Beans & LegumesRegional Disaster Prep..
Depending on where you live, it’s important to understand the major disasters that affect your area. This can make a big difference on how you prepare. Of course, you’ll always need to prepare for man-made disasters as well, which can happen anywhere. But lets focus on the different challenges each area of the country can bring to your personal preparedness plan.
I’ve mostly lived in the western united states. I can remember being a child and doing earthquake drills. My own children participate in these drills in their classrooms today. This is because the west if full of earthquake prone areas. In Utah, we are are due for another big one. So many companies, families, and individuals are gearing up for it. Many older buildings have been worked on to make them structurally sound. Other buildings have been purposely removed.
Is your home and community getting ready for the next disaster that is likely to come your way? Here’s a map (very high level mind you) of the general areas of our country and the general threats that we should always be ready for:
The West: From Alaska all the way down to California is earthquake country. You should be prepared with extra water, food, clothing, and training on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. You should have a plan for work, school, and your home. You should also be ready for tsunamis if you live in Hawaii or along the west coast of the continental United States. In addition to this, the west is full of volcanoes that could erupt, and extreme temperatures from the very cold to the very hot. Believe it or not, though rare the west has had the occasional tornado.
Midwest: Just because you live in the Midwest, doesn’t mean that you’re not a risk for earthquakes. This can happen even to you. However you are more likely to be hit by severe thunderstorms, power outages, flooding, and tornadoes. If you live in the upper-Midwest, things can get very cold. Some of the coldest temperatures in the country are found in the mid-west. You should be sure to have an alternative heating source, and a plan for the storms that will come your way. Also, along with your food and water storage, make sure you have a good light and communication device.
North East: I was actually in New York City when the recent earthquake hit in Virginia. Many don’t know it, but that area of the country is also prone to earthquakes. And as Hurricane Irene reminded us, the northeast is also in the path of hurricanes and flooding as well. Many went without power for a week after Hurricane Irene. Make sure you have food, water, fuel, sandbags, and an grab-n-go survival kit. Many were evacuated from lower Manhattan. If a big storm is coming, don’t get stuck in a dangerous situation.
South East: I lived in Alabama for a while and I’ve traveled to Texas and Florida. There is no question that the states along the coast are in danger of hurricanes. But farther up from the coast these same states are in danger of tornadoes. Please make sure you know what to do in the case of a tornado and that you are ready to evacuate if needed. Make sure you have ways of securing your home as much as possible in your absence. The South is also very humid and hot and you need to be ready if you can’t get access to air conditioning. The recent wildfires in Texas also showed that they can spread fast and cause huge damage.
Wherever you live, you’re bound to have a run in with mother nature. Please make sure you have a well thought out plan for the major disasters that may come your way.
Please share your experiences of what preparedness items have helped you in your area.
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Our community had a bit of a wake up call this spring when power lines were knocked down in a gust of wind and the electric company workers decided to strike on the same day in protest. Approximately a week later the quake in Japan was sending Tsunami waves our way.
A group of us in our community got together and decided we needed to do something and we formed a committee to start emergency preparedness. The first meeting as an introduction was held and over 400 residence came to that meeting. A group of us continued to meet each week and set in motion an ongoing effort to get our community ready for all sorts of disasters. We just held a fair this weekend and over 1000 came but the response was fantastic and the feed back was great. We had over 60 venders and Federal, State, City and Private sector all working together for the same goal. We had events throughout the day for the kids, seminars for adults and kids, Kids ID for kids and parents, first responders had their gear and explained what they do. Weather agencies had cool globes that showed the paths of storms. We had long term food storage companies present along with all types of venders to ready ones home. This event was based on preparation and we will be holding events on a regular basis on making plans, what happens after the storm and so on.
Here is a news clip from the event. See what a few community members can put together in a short time with community support.
September 26th, 2011 at 1:19 amhttp://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/15542055/hundreds-turn-out-for-ewa-emergency-preparedness-fair
Cheri — when I lived in Hawaii I needed the gas company to come out and hook up the propane gas so that I could have a hot shower. They were supposed to come out on Thursday, but they didn’t come out until the following Tuesday. They work on their own schedule there, and it really frustrated me. I enjoy relaxing …. sometimes… but I don’t enjoy people relaxing at my expense. Their excuses were just that they would come out when said, and then not show up. They probably did it on purpose… the darn haole!
That is an experience that led me to never ever want to live in Hawaii…. 
September 26th, 2011 at 5:18 amFor those of you in the earthquake high risk areas I give a little advice. Most injuries are to the head. A bicycle helmet in your bag can save your life. Forget the 72 hour bag and increase your minimum to 96 hours. Most of the 72 hour bags have plenty of room in them for the increase in supplies. I work in Emergency Management & will tell you that 72 hours of prep is inadequate. I can only hope that 96 is enough.
September 26th, 2011 at 6:56 amGood information, thanks Ready Store!
September 27th, 2011 at 2:50 pmThis is some bad news from Western New York.Corn fields are getting too much rain.The corn went in late this year.Insted of planting the corn in May,it was mid June.The place I hunt Geese has a big corn field.By now the corn should be about 8′ tall.Right now it’s only 5′ tall not good.They are getting way too much rain.
September 28th, 2011 at 1:45 pmCalifornia has many risks that are much greater than the possibility of earthquakes. We are regulary hit by flooding, mudslides and wild fires. We also have an extensive dam and levee system in place, that if ever struck by a large magnitude earthquake would likely cause much more damage and inconvenience than the earthquake its self. Prepare for everything, hope you never need it.
October 30th, 2011 at 7:51 pmWhat a great site! As we saw in Hurricane Katrina and as New Orleans learned you CANNOT depend on the Government to rescue you in a Disaster. I’m a former soldier and thought I would add a couple of things to remember. In a disaster you will need the following.
November 23rd, 2011 at 8:11 am1. Water! It is essential, you can last 3 to 5 days without water, no power no water.
2. Food you must nourish your body and maintain a constant in take of calories in a survival situation.
3. Medications that you or a family member may need are critical, so medical supplies are another essential.
4. SECRECY, do not announce to neighbors and friends unless part of your plans for survival any food and water reserves you may be accumulating, remember in an emergency those who need will stop at nothing to take from those that have as we saw in Katrina. This is a natural human survival behavior.
5. DEFENSE, have you considered this? How can you stop someone from over running you or taking your family survival supplies this is life and death at this point. Could you use a fire arm? Would you? You must have a way to protect your loved ones and the stores you have accumulated, scary thought but it is a reality.
6. Are you hunkering down where you are now or are you traveling to get to safety? Can you transport your goods and family and at the same time protect them?
These are some real basic entry level things to consider and give real thought to. Please use common sense and remember society naturally takes a turn for the worst when our everyday infrastructure breaks down and the law is not around. Peace and be safe as well as smart.