Emergency Stockpiles
So if you’ve been on social media at all in the past week, you’ll have seen the warnings going out to many countries. (Newsweek, WION)
Why is it suddenly now that governments are warning their citizens to prepare? Well, the short answer is, it isn’t “just now.” Most of Europe has been telling their people that for just over two years now. It just hasn’t made the news here. And of course OUR news is now saying this is something new, something terrifying. Because, you know, storing enough food, water, and heat for 72 hours is absolutely scary.
I could say all this is because of Iran and other places (mostly in the Middle East, but let’s not forget China and Russia) are gearing up for bigger war. This is no longer a matter of a few people lobbing minor bombs at Israel. Things are mobilizing, and the last six months have been much more active. While I feel like Trump has probably brought much of this to a head, I don’t see it as “his fault” at all. Instead, I expect that he’ll squeeze it like a zit and relieve the pressure. Or at least that’s what I’m hoping for.
I don’t want us to be at war. On the other hand, I don’t want the Middle East having nuclear capabilities, either, because they seem quite willing to use everything they get their hands on.
So officially, we here in the States have also been warned to have 72 hour kits at the ready. Our family is prepared; is yours?
I ask this not because I’m being facetious or rude, but because I have always thought it wise. Right now, too many people are playing stupid games, and I’m waiting for us to start seeing people winning stupid prizes. Having 3 days (or more) of necessities on hand is not just what we’re being asked to do… it’s the smart thing to do.
What kind of things should you have on hand? Well, think about that whole Rule of Threes thing Chris and I harp on about. First aid kit for sure. Shelter (which is not just your house or vehicle, but also how you heat that shelter…. do you have firewood or gas to run an indoor-safe heating unit if electricity goes out? do you have blankets, both to block off the room you’re in so you’re only heating one space, and to huddle under because the weather is getting hella colder right now?). Water, because if the electric goes out, you may not be able to use your taps. Now’s a good time to crack open the taps and fill up a bunch of water containers, and just keep them on hand. Just in case. You might want to get water purification tablets if you’re concerned about a longer power outage and lack of water.
Food is essential, but that also includes how you’re going to cook it. While you can absolutely open any can or tetra pouch and just eat what’s inside, cold, it isn’t yummy. You can make some really yummy meals that are quick and easy from canned goods, stuff that will keep you full and healthy. If you’re in a home and not a vehicle, you can always use a Buddy Burner backpacking stove. These can be used outdoors, but they can also be used in a house if you crack a window (while they do make carbon dioxide, there isn’t much more than you’d find in a candle or three, so a cracked window is probably overkill but smart). These can be used easily just by lighting them up and popping a few stones or bricks around them to hold a pot at the right height. I have an old fry basket (steel metal basket, mostly holes) that I turn over the thing, and it holds a pretty large pot. If you’ve got a gas stove, the top will continue to work even if your power goes out, but be gentle on the gas usage. When you’re out, you may not be able to get more. And of course you may have a bbq with a gas burner, or one of those big outdoor gas burners. And if all that fails, you can build a fire and cook over it.
I’m prepared for an emergency lasting up to a few months. I’d prefer not to cook over a fire in the snow, but goodness knows I’ve done it before. We have wood. We have a fire pit if there’s a reason for a raised fire. We’ve got a wood stove inside. We have oil lamps and lots of oil. Loss of power, water, etc. really isn’t a huge blow. It just makes life less convenient, but not overly scary.
Are you ready for something? EMP, or bomb, or sabotage?