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.

Our delicious emergency meals last 25 years, making them ideal for long term storage and survival purposes. However, they are great tasting and easy enough to prepare for everyday use as well. Here are some ideas on alternative uses for our meals:

- Camping or outdoor use: Our meals only require heat and water, which means they are perfect for outdoor use. Whether you're only on a day trip, hike, or weekend of camping, you'll be impressed with the delicious high quality of our food.

- Travel: Many people choose to bring our meals along on international trips, a food source they can trust that is easy to prepare and light weight enough to bring along. They are also great for long road trips, planes, and airport layovers that leave you hungry and only offer expensive food options.

- Quick Meal: On busy work days, our meals make the perfect no hassle lunch or dinner that is easy to prepare and ready to eat fast. They're so tasty, you won't regret opening up a pouch!

Tip: some of our favorite and most-loved emergency meals are pasta alfredo, savory stroganoff, and creamy vegetable pasta!

Keep all of these alternative meal ideas in mind while we are fast approaching a busy back-to-school season and squeezing in a final summer vacation. Let us know if you come up with any more great alternative meal uses, they could be featured in a future blog post!

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.