When I woke up this past Monday and saw the smoky skies, I just wanted to go back to bed. Then when I headed outside and noticed a layer of ash on the car, I thought, yep, I should have gone back to bed. But then when I looked up and saw the sun — no longer the familiar yellow orb we’re used to seeing but instead a blazing orange ball — well, I didn’t feel like going back to bed … just freaked out. Had I suddenly become a character in a science fiction movie? No, I could hear the neighbor’s turkeys gobbling, and because I know that a turkey would never agree to be in a science fiction film — film noir, perhaps, but never sci-fi — I had to assume one of two things: A) there was a big fire somewhere close by, or B) the sun was going to explode — and going back to bed was probably the best option.
We know now that the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge was the reason for the ominous-looking sun. Thousands of acres were burning, sending smoke and ash our way — sure signs that a devastating fire was taking place. This fire, combined with the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, and the potential for large-scale destruction posed by Hurricane Irma has put me on edge, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. Do we have to worry about hurricanes in this part of the world? No, but wildfires are a concern, obviously, and I’m sure I don’t have to list out other potential calamities.
What I do know is that I need a plan. My husband and I have talked about what to do in an emergency, but I know I’m not as prepared as I should be. This is important stuff, so there’s no time like the present to get ready for tomorrow. Not that I’m going to turn into a hard-core survivalist, but the world keeps doing things that keep me awake at night.
If, like me, your good intention to “be prepared” has slipped a little (or a lot), and now you aren’t sure where to start, don’t panic. There are books to help guide the way! The following list of titles offers a little bit of everything from the basics of emergency planning (water, food, first aid, shelter, safety) to more advanced preparedness (building a fire with damp wood, navigating by the stars). Then hold on to your flashlights. Two of the titles will help you to prepare for either unimaginable (yet possible) disasters — a solar storm that results in the loss of electrical power, or, imaginary catastrophes — surviving a Sharknado or fighting off a Mongolian death worm (really, truly, these will never happen).
