Disaster preparation is really quite simple if we keep in mind that most disasters begin to smooth over after about three days. Therefore, preparation should include the requirements of each household member for a period of at least three days. Basic requirements of course are food and water, but the goal of preparedness is not to simply survive, but to survive comfortably.

Common disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods happen regularly around the world and having an emergency supply during any such crisis is crucial. Those who live in areas which are prone to such disaster understand the importance of being prepared.

However, with natural disasters becoming more frequent worldwide due to climate change, the chance of an emergency situation developing at any time has increased substantially for all of us and a three-day supply may not be nearly enough.

Family emergency supplies should include enough for each household member for at least three days or better yet, three months.

* First-aid-kit and prescription medications.

* Battery operated lights with an ample supply of batteries.

* Tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and knives.

* Cash

* Food which requires no refrigeration, including baby food and pet food if it applies.

* Drinking water

* Clean, dry Clothes

* Toothbrushes and toothpaste.

* Bedding such as blankets and pillows.

* Garbage bags and paper towels.

* Matches or lighters

* Mild soap (bar or liquid)

* Toilet paper

There are some who foolishly believe that money is the only emergency supply they will need in an emergency situation, but we cannot buy what isn't there. During most any disaster situation local supplies are quickly depleted, which is why it is important to have an emergency supply set aside for our family.

There is much unrest in the world today and many Christians believe we are living in the "beginning of sorrows" that Jesus talked about in Matthew 24.

"... war, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

The economy is weak and doesn't appear to be getting any better. If we are indeed experiencing the "beginning of sorrows," it's going to get worse. Not only should we get our supplies in order, we need to have a plan in place for whatever emergency that we believe could develop in our area.

In some cases such as flood or hurricane, we may have to evacuate and if it is a massive evacuation we should take emergency supplies with us. Massive evacuations mean that every person ahead of us is going to be taking up all of the available resources like lodging, gas, and food. We could find ourselves in a situation where our gas hand is near empty and every gas station is out of gas, accommodations are all taken, and store shelves are empty.

In a situation such as this our automobile is where we could end up living until the situation changes. If we have our emergency supplies we will at least have food, water, blankets and pillows.

Therefore, the best disaster preparation is to put together an ample supply for each household member and store it in a way that it can be accessed quickly if we find ourselves having to leave in a hurry. Sturdy boxes of emergency supplies can be taken quickly to our automobile containing everything our family would need.

However, protecting our lives means nothing compared to protecting our soul. No one is guaranteed another day of life. No matter how severe the emergency, Jesus Christ is the only real "safe place".

"...there shall not an hair of your head perish." (Luke 21:18)

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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