Prepping is not without mistakes
When we think about being prepared for any eventually, albeit riots, no job, rampant disease, cold, hot; well how about the floods and no road passable.
Although we are about as prepped as anyone can be, we had two problems, (1) the floods made county roads impassable and (2) my “fixed bridge” washed out again. You just cannot foresee, it seems, everything.
My daughter who is a professor of Biology at a noted University, 300 miles distant was facing the possibility of a Category 4 hurricane and was prepping to come home to Floyd-high ground, indeed. I had not considered that the recent floods would have closed so many roads that getting “in” Floyd was just as bad as getting” out” of Floyd. Perhaps your county also has similar considerations.
However if you are an old timer born and raised in Floyd you would be aware of so many alternatives of back roads that could link you with your destination. So I thought to obtain a map of all the roads in Floyd from Google, or locate my old maps when we used route numbers instead of street names, highlight the main route and side roads that were not closed. These maps are still available at your voting registrars office in the courthouse. Such information may be sent via the computer.
This could be a possible remedy but with caution considering that back roads can be just as treacherous as the more traveled hard top roads. As an example, washouts are quick to appear, bridges can become unsafe, trees can be down and across the roadway, moving water across a hardtop road can be very dangerous as it takes but one foot of water to control your car in the wrong direction.
The premise of finding alternative routes if the main roads are closed implies that when the weather is “good”, and unencumbered with rain washouts, mud slides, trees down etc to pre-drive those back roads for familiarities with observing potential hazards thereby evaluating possible, I repeat, possible emergency travel.
Snow and ice conditions are another major concern for many people who must “get out”. Forest fires are common, earthquakes, house fires, and just having foods and medicines as your stock runs out. You cannot depend upon 911-although they will try-BUT? Only you can be responsible and make informed decisions.
Most backwoods residents have 4X4 trucks, which are best for emergency attempts at travel over uncertain roads. Do carry a chainsaw with you. Extra blankets, sleeping bags, nappies for babies, energy food bars, canned foods, baby foods, quality flashlights with fresh batteries, perhaps a small camper’s stove, a cell phone, 2-way radios were once popular and may be a communication; fresh clean water in jugs, necessary medicines, maybe a tent if you have to hole up when you are trapped between two mudslides. Ah yes, a winch is mandatory for your truck, and an extra can of motor oil, transmission fluid, and spare gasoline, or diesel fuel. Stay on the hard bed of the roadway. Rain saturated ground will sink you up to the floorboards.
Sounds “over the top”? Well, take heed: a box of ready stores may save your life IF YOU HAVE TO GET OUT, OR GET TO A SAFE HAVEN. Some of our people really live back in the bush.
The general rule is to stay put if you are safe, but have food and necessities on hand for any eventuality that may arise. Young adults need to check on the “Old Folks” still on the family farm. Ensure they have firewood for the stove, food in the pantry and drinking water by the sink. Are they warmly dressed? All this is done before the storm, or as winter sets in. Consider moving them in with you. How are your neighbors doing?
Having a family conference is a good idea, sitting down and discussing future calamities and options. Include the teens for their perspective.
I have written several prepping articles. It may behoove you to go back in this series of articles and read them. The prepared mind is one of success. When the calamity is over a sit down and discussion of “Lessons Learned” is important.
May God bless you and your family. Live long and prosper.
Old Timer
COPYRIGHT: Back2theLand.com. 10/3/2015, all rights reserved.
