Tag: disaster planning

Financial Preparedness: The Most Ignored Part of Emergency Survival

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Financial Preparedness, Survival FinanceLeave a comment

You can stockpile all the canned beans, water filters, and fancy tactical gear you want—but if your financial world collapses the moment the grid flickers, you’re not prepared. People love to talk about fire starters and bug-out bags, but bring up financial preparedness and suddenly everyone thinks it’s too boring or too complicated. They shrug, wave their hands, and say, “I’ll deal with that when things get bad.”

Newsflash: if you start preparing when things are already bad, you’re preparing too late.

The world is unstable—economically, socially, politically. Everything is overpriced, under-maintained, and one bad week away from chaos. Meanwhile, people keep living paycheck to paycheck, pretending everything is fine. They think the systems around them will just magically keep functioning because they always have, as if history isn’t a giant catalog of societies that collapsed under their own weight.

And when those systems finally buckle?
Your credit score won’t save you.
Your job won’t save you.
Your taxes won’t save you.

Only your preparedness—especially your financial preparedness—will matter.

Why Financial Preparedness Is the Most Neglected Part of Survival Planning

The reason people avoid financial preparedness is simple: it forces them to face the truth. It’s easier to buy a new survival gadget than it is to admit your savings account is hanging on by a thread. It’s easier to watch prepping videos than to sit down and calculate how long you could actually last without income, power, or access to the banking system.

But a crisis doesn’t care about your feelings, your denial, or your excuses.

A crisis strips everything down to the brutally practical.
Food. Water. Security. Shelter. Resources.

And resources—whether you like it or not—usually involve money or something that acts like money.

Financial preparedness isn’t about being wealthy. In fact, most wealthy people are absurdly fragile because their entire lives depend on digital numbers not disappearing. It’s about being strategic, resilient, and realistic about what your financial world will look like when the entire system is under stress.

Short-Term Emergency Preparedness: Cash Still Matters When the Lights Go Out

Let’s start with short-term emergencies—the kind most people actually experience:

  • Sudden job loss
  • Power outages
  • ATMs going down
  • Bank “maintenance” that disables account access
  • Natural disasters that shut down entire regions

In these situations, cash becomes king again. Digital money is useless when the network is offline. We’ve already seen small examples of this any time a storm knocks out power. Stores suddenly become “cash only.” People panic because they don’t have any. They act shocked, as if they’ve never considered that electronic banking requires electricity.

A short-term emergency fund—real cash, not imaginary numbers—is the bare minimum for survival. Not for comfort. For survival.

I’m not talking about hundreds of dollars tucked away like “fun money.” I mean enough actual cash to cover:

  • Fuel
  • Food
  • Water
  • Medicine
  • Transportation
  • Temporary lodging

Because when everyone else is standing in line at a dead ATM machine, you’ll be moving, acting, surviving.

But people skip this step. They say, “I don’t want that much cash sitting around.” Great. Yes. Much better to have zero cash when the grid goes down. Brilliant.

Long-Term Disaster Preparedness: When the System Fails, Only Prepared People Thrive

In a long-term disaster—economic collapse, prolonged shortages, cyberattacks on infrastructure, civil disruption—you can kiss the idea of “normal financial life” goodbye. The longer the crisis, the harder the currency shocks hit.

People think “that could never happen here.”
People in every fallen society said the exact same thing.

If the supply chain fails long enough, money changes value—sometimes it loses value altogether. Banks freeze withdrawals. Governments put limits on cash. Digital platforms go down. Inflation spikes. And suddenly the comfortable modern citizen becomes a hostage to the system they trusted.

That’s why financial preparedness isn’t just about savings—it’s about diversification of resources.

1. Physical assets

Not the cute kind that financial advisors love to talk about. I mean things that hold value because they are useful or scarce:

  • Tools
  • Durable goods
  • Seeds
  • Food stores
  • Fuel
  • Medical supplies

These items are currency in a long-term crisis.

2. Precious metals (Yes, the classics)

People scoff at gold and silver until they realize every form of paper money in history has eventually failed. Metals are not magical; they’re simply a hedge against stupidity—specifically the stupidity of governments printing money like it grows on trees.

3. Skills that generate value

Skills become currency when systems fail. The person who can repair things, grow food, purify water, treat wounds, or defend property becomes incredibly valuable. Your job title means nothing when society cracks. Your skills become your real income.

4. Reducing dependency

The less debt you have, the fewer monthly expenses you have, and the more self-sufficient your household is, the harder you are to control or destabilize. Independence isn’t about ego—it’s about survival.

People who depend on fragile systems collapse first.

The Harsh Reality: You Can’t Prep Without a Financial Plan

This is the part nobody wants to hear:
Prepping requires money.

Sure, you can start small and be creative—but the notion that you can fully prepare without any financial foundation is a dangerous fantasy.

Stockpiling food? Costs money.
Building reserves? Money.
Home repairs? Money.
Emergency gear? Money.
Fuel storage? Money.
Training and skills? Money.
Relocation plans? Definitely money.

The world says, “Don’t save, just spend.”
The system says, “Don’t prepare, just trust us.”
Society says, “Nothing bad will happen.”

Meanwhile, everything around us is held together with duct tape and false confidence.

Financial preparedness is not optional. It is not extra. It is not “for later.”

It is survival.

If You’re Waiting for Permission to Prepare, You’re Already Behind

Most people are reactive. They wait for disaster to hit before they even think about preparing—if they can still afford to. They wait because they don’t want to seem paranoid, or because planning feels overwhelming, or because they keep telling themselves they’ll start “next month.”

Well, next month won’t matter when the economy snaps like a dry branch or the supply chain shudders to a halt.

Preparedness only works before disaster.

No one is coming to save you.
No one is going to hand you the money you didn’t save.
No one will give you the resources you didn’t secure.

And no matter how angry you get at the world, the world won’t change for you.
You have to change for it.

Conclusion: Financial Preparedness Is Survival Preparedness

If you’re a prepper—or even if you aren’t—financial preparedness isn’t optional. It is the backbone of every other form of planning. Without it, your entire “survival strategy” collapses the minute the world stops cooperating.

And let’s be honest: the world isn’t exactly reliable these days.

Prepare now, while you still can.
The system won’t warn you before it fails.
It never does.

Best Food Storage: Canned or Freeze Dried? The Harsh Truth You Don’t Want to Hear

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn emergency food storageLeave a comment

If you’re still sitting around scratching your head about whether canned food or freeze-dried food is the better option for survival storage, then you’re already behind. Way behind. In a collapsing world full of soft minds, false comforts, and people who think “preparedness” means having extra granola bars in the glove compartment, you’d better start thinking harder and stocking smarter. Because when the lights go out and the shelves go empty, you won’t have time to debate the finer points of canned chili versus freeze-dried stroganoff—you’ll be too busy wishing you had listened to someone who wasn’t afraid to tell you the truth unfiltered.

So buckle up. I’m not here to coddle you. I’m here to explain what actually keeps you alive when the world stops playing nice.

The Cold Reality of Canned Food

Canned food is the old reliable workhorse of survival storage. It’s been around forever, and it’s not going anywhere. And there’s a reason for that—it works.

Pros of Canned Food

1. Ready to Eat
When you’re cold, tired, and fed up with your surroundings—and trust me, you will be—there’s nothing better than cracking open a can of something edible and shoveling it down without needing water, fuel, or time.

2. Cheap and Available
You don’t need to sell your soul or your kidney to build a decent canned food stash. Hit sales, buy in bulk, toss the cans on a shelf, and you’re in business.

3. Naturally Calorie-Dense
Let’s be real: calories matter more than flavor when survival is on the line. Canned meats, soups, beans—they’re heavy, but they pack real nutrition, not lightweight fluff.

Cons of Canned Food

1. Heavy as Sin
If you think you’re bugging out with 100 pounds of canned stew strapped to your back, good luck. Make sure you leave a map so the rest of us can find your body later.

2. Shorter Shelf Life Than You Think
Yes, canned food lasts a while—years, even. But not decades. The clock is ticking, and eventually those cans will rust, swell, or turn into biological experiments you don’t want to open.

3. Bulky Storage
Canned food eats shelf space like a starving wolf. Living in an apartment? Good luck stacking 300 cans without your place looking like a doomsday bunker crossed with a metal scrapyard.

Freeze-Dried Food: Lightweight Hope or Overpriced Hype?

Freeze-dried food is the glamorous newcomer in the preparedness world. Shiny bags, fancy marketing, and pictures of smiling backpackers pretending their rehydrated lasagna is gourmet cuisine.

But don’t be fooled by the packaging. There’s real power here—if you know what you’re doing.

Pros of Freeze-Dried Food

1. Shelf Life That Laughs at Time
Twenty-five years. Sometimes more. If that doesn’t make your inner survivalist grin like a maniac, nothing will.

2. Zero Weight, High Convenience
If you need to move—fast—you’re not taking canned goods. Freeze-dried wins every mobile scenario. You can pack a week’s worth of meals and barely feel the weight.

3. Nutrient Retention
Compared to canned food, freeze-dried meals preserve vitamins, texture, color, and flavor. Not that you’ll care when you’re starving, but hey—it’s a nice bonus.

Cons of Freeze-Dried Food

1. Water Required
And I don’t mean a few drops. Some meals need two cups or more. If you don’t have water or the ability to boil it, good luck chewing on powder like a desperate ferret.

2. Cost
Freeze-dried food can burn through your wallet faster than the world falls apart. One #10 can might cost what you would normally spend on a week’s worth of regular groceries.

3. Meal Fatigue Is Real
After your tenth freeze-dried “breakfast skillet,” your soul might start leaving your body.

So Which One Actually Wins?

Here’s the part where you expect me to pick a winner. But survival isn’t a game show. There’s no trophy ceremony, no confetti raining down, no cheering crowd. The only prize is staying alive, and the only way to do that is through redundancy and diversity.

Anyone telling you to pick only canned or only freeze-dried foods has clearly never lived through anything harder than a short power outage. The world is unpredictable, unstable, and unforgiving. Your food storage should be the same—rugged, layered, and ready for anything.

The Brutal, Honest Recommendation

1. Stock Canned Food for Short to Mid-Term Survival

This is what you eat first during a disaster. Heavy? Yes. But it requires no extra resources, no preparation, no hope—just a can opener and a bad attitude.

2. Build Freeze-Dried Food for Long-Term Security

When the dust settles and your canned stash starts to run low, freeze-dried is your lifeline. Lightweight, space-efficient, and designed to outlive your optimism.

3. Mix, Match, and Layer

A serious survival pantry includes:

  • Canned meats
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned soups and stews
  • Freeze-dried meals
  • Freeze-dried ingredients
  • Bulk staples (rice, beans, oats)
  • Water storage and filtration

If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. Survival isn’t convenient. It’s not cute. It’s not trendy. It’s messy, heavy, expensive, and absolutely worth every ounce of effort.

Final Thoughts (If You Can Handle Them)

Canned food keeps you alive today. Freeze-dried food keeps you alive years from today. Anyone who thinks the choice is “either/or” is already halfway to being a liability when things go bad.

Do yourself—and everyone stuck with you—a favor: stop hesitating, stop overthinking, and start building a food storage plan that actually stands a chance when the world stops pretending everything is fine.

Because it won’t be fine. And when that day comes, the only thing worse than being unprepared…
is realizing you had every chance to prepare and chose not to.

Alabama’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Alabama, Alabama's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Alabama’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life

Let me tell you something I’ve learned the hard way: roads can either save your life or seal your fate. I’ve driven through war zones, flood plains, and wildfire hellscapes—from the Andes to Appalachia—and one thing stays true no matter where you are: when the world turns upside down, your vehicle becomes your lifeline.

Now, I’ve got a deep respect for Alabama. The people are tough, the land is rich, but the roads? Well, in a disaster, they can become death traps. You’ve got narrow highways hugging cliffs, crumbling backroads, and choke points through every major city. When a hurricane, tornado, or grid-down crisis hits, you better know where to avoid—and how to drive like your life depends on it.

Because it just might.

The Deadliest Roads in Alabama When SHTF

Let’s get the lay of the land first. These roads are notorious for bottlenecks, poor maintenance, flood risks, or all three. Avoid them if possible in a disaster—unless you’ve got no choice, in which case you’d better be armed with skill and grit.

  1. I-65 in Birmingham – A concrete artery clogged with wreckage even on a good day. In a disaster, this becomes a parking lot surrounded by desperation.
  2. US 431 (The Highway to Hell) – Ranked one of America’s most dangerous highways. Rural, poorly lit, and winding. When panic hits, this road becomes lethal.
  3. I-20/I-59 through Tuscaloosa – Twisting interstates with heavy truck traffic and notorious pile-ups. One wrong move and you’re caught in a metal maze.
  4. AL-69 through Cullman County – Narrow, flood-prone, and lined with trees that come down like matchsticks in a storm.
  5. County Road 137 (near Florala) – Bad pavement, blind turns, and limited cell service. Isolation here can turn deadly fast.
  6. US 231 near Montgomery – High speeds, low visibility in fog or smoke, and not enough shoulders for emergency stops.
  7. I-10 through Mobile – Prone to hurricane surge, flooding, and gridlock. You do not want to be stuck here as a storm rolls in.
  8. AL-21 through Talladega National Forest – Remote, winding, and vulnerable to rockslides and fallen trees.
  9. US 72 near Huntsville – Urban sprawl, high traffic, and flash flood danger make this road risky under pressure.
  10. County Route 89 (Lookout Mountain Parkway) – Stunning views, but steep drops, tight curves, and zero forgiveness in icy or wet conditions.

15 Survival Driving Skills for When It All Goes Sideways

If you’re stuck driving during a disaster—fleeing a fire, outrunning a flood, or navigating the aftermath of civil unrest—you need more than a license. You need survival instincts behind the wheel. Here’s what I’ve learned over thousands of miles on the edge:

  1. Off-Road Readiness
    Learn how to take your vehicle off the asphalt. Practice driving through mud, sand, and shallow creeks. Most disasters force you off the paved path.
  2. Reading Terrain Fast
    Scan ahead for soft shoulders, unstable ground, or collapsed asphalt. Your eyes should be 5–10 seconds down the road at all times.
  3. Momentum Conservation
    In soft ground, momentum is life. Slow, steady acceleration prevents getting bogged down. Never stop moving unless absolutely necessary.
  4. Threshold Braking
    Learn to brake just before your tires lock up. This is key on slippery or flooded roads where ABS might fail or be overwhelmed.
  5. J-Turns and Reverse Evasion
    A J-turn isn’t just for Hollywood. Practice reversing at speed and turning 180° to escape roadblocks or ambushes.
  6. Driving Without Power Steering or Brakes
    Ever lost power mid-drive? Most people freeze. Practice manual steering and pumping brakes in a dead engine scenario.
  7. Situational Awareness
    Know your 360°. Keep track of what’s behind, beside, and ahead of you—especially in urban chaos where threats come from all angles.
  8. Fuel Scavenging Knowledge
    Learn which vehicles use compatible fuel types. Modern gas has ethanol, but old-school mechanics can tell you how to mix and match in a pinch.
  9. Navigating Without GPS
    GPS fails. Learn to read a paper map, recognize north without a compass, and memorize cardinal directions.
  10. Driving in Total Darkness
    Use your high beams judiciously. Drive with no lights if necessary, using moonlight and memory. Eyes take 15–30 minutes to adjust.
  11. Crossing Flooded Roads
    Never cross water unless you know it’s less than a foot deep. Walk it first. Watch for current and washout holes.
  12. Improvised Traction Techniques
    Use floor mats, branches, or sandbags to get unstuck from mud or snow.
  13. Silent Driving Techniques
    Sometimes stealth beats speed. Coast downhill in neutral, drive without headlights, and avoid honking unless it’s life or death.
  14. Avoiding Choke Points
    Plan routes with at least three exit paths. Avoid bridges, tunnels, and underpasses unless absolutely necessary.
  15. Vehicle Self-Recovery
    Learn to use a come-along winch, jack, or tow strap solo. Don’t rely on help. Assume you are the help.

3 DIY Fuel Hacks When You Run Dry

No gas? No problem—if you’ve got the know-how and a little bushcraft grit.

  1. Siphoning From Abandoned Vehicles
    Keep a hand-pump siphon hose in your vehicle. Look for cars in shade (less evaporation) and check tanks by knocking near the rear wheel well. Be respectful—only siphon from truly abandoned vehicles.
  2. Alcohol Fuel Substitution
    In an emergency, high-proof alcohol (like moonshine or ethanol) can run in older carbureted engines or converted flex-fuel vehicles. It burns hotter and faster, so use sparingly and only if you understand your engine.
  3. Fuel Bladder Storage
    Don’t rely on the tank alone. Keep a collapsible fuel bladder hidden in your trunk or strapped under the chassis. Rotate stored fuel every few months to avoid phase separation or water contamination.

Final Word from the Driver’s Seat

Disasters strip away the luxury of inexperience. When you’re racing down US 431 as a wildfire chews up the woods behind you, or crawling through waterlogged I-10 with your kids in the backseat, what you do behind the wheel matters. Not just for you—but for everyone you’re trying to protect.

You don’t need a military-grade vehicle or a doomsday bunker on wheels. What you need is skill, mindset, and mobility. You need to look at your vehicle not as a machine—but as your escape route, your shelter, and sometimes, your weapon.

Know your terrain. Respect your machine. Never panic.
Drive smart. Drive hard. Survive.

Best Kentucky Prepper’s Handbook: Mastering Natural Disaster Preparedness

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Kentucky, Kentucky Survival Preppers, SHTFLeave a comment

Surviving Kentucky: A Prepper’s Guide to Natural Disaster Readiness

Living in Kentucky means embracing the land’s beauty and unpredictability. As a prepper in the Bluegrass State, I’ve learned that readiness isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity. From the rolling hills to the winding rivers, Kentucky offers both serenity and peril. Understanding the natural disasters that frequent our state and preparing accordingly can make the difference between life and death.

Understanding Kentucky’s Natural Disasters

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE

Kentucky’s diverse geography subjects it to various natural disasters:

  • Tornadoes: The state ranks among the top in the nation for tornado occurrences. The western region, including areas like Mayfield, has been particularly hard-hit. AP News
  • Flooding: Heavy rains can lead to flash floods, especially in eastern Kentucky’s mountainous terrain.
  • Winter Storms: The state’s unpredictable winters bring ice storms and heavy snowfalls, disrupting power and transportation.
  • Earthquakes: The New Madrid Fault Line runs through western Kentucky, posing a significant seismic risk. Kentucky and Beyond
  • Severe Thunderstorms: These can spawn tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, affecting the entire state.

10 Survival Prepper Tips for Kentucky Residents

  1. Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit: Include at least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and necessary medications. SELF+3GQ+3Kenton Hardin Health Department+3
  2. Create a Family Emergency Plan: Establish meeting points, communication methods, and evacuation routes. Practice this plan regularly with all family members.
  3. Stay Informed with NOAA Weather Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio can provide real-time alerts for severe weather events. Kenton Hardin Health Department+1GQ+1
  4. Secure Your Home Against Tornadoes: Identify a safe room or basement. If in a mobile home, evacuate immediately during a tornado warning. kyem.ky.gov+1Western Kentucky University+1
  5. Prepare for Flooding: Keep important documents in waterproof containers. Elevate electrical appliances above potential flood levels.
  6. Winterize Your Home: Insulate pipes, stock up on salt for de-icing, and have extra blankets and warm clothing on hand during winter months.
  7. Earthquake Preparedness: Secure heavy furniture to walls, practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills, and have an emergency kit readily accessible. Kenton Hardin Health Department+4police.uky.edu+4Western Kentucky University+4
  8. Maintain a Go-Bag: Pack essentials like water, food, clothing, and important documents in a bag that can be grabbed quickly in case of evacuation.
  9. Develop a Pet Emergency Plan: Ensure pets have identification, a supply of food and water, and a plan for shelter during disasters. Kenton Hardin Health Department
  10. Engage with Local Emergency Services: Join programs like Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to stay informed and assist during emergencies. LINK nky

Conclusion

Being a prepper in Kentucky isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, we can safeguard ourselves, our families, and our communities. Remember, preparedness isn’t just a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment to resilience.

How Hawaii Residents Prepare for the State’s Worst Natural Disasters

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Hawaii Survival Preppers, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Living in Hawaii is paradise, but it’s also a place where nature can turn unpredictable in the blink of an eye. As beautiful as the islands are, the state’s unique geography and weather patterns make it prone to several types of natural disasters. From hurricanes and earthquakes to tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, Hawaii’s residents have learned the hard way how to be ready for the worst. If you’re living in Hawaii—or planning to move there—you need to know how to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for the unpredictable nature of island living. Here’s how survival preppers in Hawaii gear up for the island’s worst disasters and some tips that might just save your life.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE

1. Hurricane Season: It’s a Reality

The first and most obvious threat that Hawaii faces every year is hurricane season. From June to November, the islands are vulnerable to tropical storms that can quickly escalate into full-blown hurricanes. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki showed just how devastating a hurricane can be to the islands. The storm destroyed homes, downed power lines, and left thousands without electricity for weeks. Many residents still remember how critical preparation was during that storm.

Being ready for hurricanes is about more than just having an emergency kit. It involves knowing evacuation routes, securing your home, and having a family communication plan in place.

Tip 1: Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential supplies like food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and essential medications. Keep these supplies in waterproof containers, as flooding is a common consequence of storms.

Tip 2: Know Your Evacuation Routes: Make sure you know the evacuation routes and have a plan for where to go if your area is at risk. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure this out—hurricane warnings can come with little notice.

Tip 3: Fortify Your Home: If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider installing hurricane shutters, securing outdoor furniture, and reinforcing your roof and windows. Wind damage is one of the most common forms of destruction during a hurricane.

2. Earthquakes: The Silent Threat

Hawaii is also at risk for earthquakes. The islands are situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic activity is common. In 2006, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit the Big Island, causing damage to buildings, power outages, and landslides. Earthquakes are unpredictable, but knowing how to protect yourself during a quake can make a difference.

Tip 4: Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If you feel the ground shaking, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold onto something sturdy. This simple action could save your life.

Tip 5: Secure Heavy Items: Ensure that heavy furniture, appliances, and décor are securely anchored to walls. During an earthquake, these items can become dangerous projectiles.

Tip 6: Have an Earthquake Plan: Identify safe areas in your home (under a sturdy table or against an interior wall) and make sure your family knows what to do when the shaking starts. Have a communication plan in place to reunite if you get separated.

3. Tsunamis: The Wall of Water

Hawaii is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and while the ocean is often calm and beautiful, it can also be deadly. Tsunamis are a rare but serious threat. Triggered by undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, tsunamis can bring waves up to 100 feet or more, devastating coastal areas in a matter of minutes. The 1960 Chilean earthquake generated a tsunami that hit Hawaii, killing over 60 people.

Tip 7: Know the Tsunami Warning Signs: A sudden, noticeable drop in water levels, followed by an unusual rise in water, is a classic sign that a tsunami is coming. If you notice this happening, evacuate to higher ground immediately.

Tip 8: Tsunami Evacuation Routes: Ensure that your family is aware of the nearest tsunami evacuation routes and has a plan to get there quickly. Tsunamis can hit fast, so you need to be prepared to move quickly to higher ground.

Tip 9: Tsunami Preparedness Kit: Pack a special emergency kit with essentials for a tsunami evacuation. Include sturdy shoes, extra clothing, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger, as well as important documents in a waterproof bag.

4. Volcanic Eruptions: Living Near Fire

Hawaii is home to the most active volcanoes in the world, and residents of the Big Island live with the constant threat of lava flows, ash clouds, and gas emissions. In 2018, the eruption of Kilauea caused widespread damage, with entire neighborhoods being destroyed by lava flows. While lava can be slow-moving, it is unstoppable once it begins, and the ash that erupts from volcanoes can travel hundreds of miles, disrupting air travel and causing breathing problems.

Tip 10: Know Your Lava Zone: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has a detailed map of lava zones, which helps residents know whether they are in a high-risk area. If you live near an active volcano, you should regularly monitor lava flow maps and have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate.

Tip 11: Prepare for Ash Fall: Keep an emergency kit that includes masks to protect against volcanic ash inhalation, goggles, and a shovel for clearing ash from your property. Ash can damage lungs, machines, and crops, so it’s crucial to take it seriously.

5. Flooding and Landslides: Heavy Rains Can Bring Chaos

Although Hawaii’s terrain is beautiful, it also means that when heavy rains come, the potential for landslides and flooding increases. Flash floods are especially common during the rainy season. Whether you live in a coastal area or inland, flooding can cause major damage.

Tip 12: Flood Insurance: If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider investing in flood insurance. Standard homeowners’ insurance may not cover flood damage, so it’s important to have the right protection.

Tip 13: Elevation Is Key: If possible, try to live in a home situated on higher ground. If you already live in a flood-prone area, elevate your important possessions above potential flood levels.

Tip 14: Create a Flood Plan: Know the nearest evacuation routes, and always have a plan in place for your family to follow if flooding becomes a risk.

Hawaii-Specific Prepper Tips

  • Stay Informed: Sign up for local alerts and warnings. Hawaii has systems in place to notify residents of earthquakes, tsunamis, and other threats.
  • Practice Regular Drills: In Hawaii, it’s crucial to run family drills for various types of disasters. Whether it’s a tsunami, hurricane, or volcanic eruption, knowing exactly what to do can save time—and lives.
  • Keep Emergency Cash: After a natural disaster, ATMs and banks may be down. Keep a stash of emergency cash in small denominations, as this can be critical during times when access to funds is limited.
  • Wildlife Preparedness: Hawaii is home to unique wildlife, including invasive species like rats that can damage crops. Have traps or repellents on hand to protect your food supply.
  • Consider Off-Grid Power Solutions: Power outages during hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions can last for days. Solar power systems or backup generators can provide a reliable energy source when the grid is down.