Here it is getting towards the end of August. Remember back a few months ago when a vast majority of the U.S. and even parts throughout the world were experiencing tons of snow and blizzard conditions and bitter cold?
Then, came the floods . . . . rain, rain, and more rain.
On the heels of the floods came the devastating tornadoes that wiped whole towns off the map and claimed a lot of innocent lives and did so much property damage.
Much of the Midwest and other regions had a very hot, hot, hot summer (and it's not over yet!).
Now, within the last two days, there have been earthquakes in two opposite regions of the U.S.
People, things are getting more and more unsettled with Mother Nature! I can only imagine what the upcoming winter will be like. I hate to say this, but, I wouldn't be surprised we don't have a repeat of last winter!! Sigh!
If you don't have a "plan" of action for when disaster hits, I strongly suggest you get one in motion NOW. Get your affairs in order - important papers, phone numbers, keep your medicines up-to-date, vehicles in working order, stock up (if you are able to) with canned goods, manual can opener, bottled water, batteries, flashlights, lanterns w/oil, gloves, boots, shovels, salt . . . . the list goes on and on. You get the picture. Don't wait until the last minute and then scramble to find stuff. Even a spare can of gasoline if you have somewhere to store it might come in handy in an emergency.
If you read in older books or have seen the old Western movies - in the olden days - people prepared for winter. Gathered food in the fall to see them through the rough winters (canning a lot from their gardens). Had firewood chopped and stacked for their fireplaces for heat. Back then, they didn't have all the modern conveniences we have today - and they survived. Because they planned ahead!
I always have to shake my head when the first snow comes and everyone is running to the stores to get snow shovels, gloves and boots (plus milk and bread). Bet they are surprised when it snows in December . . . duh . . . it's December people, you should have been ready!!
Anyhow . . . this thread is just a heads-up and reminder that Mother Nature has not been very happy for quite a while . . . I don't think things are going to let up any time soon. BE PREPARED!! Don't bury your head in the sand and think you'll take care of this later . . . because, you know what? You will be buried in the sand (or snow)!!
Bucky
I think that most people follow the contortionists method of emergency preparedness.
Bend over and kiss your Bum goodbye.
I have not had to have an AC power source in the past but I may in the near future. My wife does not understand why I want to stock up on canned goods and basic foods.
The pale horseman appeared in Egypt. I do not know what the future holds. My survival skills were very good when I was young. During and since Nam, My eyes still travel to defensible and sustainable positions. The trouble is that with these health issues I do not know if survival is in the cards any more. It is not a thought that I use sleep over.
My husband could live off the land and we have everything he would need to "make" things we might need in a disaster. Although we are older now, he still hunts and fishes, grows our own food. I couldn't think of a better person to be with if there was an emergency. I could do without some of the "stuff" he has saved over the years. I am a sissy and lazy and don't want to get my hands dirty. Lucy
Good subject Bucky, Yes, we always prepared for winter around our house in the country. That is because when you are in the country the first blizzard can leave you stranded for a couple days without electricity.
When the kids were young we had oil heat plus 2 wood burners. For many years we have only had LP furnace and a couple of LP space heaters so that at least the pipes wouldn't freeze in the house.
I always made a trip to Cub Foods or one of the warehouse markets they used to have when October came. Remember when they used to have more "harvest sales" at the grocery stores??
Canned meat, vegies, canned fruit juice, flour, sugar, toilet paper and other bathroom and personal supplies that may be needed. I bought a portable potty for 5$ at a garage sale many years ago and it has been put to use.
Be sure to always keep some gallons of drinking water on hand. I usually start filling the big kitchen pots with water when a storm looks bad cause a little water to wash up is nice once in a while.
We have electric stove so we now always keep the LP filled on the grill cause that can allow us to cook. Also, I keep a gallon of milk and a jug of orange juice in the freezer for emergencies. You have to pour a couple inches out of these to allow for expansion when they freeze.
I wish that I was able to do more cause I always loved the feeling of getting the nest ready for a long winter. We have had some miserable ones over the years out here.
It is hard on us older people to have all the younger ones around all the time now, but it only makes sense for the whole world to bunk together more to help save on the fuel cost--night have to have relatives living here a while. I always keep the furnace really low and use a safe electric heater in the 2 places we spend the most time. When hubby complains of being cold I always tell him you need to just put on more clothes.
I was raised by parents who lived through the depression and living "poor" doesn't bother me a bit. I think it is good for us to do so so we don't feel so "entitled". Irish ;D
Good reminders, Bucky! Even though I live "in town" I need to get a few things together, too.
Joe, I think you're right about most people's idea of preparedness. :D ;D They just wish for the best!
We really need a small kit to just pick up and go if we need to leave our homes. A bit of food and water, our meds (of course) :P a change of clothes and a list of phone numbers for insurance, banking, etc.
Irish, sounds like you're well prepared and done it for years. In the country, it's a must. My in-laws retired here 15 years ago, and moved from Cincinnati to a beautiful new home they built 12 miles from town; no where to get gas, groceries, anything. My FIL thought they were in good shape if they lost electricity, besides it hardly ever happened. They built a stone fireplace with gas logs, but an electric start. A gas stove, but electric fridge. And the home furnace is natural gas but has an electric start-up.
MIL told him the first winter they needed a generator in case of emergency. He thought it was a waste of money, but he finally gave in and they bought one. That first January we had a big ice storm; took down lots of trees and power lines. And their electricity was out for ten days! MIL had real logs for the fire, a generator to hook up the fridge, and bought a propane heater. She had batteries for a radio, too.
Someone asked my FIL later about all their good preparation and he told them how they BOTH planned all this so well. She gave him a little bop on the head. ;)