Prepping Intensive: Module 5

This week, we will do a threat assessment. We’d like you to use what you learned in that assessment to identify the natural disaster that is the most likely in your area.

Has this disaster happened before?

• If so, go back and research what occurred during the disaster. By looking at history, we can learn how to better prepare for the future. Try to find out if there was a power outage, how long it lasted, what services were affected, and what kind of damage occurred to property in your area.
• If it hasn’t occurred, your research will take a different turn. Now is the time to become an expert on the effects of the particular disaster to create a specific plan for it should it occur in the future.

Come up with 5 concrete actions that you can take this week to prepare for the most likely disaster.  Share what you’ve learned over on the forum!

No Cost Preps

1. Complete the 5-step threat assessment. (You’ll find that in the printables!)
2. Do an audit of your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. What is covered? What is not covered? Be sure to take an inventory with photographs and store it offsite or in the cloud to make the claims process easier.
3. If you live in tornado country, stash some emergency supplies in your storm shelter.  Flashlights, first aid supplies, food, water, and sanitation supplies are essential.
4. Do you have somewhere to go if disaster strikes and you can no longer stay in your home?  Make plans for two places to go if you need to evacuate. One can be nearby, but the other should be further away in the event that the reason you’re evacuating affects homes regionally. Even more importantly, make sure you are expected. You don’t want to be one of those folks who says “I’m coming to your house if something happens.”
5. If you had to evacuate, where would your pets go? If you end up in a shelter, Fluffy and Fido probably won’t be welcome. Establish a relationship with a boarding kennel and be sure they have all of the appropriate vaccination paperwork to be able to take your pet.
6. Ask for references of reliable tradesmen in all areas and add their names, phone numbers, and email contact information to your Grab-n-Go Binder. Post-disaster if you need roof repair, carpet replacement, or other types of repairs, you’ll already have a list of recommended companies.

Low Cost Preps

1. Pick up bungee cords, plywood, and strapping so that you can quickly secure your home and outdoor furniture in the event of a storm with high winds.
2. Have you thought about a way to play music during a disaster? It can be very soothing to both children and adults. As well, music playing through headphones can be a good way to drown out the noise of a storm or destruction for children. If you plan to use an iPod or MP3 player, look into different ways to recharge it if the power is out.
3. Do your children have any specific comfort items? If it is at all possible, purchase a duplicate. While it won’t be exactly the same, if the original is lost during an emergency, the duplicate could be useful for soothing your child. Also, consider stashing some of their very favorite candies and foods for the same reason.
4. Order inexpensive headlamps for all of the members of your family. Be sure to stock up on the appropriate batteries.

Investment Preps

Begin to collect the tools and supplies necessary to repair your home in an emergency. Plywood, hardware, 2x4s, plastic sheeting, PVC pipes, etc., could all come in handy in weatherproofing your house if it is damaged in a disaster.

Headlamps

4-Way Silcock Key (Use this to access water on the exterior valve of some commercial buildings)

Safety Tattoos

Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst-Case Scenarios

Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness For the Family by Arthur T. Bradley