In 2020 alone there have been over 3,000 earthquakes in the United States...

Read more

Often, when I tell people I work in the food storage and prepping business, somewhere in the conversation that then tails this information, the so-called 'zombie apocalypse' is brought up. You'd be surprised by how many people actually consider this their number one motivation for prepping, or at least wanting to prep.

So, what's this whole zombie apocalypse thing really about? Let me try to explain. We've all heard of the media inspired walking dead with a cannibalistic taste for human flesh, and the domino effect of the infected. It's definitely been blown up in the cinematic spotlight reaching audiences all around the world who truly find this concept a worst case scenario/nightmare.

And really, the general idea of a zombie apocalypse is not that outlandish. It's about an infectious disease that spreads faster than a cure can be created and proven safe. This has happened a lot in history. It's about humans who lose their grasp of reality and start to eat each other (okay, not so common of an issue, but still, relevant to rabies and other such illnesses). The outbreak causes mass-panic and civilization erupts with anarchy; this has happened before.

Preparing for a zombie pandemic is like preparing for most crises: prepare so that you can hide out until it passes and trust only yourselves with the rations and supplies you've smartly collected independently of the government, since - let's face it - there's way too many people and not enough life boats. It's sort of like a societal fallout, when humans no longer behave like humans, and you can't risk being infected or killed.

According to the Zombie Response Team, bug-out bags are one popular and easy way to prepare for a pandemic of sorts (Keep an eye out for our new bags coming in 2019. We are partnering with some of the best tactical companies in the industry to bring you the best gear to keep you surviving.). Mylar pouches are the best containers and cans are the worst thing to have. Don't get slowed down by heavy cans of food, our freeze dried MREs are perfect for fleeing the panic and grab-n-go buckets make it easy to evacuate fast. Our Emergency Food Kits are perfect for short term needs. If you want to hide out longer, check out our Long Term Food Storage with a 25 year shelf life. All our meals are prepared by simply adding water.

Whether you're worried about zombies or not, preparing for chaos is always the best way to safeguard your role in the uncertain future. Please, don't eat people; eat My Food Storage meals!

The threat of a pandemic seems strangely outdated to many people. People who are convinced modern science will always prevail over nature's adapting spread of diseases. It is the belief of others that in a world as out of balance as our own, strange viruses are apt to appear and spread faster than we can configure treatment.

Sickness is not any less common today than it was a couple hundred years ago, in fact, it might by even more common. Not as concerning as they once were, symptoms similar to a cold or the flu rarely keep anyone home these days, making illness all the more contagious. If a new virus was to surface today, it could spread at a frighteningly high rate and take a lot of lives before being controlled.

When considering a future pandemic, scientists look at Ebola as the perfect example of destructive and fatal disease that is highly complex and difficult to control. Ebola hemorrhagic fever has claimed thousands of lives in Africa, and to this day has no cure, only treatment that may or may not suffice to save a life. This bleeding disease has a 90% death rate, and is a cross-species disease infected initially by primates. When a disease affects human and non-human subjects it is difficult to contain, and can spread quickly as it is difficult to treat and track the infected animals.

Disease spillovers, or in other words an illness that jumps from species to species, is what most believe will cause our next big pandemic. Aside from Ebola, diseases like SARS, HIV and hantavirus have been contracted similarly, and caused severe outbreaks amongst various populations. These diseases weren't even all limited to primates, but other distinctly different wild animals.

According to many scientists, the reason for diseases spilling over from one species to another has something to do with our unstable environment. Our planet is constantly changing, and so are the populations introduced and dwindling in specific areas of the world. Some diseases unknown to us are carried by animals that then spread a disease they never appeared to have, mutating when contracted by a new host, which can cause severe damage to the human body. This sort of disease could become increasingly difficult to break.

The truth is, no one can pin point a day or a year when the next big pandemic might surface, only to descend after bringing a big piece of humanity with it.

Diseases like these are easier to prevent than cure:

1. Store at least a month's worth of survival food and water.
2. Stay inside, do not risk exposure, this is why you have emergency storage.
3. Keep a supply of first aid kits, medical masks, and rotate medicines and vitamins so you have a continuous supply. Wash your hands frequently.
4. Make a plan with your family on how to avoid infection and what to do if anyone is infected.
5. Don't panic, getting inside your head can cause you to feel sick even if you're not. Remaining calm will keep your body stronger and your mind sharper.

Remember, being independent allows you to safely isolate yourself from the dangers of a pandemic by limiting the need to leave your home. It is important to understand the dangers and prepare for them wisely, but don't let yourself panic. Pandemic's throughout history have always been resolved through modern medicine, and humanity survives. Survive with your emergency supplies and live to talk about it.

September is National Preparedness Month and for the first week we wanted to focus on your emergency plan. Sometimes, the weather forecast on the news warns you of an impending emergency. However, you can't always depend on advance notice. An emergency preparedness checklist will help you prepare for an emergency— no matter when it occurs— and can help you sleep more soundly at night. It will organize your efforts and provide you with everything you need in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

Food and Water

Any emergency preparedness plan should include the basic essentials: food and water. An emergency food storage kit offers the most convenient and space-saving option. Store it in an accessible place in your home or car so you can reach it at a moment's notice.

Since natural disasters often eliminate electric and natural gas power, you don't want to rely on foods and beverages that require heating. Additionally, you want to choose supplies that have a long shelf life so you don't have to replenish them every couple of years.

Consider stocking your emergency kit with a water filter. Access to clean drinking water is essential for staying safe and healthy, especially if the emergency lasts for several days.

Communication

You might not have cell phone service in an emergency or access to television reports. An old-fashioned radio comes in handy. Keep it with your other supplies so you can reach it in a hurry. That way, you'll know what's going on outside your home and you'll hear any warnings from the authorities.

It's also smart to keep a spare battery for your cell phone charged. If you have cell service, you'll want to contact family and friends to check on their welfare.

Planning

Create a plan that your family members can follow in an emergency. The Red Cross recommends assigning each family member a series of tasks to perform so that you accomplish them quickly. Older children and teenagers can help the adults.

Consider meeting with your family at least once a year to review the plan and make changes as necessary. For instance, as your kids grow up, you can involve them in your preparations.

Potential Hazards

Normal household objects and systems can become dangerous in an emergency. Figure out how to shut off your utilities, such as natural gas and water, to prevent fires and flooding. If you have a natural gas line, you should know where the shutoff valve is. Its location may vary a bit, but it's often outside or in a basement. Make sure everyone know where to find the breaker box in the house, and consider designating a room in your home for shelter. It shouldn't have large objects that could fall on your family members or injure them in any other way.

Documents

You'll want access to essential papers during an emergency, such as medical records and insurance paperwork. Store these items in a waterproof and fire-proof safe, and make sure you can access them quickly. The Department of Homeland Security recommends using phone apps in addition to the hard copies to store financial documents so you have multiple ways to access them.

Nobody wants to imagine an emergency striking his or her home, but disasters happen. Following this emergency preparedness checklist can keep you safe and allow you to react quickly and prudently should something go wrong. If you don't have an emergency food kit, stock up now by calling My Food Storage at (888) 407-0833.

 

Emergency Checklists:
https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html
https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness