"What would I do if..."
In the wee hours this morning, I wondered how many have ever considered an ice storm that could knock-out power this winter. I couldn't help but wonder if folks considered joblessness, the death of a spouse, a broken water main, a tornado, or a wildfire such as the Bastrop, Texas fire of September 2011 that razed nearly 1700 homes, when they think of disasters. It's not always an awful hurricane or an earthquake that wipes people out. As a kid, my dad worked at a factory that burned down in Indiana. Usually, when things like that happen, a whole town suddenly finds itself unemployed. Perhaps it was a bankruptcy and not a fire. The unexpected can and does happen.
Most people don't want to consider a strategic nuclear attack creating an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) in this nation. You may recall the Republican debate where the Candidates were asked about their greatest concern for the nation. Newt Gingrich responded by saying his greatest concern was an EMP. The nation, collectively, replied, "HUH?" In the case of an EMP, all-things-electronic would cease to function... cell phones, TV, computers, even vehicles. We couldn't use credit cards, couldn't access an ATM, couldn't make purchases, and couldn't pump gas even if cars were running. Our water purification plants would stop functioning, too, making drinking water more hazardous than it already is. EMP's aren't limited to some rogue nation attacking our shores. No, one well-placed Coronal Mass Ejection (a sun burp) aimed at our favorite planet could cause an EMP, too (see TV programs such as "Revolution" for an idea of what life would be like without electricity).
Sadly, FEMA estimates 93% of Americans are simply unprepared. Does that include you? If nothing else, the accounts from victims of Hurricane Sandy have provided us with one more chance to consider our own disaster readiness.
Consider the following and ask "What would I do if..."
- I was grilling my last piece of meat on a campfire amidst the rubble of my neighborhood and the scent of the meat and the warmth of the fire started drawing people and dogs. Among those people are everything from fathers trying to scavenge food for their families and ex-cons, druggies and gangsters. Am I ready for that?
- neither FEMA or the relief agencies had gotten to my part of the incident area and the temperature is expected to fall below freezing. Do I have sub-zero sleeping bags? How about mylar thermal space blankets? What will I do to stay warm?
- all the lights in my neighborhood were out except mine. I have a solar-powered generator and my lights still work, my fridge, and my stovetop. Am I ready for the attention that could be drawn to my home? Will I need to defend myself and my family?
- all currency had become devalued and was worthless. Gas, toilet paper, food and water are the only things of value. Do you have any? Am I trading my cash for pre-'65 silver coins right now, while things are peaceful? Perhaps I should start storing my cash in the form of gold while I can... Karatbars might be the way to go! It's free to open an account!
- there was nothing to eat? Would I get my gun and shoot something? Right, me and thousands of other hunters! Not only that but do I have enough ammo? Let's remember, dead deer are being found in the woods nationwide, 11,000 in Michigan alone. Fish and foul are turning up dead by the millions worldwide. Perhaps I should develop a taste for rats, which are suddenly so plentiful. Do I have rat traps? Maybe the BEST idea is to start stocking-up on dry foods with a long-term shelf-life. GOFoods are delicious, and I'd rather have my money in food than in the bank right now!
- I had no access to clean water? Could this be a good time to invest in a purifier? Some filters? Should I collect water off my roof, store in 55 gallon barrels, or buy Ozarka every time I shop? I hear we should plan on 2 gallons per person per day! That's a lot of water! Without it, we can't stay clean, clean messes, wash dirty clothes, water our seeds, our pets...or stay hydrated! Remember, we can only last about 3 days without water. I've heard most of the animals who drank Katrina's water died within a year.
- I had to leave my home quickly? If by car, do I have extra gasoline? Remember, after Hurricane Sandy, even gas stations with fuel had no power to pump it with. Besides, I do NOT want to leave my family for 6 hours while I'm in line awaiting my turn at the pump. Do I have a bug-out bag prepared to sustain me at least 3 days- one for each family member AND our pets? What about meds?
- I lost all my important papers? Deeds, titles, divorce decrees, marriage licenses, birth certificates, insurance papers, gold and stock certificates... should I have copies stored far inland, in a safe deposit box or, at least, with a relative? What about backing up my computer information with a company like Carbonite? It would do me no good if I had a back-up hard drive in the event of a major disaster. Imagine the hassle of having to start all over AND deal with all this paper stuff! And what about my business and employees?
Where disaster readiness is concerned, not enough people ARE! Save my website as a "favorite" (PrepareTodayEverybody.Blogspot.com) and refer to it on occasion. Check out the archives - lots of good info there! E-Mail me if you need assistance.
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
miketummillo@me.com
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