Six Essentials To Prepare For Hot Or Cold Weather

You may have noticed some overlaps between hot and cold survival regarding the essential things you need to know. I have categorized these core six prepper essentials to get you through most disasters -- hot or cold weather. Getting these six essentials in order will provide you with a foundation from which you can grow. Remember that for each, you must be sure you have a minimum of two to three weeks’ supply.

Water

The first essential is water. Aim for a minimum of 1 gallon per day per person, with 3 gallons being ideal. Use BPA-free containers for storage. Freeze-prone containers should be filled to ¾ capacity (this allows for expansion as the water freezes and prevents it from rupturing the container).

Besides storage, address water treatment. Failures in municipal systems can lead to contamination. Use solutions like Sawyer mini water filter or water purification tablets, especially if boiling isn’t an option. Don’t just store water; ensure you can also treat and drink from natural sources. Hydration is so critical after a disaster.

Even without a disaster, many people are walking around in a constant state of dehydration. Don’t be one of them, as it will complicate your ability to make sound decisions. Set a schedule to drink water regularly. Use powdered drink mixes for flavour and electrolyte powders to enhance your hydration.

Food

Food is essential; relying on last-minute grocery trips before disasters isn’t enough. Americans usually have just a few days of food. Aim for at least two to three weeks of calorically dense food at a minimum. Consume at least 1,800 calories (expect you’ll need more if you’re active) with a balance of macros (protein, carbs, and fats which we detail in our 3-week emergency food video).

Basics like beans, rice, and pasta are versatile. Freeze-dried food supplements are convenient. Meals should require no more than boiling water. Consider mild multivitamins and electrolyte powders for stable metabolism during disasters.

Cooking

Cooking is vital for surviving a two-week grid-down scenario. Consider your cooking methods, like using a propane stove for boiling and cooking (with adequate propane supply and ventilation). Apartment dwellers face limitations due to indoor safety concerns. If unable to afford a safe indoor propane stove, cooking over candles or Sterno is an option.

Immediately after a disaster, you won’t be cooking fancy meals, so cooking should be the equivalent of heating food to recommended temperatures and bringing water to a light to avoid drawing attention. A cooking source can double as a heating source, as seen during situations like the Texas freeze. Keep carbon monoxide detectors, preferably battery-operated, and be cautious with devices after disasters.

Power

Assess your electricity reliance and meet those needs minimally. Remember, the more power you need, the larger the generator and fuel needed (or the larger the battery system and solar panels you’d need if you have a solar setup). For instance, if you require medication that requires stable refrigeration temperatures, a small dorm fridge paired with a portable solar generator (and solar panels) would work.

Portable generators vary from ICE (internal combustion engines that run on propane, gas, or diesel) to solar (a battery paired with solar panels and an inverter); solar generators are essentially unlimited power sources when paired with solar panels but dependent on sunlight (the sun doesn’t always shine).

ICE generators are typically more affordable (initially) and offer more on-demand power but can not be utilized safely indoors, emit fumes, rely on a finite fuel source, and alert others around you as they are noisy. Which one is better? It depends on your situation and budget.

Medicine

Regarding medicine, consider three aspects: maintenance, first aid, and accessible information. For maintenance, include daily drugs, potential EpiPen needs, and allergy treatments. Consider purchasing a basic first aid kit starting with essentials like quality bandages, and consider adding a tourniquet (do not buy the ones on Amazon as they are often cheap knockoffs).

Also, plan for information availability with a practical medical handbook, as internet access might be unavailable in emergencies. Additionally, consider having crucial medications in your inventory. In a significant crisis, EMS and emergency services may not be able to make it to you at all, and getting to the hospital may be very difficult.

Climate & Shelter

Adapt to your current climate far ahead of a disaster. Before winter and summer, review corresponding preps. Unconventional as it seems, setting up a tent indoors during power outages and freezing weather creates warmth. Using tarps and blankets to build a fort over furniture stabilizes temperature.

Go beyond Mylar blankets for warmth— including wool blankets, hats, gloves, and scarves. Prepare for wet conditions, stay dry, and understand heatstroke signs and remedies during hot weather crises.

Conclusion

Months before each season, consider your preparedness for the weather. Inventory your current preps at least every quarter. If you can’t live in the weather occurring out your window right now when the furnace goes out, or the air conditioning stops, what do you need to do to survive the climate? Exposure to the elements without protection will kill a person faster than dehydration or starvation, so consider this as you prep.

As you navigate the challenges of prolonged power outages during extreme heat or cold, remember that advanced preparation is vital. By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a liveable environment for you and your loved ones.

Whether combating scorching temperatures or cold, your ability to regulate core temperature, utilize available resources, and adapt to the situation will significantly enhance your chances of survival. Stay informed, stay prepared, and ensure your home is ready to weather any storm.