Keith Thomas: 0:30

Thank you so much for joining us. Hello everyone and welcome to the very first episode of Survival Sense, your go-to podcast for everything disaster preparedness. I'm your host, keith Thomas, and today we're diving into the basics of disaster preparedness. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or just getting started, this episode will give you a comprehensive overview of what you need to know to be prepared for any disaster that may come your way. Before we get started, I want to take a moment to recommend a fantastic resource for anyone interested in survival skills the SAS Survival Handbook by John Lofty Wiseman. This comprehensive guide is packed with essential techniques for surviving in any situation, from natural disasters to unexpected emergencies. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or just getting started, this handbook is a must-have for your survival library. I'll leave a link in the show notes so you can check it out and equip yourself with the knowledge to stay safe and prepared. All right, let's dive in.

Keith Thomas: 1:48

Disaster preparedness is all about being ready for the unexpected. It's about having the right knowledge, supplies, and plans in place to survive and recover from natural or man-made disasters. his can include everything from earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes to power outages, pandemics, and even civil unrest. So why is disaster preparedness important? Well, disasters can strike at any time, often without warning. Having a plan and the necessary resources can mean the difference between life and death, safety and chaos. It's about protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Keith Thomas: 2:36

Let's talk about the different types of disasters you might need to prepare for. They generally fall into three categories. Category one is natural disasters. These include hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and more. Each type of natural disaster requires specific preparations. For example, in earthquake-prone areas, securing heavy furniture and having an earthquake kit is crucial. In contrast, preparing for a hurricane might involve boarding up windows and having an evacuation plan. The second category are man-made disasters. These can include industrial accidents, nuclear incidents, terrorism and more. Preparedness for these events often involves understanding the specific risks in your area and having a plan to respond quickly and effectively. The third category is technological and infrastructure failures. Think power outages, water supply contamination or cyber attacks. These disasters can disrupt our daily lives significantly, so having backup plans and supplies is essential.

Keith Thomas: 3:59

Now that we've covered the types of disasters, let's talk about creating a disaster plan. This is a step-by-step process that will help ensure you and your family know what to do when disaster strikes. The first step is risk assessment. Start by identifying the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area. This will help you tailor your preparedness efforts. Step two is a communication plan. Establish a plan for how you will communicate with family members during a disaster. Choose a primary contact person who lives out of town and can relay information between separated family members. Step three is an evacuation plan. Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go if you need to leave home. Practice these routes regularly. Step four is emergency contacts. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including local emergency services, utility companies, and family members. And step five is meeting points. Designate two meeting points, one near your home and one outside your neighborhood, in case you're separated during a disaster.

Keith Thomas: 5:38

One of the most critical aspects of disaster preparedness is having a well-stocked emergency kit. Here's a list of essential items. You should include Water at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days. This is for drinking and sanitation. Food, non-perishable food items enough for at least three days. A flashlight and extra batteries these are essential for power outages. A first aid kit including necessary medications, bandages and antiseptics. A whistle to signal for help. A dusk mask to help filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation. A manual can opener Local maps in case you need to navigate without GPS, and a cell phone with chargers and backup batteries to stay connected. And don't forget to customize your kit based on your family's needs, including supplies for pets, infants and any medical conditions.

Keith Thomas: 7:05

Staying informed is crucial during a disaster. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts and information. A NOAA weather radio with a tone alert Local news stations. You can keep a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and have mobile apps on your phone. Many government and emergency management agencies have apps that provide real-time alerts. Also, consider joining local community groups or networks focused on disaster preparedness. These can be great resources for sharing information and resources.

Keith Thomas: 7:49

Having a plan is just the first step. Regular practice and maintenance are key to effective disaster preparedness. Conduct regular drills for different scenarios, including fire, earthquake evacuations, etc. Review and update your emergency plan and kit every six months especially when there are changes in your family or personal situation. Stay educated. Continuously educate yourself on new preparedness strategies and tools, attend workshops, webinars and training sessions if possible.

Keith Thomas: 8:28

Well, that's a wrap for our first episode of Survival Sense. I hope you found this introduction to disaster preparedness informative and actionable, and remember the key to surviving any disaster is preparation. Start today by creating your plan, building your emergency kit, and staying informed Before we go. If you're looking for an in-depth guide to help you master the art of staying alive in any environment, I highly recommend the SAS Survival Handbook by John Lofty Wiseman. This book covers everything from building a shelter and finding water to navigation and first aid. It's an invaluable resource that can help you be ready for any challenge you might face. Make sure to click the link in the show notes to grab a copy and start building your survival knowledge today. Thank you so much for joining me today. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Survival Sense and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more people and make a bigger impact. Stay safe, stay prepared and until next time. This is Keith Thomas signing off.