(Natural News)—When faced with biological threats – whether from natural outbreaks or bioterrorism – being prepared and knowing how to respond can be crucial for survival. Each type of threat poses unique challenges, but understanding these risks and having a plan can significantly enhance your safety and survival.
Biological attacks can involve two main types of agents (pathogens or toxins that can harm animals, crops or humans) – contagious and non-contagious. Some agents, such as anthrax, can survive in the environment for extended periods – increasing the risk of exposure. Notably, many biological attacks may go unrecognized for days, as the incubation period can delay symptoms.
To effectively prepare for biological threats, consider the following survival tips:
Stay informed
Always monitor trusted sources. Regularly check official information channels for updates and guidance during emergencies. Engage with community programs that promote awareness of potential threats. Avoid misinformation; be wary of “rumors” and stick to reliable sources to make informed decisions.
Build a survival stockpile
Regularly monitor and update your essential supplies inventory – food, water, pantry, first aid and medical supplies, hygiene and sanitation, heat and lighting and communications.
Create a safe zone at home
Fortify your home by identifying its weaknesses and designating safe rooms that will reduce exposure risk. Keep a supply kit in your safe room. To minimize air contamination, use plastic sheeting, duct tape and towels. Install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home to capture biological agents.
Plan and implement quarantine and isolation
If you develop symptoms or have contact with infected individuals, self-isolate immediately. Keep healthy individuals in your home separate from those showing signs of illness – using separate rooms and bathrooms if feasible.
Use personal protective equipment
Keep a reasonable stash of masks and other protective gear. Use N95 or N99 masks as regular surgical or reusable cloth mass may not filter all biological agents effectively. Wear gloves, eye protection and long sleeves when in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Use disposable, or easily washable clothing to minimize the spread of contaminants.
Follow decontamination protocols
Maintaining good personal hygiene and practicing proper sanitation helps reduce the risk of infections and diseases that could impact overall health. Regular hand washing, safe food handling, and keeping your living environment clean are essential practices.
Wash hands more frequently, especially after being in public places or touching potentially contaminated items. Regularly clean high-tough surfaces in your home with disinfectants such as bleach solutions or alcohol-based cleaners. (Related: Safe and clean: 8 Non-toxic alternatives to common household cleaning products that contain harmful ingredients.)
Boost your immunity
Healthy lifestyle changes that have a major impact on your overall health and wellness include a balanced diet, daily physical activity and exercising regularly, maintaining healthy body weight, getting adequate quality sleep, getting regular health checkups, and being aware of your family’s history.
Be mindful of reducing and managing stress. Engage in relaxation techniques, find activities you enjoy, or do something different that refreshes your routine and energizes your life, socialize and meet new people.
Establish a communication plan
Keep practicing and streamlining your family communication plan that outlines how each of you will remain in touch during emergencies. Ensure everyone knows how to reach each other and keep planning for contingencies. Maintain an updated list of local emergency services, family and trusted friends who can assist in any kind of crisis.
Be proficient in basic survival skills
Enroll in first aid training courses to learn how to treat common injuries and manage health emergencies effectively. Get certified in CPR and other essential skills to be prepared to assist others in critical situations. Volunteer in medical emergency missions for first-hand experience, mentoring and proficiency.
Plan for your pets
Include stockpiling emergency pet essentials. Include pet food, medication, water and a pet first aid kit in your survival stockpile. Create a plan for evacuating your pets, if necessary, including transport options and accommodations.
Practice situational awareness
Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings and any unusual activities, especially in crowded places. Familiarize yourself and your family with escape routes in public spaces and your home.
Maintain a positive mindset
Mental resilience is key. Focus on a positive attitude to help cope with stress during emergencies and survival situations. Stay connected with family and friends to share experiences and support each other.
Develop a survivor instinct
Cultivate a mindset that prepares you and your family to adapt and respond to challenges. Visualization techniques can help you mentally rehearse potential scenarios Reflect on past emergencies (personal or community or your ancestors’) and identify what worked and what didn’t to improve future responses.
In the event of a serious biological threat, your goal is to obtain medical aid and minimize exposure. If symptomatic, immediately seek medical treatment at facilities designated by public health officials. Adhere to guidance and instructions from health authorities regarding potential exposure, including quarantine or surveillance.
If you suspect exposure to a contagious disease, such as smallpox), seek vaccination. For non-contagious diseases (such as anthrax) obtain appropriate antibiotics promptly. If there’s any doubt about contact with a biological agent, remove contaminated clothing, shower with soap and water and seek medical attention. If feasible, leave affected areas as soon as you are on a treatment regimen, if advised by officials
Being prepared for biological threats is essential for ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones. By having a plan, staying informed, stockpiling essential supplies, creating safe zones, practicing hygiene and sanitation, living healthy choices and honing your emergency response skills, you can enhance your resilience in the face of potential dangers. Timely and informed action can make a significant difference in critical situations.
Watch this video to learn some tips for surviving biological dangers. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
- Ways to develop mental toughness and a survivor mindset when SHTF.
- Physical preparedness is a way of life. Regular physical labor improves your health and chances of survival.
- Are you THRIVING or SURVIVING? Science reveals your mindset is key.
Sources include:
- SimpleFamilyPreparedness.com
- OJP.gov
- MadSurvivor.com
- PreppersWill.com
- MyClinicGroup.com
- Brighteon.com
Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.