On this page we will go over some of the more likely disasters/emergencies you may encounter and a brief explanation of things you should consider and can do to improve your odds of survival.
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms - With modern technology we now have the ability to track hurricanes and tropical storms several days before they even touch land and in most cases we can even predict what shores they are going to hit. Your best option in this scenario is to evacuate the area prior to the storm. Graves are filled with people who try to "ride out the storm", but you don't ride mother nature. She rides you. Houses can be rebuilt and things can be replaced so don't plan on pulling a Lazarus and coming back to life after 150+ mph winds toss you around like a child's plaything. Now, you should already have a survival kit in your vehicle and your BOB (Bug Out Bag) ready to go (we get into creating these kits under the "Emergency Kits/Gear Lists" tab). If time allows load up all the personal belongings that your insurance company can't replace (photo albums, home movies, etc.) you can safely carry and head in-land.
Tornadoes - I have experienced several of these first hand while living in the central United States and what an awesome display of raw and natural power they were. Now, unlike hurricanes where you may have several days warning to evacuate, a tornado can form and touch ground in a matter of minutes. Even modern day warning systems will only offer 10-20 minute warnings at best. This means you have things to do and little time to do them (PLAN AHEAD!!!). Grab your BOB and everyone you can and head towards your storm shelter or, for most of us, the center of your building which we will call the "safe area". For my example we will use a one story house as that is what I live in and am familiar with. Now, you will need to put some thought into your designated "safe area" as you will want to choose a place that is near a load bearing structure/wall at the center of the building/house that has no heavy furniture to fall on you or windows, mirrors, sky lights, etc. to break as sharp glass flying around at high speeds is no bueno for your safety either. So, you are in your safe area with your BOB. What do you do? In your BOB you should have a small hand cranked flashlight/weather radio, basic medical supplies, and some food and water. The only thing left to do is pray and wait as things will happen pretty quickly. Not religious? I once heard a saying, "There is no such thing as an Atheist on a plane that is about to crash. Just a lot of people screaming, "OH MY GOD!" ". If you are in a vehicle DO NOT try to outrun the tornado. Stop your vehicle and get to the center of the nearest structure or lay flat in a drainage ditch.
Earthquakes - I have not experienced a severe one, but I know what I would do. Grab my BOB and get out in the open as quickly as possible. I would rather be laying down in the middle of my front or back yard with my family and my BOB than risk having any building collapse on me. It is always a good idea to have some emergency drinking water stored, but in this scenario it would be extremely vital as severe earthquakes often disrupt municipal water services via busted mainlines that take days to repair.
Blizzards - In this scenario, preserving and rationing food stores and keeping warm are going to be the name of the game. Not to worried about drinking water, because I know what snow and ice turn into when they melt... don't you? Alternative heat sources will be important as there is no guarantee how long you will have electricity. If you live in an area that is susceptible to strong winter storms you more than likely have a fire place. Stockpile plenty of firewood and in a true survival scenario they are plenty of things around the house that will burn as well. Sterno fuel and the disposable chemical hand warmers are also good options to keep you warm in a pinch. Pile on layers of clothes, blankets, towels, whatever you need to stay warm. You should have plenty of supplies in your home kit.
Floods - If you live in an area that is prone to flash floods I suggest you own a canoe or rapid inflating emergency raft. Even you do not own a boat/canoe/raft you should own a life vest for every member of your family as part of your standard emergency kit. Another thing to consider is that everything in your BOB or other emergency kit need to be waterproof/water-resistant or be in a waterproof case. This should be standard for your BOB already, but is imperative in this scenario.
Man Made Disasters
Civil Unrest - A panic of the masses could be triggered by a famine, drought, fall of the economy or government, American Idol being canceled, etc. I would say that the way you would prepare a house to withstand a hurricane would be effective against looters and rioters. Board up every window (at least the lower level) and lock every door/window down. You should already have your food and water stockpiled so hunker down and wait for the rioters and looters to pass. You are only setting up deterrents at this point as the idea is to make your house is as much of a chore or pain in the arse as possible for someone to enter or loot. Most people will look for the easiest/weakest targets to exploit so set up some basic fortifications, make your presence known, and show that you are willing to defend yourself and most trouble makers should move on.
Terrorist Attack/Invasion -
Biological Attack -
Zombie Infection/Apocalypse - Watch The Walking Dead TV show to study and then prepare to apply that knowledge and lessons learned. Sorry, I just had to add this.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms - With modern technology we now have the ability to track hurricanes and tropical storms several days before they even touch land and in most cases we can even predict what shores they are going to hit. Your best option in this scenario is to evacuate the area prior to the storm. Graves are filled with people who try to "ride out the storm", but you don't ride mother nature. She rides you. Houses can be rebuilt and things can be replaced so don't plan on pulling a Lazarus and coming back to life after 150+ mph winds toss you around like a child's plaything. Now, you should already have a survival kit in your vehicle and your BOB (Bug Out Bag) ready to go (we get into creating these kits under the "Emergency Kits/Gear Lists" tab). If time allows load up all the personal belongings that your insurance company can't replace (photo albums, home movies, etc.) you can safely carry and head in-land.
Tornadoes - I have experienced several of these first hand while living in the central United States and what an awesome display of raw and natural power they were. Now, unlike hurricanes where you may have several days warning to evacuate, a tornado can form and touch ground in a matter of minutes. Even modern day warning systems will only offer 10-20 minute warnings at best. This means you have things to do and little time to do them (PLAN AHEAD!!!). Grab your BOB and everyone you can and head towards your storm shelter or, for most of us, the center of your building which we will call the "safe area". For my example we will use a one story house as that is what I live in and am familiar with. Now, you will need to put some thought into your designated "safe area" as you will want to choose a place that is near a load bearing structure/wall at the center of the building/house that has no heavy furniture to fall on you or windows, mirrors, sky lights, etc. to break as sharp glass flying around at high speeds is no bueno for your safety either. So, you are in your safe area with your BOB. What do you do? In your BOB you should have a small hand cranked flashlight/weather radio, basic medical supplies, and some food and water. The only thing left to do is pray and wait as things will happen pretty quickly. Not religious? I once heard a saying, "There is no such thing as an Atheist on a plane that is about to crash. Just a lot of people screaming, "OH MY GOD!" ". If you are in a vehicle DO NOT try to outrun the tornado. Stop your vehicle and get to the center of the nearest structure or lay flat in a drainage ditch.
Earthquakes - I have not experienced a severe one, but I know what I would do. Grab my BOB and get out in the open as quickly as possible. I would rather be laying down in the middle of my front or back yard with my family and my BOB than risk having any building collapse on me. It is always a good idea to have some emergency drinking water stored, but in this scenario it would be extremely vital as severe earthquakes often disrupt municipal water services via busted mainlines that take days to repair.
Blizzards - In this scenario, preserving and rationing food stores and keeping warm are going to be the name of the game. Not to worried about drinking water, because I know what snow and ice turn into when they melt... don't you? Alternative heat sources will be important as there is no guarantee how long you will have electricity. If you live in an area that is susceptible to strong winter storms you more than likely have a fire place. Stockpile plenty of firewood and in a true survival scenario they are plenty of things around the house that will burn as well. Sterno fuel and the disposable chemical hand warmers are also good options to keep you warm in a pinch. Pile on layers of clothes, blankets, towels, whatever you need to stay warm. You should have plenty of supplies in your home kit.
Floods - If you live in an area that is prone to flash floods I suggest you own a canoe or rapid inflating emergency raft. Even you do not own a boat/canoe/raft you should own a life vest for every member of your family as part of your standard emergency kit. Another thing to consider is that everything in your BOB or other emergency kit need to be waterproof/water-resistant or be in a waterproof case. This should be standard for your BOB already, but is imperative in this scenario.
Man Made Disasters
Civil Unrest - A panic of the masses could be triggered by a famine, drought, fall of the economy or government, American Idol being canceled, etc. I would say that the way you would prepare a house to withstand a hurricane would be effective against looters and rioters. Board up every window (at least the lower level) and lock every door/window down. You should already have your food and water stockpiled so hunker down and wait for the rioters and looters to pass. You are only setting up deterrents at this point as the idea is to make your house is as much of a chore or pain in the arse as possible for someone to enter or loot. Most people will look for the easiest/weakest targets to exploit so set up some basic fortifications, make your presence known, and show that you are willing to defend yourself and most trouble makers should move on.
Terrorist Attack/Invasion -
Biological Attack -
Zombie Infection/Apocalypse - Watch The Walking Dead TV show to study and then prepare to apply that knowledge and lessons learned. Sorry, I just had to add this.