Author: Liz Hill

Emergency preparedness for your pet is an important consideration to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friend in case of a disaster or emergency situation. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for emergencies:

1. Prepare a pet emergency kit: Include a supply of food, water, medications, and any other essential items that your pet may need. You may also include a copy of your pet’s medical records, vaccination records, and identification information.
2. Identify potential evacuation routes and pet-friendly shelters: Find out in advance where you can take your pet in case of evacuation. Some emergency shelters may not allow pets, so make sure to identify pet-friendly options.
3. Keep your pet’s identification up-to-date: Ensure that your pet has identification tags with current contact information, and consider microchipping your pet as a backup form of identification.
4. Plan for your pet’s transportation: Make sure you have a pet carrier or leash for your pet, and have a plan for transporting your pet in case of evacuation.
5. Stay informed: Monitor local news and weather reports to stay informed of potential emergencies and evacuation orders, and be prepared to act quickly if necessary.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your pet is safe and prepared in case of an emergency.

Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a hobby and service that uses radio communication equipment to communicate with other radio operators around the world. Ham radio operators use a variety of voice and data modes, including Morse code, voice, digital modes, and even television signals to communicate with one another.

Amateur radio operators are licensed by their respective governments, and they use designated frequencies and power levels to communicate with one another. Ham radio can be used for a variety of purposes, including emergency communication, experimentation with radio equipment and technology, and participating in contests and competitions.

Ham radio has been an important part of communication technology since the early 1900s, and it continues to be an active and vibrant community of radio operators around the world.

Check out the rings of preparedness to find out what recommendations we have for Ham Radios!

Home defense refers to the measures that can be taken to protect a residence and its inhabitants from potential threats such as burglaries, break-ins, or other forms of home invasion. Some specific steps that can be taken to improve home defense include:

• Installing a security system that includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, and cameras.
• Having good quality locks on all doors and windows, and ensuring that they are always locked when you are away or when you are sleeping.
• Trimming back bushes or trees that might provide cover for someone trying to break in.
• Installing outdoor lighting to help deter burglars and to improve visibility around your property.
• Having a plan in place for what to do in case of a break-in, such as calling the police, activating a security alarm, or finding a safe place to hide.
• Keeping a weapon, such as a gun, in the house for self-defense, but make sure to understand the laws and regulations of your state, and also consider taking a training on how to safely handle and store the weapon.
• Keeping valuables out of sight and away from windows to reduce the temptation for burglars.
• Building a good relationship with your neighbors, who can help keep an eye on your property when you’re away.

It’s important to note that home defense is not only about physical measures, but also about being aware of your surroundings and being prepared to take action in case of an emergency. It’s also important to always consider the safety of yourself and your loved ones when planning for home defense.

Water

Water is the most essential necessity for your personal survival. The human body can survive just three days without sufficient water. However, if you have gone two days without water you will probably wish you were already dead. Without water the blood in your body becomes excruciatingly thick and forces your heart to work extremely hard to pump the viscous blood through your body. Your organs begin to shrivel and fail leading to your ultimate demise. 

Depending on where you live and how you access water will greatly vary the strategy you deploy in obtaining and storing water long term.

Water Delivery and Sources

1. Well Water – If your house utilizes well water then you will need to find a way to get power to your pump for the long term. Step 1, however, is to find out if your well pumps into a cistern on your property that your house draws from. If this is the case, you need to figure out how large your tank is and how much power the pump from the cistern to your house draws. (In Watt Hours or Kilowatt Hours) Many homes that draw from a large cistern on their property can have their yearly water needs already stored for them but just need power to pull it out of the cistern. Sometimes, house systems draw directly from the well. If this is the case, you will have to get power to that pump for the long term. Generally, this is done with a gas generator hooked directly to your well pump.
   1. Tri Fuel Generator – Eco Flow Solar Generator – 55 gal water barrels

2. City Water – If you are on city water, your short-term needs will be met by the city. There is plenty of pressure, water towers, and backup power to keep water flowing for 3-5 days during the presence of a power outage. If you are preparing for 14 days or longer you will need to find other sources of collection, storage, and purification.  If you are in rural or urban areas your strategy may vary. For example, if you live in a rural or suburban area you can buy a large tank or large barrels for water storage and rotate through them. If you are lucky enough to live close to a running stream, lake, or pond then you can get away with less on hand storage and regularly collect water to purify.

5 gal stackable water containers – 55 gal water barrels – Purification Tabs – Filtering Systems – Water Filter Pumps

Emergency food storage involves having a supply of non-perishable food that can be used in case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or power outage. The food should be easy to prepare and have a long shelf life. Some specific steps that can be taken to establish an emergency food supply include:

• Storing non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dried fruits and vegetables, and packaged meals that have a long shelf life.
• Storing enough water to last at least 3 days, ideally more.
• Rotating your food supply on a regular basis so that you are using the oldest items first and replacing them with fresh stock.
• Keeping a manual can opener and other necessary tools for opening and preparing food.
• Storing a water filter or water purification tablets to ensure your water is safe to drink in case of an emergency.
• Keeping an eye out for expiration dates, and eating or replacing expired food.
• Storing a few comfort foods to help boost morale during an emergency.
• Considering storing a small camping stove or portable grill for cooking in case of power outages

It’s important to regularly check the food supply for spoilage or damage and to restock your supply as necessary. It’s also a good idea to include a variety of foods to ensure that you have a balanced diet in case of an emergency.

Emergency communication refers to the methods used to stay in contact with loved ones, emergency services, and other important parties during a crisis or emergency situation. Some specific steps that can be taken to establish an emergency communication plan include:

• Creating a list of emergency contact numbers, such as for family members, ;’friends, and local emergency services, and keeping it in a readily accessible location.
• Keeping a charged cell phone with you at all times and ensuring that it is able to make calls and send text messages even if the power is out.
• Having a backup means of communication, such as a battery-operated radio or a landline phone, in case your primary means of communication is unavailable.
• Establishing a designated meeting place where your family can gather in case of an emergency, and making sure that everyone knows how to get there.
• Keeping a whistle, flares, or other signaling device handy in case you need to call for help.
• Staying informed about potential hazards in your area, such as by signing up for emergency alerts from local authorities or monitoring weather forecasts.
• Knowing how to use two-way radios, satellite phones, or other communication devices in case of an emergency.
• Having a way to communicate with people who may have special needs, such as the elderly or those with hearing or visual impairments.

It’s important to practice your communication plan with your family and to review and update it periodically. It’s also important to have emergency communication plan not only for your home but also for your workplace or school, and any other places you frequent.

Emergency preparedness for the home involves taking steps to prepare for unexpected events such as natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies. This can include creating an emergency plan, assembling a disaster supplies kit, and staying informed about potential hazards in your area. Some specific steps that can be taken to prepare for emergencies at home include:

• Creating an emergency plan with your family, including a designated meeting place and a plan for evacuation if necessary.
• Assembling a disaster supplies kit with items such as food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
• Staying informed about potential hazards in your area, such as by signing up for emergency alerts from local authorities or monitoring weather forecasts.
• Having a way to communicate with loved ones in case of an emergency, such as by keeping a list of emergency contact numbers or having a charged cell phone with you at all times.
• Having a portable generator and/or backup batteries for flashlights and other devices in case of power outage.
• Knowing how to turn off gas, electricity and water mains in case of an emergency.
• Having a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• Knowing how to care for pets and other animals in an emergency.

It is important to review and update these steps periodically and practice your plan with your family.