So the saying goes… It’s always better to have and not need, than need and not have. Not that we’re strapping on our tinfoil hats and digging a bunker in the backyard yet, but having a basic level of preparation for any potential disaster might not be the worst thing.
Having some essentials on hand for the first 72-hours of any disaster will put you out in front of the panic these situations usually cause. While the unprepared clamor for the last roll of toilet paper, you can sit back and bask in the excellence that is your disaster planning strategy!
First and foremost will be a fresh water supply. Plan for at least one gallon per person per day minimum. Remember this won’t just be used for drinking. Most long term food storage supplies rely on water to either cook and/or rehydrate them. Hygiene should also not be overlooked when rationing for this category. Nobody wants to hunker down next to a malodorous bunker buddy!
Next will be a thorough food stock. The ubiquitous bucket of beans and rice naturally has its place, but for a basic 72-hour kit you can expand to include some comfort items that may come in handy especially for young children. Depending on your activity level, think about two-thousand calories per day per person.
Now that you have food and water down, you’ll want to consider things like flashlights, batteries, blankets, emergency radio, a quality fixed blade full tang knife, a small power station for charging phones or computers and some board games to pass the time, to name a few.
Lastly, and perhaps one of the most important would be a quality firearm. Let’s face it… No matter how prepared you are, if you can’t defend yourself and your family from the hostile marauders of a Mad Max dystopian hellscape, it’s all for not. Being trained properly and practicing is key when it comes to this category. Choose something that best suits you, your situation / surroundings and ability.
These are the building blocks for moving forward with a good preparation plan. It can be comforting to know you’re covered as the world descends into madness. We definitely don’t preach a ‘Sky is Falling’ mentality here at ACAL, but we also would never rely on an outside source to take care of us when it really counts!
