Emergency Preparedness: How Ready Are You?

[SS Project Manager]

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when we least expect it. Power outages, storms, sudden shortages—these things remind us how valuable a little planning can be. For some, preparedness looks like a well-stocked pantry. For others, it’s a grab-and-go bag with all the essentials. And then there are folks who go full survivalist mode with backup generators and water filters at the ready.

The truth is, emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be extreme. Even small steps can make a big difference when things don’t go according to plan. Maybe it’s keeping extra candles and batteries handy, or maybe it’s growing and storing enough food to feel secure year-round.

Let’s swap ideas and experiences:

• What’s the one item you think everyone should keep in their emergency kit?
• Do you have a go-to strategy for power outages or water shortages?
• What’s something you wish you’d prepared for earlier?

Sharing what’s worked (or what you’ve learned the hard way) can inspire others to be better prepared too. So how ready are you for life’s unexpected moments?

 

[flowerbug]

we have water ready at all times and the propane fireplace provides heat and a way to cook things, those things are the most important in the middle of winter.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

We stay pretty well stocked at all times. Spring storms w/possible tornados, summer/fall bring possible hurricanes and winter storms have been known to knock out our power for days also.

We have gone all out with a storm shelter and generators. We have a big generator that will mostly run the whole house. We did discover during an ice storm that the hot water heater along with the whole house heater were too much for it. Not a big deal - we can work around that. It has no problem with the AC. Downside - it's a fuel hog. If something is headed our way, I'll stock up with at least 50 gallons of gasoline. We also have a smaller backup generator that runs on propane.

Water is stored rear round. I keep 6 5gallon jugs full of water full and stored on the back porch at all times. I change out the water periodically. Also have several gallons of drinking/coffee water in the breezeway. Even with the generators and the ability to pump fresh water I try to remember that a generator is not fail safe. If all of those things fail we have the pond. Animals don't mind colored water, but I'm not so fond of the idea. Hence, filtration!

We have candles but rarely use them preferring to use rechargeables if we're not running the generator. Also, solar powered landscape lighting work pretty well to give some ambient lighting in the evenings.

Also have a camp stove and multiple small propane fuel canisters - justincase.

Pantry is stocked and I try to never let gasoline in the vehicles fall below 1/2 tank. It's a lifestyle for us and we never feel that pressure to "stock up" before a storm.

Can't do without essentials - water, wine, coffee, wine and brownies! Oh - and wine! (and gasoline)