Why Prepare For Crisis?

[I wrote this blog post in 2011. While dated, it is still so very true, and especially important in this crisis]

When friends  ask me why I go to the length I do to prepare for most emergencies, I tell them the best advice I could give is what my Dad taught me - Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. And the Boy Scout motto of "Be Prepared" is appropriate. I explain it in terms they can understand. For example, I tell them that 40% of all Americans will encounter a personal emergency each year, whether it is a fire, flood, hurricane, personal health issue, car accident or even a hard fall. In fact, this year over a million people are expected to receive foreclosure notices on their homes. These are all "personal" emergencies.

Since it is almost certain that everyone will experience something similar in the next 3 years, everyone should be prepared for such things. Flares, energy food bars, rope or paracord, matches or lighter, space blanket jumper cables, duct tape and first aid kit should always be in your vehicle. And as I taught my daughter when she was 10, NEVER be without a sharp jackknife and a lighter on your person. When she turned 13, I added "Oh, and here's some Mace..."

More important is the fact that many people just do not realize how likely they are to encounter a greater disaster. Here are some thought-provoking statistics:

In 2011 there were 13,315 earthquakes of at least 4.0 magnitude. And a whopping 185 of those were over 6.0.

In 2011 there were 1,817 tornadoes. In fact, on April 27 there were 173 tornadoes on that single day

In 2011, there were 56 volcanic eruptions

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season produced 20 tropical cyclones, 19 tropical storms, 7 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes

In 2010, fire departments responded to 384,000 home fires in the United States, which claimed the lives of 2,640 people (not including firefighters) and injured another 13,350, not including firefighters

And lest we forget - the Spanish flu of 1917-19 killed as many as 100 MILLION people worldwide

Understanding these stats will go a long way to convincing a person on the need to try and become more prepared for an emergency


Are you ready? When a catastrophe hits, will you be a survivor or a victim? That is a CHOICE you can make, if you plan early.




[Brought to you as a PSA by "The Simple Man's Guide top Real Estate Investing"] 

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If A Pandemic Hits Your Community...

With the coronavirus scare, a lot of folks are (rightfully) concerned.


It's not enough to be concerned! Every community, family and individual should be prepared, because a pandemic is not a question of "if", but of "when".


My parents barely escaped the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1917-191 9 that killed as many as 100 MILLION people. Today, a pandemic could kill a billion or more because rapid and regular air travel (not available in 1917) could allow a bug to spread worldwide before we even start seeing symptoms. By then it is too late.


And even though social media reduces the amount of personal contact in some circles, that is not enough to stem an epidemic. Therefore it is wise - even imperative - that we take steps to protect ourselves at least to some extent. Here are some things everyone can do to lessen the chance they will fall victim.


On a COMMUNITY level, if an epidemic hits your area, close the schools. Set up teams that can take turns at picking up and distributing everyday necessities to residents, and checking on the elderly and disabled so the number of people "out and about" is reduced.


On a FAMILY or PERSONAL level:

• Have appropriate medical and purification supplies on hand - at least several Lysol canisters, several bottles of hydrogen peroxide surgical gloves and masks (rated N95), as well as building up a supply of any prescriptions you and family members require 
• 
  Keep a supply of expendables like toilet paper
• 
  Use gloves when touching ANYTHING that comes from outside, including mail. Immediately dispose of junk mail and opened envelopes
• 
  Wear gloves and mask when venturing out of doors, and keep at least three feet from any other person
• 
  Avoid using cash unless you pay the exact amount - you do not want to handle change that perhaps an infected person handled And wear gloves when using a card, and place it into an envelope after using. When you get home, spray it with lysol and dispose of the envelope.
• 
  Wash hands and face regularly and often, with the hottest water you can tolerate for 30 seconds. A virus can withstand up to 130 degrees, so it would be wise to increase the setting on your water heater to 140
• 
  Spray lysol on all fixtures - doorknobs, fridge handles, toilets etc. on a regular basis

Take the time to THINK about everything you do, and take steps designed to reduce your risk.


If a pandemic hits your community, I wish you luck. And if you are not properly prepared, you may need more than mere luck.

[Brought to you as a PSA by "The Simple Man's Guide top Real Estate Investing"]

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