Emergency survival for women on their own

SALT LAKE CITY — Emergency preparedness is a universal necessity for families facing any kind of difficulty. Women who are alone during an emergency can help themselves in several ways.

1. Don’t Panic. When emergencies arise, there is no time for panic. Practice breathing exercises or relaxation methods when you feel the need to panic in any situation. Prayer always helps, as we need to remember to keep our heads. A good way to remember this is with the word SURVIVAL.

S — Size up the situation.

U — Undue haste makes waste.

R — Remember where you are.

V — Vanquish your fear and panic.

I — Improvise.

V — Value everywhere.

A — Act like the natives.

L — Learn basic skills.

If you live in a tornado area, learn what steps to take before the siren sounds so you will be calm, which will also help those around you to stay calm. Another good way to avoid panic is with the word STOP. Stop, Think, Observe and Plan. The practice of keeping calm may save your life.

2. Store emergency supplies. In emergency situations, necessary supplies could include ready-to-eat food, water, a filtration system to clean more water, a way to cook food (camp stove, fire starting kits), emergency shelter if necessary and a first aid kit. Practice using emergency items so you can think clearly in a pinch. Learn from other women, such as those listed on The Survival Mom blog ring, and read about emergency preparedness on the website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Related:

When disaster strikes: Making a family communication plan

In an emergency, communication is one aspect which becomes very important when disaster strikes, but is forgotten most other times. With the advance of technology in our modern world, communication has the ability of instant results. Satellite phones, cell phones and Ham Radios are invaluable in contacting members of the family all over the world.

3. Communication is important. We know we have cell phones in case of an emergency, but what if regular communication systems are down? Battery-powered radios with extra batteries, whistles, a small mirror or battery-powered walkie-talkies could be a lifeline to help. Even starting a fire when lost can help searchers find you. Keep these items in an easy-to-reach place or in multiple places. 4. Remember self-defense and safety. This aspect of emergency preparedness is probably the most frightening. All women need to know some form of self-defense. Classes and workshops can teach the basics. Also, always lock your car and house doors. Remember wasp spray can keep attackers away. When facing an attacker, never let anyone (or anything) that threatens you get closer than arm's length. Do not say, “I’ve got a gun” as an empty threat because, eventually, the person can discover you are bluffing. Know how to stay on guard when necessary and practice good safety as a rule.

The number one motto for survival is, "hope for the best and prepare for the worst." Preparing ourselves emotionally, spiritually and physically will help in times of disaster. With so much to learn about survival, women can turn to emergency preparedness groups and online resources for help.

There is a difference between surviving and living. Surviving requires skills developed for a short-term event in times of crisis. They will eventually lead back to living. Living requires developing a set of skills for a long-term lifestyle regardless of changing environments, conditions, events or economics. Building an emergency preparedness knowledge base will help with living and not just surviving.

With these suggestions, women can develop a living standard which will keep them independent and safe regardless of what they experience in a survival setting.

Valerie Steimle is the mother of nine children who lives happily on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. She is the author of five books, all about strengthening the family, including "Thoughts from the Heart." Email: valeriesteimle@yahoo.com

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