Now is Cheap

At this moment in time, there are multiple wars around the world, geopolitical instability, and even the threat of nuclear catastrophe (according to the Doomsday clock).

You should use this time, right now, to prepare before the next major world event unfolds.

“The best time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining”

John F. Kennedy

Why Now?

Cost of Goods

The vast majority of common household goods are relatively inexpensive.

Yes, inflation did raise the cost of everything in the last few years, but a major catastrophe will raise prices astronomically. This was evident when COVID-19 spiked the price of toilet paper, for example.

Supply Availability

People are not hoarding basic supplies, so shelves are full.

Fuel, food, water, hygienic items, batteries, ammo, and many other generic disaster preparation supplies are readily available for purchase.

Manufacturing and logistical supply chains are operating reliably and efficiently.

What to Prepare For

Lockdowns – You may be compelled to remain in your home for many reasons such as degraded security, an outbreak, or other regional threats. Staying at home for an extended period of time means to be self-reliant and well stocked with supplies and provisions.

Evacuations – Your preparations should be mobile-ready. This means you can quickly move critical supplies such as food, water, and your important documents into your vehicle should the need arise.

Degraded Security – Local and regional unrest means the police forces are busy with a major event. Preparing to fortify and lock down your home means having locks on doors and windows, creating deterrence, and having a means of defending yourself.

General Preparedness – Having a cache of long-term food, water, medicine, and shelter is a minimum necessity that covers many possible disaster and emergency scenarios.

Possible Events on the Horizon

There are many major scenarios that may unfold in the next year or two. This list is not comprehensive.

War

As of the writing of this blog, there are 32 countries in armed conflict around the world. The threat comes from some of these wars spreading, then disrupting regional stability.

For example, the conflict in the Middle East, if it expands, may disrupt major oil producers as well as shipping lanes.

The threat of a new major war, such as one between China and Taiwan, will inevitably disrupt the supply of electronics from Taiwan, as well as a vast number of common goods from China.

Prices for major goods tend to spike, and supplies tend to dip during the initial phase of a major conflict or its escalation.

90% of the most advanced semiconductors on the planet come from Taiwan, and that affects everything from medical equipment, vehicle production, energy production, and other major necessities.

Stock Market Crash

The US economy has been humming along, but the stock market may see dramatic corrections in the foreseeable future due to wars, elections, and other upsets.

If you are going to rely on money invested, such as for your retirement, consider scaling back to more stable forms of savings. This way, you reduce your exposure to risk and retain more of your wealth even if the market crashes.

A Hot Summer

The earth has broken heat records in the last couple of consecutive years. This summer will probably be no different.

Prepare to evacuate in the event that the excessive heat will start a fire. There may be little to no warning, as was witnessed in the Maui fire in 2023.

Purchase fire insurance to financially protect your home should the worse happen. Even if you don’t live in a fire-prone area, fire can spread quickly and indiscriminately.

Rolling blackouts, increased electricity costs, or other utility disruptions may occur as a result of excessive heat. Plan for alternative methods to cool down, light your home, and cook. Store plenty of water.

Action Items

If you’ve never prepared for a disaster or emergency, start now. Here is a great guide to get going.

If you already have preparations, revisit the following today:

• Emergency food – make sure everything is sealed and still consumable
• Water – Ensure bottles are sealed and filters are in good working order
• Shelter – Fix your home’s defects and review your insurance policy
• Skills – Learn a new handy skill, such as changing a tire, sewing, filtering water, etc.
• Medical – Review any items that need to be discarded or upgraded
• Fire – Check your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency escape routes
• Defense – Review your means of deterrence and self-defense options
• Backup your documents – Ensure you have a robust backup for your critical files/documents.

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