52 Weeks to Preparedness: An Introduction to Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Planning
Because preparedness is something very dear to me, I have made it a personal goal of mine to get as many people prepared as I can. The most important tool I can provide through this website is empowerment through knowledge and preparedness tips, for myself and others. Education, family-based preparedness, and survival kits may make all the difference when life presents you with a disaster. I have challenged Ready Nutrition readers to beef up their preparedness efforts in order to get ready for life’s unexpected events.
The 52 Weeks to Preparednessâ„¢* series is an extension of that challenge. This series will help each of you begin creating a preparedness foundation that you and your family can rely on when unexpected situations present themselves. On this 52 week long journey, each week we will build upon our existing preparedness items as well as focus on a different preparedness layer.
You can visit our 52 Weeks to Preparedness section to catch up on any previous weeks you may have missed. To stay up to date sign up for our Get Prepped weekly newsletter and have each week of preparedness recommendations, tips and information delivered directly to your inbox.
Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.ReadyNutrition.com/
Date: July 19th, 2011
Would like you to emphasize the importance of communications. I am a licensed ham operator and volunteer in my local community with different events as well as emergency preparedness with my local county emergency management, which is now for better or worse under the umbrella of FEMA & Homeland Security. This is just an observation from local drills. Large scale incidents will require a lot of local volunteers to make a serious impact on helping large amounts of the population. I think individuals with survival preparedness dramatically helps with the burden all the local responders will have to help restore some basic level of organization and services. Ham radio is a way to have not only communications across a broad range of radio spectrum, but digital modes like email, albeit slow email, but email none the less, wireless, with no commercial power and no internet. Many hams are familiar with many of the topics discussed here. Take care and get prepared and get involved in your local emergency management. 73′s
idiot
Why would you make a comment like this? Â We are all here to learn and to help each other—so why would do you have to be so rude?
yup … sure are …
Lol. you have to laugh at the clueless that call other idiots – Napilatono = Nappy!
You are spot on, (Sir?), I’m quite familiar w/ these exercises as my Dad, (God rest his soul, called Silent on 1-15-99, W3HVS), was part of the Treasure Coast Weather-warn as well as any number of of other org. down thru the years. He was signal corp in the 50′s, so you know where he caught the bug! My lullabies at night was his patching thru VietNam soldiers to their families, (still makes me cry!) calling roll call or “CQCQCQ, CQCQCQ” My Dad was the greatest. I used to sit and just listen, but I never got the hang of understanding thru the static!! My brother is RB Blackwell II KD4VACÂ
73′s to you and yours, thank you for thinking of us WTSHTF!
Oh and there should be a goodly number of “stepped on” cb’s out there for the taking to help too. Dad sure hated my CB but hey, whatever works in a situation like that, eh?
Good for local anyway, and stepped on, well there’s no telling. I’ve caught folks 40 miles or more away! THAT was during the day too!
You got the Dreamseeker here. Y’all take care and catch you on the flip side!
(Did I just date myself terribly? HAHAHA!!!)Â
Aloha,
I came across this and have been researching alternative ways to grow your own food and wanted to share this with your viewers and show them how realistic it can be to use this method of food for survival as well.Â
Enjoy this short presentation of a farm here in Hawaii sharing their knowledge with the world to become more secure in growing and producing your own food. Â
http://www.friendlyaquaponics.com/
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Thanks for putting in all this hard work, Tess! Preparedness is a huge, never-ending task, and it looks like you’ve broken it down into segments that are logical and achievable. Thanks!
I would like to reply to TJ’s blog on Ham Radio’s. I agree that as long as there is electricity that Ham radio’s will be indispensible. However, having said that, I question how Ham operators will provide additional help if the electrical grid goes down. If one researches the Carrington Effect at all, EMP’s are at least a serious possibility. That takes out all of the Ham radio operator’s equipment except those who specifically have protected their equipment against Electro Magnetic Pulses (EMP’s). Loss of electricity also makes the use of any traditional email, snail mail, land lines (home phones), cell phones or Ham radio useless ventures.Â
Having said that, I do agree with being as prepared as possible. That includes those ham radio operators who also have a backup power supply and sufficient fuel for them to make them able to operate. I sure hope that a lot of the licensed ham operators are as prepared as they can be. Communications is going to be vital in any serious emergency scenario.
Solar panels are what we are gonna have put plus back up genrator also..
Myself and most of my buddies have at least one and usually more radios in an old microwave or metal garbage can to protect them from emp. I also have old tube gear not hooked up sitting on the shelf which will be immune. For power we have solar, generators, and batteries enough to stay on the air for months if not years.Â
Please don’t assume that a microwave is going to shield your gear. The frequencies that EMP / Flares operate on are not sufficently shielded by a microwave.  A much better alternative is to wrap the device in plastic, insert into a mylar bag and then store in a paint can or old popcorn tin depending on size.  If you use a used paint can make sure that the lid and can mating surfaces are clean. Then store it in your paint locker in the garage and who’s going to look twice at a can with paint drips on it mixed in with all the other cans you have.  PIck up a holiday themed popcorn tin and eat the corn then put a strip of masking tape on it and write xmas lights on it and store that in the attic along with the other decorations.Â
Bruce,
You raise excellent questions and concerns  regarding the Carrington Effect and EMP’s.  Yes, there is a high probability that most (if not all) unshielded electronic equipment (to include most Ham radios) will be rendered useless.
However, a great many Hams, especially those involved in Amateur Radios in Emergency Service (ARES) are aware of this risk and have either shielded their equipment by way of “Faraday cages”, or have classic tube radios that are impervious to EMPs.
Furthermore, most of us have multiple power supplies (batteries, generators, solar chargers, etc… (also protected) for just such emergencies.
An interesting side note about emp”s I remember one of the 3 major Tv networks had a show in which a Russian scientist had defected to the USA and he demonstrated a portable EMP device with which he was capable of totally disabling a modern Chevy Corvette as well as a Cobra Helicopter with all it’s modern weapon systems. We thought the Russians were idiots because they never updated their jet fighters with semiconductor electronics, and they were still suing “old tube technology” to run their aircraft and communications, know we find out that this old “tube technology” is the only impervious technology that is unaffected by EMP “pulse wave ” based weapons. So the next nuclear war our jets will b3e down and out if not shielded from EMP’s while theirs will still be flying.
Tess This is the gratest service you can do the the average person, we will not servive without this ainteligent direction.You are truly unique ,Murray, Please don’t stop.xxx
Poeple that can prepare us are truly sent by god. Endure. Murray.
This website and your newsletters will no doubt save some lives along the way. I LOVE how much I learn!!
I never thought much about preparing for emergencies other than tornadoes. Now, I look at the big picture and realize the importance of being prepared for ANYTHING!!
Fortunately, being the founder of a paranormal investigative team, I have many pieces of equipment that most people do not.
Do you Americans know something, we Europeans don’t? Why are you gathering all this food? Do you expect a world war anytime soon? Just interested.
Hi Wouter,
The depth of a person’s emergency preparedness lies with them. If they want to prepare for more likely disasters such as storms, fires, etc., then they should gather those necessary items. There are those, however, that want a more well-rounded preparedness supply to help them with longer-term disasters, such as economic collapse (something Greece and Italy are seeing first hand), personal disasters such as loss of income or even nuclear threats (something we are seeing with the Fukiskima disaster).
Something I have found interesting, is the longer one prepares, the more they realize that they prefer to be living a more self-reliant lifestyle. That is, a lifestyle where they can depend on themselves and their abilities to care for themselves and their family independently. This is the purpose of 52-Weeks to Preparedness; to equip those with skills and supplies to survive on their own.
There are many disasters out there, some more likely, some far-fetched, but possible. I started preparing for hurricanes and tropical storms because I live in an area where that threat exists. However, I extended my preparedness supply to prepare for other disasters that may effect my life. In my personal opinion, I would prefer to be ready for as many disasters as possible. What about you?
Tess
we live in the heart of tornado alley,,so we have a year’s supply set up,and laied out map to stay off major road’s.get a good GPS,and map’s,,a compass will help a lot,,2 way radio’s,cell phone’s with a solar charger plus one for your laptop.CB in your truck/car also,will come in real handy..RAY
The ‘takers’ re-elected OBAMA…with all the voter fraud…he and Valerie Jarrett probably know exactly who voted for him and who did not! Â The USA as she has been is, pretty much, TOAST! Â
That’s what we know that you Euros don’t know!
I am so happy to find this site! Â Thank you Tess for such a well researched presentation. Â Dividing the information into 52 weeks makes it not so overwhelming to tackle.
 A note to Wouter:  In an urban society we are all used to someone else helping us out immediately without the thought of, one day, there might not be anyone to show up because of a large scale disaster.
I live in the Northeast where it is said, “Just look outside to see what the weather is doing!”, because it changes so often.  But in my 53 years I have NEVER experienced a year like last year.  We had an earthquake that actually caused some damage, severe micro bursts that were of tornado strength that caused lots of structural damage and many downed limbs, and unusual to this area – an actual tornado that was on the ground for almost 40 miles that leveled everything in it’s path causing the electricity to be out for four days, we had a sweltering hot summer, a severe hurricane and THEN at the end of October an early heavy snow fall that overnight brought down limbs, whole trees and electrical lines.  The whole Northeast was out of power for a week or more.  The temperature unseasonably dropped to freezing for a week.
 I have asthma and can not take the cold.  Hours after the electricity went off I set out for the hospital emergency room only to find no way out of town due to the rapid heavy snowfall.  The roads were not plowed, with electrical lines across them, trees sagging over the road with their limbs almost touching the ground, and the constant sound of huge limbs cracking and breaking under the weight of the snow.  It was terrifying.
Needless to say, I ended up in a town shelter for the week while neighbors stayed in their homes because they had generators. Â I had to come home to attend to a pet during the day. Â Never would I have believed that this could happen here. Â May it never happen again, but now I will be prepared. Â Thank you again for this invaluable information! Â
I just came upon this site and will start at Week 1. I pray that we will never need this. But, 2 years ago, we lost power for 2 days in January. I still don’t know how we managed. Thank you for this site.
This is a great idea, I have a similar post on my site, but it only goes 6 months. Many people get overwhelmed when they start prepping, and want to do it all immediately. Your 52 week program helps with that. Thanks for showing people that true preparedness is a marathon and not a sprint. Keep up the great work
Just wanted to let you know that we added you as a link to our website. Keep up the great work!
Â
http://sisterhoodofsurvival.com/RecommendedLinks.html
Would appreciate information on delivering a baby. This is likely to become necessary and would like to be prepared. Thank you,
my wife and I have been building up our supplies for over a year now..we have a lot on hand,,food,,tool’s,,water supply,,medical supplies,,survival book’s,,bug out trailor packed,,basement shelter item’s,,extra fuel,,propane stove,latern’s,mre’s,bedding,clothing,cooking equipment,sanitary item’s,lot’s of paper item’s,BUT I am sure there are thing’s we have forgotten..will be looking forward to up-coming list..
It is nice to know there are others that have been preparing like my husband and I. We have been for over five years. My husband has been saying longing then that something is coming. We have been for six years warning friends and family and have finally quit,cause they think we are crazy. We moved from TX to Wa in the woods. At times I would think maybe we were crazy,but now I see even better!
Tess,
Curious do you have this on CD format for sale… would like to have it handy incase of web down situ.
Cheers,
Doc
Hi Doc,
There have been a lot of requests for this. When 52 Weeks is complete I plan on compiling the information and making it available for the readers. I am working on it now and it will be available soon.
Thanks,
Tess
I would be interested in a CD also. Thank you for all the hard work Tess!~
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Two of the best resources forHomebirth are Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin, and Emergency Childbirth by Gregory White MD…there is also Heart and Hands bY Elizabeth Davis. In the event that the SHTF, a Certified Professional Midwife would probably be the best choice for a birth attendant, as they are familiar with working out of hospital and know how to prevent many problems, and can help with twins, breech and Vaginal birth after cesarean.you can look up Midwives Alliance of North America for the CPMs nearest you…Cathi Cogle, CPM
There is something that needs to be emphasized here that most preppers don’t consider. To protect what you have, survive and thrive, you need an organization of people with skills. I recently exchanged emails with a well known and well healed prepper who has been featured on TV. In the event of a complete societal meltdown, he is quite prepared for his family to survive. But what about after that? When he and is wife are old and his children are middle aged, who would look after them when they get old. Groups are necessary for protection – you do need to sleep, firepower, work and chores, foraging and scavenging – and mental well being. Of course you need personalities who can endure and grow in the worst of times to maintain that high level of morale. A determined group though can keep you up day and night without relief unless you have sufficient personnel to defend against them. So consider organizing like minded people to join. Find out your skills, what you can bring to the table, what you need, and your purchasing ability to get those things in a very short period of time. Then how do you gather to provide shelter and security? The logistics can be daunting. I have estimated that 90% of people would not survive the first six months. The surivors would have to contend with a ecosystem devastated and polluted, and the attendent disease and insects that would affect health and planting for at least a year or two. But websites like this are a great place to start.
Thanks,
Don
Thank you, Don for your comment and I completely agree with you on how essential it is to have a dependable group and community. My hope is that with the information presented in this series, readers will be able to take the information they have gathered and use it to enhance their preparedness journey, as well as share it with others who are like-minded. Perhaps, if those individuals find themselves in an emergency situation, they will come together and have a successful group.
Thank you again for your comment and best of luck in your prepping endeavors.
Tess
A truly great book to have on your shelf is the Reader’s Digest book,
Back to Basics. Although out of print now, they are easily obtained on eBay.
Great book, Don! And you’re right, the original Reader’s Digest editions are now out of print, but the book lives on in the 3rd edition, independently edited and sold on Amazon here:Â http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Complete-Traditional-Edition/dp/1602392331/
I want to thank all of the people who have commented in such a helpful way! I must say I feel a bit overwhelmed at the amount of preparation needed to be self-reliant! We have been living such a ‘cushy’ life compared to what it will be like when we are on our own!
In the event of airborne chemicals (perhaps the stuff from the chem-trails too) what would be the best advice? It is difficult to seal ALL the draughts from the windows, or those window air-conditioners, so what would experts say on this? Gas masks? Which would be the best ones? Any for pets??
I’ve just bought the Reader’s Digest book mentioned, so thank you very much for the link to it! There still seems to be more available at the moment.
All the people here sound like they would make a great group if it came to it. Thanks again for all the wonderful advice!
http://www.ahmavinemidwifery.com/pdfs/If_Baby_Comes_Before_Midwife.pdf.
Heres a quick list to start…Â
Tess, Leslie wasn’t talking about anything YOU or TJ said she was refereing to Janet’s “Idiot” comment, TJ had a nice thoughtful comment/explanation and Janet replied with “idiot” for no apparently reason/need other than to be hateful, Leslie was coming to TJ’s defense.
Good article btw.
Can someone recommend a portable hand held device that is somewhat reasonable but VERY reliable??? Â Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!
Hey, I live in the mountains of West Virginia and having storms that cut off any transportation and power grid is not uncommon. The storage of fuel for my big diesel generator is difficult and expensive.  I contacted a company that produces mineral oil and was able to acquire oil  at 27 cents a gal. This is a byproduct of their normal operation and is sent to steel  factories  and such to burn in there furnaces. You must have a diesel engine (oil burner furnace) and you need to know your states laws on emission. Yet in national emergences not so much.   Mineral oil has so many uses that I just wanted to share one with you.
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Not sure where this should be posted. So if you like to move it to another location feel freeÂ
Thanks jim
I am new to prepping. Good website.
I am new to prepping and on a very limited budget, where do I start and are there any websites that offer inexpensive one stop shopping
Awesome information that you have put together.
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Hey guys how long will this 52 week prep last if its just one person. I have my wife my 3 year old child and myself in my family so ill just do the math and times it by 3. imm just trying to see how long this will last if any one can help that would be amazing ty
My biggest issue is we have no property. I was hoping to find some folks to team up with but it is not happening in my search. Any ides out there? We are in the midwest.
Hi Christine,
It’s hard finding a group. I know preppers who have been searching for years to find like-minded people in their area. I know that some preppers have gone as far as to get on Craigslist and even joined groups at MeetUp.com to try and find possible group members. Another possibility is to get on prepping forums and talk and develop online relationships with other forum members.
Hope this helps,
Tess
New to prepping and looking for advise on good solar generator and good water filtration system. Live just outside of Denver CO
Tracy, check out goalzero.com — Goal Zero has some great products. If you’re just looking to run some small things and recharge laptops, phones, etc., you can put together a system for under $500.
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Tess, thank you for this — very nice work.
Why would “Idiot” even be lookin at this site if thats all she had to contribute? I tink she will be in for a rude awakening:) Too bad.
Thank you for a great series. I found your site thru another pinner and have read all the way through it. Â
Tess, Thank you for all the valuable information you provide. I have a question I hope you or someone else can answer. Many prepper websites state that there has been an executive order signed giving the government the power to take food/preps from individuals in an emergency situation. Is this the truth or just hype? Do we need to be hiding our food storage  and do you think this kind of action would be tolerated in America? Thank you for any information you can provide.
Really interested!