Priority One: Thinking

Basically, don’t panic and do something stupid. This is easier said than done, but you can build your thinking skill and confidence by playing “what if” games. After reading about the risks to your area and the survival stories above, think about what kinds of things could go wrong and how you would deal with them. The more detail the better. What would you do if a cat 5 hurricane was projected to hit your house? Where would you go? What would you take? Would it all fit in your car? Do you have enough gas to get there if the gas stations are closed? What if you don’t have time to leave? What room in your house is safest (can you reinforce it easily)?

If you are facing a serious situation but no immediate threat, take the time to consider your options before rushing into a course of action. Take an inventory of what you have on hand and what is around you. Think of how each item could help solve one or more of your priorities.

Thinking about these things may be scary but it will be less scary when it actually happens if you have thought it through. Focus on what you can do to improve things and not on what you cannot change. Thinking can also be more long term as in learning and planning. I suggest you read some of the sources below and then come up with a plan for several types of situations that you are likely to face. But don’t delay, you can take some first steps outlined below, such as storing water, right now. You can then read more, take classes and collect useful items. Preparing is a process not a one time event.