Mina

Yes. Its painful to look at, but if we examine things closely, well see that there are lessons to be gleaned from trials and tribulations of such magnitude. For example, by reading news articles, you can gather ideas of things people didnt stock up on and are desperately searching for after an event. And theres other factors to consider as well. Heres what I found by just reading 3 on-line articles:

"I dont have any lights and need this gasoline for my generator."

"Rivaling the demand for gas was the scarcity of D batteries, the kind most flashlights use."

"Sarah has been without electricity, running water, heat, or much in the way of communication..."

"Its smelly, dirty, dull and dangerous, and the novelty of camping by candlelight in ones own apartment has long since worn off..."

"Isolated, eerie, and discombobulated silence..."

"... in the house under the curfew since Monday, and that nerves were raw." 

"... the floodwaters are a brew of rain and river water mixed with sewage..."

"I dont feel safe in my house and I dont know what to do... "

"... for those of us with comfort and resources at home, its proving difficult to share..."

• Preparation does make a difference. I dont mean to make light of these experiences, but rather to analyze them historically. In doing so, its amazing that a massive disaster can rip through a neighborhood and somehow leave a few houses untouched. And even if it does wipe out entire rows of houses, down the road some still stand. While some will lose everything, by far the majority will only be inconvenienced or suffer from a lack of preparation. If everyone prepped, the houses that DO remain would have supplies.

• Stock plenty of basics. Think light, heat, food, water, sanitation. Calculate what you need and double it. And thats just for your OWN family! Please dont do just the minimum, although that is good. By their very nature, most disasters are unpredictable. This is where those Hollywood scenarios can come in handy... they always make things out to be a "worst case scenario". If we all prepared that way, it might go better for us in such an event!  

• Prepare to share. Not everyone is wise. Thats a fact. When a crisis occurs, if youve only saved enough for your immediate family, sharing will not come willingly. And maybe not at all. Think beyond your own and stash a few things for the neighbors. Yes, someone might take advantage of your goodness, and yes, it can make us angry that they arent being prudent and you have to do it for them. But we never know how God will chose to use these acts of kindness to those made in His image. It may soften their heart and open the door for the gospel message, especially in a time of devastation, when people are searching for answers. Preparing to share can have eternal ramifications for others.

• Build Community. Im not going to address this in detail here (because I plan to discuss it in full at a later date), but at least consider this for now... neighbors can be your worst nightmare or your greatest asset. But the later wont happen if you dont do some work ahead of time. Youll need each other if things really do get bad.

• Take safety precautions. Many will feel safest with appropriate weapons, but I certainly understand those who dont. Unless youre trained and proficient with a gun, your own weapon could be used against you! And lets talk reality... for the believer, it is very difficult to take another life, even when trying to protect your own family. Building community and making your home less of a target will go a long way toward avoiding trouble, although it wont guarantee your familys safety. Either way, you need to think about this and make a choice you can live with so that when the time comes youre not making this decision under the pressure of the moment. 

Being safe also means not taking ridiculous risks, such as traveling by car when flooding is going on or going through a building to find supplies when its clear the structure has been compromised. And what about staying put when you really should evacuate? Its all just stuff... leave it behind and go! Most loss of life occurs because people take risks that arent truly necessary. Makes me wonder if theyre in shock over the event, partly because of the devastation, but partly because they realize theyre unprepared and they cant handle it emotionally... theyre not thinking like they normally would. Being prepared will to a long way to help you remain mentally sound and physically safe.

• Consider what youll do while you wait. Granted, food preparation and sanitation will take more of your time if the grid is down, but youll still have plenty of hours of silence, especially if you cant get outside. And with children and teens who have been raised in a technological world, nerves do get raw. This is where well see the repercussions of our lifestyle... I dare say, character qualities such as patience and contentment will be lacking! Be sure you have plenty of options for entertainment and other activities for the family that dont require electricity: Books, coloring or drawing supplies, toys, games, and even chores! Yes, this is an opportunity for little ones to feel important and that they can make a difference. Plus, it helps ones mental state to be productive and takes their mind off the devastation (in a small way). 

• Know your areas weaknesses. If you live in a flood zone (easy to determine), then you need to have a reasonable plan to elevate items and get to higher ground. Earthquake country? Where should you store supplies in the event that the house is destroyed or unsafe to enter. Youll need a tent, too... think of all the people around the world that dont want to go back in their home due to aftershocks. Hurricanes, tornados, forest fires, tsunamis, even volcanoes (think Pacific Northwest)... every place on earth has a potential disaster in the horizon. Prepare accordingly. 

Historically, a huge part of homesteading has been preparing... for winter months, for lean times, for various trials. Has prepping become a part of your regular homesteading efforts? Dont let the lessons of Sandy and other disasters fade too quickly from your mind!