This is a collaborative post by Alice with tips on preparing for emergencies.
Whenever we are faced with a crisis there is little or no time at all to respond to the adversity we are facing. This makes us vulnerable to situations that may prove to be life-changing. However much we may try to avoid thinking about bad situations, they are real and we can attempt to lessen the chances of being caught off guard. This is why it is important to have a plan ready for emergency situations. Having any plan is better than having no plan even if it is for a different disaster; it may still improve your chances of survival significantly.
Consider the following ways to prepare for any emergency
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Always have fresh water stored
Water is essential to the survival of human beings. It is possible for a person to go days without food but not without water. We need water for almost everything in our life including drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. You need to be prepared with at least 5 days of water reserve in case of emergency situations. Going hours without water can cause an unpleasant feeling especially if you know you do not have any water available.
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Always have extra food stored for emergencies
You should be able to keep food that can last you 14 days giving you enough time to get through a crisis or find an alternative way of survival. Food is important to keep us healthy. In case of a suspected long-term crisis, you can introduce rationing to save on portions and increase your survival chances. When stocking up your emergency food supplies you should check for expiry dates and only store foods with a longer shelf life.
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Saving money for a rainy day
Basically, shelter is a necessity because it provides some sense of security. The safest place to take refuge during a crisis is probably your home. The abundance of resources in your home should help reduce the burden. However, if your home becomes inhabitable or dangerous to you, then you should seek alternative shelter in a hotel on a distant land. To safely survive outside of your home, you need liquid money (cash) that can help you get essentials with ease. If the crisis affects an entire region you may be unable to send money or receive anything from your bank. That is why having cash around is important.
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Emergency equipment kit
This one prepares you for survival against any crisis. You should have an emergency bag packed ready for quick evacuation and exit. This is usually common for people with high-risk careers and always ready to leave a place with bare essentials packed. It includes packed food, water, first aid kit, passport, warm clothing, and lighting. Your emergency kit should also have self-defense equipment. Lastly, navigation is part of an essential survival instinct. You need to pack a compass and a map so that you can tell your direction and schedule timely activities to manipulate your surroundings into your advantage.
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Be physically and mentally prepared for emergencies
We do not choose our emergencies and we can never be able to determine which crisis we will face. It can range from civil war or natural disasters. This is why we need to have a diverse plan. The depth of preparedness should include self-defense in personal combat and weapons discharge. You should keep fit and train regularly to make your body adapt easily to stressful conditions for longer periods.
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Include time killing items and devices
Not all emergencies are scheduled to last. Some emergencies are recurring and can be planned for. An example is an emergency that is not perceived as dangerous and only affects you for less than 24-72 hours may require some luxury emergency devices. Finding the right activities to kill time during an emergency can be difficult. For example, if you find yourself trapped in an elevator you might feel at ease knowing that you have a power bank in your bag. This will help you be able to communicate with your friends and family as you wait to be assisted. Mobile devices, books, and card games can help you transform an otherwise tragic experience into one with some fun.
