4Patriots

There are plenty of ways to prepare for wildfires. Go-bags and evacuation routes make sure you can leave on short notice. Fire-resistant landscaping can protect homes and communities. These strategies can help you escape wildfires and prevent damage after they start. What if there was a way to prevent wildfires from sparking in the first place? Downed power lines are a common cause of wildfires. To prevent fires from starting, some power companies have started pausing power to areas during extreme weather or high winds. These temporary measures are known as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Here’s everything you need to know about this wildfire prevention tactic and what it could mean for you: Solar Generator FAQs Where Can a PSPS Happen? This public safety measure started in California. Now, other states that are prone to wildfires have also started using it. Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, and Oregon have tried or announced PSPS strategies. PSPS can take place during ext...

When you think of being ready for anything, you might think of ways to keep your loved ones safe. Having at least 3 days of food and water can help during storms. A portable solar generator can keep your lights on during power outages. There are all sorts of ways to keep your loved ones safe. But what about your greater community? It’s important to be independent. Being prepared for anything involves building your self-reliance. But it also includes strengthening your community. Here’s why: Portable Solar Generator What Does a Strong Community Look Like? Family and friends are your first source of community. Clubs and organizations can foster a larger community. Even online groups, such as live classes and social media groups, can be a form of community. A shared sense of purpose helps create strong social ties. Common goals bring people together. And strong communities bounce back faster from emergencies. This is because they can provide a network of support. Why Ar...

Mother’s Day is the second Sunday of May. This holiday is all about celebrating the wonderful woman who raised you. Did your mom teach you how to catch fish? Did she teach you how to bake the world’s best chocolate chip cookies? Did she teach you how to mend a torn pair of pants? We learn a lot of valuable lessons from our moms. You probably appreciate her advice even more as an adult, especially if you value emergency preparedness. You might be celebrating your mom in person this May. Or maybe you’re honoring her memory. Whether you get to talk to your mom or remember her legacy, you’ll appreciate these 3 pieces of classic Mom advice that can boost your emergency preparedness. Mind Your P’s and Q’s This great piece of Mom advice reminds us to be respectful and thoughtful. Mom might have nudged you with this tip when you forgot to say thank you as a kid. Maybe she said this to you on your first day at a new school. But good manners can play a big role in emergency prep...

Preparing for emergencies is a lifelong skill. And everyone starts someplace different. Did you grow up in an outdoorsy family? Do you live in a city where earthquakes are common? We all have different strengths when it comes to preparing for emergencies. But being ready for the unexpected is about more than experience. A few simple steps can help you feel ready for whatever life sends your way. The 3 P’s of preparedness are a simple framework to help you strengthen your readiness. 1. Plan Planning starts with research. Look at where you’re located. Do you live along an active fault line? Are you in a tornado hotspot? Does your state experience wildfires each year? You can create a tailored plan when you know what challenges you face. Once you’ve done your research, outline what actions you’ll take during an emergency. This includes planning evacuation routes. You should create a shelter-in-place plan. You can choose emergency contacts. Budget for any big pieces of s...

You could be anywhere when an emergency happens. That’s why being prepared for the unexpected is so important. You might have a go-bag and portable solar generator at home. But do you have survival gear in your car? What about at work? Here are 3 types of emergency go-bags you should create and what to include in them: Portable Solar Generator At Home A home go-bag should contain everything you need to leave quickly. It should have all the survival gear you need for at least 72 hours. Here are some essential supplies to include: 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day for several days 3-7 days’ worth of food First-aid kit Flashlight and extra batteries Emergency blanket, poncho, and body warmers Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes Important documents such as copies of your insurance, ID, and prescriptions Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape to shelter in place Manual can opener A generator with solar panel attachments for reliable power on the go Local maps ...

Would you forget about your pets during an emergency? Of course not! They’re an important part of your family. It doesn’t matter whether you have to evacuate or hunker down at home with a solar generator . You’ll always care for your pets. Do you have an emergency plan in place for your pet? Here’s how you can prepare your pet for the unexpected: Solar Generator Tip #1: Create a Go-Bag for Each Pet Each pet in your family should have a dedicated go-bag. Their bag should contain everything they need to thrive during an emergency. Here are some items you’ll want to include: A large bag of food : You can purchase long-lasting survival food for dogs to make sure you have an option that will last a long time. Chew toys : You’ll want to keep your pets occupied. You can pack chewable toys and treats for your pet to keep them busy until the emergency passes. Any medications : You can ask your vet for an additional month’s worth of medication. You can get 6-12 months’ worth of hea...

Think of all the ways you use water every day. You drink it. You bathe with it. You use it to brush your teeth and wash your hands. You cook and clean with it. What would you do if you suddenly couldn’t access clean drinking water during an emergency? Now’s the best time to ensure you have enough water for your entire family. Here’s how to store, use, and even boil water with a solar powered generator and other essential survival gear. How Much Water Should You Store? You should have at least 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day. Then, keep another 1/2 gallon per person on hand for cleaning and hygiene purposes. It’s always better to have more than enough water than not enough in an emergency. Keep a 3-day water supply as a bare minimum. It’s even better to use water bricks to have 2 weeks’ worth of water or more. Water Bricks Water Storage Tips You’ll want to store water in different-sized containers in a cool, dark place. Filter your water before you store ...