How to Prepare for 2012

You don't have to look hard or far to find a lot of information about the belief that the year 2012 will bring disaster. With the Internet and it's many resources you can find a vast array of information , articles, and videos all dealing with this subject. However, it's a bit harder to find intelligent ideas for preparing for what may or may not come.
This article is not intended to go into the whys and wherefores of 2012 , but is meant only to help anyone that's interested in preparing for it.

What's the first thing everyone wants to do when any tragedy occurs? Well, most people want to call friends and loved ones. The problem is that there's a good chance that communications breakdowns will occur. That cellphone that you count on every day as almost a best friend may suddenly be completely useless. The only way around this communication breakdown is to have a plan set ahead of time with those you'd care to. A place to meet is essential for families that would want to come together and ride things out together.

Choosing the place that you'd try to escape to or get to is top of the to-do list. If you own land with it's own water source, that would be the obvious choice. But let's not forget that cellphone. Just as phone lines may become unavailable, so might GPSS systems. Having a real map made of paper should be a top priority. Also having alternate route choices highlighted on that map would be a great idea. Major highways are sure to become blocked or even regulated. Having an alternate , off the beaten path route to your place is a fine idea.

Water will also be a top priority. Again, if you have your own water source you're in a much better position than many. Considering all the possibilities of disasters, having a way to filter water whether you have your own source or not is a good idea. There are very basic filters that are inexpensive and there are also ways to make your own if you're willing to investigate on how to.

Air is another major concern. Having several masks on hand is a basic necessity. The amount you are willing to invest in masks essentially decides the level of protection they will provide you. With all the flu and possible viral infections, I cannot imagine anyone that's truly concerned passing on this or opting to go with a handkerchief tied over the mouth. Anyone you love or care about should have a supply of masks.

Medical supplies will be a top priority for all. The problem is that you can't really stock up on antibiotics or other very important medicines. The best you can do is to have a large over stocked first aid kit and books on how to cure ailments. Pain medicines and cold medicines should be highly overstocked.

Food supply will be next on most lists. With all the dried and canned foods available these days it's very easy to stock up in large quantity. Most important is a cool, dry place to store foods. Having extra storage bags and containers for food is also highly recommended.

Last but not least is proper and adequate clothing for both extreme climates. Obviously , warmer climate is a much easier issue to address with only a few light cotton items. Large white sheets are also advisable. For extreme cold , the answer lies in layering. A stock of clothing is safest with one to two heavy coats for all. Hats, gloves, socks would all be even more beneficial if waterproof. Lastly , don't forget eye protection. Dark sunglasses with high level of protection and goggles for severe cold will aid significantly in protecting your eyes.

Good luck to all . I hope to see some of you in the year 2013.