Prepping With Disabilities

There are many articles and guides out there regarding preparedness and prepping. We always talk about the same ideas of food storage, bugging out, etc., but rarely is the topic of preparedness for a person with disabilities discussed. So I thought we would start here and keep this topic going to inform our readers.

We briefly touch on this subject when referring to stocking up on medications that one takes, but we do not talk about those who may have a disability which may create severe issues for them during a SHTF scenario. We can only empower and educate on this subject, hoping that this may raise enough awareness which in turn may save someone’s life one day.

I thought about this as I have had exposure to folks who needed real help due to a debilitating situation. Thankfully, some folks have full-time caregivers so they will not be alone in a crisis. But what happens to those who are alone, or in fact, something happens to the caregiver? This is where I get concerned.

Let me first say that I am not an expert in this field, but I would say it is common sense when prepping for this. Though I am well aware that some folks require some serious medical attention on a regular basis, it should be handled as such. But we have folks who suffer from arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even allergies to certain medications. The list can go on, but we need to discuss what steps and measures to take incase a SHTF situation were to occur for these folks. Lets start with these topics:

Medications - Find out what medications they require and how often. In the event of an “incident”, these will be harder to come by. Local pharmacies stock approximately three-days worth of meds. If this catastrophe will last longer and not allow the supply lines to get through; a lot of folks are going to get sick and die. But we can help this by trying to stockpile where maybe (if this is allowed) the person can skip a day. This would allow a reserve until refills could be found. You can also shop around the major pharmacies as some meds are free. Check with them to find out details. You will also want to look at natural remedies that may be available in your area. Stocking up now can help alleviate some of the problems you may experience

Physical Requirements - Some folks have circumstances where they may be confined to a wheelchair or bed ridden. To make matters worse; they may rely on portable oxygen or even some sort of suction device, in order to stay alive. We know if the grid goes down, so will these folks. If you are going to need these items, start making plans now. Your local hospitals should have a good supply of portable oxygen tanks. If you require necessities that use electricity; the hospitals are equipped with backup generators. So plan a quick and easy bug-out plan to the hospital if need be. I know they will be overwhelmed, but you may not have a choice. Keep in mind this will be very stressful for the person you are providing care for. So try your best to help them through this. Stress alone can agitate a condition beyond needed.

Mental Preparedness - This is for both you, the caregiver, and the person with the disability. I hate to use this reference, but as we saw with Hurricane Katrina, not only did people lose their minds but the system collapsed. By planning now you will avoid the bull crap that we witnessed. From taking some emergency medical training, or even educating yourself on signs and symptoms of some ailments will be worth its weight in gold. But most of all, being prepared for whatever happens is key. We may not be willing to accept the worst case scenario, but we must be prepared.

In the end, we are not preppers, survivalists, or patriots, but we are human beings. We are to take care of each other in the best of times and the worst of times. If we can live by this code, then we have already overcome whatever SHTF situation has come our way. While I have touched only the tip of the iceberg on this subject, I would like your input. Stay safe out there!!

-SP

Prepper Central