A message from All Trades:
I have long been an advocate of preparedness. This current situation with the virus and the mad rush on all of the stores gives us a slight glimpse into how rapidly a more serious situation could spiral out of control. Once this situation settles down, take the time to prepare for the next crisis!
The Covid-19 pandemic came out of nowhere. Regardless of what you may believe about its origin the fact remains that it was unexpected and caught most people off guard. There are a number of potential emergencies lurking out there. For residents along the Wasatch Front a major devastating earthquake is a most obvious potential risk. If you think it is over-rated go outside and look east. Those mountains were built by earthquakes. Salt Lake valley is at an elevation of 4200 feet and the top of the Wasatch are at 11,300+ feet. That is well over a mile of relief. The Wasatch are still rising and the valley floor is still sinking. Will you be prepared when the next earthquake ruptures gas and water lines; drops bridges, trees and building onto roads; there is no phone services; no emergency services; no human waste removal? There are many more potential emergencies that could happen any time.
Water – one gallon of water per person per day and that is if used wisely. So two people for a fourteen day crisis (which is nothing) would need 28 gallons of water!!! One gallon for drinking, cooking and hygiene is not much – try it for a few days. Once the general populace goes without water for three days civility and society will start to break down.
Human waste – Lets face facts. You cannot go 14 days without pooping! When your toilet does not flush what are you going to do with your poop and that of the people who live with you?
If not treated properly people will get sick and now things get much more complicated quickly.
Medicine – for those of you dependent on prescription medicine you should have at least a month’s extra supply that can be rotated.
Emergency medical care – do you have the skills and supplies to care for yourself or others that may be seriously injured? No EMTs will be coming to save you! Suture kit, splints, large bandages, pain killers, blood coagulants, sanitary napkins for blood absorption, anti-inflammatory are some of the more important supplies. But you still need to know what to do with it.
Food – no brainer. But if you have dehydrated food you will need water to re-hydrate it and cook it. MRE’s make a good emergency pantry. Most people have a fair amount of extra food at home but what if your home is rendered unlivable? Do you have a grab and go bag with some essentials?
Protection – hate to even bring it up but desperate people will do desperate things. If you cannot protect your resources then they will be someone else’s resources.