Podcast Episode 110321
Published on November 3rd, 2021
In this episode we discuss the many different facets of our necessary planning to ensure that we have a bonafide plan for the many potential outcomes. We will also discuss the timeline for necessary mechanisms for optimal survival regardless of the event. While I want to consider major natural disasters, we should have developed plans for many of todays possibilities. I’d like to think about the many different impacts to our lives that one event will have and what are some possible outcomes. We’ll look at three major natural disaster events, and work on our plans how to tackle the many different moving pieces.
But first, time to check in on the old mail bag and see what’s up.
Bristol from Florida asks “we talk about regional issues and classifying them by threat level. I live in South Florida where I got so many I can’t count. How do I prioritize?”
Mary from Colorado asks “I’m always concerned with an avalanche wiping my home off its foundations, how can I prepare for that?”
Grace from Ohio asks “I struggle with getting started with building my plans. Where do I start?”
Donna from Kansas asks “my family has a plan, we just all know what to do. Isn’t that enough?”
Mike from Montana asks “do I prioritize by how much warning I get before a disaster?”
Great questions to all those who sent them in. If I didn’t get to your question, sorry about that, but don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll touch on this topic again as its really relevant to a requirement for survival.
In todays show I’m going to give some ideas about three major types of natural disasters.
- Hurricanes
- Tornados
- Earthquakes
We can’t exclude others like: volcanic eruptions, forest fires, flash flooding, or any of the others. I want to take apart these three to show us how to build our plans, prioritize, and adapt as necessary.
With all that said, let’s get after it,
Firstly we’ll get after Hurricanes. Hurricanes can wreck havoc on large areas, and as we witnessed during hurricane Katrina back in the early 00’s, they can have long-lasting impact to many of the things we’ve come to depend on in our communities. So, more often than not, we typically get a little notice before these monsters come ashore, and most times they pack a three-way punch: high-wind, rain, and flooding. As they come ashore they bring the storm surge with them, with raising water reaching 20 feet or more. So let’s put some rubber on the road and talk about what do we really need to prepare for. The first decision we need to make when receiving word this monster on its way is “do we stay and ride it out, or pack up the truck and head inland?” That’s a decision I’m not going to advice either way, you are far more knowledgeable in those areas than I, as I left Louisiana 45+ years ago. However, if you decide to stick it out, then there are a couple of key plans we need to have in place based on expected behaviors:
- High wind.
- Flooding.
- Supply train challenges.
If you decide to head inland, there are still some things to consider:
- Storm tracts can be extensive.
- Traveling with thousands.
- Ensuring that the things you leave are safe.
As you can see, either route requires some planning to successfully accomplish. Either way you might be in for a rough couple of days.
Next up is the mighty cyclones, or tornados that seem to materialize, destroy lives and property, then just disappear again. Now, having just said the “just appear” might be a bit misleading, as the technology is getting better all the time in forecasting these deadly weather events. Hopefully, you’ll get some warning as to their expected arrival, which will then ask the same question as before “do we stay, or run?” Again, I’m not going to tell you which one, because in the same way the hurricane did, both plans have ramifications that we need to weigh. As witnessed each year in “tornado alley” here in the United States we know that this is one is one of the bigger ones to consider. So, let’s talk about those things we need to think about:
Obviously, we need to consider:
- High winds,
- Long-term utility interruption.
Do the first question we should have, is “where we store of preps?” Although those who have survived a tornado strike know exactly where the winds appeared, and would be best to offer some opinion here.
Finally we get to my personal “un” favorite and that is when the earth just moved beneath our feet. This is an earthquake, and unlike all the others up to this point, we get absolutely no warning or preparation time for this one. In much the same way as the others, being prepared is critical, however there is nothing that we can stage in the car, or another possibility.
- Building collapse
- Leak of toxic arenas
As always my friends, I am honored and humbled that you have chosen to spend this time listening to me. I deeply appreciate each and every one of you. Being prepared provides each of us with the confidence for successful survival. We mentioned before, and will certainly say again, that survival is a 90% mental task, but that 10% of physical resources is critically important.. By having a confidence and discipline, we can and will survive. Remember to be strong, be safe, and keep your head on a swivel… Peace
