Preparedness is for Everyone!

The word “prepper” has taken on a negative connotation in recent years. When people hear the word, most imagine a paranoid man living alone in the woods, stuffing a concrete bunker full of supplies while ranting about the end of the world. But being prepared to survive an emergency situation shouldn’t be seen as crazy—especially as the rates of fires, floods, earthquakes and other disasters continue to increase. From suburban families to local governments and businesses, preparedness is for everyone! Here’s how everyone can be prepared to handle a crisis.

Families

For most emergencies, families only need a few basic supplies on hand. A good flashlight comes in handy during power outages and is much safer than using candles. A simple first aid kit allows one to tend to small injuries, which reduces the risk of life-threatening infections. An emergency radio keeps families connected to critical information regarding local conditions, emergency services, and evacuation routes. Finally, each person in the home should have a three-day supply of food and water on hand. These items will get a family through almost any emergency.

Schools and Churches

After a disaster, schools and churches often become emergency shelters for people whose homes have been compromised. Why not be prepared to host them? Having an extra supply of food and drinking water on site will go a long way to making disaster victims feel comfortable. An advanced first aid or trauma kit will allow staff to treat multiple and more serious injuries. And you can’t go wrong with a supply of thermal blankets. These items will also come in handy during a prolonged school lockdown.

Businesses

It’s not very often that people get stranded at the office during an emergency, but it’s not unheard of, either. A good business owner will have a stash of supplies on hand just in case. An office survival kit will have all of the basic supplies (food, medical, and hygiene) needed to sustain employees at the office for 72 hours. Better yet? The supplies will stay fresh and ready to use for years.

Governments

During a disaster, most people look to their local government for help. Governments can be prepared to respond with search and rescue supplies, trauma kits, protective gear, tarps and shelters. The best part? It doesn’t cost a lot! (But leaving citizens to fend for themselves could cost the officials-in-charge their next election.)

As you can see, preparedness really is for everyone. In fact, being unprepared for an emergency would be crazy!