We talk about self-defense. We discuss knife vs gun, the best EDC gear, the best tactical this and that, and many of us ignore, year after year, the necessary preparations for real self-defense against the dangers we are most likely to face.
Fire. Where are your fire extinguishers? Are they up to date? Where are your smoke detection devices? Do they work? Can you get out of your house in an emergency, at night, while crawling on the floor? Do you have a rally point where everyone meets? People die every year rushing back into burning houses to rescue family members who are already safely out.
Weather. Do you have a shelter area? Do you have what you need in it? I'm not talking about all out prepping or bomb shelters, but where you'll huddle until the storm blows over and power is restored. Weather is becoming more extreme. That trend will continue. Do you know how to track weather and identify dangerous conditions without turning on the TV or looking online? Do you have a weather radio that works?
Do you have the medical supplies you need? Medical records? Power of attorney, living wills, deeds and titles? Can you access copies if your home is lost or you can't get to it? Spare eyeglasses or medical appliances?
Is your insurance up to date, will it replace everything you have now, versus when you bought it? Are you covered against various perils, including new ones from changes in climate?
Are your immunizations up to date? Do you get annual comprehensive health, eye, and dental checkups?
There are a lot of resources available for free or at low cost. FEMA teaches free classes. CDC and NIH have loads of medical resources and recommendations for health care precautions at every age. Many health insurance companies offer downloadable legal documents regarding health care directives like power of attorney and living wills, DNR and the like.
Local fire departments will inspect your home and make fire prevention recommendations if you ask.
Self-defense is more than just defending against physical attack. Most of us are more likely to fall off a ladder or have a kitchen grease fire than to be mugged.
Fire. Where are your fire extinguishers? Are they up to date? Where are your smoke detection devices? Do they work? Can you get out of your house in an emergency, at night, while crawling on the floor? Do you have a rally point where everyone meets? People die every year rushing back into burning houses to rescue family members who are already safely out.
Weather. Do you have a shelter area? Do you have what you need in it? I'm not talking about all out prepping or bomb shelters, but where you'll huddle until the storm blows over and power is restored. Weather is becoming more extreme. That trend will continue. Do you know how to track weather and identify dangerous conditions without turning on the TV or looking online? Do you have a weather radio that works?
Do you have the medical supplies you need? Medical records? Power of attorney, living wills, deeds and titles? Can you access copies if your home is lost or you can't get to it? Spare eyeglasses or medical appliances?
Is your insurance up to date, will it replace everything you have now, versus when you bought it? Are you covered against various perils, including new ones from changes in climate?
Are your immunizations up to date? Do you get annual comprehensive health, eye, and dental checkups?
There are a lot of resources available for free or at low cost. FEMA teaches free classes. CDC and NIH have loads of medical resources and recommendations for health care precautions at every age. Many health insurance companies offer downloadable legal documents regarding health care directives like power of attorney and living wills, DNR and the like.
Local fire departments will inspect your home and make fire prevention recommendations if you ask.
Self-defense is more than just defending against physical attack. Most of us are more likely to fall off a ladder or have a kitchen grease fire than to be mugged.