What Do I Prepare For?

• Define YOUR needs!

You must determine what it is you are preparing to survive and how each threat affects you, and or your familys, safety and survival. That will give you the answers necessary to answer the next questions.

This isn't complex but it may help to jot these down on a piece of paper or in your word processor.

It's important to realize that you cannot prepare for everything -- Even if your independantly wealthy. Trying to prepare of every single bad thing that could ever happen to you would drive you crazy in a short while. We suggest you look diligently at those potential threats that are likely to occur in your area within the next few years. Sure, you may grow to be an old geezer waiting for the next major earthquake, but remember it's

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it...

.

What's going to happen in the future? If we knew, We would have you a detailed plan for sale. Since no one has those answers, you have to evaluate information you gain from news, government, and maybe friends in the know. Take a few minutes and look at your local area and state. Buy a good map and look at the surrounding area within 5, 10, 25, 50 miles from home & Work. Put on your thinking cap a think about what could go wrong that is likely to impact you. Although it's easy to consider every worst case scenario don't get carried away with the things that really aren't likely. For example it's possible a meteorite could hit your house while your asleep, but is it likely? Probably not. Don't sweat the unlikely stuff.

For example, if you live a "safe" distance from the Mississippi river, should you prepare for a levee breaking? Somethings only:

YOU

can answer and make a decision on. We are all responsible to ourselves. Personally I would make at lease a minor plan for such an event.

!! Update: Hurricane Katrina certainly showed us what a broken levee can cause!!!

We would, but it's your call.

That nuclear power plant plant 20 miles away has an excellent safety record. Should a nuclear disaster be on your list? Remember Cherynobyl in Russia? It's ultimately your call.

Finally, if you've have a nagging fear of something since childhood wheather it's an attack from space or the plumbing exploding, prepare for it. At least you'll sleep better at nights knowing you have prepared for it.

Things to ask yourself:

1. What are the possiblities?

   Here is a sample of some of the more common threats in todays world. It is not all inclusive and you may have a situation that fits only you and your family.

   Make a list of the things you consider a higher risk of affecting you and/or your family, workplace or neighborhood.

2. What would happen it one of those risks takes place?. Think carefully, this is where you will consider how much protection you need for a possible event. Like car insurance the more you have to lose the more you buy. A person with a $100 clunker doesn't need as much as someone with a new Lexus.
   
   

   Also ask yourself if a threat would cause a prudent person to "Get Out Of Dodge" (Leave the area) Should I LEAVE?

   Lets take a look at some possible results for a typical situation:

	Potential Threat	Possible outcomes
	Severe storm with electrical outage for 2 to 48 hours (severe)	Food spoilage possible Lack of air conditioning/furnace Damage to house or car from nearby trees Possible local flooding (see below) Local transportation impaired by fallen trees, wires Lightning damage/fire potential
	Severe winter weather	Electrical outage for 4 to 72 hours (severe) would affect furnace operation Exposure problems Frozen pipes Disruption of travel, transportation Self or family members possibly stranded away from home Possible food shortages and empty shelves at local markets
	Nearby flash flooding	Local transportation disrupted Danger while traveling in car or by foot Possible loss of some utilities
	Nearby train derailment	Possible leak or spill of chemicals Short-term exposure problem Long-term cancer concerns Evacuation may be necessary
	Riot or other civil disorder	Disruption of commute (ala Los Angeles) Stranded in car or office while family is at home and/or school Danger of riot spreading to my neighborhood Danger of local kids/low lives taking advantage of situation Attack or threat to personal safety Looting and rampaging by otherwise lawful citizens Fire with potentially no response by authorities Police are overwhelmed, cannot protect law-abiding citizens
	Nuclear plant problems	Reactor vessel damage could result in release of radioactive chemicals to atmosphere Evacuation necessary
	Terrorism	Threat to safety at work and during business travel Disruption of commerce, travel Less personal freedom, privacy as a result of government reaction to terrorism

Once you've made a list like the one above, you know what threats you are most likely to face and can prepare your survival plan. For next steps, go on to Chapter 2.

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