Fortunately, whether you are preparing for the December 2012 Mayan End of the World or the natural disasters that might/will occur where you live, the four basic steps for being ready are the same. Additionally, preparing for either crisis will help you be prepared for the other. The four main steps to getting ready are: Psyche, Plan, Prepare, and Practice.
1. Psyche - This is an extremely important step that is often overlooked in "how to be ready" disaster guides. Everything that you will do in a disaster/end of the world situation starts there. You need to prepare yourself mentally for the surprise, confusion, danger, and sometimes difficult decisions that come with a severe crisis. Take some time to think through the possible scenarios of what might or might not happen and what decisions you would make. I personally think of this as practicing "What If?". This will help prepare you and your "psyche" for the real thing. Being in the right frame of mind during a crisis will help you make the right decisions and perhaps even ensure you and your family's survival!
2. Plan - Planning is the step that we are all most comfortable with. We each perform this step multiple times each day. What makes this step difficult in planning for a disaster situation is that most of us have never been in each of the crises that we will need to plan for. So what we have to rely on in our planning is what we have read about or heard from others. Take the time to do this research as you prepare your "crisis plan". With the internet, you are now able to quickly access a great deal of information on most types of crises that might confront you.
3. Prepare - This step is too often postponed after we have thought through and completed our planning. Often because it requires a financial commitment as most of us have some but not all of the survival items that will be needed. Once you have completed the planning step, you should have a pretty good idea of what "survival gear" you will need. Don't be surprised if you have overlooked several items that you will need - - we all do! Next, knowing what items you already have, start purchasing/obtaining and storing the items you do not already have. I keep all of my survival supplies in one area of my garage so I'll know exactly where they are when/if I need them.
4. Practice - This is the last step and is another step that is too often overlooked. Practice using those items of survival gear that you think you will need to use in a crisis situation. For example: If you believe you will need to use a firestarter to start your fires, practice making a fire with it until you feel comfortable using the firestarter. Or if your plan includes driving to a secluded piece of property that you own and staying there until the crisis is over, take the time to figure out the best route to take (assuming clogged roads and stalled vehicles) and then drive your planned route to see if you have overlooked something. Don't wait until you are in the midst of the crisis/disaster!
I hope these four important survival steps will assist you in preparing for future crises and disasters. To see what survival gear is recommended that you have in these situations, you will want to check out this survival supplies checklist.
The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster
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