Emergency & Disaster Preparedness — FarmPal

Prepare your homestead to weather emergencies, from power outages to natural disasters.

Time Required
Ongoing project. Basic 72-hour kit: 1-2 days. Full preparedness: months to years of building.
Season
See notes

Benefits

  • •Peace of mind in uncertain times
  • •Reduced dependence on fragile systems
  • •Ability to help neighbors and community
  • •Insurance against supply chain disruptions
  • •Foundation for greater self-sufficiency

Steps

1
Assess Your Risks

Identify the most likely emergencies in your area: severe weather, earthquake, wildfire, flood, grid failure.

  • 💡 Research local history and FEMA resources
  • 💡 Consider both short-term (72-hour) and long-term scenarios
  • 💡 Don't forget slow emergencies like job loss or supply shortages
2
Build a Water Reserve

Store a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Two weeks minimum recommended.

  • 💡 Rotate stored water every 6-12 months
  • 💡 Consider rainwater collection for non-potable needs
  • 💡 Have water purification methods (filters, tablets, boiling)
3
Create a Food Stockpile

Store foods your family actually eats, with rotating stock to prevent waste.

  • 💡 Start with 2 weeks, build to 3-6 months
  • 💡 Include variety to prevent food fatigue
  • 💡 Store what you eat, eat what you store rotate constantly
4
Prepare for Power Outages

Have backup plans for heating, cooling, cooking, lighting, and communication.

  • 💡 Backup heat: wood stove, propane heater, extra blankets
  • 💡 Cooking: camp stove, grill, rocket stove
  • 💡 Lighting: flashlights, lanterns, candles safely
5
Create Emergency Kits

Prepare grab-and-go bags for evacuation scenarios plus shelter-in-place supplies.

  • 💡 72-hour bag: water, food, first aid, documents, cash, medications
  • 💡 Include copies of important documents
  • 💡 Update seasonally for weather-appropriate clothing

Tools Needed

Water storage containers
Food storage (buckets, mylar, oxygen absorbers)
Backup cooking methods
Lighting alternatives
First aid kit (comprehensive)
Emergency radio (battery/solar/crank)
Fire extinguisher

⚠️ Safety

  • •Store fuels safely and away from living areas
  • •Never run generators indoors (carbon monoxide)
  • •Rotate food and water to prevent spoilage
  • •Practice fire safety with alternative heating/lighting
Seasonal Notes
Review and update seasonally. Test equipment before emergency season. Replace expired items.