7. Practical Preparedness for Real Disasters

Here is the updated summary with the spelling changed to Ferlemann.

What is Practical Preparedness?

Practical preparedness is a disaster survival philosophy focused on situational awareness, self-reliance, and simple, adaptable action plans. According to retired Army Colonel Kyle Ferlemann, a disaster is defined as an overwhelming event that exceeds personal or community resources. While a disaster will almost always win the first round, individuals can avoid or mitigate long-term impacts by choosing to remain aware rather than fearful.

The “Big Eight” Questions for Defining Risk

To effectively prepare for potential threats, use these eight foundational questions to evaluate risks and anticipate the aftermath of any natural or man-made event:

General Aspects

• What type of disaster is it?

• Where will it hit?

• What will it do?

• How large will it get?

Direct Impacts

• How long will it last?

• When will the effects arrive?

• What intensity of disruption or destruction is expected?

The Aftermath

• What are the follow-on effects? (e.g., how damage limits incoming relief or how local food supplies affect survival delays).

How to Create an Effective “If-Then” Plan

The most successful survival plans are simple enough for young children to memorize and do not strictly depend on complex resources.

• Establish Triggers: Create “If-Then” protocols (e.g., If you see smoke, then go directly to a designated relative’s house).

• Prioritize Essentials: Plans must address immediate physiological needs in this sequence:

  1. Shelter from the elements

  2. Water and warmth

  3. Protection from harm and immediate medical needs

  4. Food and safety

• Secure Communication: Build a plan for gathering accurate information and contacting loved ones using reliable tools (like walkie-talkies or shortwave radios) practiced ahead of time.

Core Rules for Gear and Supplies

• A 20% Plan is an 80% Solution: Any simple plan provides a vital baseline to deviate from when reality changes.

• Store What You Eat: Avoid hoarding long-term survival buckets; rotate your normal food stock over a 1-to-2-year cycle.

• Two is One, One is None: Maintain duplicates of critical manual tools, such as can openers or flashlights, in case one breaks.

• If You Pack It, Practice It: Never attempt to learn how to operate gear—like water purification straws or electronic radios—during an active crisis.

• Pack What You Use: Do not overstuff emergency bags with speculative gear. A high-quality minimalist kit should back up your specific plan.

The Role of Community and Mental State

• Avoid Fear and Denial: These are the two most dangerous mental states in a crisis. Replace them with habit-based awareness.

• Foster Pre-Disaster Connections: Build positive relationships with neighbors before a crisis occurs. Hollywood often portrays immediate societal collapse, but real-world disasters generally result in mutual cooperation.

• Choose Civility: Fear often manifests as anger. Maintaining civility and community engagement is essential for collective recovery.