Loss of Job
We recommend having a 6 month emergency fund. This may require you to utilize your food storage, and you may need to cut spending in a similar way that you would if stores were closed. It can take 3-6 months to find a new job, depending on the job market. Your food storage, garden, and your emergency fund are your main support here.
Many people are daunted by the idea of starting their food storage. You can get about 1 month of food and some water storage for less than $100. It’s really easy, and the peace of mind it gives you is incredible… READ MORE
Major Winter Storm
This can affect almost anywhere as Texas has shown us in 2021. For this you’ll want cash on hand as winter weather can knock out electricity and internet, meaning stores won’t be able to take your credit card. You’ll also want really good winter clothing, and I don’t just mean a coat. Every article of clothing from your socks to your hat should be different. You’ll also want multiple sources of heat. We especially recommend the little buddy heater, which includes a carbon monoxide detector built in.
For all your heat sources, and generally for protecting your family, we strongly recommend that you have a carbon monoxide detector at your house with a battery backup. You don’t want carbon monoxide poisoning on top of having winter challenges.
Electrical Failure
Losing power doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, until you start to think of everything connected to power. The thermostat on a furnace is usually electrical, meaning that an electrical failure can quickly turn into a cold weather event. And if things aren’t getting cold, things in your freezer will be getting warm. If you need power we strongly recommend that you look into a generator, or if that’s not an option, you can turn your car into a generator for a fraction of the price, if perhaps at a slightly lower electrical output.
Water Failure
There are a number of different water failures that can affect you, including a water main break or a broken pipe leaving you with your water shut off, or you could have a water contamination. Some water contaminants mean you only need to boil your water, but for either one of these issues you will want to have a water storage. We also recommend having a couple different water purification methods available as well. We also strongly recommend having a Life Straw or two in your supplies as well. They’re small, simple, and inexpensive, and they work fairly well.
Gas Leak
Inhaling low levels of natural gas isn’t terrible for your health, but natural gas is extremely flammable. You can essentially have your home turn into a bomb with a gas leak. If you smell gas, grab your 72 hour kit, get out, and call emergency personnel. Don’t turn on or off lights, or touch anything electrical.
Major Illness
A major illness can lead to the loss of employment and can lead to increased medical bills. You’ll want to have your emergency fund, your food storage, and medicine and first aid ready. We always want to have Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Benadryl on hand at all times. They don’t cure everything, but one of those will help with most things.
Natural Disaster
This can come in many forms, and what is most likely will depend on where you live. This could be a tornado, a forest fire, hurricane, or something else. If you have enough warning, most of the time you’ll want to bug out. If you don’t you’ll need to make a judgement call, though we don’t recommend trying to weather a forest fire. There’s a time to go to your bug out location. Have your bug out bag or 72 hour kit ready.
Car accident or car troubles
Car troubles often aren’t considered a disaster, and if you’re prepared it hopefully won’t be. Wear your seat belt, and make sure you have a good vehicle emergency kit. We have a full write up on what should be in a kit like that HERE. We also recommend that you have a good get home bag as well.
Keep Learning
Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.
