Paul Martin Preparedness Guide

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People will ask me from time to time: "What do I need to do to get ready for terrorists/severe weather/power outages/(insert a danger or inconvenience here)." That's a difficult question for me to answer for three reasons.

First, I don't know how prepared you are right now. Most people are much better prepared than they know. For example: Suppose your water supply was cut off for whatever reason. Where can you get 40 to 60 gallons of fresh water, right now, at no cost and without leaving your house? Your water heater is an excellent water storage unit and can be easily tapped in an emergency. Why go out and buy bottled water when you've already got 50 gallons ready to go?

Do you live in the city or in the country? Do you have camping supplies? A propane grill? How much storage space do you have? The answers to these questions, and many more, will determine how I would advise you to prepare. And here's the good news: most of the stuff you will need is cheap and easily obtainable from your local discount store.

Second, I don't know what your risk tolerance is. Are you worried terrorists will strike near you? Or are you more worried about severe weather? Will you feel better if you have a gas mask or a wind up radio? Many preparedness experts, I feel, ignore risk tolerance and try to have a "must have" list for every single person, regardless of their risk tolerance. I think that is counterproductive.

Third, your financial situation may dictate the parameters of your preparedness plan. Preparedness need not be expensive (I will show you how to prepare for most dangers very inexpensively). However, if you can afford the "Hummer" of preparedness plans, you will obviously be better equipped, but not necessarily better prepared.

My recommended preparedness syllabus starts with some very basic assumptions for someone who has never thought about preparedness. Each "phase" of preparedness will increase your readiness for the various threats out there. I highly encourage you to accomplish each "phase" in the order prescribed below.

Phase 1: Evaluation of Your Situation.

Phase 2: Things You Need to Do Now that Cost Little to Nothing.

Phase 3: Time to Go to Wal-Mart. (updated 11.15.03)

Phase 4: Do You Like Fun Survival Toys? Me Too.

Phase 5: Preparedness for Events that Keeps Me Awake At Night.