“Emergency Preparedness The Right Way,” published in 2009, is a guide for the average family, giving them the detailed information they need to survive almost any emergency. It is designed to teach people how to prepare, what supplies are needed, and how to confidently use those supplies. Nothing could be worse than suddenly facing an all-out disaster and having a complete dearth of skills, supplies, or knowledge. A slim book at 150 pages, it gets right to the point, covering the subject matter in such detail that even the complete novice will come away with a feeling of confidence, ready to begin organizing for potential disasters.
Godfrey successfully narrows the scope of this book down to the essentials that will assure the survival of a family during times of emergency. Food, emergency cooking and fuel, water, and basic first aid and sanitation are the vital elements that make survival not only possible but with the advice from this book, almost comfortable. By reading this book, you will gain the mind-set necessary for survival with enthusiasm that can turn a dismal experience into an adventure. Don’t wait until you are caught in a bad situation to start retraining your mind to accept food choices that may be unthinkable today. Straight-up survival means you must mentally prepare both yourself and family members for worst-case scenarios. There won’t be an open grocery store with stocked shelves. Are you ready to be on your own finding food? Do you know the difference between something that can provide nourishment or kill you? Can you survive without power? This book will prepare the reader for all these situations.
Godfrey’s background in the U. S. Air Force and firefighting makes him not only a reliable source but a realistic one. He has faced many tough situations and now passes on vital information on how to prepare for the worst. The first step in preparedness is assessing the risks and possible hazards in each specific location. Knowing in advance what you are planning for can focus your survival efforts. If you live in an active earthquake zone, then that may be at the top of the list of potential disasters and will influence preparation. Godfrey advocates for solid, general planning too so that no matter what happens, you are ready.
Did you know that an old, broken microwave might have a very important survival purpose? It can act as a Faraday cage to protect small electrical items from being disabled during an electromagnetic pulse. Have no idea what any of this is? That is exactly why this book is a gem for beginner and advanced survivalist alike. The resourcefulness that Godfrey exhibits will help the reader look at everything in the environment as a potential tool during unthinkable times.
Safety and sanitation are at the forefront of Godfrey’s advice. It may not be as fun as reading about high-tech survival gadgets like night vision goggles and tasers, but this is the essence of keeping your family or group alive and well. Knowing how to safely store food, how to meet basic sanitation needs, how to provide drinkable water is what will keep your group truly safe and functioning. The author also gives firm and simple advice on how to be sure your group stays together even in the scariest of situations.
One of the highlights of the book is on water purification. Although a human can go for weeks without food, only a couple of days can go by without water. This vital substance may not be flowing clean and free from taps in a disaster. Most municipal water systems rely on electrical power not only for processing the water but storing and transporting it. When the power goes out, it’s not long before the water is too. Knowing how to purify water can save you from fatal illness.
An extensive reference section is found at the end of the book. This section is categorized by topic, and everything from suppliers of freeze-dried foods to websites about survival is included. Rather than trying to cover firearms, detailed medical care, or war in a brief and unsatisfying manner in this book, those who desire comprehensive material on these subjects can consult the reference section to find recommended books on these complex subjects.