Here is a hard truth most people ignore: In a widespread crisis (earthquake, grid collapse, severe storm), emergency services will be overwhelmed.
The fire department isn’t coming. The ambulance isn’t coming.
You are the first responder. You are the fire chief. You are the medic.
This realization shouldn’t scare you—it should empower you to act. Here is the first protocol to execute when you know a crisis is imminent.
Protocol 1: The “50 Gallons of Life” Rule
If the power grid fails, the municipal water pumps will stop working shortly after. You have a very short window—maybe 30 to 60 minutes—while there is still water pressure in the pipes.
Don’t waste it.
- Action: Immediately fill your bathtub.
- Tool: Use a bathtub liner (like a WaterBOB) if you have one. If not, scrub the tub quickly and fill it anyway.
- Result: You just secured 50 to 100 gallons of water.
Why This Water is Critical
This isn’t just for drinking (though with a liner/filter, it can be). This is your strategic reserve for:
- Hygiene: Flushing toilets (by pouring a bucket in the bowl) keeps disease out of your home.
- Firefighting: If a candle tips over or a grease fire starts, you have an unlimited supply of water to soak towels or fill buckets. You don’t have to rely on a trickle from the tap.
Protocol 2: The ABC Check
Since you are now the Fire Chief, check your equipment.
- Locate your ABC Fire Extinguisher.
- Check the gauge (is it in the green?).
- Place it in the kitchen or hallway, not buried in a closet.
Don’t wait for help. Create your own safety net.
📖 Available Now: The #1 Bestseller
This mindset shift—from “victim” to “responder”—is the core of my book, Survive from the Pantry. It is currently the #1 Amazon Best Seller in Disaster Relief. Join thousands of families who are getting prepared today.
🎁 Free Water Storage Guide
Do you know how to purify that bathtub water if you need to drink it? Download my Free Water Storage Guide. It includes a printable chart for bleach ratios and boiling times.