Obviously, a disaster is something that you hope will never happen to you, or in your area. This is natural and logical, however it doesn’t mean that nothing ever will happen. While the chances may be low, they’re never zero, and this is why it’s always a good idea to be prepared for whatever life may throw at you.

Disaster prep sounds a little scary, but really it’s nothing more than the practice of making sure you’ll know what to do to stay safe if an undesirable situation does occur. This could be a power outage, some sort of attack, or a severe weather event.

So, what are the skills you need to know for emergency preparedness? This guide will tell you everything you need to know. Read on to find out now.

Access to Food and Nourishment

The two most important things a human needs to survive are food and water. Without food, a person can last between 8 and 21 days. Without any water, it can be a matter of 3 days or less.

So clearly it’s a good idea to know how you’ll feed yourself when a disaster occurs. For water, the CDC recommends you should store at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days for drinking and sanitation. Try to store a 2-week supply if possible.

When it comes to food, keeping canned and dried food to hand is a good idea. This is considered the best food for disaster prep.

It can also be good to learn the basics of skills such as hunting or foraging. This Barebones guide is a great resource.

Have an Emergency Plan in Place

You should have an emergency plan in place for if a disaster does strike unexpectedly. Everyone in your household should be aware of this plan, and you should practice it at least once so that everyone knows what they need to do.

Having a “survival kit” ready is also a good idea. This would include things such as navigation tools, sun protection, lights, and of course first aid supplies.

Speaking first aid, it’s a good idea to learn some skills in this area, in case anyone you’re with becomes injured. You can enroll in a basic first aid course to learn the basics. If you’re unable, it’s worth looking up things such as the proper method for CPR or bandaging a wound online.

Keeping Calm and Cool

One of the most underrated yet important skills to have in an emergency is the ability to keep calm and collected. Things tend to go wrong and people tend to get injured when they panic. If you’re able to keep calm and keep everyone else calm, you’ll fare much better.

This can be a tough skill to master, but it takes a little effort. Knowing you’re prepared in other ways is a big help. You can also practice mindfulness and meditation to help keep you calm.

Disaster Prep 101

Disaster prep isn’t difficult to do, and it can end up really helping if something ever does happen. Follow the above tips and you’ll have more peace of mind about the well-being of you and your family. If you’re looking for more practical life tips, check out the rest of our content now.