14 Questions to Ask Yourself in a Preparedness Pop Quiz

by Gaye Levy

When it comes to being  prepared, is seems that there are about a thousand things to take into consideration. Well, maybe not a thousand but at least a hundred or two.

At times, it feels like we are jugglers, with so many balls in the air that with one mis-step, they will all come tumbling down.

Luckily, there are lots or resources available with checklists and guidelines to get us through the quagmire of of things to do, things to get, and things to learn. Even then, when it comes right down to it, we all just have to do it.

I have found that the process of asking and answering questions goes further to help me prepare than all of the the other resources combined.  By asking a question of myself, I can work through various scenarios and come up with a reasonable answer and a solution that is actionable. Because this question and answer process is so valuable, each summer I post a reminder to take the Annual Preparedness Test.

Today I would like to take that test one step further with a supplemental pop quiz that includes additional question to get you thinking.  While I would like to take credit for these questions, many have come from awesome preppers such as yourselves, in the various comments and emails that have been recorded these past few months.

And let’s face it.  What better source of information is there than fellow Backdoor Survival readers who walk and walk, the same as you.

The Preparedness Pop Quiz

1.  In the event of a sudden evacuation, do you have up-to-date maps of your local area and of a primary and secondary evacuation route?

2.  Have you considered what you would do if bridges were impassible or there were mudslides or other road blocks preventing your getaway?

3.  Is your vehicle reliable and in sufficient mechanical condition to get you out dodge and out of danger?

4.  Can you manually open the garage door if there is no power?

5.  Have you identified an alternative location that you can reasonably reach in the event your own home is uninhabitable or inaccessible?

6.  Do you have sufficient fuel in your vehicle to make it to your primary or secondary destination?

7.  Are the heavy objects in your home (such as book cases and the hot water heater) secured in such a way that they will not topple over in an earthquake?

8.  Do all members of your family have GRMS or FRS radios for short-distance communications if cell towers are overloaded or phone service is completely gone?  Do they know how to use them?

9.  Do you have a small solar battery charger to re-charge your cell phones, reading device, tablet or laptop?

10.  Have you stored copies of important documents on a flash drive?  Examples include driver’s license, social security card, Medicare or health insurance card, passport, mortgage-note/deed to property, car title and registration, bank investment account numbers, insurance policy numbers, and family photos.

11.  Does each family member have a pack or case that they can handle on their own during an evacuation?  Do those packs include provisions for children, pets, the elderly and those with mobility or other challenges?

12.  Do you have emergency food, water, first aid, cash, and other items stored in multiple locations just in case your primary location is looted or destroyed?

13.  Can you carry your primary survival pack on your back for two to four hours without strain?  When is the last time you tried?

14.  What steps have you taken to mentally prepare for a disaster or collapse?

The Final Word

These are just a sampling of the questions you should be asking yourself in an effort to round out and broaden your preparedness efforts.  Some of them are easier than others; and, most assuredly, the answers will set the foundation for further assessment of your state of preparedness.

The good news is that family preparedness can be embraced as a lifestyle and can meld into the mesh of daily life as a matter of course.

If you have not done so already, please take the Annual Preparedness Test.  Or, if you prefer, print out a copy so that you can make notes then pass the test along to someone who perhaps is interested in preparedness but does not know where to start.

When you are done, come back and leave a comment with a question that is not on one of the lists – but should be.  I will include it in the next quiz.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!