We are facing the increasingly frequent occurrence of extreme weather and public emergencies. The traditional concept of disaster preparedness has become insufficient. "Alternate Reality Disaster Preparedness" (Prep) is not a virtual game, but a systematic approach that focuses on mental and material preparations under multiple and atypical disaster scenarios. It requires us to go beyond the fixed scripts of "earthquake kits" or "three days of food storage" and make plans for various "alternative realities" that may subvert daily life.
What is the core idea of alternate reality disaster preparedness?
The key to alternative reality disaster preparedness is a change in thinking. It is not content with preparing for a single and clear disaster, such as a relatively common local earthquake. Instead, it advocates conducting deductions for a series of low-probability and high-impact chain events. For example, a heavy rainstorm may not only cause floods, but also cause regional power outages, communication interruptions, and even paralysis of the supply chain, leading to overall chaos in social order in a short period of time.
This need to prepare prompts us to identify the critical systems on which we depend—water, electricity, communications, food supplies, and medical care—and to think about how they might respond if they fail simultaneously or one after another. The purpose is not to accurately predict the future, but to strengthen the systemic resilience and rapid adaptability of individuals and families by brainstorming a variety of "bad scenarios."
How to build a household resiliency essentials list
The first step in building your list is to revisit the category called "Basic Needs." In addition to water, food and medicine, the list should also include items that support access to information, safety and security, sanitation and basic comfort. For example, there is a manually charged radio or satellite communicator that can maintain information connectivity when the cellular network loses effectiveness. Various methods of purifying water (such as filters, tablets, boiling, etc.) are more sustainable than simply storing water.
The list needs to be personalized, taking into account the special needs of family members, such as formula for infants, specific medications for chronic patients, and food for pets. At the same time, supplies need to be dispersed rather than concentrated in one place to avoid damage to a single location resulting in a total loss. Inventories and supplies need to be checked and updated regularly to ensure they are available at all times.
How to obtain critical information and communications during network outages
In that "alternative reality" where the Internet is completely disconnected, information is like a lifeline. You should know the local emergency broadcast frequency (AM/FM nature) in advance and have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio. It is necessary to know the community’s established emergency gathering points, evacuation routes, and information dissemination channels that are not digitally presented, such as community bulletin boards or patrol car broadcasts.
For communication, satellite phones or handheld GPS beacons are high-end options. A more pragmatic plan is to agree with family and neighbors on a reunion plan after losing contact, such as "gather at a certain place 24 hours after the disaster." Short-range walkie-talkies can also play an important role in coordination within the community. Remember, in the worst-case scenario, oral messages and written messages may revert to being a reliable method.
Energy and lighting solutions during long-term power outages
Energy sustainability is tested during long-term power outages. Solar charging panels, paired with large-capacity power stations, can supply power to mobile phones, radios, LED lights, and even small medical equipment. Various types of batteries and corresponding charging solutions are absolutely indispensable. In terms of safety, you must use an outdoor propane or butane stove when cooking. When using an open flame indoors, you must be extremely vigilant about carbon monoxide poisoning.
You cannot rely solely on one source of lighting. You must stock up on sufficient LED camping lights, headlamps, and traditional candles, and ensure that there are sufficient matches and lighters. Place lighting equipment in a fixed place that is easy to find in the dark, and formulate rules for family members to act in dark environments to prevent injuries or waste of energy.
How to ensure food and drinking water when urban supply chains are broken
If supermarket shelves become empty and water trucks cannot get in, self-sufficiency becomes particularly critical. In addition to shelf-stable foods such as canned and dehydrated foods, it is valuable to learn the skills of cooking with limited resources. For example, how to use legumes, grains and basic spices to create delicious meals. Microgreen growing kits like those on your balcony or windowsill can provide a precious source of fresh vitamins.
Ensuring the safety of drinking water for personnel is an extremely important top priority. In addition to storing domestic water according to the standard of 4 liters per person per day, it is also absolutely necessary to be equipped with many different types of water purification tools. You must clearly know how to obtain water from emergency water sources such as the water heater you use daily at home, toilet tanks that do not use any detergent, etc., and you must also know how to purify this water. It is necessary to clearly understand the safe water sources that may exist in the surrounding area, such as lakes in parks, and at the same time, it is necessary to accurately understand the detailed steps for purifying water after obtaining it from these places.
The importance of psychological construction and family emergency drills
The psychological impact of disasters is often underestimated. Psychological construction is carried out in advance, which includes frank discussions with family members about various possibilities. This can reduce panic and decision-making paralysis at the time of the incident, accept the existence of "uncomfortable periods", and focus on solving problems rather than complaining. This mentality is an important psychological asset.
It is extremely important to conduct regular family emergency drills. The drill content can start from a simple "power outage night" to a complex "72-hour simulation without external aid". With the help of drills, you can check whether the supplies are complete, whether the plan is feasible, and whether family responsibilities are clear. Review after the drill can expose blind spots in the plan, such as a child who may not know how to activate the water purifier, or an elderly person who cannot figure out where the emergency kit is.
The true meaning of disaster preparedness is not to live in fear of the doomsday, but to use responsible preparation to gain calmness and choice in the face of uncertainty. What do you think are the "weaknesses" in your current living environment that are most easily overlooked but may trigger a chain reaction? For example, is it an extreme reliance on a certain takeout app, or the absence of any emergency lighting at home? Welcome to share your observations in the comment area. If you find this article inspiring, please feel free to like and forward it.
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