3 Preparedness Lessons I Learned from Snow Storms
If you've been following the news lately, what was once a mild winter has turned into a string of storms spread across the country.
I could repeat the scary facts and figures or dwell on the damage caused, but that's not why I'm writing you today. I've learned better than that - there's a better way to react and I encourage you to follow my lead.
You see, every year, when the first winter storm hits the headlines, I'm reminded of everything I've learned about preparedness and why I founded My Patriot Supply in the first place.
In the early days, I remember turning on the news and getting frustrated. The major networks would be covering the last-minute runs to the grocery store, making last-minute panicky preparations look like the normal and natural thing to do. How could I convince people to prepare before news breaks, without exploiting people's fears, when the media does the exact opposite?
Well, I learned some valuable lessons back then which I want to share with you. Obviously, the media hasn't changed, so it's up to us to change our attitude and get better prepared.
But first, I'll tell you how applying what I've learned has already been successful.
Even just a couple of years ago, it felt like nobody prepared in advance for snow storms. The media still had everyone trained to "Get Bread and Milk, Stay Inside, and Hunker Down."
Now, every winter season we get calls and emails from folks who were relieved and grateful to have our emergency food and gear on hand. Our message has reached more and more people with each passing year, and that's the reason we started this business.
So, how do we continue to spread our message of being proactive about preparedness? Well, there are three lessons I've learned that teach the true value of preparing in advance. I encourage you to share these lessons with your friends and family.
Every time this country is bracing for a winter storm, it seems like a lot of folks are racing against the clock. When everyone does this, it creates a crisis situation before the weather even hits.
However, you can avoid all that when you make the decision to get prepared in advance. There are three major benefits to doing this:
1. Preparedness is less stressful. You won't have to battle the crowds at the grocery and hardware stores. This also means no more worrying about whether you have everything you need. You made a plan and put it in place - the hard part is over. In the end, you'll encounter a lot less stress preparing in advance.
2. Preparedness is cost-effective. I've seen grocery stores that jack up prices during events like this. What's worse, I've seen a lot of folks go overboard on the "bread and milk" approach who end up with a lot of wasted food. A proactive preparedness plan allows you to make a budget that works for you, buy in exactly what you need (not just what's left in the store) and you won't end up paying more than you need to.
3. Preparedness is a long-term solution. Being proactive about your preparedness plan means that you're ready for an emergency tomorrow or ten years down the road. That's why our emergency food is developed with a shelf life of up to 25 years. So, whether it's another winter storm, a financial collapse or a threat to national security, you're ready. You've made an investment in your future, for your safety, and that's exactly the type of investment you need when an emergency strikes.
Simply put, preparing in advance makes your life a whole lot easier and less stressful than waiting until the last minute.
If you're ready to enhance your preparedness plan, we can help. But don't wait - prepare today!
In liberty,
Grant Miller
Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply