December 15, 2014
Posted by SG Lee in Blog, Bug In, Bug Out, Communication, Disaster, Education, Emergency, Medical, Mindset, Plan, Prepare, Skills, Survival, Training
Wouldn't You Like To Be A Prepper Too?
I think it is fair to say that most of the general population as has a mental image of how a survivalist, or prepper, looks and acts. Whether that perception is positive or negative is based solely at the individual's discretion. Sadly, more often than not, those with health problems or disabilities tend to feel that they can’t fit the bill and, therefore, don’t belong. Nothing could be further from the truth! In reality, it is absolutely imperative for everyone, regardless of their physical attributes, to get on board.
Imagine the consequences if an asthmatic didn’t have a spare inhaler and a blizzard prevented her from getting to the hospital. What if a hurricane knocked the power lines out for weeks; how would the man on oxygen breathe if he ran out of portable tanks? Without preparation, a paraplegic could be doomed in a flood. How will the insulin-dependent diabetics survive when the zombies rise up if food is in short supply, sterile syringes are hard to come by, and they’re continually forced to run for their lives?
The plain and simple truth is, without adequate planning and preparation even those in perfect health are at risk. Most likely, we all know someone whose health puts him or her at an even greater disadvantage, should disaster strike. Maybe, they have convinced themselves that, physically, they are incapable of keeping up with the people they see on television. Some might assume they'd be a liability to others so, therefore, they do nothing. These are the misconceptions that could be fatal to those with physical limitations. Together, we can combat those falsehoods while helping our family members, friends, or neighbors to survive. Here are some focus points to help them get started. Once they realize that anyone can (and everyone should) be prepared, it will be easier to get them to jump right in and get involved.
1. Medications: Most insurance companies allow, and even encourage, ordering from mail order pharmacies that send a three month supply of your medications. Having an extra two months on hand will give you a cushion should disaster strike. Research natural and homeopathic remedies and discuss the possibilities of implementing them with your healthcare provider. It never hurts to have a backup plan! Once prescription medications have been considered, a first aid kit is next on the list. Each step brings that person closer to full preparation.
2. Food and Water: As anyone from the North can tell you, the mere mention of snow in the forecast sends the general public into a buying frenzy. In no time, milk, water, bread and toilet paper are cleared from the shelves! In our very core, humans are programmed to prepare for the worst. It’s only a short step to evolve from a weather-driven stockpiler to a focused, conscientious, survivalist.
3. Emergency Planning: Even if a full-fledged emergency plan hasn’t been written out, most patients with serious health issues have, at the very least, considered where they would go if the power went out for an extended length of time. That’s the first step, now help them take it to the next level and they’re on their way to safety.
Let's make 2015 the year that embraces those who are differently-abled and teach them how to prepare for disasters or survival in any situation. Education is the key. Once these “breadcrumbs” have been laid out, our shy or self-conscious friends can utilize their resources and learn more about survival. Soon, they'll realize that the only true "image"to be upheld is being like-minded and serious about sharing their knowledge with others. Regardless of physical or mental setbacks, everyone can be a viable member of the prepper community.
