Here in Baltimore, our biggest issues in the last few years has been hurricanes (winds bringing down old trees, flooding and lots of snow, which also causes flooding). No electricity is the end product of each of these emergencies.
All of these scenarios “assume” you will be in your home. That is the easiest way to get people to really consider what they will need should an emergency strike.
So let’s start with the basics.
The FEMA Preparation Checklist is a good, basic place to start. This will give you most of what you will need for about a week depending on your food and water supplies. For more detailed information, please refer to FEMA Readiness PDF. This 204 page journal is broken down into individual sections and can be download for what will fit your family’s needs.
These are the basics, but there also must be a basic mindset in place. You don’t want to be afraid, there is nothing to fear. You are not preparing because there may be “no one” to rescue you. You just want your family (extended and otherwise), to have the supplies they need, just in case.
So, being prepared is preparing for the worst while keeping your sanity, and optimistic mindset, values and spirit.
The mindset of which I speak requires that you acknowledge not only that you are responsible for yourself, but you are also responsible for your words and actions.
The first step in responsibility is being aware of the issue, or in this cause the potential issue. But being prepared is also useful for short term cash flow issues such as loss of income. When you know you have enough food – you can budget what $$$ you do have toward other items, like mortgage, rent or BGE.
Be willing to sacrifice a little now if you feel cash is too tight for you to start a plan for your family’s preparedness. Purchase a few extra cans of ready to eat food. Add to your current water supply.
Baltimore County will be selling compost bins and WATER BARRELS on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 9am-3pm. They usually sell out! Please check out the Baltimore County website for additional details.
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/publicworks/recycling/composting/binsale.html
Start thinking of ways you can begin your journey to preparedness. Get a heavy duty tote, check the FEMA checklist and start adding items. A few items per week or month is fine as long as you are willing to START!
Baltimore Prepper will cover the “why’s” of being prepared. The importance of getting and being prepared, not from a standpoint of “fear,” but to ensure you and your family have what you need at all times. Michelle D. Smith is a writer, reader and emergency supply advocate. She owns several online websites and a blog called Your Spiritual Garden. She is also a “Specialist” for Free Food 2 Go, a company that specializes in Emergency Preparedness Items and Food.
Her Free Food 2 Go website is: www.Possibilities-In.FreeFood2Go.com
5 comments
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MT
June 5, 2012 at 1:48 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I am a Baltimore prepper here. I am an appalachian american living in the rugged lands of south Baltimore.
I had an interesting conversation with a Baltimore City Police officer that assured me that if there was a major event in the Baltimore Area that they plan and train to have the city cleared in hours.This was during a Disaster Recovery drill I recently conducted. I laughed.
This is what they tell you to keep you calm. I told him I lived in this city for more than 30 years and if the SHTF this city would literally tear itself apart . We agreed to disagree. Just a warning be careful who you listen to as your well being is not their primary concern.
audi0artist
January 29, 2013 at 3:31 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
where is south baltimore? im in curtis bay
melissa
September 14, 2012 at 5:13 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hi,
My family and I have been prepping for a while now, and we want to connect with like-minded folks near us that we can build strength with if shtf. I am in the Pikesville area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Kathy
November 14, 2012 at 12:54 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hello, I have started to prep for whatever disaster happens. I am looking to find friends and information concerning the best way to prep.
Pat
December 20, 2012 at 2:58 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Found this site on facebook it would be a great why for all of us to keep in touch and plan meet up.
https://www.facebook.com/BaltimorePreppers