No Matter where you live in the country or what you believe about global warming, most Americans are affected by extreme and destructive weather at least once a year. Floods, hurricanes, snow, and earthquakes make it important that we are always prepared for the worst.
During these times, many people make mistakes in what they actually need in order to make it through a storm and its after effects, when public and private vital services like water and electricity might not be working for a few hours to a few weeks.
Here’s a list of suggested items to keep you alive, safe and entertained during and after climate and geological disasters.
Lighter: Matches aren’t going to cut it and they are good for back up but you should have a few wind proof heavy duty lighters. Besides the lighters, you should have plenty of wood around the house especially if its winter and you have a fireplace. Zippo’s are probably your best bet, but if you want something water resistant, this model also provides heavy duty features. (http://www.dx.com/p/rugged-water-resistent-heavy-duty-lighter-with-compass-5869#.VX8HmflViko)
Flashlight and Lanterns: One flashlight is not enough for a family of four to get around. And you don’t want people in your wooden home walking around with candles. Invest in some lanterns and heavy duty flashlights like a mag lite.
Tri-Fuel Generator: Everyone and their mother has a gasoline generator which is fine until you realize the downside to using gas only generators. Gas generators require you store gas, and gasoline actually doesn’t store well.
However, with a tri-fuel generator you can hook it up directly to your home gas line. Don’t have natural gas in your home, no problem, you can power it with propane that you use for your BBQ. And propane stores easier and is easier to fill than gasoline during storms. Because 99% are generators purchased are gas only, you will be rushing to the gas station every day and waiting in long lines. Lines for propane are much shorter or even nonexistent. One good model to consider is the from New York Smart Generators, the SG8400 series tri fuel generator with 8400 running watts and 15,000 starting watts would be the perfect choice. The SG8400 comes equipped with a powerful Honda engine and can power a central air conditioner up to 4 tons, a few pumps and during the winter it can power up your heat, 2 refrigerator/freezers, lights, charge phones, and a few laptops.
Water Filtration System: You can go weeks without food, but you aren’t going days without water. Stocking up on bottled water is important, however a family of four will blow through 30 gallons of water in a matter of a days. Consider that during Sandy and Katrina, many people went several weeks without electricity and stores were unable to keep water stocked and shortages occurred. Having your own backup system to purify your water will help keep you alive and healthy while you wait for utilities to normalize. Some great options are the Outback Water Purification Systems.( http://www.espwaterproducts.com/outback-emergency-systems/)
Atari Flash Back:
It’s not all about survival. Boredom, especially with young children can cause you endless headaches. Sure everyone has a smartphone with Angry Birds, Mine Craft and Candy Crush downloaded and most gamers own a Play Station or Xbox. Hoever, storms and blackouts call for a little change of pace. This Atari system is wireless and includes 75 preinstalled games for the whole family to enjoy. (https://www.google.com/shopping/product/12034633261385597729?q=all+atari+game+systems&espv=2&biw=1600&bih=767&dpr=1&bav=on.2,or.&ion=1&tch=1&ech=1&psi=qAp_Vfj_H8fHsAXl9YDIBw.1434389194586.3&prds=paur:ClkAsKraX3Jub2p7BU6RqOIHUap0iQwAd3641iKWBQwF9Xkn-XNdSAcUqI7PYk31ozpEmwzIvIPkhpKDhG5oxCU_FhKNmN-mmj-sEQkf0LBebkxmXsHSPtxGqxIZAFPVH73AxRQmPpPU4WgPwnuJ_HZw0aZHnw&ved=0CC4QpitqFQoTCM_0u5WcksYCFYkBrAodwhoAdQ&ei=zwp_VY_RB4mDsAXCtYCoBw)
Have some suggestions for us to include in our next survival article? Be sure to email us with your product suggestions.
