Want to know the top three things that scare me?

The Top Three Disasters That Scare Me

As a prepper and a preparedness professional there are still things that scare me. Few things do, but there are some things that even if you’re prepared for can still be a nightmare. What are those three things? I’ll tell you.

1. A Pandemic (sorry but this one COVID-19 Isn’t it – I’ll explain why).
2. A HEMP (High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse).
3. Civil Unrest (Civil War).

Pandemic

Coronavirus

Yes, a pandemic scares me. I watched as this one unfolded in China and eventually spread around the globe. I watch China and other parts of Asia for potential outbreaks because throughout history, most of the diseases have started in China and Asia before spreading.

The good news – I saw this one coming as it was evident China was unable to control the spread. The Bad news – the official news coming out of China and the WHO (World Health Organization) was unreliable and untrust worthy.  The only thing I knew for certain was that there was no way SARS-CoV-2 wasn’t airborne and that it was being spread human-to-human during a time when both China and WHO denied this. I made this conjecture due to the amount of video evidence e leaking out of China.

With this I started asking polls on Twitter – (not exactly reliable, but I was able to get what I was looking for). I was mostly asking:

1. Have you made any changes to your routine based on the Coronavirus?
2. Has your company made any changes or implemented any pandemic planning based on the Coronavirus?

While not a scientific poll I can tell you this. Only a very small handful of respondents to the poll started changing up their own routines. And, zero respondents stated the organizations they worked at started implementing any changes. I asked these questions back on January 27, 2020. I also started asking how prepared you were for Supply Chain disruptions on this date.

On February 5^th I commented cracks in the global supply Chain were starting to show already. The next day, Qualcomm warned that the outbreak would impact the smartphone industry. Businesses like Nike, Adidas, and Tesla already reported that they were being impacted from China based exports of supplies.

China also invoked their Force-Majeure (unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract) contract clause on their LNG contracts and refused delivery.

As of January, 21^th the U.S. reported their first official confirmed case. Three days later January 24^th the U.S. confirmed its 2^nd known case. The point here is, I was one of the few people that watched this unfold from the beginning and I was telling people to dust off and look at their Pandemic Plans or get started creating one on January 22^nd.

One of the things that was hard to know (and still know) was the death toll or mortality rate coming out of China. There is still some disturbing information around this, such as the 2 million drop of Chinese phone subscribers. Phones are used for extensive tracking in China, including the need to access government resources like healthcare.

With the unconfirmed and unreliable data coming out of China it appeared that the mortality rate was high. This could still be the case, but it is nearly impossible to confirm at this point, and we may never know the truth when it comes to China.

What we did and do know now is, it spreads easily and quickly, and asymptomatic people can be infected and spread it without ever knowing they had it. But the mortality rate remains very low. Even if you are infected you have a better than 98% chance of surviving. It is this reason alone that I am not too worried about COVID-19.

It’s still too early to tell in the long-term if this will change. As there could be a significant mutation that makes it more deadly, or a second more significant wave causes an increased mortality rate. Though it is unlikely the disease will become more deadly.

Ultimately the reason why I said this isn’t the pandemic I fear is due to the low mortality rate. We don’t see vast amounts of people dying in the streets, hospitals are not overwhelmed, and funeral homes are not over-run. Granted in some places like NYC some of these things were seen, it was not the overall result around the United States. If these things were occurring the impact would have been far worse.

Unfortunately, we did have self-imposed government shutdowns lasting over what I would deem to be a long period. Initially the shutdowns along with a shelter in place were announced to be for fifteen days initially. Fifteen days turned into three months, and as I write this, some areas (including where I live) the shutdowns are being extended.

When this is over, this will likely be the biggest single disaster impacting the United States from an economic standpoint. We’ve already seen countless small businesses shut their doors permanently. Several large businesses that were already facing economic troubles also permanently closed or filed for bankruptcy protection to restructure.

Interestingly, it is known that when small businesses close for just ten days or longer, due to a disaster they tend to go out of business. Kind of makes you wonder doesn’t it?

HEMP or High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse

Starfish Prime (Credit: Defense Atomic Agency)

The next event that scares me is the use of a HEMP device, Super-EMP, or even a large-scale solar flare causing a geomagnetic storm that impacts our atmosphere. Any of these three events would essentially have the same impact on the United States, which could result in the complete collapse of the electrical grid.

How likely is it? Great question. Well, if you research the Carrington Event from 1859 it will provide you a glimpse into the potential of what could happen to our highly connected, electrified world. In addition, there have been similar albeit smaller events that have impacted telecommunications and the Canadian electrical grid.

In addition to this natural phenomenon one of the side effects of setting of a nuclear weapon is an Electromagnetic Pulse that can both temporarily or permanently damage electrical devices and the electrical grid. The scary part is all it would take is just one, well placed and well-timed explosion of a nuclear device in the atmosphere above the United States to impact the entire Continental U.S.

There has been evidence of again the Chinese developing a super-EMP weapon. I have been hearing of them working with and paying North Korea to develop them as far back as late 2001. More recently however evidence suggests that the Chinese have satellites that they can utilize to the same effect. This gives the Chinese plausible first strike capability to take out the entire United States in one shot.

The impact would be devastating. The entire electrical grid would immediately shut down. No running water, No TV, Radio, No internet, No Gas. Anything electrical based would grind to a sudden halt. But that is just the beginning.

It is estimated that it could take several years before the electrical grid could be repaired to full working capacity again.

Why it scares me? A large swath of the population isn’t expected to survive, and the chaos would begin almost immediately. Certainly, on the first or second night.

NOTE: The similarities between the Coronavirus and Starfish Prime detonation is not lost on me. 

Civil Unrest

Civil unrest on a wide scale throughout the country is already happening. The Country is divided in several ways and both outside and internal actors are further influencing the certain factions increasing that divide.

While the potential for civil unrest (or more unlikely Civil War) has existed for some time several recent factors had increased the odds for it happening. First, due to the pandemic and subsequent shutdowns millions of people have lost their jobs, can’t meet their monthly bills, are facing difficulties buying enough food to feed their families, and increased stress.

Add to that real and perceived beliefs around, political differences, decline in long-held American values, earning and wage gaps, socialism vs capitalism, all the kindling was there. All it needed was the spark to kick things off.

It could have been nearly anything, but that is what we got with the death of George Floyd. No matter where you stand on any of the issues his death never should have happened. Even if he was actively resisting arrest and a carotid choke hold was warranted, there is zero excuse to do it to the point of death. That aside, the outcome is civil unrest and the movement has clearly been high jacked to an agenda that goes beyond policing issues.

It quickly moved to rioting, looting and wanton destruction of not just businesses but now threatens the basic fabric and building blocks of a nation. While no nation is perfect and has its problems and needs correcting from time to time, the future the socialist left wants will surely make things worse if it occurs.

In the end, it is not really the civil unrest itself that worries me, but the potential state that might rise if the so-called Democratic-Socialists and Marxism wins. It will end badly as it always does.

So, these are the three scenarios that scare me. What scenario(s) or disasters scare you?

Medicine and Preparedness: The 22 Medications You Need in Your Personal Stockpile

Mdeicine for Survival

Medicine and Preparedness: The 22 Medications You Need in Your Personal Stockpile NOW!

I have seen and read many posts over the years about adding or using medicines meant for pets during preparedness or survival situations. Now, I am not going to go all out and say that you shouldn’t do this or go this route, but there are several problems with this. I am also going to provide you with what I believe is a better solution.

The first problem that arises is the expiration data and shelf life of medicines. The biggest factor in this is that some medicines can as they degrade become toxic. Other medicines contain preservatives that may allow bacteria to grow once the preservative is no longer effective.

In addition, during survival situations – scavenging comes to mind and where we tend to find most medicines throughout most homes (the bathroom) is not the ideal place to store medicine. The heat and humidity is not ideal and makes the medicines degrade faster.

What is interesting is that the Department of Defense had the Federal Drug Administration test some drugs for what is known as the Shelf Life Extension Program (SLEP). It has been found that the shelf life of some drugs can be extended. Though not all drugs, and the drugs tested were kept in their original containers – unopened and in optimal temperature and humidity conditions. NOTE: When you obtain a prescription drug at the pharmacy and they place it into a medication bottle – that is not the original container.

Some other life-saving drugs have been found to degrade after the expiry date, such as EpiPen’s and Insulin. Nitroglycerin decreases in potency quickly once the bottle is opened. Most vaccines and biologicals such as blood products also degrade quickly after their expiration dates.

If any medicine has become powdery, crumbly, caked, has a strong smell, cloudy, or has dried up it should be discarded and not used.

During normal situations if you have medicine at home and you need to take it and the medicine is expired no evidence has been found that it would be unsafe to take. Though, it would be best to acquire a new prescription as soon as possible.

Research does show that medicines past their expiration date do and will degrade in potency over time. Under ideal conditions and in original containers within the military stockpile medications have been shown to retain as much as 90 percent of their potency. Though most household conditions do not meet these standards.

The second problem is that pet based medicines were not included in these studies. Now some of the medications may be the same thing, but as I said I have a better solution for you.

If you can, start your own stockpile of medicines. This may cost you some money out of pocket but you will have them when you need them. The good news is, most of the medications I will be recommending have been found to have no failures when tested and typically can have a long shelf life.

In addition to the medicines I recommend you should consider obtaining and even storing some of the medicine you may need on a regular basis. This may be easier said than done, since most drug insurance programs limit the amount you can obtain. So, you may have to get creative or even pay out of pocket to establish your supply.

Uncle Sam and Your MedsThe government does even recommend you keep a small extra supply of medicine in case of a disaster. Try telling that to your insurance company though. Some things you can do to get creative in this area:

1.       Tell them you lost your medication while on a weekend trip.

2.       Tell them you need an extended supply for a trip.

3.       Try telling them you need extra in case of an emergency.

4.       Purchase the extra month- 3 months’ worth from the pharmacy.

Some insurance programs will give you up to three months’ worth of medicine if you purchase through a mail order program. Ask them.

Once you are successful in obtaining ‘extra’ medicine it is important that you store them properly and rotate them. So, as you get new prescriptions filled, store those and take the ones you were holding onto in case of an emergency.

Now, here is an extensive list of medications to obtain for your own Disaster Preparedness Supply. Please do your own research on usage, dosages and contraindications.

Medication List for Survival

NOTE: These and all medications listed are intended for your preparedness stockpile. If you become sick during normal times and you need medication go to your doctor and obtain a prescription. If you have the medicine and can swap out of your stockpile even better.

ANTIBIOTICS:

1.       Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) 500 mg – 750 mg tabs – 750 mg is a high dosage, but if you can get it go with that one. Otherwise get the 500 mg.  Reasons to have: It can treat a wide variety of ailments but can also treat Anthrax, Plague, Travelers Disease, Cholera, Tularemia, Typhoid, Pneumonia, Infectious Diarrhea, and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s). In the event of a major outbreak, epidemic, or even pandemic supplies may be short and allocated to certain individuals. I do not recommend for prophylactic use just to have in case of real sickness. Please review contraindications of use on your own.

2.       Bactrim DS (trimethoprim/sulfa methazole) 160/800 mg tabs This is another Cover it all antibiotic agent. Good for UTI’s, pneumonia, bite wounds and MRSA skin infections.

3.       Amoxicillin 500 mg tabs – This is good for Upper Respiratory Infections, UTI, Bronchitis, skin or soft tissue infections, Pneumonia, and Lyme Disease.

4.       Flagyl (Metronidazole) – 500 mg tabs This covers Giardiasis (Beaver Fever)

5.       Azithromycin – If you can get it I recommend adding a couple of 3-day and/or 5-day Dose Packs for each member of the family. Good for Pertussis and Pertussis Prophylaxis, URI, Bronchitis, and several STD’s.

Topical Creams and Ointments:

1.       Triple Antibiotic Ointment (Neomycin, Polymyxin B Sulfates, Bacitracin Zinc, Neosporin,) – A good cure-all for topical based infections. While I like creams and ointments, I had a wound specialist doctor share with me that the Neosporin cream is better than the ointment. It helps promote faster healing and reduces scaring. He seemed to be correct and I primarily use this now.

2.       Lamisil or Tinactin Cream – Antifungal. Athletes foot, Jock itch, Ring Worm

3.       Lotrisone (Betamethasone/Clotrimazole) – prescription strength Antifungal (covers entire body)

4.       Hydrocortisone Cream – Great for skin rashes, bug bites/stings, and itchy skin.

5.       Silver Sulfadiazine (SSD) – For preventing and treating skin infections after second and third degree burns. Targets multiple types of bacteria and yeast.

Anti-Diarrhea:

1.       Imodium (loperamide) – The best solution for diarrhea.

Anti-Vomit:

1.       Zofran (ondansetron) – Anti-Vomiting.

Pain:

1.       Aspirin 325 mg tabs – Aspirin is often overlooked these days, but 2 tabs or 650 mg works great for relieving most aches and pains.

2.       Ibuprofen – Another good choice for aches pains and minor to moderate injuries. Also, helpful at reducing fever.

3.       Tylenol (acetaminophen) – Another good choice for minor to moderate injuries, aches and pains. Fever reducer.

4.       Oxycodone 5 mg – Narcotic – is great for major injuries, but will require a prescription and is a heavily restricted narcotic.

5.       Codeine 30 mg – Narcotic – Good for moderate pain but again a prescription is required.

NOTE: For high and prolonged fever, you can give both Ibuprofen and Tylenol together at every six and four hours respectively.

Other Medications:

1.       Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – is an antihistamine for treating sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, cold and allergy symptoms and mild allergic reactions. (severe allergic reactions will require a shot). Will cause dizziness and drowsiness (sleepiness).

2.       Neosporin Antiseptic Spray – easy to use spray that offers both antiseptic properties and pain relief. Topical use only.

3.       FlexSEAL – Spray on water tight bandage. Great for quickly covering minor cuts and scrapes.

4.       New-Skin – Liquid bandage – waterproof.

5.       Hydrogen Peroxide.

As mentioned previously, some of these may be difficult to obtain unless you have a prescription from your doctor. If you have a close trusted relationship with your doctor you may be able to ask and explain why you wish to obtain these. Additionally, you may want to consider adding a doctor to your preparedness group if you have one and have them help you gather the needed supplies for your group.

If you do not belong to a preparing group, now is a good time to start considering one and looking for good people like a doctor or pharmacist to join you.

All the information in this post are based on survival and preparedness and not considered medical advice. As with any medical situation you should always seek out proper medical advice. We recommend consulting with your doctor before proceeding.

You can also download a PDF of our Medications to Stockpile for Preparedness.

False Report of A patient With Both H1N1 (Swine Flu) and H5N1 (Avian Flu) Hits The Internet

Reports on the internet and in email boxes around the world were filled with false reports of a patient who tested positive for both the highly lethal bird flu virus, H5N1, and the novel H1N1, swine flu virus.

The electronic surveillance system Promed picked up the report, though it was unconfirmed at the time. Promed moderators also questioned the story and were unsure of its accuracy.

However, Promed is a widely used and read resource and the story was sent off to numerous other sources spreading the story.

The CDC is reporting that they do not believe that the man is infected with both of the above viruses yet, other reports also show the man is co-infected with H1N1 and H3N2 (a seasonal virus).

With 81 Healthcare Workers Infected With H1N1, Are Hospitals Doing Enough To Curb The Spread?

With the number of healthcare workers in the United States becoming infected with novel Influenza A (H1N1) reaches at least 81, we are left with the question Are hospitals doing enough to protect against the spread of the H1N1 virus?

While I cannot speak for each healthcare facility individually, I would have to say with the information in the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) the answer is a resounding no. Half of the 48 included in the study were found to have been infected in the heatlhcare setting and include one possible case of a heathcare worker infecting another. The report also has found 11 cases deemed to be patient to healthcare worker transmission.

According to the report, only two of the persons included in the study indicated that they always wore surgical masks (inadequate protection) and only 1 indicated that they wore an N95 respirator mask. Two others indicate they wore masks sometimes.

In the healthcare setting it is important to identify patients with swine flu or H1N1 early, or as Dr. Michael Bell of the CDC's Center for Preparedness, Detection and Control of Infectious Diseases puts it these patients, "need to be identified at the front door" of the hospital so that personnel will know they need to take preventive measures, such as wearing masks, isolating the patients and paying particular attention to hand hygiene.

He also stated "absolutely essential that healthcare personnel be vaccinated annually, for their own protection and to protect patients in hospitals."

It is also important that healthcare workers remain informed and take proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) precautions.

I've also come to discover at one location where a confirmed H1N1 case was being taking care of, that healthcare attendance within the unit dropped 25% at that particular facility.

This may be attributed to a lack of educational awareness, a lack in PPE equipment, a lack of adequate hospital preparedness measures or a combination of the three. Of course the argument can be made that it was coincidence, or the workers were actually ill, but this is most likely not the case.

While it is impossible to 100% completly stop the spread of the H1N1 virus or any other such disease, there are steps that can be taken to prevent and reduce the spread.

Healthcare facilities need to ensure that proper education of employees is taking place and that these procedures are being followed. They also must ensure that proper and timely screenings are being done as potential patients are entering the hospital or other healthcare setting to help reduce the spread.

Lessons From The 1918 Pandemic and Emerging Pandemic Threats

In light of the current pandemic of H1N1 (Swine Flu) and the spread of H5N1 (Avian Flu, or Bird Flu) I thought posting this video from TED on a presentation from Laurie Garrett on lessons from the 1918 flu.

The Video is actually from around April 2007 before the current out-break of H1N1 but can shed some light on a number of things and is worth taking the time to view.

This video highlights the main preparedness issues around pandemics and is more relevant today than it was when Laurie Garrett gave the presentation at TED in 2007.