Section 1 — Immediate Response
The First 72 Hours
The 3‑Step Survival Mindset
1. ACCEPT
Acknowledge that a real emergency is happening. Denial costs critical minutes. Say it out loud: “This is real. I need to act now.”
2. PLAN
Assess your situation before moving. Identify immediate threats, resources, and all family members.
3. ACT
Execute decisively. A good plan executed now beats a perfect plan executed too late.
Human Behavior in Disasters
Prepared individuals remain calmer and make better decisions. Panic wastes irreplaceable time and resources. Having a plan is neurologically calming — if you’re reading this before a crisis, you’re already ahead of most people.
Evacuation Decision Framework
Stay (Shelter‑in‑Place)
- Threat is external and home is secure
- Weather too dangerous to travel
- All family members accounted for
- Supplies for 72+ hours
- No mandatory evacuation order
Go (Bug Out)
- Mandatory evacuation order issued
- Fire within 2 miles and approaching
- Water supply contaminated
- Civil unrest in immediate area
- Home structurally compromised
- Medical emergency requiring facility care
Bug‑Out Trigger Checklist
- Mandatory evacuation order
- Active fire within 2 miles
- Municipal water contaminated or shut off
- Civil unrest within 1 mile
- Home structurally damaged
- Hazmat or chemical release nearby
- Flooding imminent
Vehicle Preparedness
- Keep fuel tank above half
- Store 2‑gallon treated fuel can
- Check tire pressure monthly
- Carry jumper cables and basic tools
- Know your vehicle’s range and routes
The 5‑Minute Roll Method
- Grab bug‑out bags
- Grab sentimental grab‑bin
- Secure home
- Account for all family members and pets
- Execute evacuation route
Security Awareness
Opportunistic crime increases within 24–48 hours of major disasters. Plan accordingly.
- Secure home before leaving
- Do not advertise supplies
- Travel in groups
- Stay aware of surroundings
- Legal, trained self‑defense options are valid considerations
Special Needs Considerations
Denture Wearers
Pack adhesive, cleaner tablets, extra dentures. Plantain leaves can cushion loose dentures.
Elderly
Pre‑pack 90‑day medications, soft foods, mobility aids.
Infants
Formula supplies, purified water, diapers, wipes, OTC meds.
Immunocompromised
Never give untreated water. Extra sanitation vigilance. Extended medication supply.