The threat of a pandemic seems strangely outdated to many people.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.

A crisis can take many different shapes and forms. Hazards are everywhere, waiting to surface. So how do we survive whatever the future holds? How can we minimize the damage?

- First of all, be aware. Stay informed and understand what risks there are for your particular part of the world. Usually, it's impossible to know just exactly when or where a disaster will strike, but the least you can do is determine your risks and prepare for the worst.

- Plan Ahead. We're all about this. Prepping is your best bet on a secure future no matter the circumstances. There are times when we can't help being taken by surprise, which is why it is so important that we are ready for anything. Make plans with your family in case of an evacuation, or a disaster that calls for staying in and waiting it out. This way, when the time comes you won't need to panic because you'll already know what to do.

- Stock Up! Put together a good stock of long term emergency food and water, along with other survival supplies. Don't rely on modern amenities, keep back-up alternatives for heat, light, and power. We recommend at least a 1 month supply of food, but preferably more. You never know how long you'll need it, and the last thing you want to do is go hungry during an emergency.

Having a personal supply of food and water empowers you to take control of your survival and minimize the damage it has on the necessities and daily comforts you and your family need.

- Stay Calm & Conserve... Don't lose your head in a crisis; you're going to need it. Be rational, all things pass. Focus on the positive and keep yourself well hydrated and fed so you are strong enough to face any emergency. Don't waste any energy unless absolutely necessary.

Most people think to store long term food and water along with first aid supplies, but what about medicine? Pills and ointments can expire relatively quickly and are expensive to rotate for preparedness, and you can run out quickly. On the other hand, tons of remedies can be found and sustained in nature, in common and easy-to-care-for plants. These herbal remedies have aided humans for thousands of years, and are a great way to care for your health in an emergency. Starting a medicinal prepper garden is a great way to supply your family with natural and cost effective remedies.

Even if you're no green-thumb, growing these little plants is easy and well worth the time. Often, plants with medicinal properties are tough and require simple maintenance that allows them to thrive in the wild. Take a look at these ten plants to add to your medicinal prepper garden: all of these plants will tolerate potting, making them easy to garden in minimal space.

10 Simple Medicinal Herbs that Smell Great!

Aloe - Treats cuts, burns and rashes.

Basil- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, also can boost your immune system.

Cayenne Pepper- Lowers blood pressure and can even stop heart attacks, also is great for relieving congestion and headaches.

Ginger- Aids aching muscles and digestion, helps with stomach upset.

Lavender- Antibacterial and can subdue anxiety or stress.

Mint- Remedies upset stomach internally, externally relieves pain or itching from bites and stings.

Parsley- Aids the kidneys and bladder, reduces fever and helps eliminate toxins.

Rosemary- Good for digestion and blood pressure, boosts heart health.

Sage- Sore throat remedy that also fights bacteria.

Thyme- Aids digestion, cold symptoms and coughs while preventing parasites.

All of these plants are relatively easy to maintain and do not require a lot of attention. They also thrive in pots, so you don't need land to grow them. In addition, you'll have a useful and great smelling herbal remedy garden that boosts your health and ease of mind in a crisis.  If you haven't already, don't forget to store long term food and water storage. Start with the basics, and work your way up. A prepper garden is an easy and fun way to prepare for the future without breaking your budget.

In any sort of disaster crisis, your survival depends on a few major factors that help fuel your body's ability to pull through a rough situation. To secure your survival, make sure you address all of these threats in your emergency plan to keep your enemies at bay.

1. Panic: This intense emotion is driven by anxiety and fear, and can blur your focus and performance in a crisis. It is important to remain calm and act wisely, stick to the plan and do not allow your emotions to get the best of you. Falling a part in the midst of a disaster will compromise your ability to survive.
2. Temperature: If you are excessively hot or cold in a crisis, you will become fatigued and agitated. Extremely low or high temperatures can be life-threatening, which is why it is important to keep an alternate heating and cooling source. A generator can run a small space heater or fan without electricity.
3. Thirst: We cannot survive very long without water, it is the most needed resource in our survival. Be sure to store water year-round, and rotate as needed. Keep enough to last your family at least a week, preferably much longer.
4. Sleep Deprivation: Without sleep, parts of the body begin to shut down, starting with the brain. We cannot function without sleep, our ability to think and rationalize will quickly vanish, and our chance of survival dwindles.
5. Injury: With limited resources in the midst of a disaster, especially if you are hunkered down, a small injury can quickly become fatal. The best way to secure your safety is to stay inside, away from potential hazards, and keep a well-stocked first aid kit.
6. Boredom: In addition to your physical needs, like food and water, your mental and emotional needs are also vital to nurture in a crisis. Keep some games and books in your emergency supply to help stimulate your mind while waiting out the storm. This will also help to keep everyone calm and distracted from worry.
7. Hunger: Hunger sets in quickly, and will soon affect all areas of your well-being: mental, physical and emotional. Without food you will not survive very long. Store a long-term supply of food that is easy to prepare and store. We recommend at least 3 months worth to start.

It is important to remember all of these threats when preparing for disasters. Without proper preparation and planning, a crisis can be fatal. Avoid your enemies and secure your survival with your own long-term supply now.