Surviving natural and unnatural disasters with a family

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Surviving natural and unnatural disasters with a family—especially when children and elderly members are involved—requires careful preparation across several key areas. Here’s a comprehensive survival guide for a family of six, which includes children and elderly members:

1. Basic Needs: Food, Water, and Shelter

  • Food Supply:

    • Store at least a two-week supply of non-perishable food items. Focus on high-calorie, long-shelf-life foods such as rice, pasta, canned vegetables, protein bars, peanut butter, and dehydrated foods.
    • Consider dietary needs, especially for elderly family members and children. Special foods or supplements might be needed for those with health conditions.
    • A portable camping stove and fuel are essential if power sources are unavailable.

  • Water Supply:

    • Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation needs. For six people, aim for 90 gallons to cover 15 days.
    • Purchase water purification tablets, a portable water filter (such as LifeStraw), and collapsible water containers in case you need to collect and purify water from natural sources.

  • Shelter:

    • If your home isn’t safe, have a tent and sleeping bags that can accommodate your family. A large, weather-resistant tent is ideal for outdoor survival, while sleeping bags and blankets are essential for warmth.
    • Emergency blankets, preferably mylar blankets, are compact and effective in retaining body heat.

2. Medical Supplies and Health Preparedness

  • First Aid Kit: Include antiseptics, bandages, pain relievers, tweezers, gauze, and medical tape.
  • Prescription Medications: Ensure a supply of any critical medications required by elderly members or others with chronic conditions. Aim to have at least a month’s supply.
  • Emergency Health Items: Include a thermometer, blood pressure monitor (if elderly members have related issues), and essential over-the-counter medications for pain, fever, allergies, etc.

3. Personal and Hygiene Supplies

  • Sanitation and Waste Disposal:
    • Pack portable toilets or heavy-duty plastic bags for waste disposal if sewage systems are compromised.
    • Stock up on toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer to maintain hygiene, particularly important in avoiding infections during crises.
  • Hygiene Supplies: Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sanitary pads or adult diapers if needed for elderly family members.

4. Communication and Information

  • Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: This will be essential to receive updates and warnings from emergency services when the power grid and internet may be down.
  • Mobile Power Sources:
    • Portable power banks and a solar charger can help keep cell phones powered, which can be crucial for emergency calls or GPS.
  • Communication Plan:
    • Develop a plan for family communication in case you get separated. Identify safe meeting spots and share emergency contacts.

5. Safety and Security

  • Personal Protection:

    • Equip your family with masks (ideally N95s for protection against dust or airborne pathogens).
    • Consider self-defense tools if you are in areas where security is a concern, ensuring they are lawful and safe.

  • Fire Safety Supplies:

    • Pack a small fire extinguisher and blankets that can withstand flames.
    • Include an emergency whistle and flashlight for each family member in case they need to signal for help.

6. Mental Preparedness and Training

  • Basic Training for All Family Members:

    • Conduct regular drills with your family to practice the use of emergency equipment and the procedures for quick evacuation or shelter-in-place.
    • Teach basic first aid to all capable family members.
    • Familiarize everyone with the signs of common natural disasters and what to do in each scenario, e.g., during an earthquake, hurricane, or wildfire.

  • Psychological Preparedness:

    • Prepare the family, especially children, by explaining the plan and reassuring them. Disasters can be very traumatic, so keeping a calm and supportive environment will help everyone cope better.
    • If possible, pack items that provide comfort or distraction for children and elderly members, such as books, cards, or small games.

7. Financial Preparation

  • Emergency Cash: In times of disaster, ATMs and credit card machines may be down, so having a small amount of cash on hand (preferably in small bills) can be helpful.
  • Important Documents: Store identification, insurance papers, and emergency contacts in a waterproof, portable case.

8. Knowledge of Evacuation Routes and Local Resources

  • Evacuation Plan: Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home and the safest areas to head to depending on the type of disaster (e.g., high ground for floods, open fields for earthquakes).
  • Local Shelters: Familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby emergency shelters and the resources they offer.

Summary Checklist for Disaster Survival:

  • Essential Supplies: Non-perishable food, water, and purification methods.
  • Shelter and Warmth: Tents, sleeping bags, emergency blankets.
  • Health and Hygiene: First aid, prescription meds, sanitation supplies.
  • Communication: Radio, power banks, solar chargers, communication plan.
  • Safety: Masks, fire extinguisher, self-defense tools, emergency signaling.
  • Mental Preparedness: Drills, psychological support, comfort items.
  • Financial Security: Cash, essential documents.
  • Evacuation: Routes, local shelter locations.

Long-Term Preparedness

For longer-term situations, consider learning sustainable practices like gardening, basic construction, or animal husbandry, as these can help ensure food and shelter beyond your immediate supplies.

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