Between natural disasters, climate emergencies, terrorist attacks, and major wars, it’s hard to tell when the next catastrophe is coming or what it will look like. Nevertheless, smart people are making it a point to be prepared for as many scenarios as possible.
What are the best ways to prepare for a major catastrophe? And how can you get started as a newbie?
Take a Class (or Several)
One of the best ways to prepare, especially if you’re new and unsure where to start, is to take a survival and/or tactical skills course. In courses like these, you’ll typically work with highly qualified, experienced instructors who can guide you through practical exercises that build your skills.
Classes often focus on one or more of the following:
· Tactical medical training and first aid. In some classes, you’ll have the opportunity to learn tactical medical training and first aid. You may not earn a medical license, but you’ll be able to treat many injuries and maximize your chances of survival after being hurt.
· Shelter, fire, foraging, and wilderness survival. In other classes, you can learn about building shelter, starting fires, foraging for food, tracking and hunting, and other skills related to surviving in the wilderness. If push comes to shove, you’ll be able to survive in the woods.
· Firearms training and self-defense. Some classes are dedicated to self-defense and firearms training, helping you use weapons properly and protect yourself and others in the presence of hostile forces.
· Specific disaster preparedness classes. It’s also possible to find classes that focus on specific forms of disaster preparedness, such as preparing for one particular type of natural disaster.
Create a Go Bag
A “go bag” is any durable, roomy bag that allows you to pack all the essentials you’ll need to survive if you’re forced to leave your current location. It’s wise to assemble and pack a go bag so it’s ready if you ever need it.
While there are differing philosophies on what this bag should include, these are some of the most common inclusions:
· Bottled water and nonperishable snacks. You won’t last long without food and water. Make sure you have a couple of water bottles and nonperishable snacks.
· A small first aid kit. A portable first aid kit can mean the difference between life and death if you get injured.
· A flashlight and radio. Your flashlight and radio should both be rechargeable through manual crank action, so you don’t need to rely on batteries or chargers.
· Personal hygiene items. You’ll want to bring at least a few personal hygiene items, including soap and wet wipes.
· Maps. Your go bag should have a physical map of your local area so you can navigate without the use of advanced technology.
· Communication equipment. You may also want alternative communication equipment, such as flares, whistles, and high visibility items.
· Defensive equipment. Many items can be used for defense, including firearms, pepper spray, and sharp implements. Make sure you have at least one in your go bag.
· Protective equipment. You may also want to bring protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory masks to protect your lungs from environmental hazards.
· Miscellaneous survival essentials. Various survival essentials, like a compass, a knife, flint, and paracord should also be included.
· Copies of official documents. Include waterproof, laminated copies of your most important official documents in case you need them.
· Cash. Finally, carry some extra cash for bartering.
Stock Up on Supplies
It’s also a good idea to stock up on supplies in your home, so you have access to them in the event of a disaster.
· Water. A good rule of thumb is to stock at least one gallon of water per person, per day – and to have at least a 2-week supply of water ready for an emergency situation. It’s also a good idea to brainstorm about a potentially renewable water source.
· Food. You’ll also want to stock plenty of nonperishable foods, such as canned items and dried products like rice. Ideally, you’ll have a mix of different foods available to serve all your nutritional needs, but grains and legumes are particularly cheap, nutritive, light, and portable.
· Medical supplies. It’s also a good idea to stock up on medical supplies, including basics for your first aid kits. If you take any regular prescription medications, make sure you stock up on those as well.
· Cleaning and hygiene items. Cleaning and hygiene items are going to be increasingly rare in a disaster situation, so make sure to stock up on basics like soap, shampoo, and wet wipes.
· Ammunition. If you have firearms, it’s important to stock up on ammunition as well. Hopefully, you won’t need any.
Practice Ongoing Learning
Finally, commit to ongoing learning. A single book or class isn’t going to teach you everything about disaster preparedness, and as you learn more, your philosophies and strategies are going to evolve. Make time every week to learn something new, practice old skills, and stock up on supplies if and when you need them.
No one knows when the next major catastrophe is going to strike, or what form that catastrophe is going to take. However, if you’re able to follow the advice in this guide, and devote ample time to improving your survival knowledge and skills, you can maximize your chances of emerging from that catastrophe unscathed.