Rule of 3’s

Setting Priorities for Disaster Preparedness

Remember the rule of 3’s: we can survive 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. 

Oxygen

We often take Oxygen for granted. But if you’re in a home fire or range fire zone, you may die from a combination of loss of oxygen and smoke inhalation, long before the flames catch up with you. Preparedness includes having physical stamina and rapid danger assessment skills, in order to avoid a situation where your oxygen supply is at risk. 

You may also assist another person who has lost their ability to breathe and process oxygen, such as through a traumatic accident. By learning first aid skills including CPR, you may keep that person alive by providing the oxygen that their body needs during those critical minutes just after the accident, until their body regains the ability to breathe on its own, or emergency services can take over for you in sustaining their life.

Water 

Very few people store enough water; they may have 3 months worth of food and 20 gallons of water.  Much of our food storage is worthless without water for the preparation of this food.  We need to make sure our water supply matches our food supply, using at least one gallon per day per person as a minimum. Since it impractical to store more than a few days of purified water, let alone take it with you if you have to evacuate, you should also have at least one method of purifying water, by such means as filtration, boiling, or chemical treatment.

Food and Fuel 

Not everyone has an adequate supply of food to last them through an emergency situation. But even if we have a basement full of wheat flour and a freezer full of ground beef, we may be deficient in fuel needed to process and cook that food.  We will also need fuel to stay warm in winter.  Most of our houses don’t have a heat source or cooking appliance that will work in the event of a big earthquake where we lose electricity or natural gas.  Our gas grills are great for a few days but won’t last long. Think of ways you can cover your heating and cooking needs in case of an emergency.  There are options out there that need to be explored. 

Prescriptions 

When Hurricane Katrina steamrolled New Orleans there were Special Forces troops sent in to secure critical buildings and infrastructure.  These teams observed that within 72 hours every pharmacy in the city had been looted and burned, then the gangs started raiding doctors’ offices and hospitals that lacked security.  Anyone who needs prescription medication on a daily basis should obtain or build up 3-6 months worth of critical medicines to rotate through along with the normal monthly supply.  You may need to purchase this extra supply out of pocket, but your life and health are worth the money. 

Defensive Weaponry 

We are a peace-loving people, but we should consider the following statement, in consideration of Hurricane Katrina and other major disasters with public safety consequences: 

You need to be able to protect your family until the police arrive — today that is 3 to 5 minutes — but after a natural disaster that timeframe may no longer be adequate.