One topic of emergency preparedness that most people don't want to consider is exercise. You may have your food storage, your first aid kit and your 72 hour kit, but if you have to leave your home on foot with your backpack on your back, you need to be ready physically. Walking is a good way to get some aerobic exercise, especially good for your heart. Walking can be done alone, with a friend, a dog, or with family. A comfortable pair of shoes is all the "special" equipment you will need.
Last spring I was down for 10 weeks with bronchial problems, going to the doctor several times, and the emergency room, too. After I felt better I realized that my balance was not good. I found that walking fixed the problem in no time, especially walking on uneven ground.
When my
boys were young I found that taking them for a walk opened communication. When my boys were little we never went for walks, but "adventures," which they always ended up being. When my boys were teenagers they grew to be 6' 8" tall. My younger son especially, would walk fast with a long stride, and he talked even faster. Keeping up with him was a real challenge and got my heart rate cranked up. We would discuss things that were on on their minds, and they could sort out and solve their problems.
Walking can be done anywhere, although it is more fun on the beach or in the forest. Once you are comfortable with walking at a good clip, then add ankle weights or a light day pack. Increase the weight every couple of weeks, and before you know it you will have lost a few pounds, and firmed up and toned your body. It won't take long and you will be able to carry your 72 hour kit/backpack for long distances.
The Preparedness Pro has a great post on Preparedness On A Budget. She really knows her stuff as she eats, sleeps and drinks being prepared, and has been doing research on it for many years. She also teaches a variety of preparedness classes (she lives in Utah). If you want to start preparing for emergencies, give her post a try, she has some good ideas!
boys were young I found that taking them for a walk opened communication. When my boys were little we never went for walks, but "adventures," which they always ended up being. When my boys were teenagers they grew to be 6' 8" tall. My younger son especially, would walk fast with a long stride, and he talked even faster. Keeping up with him was a real challenge and got my heart rate cranked up. We would discuss things that were on on their minds, and they could sort out and solve their problems.
I have been needing to make a emergency car kit and decided it was time to get it done. I have been concerned about what type of food it should contain that I could leave in the car all year round--even through our 110'+ summers (a locked car gets even hotter). I went through my huge 4 inch binder of emergency preparedness information that I have collected over the years and found a comment that was after a post. I believe the post was on survivalistblog, with the comment made by anonymous. The answer to my food dilemma is lifeboat rations. I just Googled "lifeboat rations" and there was a list of places that had them. They will withstand the extremes of hot and cold, which will cover just about anyplace. Most are said to be tasty and cookie-like, and full of calories, which is what is needed. They are pricey, but will last 5 years, I think well worth the insurance against an emergency.
The Survivoristblog has an interesting list of seven websites where you can learn more about food storage here. There is a food storage calculator (ie--how many people in the family equals this much food storage), ways to start purchasing, ten ways to build it up, and videos.
It's important to keep track of your, and your family's, medical history, especially for children and the elderly. You never know when a medical crisis will happen. Children are required to have certain shots to be able to attend school. The elderly may live out of town and you may not know what medications they are taking and who their doctors are. If you have one notebook to keep all of the information in, it will bless you when the need-to-know arises. A medical journal will help hospital staff in the event of an emergency, when your mind may not be clear with the answers that are needed. But, if you have written down the information and placed it into a binder, then assistance is in-hand. A binder is easy and quick to grab and take it with you. With a binder, it is easy to insert new pages when necessary. Have everyone in the family understand what the journal is and what it is for, even children will understand the importance. What do you include in a medical journal? Many things. This is just a partial list. Post a comment if you would like to add more.
