Preparedness Needs to Become a Necessity

In 2020, the world was hit with a global pandemic. Everyday life as we knew it was halted and a new way of living had to be created. Schools and workplaces were left desolate and home became the new haven for day-to-day activities.  Panicked individuals rushed to their local grocery stores. Stores across the nation quickly ran out of stock on items that are needed for day to day living. Such as water bottles, sugar, flour, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. It is natural instinct during a time of duress to immediately stock up on items that we feel are needed to keep our families safe and provided for.

In recent days, a snowstorm has moved over the state of Texas and left the entire state in a state of emergency. Rolling power outages, frozen water mains, water shortages, dying livestock and the same sense of panic and fear that comes with natural disasters. Unfortunately, it takes troubling events like these to get ourselves to take a good look at our own lives and wonder what we can do to prepare for the unknown. What can you do to be more prepared?

1. Water Storage. The most important and often most overlooked parts of home preparedness is water storage. FEMA recommends that each family stores enough water for 2 weeks of survival. It is recommended that each individual has 3-5 gallons of water per day for drinking, basic washing needs, and cooking. That means if you have a family of 4 you should store at least 168 gallons of water.
2. Basic Food Supply. Food is one of the necessities of life and while it is easy to find when times are good, it is not uncommon for stores to run out of food when emergencies arrive. Types of food and quantities to be stored may look different for every family, but each family should store enough that they can survive for two weeks.
3. First Aid Supplies and Medication. While power outages and cold weather don’t require first aid kits or extra medication, there are many natural disasters that could potentially injuries or halt the supply chain of medication. On top of a supply of extra prescription medication some items to include in your first aid kit are: bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, medical wrap, medical tape, latex gloves, pain relievers, and other over the counter medications.
4. Comfort Items & Toiletries. Once your food, water, and medical needs have been taken care of you need to prepare items to keep your family comfortable and happy. Here are some examples of some comfort items:
   1. Blankets
   2. Flashlights/Lanterns
   3. Batteries
   4. Candles
   5. Toiletries

Natural disasters and emergencies have and will occur, being prepared allows you and your family to feel at peace knowing that you are ready should something happen. At WaterPrepared t is our hope that families across the country may see what is occurring in Texas and what occurred during the onset of COVID-19 and find ways to become more prepared in 2021.