Recent climate emergencies have revealed just how vulnerable we are. People died from preventable mistakes, lack of preparation and overconfidence. Whether from fires, floods, freezes or drought, the only ones who thrived in spite of the emergencies were those who planned ahead and adapted. We can't assume rescue will come in time to save us, or even at all. So we must prepare to save ourselves and those we care about no matter what conditions arrive. It could be a weather event, a political one, or even a surprise attack. What is important is preparing for the worst even as you hope for the best.

POWER

Yesterday on a beautiful, sunny day, I lost power for 8 hours due to building efforts nearby. But I've also lost power for a week or more during extreme weather events. It is disconcerting to have a black out, especially when it is really cold, or really hot. But what if the power grid was out for a month, or a year? How would you survive?

Were that to occur, there would have been an extreme surprise event like a volcano erupting, a comet or asteroid hitting Earth, an attack from outside, or one from within. In Texas, the power grid was recently shut off to some areas in order to provide power to other areas, with no warning, for many weeks. If those in power over us wanted to compel us to cooperate with them over our objections, killing the power is the first thing they would do. It limits communication and escape. As those who wanted to leave their homes without power realized recently, they couldn't get gas with no power at the gas stations.

The dummies who left their cars on inside garages died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The ones who didn't find heat of any kind froze to death, even in their homes. In war zones without power in cold winter, people burn what they can to stay warm, furniture, books, anything available. Keeping warm in winter or cool in hot summers is quite difficult with no power.

Without power, cell phones go dead. Refrigerators, freezers, stoves and microwaves don't work. The only gas, coal, candles, batteries, lighters, matches, generators or food you can use are what you already have on hand. Collect these necessities now, while they are easily available. And always keep your vehicles full of gas.

WATER

Recently, lots of pipes froze and cracked during the polar vortex, and people had to shut off the water in their homes. So many were unprepared. At minimum, you should always have a supply of water bottles, just in case. If you know an emergent situation is coming, fill your tubs, buckets, sinks and portable containers with water. Water is life. You must have it, and you'd prefer it clean. If desperate, you can always get some from your water tank, or swimming pool.

I have rainwater collection collapsible containers to use, just in case. Buckets are helpful too. Get the kind with handles and lids. Big water jugs are great as well, especially if you have to transport water from elsewhere. Tarps are good too. You can also melt snow or ice, or use creeks or lakes. Every person in your household needs about 5 gallons of water a day to meet their minimal basic needs. Get a camping portable potty too. With no water, you can't flush your toilets. You don't want to waste the little water you've collected on that.

Get water tablets that remove bacteria and other dangerous things like radiation from your water. Iodine tablets are great. Water filtered straws are helpful too. If you have filtered water containers, even better. Think long term. People are still having to boil their water in many cities because of pollution. Clean water is something we have taken for granted, but in an emergency, it is more precious than gold.

FOOD

Having plenty of food on hand can save your life. When the pandemic first hit, stores were emptied of supplies and transportation was interrupted. People were standing in long lines, fighting over toilet paper and formula. It was surreal. Imagine a worse scenario. What if there were no stores with supplies available at all?

Providing food for your family is a vital need. Take it seriously. Get canned goods, dried rice and beans, salt, vinegar, flour, yeast and other supplies now, for the future. Set them aside in containers you don't open until an emergency. I bought pre-packaged variety packs of dried food that will not expire for 25 years that is tucked away, ready to go. My family could last a year or more on what I've set aside. You should too.

Buy seeds, plant gardens, get jars for canning and fertilizers and tools to be able grow your own food. Practice now so you have this skill when you need it. Get books on how to do it too, for your reference library.

PERSONAL SUPPLIES

We all have need for basic medical supplies. But also, prescriptions, glasses, contacts, hearing aids, footwear, clothing, jackets, diapers, tooth brushes, nail files, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, etc. There are things you need to live life comfortably. Make a go bag with these things in it, to grab in an emergency. Put your important papers in a plastic waterproof one too, like licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, list of emergency contact phones and addresses, maps, money, investment info, permits, tickets, marriage and divorce papers, I.D., titles, insurance policies, etc. Even pens, paper, calculators, a compass, photographs, flares, a pocket knife, flashlights, blankets, some tools and camping gear could be vital. Know what you have. Gather what you need. Your life could depend on it.

COMMUNICATION

Cell phones require charging. Have a way to do this. Portable chargers are a must, and cords that can work in cars or attach to various outlets. If the towers go down, what will you do? Walkie talkies, CB radios, ham radios, satellite phones, pagers, and computer interfaces are some of your choices. Work out with your family alternate ways to communicate. Decide on meeting places, gathering points, and places to leave messages for each other if things go bad. Where will you go if home is not an option? Make sure everyone has physical maps to that location, because GPS on cell phones may not be available, or desirable if you are laying low.

PROTECTION

This pandemic has shown us how vulnerable we are to contagions. The need for masks, cleansers, disinfectants, soap and wipes will not go away, even if the country opens back up. The mitigation medicines they are calling "vaccines" are not preventative. And with mutations, they may not help much at all. Additionally, more contagions are coming. It's even in our sewage!

Every single disease or virus that has ever infected us in history is still here on this planet and a threat. The only one ever cured was small pox, but even that could become a threat again if it were to be spread from the labs where it is contained. We must be prepared to isolate at a moment's notice, perhaps for a very long time.

Insects spread diseases too. Bug spray and hats, gloves, long pants, and netting can protect you, as well as draining places where stagnate water which attracts mosquitoes that breed.

Weapons to defend our families and homes are an unfortunate need as well. Hunting for food is a skill we may require, especially if supply lines are compromised for any length of time. Decide what works for you. Besides guns, even knives, swords, axes, saws, sling shots, cross bows, bows and arrows pepper spray, a bat, or electric shock could be useful. When SHTF, desperate people can become a threat.

You may need mobile shelter if your home is compromised. Camping gear, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, mess kits, flashlights, waterproof tarps and mats could be very helpful.

The things you do now to prepare for whatever emergencies come will allow you independence and peace of mind. You don't have to be dependent on others to save you, not neighbors, or government authorities or first responders. You can save yourself and your loved ones, because you planned ahead and were ready for anything.