Prepare for Emergencies with These Survival Tips
To some, preparing for emergencies and disasters might seem a bit over the top – especially if you happen to live in a country where natural disasters are few and far between. But emergencies come in all shapes and sizes and can easily surprise us as something else entirely. Of course, there are the big ones, like floods, tornados, blizzards, earthquakes and wildfires, but there could just as easily be an outbreak of a deadly virus, a complete loss of power, or even civil unrest, with hundreds and thousands of people in the streets, rioting and stealing.
No matter what the emergency is, it is important to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We’re here to help you prepare for any emergency that might hit as thoroughly as possible with these survival tips.
Analogue over digital
With natural disasters comes the loss of power. The time will come when you look at your phone and see no signal – and you never know when you’ll be able to charge it again. When the power grid gets taken out, you’ll likely have no access to maps or phone service, so if you’ve got to hit the road and have no idea where you’re going, you’ll be in some trouble. That’s why we suggest stocking up on analogue radios and paper maps of your local area and city. You’ll be one step ahead of others when trying to locate a safe point that could be miles away.
Stock up your kitchen
Some disasters, such as a snowstorm, will keep you inside your home for a long time. Being trapped inside is not the worst-case scenario but it can turn ugly quickly if you’re not stocked up with the right supplies. We recommend stocking your pantry and cupboards with long-lasting food items, which could include:
- Canned tomatoes
- Canned fish, such as tuna or salmon
- Rice
- Canned vegetables
- Instant soups (either canned or in packets)
- Seasonings, such as salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder
- Mixed nuts
- Olive oil
Try to pick food items made to last and stock up on at least two of every item ready to go.
Pack a ready-to-go survival bag
One of the best ways to prepare for having to leave your home within hours or even just minutes as a result of an emergency is to have a ready-to-go survival bag. This is a bag filled with supplies intended to last at least 72 hours, which can be picked up and ready to use at any point in time. The supplies you will need in this bag would include:
- Food and water to last up to three days for yourself and each family member
- A first aid kit
- Medicines, such as paracetamol and other painkillers
- A battery-powered torch and radio – or a hand-powered torch
- A supply of extra batteries
- Paper maps of your area
- A pack of matches and perhaps some kindling
- A whistle to call for help
- A set of extra clothes
- A blanket or a sleeping bag
Think of this bag as a survival kit with all the necessary items you and your family would need to survive in any type of emergency.
Military supplies
Your everyday clothes and footwear are probably not made to help you survive sub-zero temperatures or keep you dry during storms and floods. That’s why preparing the right clothing will help keep you warm and safe during an emergency. There is a wide range of military supplies in the UK that you can purchase to assist you in an emergency. From military clothing, military bags, tools and hardware, tents, and even rations, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way during a natural disaster.
Make a plan with your family
Your whole family needs to know what the plan of action is when an emergency hits. We suggest you sit your family down and discuss the steps to follow to ensure everybody’s safety and wellbeing. Discuss safety points in your house and your surrounding neighbourhood to go to where you know it is safe. The plan of action you discuss could mean the difference between life and death – and when you and your family know what the plan is, it will enforce calm when disaster strikes.
Preparation is the number-one strategy
Being ready and prepared for an emergency or natural disaster is never a bad thing. We hope that we have given you the best strategies on how to prepare to ensure the safety of you and your family. Now you know the best survival tips for preparing your food supply, essential gear, what to stock up on, and the strategic plan of action that will make you prepared for any worst-case scenario.