How To Prepare For 2012

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last year or so, you've no doubt noticed the media frenzy over predictions for the end of the world in December 2012. It seems like every night there is a new show on cable TV talking about the various ways the world could end. On top of that, various government agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have made it a priority to inform citizens on how to prepare for emergencies and encourage them to take steps to provide for their own needs during disasters.

Whether you buy into the disaster prophecies or not, make 2012 the year you finally get around to completing your own emergency preparations.

Learn what goes into a bug out bag and make one for each member of your family. Make plans as to where you will go if you need to evacuate and how you will get there. Plan multiple routes just in case some of the roads are impassable.

Research ways of filtering and purifying local water sources. Set up rain barrels and other catchment systems. Remember, there is likely water already stored in your home in your water heater, so learn how to access it. Begin storing additional water as well using empty soda and juice bottles. Wash them out well and fill them to the top with tap water. Add a couple drops of non-scented chlorine bleach and twist the caps on tight. Store in a cool, dark place. Rotate them every six months or so.

Set up a garden and begin growing your own food, at least as a supplement to store-bought groceries. Add to your stored food on a regular basis, striving for enough food on hand to last your family a week, then two weeks, then a month. Doing this in stages or steps will make it easier on your wallet.

Give serious thought to acquiring one or more firearms and become proficient in their use. While we'd all like to think our neighbors will come together and work as a team to keep everyone safe, that might not be the case in reality. Desperation can make people do nasty stuff they might not even consider otherwise.

If you have a fireplace or wood stove, gather together several cords of wood. Depending upon the nature of the disaster, your utility services might become unreliable or non-existent. Invest in a propane or charcoal grill and learn how to use it to cook a variety of foods. Practice cooking over a campfire as well.

Last but certainly not least, plan for your toilets and taps to stop running. Figure out now where you're going to, well, "go" when nature calls. A five gallon pail with some sand or cat litter in the bottom may work for the short term. When it comes time to empty the pail, bury the contents deep and well away from natural water sources.

The end of the world may not happen at the end of 2012 but there are any number of disaster that may occur before or after that magic date. Be prepared, just in case. Survival-Gear.com has what you need to get ready for whatever 2012 brings us. From kits and gear to long term food storage, you'll find it here.