Disaster Preparation:
Natural Disasters

If a pandemic, an earthquake, a super storm, or even a collapse of the dollar occurred, what would you do? Many people think that these kinds of emergencies or disasters are in our past and that the world is now prepared to handle them. But, if there is anything that history tells us, it’s that it’s bound to repeat itself.

EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS

Many Americans are literally sitting on a nature time bomb that could go off any day. This map shows the areas that are at risk for earthquakes.

In the past 100 years, San Francisco has had two devastating earthquakes. The one that occurred in 1906 destroyed 80% of the city. Whether it happens now, or in another 100 years, it is likely that one or more of these other areas will be hit with major earthquakes similar to those that struck San Francisco, or more recently, Thailand (great tsunami), Japan, and Haiti. Imagine what that will do to supplies of food and water in those areas.

USGS map showing areas that are at risk for earthquakes

In the U.S., the average grocery store replenishes its entire inventory close to 19 times a year. That is every 2 ½ weeks. Obviously, a store’s perishable items, fresh produce and canned goods, turn over more quickly than every 2 weeks. It is likely that in a dire emergency, we will be fortunate if food in stores lasts more than a few days.

Tornadoes, fires, hurricanes, superstorms and floods

Considering the recent onslaught of major storms, including devastating hurricanes and floods, it is clear that no one is immune to the possibility of natural disaster. The need for preparedness is urgent. Considering the long-term effects these disasters have on communities, why not make sure you and your family have enough food on hand to get through days, even weeks, of uncertainty.

Person in yellow rain coat and boots standing in a flooded area

ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE FROM SOLAR FLARE

Power lines and transmission towers at sunset

We live in a modern world that relies heavily on electricity and electrical circuits to power nearly everything we have. That includes all of our business and personal communications, banking, machinery, lighting and power for our homes, computers, and everything that uses our interconnected power system. An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can be caused by a major solar flare eruption. Most may not know that on September 2, 1859, such a solar storm hit the U.S. and knocked out most of the telegraph lines and equipment in the U.S. Today, an event like this would likely destroy our electric grid and most of the electric circuitry in everything that automates our lives.

Without access to a generator, your fridge, electric range, and microwave would be dead. All the food in your fridge and freezer would spoil. Your well couldn’t pump any fresh water into your house. A total grid failure would also mean no fresh water to drink, cook, or clean with. You also wouldn’t be able to operate your radio or TV, or charge your cell phone.

What you can do to prepare

The big question is, “How can one prepare for emergencies?” It’s difficult to completely protect yourself because it can happen without warning. In most catastrophes, people survive through their knowledge, wits, and by helping each other.

So, if you believe that something like this might occur, it would be silly to not be somewhat prepared. Most importantly, one should always have extra food and water on hand – just in case.

Chalkboard that says Be prepared! and the text is underlined

This part is easy. Purchase additional food, or, better yet, you could use a home freeze dryer to fill your cupboards and pantry with the food you love to eat. This is the affordable way to have food that is far better than any emergency food that can be bought online or in stores. You already know your family likes it; so, it will never go to waste. You should also store water in cans, in barrels, purchase a water filter.

Again, the ultimate solution for all of these catastrophic scenarios is a Harvest Right Home Freeze Dryer. With one of these units, anyone can preserve a wonderful selection of food (complete meals, meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy and desserts) with very little effort and for less than 20% the cost of purchasing emergency food storage.

Comparison table: retail freeze-dried food versus home freeze-dried food

Below is a chart that shows just how much it costs to freeze dry your own food at home versus buying it on-line or from a store.

Although store-bought emergency food will keep a person alive, it may not be the healthiest food for your family. It is usually made from dehydrated noodles or rice along with small amounts of freeze-dried vegetables and meat. These meals have very little variety and are always full of salt and food additives that we know are not good for us.

Harvest Right knew and believed that the world needed a better way to be prepared for whatever might come. The Home Freeze Dryer is an amazing appliance that insures you have the best and least expensive way to preserve healthy, nutritious, and delicious food to sustain your family next week or in the years to come.