The world is increasingly in flux.
A disaster feels like it’s waiting around the corner. Unfortunately, it has become a matter of when, not if.
One of the most common questions we get is: What should I do in an emergency to protect myself and my family? Part of our mission at Galusha Technologies is to be ready in any situation, and we want to pass on critical information that we think is necessary to consider when preparing for an emergency.
Let’s tackle some simple ways to be prepared.
Shelter in Place
If disaster strikes, instincts and emotions kick in. You will no doubt feel the pull to flee as quickly as possible. However, most (if not all) people will share this same knee-jerk feeling; as such, roads and highways will quickly become parking lots full of those attempting to run for the hills.
The best option in unknowable chaos is to stay in place and pay attention to the radio emergency broadcast system. A National Guard response will distribute ice, water, and food. Additionally, civil services will deploy to repair any affected utilities and hospitals.
If possible, have at least three months’ worth of food supplies in anticipation of an emergency. This doesn’t mean a freezer full of expensive food. This can (and should) be shelf-stable items that provide a well-rounded selection.
One of the key components of sheltering in place is to use your network of neighbors to leverage and pool skills and resources to achieve something resembling normalcy.
Staying in place means solving a power and energy issue, which leads us to our next topic….
MISSION: Shelter in place. Begin preparing today by creating an emergency food supply of shelf-stable items. Routinely check dates on your stored food and replace any with upcoming expiration dates. Purchase a simple radio that can used to monitor emergency frequencies, and be sure to have backup batteries.
Power/Energy Needs
The importance of having continuous access to power transcends the type of emergency you face. You can’t run your appliances, AC, heat, or lights without a power supply. The easiest way to hedge against this eventuality is to have backup power.
And solar power offers a simple and elegant solution.
There are certainly other options in terms of generators, such as diesel generators, but they require access to fuel, which will be difficult to acquire in an emergency situation. Solar power (panels and batteries) allow you to passively collect and store the power you need.
It allows communications to continue as well, which could be the difference between knowing when to move on or get to safety in an emergency situation.
So what happens if you have to leave?
MISSION: Purchase a backup energy source (ideally something that doesn’t require fuel). Solar panels and batteries work best, but moving your house off-grid is the ultimate preparation.
On the Move
If you have a vehicle, it’s important to determine a rally point with friends and family ahead of any possible emergency. Fuel services will be nonfunctional in a disaster, so be sure to keep your vehicle fueled in case of an emergency.
To stay as safe as possible, travel only during the day and not in inclement weather.
MISSION: Keep your vehicle fueled. Set up meeting points for friends and family now.
Emergency Checklist
We’ve covered a few things here, but there are some key components to have ready for an eventual emergency situation. Here are the ones we think are most critical:
- Three months’ supply of food
- Backup generator (ideally solar panels and batteries)
- Battery-powered radio
- A “go bag” complete with a fireproof sleeve for important documents, as well as clothing and necessities
- At least 16 gallons of water per person in reserve
Get Prepared
We want to help make sure that you and your family are prepared for an emergency. If you’re looking to convert your home to solar energy or just want a solar kit to weather a potential emergency, then we have you covered.
You never know when an emergency will rear its head.
Contact us today.