by Preparation | Apr 9, 2025 | Preparation Guide, Preparation Supplies
Small-business owners who believe getting ready for a catastrophe is costly ought to think again. Being unprepared-and losing everything-can mean paying a much higher rate.
In July 1996, the president and owner of Brookville Mining Equipment Corporation, Dalph McNeil, faced every organisation owner’s headache when the neighboring creek crested at eight feet after a 24-hour downpour.
Expensive brand-new equipment was covered in mud and an effective current of water had swept away stock and collapsed a 30-foot area of wall. The flood caused almost $1.6 million in losses and damages.
After getting a Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan, McNeil relocated his plant away from the floodplain and asked one of his workers to take on the additional responsibility of “security organizer.”
Besides doing quality control and control, the security organizer, according to McNeil, “runs monthly conferences with representatives of the business, making sure all the employees understand the early warning and evacuation plans, and the emergency procedures.”
“You can never ever be too ready, as a small-business owner, for disaster,” McNeil mentioned. How do you carry on company as usual, as quickly as possible, after a catastrophe?
Experts say preparedness begins with developing such an emergency situation action plan that is tailored to the business’s addresses and needs numerous catastrophe circumstances. The plan should include a schedule, budget plan, task of responsibility, prevention and mitigation steps to be finished, and a list of threats and hazards to business. It’s likewise a good idea to motivate employee participation while doing so.
An interactions strategy is a crucial post-disaster recovery technique. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses for your insurance coverage carrier, providers, staff members, lenders and clients, the local media, utility companies, and the suitable emergency response and healing firms should be upgraded regularly.
This list needs to be preserved by a key employee and a backup person. Select a representative to get the word out that your business is still open to resolve reports of business failure.
Ensuring your insurance coverage is adequate is another concern. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a just recently launched study conducted for the National Hurricane Survival Initiative (done by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research) reports that a person in three citizens in hurricane-vulnerable states said it had actually been 3 years or more since they evaluated their insurance protection.
When shopping for insurance, believe about residential or commercial property damage and the loss of earnings and extra expenditures that happen when organisation is halted by a catastrophe. Service disruption insurance covers needed expenses that happen while the business is shut down.
The National Flood Insurance program provides protection to property owners. For more information, check out the Web website at www.floodsmart.gov. Flood insurance coverage need to be purchased 30 days before the catastrophe hits to be in result.
How do you bring on organization as usual, as quickly as possible, after a catastrophe? When shopping for insurance, believe about home damage and the loss of income and additional expenses that take place when business is stopped by a disaster. Service interruption insurance coverage covers needed expenditures that happen while the service is shut down. Extra acquired flood insurance is important; most of the over $10 billion in catastrophe loans made by the SBA after last year’s Gulf Coast cyclones were for flood damages.
Flood insurance should be bought 30 days before the catastrophe hits to be in effect.
by Preparation | Apr 9, 2025 | Preparation Call, Preparation Guide, Preparation Supplies
This is about a Preparation Call. I certainly don’t like the gloom and doom messages or fearmongering that was rampant during the “prepper era”. The reality is, times are difficult and likely going to get more difficult as we move forward. I must admit I’ve been hesitant to really share what was on my heart over the years because I didn’t want people to misinterpret the message.
Obviously, in my mind I’m not a pessimist. I have a faith that is optimistic about the future, and confident in the outcome. That doesn’t change the realities and difficulties that we most certainly will face. That also does not alter the concerns I have for individuals and families that will refuse to see what we are facing.
I agree with the power of positive thinking to alter an individual’s course in life, but I’m not sure positive thinking can alter a war or divert a natural disaster. Certainly, individuals can have an impact on the course of history – and if enough individuals will embrace they can be a major catalyst for change.
Today, unfortunately, I’m not feeling overly positive about the choices that many individuals have been making collectively – and the world is certainly impacted. I’d like to believe we have an opportunity to fix things for the better. Is it possible to alter the outcomes when the prophets of old have foreseen the difficulties that we are about to endure? No one knows the timeline for future events and no one can predict how things will unfold. We can pray for wisdom, and can prepare ourselves and our families for whatever difficulties may come.
Being prepared does not mean living without hope and excitement for the future. It does not mean giving up enjoyment of life and crawling into a cave. It certainly does not mean loading up on ammo and booby trapping your home waiting for the zombies to come.
A preparation call is being aware that there are storm clouds on the horizon and you should probably bring in the laundry. Take some extra efforts to get things organized and in better order. Be sure to think of your family and make some extra plans for them – because they may not be looking ahead and preparing.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some additional insights on preparedness. We’ll discuss the looming inflationary crisis, and multiple wars that we will likely be experiencing and how it will impact our lives. Above all, keep your hearts open to faith, hope and love.
by Preparation | Apr 9, 2025 | Preparation Call, Preparation Guide, Preparation Supplies
It sounds a bit far-fetched and fear-mongering to talk about storing water, but a few years ago who would have even considered that the whole world would shut down with our latest pandemic. It’s been crazy to say the least.
The worst part it, I don’t think our pandemic days are completely behind us either. Whether you believe in the pandemic or not, the reality is we are all going to be affected one-way-or another. Even if it is a giant hoax, the world is being shuffled around in ways that will likely impact every person. Are you prepared for the latest new scare that is being pushed? We now get to deal with the new monkey pox virus. With that, let’s at least talk about how to store water in the event of a pandemic.
If things go bad, you may lose the ability to have water in your home the way that you’ve always depended on it in the past. In a pandemic, a water supply can suddenly become unusable.
The water supply can become compromised at any time. This is why you often see those boil advisories on the news. You need to be prepared by stockpiling water as soon as possible.
The water must be stored away from any direct sunlight. Warm water is an invitation for bacteria to grow and has the potential to make you sick. So you’ll need to keep the water stored in a cool area.
After you get your supply in, you need to look over it often to make sure it remains viable. Water can be stored in plastic bottles or jugs. Wash the bottles, soda bottles or any clear jugs and then fill them with water from your home.
You can also buy water barrels. These are 55 gallon barrels that are great for holding a large supply of water and you can find them online. They’re specifically for long-term water storage.
But you would also need to keep these away from direct sunlight. You can create a cistern for catching rainwater. What you do is position a barrel beneath any runoff areas of your home.
For example, you can place the cistern directly beneath your gutter pipe. Instead of the water going into the ground and getting wasted, it can be used for drinking or other water needs.
In a pinch, when you need a water supply, you can get it from rivers, ponds or lakes – but the water must be treated first before it’s safe to use. When you use water that you get or collect yourself, you need a filtering system.
The filter can clear your water of bacteria and other pathogens that can make you ill if you ingest them. There are different kinds of systems you can get – ranging from the very elaborate to the very simple, such as filtering straws.
Boiling the water you need to use for eating or drinking kills pathogens as long as the temperature of the water hits about 215 degrees Fahrenheit. Chemical ways to purify water includes using iodine.
You can get these in tablets or crystals. But you need to be aware that iodine does not kill some organisms. So use these only in a case where you have nothing else to use.
Chlorine tablets are good to use to purify water and so is regular household bleach. If you use bleach, don’t use any brands that have additives. So don’t use scented bleach.
To make water safe to drink, put ¼ of a teaspoon into every gallon of water you want to purify. So if you had a five gallon container of water you wanted to make safe for use, you would add a teaspoon of household bleach.
by Preparation | Apr 9, 2025 | Preparation Call, Preparation Guide, Preparation Supplies
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We don’t know what the future holds and absolutely want to be prepared regardless of the situation. For that reason, let’s talk about Disaster Preparedness and the Basics Of Emergency Situation Supplies.
Whether it’s an earthquake, flooding, tornado, storm, or brush fire, we’re all encouraged to be prepared. As well as what far better way to guarantee your family’s wellness than to have the emergency situation supplies you need always available? When individuals feel prepared, they manage emergencies much better. So make it a family job to assemble what you need.
Before disaster strikes
You can not always recognize in breakthrough when a certain disaster will strike, seasonal or local patterns can commonly inform you what to expect. Make certain to have on hand the supplies your family will require.
Water: You should keep at the very least one gallon of water per individual per day, for a minimum of 3 days. An usually active individual requires at the very least one-half gallon of water daily simply for drinking. Various other requirements include washing, cooking and also sanitation. Kids, nursing mommies, as well as those that are ill requirement more water. High temperatures can double the quantity of water needed.
To be prepared with the best emergency situation supply, it is suggested you purchase readily bottled water. Maintain bottled water in its original container and also don’t open it up until you require it. Shop the containers in a great, dark area, and also turn them every 6 months.
Food: Include a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person, staying clear of products that will certainly make you thirsty. Pick salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high fluid web content. Supply tinned foods, completely dry blends, and also other staples that don’t need refrigeration, cooking, water, or unique preparation.
People with unique diets and also allergic reactions will certainly require particular attention, as will children, young children and senior people. Nursing mothers may require liquid formula, in instance they are incapable to registered nurse. Tinned dietetic foods, juices as well as soups might be useful for sick or senior individuals.
Various Other Emergency Supplies: Consist of these things in your emergency situation set.
– Emergency Radio
– Emergency Situation Sanitation Supplies
– Kitchen area devices as well as cooking utensils, including a can opener
– Shovel as well as other valuable devices
– Emergency Illumination
– House liquid bleach to treat alcohol consumption water
– Loan and also matches in a water-resistant container
– Fire extinguisher
– Gas and Water Turn Off Tools
– First help package as well as manual
– Copies of credit and also identification cards
– Special needs things, such as eye glasses, call lens remedies and hearing help batteries
– Items for infants, such as formula, baby diapers, containers, and pacifiers
– Various other items to fulfill your special family requirements
Apparel: If you stay in a cool environment, you must consider warmth considering that you may be without heat for a while. Be certain to include one complete modification of clothes as well as footwear per person, consisting of:
– Coat or layer
– Lengthy trousers
– Lengthy sleeve t-shirt
– Strong footwear
– Hat, mittens, and scarf
– Resting bag or cozy blanket
Storage: Equally as crucial as putting your supplies with each other is keeping them so they are secure to make use of when required. Here are some tips to keep your supplies all set and also in good problem:
– Keep canned foods in a great completely dry place.
– Store boxed food in snugly shut plastic or steel containers to safeguard from parasites as well as to extend life span.
– Throw away any tinned great that becomes inflamed, dinged up, or worn away.
– Adjustment saved food and water supplies every 6 months. Make sure to compose the storage day on all containers.
– Re-think your requirements every year as well as upgrade your set as your household needs change.
– Maintain items in closed plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies set in one or 2 easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.
Guarantee you are ready for future occasions by replenishing your emergency supply kits now. After that, if things go incorrect, you’ll be prepared.
by Preparation | Apr 9, 2025 | Preparation Call, Preparation Guide, Preparation Supplies
If you are in preparedness, here are survival supplies you should be storing long-term.
Surviving long-term after a disaster will depend on how well you prepared before the disaster struck. You need to gather what you need to survive right now. You can store the items in a cool, dry place and have it on hand for when it’s needed.
There are four important things you have to remember when preparing for long-term survival. Those four things are: the need for shelter to be safe from the elements, first aid, food and water and the ability to protect yourself from people or animals that would attempt to harm you.
Long-term supplies to set aside for safety from the elements should be tents for each member of the family if you’re going to use single man tents, sleeping bags, thermal blankets and ponchos.
Safety from the elements also includes the ability to keep warm if necessary. You’ll need an axe for cutting wood for fires, a way to start a fire – such as waterproof matches or a lighter, gloves and a multi tool.
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For first aid survival, you’ll need a first aid kit that includes insect repellent, personal hygiene items and field dressings. You’ll need tweezers, scissors and a surgical kit. You may not know how to close a large wound, but in case you have to save a life, you should know this information. You can keep a how-to guide on hand with your supplies. Make sure you have supplies that will treat teeth or eye problems too.
You should be able to protect yourself and your family from harm. Some people choose to arm themselves with guns and ammunition. If you choose to do that, make sure you store the ammunition in a waterproof box.
In the event that long-term survival is needed, your food supply should already be on hand. You’ll want foods that can store for years without the possibility of spoil. Start with your basic foods – like sugar, coffee, powered milk and staples like flour and salt.
Foods that will keep stored for many years are peanut butter, beans and rice. Canned foods are an excellent choice to have on hand as long as you have a handheld can opener. An electric one won’t do you much good if the power is out!
Store up canned foods like chili, fruits, soups and meats like tuna, salmon, and chicken. Trail mix, beef jerky and powdered juices can all be safely stored for years. If you prepare now, you can make homemade canned items like fruits and vegetables that can last until they’re needed.
When you’re storing foods that are in packages, you’ll need to put those down into a container to keep them safe from insects or mice. You can buy bulk supplies of MREs (meals ready to eat) that can feed an entire family for a year or longer.
Have communication sources like a cell phone and a battery operated CB radio. You’ll want to get LED flashlights and lanterns, waterproof bags for clothing and you’ll want to have a way to clean your clothes. Store a laundry board and a five gallon bucket with some laundry soap and bleach.
Because stress can build quickly in a long-term survival event, store games and other stress busters with your supplies, especially if you have children.
by Preparation | Apr 9, 2025 | Preparation Call, Preparation Guide, Preparation Supplies
Human beings have a strong will to survive, but that will can easily get beaten down when faced with overwhelming situations. A situation is only overwhelming when there’s a lack of knowledge or skill. When you know what do to because you’ve already planned ahead of time, you can act on instinct rather than react in a panic.
Fire drills are practiced in schools (and should be in your home, too) so that everyone will know what he or she is supposed to do. When you perform a task often enough, you can do it automatically without thinking about it when an emergency hits.
Test yourself by conducting drills by going camping on the weekends and only bring your survival bag. Camp in inclement weather so you’ll be prepared to handle that, but remember to let someone know the area where you’re going to go camping.
Practice often so you’ll know what to do in the event of weather disasters, health emergencies and threats to your safety. Practice using the first aid kit, treating a wound, an unconscious person, practice setting a broken bone, treating a burn, etc. Practice what to do if you’re unable to call for help and you’re wounded.
It’s important because the best way to survive is to practice what you’re going to do in any worst case scenario. You might not live in an area prone to tornadoes, but that doesn’t mean one won’t happen-be prepared for the unexpected.
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Number one, prepare yourself mentally. If you allow the situation to overwhelm you or to make you fall into the trap of self-pity, your survival odds drop. The first step to take is to assess your situation and realize that you need three things – shelter, food and water. Of the three, find shelter first, a water supply second and food last.
Of course, practice is easy when you’re already prepared for survival. You should have a stockpile of food and necessities already gathered in your emergency pantry for your survival.
You should have staples in large quantities. Have water jugs filled and ready in your emergency pantry. Besides food, have batteries, flashlights and a camp stove put back as well.
But you should also get survival guides and study those so that you’ll know what to do if you have to get your food source from the land. For example, some people advocate eating plants, but certain plants will not only upset your stomach, they’ll kill you. What you want to do is to hope the worst case scenario never takes place – but you want to be prepared for it if it does.
