Water source. You need to know where their water is going to come from at all times. We have our own well but many folks these days are on municipal water supplies. If it's winter time and you lose power or the ability to get water, what will you do? If you are on a well, a manual well pump, if your well isn’t a deep well, is something you should highly consider. Back up water supplies are always a comforting thought. One last thing to ask yourself on this point – how are you going to flush that toilet without water?
Feed and treats. These are things you should never be on the verge of running out of. Always make sure you have enough for at least a week.
If you live in an area prone to flooding, where will your animals go? This is probably one of the hardest things to think about. Many people won't have to think about it, but for those who live near a water source, it's a necessity. For small livestock, move them as close to the house or furthest away from the water source as possible. Yes, this means you need to plan in the heat of the moment. For larger livestock, that's something that will depend on your property. Make proper plans ahead of time so that you don't have to "think" about it when disaster strikes.
Wind and Rain. Wrap those hutches up (and any open areas) with plastic. Make sure that any animals in open spaces have ample shelter and security. A wet animal isn't always a happy animal and it’s inviting illness. Make sure all animals have a "higher shelter" that they can get to if necessary that is easily accessible.
Snow and Winter. Winter time is the worst for homesteaders, in my opinion. I have seen too many homesteaders lose animals because of extremely cold conditions or Winter storms, simply because they did not prepare for them. Have plenty of straw on hand. Make sure all animals are in a draft free shelter. Hutches should be wrapped and stuffed full of straw. Stalls should be warm too. Please do not use a heat lamp, it is not necessary and it is extremely dangerous. The one year we used a heat lamp, it did more harm than good. Also, if you lose power, you don't want your animals to be accustomed to heat and then suddenly have to adjust to extremely cold temps. Remember, the physiology of livestock is different than we humans. Make sure you have a "plowing" plan. Have the tractor or ATV ready to plow everyone out, but keep on top of it while it's snowing. Don't think you can be a hero and tackle it when it's all over with. It's not easy plowing a lot of snow.
Have the necessities. An animal first aid kit. Halters and leads. Extra mending tools and fencing for fences and anything else that might go wrong. Gloves, extra boots, and your vets number on hand.
Prepare Yourself, Physically and Spiritually
Most of these things mentioned above are just common sense. We all know how to take care of our animals and families. Though, some of us suck at preparing in advance. This isn't a blog promoting freeze dried foods and doomsday prepping. It's a blog to help you prepare with common sense tactics. Learn what's around you and how to use it or overcome it, because doomsday prepping could certainly not work in your benefit at times. People and things can take your food, but they cannot take your knowledge and strength.
The final thing, and one that is least prepared in advance — prepare yourself. Physically, mentally and spiritually.
You must be able to keep your family together in a disaster. You can go to pieces and lose your mind after it's all over with, but in the moment, it's not an option.
Get in shape and know your body. You need to understand that your health is important, not just for your sake, but for other peoples sake should something happen on your homestead. This isn't something you can go out to the store and buy the day before a disaster. This is something that you should work on constantly. What are you limits? Could you pull yourself out of rushing water if you got caught in it? Could you pick your child up and run for your life if necessary? It's not something we like to think about, but it's something we have to think about.
Hide God’s Word in your heart. Because that Bible might not be close by in a freak situation. Learn how to completely rely on Him. And understand that every single thing in this world happens for a reason. It might not be directly "God" all of the time, but He certainly makes all things work for His good and for the good of those who love Him.(Romans 8:28)
Encourage yourself so that you can encourage your family. This might look different to you than it does to me. But you must be mentally able to keep your family going through it all. If you start flailing about in a tantrum or stress or fear, so will they. This also goes along with relying on God, because there's absolutely no way you can do it alone. Keeping calm and peaceful in a situation that is anything but -- it's a pretty big deal.
There are so many things that we, as individuals, would do differently and must prepare differently. We are all different and have unique characteristics and homesteads or living situations. Whatever it may be, make sure you are prepared, whether you know the disaster is coming, or whether you're completely taken off guard. It's not a fear tactic, it's your responsibility. Our ancestors and people in the Bible were prepared for these things most of the time (Ecclesiastes 11; Proverbs 6; Proverbs 13:16; and more) . Why shouldn't we be?
