Whenever there is an anticipated situation that could cause a glitch in normal living the word usually goes out on how to be prepared. In a hurricane or a snow storm situation it is always recommended that each family has sufficient resources to ride out the storm. Governments, radio stations and even the Weather Channel give tips on how to prepare by giving a detailed list of things which may be needed during a crisis.

Natural disasters and weather-related situations are not the only thing one needs to be prepared for. Monetary issues such as inflation, recessions or even a nation state of depression are times where families need to prepare. Another area of preparedness is when there is national unrest, a slowdown in trucking services, or a backup at the sea ports where supplies enter into the U.S. which is especially likely during times of crisis as we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear and uncertainty of the future often moves people to do things they would not ordinarily do under normal circumstances. In those situations, individuals and families need to be ready. Preparedness during these times is critical.

Psychological Readiness

Before making a list of the physical things one might need in times of unrest or natural disaster, psychological preparedness is first. If the mind is not geared to weather the storm, it really doesn’t matter how many provisions one has at his or her disposal. Psychological readiness is critical. So how does one prepare mentally?

Having the right attitude in a given crisis is connected to three things; Supplies, Knowledge and Encouragement.

Supplies: Having what we need to survive is, in itself, a boost to our Psyche. If I know that I have enough food to feed my family or enough fire-power to protect them I am already prepared psychologically. Having what we need at hand is a comforting reality which alleviates a certain amount of stress.

Knowledge: Another psychological readiness comes from the knowledge and skill one acquires when faced with a difficult situation. Every household should have at least some knowledge of the following:

How to administer First Aid (including stitching a wound with dental floss) ~ Everyone should take courses on first aid and how to apply tourniquets ~ How to build a fire ~ How to hunt and dress game ~ How to use simple hand and power tools ~ Small engine maintenance and repair ~ Fire Arm safety and use (Take a course if you need to) ~ Empty hand self-defense (Krav Maga, JKD, Jiujitsu,  etc) ~ How to sharpen knives ~ Cooking ~ Canning ~ Gardening ~ Husbandry ~ Herbology ~ How to drive in snow and ice ~ How to clear downed trees ~ Safety precautions when there are downed electrical power lines. Etc.

Encouragement: This is an important component in crisis navigation that is often neglected. No man is an island. While there may be times when we will have to go it alone it is better to have at least one other individual or family to encourage you during the intensity of the situation. Christ sent out the disciples two by two so that during times of intense difficulty they would uphold one another.

Let me hasten to add this one crucial component to Encouragement. Read the Scriptures and continue to trust God throughout your trial. If you lose your devotional connection and prayer-life during the crisis there will be little chance of survival. But even if you do survive it will be a negative spiritual cost to you and your family.

Physical Supply Readiness

The list to become supply ready is huge. There is a formular, however, for figuring out exactly what is needed in times of crisis when normal situations are suspended. That list depends upon where you live and what items are needed in a normal day to day living situation. If you live in a city or in an urban area some of these recommendations will not be applicable. Do the best you can to prepare for where you are. The following list is by no means comprehensive but it will give you an idea of what might be needed if goods and services are suspended for a time. My recommendation is to begin now if you haven’t already done so but do not panic. Little by little the bird builds its nest. Start now. Perfect your supply list as you go.

Food: This is the most important thing you will need. Prices will not go down but will only go up. Food shortages may be an issue especially in stormy situations or during a breakdown of the trucking industry. Buy what you normally eat. Buy nonperishables – canned goods, rice, pasta – beans, etc. You can also buy some MRE foods that last for many years. These are always good back-ups.

Water: Be sure to have adequate drinking water. This is especially important for those who live in the city. If the water becomes contaminated, water will be incredibly important. You can either purchase a few 5-gallon jugs or invest in a portable water purifying system.

Energy: Batteries, solar powered chargers, generators, alternative heat sources, gasoline, propane, flashlights, candles, lighters, waterproof matches, invest in a propane BBQ grill, lighter fluid.

First Aid supplies: Band-aids, bandages, gauge, medical tape, alcohol, bacitracin, peroxide, tooth glue, eye patch, eye wash, bio freeze, tweezers, scissors, tourniquets, dental floss, sucher needles, cotton swabs, epi pen.

Medical Supplies: Personal medications, extra pair of glasses or contacts, contact lens solution, aspirins, Ibuprofen, antihistamine, baby supplies, feminine products, fungus and anti-itch creams.

Vitamins & Herbs: Vitamin C, E, A, elderberry, echinacea, digestive enzymes, colloidal silver, etc.

Communication: Satellite phones, Go-Tenna networking devices, walkie talkies, CB radio, Police Ban radio, weather radio, solar radio or wind-up radio.

Toiletries & Cleaning products: Tooth paste, tooth brushes, soaps, shampoos, clothes soap, toilet paper, paper towels, sponges, sanitizers.

Kitchen products: Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, dish soap, sponges, garbage bags, contractor bags, spray cleaners, coffee filters.

Security: Rifles, shotguns, handguns, ammo, knives, knife sharpening tools, taser, pepper spray, Baseball bat, security cameras, personal security alarm, night vision, tactical rigs, bullet proof vests, riot helmet, riot shield, safety goggles, safety ear protection, binoculars, fire extinguishers.

Gardening & Husbandry for those who have land: Green houses, cold frames, seeds, feed, hay, chickens, goats, cows, rabbits.

Tools and Fasteners: Hand tools, power tools, screws, nails, nuts and bolts, air compressor, WD-40, motor oil, tire repair kits, plastic sheeting, duct tape, staple gun, staples, mouse traps, glue traps, a supply of building material such as 2×4 studs and plywood.

Money: You will need some paper money as liquidity but do not horde it since it is being devalued daily. Look into buying durable goods like freezers or refrigerators, or small engine devices. Invest don’t horde.

Silver & Gold: Silver and gold are good investments to insure your wealth against runaway inflation, but it is only an insurance hedge. Unless things go very badly silver and gold will not be used as liquidity. At least not yet.

Board and Card Games: To take the edge off the stress board and card games are great ways to bring the family together during a crisis or at any time.

Network with neighbors and your church folks: Keep an open connection with your family and friends and figure how you will work together in a time of need.

Finally: Go through a crisis plan of action with your family in case you need to meet at a particular rally point in an emergency.families should also talk about what to do if there is a fire in the house or in a nearby forest.

Hopefully these considerations will give you a starting point to prepare your family for any and every contingency that may befall us in the future.

Coram Deo!