5 Scenarios Most People Simply Aren’t Prepared For

Texas Army National Guard soldiers arrive in Houston to aid citizens in heavily flooded areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Army National Guard photo by Lt. Zachary West

The events involving Hurricane Harvey and Houston have brought to the forefront just how important it is to be ready for a crisis at any given time.

But no matter what we imagine those scenarios might involve, it likely will be more difficult than we think. For example, what good is stockpiled food if it gets flooded or buried under a ton of debris?

Following are five scenarios most people simply aren’t prepared for:

1. A lack of sanitation

This is going to be a big problem in the case of a very long-term disaster. If the plumbing isn’t working, then you can use a bucket for a toilet, making sure it’s covered when not in use. Dig a hole and dump in the contents. (That is, assuming you can find ground.) Don’t forget toilet paper. Once it runs out, you might not be able to get more. Consider using book pages, comic book pages, and non-poisonous soft leaves.

2. Looters/robbers/gangs

Even in short-term scenarios, there are bad people who want to hurt you and take your stuff. And 911 isn’t coming to your aid.

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Be prepared for a worst-case scenario by arming yourself and teaching yourself and your family to use guns, crossbows, or whatever is available. Denying that you will need guns to survive is a sure recipe to losing everything you have.

3. No medical help and/or no medicine

While most people have a 30- or perhaps even a 90-day supply of medications, what would you do if you ran out and you were unable to find more? Learn about alternative medicine now. If there are herbs that can help take the place of pharmaceutical drugs, then learn to use them. It’s best to plan on no medical help. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit, as well as a basic medical book with procedures on simple things: setting a broken leg, recognizing the signs of a concussion, or even delivering a baby.

4. Fake police/fake military

Unfortunately, police and military uniforms are $5 at almost any second-hand store. In a long-term disaster there will be plenty of people posing as the police, National Guard, or military personnel, claiming that they are there to help you — when they really are there for your weapons, food, water and shelter. Learn to recognize badges, IDs and uniform patches.

5. Mental health issues and stress

A real survival situation will be anything but pleasant — on the body and on the mind. Don’t discount the tremendous stress you will be facing. Everything from a lack of sleep, to worrying about looters, to inadequate fresh food will sap your strength and test your mental fortitude. Find ways to motivate yourself so that you can take care of your family.

What would you add to our list? Share your thoughts in the section below: