Author: CityPrepping

  • How A Cyber Attack can Bring the U.S. to its Knees

    How A Cyber Attack can Bring the U.S. to its Knees

    Each day, processes run controlled by a series of 1’s and 0’s that impact your life in profound ways that are essential to your survival, yet very few people are aware that this is happening.  Vital components that keep our nation’s infrastructure running smoothly ensuring the food you buy at the grocery store are delivered, water is pumped to your sink, and the electricity powers your house could all stop in a single moment.

    Last October 4, Microsoft Corporation released a blog post about damaging cyber activity that they detected from a group they called “Phosphorus”. They believe this group originated from Iran and is linked to the Iranian government.

    The attacks happened in a 30-day period between August and September of 2019, attacking 241 specific Microsoft customers that were associated with the U.S. presidential campaign, current and former U.S. government officials, prominent Iranians living outside Iran, and journalists covering world politics. This latest cyber-attack is just one of the many cyber attacks that our country is facing on a constant basis.

    In this article, we’ll look deeply into the threats of a cyber-attack, the ongoing cyberwarfare that our country is engaged in, what the effects could be, and how we can prepare for it.

    What is Cyberwarfare?

    To begin our discussion, let us first talk about what is cyber warfare and why it is important for us to pay attention to these threats.

    Cyberwarfare is the use of technology to attack a nation, a government, or the citizens to disrupt activities and cause harm or damage. This is basically a form of attack that doesn’t require conventional weapons to cause harm or damage. A simple laptop in the hands of a skilled hacker can already cause significant damage to a country or an individual.

    But the most problematic thing about cyber warfare is identifying the real source of the attack. Yes, it can be traced to a certain group or even location, or there are even groups who might claim responsibility. But linking it to a certain government or state is hard to do. The recent attack that Microsoft revealed identified the group, but they only believe it is linked to Iran and the Iranian government. They weren’t able to provide definitive evidence that the attacks were conducted by the country or its government. 

    The Most Common Types of Cyber Attack

    It is believed that the attack the group known as “Phosphorus” conducted was a spear-phishing attack since they used a wide array of personal information coming from the persons they targeted to conduct the attack. Spear-phishing, or phishing in general, is a form of cyberattack that attempts to trick its victims into sharing important and sensitive information. They usually disguise themselves as a legitimate and trustworthy company, organization, or individual to carry out the attacks.

    But phishing is not the only typical cyberattack that has recently impacted our country, as another one is the distributed denial-of-service or DDoS attack, which is designed to overwhelm the system of a single or multiple servers to disrupt the ability of the server to respond to legitimate requests. This type of attack actually caused a scare last March 2019 when a DDOS attack targeted the electrical grid operations of Salt Lake County in Utah and Los Angeles County in California, causing interruptions in the electrical system operations but not to the actual electrical delivery.

    Another common cyberattack that plagues our country is the Drive-by Download attack, which is used to spread malware or ransomware. Hackers make use of insecure websites, apps, or operating systems to install the malicious file into the computer of the person. The scary part about this attack is that you just need to visit the webpage that contains the malicious file and it will automatically install it to your computer. The country has been plagued by 40 ransomware attacks so far this year and hackers use phishing or drive-by download attacks to deliver them.

    There are more common cyberattacks like the Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack, the password attack, SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) attack, eavesdropping attack, and birthday attack. Any of these cyberattacks or a combination of them has the capability to bring our country to its knees since their main purpose is to steal valuable information and to disrupt functions and operations of important government and utility facilities, as well as industries like our financial industry.

    Why We Need to Pay Attention?

    The threat of a cyberattack is real but not many people are aware of how devastating it could really be.  Most are only aware of the threat of getting sensitive information and having their identity stolen, getting spied on, and having hackers gain access to their money.

    Though these threats are serious, a cyberattack is actually capable of more than just stealing information and money and spying on people. Our reliance on technology in our everyday living puts us at greater risk. One article even mentioned that a cyberattack has the capacity to cause destruction that is comparable to a nuclear weapon in the devastation it would inflict. 

    An example of a devastating cyberattack is its ability to cause interruptions to important services or facilities. The article mentioned that in 2016, hackers were successfully able to hack into a U.S. treatment plant and changed the chemical mixture. Also previously mentioned was that electrical grid operations in Salt Lake and Los Angeles were successfully infiltrated by hackers. Imagine if hackers were to target our important facilities and structures, like the electric power grid, water treatment systems, and the just-in-time delivery system and cause a disruption? They could collapse our entire country if the halt affected food, water, and power. And if they also cause damage to our nuclear power plants, we could be looking at a nuclear meltdown.

    Economic Damage

    A cyberattack can also do major damage to our country’s economy.  In 2018, the U.S. government came out with a report that states the country lost between $57 billion and $109 billion in 2016 due to malicious cyber activity. The report also mentioned that there’s a possibility the effects of the damage from a cyberattack or cyber theft could spill over from the original target to other economically linked firms and magnify the damage to the economy. Targeting other infrastructures and facilities like the electric power grid or water treatment facility could also have an effect on the country’s economy.

    Another way that a cyberattack could damage our economy is to cause it to collapse or go into a recession. A report came out in 2018 that cyberattacks could potentially cause the next financial crisis. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. said that cyber threats have already reached a point where they are becoming the “most important near-term threat to financial stability.” The reason for this assessment is because cyberattacks directed towards financial institutions are shifting from just monetary gains to causing disruptions in critical financial infrastructures. The report adds that a cyberattack that disrupts operations of one or more financial companies can easily spread to the financial networks and operational connections of the entire system threatening our nation’s financial stability. This means that hackers can do more than just steal money and financial information, they can literally plunge the country into an economic collapse if they interrupt the operations of key financial institutions.

    The Current Cyber Warfare that the U.S. is Engaged In

    Currently, the U.S. is actively engaged in cyber warfare with Iran. Media stories and discussions related to cyberwarfare are dominated by the attacks conducted by both the U.S. and Iran against each other. I mentioned at the beginning of the article one of the latest cyber attacks coming from Iran, while the last known attack that the U.S. conducted was in June 2019. There were also reports that the country was threatening to retaliate with a cyberattack following the attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities on September 14, which was blamed on Iran. The concerning part about this is that it doesn’t seem like the tension between the two countries will die down. This means cyberattacks directed towards our country will continue.

    But Iran is not the only country that the U.S. has engaged in cyber warfare: Russia and China have also been active in their attacks as well. The relationship between the U.S. and Russia was strained following allegations that Moscow tampered with the 2016 U.S. elections to skew the votes in favor of Trump. Since then there has been a silent conflict between the two countries that went public last June.

    A report came out that the U.S. Cyber Command has adopted a more aggressive and offensive style in the conflict when it targeted a Russian electric power grid, to which Russia said they would respond. The alarming part about this is that this latest action is skewing both countries to target civilian infrastructures in this continuing digital warfare between the 2 countries. But this cyber conflict with Russia won’t be easy since the U.S. is late to the party. The country only really started to recognize the importance of cyber defense and the threats that countries like Russia, who have already prepared for this kind of warfare for decades, present making us more vulnerable and less prepared for a cyberattack.

    China is the third country that poses a threat of a cyber attack on the U.S. There have been numerous instances where hackers believed to be from China have targeted U.S. companies and government agencies. But unlike Russia and Iran, China doesn’t just target our country, as they also conducted cyberattacks on countries like Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Brunei just to name a few. China’s attack is also mostly centered on cyber espionage, as hackers are more focused on stealing data and information from developed countries.

    The issue with China, though, is that last July, they announced that they are cooperating with Iran to confront our country in its “unilateralism and hegemony in the field of IT”, which Forbes translates as offensive cyber actions. This could mean that we can expect China to get more involved when it comes to our cyber warfare with Iran.

    What are the real implications to you and I?

    After discussing what cyber warfare is and why it’s important we also pay attention to it, it’s time to discuss the real implications of this form of attack and how we can prepare for it.

    Just-In-Time Delivery System

    One of the most devastating implications that a cyberattack can do to our country is to cause shortages in food, medicine, and other important items or materials. They can do this by hacking into the delicate just-in-time delivery system of our country. The system relies on a complex process that needs to function smoothly and without any hiccups in order to ensure food and other supplies are delivered to city centers.

    If hackers decide to overwhelm the system with a simple DDOS or DOS attack, they could prevent certain cities in the country from receiving food, clean water, medicine, and other important supplies that rely on the just-in-time delivery system. 

    • To prepare for this type of situation, it’s important that you have an ample supply of food, water, and medicine in your home in case a cyberattack hits the just-in-time delivery system.
    • You can also consider growing your own food if your home has the space for it.

    Infrastructures and Facilities

    Another disruptive implication of a cyberattack is if important facilities and infrastructures are targeted. As I already mentioned earlier, hackers already targeted our country’s electrical grid operations and water treatment facilities. Though they were unsuccessful last time, it showed how vulnerable these infrastructures are to a cyberattack.

    Should hackers succeed in infiltrating and disrupting key infrastructures like our water treatment facility, gas stations, and electrical power grid, they could shut down our country’s electricity, cause a fuel shortage, and take away our access to clean water. Worse, they could also poison our water supply and do more damage than just causing a shortage.

    • One of the things you can do to prepare is to have enough supply of clean water. You can also consider having the necessary equipment to purify your own water as there are many options on the market.
    • You also need to prepare to live in a city or country without electricity. This means that you have to make do without being able to use appliances and gadgets. 
      • You’ll need to find a way to store food and medicine since you cannot use your refrigerator to keep them cool.
      • If you can afford it, you can opt to get a gas or solar-powered generator to provide some electricity for your important equipment, especially if you’re using medical equipment that relies on electricity.
      • Transportation that relies on electricity will also be unavailable, so you’ll need to find alternate forms of transportation.
    • For gas shortages, you need to start changing your routine. Instead of gassing up when the tank is almost empty, start gassing up earlier when the tank is just below half full so you’ll always have enough supply in case you have a hard time finding a gas station with gasoline.
      • Consider storing fuel if you have the space, container, and proper knowledge for it.
    • If both electricity and gas are unavailable, you’ll need to find alternative ways to cook your food or boil water.

    But the scariest ramification of a cyberattack is that hackers can also target nuclear facilities. In fact, a report from 2017 mentioned that hackers are already including nuclear facilities in their target infrastructures to try and infiltrate. The attacks were trying to target people who have direct access to systems within the plant that if they were damaged or compromised, can cause an uncontrolled meltdown. This could turn out disastrous for cities near power plants, should hackers succeed in taking over a nuclear power plant and cause it to have a meltdown.

    Here are some additional tips that you can use to help your preparation for a cyberattack.

    1. Learn to be aware of possible signs of a cyberattack. Though there’s really no clear indication or warning of a cyberattack happening, there are certain signs that could possibly indicate that a cyberattack has happened.
    1. Your credit and debit cards, as well as ATM machines, will not work when a cyber attack occurs.
    2. A sudden and unannounced power outage in the absence of a natural disaster or calamity is another potential sign of a cyberattack.
    3. Traffic lights that suddenly stops working or becomes chaotic could also be a sign of a cyber attack.
    4. Gas stations will also be unavailable in the event of a cyberattack since most stations now use digital gas pumps.
    5. You should also keep yourself updated and informed. It’s important that you try and learn everything you can about cyberattacks to help you become even more aware of them and have more information at your disposal when you are doing your preparations.

     

    Conclusion

    Cyberattacks are not new, but their threat to our country is already increasing day-by-day. Their effects can be devastating, especially if hackers intent on conducting the attack is to disrupt our way of life and collapse our country.

    Though our country is doing its best to spruce up the cybersecurity that we have to lessen the vulnerability to these attacks, hackers are also resourceful in coming out with new attacks to counter the new defensive measures in place. This is why it’s still important that we are prepared for it.

    If you enjoyed reading this blog, please click the like button and share it on social media. Please put any added tips, suggestions, or information you might have in the comment section below.

    As always, stay safe out there. 

  • 6 Ways religion Will Help After SHTF

    6 Ways religion Will Help After SHTF

    Religion.  For many, it’s a very critical part of who they are and what they believe.  It defines how they interpret what is happening to them now and how they foresee the future.  For many, it provides hope that there’s a better life awaiting them beyond their current existence.  In a true, prolonged grid-down situation, religion will play a vital role for many enabling them to push through the times of hardship they’ll face.

    In this blog, we’ll look at 6 ways religion will be a foundational part of what keeps many going.

    Before we venture into this article, let us start off by saying that this article will not elevate any one religious belief over another or cast a negative light on those with agnostic or atheistic views.  We’ve never shared our personal beliefs on religion on this channel before as we find people get hung up when they find out your beliefs and then tend to cast judgment when it doesn’t line up with their own personal views making it hard to listen to anything else you have to say even if it’s factually true.  Studies have shown that religion and politics are closely linked to the part of the brain that is connected with your identity. As such, people tend to become defensive when others express views that contradict their own.

    For many, religion is a very core, foundational part of who they are.  As such, when the grid goes down, many will find religion extremely useful in navigating the challenges that they’ll face.

    1) How religion can help with depression

    It’s not uncommon for people to feel depressed during a collapse since the life that they used to enjoy and live no longer exists.  Take for example the collapse of the USSR, in which many turned to drinking as the state had collapsed, the very thing that had defined their existence.  A dire situation can cause many people to lose hope and unable to function properly. Getting them out of that state of mind, a state of hopelessness will be critical and religion for some will be able to help.

    Religion’s effect on mental health

    According to a 2015 article from Live Science, religions actually have an impact on a person’s mental health.  Numerous studies have shown that religions can have both a positive and negative effect on a person’s mental well-being. It can increase or decrease depression and anxiety that a person is feeling because of a situation they’re facing.  If people view their religion in a kind, loving, and supportive nature, they’re less likely to feel depressed or anxious, even in a stressful or dire situation compared to people who are not religious. One major reason for this is that religion gives purpose and meaning to a person’s life. It helps them to find a way to process the events surrounding them in order to help them understand and make sense of why bad things are happening and provide them with a way to cope with it.

    Another study showed that religious practices also help make the brain’s cortices thicker, which usually thins when people are experiencing depression. This study shows that positive religious beliefs actually have a beneficial effect on a person’s brain activity.

    But religion not only serves as a buffer to counter stressful situations.  A 2013 study showed that patients who were experiencing mental illness respond better to treatment if they have a strong faith and positive religious beliefs.  People who believe in a “Higher Power” tend to also believe in the treatment that they are getting, thus allowing them to fully experience the positive effects of the treatment.

    The key here, though, is positive religious beliefs since the study also showed that negative religious beliefs like viewing a dire situation as a punishment from the “Higher Power” tend to increase the risk of depression and anxiety.  So it’s important that religion in a grid-down scenario should instill hope and positive beliefs, otherwise it has the potential to create a view that individuals are being punished.

    2) The power of prayer

    One of the main religious activities that can help during a disaster is prayer. Whenever a tragedy strikes, it is common to see individuals post on social media “thoughts and prayers.” And there’s a reason for this since prayers tend to provide benefits to those praying.

    How prayers can be helpful

    There are several studies that show how prayer is beneficial to a person’s overall well-being when they pray.  People who pray frequently, especially if it’s for others, feel less stressed and anxious when faced with problems, such as financial problems, for example.  Those who regularly prayed also have a sense of purpose in their life, resulting in better psychological well-being. However, similar to what I mentioned earlier, those who experienced positive results from prayer are the people who also have positive religious beliefs.  If people view the “Higher Power” as caring and loving, prayer will have a positive effect on them. But if they view their religion as detached or unresponsive, then prayer will be harmful instead of helpful.

    A study also showed that prayer improves a person’s capacity to handle anxiety because it can help them focus better.  Participants of the study were broken into 4 groups. The first was asked to think about a life concern, the 2nd group was asked to spend 10 minutes praying about that concern while a 3rd group spent 10 minutes just thinking about it.  A 4th group was asked to solve a puzzle for 10 minutes. Researchers found that people who prayed had better cognitive performance compared to those who thought about the concern or distracted themselves with the puzzle. The study revealed that prayer helps eliminate negative thoughts that usually distracts people from focusing on more important things and activities.

    Basically, prayer can help people unload a heavy emotional and mental burden they are feeling.  Praying to a “Higher Power” gives people hope that things could soon turn out for the better.  At the very least, having someone you can trust and rely on with your problems is a great way to unburden yourself from the mental and emotional pressure and free your mind to focus on more important tasks.  This makes prayer a great activity for people to lessen their depression and anxiety during a grid-down scenario.

    3) Building a stronger community

    Another way that religion can help during a collapse is by building a stronger community.  About 80% of the world’s population identifies with a certain religion, which makes it an important part of most people’s lives. 

    It’s not uncommon to see symbols of faith found in many cities around the world, from small churches and temples to grand mosques and cathedrals.  Religious activities also bring together people from different races, countries, and backgrounds to celebrate, mourn, reflect, and worship. One example of a religious activity that brings people together is All Soul’s Day, which is a Roman Catholic tradition to commemorate the “faithfully” departed.  This activity is celebrated by Catholics from all over the world. Another example is Ramadan, which is the most sacred month of the year in Islam in which Muslims from all over the world fast and abstains from pleasures and pray.

    But religions don’t only bring people together during religious activities.  Religions, in general, can help strengthen social bonds. A study from the Santa Fe Institute looked at how religion strengthened the social bonds of a community.  The study showed that people who participate in religious activities on a regular basis are viewed as more generous and trustworthy.  Though the study noted that this would mean they’re often asked for support, it also means they can easily draw support from others as well.

    How a religious community can help during a collapse

    This aspect of religion is going to be beneficial in a SHTF scenario since building a strong community will be critical during a prolonged collapse.  A religion could get people within a community to trust and support one another during this trying time. But aside from banding people together and help one another, religions can also help fill the gaps that governments and charitable organizations are unable to consistently provide in their disaster relief plans.  Like providing a network of support to help the affected people cope with the disaster or actually being on the ground and helping people rebuild their community.

    The role of the religious leader

    Religious leaders are typically considered the most respected and trusted individual in a religious community.  Leaders like pastors, monks, shamans, imams, and priests, among others, play an important role since they can influence people’s opinions, behaviors, and attitudes.  In fact, even some political leaders listen and respect what religious leaders have to say.

    People have immense trust in religious leaders, which is why they listen and usually follow the advice given to them.  It also helps that religious leaders live within the community that they serve, allowing them to interact and communicate regularly with the people, making it easier for everyone to trust them.  This is how a religious leader can shape how people think, the values that they will believe in, and even increase awareness about certain issues or causes.

    How religious leaders can help during a disaster

    The influence that religious leaders have on the community will play a major role during a prolonged SHTF scenario.

    The main thing that leaders can provide during a disaster is to make sure that people in their community will not lose hope in times of crisis.  As already mentioned earlier, depression and anxiety will be common during a collapse and religion’s role here is to help people deal with their emotional and mental issues and not to give in to their weaknesses.  This is where religious leaders come in since people will be looking to them for guidance and support. It’s critical that they make sure people don’t lose hope since the community’s survival will greatly depend on people’s ability to overcome their emotions in this situation.

    4) The benefits of mediation

    Many religions use some form of meditation in their religious activities.  But before we discuss how it helps, let’s first differentiate it from prayer since the two are actually unique in their own way.

    Mediation is defined as a mental exercise that can help people focus, relax, and be more aware of the present.  It is basically a means of transforming the mind. Prayer, on the other hand, is a communication process that provides individuals with a feeling that they are able to talk to a “Higher Power”.  It is basically an individual’s own personal way of talking and conversing with God. Looking at the definition, the main difference between the two is that meditation is focused more on what’s inside of someone while prayer is directed at a “Higher Power”.  Certain religions view meditation as listening to God while prayer as talking to God.

    Though the two are different, they also share similarities, particularly in the benefits that they provide.  Meditation can also help people control their emotions and mind, especially in dealing with depression and anxiety.  Meditation is also known to improve your attention span and can help in sleeping soundly, which is important during a grid-down scenario. 

    5) Asking for forgiveness

    Religions can also be helpful for people who are looking to ask for forgiveness.  During a grid-down scenario, numerous people will likely do things that they wouldn’t usually do when things are normal like stealing supplies, taking advantage of people, and even killing.  Having the opportunity to ask for forgiveness during this time will be very important for people.

    Why it’s important to ask for forgiveness

    If you are not used to committing crimes or doing bad things, you’ll instantly regret doing it in the first place.  And that regret can linger and greatly affect your psychological well-being. For example, if you were forced into a lethal situation requiring you to dispatch an assailant who broke into your home and threaten your family while trying to steal supplies critical for your survival, you may have a sense of guilt or remorse.  Though you are only trying to protect yourself and your family, it’s not unusual if you’ll regret your decision, especially if you knew the person. This is where asking for forgiveness can come in since apologizing can help you let go of that regret.  When you apologize and let go, you’re not only asking for forgiveness from the person you have wronged, but you’re also forgiving yourself.  This will be a huge relief to help lift a burden off your shoulders.

    How religion can help in asking for forgiveness

    Forgiveness is one of the oldest teachings in religions like Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. It also has a positive presence in these religions, enabling followers to offload feelings of guilt or shame.

    Having a religion that teaches the value of forgiveness which also offers the ability to confess or having available religious leaders that people can talk to will be helpful after a disaster or in a prolonged grid-down scenario.  It will be hard for people to avoid doing things that they’ll regret, so having a religion present and functioning can help ease the psychological burden that they’re feeling. This is especially true if you can’t personally ask for forgiveness from the person you wronged.  Talking to a religious leader and letting it all out can be beneficial.

    6) Having a hope of something beyond this life

    The last way that religion can help after a grid-down scenario is that it can provide hope. Not only hope that things will soon be better but the hope that there is more beyond this current life that we are living in.

    I’ve already been discussing throughout the article how religion can help bring hope to people who are suffering from depression or anxiety during a disaster or crisis. However, the hope that religion brings is not only limited to how things will soon be more positive in our current life but also providing followers a belief that there is something better waiting in the afterlife if they follow their religious teachings.

    Mainstream religions believe in the afterlife, though they may have different interpretations of what happens after we die.  For the majority of the mainstream religions (but not all of them), the belief in the afterlife centers on Heaven and Hell.  Heaven is viewed as the reward for living a good life after they die, while Hell is the place of punishment that people who are bad will go to when they die.  Some Christians also believe in Purgatory, which is a place that exists between Heaven and Hell.

    Death is an inevitable fate we all face and there’s no verifiable documented information detailing what happens to our soul after we die.  Believing that there is more to life after you die will be helpful in accepting the inevitable. This is also true during a grid-down scenario, where the risks of death are even higher compared to when things are normal.

    Having people believe that death is not really the end of their journey, but the beginning of a new one will make it easier to accept and deal with the hopelessness that a SHTF scenario brings, especially when forced into situations that could be lethal.  It gives people hope that the end of the world is not really the end since there’s more to our existence than just the time we have on this Earth.

     

    Conclusion

    A prolonged grid-down scenario will be a miserable place to live in for most people, especially those not prepared.  Depression, anxiety, and hopelessness will be common and one way to keep people sane during this trying time will be through religion.

    Religions will play a critical role in a prolonged collapse since they can provide mental, emotional and spiritual support to motivate people to keep on going despite the hardships and challenges.

    If you have additional tips, suggestions, or feed, please put them in the comment section below.  Don’t forget to click the like button and share this on social media.

    As always, stay safe out there.

  • 5 places to avoid during and after a disaster

    5 places to avoid during and after a disaster

    With pending disasters approaching like hurricanes or in the aftermath of a major event like a large earthquake, it’s not unusual to see people rushing grocery stores and supermarkets scrambling to stock up on basic supplies they’ll need to survive.

    Though getting supplies is important, going to grocery stores and supermarkets during a disaster is actually a really bad idea. Since preparing for a disaster is not something that most people will do, you can expect these stores to be full of unprepared, desperate people scavenging the remains of the depleted shelves and inventory. This makes these locations a dangerous place to be as you can almost expect chaos and an unruly crowd that is tethering on turning into a mob when even the simplest scuffle could push them over the edge.

    However, grocery stores are just one of several places that you’d need to avoid before or after a disaster. In this article, we’ll discuss the places to avoid when disaster strikes and how you can prepare in advance so that you won’t need to go near these locations we’ll cover.

    5 places you need to avoid during a disaster

    1. Grocery Stores – As already mentioned, going to grocery stores and supermarkets is a bad idea since you can expect a mob of desperate, unprepared people which presents a huge security risk to you.
      1. With so many people trying to get the same basic supplies like food and water, grocery stores won’t have enough stocks to accommodate all of the demand.  With a limited supply of goods, most people will be mentally distressed during a disaster and it won’t come as a surprise to anyone if they become violent and aggressive in trying to get vital supplies. This makes these types of locations probably the most dangerous in these moments.
      2. The sudden surge of people and demand is not the only problem as to why supplies will be scarce. Most, if not all, grocery stores and supermarkets in the U.S. use what we call a just-in-time delivery system in getting the stocks for their respective stores. This type of system basically provides stores with only enough stocks that they will need for a typical day, making them susceptible to sudden demand like during a disaster. This is why even if there is an unexpected disaster, stores simply can not just adjust their stocks and order more at this level of demand since the just-in-time system relies on a delicate and complicated process, making it almost impossible to scale up quickly under these types of unexpected load.
      3. In order to avoid going to grocery stores during a disaster or just prior to it you need to prepare in advance. It’s important that you have a stock of food that are not easy to perish, as well as clean water in your home, even if there isn’t a disaster approaching. The reason for this is that disasters can happen anytime and without warning. So if you’re not prepared, you’ll be scrambling for supplies like everyone else.
        1. When getting food and water, it’s important that you at least have a 2-weeks worth of supplies since you’ll never know how long a disaster will last or when help will arrive.
        2. Make sure that you have separate clean water used for cleaning and another one for drinking.
        3. Also, make sure that your home has ample space to store, at a minimum, 2 week’s worth of food and water.
        4. You should also consider that power might be out, so you might need a small generator to power your refrigerator so food won’t go to waste.
    2. Banks – Another dangerous place to be during a disaster are banks, especially ATM machines. In this cashless age, people are becoming more reliant on using credit or debit cards for their transactions. And why not? They’re more convenient and they beat carrying cash in your wallet. But during a disaster, cashless transactions will be impossible since there will likely be communication and electrical outages. Stores won’t have the capacity to accept credit or debit card payments since the terminals that process the transactions will likely not be functioning. ATM machines won’t be working as well since they require electricity and a line of communication with the bank to function.
      1. One example of this is when Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison decided to cut power to the majority of their customers for several days to prevent the risk of wildfires just recently here in California. Since ATM machines and credit card terminals rely on electricity to function, it was advised that residents affected load up on cash prior to the power outage. There’s a possibility that ATM machines could be affected by the power outage and this caused residents to line up at ATM machines to withdraw as much cash as they could.
      2. Another example is after hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. One of the effects of the strong hurricane was that there was an electrical and communication outage in the country, making many ATM machines useless. Stores and merchants were also unable to process credit or debit card payments during that time, making the country rely on cash-only transactions. This was problematic, especially for those who were unable to load up on cash prior to the disaster. They couldn’t purchase important supplies from stores that were open since they couldn’t use their credit or debit cards. And at the places where ATM machines are functioning, the lines are extremely long. The cash supply on these machines isn’t infinite as well, so not everyone who lined up was able to get the cash they needed.
      3. To avoid having this kind of problem during a disaster, it’s important that you always keep cash on hand. Make sure you prepare an emergency cash supply in your house that you will only access it during a disaster. This will ensure that you’ll have the ability to purchase things in case you need it and you have the means to pay for it.
        1. Make sure that the cash you prepare is broken down in several amounts. Remember, stores likely won’t have enough cash on them to constantly give out change for the payments they receive. Breaking down the amount of money you have into smaller amounts gives you the ability to pay in the exact amount, eliminating the need for change and also shortening the time you spend in the store.    
    3. Drug Stores – A huge portion of the country’s population is reliant on prescription medicines. This means that there will be many Americans who will line up at drug stores prior to and after a disaster, as they try to get refills for their prescription medicines.
      1. About 46% of the country’s population takes prescription drugs. That is a huge number, which shows that almost 1 out of 2 Americans are reliant on some form of prescription medication. The problem here is that not many of the people who take prescription drugs prepare or plan ahead in case a disaster strikes.  In addition, most pharmacies only will refill up to a limited amount of the medication forcing patients to return frequently making it very difficult to stock up. A 2018 survey showed that more than half of the population (53%) don’t have any preparation plans in case of an emergency.  The survey showed that 25% of Americans say they can only go without their drugs for 2 to 3 days before any negative health effects are felt. This also shows that when a disaster strikes, there would be many Americans lining up at drug stores trying to get prescription medicines that they need. Though there are already programs in place that allow pharmaceutical companies to respond properly during disasters, it still won’t be uncommon for drug stores to have long lines or run out of inventory, especially if drug stores also use the just-in-time delivery system for their supplies.  Like in point #1, when this happens, expect people to get desperate.
      2. Aside from the long lines and inventory running out, most drug stores that are open during a disaster won’t be able to process any other forms of transactions other than cash. This could be a problem for people who weren’t able to prepare enough cash for their medications. And as mentioned earlier, when people are in a stressful situation, they become mentally distressed, experiencing depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Couple this with the desperation and feelings of having their personal safety and well-being threatened, they could commit violent acts just to get their medication.
      3. One thing that you can do to avoid going to drug stores during an emergency is to stock up on the medicines and other medical supplies and equipment you might need ahead of time.
        1. You need to make sure that you are also prepared to be able to store your medicine, especially if the medicine you’re taking requires being put in the refrigerator.
        2. You need to consider as well how much medicine you are allowed to purchase since there’s a limit for certain prescription medicines. 
      4. Another thing you can do is to consider finding a natural alternative for the medication you are taking, or you will likely take.
    4. High-Density Population Areas – If you live in high-density population areas like apartment buildings, high-rises, and downtown areas, then it is even more important that you are prepared for a disaster. This is because high-density population areas are one of the dangerous places you need to avoid during disasters.
      1. One of the main issues with high-density population areas is that it is filled with a whole lot of people that are probably not prepared to survive beyond a few days at best. And in a disaster situation, people are also going to be one of the biggest threats to your safety and security. The chances of social unrest and crimes in these areas are high, especially if supplies are limited and help is nowhere to be found. In apartments and condominiums, the threat is increased since people live close to one another. It makes it easy for others to try and break into other units to steal supplies. Other apartment units even have multiple families living in one unit, making prepping very difficult. Apartment complexes and condos are also good targets for raiders since they can raid many units in just one building, allowing to possibly get more supplies from people living in the building. This makes security and protection one of the primary concerns if you live in an apartment complex.
      2. Another problem you’d experience in high-density population areas is that it doesn’t provide much space to prepare properly. Apartments and high-rise condos don’t have big spaces, making it a problem for storing supplies and tools.  Most apartments only even have enough space to fit a bed and furniture for the tenant, making prepping for a prolonged period of time difficult. If you’re sharing a unit with multiple families, then prepping is already out of the question unless you trust them enough to prep with you. In these types of environments, you need to be creative when it comes to maximizing the space in your apartment and finding areas where you can store the supplies you prepared for a disaster.  Also, give serious consideration to getting a storage unit nearby where you can put critical supplies as a backup.
      3. Aside from security and storage concerns, another problem with living in a high-density populated area is that the concentration of people in this area makes it more vulnerable to injuries or death when a disaster strikes. The congestion, dense infrastructure, and limited escape routes make it harder for people to survive in this kind of area once a disaster strikes. One example of this is the Haiti earthquake in 2010, where the magnitude 7 earthquake hit a densely populated area, contributing to many deaths and injuries to people.  Also in the aftermath of a major event, keeping up with sanitation will present a lot of challenges and lends itself to the fast proliferation of disease and illness.
      4. Though it is still possible to prepare for a disaster even if you live in high-density populated areas, the best solution is to bug out of these areas, if possible, before a disaster strikes. These types of areas present many risks and dangers and trying to ride out a disaster is not the best idea if you’re living in an overly congested area.
      5. You also need to have a bug out plan in case you live in these types of environments. Have a plan on how you will evacuate the area, where you will go, and how you will get there. Make sure that you have enough supplies prepared for your bug out trip.
    5. Gas Stations – Similar to grocery stores, banks, and drug stores, people will be lining up at gas stations prior to and after a disaster to make sure that their vehicles have a full tank of gas. The main reason for this is that they want to make sure they have enough gas to get out of town in case they need to do so.
      1. The problem is that gas stations in disaster areas quickly run out of fuel. An article showed how quickly gas stations run out of fuel after a disaster has been declared in an area. When an emergency was declared for Hurricane Michael on October 2018, the first day of the declaration resulted in 13% of the total gas stations exhausting their fuel supplies. By the time the hurricane made landfall, about 35% of gas stations were already out of fuel. This trend lasted for 7 days after the emergency was declared. It was even worse during Hurricane Florence in September 2018 and Irma in September 2017. Five days after the emergency was declared, 69% of gas stations in the areas affected by Hurricane Irma are already out of gas. When Hurricane Florence hit, 73% of gas stations were out of fuel. This made it harder for other people to find gas stations to fill their vehicles. If you aren’t prepared, you can find yourself without gas in your vehicle during a disaster, making any bug out plan you have more difficult.
      2. To avoid being in this situation, the best you can do is to prepare ahead of time. One of the things that you can do is to try, as best as you can, to maintain your gas tank above ½ half full all the time. Doing this will give you extra fuel to use when you are looking for gas stations that still have fuel. Making sure you always have ample amounts of fuel in your vehicle also ensures you won’t just get stuck somewhere without fuel when disaster strikes.
      3. Another option you can do is to store as much fuel as you can in your home so you won’t need to go to any gas station to refill your vehicle’s fuel tank.

     

    Conclusion

    Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere, unannounced and without warning. Most people are caught off guard by these disasters, forcing them to scramble for supplies and other items they will need to help them weather the disaster.

    But since many people will likely do the same, going to places like grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores, and banks are not really a good idea since a sudden influx of people can make them a potentially dangerous and hazardous place. To avoid being put in this situation, it is important that you already have a plan in place so you don’t need to scramble for supplies and items.

    If you enjoyed this blog, please click the like button and share it on social media. If you have any suggestions or additional information, please put it in the comment section below. As always, stay safe out there.

  • How to dispose of a human corpse after a disaster

    How to dispose of a human corpse after a disaster

    When the prepper community talks about grid-down scenarios, the topic usually centers on what to expect and how to prepare in order to survive.  But the grim reality is that not everyone will survive during or after a disaster requiring communities to face the grim reality that they’ll need to properly dispose of a human corpse.  And with public services stretched thin, the responsibility of handling corpses will likely fall on friends and family.  

    In this article, we’ll cover the steps needed to handle a human corpse and the risks associated with it.

    In this modern era we live in, we’re very used to services handling all sorts of unpleasant things.  When flushing your toilet, your deposit is shipped away to be processed at a facility far away from your home.  The meat you eat has been prepared at centers where animals are slaughtered and processed to ensure you have a high-quality piece of steak.  So many things happen on a daily basis that we’re far removed from and mankind’s ultimate fate is handled no differently in our society: out of sight and in a way in which we see the end result of an embalmed corpse which we can commemorate at a ceremony.

    But this process has not always been handled in this fashion.  Not that long ago, the dead were handled in a different fashion.

    How people used to dispose of their dead

    The concept of burial or cremating the dead has actually been around for thousands of years.  The Neanderthals were believed to be the first humans that buried their dead, while the practice of burning the dead was introduced by the Greeks as early as 1000 BCE.  

    But for some cultures or societies, one other form of disposal was used, and that’s the abandonment of the dead to scavengers.  The nomadic tribes of the Mongolians, for example, were known to abandon the dead and let scavengers or the elements deal with them. Though the concept of burying and cremating is documented in these early tribes, abandoning the dead is the simplest and easiest way to dispose of a human corpse. But early Mongolians weren’t the only ones who used this kind of method of disposing of the dead. 

    The Indian and Iranian Zoroastrians and Tibetan Buddhists would leave their dead in areas where they’ll be eaten by vultures.  Certain areas of the Solomon Islands would place their dead on the reef to be eaten by sharks or left in canoes to decompose.  For Native Americans and some Indigenous Australians cultures, abandoning their dead in the open is just the first step in disposing of a dead body. They put it on a platform or tree and left it there for a while to decompose, then they come back to collect the bones and bury it.

    There are also cultures in North and South America, Australia, China, Africa, and Tibet that used to follow the practice of mummification, where they attempted to preserve the bodies of the dead.

    For early European nations, especially the Christian nations, holding a funeral and burying their dead was more common since it also showed a dead person’s status and nobility.  As for burial, the clergy and the elites were usually buried in the Church, near the altar, while the rest were buried in cemeteries.  But in cases of a serious epidemic, where numerous people were dying, large pits were dug at the cemeteries and as many dead bodies as possible were buried there to save space and dispose of the deceased as quickly as possible. Cremation wasn’t a popular choice of disposing of the dead for Christian nations in the past as some interpretations in theology viewed the body and soul as being reunited when the dead are resurrected at the Last Judgement. So the burning of the body was seen as a way of preventing the dead from resurrection and was reserved witches, heretics, and sodomites. 

    The health hazard that undisposed dead bodies present

    The real health risk that dead bodies pose is to people who will be handling them.  But they still also pose risks to the general population if they’re not handled properly.

    1. Risk of diarrhea – One of the main health risks that dead bodies pose is diarrhea. Dead bodies can contaminate water if they’re left near it or if they’re dumped into one. This is because dead bodies still produce fecal material and if that gets into water, it could cause diarrhea to people who will drink from the contaminated water source.
    2. Mental and emotional trauma – Dead bodies that aren’t properly handled can also cause emotional and mental risks to people, especially to families who are looking for dead loved ones.  After a disaster, one of the overwhelming desires for people, aside from finding their loved ones alive, is to at least recover the remains from the disaster to give the corpse a proper burial and send off to provide closure.  Not being able to do this can cause mental and emotional trauma to those left behind.
    3. Attracting unwanted animals and insects – another risk of decomposing dead bodies is that it can attract insects and animals that can cause further health risks like rats.  Rats carry a number of deadly diseases like leptospirosis and typhus, among others. And if rotting corpse draws in rats, the chances of humans coming into contact with these rodents are higher, thus increasing their risk of contracting the deadly diseases that rats carry.  Aside from rats, blowflies will also be common around dead bodies. Though these flies don’t bite, they can carry bacteria that can cause diseases like cholera and dysentery. 

    The health risks to people handling dead bodies

    There are risks in handling dead bodies, this is why it’s mostly left to professionals who have undergone the proper training and education.  But in a grid-down scenario, the task of handling and disposing of dead bodies will be left in the hands of the remaining survivors.

    1. Risk of contracting diseases – The first major risk that any person who will handle dead bodies should know is the risk of contracting diseases.
      1. Tuberculosis – Tuberculosis is one disease that people should worry about when they’re handling dead bodies. Bacillus (which is a type of bacteria) that is easily airborne and can cause this disease, especially if the bacillus enters the person’s nose or mouth while handling the dead body.
      2. Bloodborne virus – Another risk that dead bodies pose to people who are touching them are bloodborne viruses like hepatitis B and C and HIV. Corpses usually have non-intact skin or protruding bone and having direct contact with them puts a person at risk of being infected with viruses. Direct contact with the mucous membrane, bodily fluid, or blood of the deceased can also infect people with a virus.
      3. Gastrointestinal – The last disease that a person handling a corpse could contract is gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea). A dead body can leak feces and direct contact with it could cause gastrointestinal infections. Transmission of this infection can also happen through direct contact of contaminated vehicles or equipment and soiled clothes from the deceased.
    2. Risks from animals and insects devouring the dead body – We already discussed how rats can be dangerous and this is especially true for people handling corpses. Rats could bite or scratch the people handling the corpse, which could, in turn, infect them with any lethal disease that the rats are carrying. Dead bodies will also be infested with maggots and larvae that carry various diseases.  Touching them directly will require you to wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly so you and others won’t get sick.

    How to properly handle a dead body

    In order to properly handle corpses, you’ll need to wear certain gear, as well as take necessary precautions.

    1. Protective Gear – The basic protective gear you’ll need are disposable gloves, a water repellent gown, and a surgical mask.  You’ll also need to wear protective goggles or face shields to protect your eyes from any liquids splashing into your eyes that might occur when handling corpses.  You should also consider wearing boots or using shoe covers to protect your shoes from being damaged, getting contaminants on them that could be spread, and help to prevent the risk of your body making contact with bodily fluids or other contaminants.
      1. It’s also important to note that dead bodies are put in different categories, depending on how contagious the body is. If the body is in the highest category (meaning stringent protection is required), the added gear needed is a water-resistant gown and double gloves. With this in mind, it’s better to start with the best protection when handling corpses.
    2. Cover any wound, abrasion, or cuts – After preparing the gear to wear, the next step is for the people who are assigned to handle the dead bodies to cover any wounds, cuts, or abrasions that they may have. It’s advised to cover them with bandages or waterproof dressings.  It’s important to cover these properly as these wounds and cuts can be infected if it’s splashed with blood, feces, or bodily fluids from the corpse.
    3. Be careful of sharp objects – When handling dead bodies, it’s important to be wary of sharp objects in the body to avoid getting cut, which can cause further infection and health risks.
    4. Observe strict personal hygiene – It’s important to have strict personal hygiene if you’re part of the team that is handling dead bodies. You need to make sure that you clean yourself properly, especially the parts of your body that touched the corpses.
      1. Remember not to smoke, eat, or drink after handling a dead body. You also shouldn’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth because your hands might still have contaminants even if you’re wearing gloves.
      2. Immediately wash your hands with liquid soap and water after removing your gear. You can also use alcohol-based hand rub to disinfect your hands.
    5. Clean and disinfect equipment and gear – You need to clean and disinfect the gear, equipment, and vehicle you used to avoid cross-infection. 
      1. In cleaning the equipment and gear, wear heavy-duty rubber gloves then carefully remove any debris or soil and place them in a disposable bag.
      2. Use disinfectant in wiping and cleaning bodily fluids in the gear, vehicle, and equipment.
    6. Properly dispose of clinical waste – The last thing you need to do is to properly dispose of all clinical waste (materials that contained blood or bodily fluids or used in handling corpses) after disposing of the body.

    How to properly dispose of a dead body

    Let’s look at how to properly dispose of a dead body.

    1. Burying the dead – The first way to dispose of a dead body is to bury it. It is still the simplest and easiest way to dispose of a corpse. But unlike in a traditional way, there’s no need to prepare and embalm the body as this is only done to slow down the decomposition process long enough for the funeral service. In a disaster situation, there’s no need for a funeral service so the body won’t require preparation and embalming.
      1. It’s important to remember to bury dead bodies, at least 30 meters from groundwater or any water source to avoid any contaminants infecting the water.
      2. The hole should be at least a minimum of 3.5 feet below the surface.
      3. It is advisable to use body bags in burying the dead, but it is not really needed.
      4. There’s no need to disinfect the body unless the death is caused by cholera.
    2. Burning the dead – Burning the corpse is another way to dispose of dead bodies in a grid-down scenario. The process of cremating a body is usually done in a cremation chamber or machine. But without access to this equipment, you can use the traditional and ancient way of burning the dead through funeral pyre.  A funeral pyre, though, can be time-consuming because it requires a lot of wood and builds the structure where the dead will be placed.
      1. Instead of building a structure, you can just place the dead on a flat surface and cover them with materials that can easily burn to make the body burn faster.
      2. You can also add kerosene or fuel to expedite the burn so the body can be disposed of faster.
      3. It is important to note that this method of disposal can potentially attract attention due to the fire burning in the open.
    3. Burial at sea – If you live near the ocean, you can also choose to dispose of the dead bodies in the sea. This practice is actually allowed, provided certain protocols are followed. The main thing to follow is that the burial site should be at least three nautical miles from land and at least 600 feet deep for non-cremated remains. Though these protocols will likely not be followed in an SHTF scenario, there are still certain processes that are worth following.
      1. Dead bodies should be wrapped in natural fiber shroud or sailcloth and additional weights should be attached to aid in the sinking. 
      2. If a casket will be used, a metal casket with twenty 2-inch holes drilled into it is needed to make flooding faster. The casket should also have stainless steel bands, chains, or natural fiber ropes tied around it to ensure it is intact when it sinks. Additional weights can also be added to help it sink faster.
      3. Submerged corpses will swell up with gasses as they decompose.  This may result in the body floating back up to the surface.  Small puncturing of the stomach and lungs will allow decomposition gasses to release.

    Hopefully, this article gave you insight into handling dead bodies. In a grid-down scenario, disposing of the dead is not the most urgent thing you need to do. But, it is still something that you and your community or group would need to address to avoid the health hazards that a decomposing dead body would pose.

    If you liked this article, please click the like button and share this on social media. Please put in the comment section below any additional tips, information, and suggestions you have.

    As always, stay safe out there.

  • How to prepare the weak and elderly for SHTF

    How to prepare the weak and elderly for SHTF

    When Hurricane Irma devastated Florida in 2017, one of the things that stood out was how unprepared nursing homes are for disasters and emergencies, especially following the 8 deaths of the elderly due to the power outage.

    But this is not a new issue, as deaths among the elderly and weak during and after disasters are one of the problems that governments and regulators are having a hard time addressing. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused deaths in hospitals and nursing homes in Louisiana, and in 2012, there were elderly who died in their own homes during Hurricane Sandy. The most recent example of how vulnerable the elderly are is the Camp fire that devastated the Ridgewood Mobile Home Park in Paradise, California in November of 2018. About 77% or 53 of the 86 people who died in the fire are people who are aged 65 and above. This shows that there is an issue when it comes to how unprepared we are to help the elderly during disasters. 

    In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of helping this group during a disaster and what they can do to prepare for these kinds of situations.

    Why The Weak and Elderly Need Help During SHTF

    It has been a common practice in our country to leave the care of our elderly or weak in hospitals or facilities that have the necessary staff and equipment to care for them properly. Though this might be the best course of action to take, it’s important that as preppers we still include them in our preparation.

    These facilities might have the proper equipment and staff to care for our weak and elderly during normal times, but when the grid goes down, we can’t expect these facilities to still fully care for them. In 2017, an article came out that Nursing homes, or long-term care facilities, are not usually prepared to deal even with simple emergencies or situations.

    These issues include not having the proper training and knowledge when it comes to dealing with disaster and the lack of proper equipment like a generator or a wheelchair ramp. The lack of a generator actually caused deaths in a nursing home in Florida after Hurricane Irma passed through. The power outage made the place hot without air-conditioning and 8 residents died as a result. Though the death required nursing facilities to have generators to deal with power outages, not all the facilities had the budget to get generators.

    Then there’s also the fact that generators don’t have the capacity to provide power to everything that a long-term care facility will need, like HVAC units and keeping food and medicine from spoiling. This makes sheltering in place during a disaster tough and risky. But the alternative, which is an evacuation, is actually riskier. The elderly, especially those who are weak and sick, are at greater risk of mortality since they are being subject to further strain and stress.

    The manager for disaster preparedness and for the California Association of Health Facilities said that evacuations shorten the lifespan of fragile and the elderly. This sentiment was echoed in an article from Public Radio International. The article mentioned the risk of evacuating the elderly, especially the weak and sick. The strain of being placed on crowded buses, riding for hours, and going to evacuation centers that are unfit to take care of them puts them at greater risk. There are also cases where an evacuation center is already full or can’t accommodate the elderly that requires special attention, so the travel time is extended as they find a place to go.

    But the article does note that there are also risks of them staying in the nursing home facilities during a disaster. The choice to evacuate or to stay will likely depend greatly on the facility or home and its capacity to care for the weak and elderly during a disaster.

    This is why this group will need special attention and help during a severe disaster since their situation is delicate. Preparing for them will be different as there are several considerations that you will need to take.

    What Can The Elderly Do To Prepare?

    After discussing the importance of why the weak and elderly need help during a disaster scenario, it’s now time to talk about how the elderly can prepare for a disaster.

    It’s important to note that there are 3 types of elderly: the ones who are still healthy physically and mentally to join you in preparing and evacuating without a problem, the ones who are healthy enough not to be bedridden or confined to a wheelchair but already possess certain physical limitations that make it hard for them to endure prolonged physical and mental strain, and the last ones are the elderly who are already weak and sick.

    Each type will require a different preparation approach. Another thing to consider is if an elderly individual is staying with you, in an assisted living facility or nursing home, or staying alone in their own home or with a caregiver or nurse taking care of them.

    General Preparations to Make

    Before we get to the specifics of the elderly’s preparation, there are some general preparations that need to be made, regardless if they’re healthy or sick and staying with you or not.

    1. It’s important that seniors, especially those who are generally healthy to do some physical activities, to maintain a healthy physical body. This means doing some light exercises to keep their bones and muscles healthy. It’s important that they maintain a regular exercise schedule to prepare their bodies in case of a disaster in the event they’ll be required to move. Here are some simple exercises seniors can do on a regular basis:
      1. Doing aerobic activities such as brisk walking, swimming, and tennis for 5-minutes for 2 days a week can help greatly. You can gradually increase that until you can do a 30-minute workout.
      2. Leg raises are another simple exercise to do for seniors to help strengthen the lower back, buttocks, and thigh muscles. You can do a side and back leg raise. You use a sturdy chair to hold on to for balance.
      3. Stretching is another exercise to help keep the muscles flexible. Make sure to stretch both the lower and upper body.
      4. Remember to do only low-impact exercises to avoid putting too much strain on the body. It’s also important to consult with your doctors before performing any physical activities
    2. Another preparation that needs to be made is for the mental issues that are part of aging.
      1. Most seniors will not be as mentally sharp as they once were when they were young. So don’t expect them to think and act quickly during a disaster and will likely require your assistance in a lot of things. 
      2. You’re also likely to encounter some resistance to change or help. It’s not uncommon for seniors to be stubborn and still think that they are the independent individual they once were. You will need to exercise patience and creative ways of handling this situation instead of getting into an argument.
        1. If your senior parent or grandparent is already suffering from mental problems and might not have the capacity to fully grasp what you’re saying or what the situation is, you’ll need to resort to providing other reasons to make them come with you or follow you. For example, instead of saying you need to leave before the hurricane or fire comes, you can say you’ll visit one of their close friends or relatives.
    3. Another general preparation you can make is to have a copy of all of their latest important documents. These documents would include their latest medical records, especially if they’re taking medications or undergoing treatment, the front page of their passport, driver’s license, and other basic IDs.
      1. You’ll also need copies of other important documents like the last will and testament, medical Advance Directives (like Do Not Resuscitate), and insurance.
      2. These documents are important to have on hand in case something happens or it gets lost during the disaster.
    4. The last general preparation that you need to make is having enough supplies of the medication that your senior is taking. This is actually the most difficult thing when it comes to prepping for the weak and elderly because of several hurdles you need to overcome.
      1. The main hurdle you’ll encounter is getting enough of the prescription medicine that the elderly will need to last you for a certain period. Doctors can usually prescribe as much medication as they would like, but they will generally only prescribe the needed amount for the sickness or care. Requesting more medication will be tricky, and saying it’s because you’re a prepper might not work.
      2. You also have to deal with insurance since most plans will only cover for a certain quantity. Insurance companies usually don’t exceed the quantity limit that they have.
      3. Try looking for alternative medicine to the one they are taking. It would be even better if the alternative medicine can be found in plants or other natural ingredients since you never until when can you find stocks of the prescription medicine during a grid-down scenario.

    Now that we got the general preparation out of the way, it’s time to get more specific about what you need to do.

    When the elderly is staying with the family

    Though it is a common practice in our country to leave the care of our senior parents or grandparents in nursing homes or assisted living, there are still some people who prefer that the elderly stay with them. If this is the case, here’s how you can help them prepare for a disaster.

    1. If the elderly is still fit and healthy – If the senior that is staying with you is fit and healthy, preparing for them will be almost the same as preparing for everyone else. They’ll need their own supply kit, know the plans, what to do, and where to go.
      1. There will still be some slight adjustment when it comes to their supplies since you’ll need to add enough of the medication that the senior is already taking.
      2. Make sure you have plans to keep the medicines cool even without power or if you are bugging out. Some medications are required to be placed in cool storage space, so make sure you prepare for this as well.
      3. You also need to consider stocking up on healthier foods for your senior parents or grandparents’ supply kits. Try looking for healthy recipes that you can make using only basic foods as ingredients.
      4. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from the elderly since they likely possess certain skills or knowledge that would prove to be useful in an SHTF scenario. Your parents or grandparents might know how to use plants as alternative medicines or cook healthy meals with only basic ingredients. They might also possess first aid skills or know-how to repair things. Not all senior citizens are going to be vulnerable or liabilities during a disaster. Their wealth of knowledge and experience can prove to be useful in emergency situations.
    2. If the elderly is sick and weak – there should be a different approach to preparing for a disaster. Of course, the basics will still be needed like their own supply kit that contains the medicine they need and the food they can eat. But you also need to consider other things that they might need.
      1. If a wheelchair is needed, make sure the ones they are currently using is still functioning properly and not yet close to breaking down. Plan on having a spare or other means for them to get around if the wheelchair they are using breaks down.
      2. If they’re using special medical equipment, like a nebulizer, make sure you have all of the materials needed and there are spares available. If it uses electricity, you need to prepare for the possibility of a power outage so the equipment can still be used.
      3. You also need to consider having someone who can support and assist the elderly 24/7 to help him or her with his or her needs.
      4. If your parents or grandparents are already bedridden, you need to make sure the room you placed them in will have all of the things that they will need to meet their medical needs during the duration of the disaster. Also, ensure that someone is watching over them constantly to address whatever it is they need.
      5. Evacuating is going to be a risky option here, but if you really need to bug out, try and arrange for an ambulance (if possible) to make the transfer from your house to the evacuation center more smoothly for the sick and weak. Consider also bugging out early so the chaotic situation won’t add to the stress and strain that the senior will experience during evacuation.

    When the elderly are staying in an assisted living facility or nursing home

    The main difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home is that the level of medical care is more complete in a nursing home. In assisted living, there are nurses and medical staff but the primary objective of the facility is just to help the elderly in their day-to-day activities. Elderly who live here are still independent to some degree but they already require the assistance of someone. To prepare your senior relatives who are in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, here’s what you can do.

    1. Get to know what are the plans and procedures of the facility during disasters or emergency situations. It’s important that you know what the facility will do in case of an emergency or disaster to see if your relative will be taken care of properly.
    2. If the facility won’t evacuate the residents, you have to make sure that they’ll have a backup generator ready in case of a power outage and they have enough food, water, and medical supplies to cover all of the needs of the residents. If they will be rationing supplies, ask if there will be a problem if you’ll provide supplies for your relative.
    3. If they do plan to evacuate the residents, make sure that they have proper procedures in place, especially if your relative is already bedridden or is using medical equipment. Ask them if the evacuation place they are going to is capable of accommodating special needs people.
    4. Provide a checklist of the things that your senior relative will need to pack in case of an emergency. Discuss with your relative and the facility’s staff this checklist to know which among the items you placed there are really needed or not when they head out. Some facilities will have their own emergency bag ready for their residents, make sure the bug out bag contains all of the things that your elderly relative will need.
    5. Evaluate the condition of your relative and see where else they might need assistance. If they are using a wheelchair or a crutch, make sure it will be included in their emergency evacuation kit. 
    6. You can also consider transferring your relatives or getting them to stay with you before the disaster strikes if you feel the facility doesn’t have enough preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.
    7. Get the contact details of the person in charge of taking care of your relative and leave your number to him or her as well.

    When the elderly is staying home alone or with a caregiver nurse – There are certain senior relatives who still prefer to be independent and will live in a small house or apartment on their own. Some of them will require a caregiver or nurse to assist them, but would still prefer living in their own home instead of a nursing home or assisted living facility. If this is the case, here’s how you can help them prepare.

    1. Make sure the home that they are staying in is equipped and capable of withstanding disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and fire. This means that it contains smoke detectors, windows and doors are sturdy enough and there are no cracks or damages on the walls, ceiling, and foundation.
    2. Having a backup source of power is also important, so a generator is needed in this case. A solar-powered generator is advised since this is easier to store and is lighter to carry than a gas-powered generator. Only go for gas-powered if more power is needed.
    3. Also make sure that there are enough supplies of food, water, and medication in the house. Talk to the nurse or caregiver to know what kind of nutritious food that the elderly eat so the food supply will contain the needed ingredients and items.
    4. Talk to the local government or authorities to know what their plans are in case of a disaster. Ask where the evacuation centers are and what kind of assistance they will give, especially to the elderly. This is important if your senior relative lives in a different city or state.
    5. Make sure there’s a bug out bag ready that contains all the needed supplies in case there’s a need to evacuate. Make sure as well that your relative or the caregiver staying with them knows where to go and how to get to the evacuation center.
    6. If you feel it is the safer option, try convincing your senior relative to stay with you, at least for the duration of the disaster.
    7. Make sure to get the contact number of the caregiver or nurse staying with your relative and give them yours to call you in case of emergencies.

    Conclusion

    Preparing the weak and elderly for a disaster or grid-down scenario is tricky and challenging, considering they are vulnerable during these times. But this vulnerability is the very reason why we need to do our best in helping them prepare.

    With the right knowledge, approach, and preparation, our elderly relatives will survive even in an SHTF scenario. If you enjoy this article, please click the like button and share it on social media. If you have any suggestions or have additional tips, please put it in the comment section below.

    As always, stay safe out there.

  • China a Threat to the U.S.?

    China has the second-largest economy in the world, second only to the U.S. The country also has the second most billionaires in the world, again trailing only our country. But the country is not only an emerging economic power, as China’s military is also experiencing a significant upgrade and growth.

    This growth that China is experiencing has many experts dubbing them as the next superpower of the World. And the country is exerting that power any chance it gets. In early October, the world witnessed how China is exercising its economic might to try and pressure international companies to bend to their will. The country is currently exercising its military might in the South China Sea, displaying its power, as it tries to supplant the U.S. as the dominant military in the region.

    But should we be concerned with this display of economic and military might? Is China really a threat to the U.S.?  

    In this article, we’ll discuss these concerns along with other aspects of China you should be aware of.

    How Americans Perceive China’s Threat

    When people think of China as a threat, most think of the country’s military capabilities. Last July 2019, General Mark Milley said that China could remain as the country’s top military threat for as much as 100 years.

    The general noted that China has watched and studied how the U.S. performed in the first and second Gulf War, adopting some of the doctrines and organizations that our country used.  China also invested heavily in upgrading and strengthening its military to challenge U.S. military dominance, particularly in the South China Sea.

    General Milley said that China rapidly improved its military capabilities in the air, land, sea, and space. He also added that the U.S. would need to “make sure we do not lose our advantages” to other countries, especially to countries like China.

    That sentiment about China was echoed by the citizens when a Pew Research Center survey released last August showed that 81% of the responders think that the growing military of China is bad for the country. But their military is just one of the many threats that the country poses to America. There are also other potential threats China has that we’ll look at deeply.  Apart from concerns about their military growth and development, China also poses possible threats relating to cyberattacks, nuclear attack, their holdings of our debt, and the ongoing U.S.-China trade war.

    Growing Military of China

    The main threat that most Americans attribute to China is their growing military strength. The country has been increasing their budget upgrading and modernizing its military power. And as mentioned earlier, most of the structures that China is incorporating in its military are taken from the U.S. But how strong is the country’s military strength anyway and is it capable of countering and defeating our country’s own military strength?

    How strong is their military, really?

    Let’s look at the raw numbers. Since China is the most populated country in the world (currently at 1.4 billion people), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is currently the largest military force that consists of 2.035 million active soldiers, the biggest navy fleet in the world, the second strongest land strength, and the third strongest aircraft fleet. The country has also built up its conventional missile force that is said to rival or even outperform America’s own stockpile of missiles.

    China has also upgraded the PLA’s nuclear capabilities, having ballistic missile submarines that are capable of firing nuclear missiles. Overall, China is considered as the third strongest country in terms of military, closely behind only the U.S. and Russia.

    Is China’s growing military capable of countering and defeating America’s own military?

    Though China has spent billions to upgrade and strengthen its military, is it enough to counter our own military and even defeat it?

    According to a report from the United States Centre at the University of Sydney, the U.S. doesn’t have the dominance it once possessed in the Indo-Pacific Region and its ability to have a favorable balance of power in the region is also uncertain. The report even mentions that China is capable of achieving a fait accompli victory (which means an outcome that is already decided before those affected can hear about it) in the region before the U.S. can even respond.

    The report mentions several reasons for this assessment and one of those reasons is that the U.S. military has thinned its strength with the continued and ongoing war in the Middle East. It doesn’t help that the military also experienced a budget austerity and there are underinvestments when it comes to advancing the country’s military capabilities. The country’s “liberal order-building agenda” also contributed to making the military ill-prepared to deal with an equal or greater competition.

    On the other hand, it’s major rival in the region, which is China, has continued to strengthen its own military capabilities, the report adds. It also helps that the country has studied how America conducts its wars, which is “premised on power projection and all-domain military dominance.” China used these lessons to arm itself with an array of precision missiles, as well as put counter intervention systems that can undercut the U.S. military in the region.

    The report added that the measures and systems that China placed will allow it to achieve a fait accompli victory, even with the use of limited force, since U.S. forces will have difficulty operating within the range of the missiles. 

    What this basically means is that China already has a strategy in place to allow it to win smaller and “limited wars” (like taking over the disputed islands or retaking Taiwan) instead of a big conflict against the U.S. It also doesn’t help that the U.S.’s defense strategy is to prepare for one great war instead of the multiple smaller conflicts that China has prepared for.

    Should conflict break out between the two countries in the region, China has the upper hand. The report recommends for the U.S. to fortify the operating bases of its military as well as its allies military, especially those within range of Chinese missiles. Bolstering ties with allies, mainly Japan and Australia, to strengthen regional deterrence can also help in countering China.

    China Cyberattack

    Cyberattacks from China are not new since the two countries have been going at it against each other for years. In February 2019, a report came out that groups that are based in China have increased their efforts last year to try and hack into the systems of American businesses. The report stated that the spike in cyberattacks is likely related to the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China.

    The companies that were mostly targeted were pharmaceutical companies, telecom operators, and hotel chains. The likely reason for these attacks is for hackers to steal business trade secrets, as well as information. The report adds that the strings of cyberattacks will likely continue in the foreseeable future.

    But American companies are not the only ones being targeted for cyberattacks related to information theft, as universities around the world, including several in America, were targeted for phishing attacks. The report said that the University of Washington, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Hawaii were among the 27 universities around the world that Chinese hackers targeted.

    It is said that the attacks were aimed at stealing maritime technology that the different universities have. It is believed that the stolen technology and information will be used for military purposes. The latest cyberattack occurred in July when Chinese hackers targeted U.S. utility companies believed to steal data and take operational photos.

    The group responsible is said to be the notorious APT10, which is believed to be a hacking group that is sponsored by the state. Though the cyberattacks coming from China are mostly focused on cyberespionage and information theft, their attacks will likely change, after the country has partnered with Iran.

    Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, the ICT Minister of Iran, said that their partnership with China is “to confront U.S. unilateralism and hegemony in the field of IT.” Jahromi also criticized the U.S. for its actions against Huawei and ZTE and accused our country of “spreading hegemony on new strategic technologies”, namely, artificial intelligence.

    With our country’s ongoing cyber warfare with Iran, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if China’s cyberattacks on our country increase further and go beyond just cyber espionage and information theft.

    Nuclear attack

    Another threat from China that is causing concern is a nuclear attack. I mentioned earlier how China has submarines that are capable of carrying and delivering nuclear warheads. But that’s not the only nuclear-related threat that China poses. Early in October, the People’s Liberation Army displayed its new hypersonic ballistic nuclear missile that is said to be capable of breaching all the existing anti-missile shields that the U.S. and its allies currently use.

    Analysts are calling the new weapon a threat to regional stability since its speed will make it hard for countries to decide whether to launch a nuclear attack as a response. China also unveiled a DF-41 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile that can travel between 7,400 and 9,320 miles, the longest in the world. It is said it can reach the U.S. in 30 minutes.

    But the probability of a nuclear attack coming from China is not that high due to the Mutual Assured Destruction strategy or MAD. This theory was developed to deter the use of nuclear weapons. The theory is that since nuclear weapons are so destructive, using them in war will mean everything and everyone gets destroyed. For example, if China decides to bomb several U.S. cities with a nuclear attack, the government will respond by bombing their cities with nuclear attacks as well. This will just result in massive destruction on both sides where no winner will come out on top, a zero-sum game.

    Another reason for not bombing us is because we are the number 1 trading partner of China. The U.S. accounts for 19.2% of all Chinese exports in 2018, 7.1% more than its second top trading partner, Hong Kong. Their country earned $479.7 billion from us, so from an economic standpoint, it’s really not a smart move to hit our country with a nuclear bomb.

    Human rights violations

    As China emerges as a superpower country, more attention is being given to their country resulting in new things being discovered: their traditions and culture, their economic and military might, how they achieved their power, and much more. But as China thrusts itself into the limelight with its emerging superpower status, people are also starting to take notice of the country’s atrocities, particularly in regards to its human rights violations.

    Many people are beginning to learn that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), under President Xi Jinping, uses an oppressive and totalitarian rule. This means that the Chinese citizens don’t have the freedom of speech to criticize or oppose their government or they risk getting thrown into jail, getting tortured, or worse, disappearing. China has shown that it doesn’t put too much value into human lives, especially if it meant protecting “national interest”.

    The most well-known example of this Tiananmen massacre in 1989, where it is believed thousands of pro-democracy protesters were killed after Chinese troops opened fire on civilians, including students. About 10,000 people were also arrested during and after the protests. But these human rights violations are not only reserved for Chinese citizens since there are also cases where the government is arresting foreign nationals to try and pressure other governments or as a response to an action taken by the other government.

    Though this also happens in western countries, China doesn’t really respect fair trial rights, or provide access to free media, making it harder to get information other than what the Chinese state provides. Often times, detainees in China don’t have access to counsel of their choice or even to their families. The country also doesn’t have an independent judiciary and politicizes verdicts. There are also cases of ill-treatment and torture, even to foreign prisoners.

    Though China’s human rights violation and disregard for human life don’t directly affect us here in the U.S. for the moment, it is important that you are aware of it, especially if you plan to visit the country. Should something happen, don’t expect the Chinese government to respect your rights and freedom, even if you are a foreigner.

    China’s Holdings of U.S. Debt

    As of July 2019, China holds $1.11 trillion worth of U.S Treasury Securities. This makes them the country with the second-highest holdings of U.S. debt, next only to Japan. Prior to that, China actually held the most U.S. debt before the country started to lessen its U.S. debt holdings. 

    There are concerns that holdings of U.S. debt can be weaponized. The founder of Bridgewater Associates, Ray Dalio said that he won’t rule out the possibility that China will weaponize the U.S. debt. He mentioned that the two countries could reach a point in the trade war where their goal is to just deal “maximum harm” to each other.

    Analysts said that one of the major impacts that a large-scale selling of U.S. Treasury Securities by Beijing could push down the prices of U.S. Treasuries and can cause interest rates to rise. An increase in interest rates would also mean an increase in U.S. borrowing costs, making it more expensive for our country to pay back its debt.

    Since the yields on U.S. Treasuries are the benchmark for business and consumer credit, a rising interest rate will also result in an increase in interest rates for home mortgages and corporate bonds. This will make it more expensive for people and companies to borrow, thus slowing the economy. A massive selloff of U.S. debt could also affect global confidence in the U.S. dollar as the top reserve currency.

    Though these are frightening risks for our country that could plunge us into a recession, analysts believe China won’t do it. This is due to the fact that there are also risks to China if they dump U.S. debt. The country uses U.S. Treasuries to stabilize the yuan within a certain range against the dollar. China will also feel the effects of a slowing U.S. economy since we’re the number 1 buyer of their exports. As mentioned earlier, we accounted for 19.2% of their exports last year. If our economy slows down or if we enter into a recession, our import of Chinese products will likely lessen, thus providing a big blow to China.

    The U.S. – China Trade War

    Another potential threat from China is their ongoing trade war with our country. Though the effects and consequences of the tariffs imposed would be minimal on the economy if it is kept for the entire year, consumers and small businesses are actually the ones who are feeling its effects the most.

    The tariffs placed was supposed to help mitigate the imbalance that U.S. companies are experiencing. But it had a negative impact on small businesses as it increased the cause of doing business. About ⅓ of small businesses across the U.S. said that it is now more expensive to do business for them. They are forced to increase prices of their goods and services, which in turn results in them losing customers.

    It is great news that there are signs the U.S.-China trade war is nearing its end, as the latest trade talks have resulted in both countries agreeing to Phase 1 of the trade deal. There weren’t a lot of details on the announcement, but the partial deal covers currency, agriculture, and some intellectual property protections.

    Should the deal be put on paper and the next round of talks are positive, the trade war could soon end.

    Is there a Reason for us to be Concerned about China?

    After looking at all the possible threat scenarios that China poses, I would say that, yes, there is a reason for us to be concerned. Particularly, when it comes to the country’s growing military and cyberattacks.

    China’s heavy investment in upgrading and advancing their military, as well as studying how the U.S. conducts its war, have given them an advantage in the Indo-Pacific region. The country has developed strategies and systems on how to engage with the U.S. should a conflict break out. Unless the U.S. makes the necessary changes, it could see its interests in the region gets taken away by China.

    When it comes to cyberattacks, its recent agreement with Iran is what’s concerning since we are currently in cyber warfare with a Middle East country. Should China decide to get involved, dealing with the cyber threat would things more difficult for our country.

    The other threats are also concerning, but the probability of them happening or having a great impact on us are slim, so it’s important that we are aware of them. Though China does pose a threat, the mutual benefits of having good relations between the two countries should still far outweigh any advantage gained by eliminating or suppressing one another.  But should that economic benefit cease to exist, all bets are off.

    Conclusion

    There’s no denying that China’s emergence as a superpower country is causing unrest in the U.S., especially since the country is not afraid to flex its might. There are some changes and adjustments that our country needs to do, particularly when it comes to its military and cybersecurity measures.

    But the probability of an all-out conflict happening is not that high, considering there are more benefits to be gained if both countries would work together instead of trying to outdo each other.

    What do you think?

    If you have any additional feedback, please post them in the comments section below as I always learn from the community. If you enjoyed this article, please click the like button and share it on social media.

    As always, stay safe out there.

  • The dangers of a just-in-time delivery system

    “A society is only three meals away from anarchy.”

    It’s hard to imagine a well-developed country like the U.S. experiencing food shortages, considering the progress and technological advancement s made in transportation, delivery systems, and agriculture. These progresses have made it easier for the country to get access to food and other important supplies in a very rapid manner, even from different parts of the world.

    However, the country’s food supply chain is actually vulnerable and experiencing food shortages is not out of the question. In fact, our food supply is not the only thing that is vulnerable. Medical supplies and important drugs are also vulnerable. The country actually experienced a 27% spike in drug shortages in 2018, the highest in the last 5 years.

    One major reason for this vulnerability is the Just-In-Time (JIT) Delivery system, where businesses and stores keep just enough inventory on their shelves to meet the current demand replacing an item purchased next as the last item is sold.

    Businesses have developed this system as it lessens their overhead costs.  Instead of paying more money to purchase a huge amount of supplies and pay rent for a warehouse to store them, businesses have streamlined their inventory to just the bare minimum items they’ll need to fulfill the next day’s orders.  This system allows them to have the next batch of items delivered just as the current inventory is about to be depleted at your local store.

    Though this is a cost-effective strategy for businesses, it presents a massive problem if a disaster hits your region as there will not be an excessive amount of supplies to meet the needs of those in the affected area.  In this article, we’ll take a more in-depth look at how this will impact those not prepared during a crisis.

    What is the Just-In-Time Delivery System?

    In a nutshell, it just means stores won’t carry excess items in their inventory. The number of items they have is based on the customers’ demand.

    Though this is a great idea at keeping costs down, this system is dependent on a fragile balance.

    1. Perfect Balance between Supply and Demand – The first delicate balance that can affect the JIT Delivery system is supply and demand. The main requirement for the system to work is that the supply of the product should be able to meet the demand. But forecasting demand accurately is challenging and to make the system work a flexible supply chain is needed to accommodate the potential additional demands or else there will be a shortage.
    2. The Entire System Needs to Run Smoothly – Though supply and demand is the main requirement of ensuring the success of the JIT Delivery system, it is also important that every aspect of the system is running smoothly. Employees running the system should know what to do and should be able to do it accurately. They also need to learn how to operate certain computer systems to ensure everything runs properly. The delivery process of the goods should also arrive on time without any delay since this could affect the entire system. An issue with supply and demand could cause the system to fail, but a problem with other aspects will also have a significant impact on the overall success of the system.

    What are the potential problems in this system?

    While this system provides several advantages for businesses and retail stores, it does present the following problems:

    1. Vulnerability to Supply or Demand Shocks – As I discussed previously, this system relies on a delicate balance between supply and demand. Should a business experience a supply shock (a supplier that is incapable of providing the stocks of an item on time), or a demand shock (there’s a big demand from customers for a particular item) then the JIT Delivery system won’t function properly. This system is not flexible enough to adapt to these kinds of shocks, which could also result in shortages, depending on how severe the shock is. One example of demand shock causing shortages is the demand for immune globulin (IG) products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated last August 2019 that increased demand, as well as uneven product distribution, production delays, and other factors, have contributed to the shortage. The FDA did say that supplies of IG products have already increased in past years, but the increase in demand during the same time period still negated that supply increase. They’re now working with manufacturers to try and provide solutions to the shortage of this important medical product.
    2. Vulnerability to Price Shocks – The system operates on the assumption that prices do not fluctuate too far from the baseline. Should there be a sudden and significant increase in prices of an item or of the raw materials that they are made of, businesses might not have the necessary budget for the increase. This could also cause a shortage since companies won’t be able to purchase enough items to meet the demand. It could also cause prices of certain items to surge due to the increase in raw material prices. One example is the oil price shock that happened following the attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil production facilities last September 14. Though the initial price shock was not significant, economists fear that a prolonged increase in prices could derail consumer confidence and plunge the country into a recession. Increasing gas prices also have a negative impact on the transportation sector, which relies on cheap fuel for their profits in delivering packages and important supplies.
    3. More Complex System – As I mentioned earlier in the article, the entire system needs to run smoothly for it to work as intended. The problem is that running the system is complex. There are a lot of moving parts that need to work properly and precisely. From the delivery of the raw materials in creating the product up to the delivery of the actual product to the business, everything needs to be in order and in sync and one small issue with one aspect of the process could disrupt the entire system. A natural disaster or civil unrest are examples of threats that the system is vulnerable to. Take a look at what happened in 2017 when Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. Our country experienced a shortage of medical supplies, like IV saline bags, which are made in Puerto Rico. Though the disaster happened in 2017, the country still felt its effects in 2018. Another example of a situation that disrupted supplies was the protest in Hong Kong. In July, the country started experiencing a shortage of protective gear like gas masks, goggles, and helmets due to the ongoing protests. The demand for protective gear has increased due to Hong Kong police firing tear gas canisters at demonstrators. The supply chain was also disrupted by China stopping its deliveries to Hong Kong to try and make protesters stop.

    These vulnerabilities can cause this system to fail and when that happens, the effects could be devastating.

    What Could Possibly Happen if the Just-In-Time Delivery System Fails?

    What possible effects will it have in our country?

    Shortages of important supplies and items

    The main impact of a failure is that it could cause a shortage of important supplies and items. 

    Take for example the fact that the majority of the raw materials and ingredients that the U.S. needs for drugs are all coming from China. Should the trade war between the two countries intensifies, China could stop exporting drugs, and the important ingredients and raw materials the U.S. needs. Or if the country experienced a disaster similar to the one that hit Puerto Rico in 2017 and causes massive damage to the infrastructure that makes these drugs or ingredients. These two scenarios could cause massive drug shortages for medicines for blood pressure, depression, and epilepsy to name a few.

    Imagine if this scenario were to happen on an item or supply that is more commonly used by the population like food and water? You can expect conflict and civil unrest.  

    Could Cause A City To Stop Functioning Altogether 

    The on-time delivery of necessary supplies is what keeps cities in our nation functioning properly. Timely deliveries of food, water, and medical supplies to various points throughout the city are critical.  An issue with the delivery system could cause major problems to a city in just one week. The American Trucking Association came out with a report in 2015 that outlines what could happen should there be a disruption in the trucking industry and affect the delivery of necessary supplies.

    Within 24 hours, there will be a shortage of basic medical supplies and fuel at service stations, and retail stores using the JIT delivery system will also start to experience shortages in their inventory. Delivery of mail and packages will also cease. In 1 day, food shortages will start to begin and the delivery of fuel will slow down, causing prices to spike due to shortage. 

    In 2-3 days, food shortage will begin to get worse, especially after the panic buying and hoarding. Other essential items like bottled water, canned meat, and powdered milk will also disappear from retail stores. Fuel will completely run out in service stations and ATM machines will start to run out of cash. Rail transport and garbage collection will also be disrupted. In one week, automobiles will be useless because of the lack of fuel and oxygen supplies will start to run out in hospitals. In 2 weeks, clean water will start to run out and by week 4, there won’t be any more access to clean water since trucks have stopped delivering purification chemicals to water supply plants.

    Though this was a worst-case scenario, it’s not a far-fetched situation. Our country is walking on a tightrope when it comes to supplies of important items.  One simple issue whether great or small could bring the whole system to its knees.

    How Can You Prepare for the Failure of the Just In Time Delivery System?

    Should the Just-In-Time Delivery system fail, it’s important that you are prepared for it so you and your family’s survival is assured.  Here are some tips on how you can prepare for this type of scenario.

    1. Be Aware of Possible Supply Disruption in Your Area or Community – One of the most important things you need to do first is to be observant and aware of the happenings in your community. Information is key in this type of scenario and being aware of possible supply disruptions like a looming strike, an incoming hurricane or weather disturbance, or shortages in other areas can help you prepare early before the disaster strikes.
    2. Stock up on Important Supplies – Another important thing you need to constantly do is to stock up on important supplies. This means having enough supply of food, water, medicine, and other medical supplies that can last you for at least a month at a minimum.  Most Americans have enough food to get them through a few days. Having these items stocked in your home means you won’t have to worry about the immediate impact and effect of a supply disruption in your city or area.
      1. Also, consider producing your own food if you have enough space in your home for a small garden or an area to raise chickens.
      2. You should also consider setting up a rain harvesting system that can collect rainwater and building a system to purify rainwater.
      3. Also consider getting a renewable power system like solar, wind, or a combination of both so you can have access to electricity should your city experience a power outage.
    3. Have a Plan to Evacuate – You will also need to have a plan to evacuate if needed. You never know how long before things go back to normal after the chaos due to the shortages of supplies. Stocking up on important items and supplies can only sustain you for a certain period. In addition, security will now become an issue as others in your area will probably not have prepared. Bugging out before things get chaotic or after the chaos has died down a bit is a good option to have.

    Conclusion

    The Just-In-Time Delivery system is a great system to have for businesses and retail stores, especially if they want to keep costs down. The problem with this system is that it is that is very vulnerable to the slightest hiccups and a minor disruption on just one of the processes could cause the entire system to collapse.

    Since businesses only rely on having enough supplies to meet current demand, shortages are likely to occur should the system fail to deliver the items in a timely manner or should there be a disaster causing people to make a rush on the store. This is why it is so important that you and your family are prepared for this kind of scenario, so you can avoid experiencing the chaos that will ensue.

    If you have additional tips or suggestions, please put them in the comment section below.  Please click the like button and share it on social media if you enjoyed the article. As always, stay safe out there.

  • 8 Most Likely SHTF Scenarios

    We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness. – Petra Nemcova

    No one knows what the next disaster or catastrophe will be and when it is likely to happen. A major earthquake could suddenly hit the country in the next 24 hours, or a devastating cyberattack could cripple our power grid in the next few days. There are a plethora of different catastrophic situations that can happen at any given time and without any warning.

    The best that you can do is to make sure that you are fully prepared to ensure you and your family’s survival. But with so many possible dangerous situations that can occur, preparing for all of them seems like a daunting task.

    In this article, we’ll cover the 8 most likely SHTF scenarios that most of us probably will face in our lifetime and discuss how you can prepare for them.

    One Important Note About SHTF

    When most people hear the phrase SHTF, the immediate imagery that comes to mind are apocalyptic scenarios, where chaos and disorder are rampant on the streets and everyone is fighting for survival.

    Though that scenario could occur depending on the severity of the situation, the reality is that a more probable SHTF scenario will most likely be a personal or local event. For example, if you’re in a car wreck and your or a family member is severely injured, that could definitely constitute a tragic and life-altering event.  Or if a major earthquake hit your local area, then this would truly constitute a major SHTF scenario, especially if you are unprepared and don’t know what to do. The lack of preparation and knowledge on what to do in these situations increases the chances of you getting hurt badly, or not surviving at all.

    The SHTF Scenarios that are More Likely To Occur In Our Lifetime

    There are numerous situations or calamities that could lead to a SHTF scenario. Though no one really knows which scenario will play out, there are certain situations that are more likely to happen in our lifetime than others. If you’re someone who is starting out as a prepper, preparing yourself or your family from the possibility of an asteroid hitting the Earth or an end of the world scenario might not be a good start.

    To help you properly prepare, here are 8 SHTF scenarios that are most likely to happen during our lifetime.

    1.  Job Loss Or Financial Hardship – One of the most likely situations that can lead to a challenging moment in our life but is rarely discussed are job loss or financial hardships. If you are the breadwinner of your family, providing the food and paying the bills, or if you’re someone who is deep in debt, a simple job loss could already be devastating on your part, especially if you are not prepared for it. Imagine your bills, monthly rent, and debts are already overdue in a couple of days when you are suddenly fired from your job. You see that the severance pay you received will not be enough to cover all of your obligations, including the money you’ll need for other expenses like food and water, gas/transportation, and other basic needs. If you think getting laid off is not possible, considering the low unemployment rate that the U.S. currently has, you might want to think again.
      1. The possibility of being unemployed is high due to the advancement in technology and cheap labor abroad. Millions of Americans lost their jobs between 2004 and 2009 because of these two aspects. The problem is that economists believe that this trend will continue unless there are actions taken to lessen the impact of this trend.
      2. One advancement in technology that experts are saying will take over certain jobs is artificial Intelligence. In 2013, two Oxford academics came out with a study that estimated 47% of U.S. jobs will be at risk from automation by mid-2030. That sentiment still hasn’t changed as an AI expert and venture capitalist echoed a similar statement early this year during an interview. But instead of just the U.S., Kai Fu Lee said that 40% of the world’s jobs are at risk.
        1. Some of the jobs that are in danger of being taken over by AI include data entry jobs, receptionists, proofreaders, market research analysts, and computer support specialists just to name a few.
        2. Even seemingly safe jobs like being a lawyer, a journalist, or chef are not safe from AI, as there are companies already experimenting on algorithms that can perform these tasks. Automated driving is actually being tested on the road and will likely replace regular human drivers soon which will impact the taxi and truck driving industry.
      3. It is also important to note that, though unemployment is still low, the number of involuntary part-time workers has increased. This means there are more people now who have seen their hours and income reduced. You might not lose your job, but having your income lessened is still a great impact.
      4. This is why it is important that you are always prepared. As companies look to lower their costs and expenditures, they’ll continue to turn to technology, cheap labor, or reducing full-time employees to part-timers to achieve that goal. Preparing yourself for this event will ensure you won’t have to suffer any financial hardships should this happen to you.
    2. Regional Disaster – Another situation that can cause a collapse is a regional disaster. Certain states in the U.S. are prone to certain natural calamities and these calamities usually leave chaos and destruction in its path. The U.S. actually experiences numerous major disasters in a year and they are rather costly. The country actually led the world in natural disaster damages in 2018, led by the California Camp Fire of 2018 with $16.5 billion in damages, Hurricane Michael that ravaged the Florida Panhandle and cost the country $16 billion, and Hurricane Florence, which devastated Florence and cost the country $14 billion in damages. If a natural disaster is destructive enough, it could bring a state to its knees and cause a total collapse of society. One such destructive situation that is causing anxiety for a lot of people is the “Big One,” an earthquake that is primed and predicted by many scientists to hit Southern California. I recently uploaded a video about how to prepare for an earthquake and I briefly discussed what the Big One is and how destructive it could be. 
      1. The state that is most prone to natural disasters is California. The state has already experienced 305 disasters since 1953 and the number of disasters hitting the state is continuing to get worse. It is followed by the state of Texas, which experienced 263 major disasters since 1953. Rounding out the top 5 are Oklahoma at third with 178 major disasters, Washington at 4th with 147 major disasters, and Florida at 5th with 132 major disasters.
      2. This is why you need to prepare for natural disasters. Our country experiences several major disasters in a year and preparing for them is a must to ensure you and your family’s survival. This is especially true if you live in states that are prone to disasters.
    3. Economic Collapse – Economic collapse is another situation that could cause a SHTF scenario. Now, this situation is different from job loss or financial hardship since this one is something that is felt on a national level and not just on a personal or local. If the collapse is severe, it can even be felt globally, like the Great Recession of 2007. But it is important to remember that what happened in the Great Recession is not yet categorized as an economic collapse, but an economic crisis. Yes, millions lost their jobs, their homes and wealth for the majority of the country’s population has decreased. But basic services were still provided during this time. During an actual economic collapse, the country would cease to function properly, resulting in panic and chaos.
      1. There are already numerous signs that the country could enter into a recession in the next 2 years and the chances of the looming recession plunging the U.S. into an economic collapse depends on several different factors.
        1. One of those factors is global debt since debt was one of the main factors that almost brought the world economy to its knees. The world’s debt has already reached $184 trillion early this year and that figure is already surpassed the 2007 debt that impacted the world’s economies. The U.S. government has a debt of almost $23 trillion, which is a record high and the largest in the world. In the short-term, debt is good since it gives the country the needed cash to spend on projects and programs. But in the long-term, the risks are severe, especially if debtors start demanding higher interest rates on debt payments.
        2. Another factor is the financial tools that the country still has at its disposal. The government has used several financial tools and policies at their disposal to try and alleviate the effects of the recession. Though it helped keep the country from going into a collapse, those same tools are not available anymore in case another financial crisis arises. Interest rates are still lower, so cutting them further might not be a good idea anymore. Bailing out banks again might not be possible this time because of limited funding and how unpopular it was before.
        3. Other factors that could cause an economic collapse in the country include natural disasters, terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, and civil unrest. The Federal Reserve is also concerned about climate change since extreme weather is causing a number of companies to declare bankruptcy. Damages from extreme weather are costing the country billions.
      2. The U.S. has yet to experience an actual economic collapse, but it did experience something that is close to it, during the 1929 – 1939 Great Depression and the 2007 – 2009 Great Recession. These two economic crises brought the country to the brink of an economic collapse, but quick action and response from the government prevented that from happening.
      3. This is why it’s always important that you prepare yourself and your family, not only from possible disasters or calamities but also from a financial disaster like an economic collapse. Being prepared will not only ensure your survival but also you and your family’s financial well-being.
    4. Cyberattack – As governments and corporations become more dependent on technology and the internet, their vulnerability to a cyber attack increases. This is another situation that can cause a true SHTF scenario in our country. Our country is actually engaged in cyber warfare with Iran right now. U.S. officials had said that they conducted a cyberattack on the Iranian intelligence system last June and the country is still recovering from it. But Iran is not the only threat, as China and Russia are actually the leading countries when it comes to cyber warfare. And the threat of an attack is what’s keeping a director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from having a good night’s sleep. 
      1. Cyberattacks are already happening in the country. Just last month, several cities in the state of Texas experienced a ransomware attack that encrypted data into their computer systems, crippling some of their functions. Public libraries in affected cities had to revert to going old school and check out books by writing in a notebook. Police also had to revert back to writing traffic tickets by hand.
      2. The most recent cyberattack that the country experienced came from the China-sponsored hacking group ATP10. The group targeted individuals from the utilities sector with a spear-phishing email between August 21 and 29. It was the same type of attack that the group initiated in the sector early this year. Though the attack was unsuccessful, Proofpoint researchers noted that the group has modified their attack in an attempt to make it more successful. The group is said to conduct long-term targeted campaigns and the country’s utilities sector seems to be their target this time.
      3. Cyberattacks are not a matter of likelihood since it is already happening. This makes preparing for their impact even more important.
    5. Pandemic – Diseases have always been part of the human experience, but when a disease becomes harder to treat and spreads fast, it becomes a pandemic. And this is another situation that is likely to cause a SHTF scenario within our lifetime. The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) has warned that the risks of a severe global pandemic is real and governments should increase their efforts to better prepare and deal with this catastrophe. They said that the world is at a greater risk today due to “insecurity and extreme weather” since diseases thrive in chaos and disorder. Unless governments from around the world increase their efforts, the next pandemic will not only kill millions of people but can also cause economies to collapse and/or destabilize national security.  
      1. Unfortunately, the U.S. is not fully prepared to deal with the next pandemic and there are several reasons for it. Chief among the reasons is the country’s over-reliance on antibiotics. The country has a huge problem of overuse or misuse of antibiotics, not only in the health sector, but also in the agriculture sector. The problem with this is that diseases are known to evolve rapidly, thus developing resistance to antibiotics.  And since their evolution is faster than the development of new antibiotics, the next pandemic is now just a question of when not if. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also mentioned that weak public health infrastructure, increased risk of pathogens spilling over from animals to humans, and the spread of infectious diseases through global travel also increase the vulnerability of the country to pandemics.
      2. Though there is greater attention being shown to counter diseases like ebola due to the recent outbreak, the government should actually focus on diseases that are caused by RNA viruses like the flu, SARS, common colds just to name a few. Not only do these airborne viruses spread faster, but they’re also more contagious during the incubation period (when symptoms are not yet showing). This sentiment was echoed by the World Health Organization when they said that the next pandemic will likely be caused by an airborne virus.
      3. Since pandemics is a question of when not if, preparing for them is important. As the famous saying goes, prevention is always better than the cure. So don’t wait for a pandemic to start spreading in your area before you do something about it, start preparing now so when it happens, your chances of survival are high.
    6. War – War is another likely situation that can cause a SHTF scenario. The world is always involved in some form of conflict or war. If you read or listen to the news, you can see that there is some conflict happening in certain parts of the world at any given time. Our country is not immune to war since we’ve fought in quite a number of them. And as I mentioned earlier, we are actually involved in cyber warfare with Iran. Though the majority of analysts are saying that it won’t escalate into a full-scale war, there are some who won’t rule out the possibility of a war happening. Should the U.S. find itself in another war, especially if it’s a major one, expect there to be challenging times ahead.
      1. Though there is always war or conflict happening in other parts of the world, we are actually living in one of the most peaceful times in history. The world has yet to see a major war that involves powerful nations raging against each other since World War 2 started in 1939. But is the peaceful time that we are living in going to continue or is it just part of a cycle that will inevitably turn to war? A 2018 report from Phys.org mentioned a study by a University of Colorado professor who calculated the probability of another major war happening. The study mentioned that the peaceful period is not rare, considering there are similar periods throughout human history. The study also noted that these peaceful periods are usually preceded by long periods of conflict. And the long peaceful interval is usually followed by large wars. This means that the likelihood of another major war happening sometime soon is high. 
        1. There are several critical tension points where the next major war could start. The first tension point is the conflict of Russia and Europe. Last October, Russia seized three Ukraine naval ships in the Azov Sea, after taking control of the majority of the area. This latest action, combined with Russia’s previous advances in Ukraine has sparked tensions in the region. Calls for the west to respond against Russia also intensified, further increasing the tension.
        2. Another tension point where world war 3 could break out is the South China Sea dispute. China has been expanding its military presence in the South China Sea, claiming the entire area as part of their sovereign territory. This caused tension between China and its neighboring countries, as well as the U.S., who has allies in the region and a military presence. The U.S. also called China’s actions as a violation of international rules and neither side doesn’t seem to be backing down.
        3. The Middle East is another place where world war 3 could break out. The recent attack on Saudi’s oil infrastructures was being blamed on Iran, who is already mired in tensions against the U.S. and UK. Should things escalate further, a major war is not out of the question.
      2. Though we are still living in peaceful times, this peaceful period is actually hanging on a delicate balance that could tip over any minute. 
    7. Climate Change – Earlier, we talked about how extreme natural disasters could cause a SHTF moment. These extreme natural disasters, though, are just the effects of an even greater threat, which is climate change. Climate change is basically a change in the usual weather in an area. The planet’s climate is always changing, but the climate change that is happening now is moving in a new direction not seen in geologic records for thousands of years due to an increase in CO2 emissions caused by humans. Certain activities that we do on a daily basis are causing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to get trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere. This results in the planet becoming warmer, which also has an effect on the weather and environment. The problem is that these effects are also impacting us negatively.
      1. Climate change is affecting our environment and its effects are already visible. Glaciers are shrinking, permafrosts are starting to thaw, and sea levels are rising, just to name a few. The weather is also becoming more extreme. We’re now experiencing stronger and more frequent hurricanes. Wildfires are also more frequent and intense. Drought and rainy seasons are also longer. To be direct: these changes are impacting us negatively. Just take a look at the recent category 5 hurricane that devastated the Bahamas, or the record-breaking heatwave that certain parts of the world recently experienced, particularly Europe. And these are just in 2019. Last year, the U.S. experienced 5 major natural disasters, which were attributed to climate change.
      2. According to NASA Global Climate Change, it may already be too late to stop global warming. Even if the world population finally agree to completely stop emitting greenhouse gases, the actions and lack of inaction has already set in motion for the planet to continue to become warmer in the next several decades, or even centuries. The Earth cannot immediately respond to the changes that are made.  As a result, global temperatures will continue to rise, unless we find a way to extract the excess CO2 we have added to our earth’s atmosphere.
    8. Critical Power Failure (Problem with Infrastructure) – The last situation that can cause a SHTF scenario in our lifetime is a critical power failure. The U.S. consumes a large amount of energy on a daily basis and this dependent on energy makes us vulnerable to a critical power failure. Homeland Security stated that even a temporary power failure can already interrupt communications, the economy, and the security system. Now, imagine if that power failure is prolonged or permanent? Our current way of living will drastically change. Almost everything in our world today relies on power, transportation, banking system, manufacturing, defense, and many more. Without power, our society is likely to collapse. 
      1. One of the major power outages that the U.S. experienced was in 2012, when Hurricane Sandy devastated numerous states, causing damage and a massive power outage. New York was hit the hardest with areas even experiencing a power outage for 2 weeks. The likelihood of critical power failure happening today is high, especially since we are now experiencing strong weather disturbances due to the effects of climate change. But extreme weather or natural disasters aren’t the only threats to a critical power outage as cyberattacks are also becoming an issue. The utilities sector is already ramping up their defense against cyberattacks, but the National Infrastructure Advisory Council said in a report that the sector, and the country itself, is not actually ready for a catastrophic power failure. There would need to be a national approach when it comes to preparing and dealing with a critical power outage and an understanding of how “cascading failures” across various infrastructures will affect restoration efforts.
      2. Should the U.S. experience a critical power failure, its effects will be devastating. It will disrupt communications, water, and transportation and could cause retails stores, banks, gas stations, grocery stores, and other important services to close down. Most medical devices will be useless and food will spoil. Access to the internet will also be unavailable since it relies on power to function. But aside from disrupting basic services and functions, a critical power failure is also devastating for the country’s military. Numerous essential defense installations will cease to function should the power go out. These defense installations rely on commercial power grids for their source of power and if a failure were to happen, our country would be defenseless. It doesn’t help that countries like China, Russia, and Iran are targeting the U.S. power grid for their cyber attacks, making the country even more vulnerable.

    Conclusion

    It is important that we are always prepared for any disaster. But it is also important that we are aware of which situation that we need to prepare for. Knowing the likelihood of a catastrophic situation happening will greatly help us in making the right preparations and focus our time and resources.

    If you enjoyed this article, please click the like button and share this on social media. Feel free to post any suggestions or additional tips and information you have on the comment section. 

    As always, be safe out there.

  • How to prepare for Global Warming

    “We are the first generation to feel the sting of climate change, and we are the last generation that can do something about it.” — Jay Inslee

    According to data coming from NASA’s study on Global Climate Change, our planet has experienced its four warmest years between 2015 and 2018 since modern record-keeping began in 1880.  Among one of the many casualties of an increase in warming temperatures is that our polar ice caps are melting at a higher rate in the last 20 years than in the previous 10,000 years.   As a result, the melting of the polar ice caps is already impacting weather patterns worldwide.

    In early September 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a category 5, devastated the Bahamas, making it the strongest hurricane to hit the country.  Droughts and wildfires are also becoming more frequent worldwide, especially in regions like the state of California where we’re seeing an increase in the length and intensity of our fire seasons. 

    With a flood of data already pointing to an inevitable conclusion by peer review studies within the scientific community, all signs point a devastating future unless meaningful changes are made, and made soon.

    Do you know what to do when the situation deteriorates so badly that the nation’s food production can no longer support its own citizens?  The question has to be asked, “What can I do now to prepare?”

    What is Global Warming?

    Before we discuss what you can do to prepare, let us first discuss what it is and how is it affecting our planet.

    Global warming is the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system due to an increase in the emission of carbon dioxide primarily caused by burning carbon-based fuels which are trapping heat.  The data coming from the NASA Global Climate Change has stated that over the last 800,000 years, CO2 emissions hovered between 200 parts per million (ppm) and 280 ppm. It first went up beyond 300 ppm in 1950 and up to 400 ppm in 2013, which is causing our planet to become warmer in the process. 

    Since the 1880s, the world has seen its average global surface temperature consistently increase.  While there have been periods of cooling down during this time period, the overall trend is upward. In 2018, we saw the planet experienced its fourth warmest year, as temperatures were 0.83 degrees Celsius warmer than the average between 1951 to 1980.

    As a result of this increase in temperatures around the world, we’re now experiencing frequent and extreme heat, rising seas and coastal flooding, more intense and longer wildfires, and more destructive hurricanes just to name a few of the impacts.

    What predictions are scientists making about Global Warming?

    Scientists have been using models to simulate global climate and for 40 years, the results have consistently painted a picture showing how carbon emissions would warm the planet.

    These same models show that in the next 10 years, we’ll only see a continual increase in temperature.  In April 2019, an article from the Science Magazine mentioned that the next-generation computer models that simulate global climate have predicted that the ”equilibrium climate sensitivity” (ECS) of the Earth came in at 5 degrees Celsius or warmer. This is actually higher than what the previous model predicted, which was between 2 degrees to 4.5 degrees Celsius. The ECS is basically the increase of temperature in degrees Celsius that’s due to the sustained doubling of concentrated carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Though scientists are saying that the actual result of the ECS from the next-gen models can change once more results from other countries come in, the article said it is still a worrying prediction. This means that, if the prediction is true, then the Earth has less time until we reach a point of no return.

    This makes it even more important for you to know how to prepare for Global Warming.

    Preparing For Global Warming

    Preparing for global warming is not a one size fits all approach since the effects that you will experience will depend greatly on your region. Some regions will have to deal with rising sea levels, while other regions will experience more frequent and extreme heat. There are also other regions that will experience droughts and stronger wildfires, while others extreme and frequent rain.  Let’s look at your options based on the region you live in.

    1. Rising Sea Level – If you live in the coastal area, rising sea levels are your major concern. The average global sea level has been consistently rising over the past century at less than a centimeter every year. But in recent decades, the rise in sea level has increased. According to the National Ocean Service in 2014, the global sea level was 2.6 inches above the 1993 average, the highest annual average in satellite records. While these numbers may seem small at the moment, projections show that these levels will only increase. Here are some tips to help with your preparation if you live in these areas.
      1. The first thing you need to do is to determine if your home and community will be affected by the rising sea level. It’s important that you also look at other important locations in your area like grocery stores, hospitals, fire departments, etc. Your home might not be affected as much, but if these important locations in your city or town are impacted by rising sea levels, especially during a storm, you may want to reconsider moving to higher ground.
      2. You can also consider hiring a professional to elevate your house in order to raise its height and prevent water from entering. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a detailed guide on how to elevate your house if you live in an area with a high chance of flooding. If you live in a high-rise condo or apartment, then water entering your particular unit may not be a direct threat during a storm, but an obvious potential long-term issue is that your complex will be constantly flooded.
      3. You also need to make sure that you have enough supplies in your home if you plan to ride out the flooding due to storm surge. You need to make sure you’ll have at least 2 weeks to 1 month worth of food, water, and medical supplies in your home depending on how much space you have. There’s a strong possibility the plumbing system in your city or community would not work, so you need also need to consider stocking water to be used for cleaning and sanitation.  
      4. Have an evacuation plan. As much as we all would like to stay in our homes, you need to come to terms that there will be a time where evacuation is the best option for you and your family. Make sure you have a bug out bag ready that will contain all the necessary supplies you will need. Also, make sure that you already know where you are going and how to get there.  You may want to give consideration to picking up a raft or something similar to allow you to evacuate should the water not recede and help is not available. Heed the advice of authorities when they already tell you to evacuate your homes.
    2. Hotter Summers – As I mentioned earlier, global warming is causing the planet to become hotter, which has become the norm in the last few years as record-breaking heatwaves have impacted many parts of the world. The month of June and July this year were actually the hottest on record for the planet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A number of cities across the globe experienced record heat waves during those months and scientists believe that these record-breaking hot summer months will continue as long as the rate of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases continue to increase. And if you think hotter summers mean more time on the beach, you’re wrong, as extreme heat is hazardous to your health and can occur without any warning. Here are some ways you can prepare for the hotter summers.
      1. Prepare your home so that it can keep cool during extreme heatwaves. 
        1. Cover windows with drapes or shades.
        2. Consider getting double-paned, energy-efficient windows installed as they help regulate temperatures inside your house much more efficiently than single-paned windows.  If you don’t have the budget to replace your windows, you could reflect heat back outside using something as simple as cardboard covered in aluminum foil pressed again your windows or pick up reflective window film at your local hardware store.
        3. Check the insulation in your attic.  Your local Lowe’s or Home Depot usually will offer a free in-home evaluation to determine whether adding more insulation in your attic will help.
        4. Installing air conditioners in your home will obviously keep your house cool, but they’re not cheap to add or operate. If you can’t afford to add an air conditioner, you can use fans to help regulate the temperature in your home.  In addition, you might want to consider adding an attic fan are great at clearing hot air, especially in the evenings and at night.
      2. Prepare yourself
        1. Always keep yourself hydrated during heat waves and lessen your intake of coffee and tea which will only cause your body to excrete more water.
        2. Read up on heat-induced illness so you can quickly identify the symptoms and take action.  I’ve had the misfortune of exerting a lot of energy in extreme heat with no fluids and experienced overheating.  Not an experience I wish to repeat.
        3. Avoid going out when it is too hot.  While it may sound obvious, try to find new ways to work outdoors in the mornings and evenings to avoid being in temperatures that could pose a threat to your health.
    3. Drought and Wildfires – Wildfires are becoming more frequent around the world and global warming is being blamed as one of the major culprits. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the warming of the planet has changed the moisture and precipitation levels, making dry areas drier. This has increased the likelihood of droughts and wildfires, which is also why you need to be prepared, especially if you live in a wildfire-prone area. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
      1. You first need to prepare your home since a well-prepared home can increase the chances that it won’t get burned down.  While going into great detail on this point is out of the scope of this article, I will be adding a link to a video that will cover this more in-depth.  Here are just a few brief tips for your home:
        1. Create a defensible space
        2. Retrofit with non-flammable materials
        3. Each member of the family should also know where the emergency tools are located, as well as the main shut-off controls for electricity, gas, and water.
      2. The key with wildfires is mobility and having multiple options in which you can escape.  You need to get ahead of this when you’re alerted there’s a wildfire in your area. Each member of the family should have an emergency kit that they can quickly grab and go. Remember, time is critical.
      3. Have a family action plan that each member of the family should know.  This is to ensure that every member of the family will know what they need to do should a wildfire break out in your area.
      4. Don’t hesitate to evacuate your house, especially when authorities tell you to.  There’s no need trying to defend a house if a wildfire engulfs your area. The steps you’ve taken to protect your house is about all you can do at this point.
    4. Extreme and Frequent Rain – As I mentioned earlier, the precipitation and moisture levels of the planet have changed, increasing the likelihood of flooding occurring in certain parts of the world. According to an article from the NOAA Climate website, the U.S. is already experiencing an increase in heavy rain which is likely to continue increasing, warning that the country should prepare for it. Here are some tips that you can do to help you prepare for extreme and frequent rains.
      1. The first thing you need to do is to make sure your home is prepared for heavy downpours.
        1. Check your roof for any holes or damaged areas and make the necessary repairs.
        2. Inspect the gutter as well and remove any debris so water can flow freely.
        3. Also, inspect your doors and windows and make sure their seals are working properly. 
        4. Be sure there is adequate drainage around your home to prevent water from coming into your home.
        5. Have bags available that you can fill with sand should water levels begin to threaten your house.
      2. The next thing you need to prepare is your supplies. If you are not able to escape before the storm hits, you’ll need to make sure you have enough food, water, and medicine in your home should flooding in your area prevent you from being able to leave. At a bare minimum, a few weeks’ worth of supplies for you and your family should be enough, but definitely consider expanding this further. Make sure the food you get doesn’t spoil easily, even if you don’t put them on the refrigerator. 
      3. Also, have a flashlight and battery-operated radio handy. It’s not unusual for electricity to get cut off during a heavy downpour, so you need to be prepared when that happens as well. In addition, consider shutting down your house’s electricity, especially if floodwaters are rising.
      4. As mentioned earlier, depending on how prone your area is to flooding, you may want to consider getting a raft or other similar option.
    5. Refugees – Another thing that you need to prepare for is the possibility that you and your family will be displaced. With all of these extreme weather disaster waiting to happen due to global warming, it’s not a far-fetched idea to think that there’s a possibility that you will be displaced from your home. If you noticed, several of the preparation tips I mentioned include having an evacuation plan. When that happens, you and your family would need to know what to do. Here are some tips to prepare for it.
      1. The first thing you need to do is to have a safety plan defined in advance. Having a plan will ensure that each member will know what to do regardless of the situation or scenario they are in.
        1. Make sure the plan will also include the possibility that you’re not together when disaster strikes.
        2. Include in the plan all possible exit points in your house so you all know where to go when you need to leave in a hurry.
        3. Identify possible shelters that you can stay and all the routes that you can take to get there.
        4. Have a checklist of all the items and supplies you will need to make sure you have everything.
      2. The next step is to make sure that you and your family will stick together. It’s not hard to get lost or forget things during the chaos that follows after a sudden disaster strikes. So you have to ensure that everyone is accounted for. 
        1. Each member should have two-way radios to be able to communicate in case cellular devices are not functioning.
        2. If the disaster happens when you’re all separated, make sure to identify several locations where you and your family members will all meet up. These locations could also serve as a rendezvous point in case you get separated during the chaos. Make sure each and everyone knows how to get there, how long to wait, and in which order should you go to these locations.
      3. Each member of the family should also have an emergency kit that will contain all the needed items and supplies needed to keep you alive for a minimum of 3 days.
        1. Make sure everyone knows what is inside their emergency kit and how they can properly use it.
      4. You should all at a minimum learn basic survival skills like starting a fire, obtaining clean water and food, and having the right mindset, just to name a few. Having these skills will come in handy during a disaster, especially if you’re all separated. 
      5. Have a list of possible shelters where you and your family can camp if you are displaced. The kind of shelter you’ll pinpoint will depend greatly on the kind of disaster you are facing and the extent of the damage.
        1. Know if your local government has set up possible evacuation centers that you and your family can go to if you feel it’s safe to do so.  Keep in mind that these locations may be flooded with unprepared people and if the supplies do not arrive soon enough to meet their needs, you could be a hostile environment.
        2. Have an alternative location in case you can’t go to the evacuation centers.
        3. Also consider how you will travel to these locations, whether it be on foot or by vehicle and plan accordingly.

    Conclusion

    Global warming is an issue that has gone from simply being a warning by the scientific community, to a full-blown reality that we now live in and experience. While writing this article was honestly a bit difficult as there’s really no definitive way to avoid or control what’s coming next, by preparing, you give yourself a better chance of survival in the long-term.  Weather disasters frequently happen without any warnings so being aware and prepared in advance can ensure you and your family’s survival. 

    If you enjoyed the article, please click the like button and share this on social media. You can also put your feedback and suggestions in the comment section below. As always, stay safe out there.

  • How To Develop A Survival Mindset

    In the prepping community, what often gets talked about when it comes to survival are the tools, gear, supplies, and the actions that you need in order to survive. But one aspect of survival that is rarely talked about, but is easily the most important thing when it comes to survival is how you will mentally handle the situation.

    I’m sure you’ve already heard or read about incredible stories of survival, where a person or a group has beaten incredible odds to come out alive after a catastrophic situation. One common denominator in all those stories of survival is the mindset of the person or group who are put into that situation.

    In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the survival mindset, why it’s important and how we can develop it.

    Why Some People Die and Others Survive

    Whenever we hear amazing stories of survival, the focus is always on how the person survived and what we can learn from his or her experience. Though it is important to learn how the person survived, it is also important to know why others didn’t survive.

    This is what experts in the Psychology of Survival, like John Leach, are focused on. They try to understand and make sense of why there are usually many unnecessary deaths during a disaster or catastrophe. Leach ’s study mentioned that deaths in a disaster usually occur in the first three days after it hits. But they discovered that a number of the people who died should have actually survived like the others.  

    The study stated that there were people who only had minor injuries or no injuries at all, but ended up as one of the casualties. One reason for this is that people usually suffer cognitive paralysis following the impact phase of the disaster. This means that people usually freeze following a disaster, which results in complete inaction. This is why the study suggests that the fight or flight response should be modified into the fight, flight or freeze response.

    One of the most known cases of people’s inaction causing unnecessary deaths was the 1985 Boeing-737 engine fire in Manchester airport. The catastrophe resulted in 55 deaths. Investigators were puzzled with the death toll since the fire happened when the plane was still on the runway and had not yet taken off. Some passengers were even discovered still strapped in their seats.

    Deep Shock is the main culprit of people’s inability to act or respond in the face of danger. When people are put into an unfamiliar and dangerous situation, the initial reaction is that of a deep shock. Now, those who are mentally prepared can quickly get over the shock and act accordingly, but those who aren’t would just freeze up and wait for someone to save them or quite literally just die.

    Cognitive paralysis also shows itself in the form of people just carrying on as normal, even after a disaster or lack the initiative to survive.  A study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology stated that during the 9/11 attacks, some people in the twin towers who initially survived the impact of the planes hitting the World Trade Centers didn’t immediately rush for the exit. People waited six minutes, on average, before heading for the exit. The study also mentioned that some people even made phone calls, turned off their computers, or cleaned their area before evacuating. Though some of those who were passive actually survived, the lack of urgency in an emergency situation is alarming since every second count in these types of situations.

    The Importance of A Survival Mindset

    As I stated earlier, having a survival mindset is probably the most important tool you will need as a prepper. And if you look at our earlier discussion, you can see that the main difference between people who survive during an emergency and those who don’t is their mental state. Simply put, people who have a survival mindset have a higher chance of surviving a disaster or emergency situation than those who don’t.

    Even if you are trained and prepared, having the proper tools, equipment, knowledge, and skill set needed to survive, it will all be useless if your mind and body fail to act on all of these skills and knowledge during a catastrophe. Take for example the case of this 24-year-old diver who drowned in 2015 due to an accident that shouldn’t have resulted in her death.

    The female diver was a   trained diver, already having 1   5 dives under her belt, including the four dives that she did for her certification. She drowned when her dive buddy, who was having trouble with his weight belt, accidentally knocked off the scuba regulator from her mouth, as he was fixing his problem. After realizing what happened, he immediately tried to help her recover the regulator but his weight belt came loose and he had a hard time descending. When he signaled for help on the surface, they found the female diver after 15 minutes, unconscious and her regulator still out of her mouth.

    Resuscitation efforts didn’t save the female diver and her autopsy revealed she drowned. Though it is a tragic accident, it would have been avoidable if panic didn’t overcome both divers and they remembered what they needed to do in those kinds of situations. Recovering a lost regulator or adjusting / removing weight belts are part of the basic training that each diver has to go through to get their certification. Had they had controlled their mental state when the accident happened, they would have likely remembered their training and acted accordingly.

    This is why no amount of preparation, training or survival tools can help you if you are not mentally prepared for the disaster or emergency situation. 

    How To Develop A Survival Mindset

    We’ve already discussed the importance of having a survival mindset and how the lack of it contributes to a lot of unnecessary deaths during an emergency situation. To help you develop that survival mindset, here are some tips.

    1. Learn How to Control Your Mind – Our mind processes numerous thoughts on a consistent basis and learning how to control and manage them will be beneficial, especially during stressful or emergency situations. When we are put into a stressful situation, our mind processes thoughts at a rapid pace and it is dominated by fear, hopelessness, self-doubt, and anxiety. These things are not helpful during an emergency since it won’t help us think clearly or remember important information.
      1. One of the first things you need to do is to become aware of your thoughts. Since our mind processes thousands of thoughts on a daily basis, we often don’t pay close attention to them. This is why it is easy for our thoughts to control us instead of us controlling them. But once we become aware of them, we can start to take control of our thoughts. Practice stopping in the middle of your thoughts, regardless if it is a good thought, a bad thought, or a neutral one. Doing this will help you become aware of your thoughts, thus allowing you to control them.
      2. Learn controlled breathing since it is the best way to calm and stabilize the mind. When you’re starting to feel anxious or panic is setting in during a disaster, take a deep breath through your nose then exhale through your mouth. Do this until you feel your nerves starting to calm down and your beginning to think clearly again. I usually close my eyes and count whenever I’m doing controlled breathing to calm my nerves.  You ca n try it out yourself and see if it will help you.
      3. You can also practice having a mantra. The Navy encourages their recruits to have a personal mantra that they can chant under their breath when they are put into stressful situations. These mantras would serve as a positive reinforcement to keep recruits from thinking negative thoughts. Your mantra doesn’t need to be lengthy, it can be as simple as one word that will allow you to remove negative thoughts from your mind. You can choose the word “Survive” or “Live” as your mantra. 
      4. If you have a family, especially kids, thinking of them can actually help you calm down. If they see you starting to panic, that emotion will transfer to them and they too will start panicking. But if they see that you are calm and collected, especially when you are giving them instructions or directions, their fears and anxiety will start to lessen as well. 
      5. Though every second count during a disaster, it’s important that you calm yourself first and remove any fears, anxiety, or negative thoughts that are flooding your mind. Doing this will help you think clearly and perform the right actions. Remember, if you are prepared when a disaster strikes, your chances of survival already increases and there’s really no reason for you to feel anxious or panic.
    2. Learn How to Set Goals – Setting goals is important in helping us achieve an outcome that we desire. This exercise is also invaluable in developing a survival mindset during emergency situations. When we are put in a stressful situation, everything can become overwhelming. It will be hard to keep track of all the things that we need to do to ensure our survival when disaster struck. But breaking down the process into simple goals can do wonders and help you process things easier. In setting emergency goals, remember to set short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals.
      1. Short-term goals can be as simple as surviving in the next 5 to 10 minutes. This could be as simple as taking cover under a sturdy table during an earthquake or evacuating the building after the initial shaking. You can also include checking yourself and your family members after an initial disaster to make sure everyone is alright.
      2. Mid-term goals are the ones you set after surviving the initial disaster. This could include finding food, water, and shelter or a safe place that you can stay for a bit while planning the next move. You can also add applying first aid to you or to a member who is injured and finding a mode of transportation that you can use to get out.
      3. Long-term goals here doesn’t mean what your plan will be 1 year down or even 1 month down the line. In a disaster situation, a long-term goal can mean what your actions will be in the next 2 to 3 days. An example of a long-term goal is going to the evacuation center or to your bug out place. Another example would be finding medical help, especially if one of your family members need it. Meeting up with your family is another example of a long-term goal, especially if you’re all separated when the disaster took place.
      4. Setting goals can help straighten your mind to focus on one thing at a time instead of being scattered trying to think of every action that you need to take. Doing this will allow you to remember properly the actions that you will need to do in a particular situation.
      5. Constantly check the goals that you set and revise them if needed.
    3. Learn How to Visualize – Rehearsing in your mind the steps and actions that you would take in an emergency situation is a great way to prepare yourself mentally. Visualizing trains our mind how to react to certain to stressful situation since we’ve already seen it happen in our thoughts. This is a practice that professional athletes and special forces units like the Navy SEALS incorporate in their training.
      1. Imagine what you will do when an earthquake strikes in your area. Visualize yourself dropping and seeking cover during the shake then grabbing your supply bag and evacuating the building or house afterward. Picture the routes that you will be taking on your way to your bug out place and seeing what possible dangers that you might encounter and taking the necessary actions in that situation.
      2. Don’t hesitate to actually do all of the things that you are visualizing as part of your practice.
      3. Doing this will train your mind on the actions and steps that you will do during and after an emergency. It can also help you remember quickly certain things like where you placed your supply kit or what path you will need to take to go to your bug out place.
      4. Visualizing will also give you a mental picture of the sequence of events that can unfold during and after a disaster and how you should respond to them. In this way, your mind won’t be in shock during an actual disaster and can respond immediately.
    4. Keep on Practicing and Training – The last thing you need to do to help you develop a survival mindset is to keep on training and practicing what you’ve trained for. Constant repetitions will help your body and mind remember what it needs to do in certain situations. It prepares you both mentally and physically for the task ahead. 
      1. Constantly practice the breathing techniques that you learned to help you calm down. There are always situations in our daily lives where we are required to take a step back and calm down before taking action or saying something. Use the breathing technique in this situation to help you practice and perfect it. 
      2. Physically do the things that you are visualizing in your head. Do the actual duck and cover routine or walk the trails and routes that you will take to get to your bug out place. Not only will this help you improve your mental imaging, but it is actually preparing your mind and body to properly respond during an emergency situation.
      3. Professionals like firefighters usually train, practice and review what they need to do daily to keep them focused, and always ready should an emergency situation arises. You do n’t need to train as often or as regularly as them. But setting aside a few hours a week just to train and review the things you will do during an emergency will help you in developing that survival mindset.

    Conclusion

    No one really knows when a disaster or catastrophe will strike, which is why I always encourage everyone to prepare. But preparation should not just stop with getting the supplies needed, having the necessary tools, and learning important skills. Your preparation should also include having a survival mindset since this aspect can actually determine whether you will survive during a disaster or not.

    If you have additional tips or suggestions, please put them in the comments section below. I always like learning from the community. If you enjoyed this article, please click the like button and share it on social media.

    As always, stay safe out there.

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