications like stomach relief, gauze bandages, bandaids, hydrodren peroxide, etc.)
3. Canned Food- 3 meals per day per person. Consider dried fruit and canned goods (Don't forget the can opener)
4. Emergency Blankets
5. Battery Powered Radio
6. Photocopies of Identification for household members
7. Paper copies of important phone numbers
8. Whistle
9.  Flashlight
10.  Backpack


Other Items that may help:
If you are in it for the "long haul" these will help protect your family and keep you comfortable. They can also help in larger emergencies where evaucuation may be required.

1. Cell phone charger and battery backup
2. Sunscreen
3. Hand Crank Radio
4. Camp Stove (for use outdoors)
5. Spare Propane for gas grill (use outside)
6. Multi-purpose tool
7. Duct Tape
8. Extra cash
9. Board Games/ cards
10. Spray Paint

In addition to the items above, keep track of readily accesible items that are already in your home including:

1. Winter/ waterproof Boots
2.  Sweatshirts/ Coats/ Gloves/ Hats
3.  Packaged Foods (chips, gronola bars, bottled drinks, fruit)- these should be consumed first.
4. Sleeping bags
5. Pet Items

2. THE PLAN

 Involve the entire family in the planning phase. Most major emergencies come with warning (snowstorms, hurricanes) but some may not (Tornado, Derecho!) Have a detailed plan on how to handle each of the following and make sure everyone understands the plan to enact it even on their own. Consider the following in determinaton:

1. Chossing to stay home: What are you flags to leave the house beforehand (go to a hotel), or leave the area. Governments usually give advice on this but if you area is prone to flooding you may want to use more discretion.

2. If you stay home, how long can you stay and if you have to leave, how can you leave and where? Know how long you can survive comfortably and use this in your consideration.

3.  If you have to leave, have a plan on where to go. Speak with family or friends out of town before the storm, have "Plan B" on standby.

4. Consider your family situation: I have 3 children under 5. Even a small chance of power loss could be uncomfortable so I may leave sooner than others. 

5. Have an emergency plan- what to do if disaster strikes unannounced or if one family member is not present when something happens. Have a meeting place (when I was younger or in college it was my Grandmother's house in New Jersey if SHTF and we were seperated--- many families are challenged with this right now because the National Guard arrived at a meeting spot while another family member was retrieving an item or pet back at the house).

6. STAY CALM- Bear Grylls, the ultimate survivor, always says a major factor in surviving any situation comfortably is attitude. With a plan comes confidence and calmness. Material possesions are just that- don't sweat the property loss during an emergency and stay positive.


3.  STAY INFORMED

Every problem has a solution and we are lucky to live in a society where you will never be forgotten. The key is to be informed with regard to the status of the disaster, prep beforehand and make an educated and logical decision to survive until help comes or the disaster has receded.

During the disaster, following the news will alert to when an alteration is or if opportunities to find relief arrive (water dropoffs, etc.).

Staying informed includes both listening to the radio/ tv and contact with family members. During tough times rumors will start flying and incorrect information can hurt you. Knowing where you family is at all times and what they are experiencing first hand will make the entire situation better.

CONCLUSION
Some of the items listed may not have an obvious usefullness. I will explain those below. The key with everything is to make sure you can survive for at least 3 days without outside help or contact. There are VERY few scenarios where help cannot come after a few days. Alerting the authorities when you are in diress is important, next is to stay in contact with friends/ family/ neighbors to make sure they are not in trouble.

Always stay indoors, monitor the news, don't touch downed power lines and help each other out.





*******

 Explination of some items on my list:

1. Water is the #1 priority. We cannot survive without it and when you start dehydration your judgement is effected and you will experience terrible side effects. Use bottled water and if possible- fill the bathtub for pets or emergency drinking situations. Having extra water in the tub can also be good for personal hygeine which helps anyone keep a strong and positive morale.

2. Paper copies of important phone numbers: Because your cell phone might be dead.

3. Whistle: To call for help.

4. Sunscreen/ Boots/ Backpack- Because you may have to walk for help. Those items will help if you are stuck outside for a while and carry emergency/ personal items.

5. Duct Tape: Because the world is better for this great invention- you may need it--- who knows?!

6. Spray Paint: If things are bad and you are in duress- painting help is not out of the question. In Houston, people were stranded in their attics this past week. Painting S.O.S. or HELP on your garage door signals anyone who can assist you to come and help.


Disclaimer: This information was drafted and provided by EFynch. 
It is meant to discussion purposes only. Information was prepared by data and recommendations from the CDC. It is important that each person consult with several sources and develop a personal plan.



Location: Laurel, MD, USA

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