April 5th - "Galactic Goat's Motto: Be Prepared"

Galactic Goat’s Motto: Be Prepared

The threat of severe weather continues to loom large in the south east and east coasts. All who are experiencing the effects of this weather, please know the Goat has you in his thoughts. I ask everyone to join me, and hope for the best outcome.

Although Galactic Goat’s home base is in the southwest, this severe weather has reminded the Goat of the wisdom behind the motto “Be Prepared”. Being prepared can mean many different things to many different people. The term “prepper” has been influenced by the press and popular culture into a negative label. But I assert: being prepared can never be a bad thing.

There are various levels of preparedness. On the extreme side, planning for the Zombie Apocalypse with food stores, medical supplies, weapons caches, whole-home alternate power systems and so on. Or it can be as little as ensuring you have a good flashlight, a bit of extra water and some candles in the event of an overnight power outage. Galactic Goat encourages you to make plans, maybe a bit more between these extremes.

It’s important to tailor your prepper plan to your environment. By “environment” I don’t mean the ozone, save the whales, and what about the polar bears daddy. I mean WHERE you live and HOW you live.

For example, if you live in southern California, your potential threats are earthquake, and possibly wildfires. Your prepper plans should include plenty of food and water, an evacuation plan (how to get out) and a rally point (where to gather with family or friends after an incident).

In my area, threats are mainly limited to power outages, flash floods, heat waves (which can cause power outages and “brown outs”) and Imperial Overlord invasion*

My plans include food and water for 3 to 4 days, flashlights and candles, battery operated radio and a solar charger to keep the power flowing to my flashlight and phone. Although the telcom system is reliant on electricity, most of the system has redundant power supplies which enable telco systems and cell phone towers to continue operating long after the power grid goes offline.

As well as general planning for whatever kind of disaster is common in our area, let’s not forget planning for our environment includes HOW we live and WHO we are. If you have small children or infants, make sure you maintain food stuffs appropriate to the ages of the children. Also, I know from first hand experience… babies go through a BUNCH of diapers. Make sure you maintain a generous supply of diapers, baby wipes, powders and lotions… whatever items necessary to take great care of your infant for as long as your local threats are likely to disrupt your regular lifestyle.

For me, the worst disasters (barring the zombies of course) might affect me for up to a few days. My friends in southern California might be several days or more without services in the event of an earthquake. In the event of a wildfire they could be displaced… unfortunately, permanently. My family in the very rural south must be prepared for at least two weeks in the event of a tornado, flood or major storm. Make sure you maintain enough supplies appropriate to the catastrophes you’re most likely to encounter.

Also, let’s remember not to prepare to survive, but to live. This is particularly important when you have children. Most of us have become reliant on television and the interwebs for our entertainment. These services may not be available to you for several days, so let’s make sure we have supplies to help pass the time in an enjoyable manner. Cards, games, books and magazines… particularly important if you have children, papers, pencils, crayons and coloring books. The best prepared family… stocked with gallons of water, boxes and cans of food… will have a very challenging time lasting even a few days if they don’t stay occupied and entertained. Kids will become fussy, parents will become angry and the simplest power outage will become a major disaster in a matter of several hours.

With that tidbit of wisdom, Galactic Goat appeals to you: Be prepared! And please, keep those in the southeast and east cost in your thoughts.

*Imperial Overlord invasion not an actual threat in the southwest