Episode # 468, What Should Preppers Do On A Quarterly Basis To Ensure We Are Prepared For An Emergency?
What should preppers do on a quarterly basis to ensure we are prepared for an emergency?
Too often we get some prepping gear, even learn to use it, then store it away in a bag or a cabinet. We forget that prepping often requires regular upkeep and periodic review of those items and our plans.
Today, we are going to talk about things that we should do on a quarterly basis to be sure our plans are up to date and our gear is ready to go.
We are into Spring in the northern hemisphere and fall in the southern hemisphere.
Spring and fall are usually good times to be outside doing things. Hopefully its not too hot nor too cold, and we can get out and enjoy doing some of the things we are going to discuss today.
(In no particular order)
Review Water Supplies:
Inspect stored water for leaks or contamination, and replace any containers that show signs of deterioration.
Reevaluate Food Supplies:
Check your stockpile of non-perishable food for expiration dates, and rotate out items as needed.
Test Emergency Power Sources:
Run your generator and test other backup power sources such as battery boxes (jump boxes), solar generators, and power banks to ensure they're working and charged up.
Inventory Fuel Supplies:
Quantity:
Inventory your fuel sources (e.g., propane, gasoline) to make sure you have enough for any emergency you could face.
Quality:
Ensure your fuel is properly stored and has not degraded.
For propane, there is no issue. Propane will last forever. That's not the case with petroleum based products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene. We should be rotating these, but we can overlook some at times. Is it still good? Do you need to add more stabil, or stabilizer?
Update Your Emergency Plans:
Review your emergency plans quarterly. Do it with your family. Go over your plan. Are there new evacuation routes, or have evacuation routes become no longer viable? Are there new rally points?
Has anything changed? Do any of these apply? New babies, children left for college, moved a parent or grandparent in? How does that change your plan?
Update your contact list, does anyone have a new phone number or gotten a phone?
Check Vehicle Maintenance:
Does it need an oil change?
Does anything need replacing?
Check your insurance, registration
Are those in your vehicle?
Check all the fluid levels and all lights
Fill your fuel tank
Backup and Update Important Documents:
Review your important documents and ensure backups are current.
What new documents do you have that you need to store?
Store them in a secure, waterproof container, USB drive
Practice Emergency Drills with the family:
Conduct fire drills, evacuation drills, or other weather simulations with your family or group.
Especially if you have children, and make it fun for them.
Inspect First Aid Supplies:
Ensure your first aid kit is fully stocked and replace any expired or used items. Most of us forget that we have used most of the bandaids, or bandages
Inspect Emergency Lighting:
Check all flashlights, lanterns, and emergency lighting for functionality and the integrity of the batteries. Are they bright? Is there any corrosion?
Test Communication Devices:
Test radios, satellite phones, or other communication devices to ensure they're operational.
Do the batteries need to be charged? Are there any new frequencies that need to be added?
Service Fire Extinguishers:
Check and service fire extinguishers to ensure they are in good working order.
Is it fully charged? Is the pin in place?
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Simple to test - press & hold the button
Are all alarms functioning properly? Are the batteries up to date?
Change those no less than once per year.
Review Home Security:
Assess your home security measures, such as locks, cameras, and alarms.
Is everything functional? Do any batteries need to be changed? Key pad batteries?
Any battery operated cameras, trail camera batteries need changing?
Make any necessary updates or repairs.
Check Personal Protection Gear: Inspect any personal protection equipment for wear or damage.
Vests, carriers, holsters, magazine holders, gloves, and boots. Replace or repair as needed.
Practice Essential Skills:
Practice or learn new survival skills, such as knot tying, water purification, or fire starting.
Restock Hygiene Supplies:
Ensure you have ample hygiene supplies, soap, toothpaste, toilet paper and personal care items.
Conduct Home Maintenance Survey:
Check your home for safety hazards and perform necessary maintenance or repairs.
Reassess Emergency Cash Reserve: Check your cash reserves and adjust as needed based on changes in your financial situation or inflation.
Check Pet Supplies: Inspect your pet's food, medications, and other supplies, and replace or replenish as needed.
Evaluate Storage Spaces: Inspect your storage areas for signs of pests, moisture, or other issues. Make necessary changes to protect your supplies.
Update your get home bag: Rotate seasonal clothing, update/rotate food supply, check equipment, replace any items missing.
Do these things on a quarterly basis and you can be sure that your preparations remain up-to-date and functional, and you'll have a greater sense of security and readiness for emergencies or disasters
Stuff happens. Stay prepared.
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