A little over five years ago, the people of New Orleans faced critical shortages of food and drinking water. Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southern Louisiana, and all hell broke loose. New Orleans became a third-world city overnight. Unable to evacuate, 23,000 people crammed into the Superdome seeking refuge. After the storm moved on, the levees burst. Aid was slow to arrive. Newscasters reported on the appalling conditions the survivors faced. City residents begged for help on national television. Ten people died in the Superdome.
A fundamental lesson to learn from Katrina is that the government may be too mired in red tape to be of immediate assistance. That is the reason everyone needs to plan for food and water shortages before disaster strikes. Survival may depend on having strategies in place and preparations made. Time, date and location of the next crisis can not be predicted. What is clear is that a man-made or natural disaster is always on the horizon.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the Swine Flu Pandemic is over. Viruses mutate. The next pandemic may be more dangerous than H1N1. Sick people seeking medical attention could overwhelm healthcare facilities. Schools and day care centers would be forced to close. Store shelves would be empty because truck drivers are too ill to deliver merchandise to stores and businesses. Cashiers and employees who restock shelves may be too sick to work. As a result, shelves will remain empty until some critical period has passed.
In early September, 2010 two meteors passed between the Earth and the Moon. Astronomers reported the close call. Asteroids averaging 16 to 33 feet in diameter reach the atmosphere about once every year. If one were to hit a populated area, the devastation would be similar to the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Normally these asteroids incinerate in the upper atmosphere. If one breached the Earth’s natural barriers, and impacted a densely populated area, the resulting devastation would be incalculable.
Scientists predict that in 2012 gases discharged from the Sun will point toward the Earth and could pose a threat to the planet. Coronal mass emissions could be responsible for extensive damage to electric transmission and distributions lines.
Underground tanks are the preferred method of storing gasoline and diesel fuels. Electric power controls the pumps. Without electricity, access to energy sources will be restricted. Gasoline and diesel shortages might be wide-spread. Any interference with the ability to deliver consumer products to stores and businesses affects commerce.
People who prepare for the worst-case circumstances have the greatest chance of surviving. The key to staying alive could be having enough food and water stored to get through the early critical period.
Select a secure area in or near your home and begin stockpiling essential items. Consider putting shelves in the basement or the garage to store non-perishables, water and other essential items.
Purchase canned tuna, chicken, dried or canned milk or peanut butter. They are excellent protein sources. Cereal and crackers fill carbohydrate needs. Coffee, tea bags, canned juices should be on the shelf. Family preferences and the size of the storage area will determine the type and amount of emergency supplies to collect. Rotate stock and replace items as they near their ‘use by’ dates.
It is imperative to have a safe supply of fresh water. Homeland Security recommends at least two quarts of water per day per person. It is a fact that water is necessary for hygiene and food preparation as well as drinking. The Department of Homeland Security recommends storage of one gallon of water per person and enough to last everyone for two weeks.
Other useful items to stock are toilet paper, hand sanitizers, and Sterno products. Waterproof matches, extra batteries, and a hand cranked storm radio are vital items to have on hand. Remember the extra needs of babies, small children, the elderly and pets. Store a first-aid kit. Don’t allow prescription medications to get low.
Keep a few packets of seeds in the emergency stash. Spinach and lettuce grow rapidly and can be cultivated in small areas. Fresh vegetables might be difficult to find and very expensive for a while.
Being prepared today may be the key to being alive tomorrow.