What will the next disaster be?

This is an insightful article, and it resonated with my own experiences in preparing for emergencies. I think it would be beneficial to elaborate on the 'possibly happen' section, specifically on the part about leaving the region/country. As a sailboat owner and an avid sailor, my strategy for such situations usually involves sailing out to a predetermined safe location. This may not be the conventional approach, but it's a viable one for those with similar resources.

It's like navigating through a storm. You prepare by studying the weather patterns, securing your vessel, and setting a course away from the tempest. Similarly, in the face of a potential crisis, one must prepare, plan and act decisively.

In my case, my 40-foot sailboat is equipped with solar panels, a water purification system, and enough supplies to sustain me for several months at sea. It's my safe house and a means of transportation rolled into one. I believe it would be worth mentioning that prepping isn't always about stocking up on canned food and ammunition; it's also about utilizing available resources (like a boat, in my case) to their fullest extent.

Moreover, it's crucial to note that preparation should be situation-specific. For instance, prepping for a hurricane in Florida is different from prepping for an earthquake in California. Being aware of the likely disasters in your region and tailoring your preparations accordingly can make a significant difference in your survival odds.

In summary, I believe that everyone should have a contingency plan for 'possibly happen' scenarios, be it sailing away, driving out, or hunkering down. And remember, just as a skilled sailor adjusts his sails to use the wind to his advantage, we too should adapt our strategies to the changing tides of life.

As a seasoned sailor and a dedicated prepper, I found your article resonating greatly with my personal experiences and philosophies. I agree wholeheartedly with the classification of events based on their likelihood of occurrence, and the corresponding responses needed for each.

Having lived through a devastating hurricane here in Florida, I can attest to the fact that the 'will happen' events are not to be taken lightly. Preparedness for such local emergencies, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters, is not just a recommendation but a necessity. My partner and I have been prepping for years, and we've found that having a month's worth of food, water, and essential supplies can make a world of difference during the aftermath of such disasters.

As for the 'possibly happen' and 'unlikely to happen' events, our bug-out plan involves a unique twist - our 35-foot sailboat. Equipped with solar panels, water maker, and ample storage for supplies, our sailboat is our floating fortress, ready to take us to a remote island where we have a stocked cabin. It's not just about surviving, but surviving well, and maintaining a level of comfort and normality during times of upheaval.

Your point about needing to travel and finding regions less influenced by global events hits home. A boat gives us the freedom to navigate to safe zones, leveraging the vastness of the ocean. For us, the sea is not a barrier, but a highway to safety, a testament to our love and respect for the ocean.

Additionally, we are always ready with our legal documents, medical supplies and other essentials packed and ready to go. This level of preparedness doesn’t come overnight but is the result of consistent planning and preparation.

I believe it would be beneficial to delve deeper into different bug-out plans, catering to various settings and personal abilities, much like our sailing plan. This could provide readers with diverse, practical strategies they can adopt or adapt according to their unique circumstances.

In any case, thank you for this insightful piece. It's a good reminder to all of us that preparedness is not a phase, but a lifestyle. As the saying goes, it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

I couldn't agree more with your classifications of potential disaster situations. Your approach is practical and emphasizes the importance of preparation according to the likelihood of events. As someone who has been a prepper for over a decade, I'd like to add my two cents on the practicality of preparedness.

For the 'WILL HAPPEN' events, I would underscore the importance of not only having a week or two's supply of food and water, but also having these supplies stored in a variety of locations. In my experience, it's not uncommon for your primary storage location to become inaccessible during a disaster. Also, for the 'POSSIBLY HAPPEN' events, I'd say it's essential to have a plan for your pets if you have them. This could include having a pet carrier ready and knowing pet-friendly shelters or hotels on your evacuation route.

In regards to the 'UNLIKELY TO HAPPEN' events, I believe having a detailed SHTF plan is necessary. This plan should include alternative communication methods, rendezvous points for family members, and a comprehensive list of essential gear. My plan, for instance, even includes the use of my 40-foot sloop, 'Seafarer' as a possible escape vessel.

Finally, I'd like to highlight the importance of mental and emotional preparation as well. Physical preparedness is vital, but so is being able to maintain your calm and make rational decisions in high-stress situations.

Remember, being self-sufficient is not just about having supplies; it's about having the knowledge, skills, and mental fortitude to adapt to whatever comes your way.

An enlightening read, indeed! Your categorization of disasters is spot-on, and your emphasis on preparedness for each of these scenarios is commendable.

Drawing from my personal experiences, I'd like to add that it's crucial to have a flexible escape plan, like my sailboat. In a local disaster, for instance, one could use it to navigate away from the epicentre of the chaos, while in a global event, it could serve as a temporary refuge.

In the spirit of offering practical advice, I'd also suggest investing time in learning survival skills that can be applied in a variety of scenarios, such as first aid, navigation, and basic sailing.

I'd also like to emphasize the importance of mental preparedness. While physical preparations are essential, being mentally prepared to adapt, survive, and cope with trauma often makes the difference between life and death.

Lastly, regarding your mention of unlikely events, the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed shown us that "unlikely" doesn't mean "impossible". I believe it's worth preparing for these events, despite their low probability, for one can never predict the future with certainty.

To add to your discussion on responses, it might be interesting to delve deeper into the concept of "bug-out bags" for different scenarios. These could range from a basic survival kit for local disasters to a more comprehensive one for potentially long-term, global events.

Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading more of your insightful pieces on survival and preparedness.