Disaster!

A disaster is a damaging or destructive event that causes severe loss, damage, hardship or death and can result in serious economic cost.  There are many types of disasters and our reaction depends on the proximity to the center of the disaster and the disaster impact level.  We often hear of the more common disasters such as fire, flood, thunderstorms, tornadoes and winter storms.    Some types of disasters are locality based such as landslides, earthquake, hurricanes, tsunamis and volcanoes.  Other types are based on corporate and government decisions to locate certain dangerous facilities and transportation routes such as dam failure; chemical emergencies; hazardous material release; nuclear power plant emergency; or even terrorism.   All of us are vulnerable to a potential disastrous event. 

In the recent months, the east coast of America was hit by an earthquake followed by a hurricane and followed by a tropical storm within a short period.   The southwest has suffered extreme heat and wildfires this summer.  The early spring tornadoes rocked southern America.  Folks were scared!  Many people raced out to the stores when the media announced that a weather storm or natural event was brewing and many of them were too late.   The earthquake took out electricity in many communities and there was a run on batteries and flashlights.  There were rumors that the discount dollar stores were selling batteries for $2.00 each.  When Hurricane Irene arrived, supplies were already short.  Communities were exponentially impacted by multiple natural events and were not prepared for the magnitude of damage.  Buildings and roads were damaged from the earthquake and were not repaired in time for the hurricane and then the tropical storm took out already damaged roads and serviceable roads.  Buildings were still wet from the hurricane and ended up flooded worse during the tropical storm.  Some buildings were declared condemned as a result of the earthquake and rehabilitation work on others had to stop to clean up from the high waters.

Call it what you wish: nature’s payback; mystical transportation; the end of the world as we know it; or revenge of the boogeyman, they are all bad situations that will happen time and time again.   Folks have been helped in the past, but the next time, help may not be there to come.   The financial disaster looms large over how we recover from environmental disasters.  Those who wrought financial terror twisted the minds of the political representatives and they are pushing to exterminate funding for predicting weather and geological events; emergency aid; disaster relief; and recovery.   The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are in the crosshairs of “limited government” advocates.  These agencies monitor the environment; regulate activities that would adversely impact the ecosystem we inhabit; and provide funding for recovery.   The anti-government zealots want the EPA, NOAA and FEMA to be abolished.

I expect these agencies would remain part of the government; however, I do not expect them to be funded at current levels or to function as currently intended.  Last fiscal year, FEMA funds were moved around from tornado recovery to hurricane aid.  We the people should not expect that we will hear the words, “…we are here to help” in the future.  The next time may come sooner than you think.  Ask yourself, “Are you ready?”  If the answer is anything less than 100 percent, you must get yourself and your family in gear.  You must prepare to do without modern health and safety conditions as well as modern conveniences if disaster strikes.  You must be prepared to stay home or travel to a safer location.  You must be prepared to eat safe foods and drink safe beverages.  You must be prepared to have shelter and protection from temperature extremes.  You must be prepared to protect yourself and your family.  You must be prepared for when your environment suddenly changes.

If you are ready to get started, Black Organic ‘is here to help’.  Black Organic created a comprehensive Survival and Subsistence List that includes items you must have ready and a few tips for surviving and sustaining your life through short and long term emergency situations.   The list covers water; food; food utensils; shelter; tools; supplies; clothing; health and hygiene; entertainment; documents; trade goods/bartering; storage containers; boogie out bags; vehicle preparation; and packing. 

Here is a sample from the list:

….  Layer clothing for comfort and temperature control.  When in the woods or meadows, tuck long sleeve shirts into waist and pants into socks.  Wrap duct tape at ankles, waist and wrist to prevent ticks on skin.  Carry clear tape to stick/pull tiny insects off clothes. 

bandanas	hat – wool/wide brim	shirts – long/short sleeves	underwear
belts	helmet- head gear	shoes – sport style	warmers – hand/foot packs
boots – hiking - waterproof	laces- shoe/boot	socks – wool	windbreaker

The list is the most comprehensive listing for survival and sustenance and can be yours for FREE!  Please send an e-mail request to:  black.organic@yahoo.com.  Your request will not be used to collect e-mail addresses.

The list is meant as a guide to help you obtain some of the items you most likely may need.  You may not need everything on the list or you may wish to substitute certain items based on your choice, concerns or comfort level.  Many of the items you may already have in your home.  It is recommended that you gather the materials you have and keep them in a place where you can grab them and leave if conditions warrant.

Please share this information with friends and family.  If you have any feedback for Black Organic, please send along.  The list will be updated as more information is obtained or clarification is needed, so please have your friends and family send an e-mail request for the latest version.