Emergency Contingency Plan

Creating an Emergency Contingency Plan (ECP) for urban environments in 2025 is crucial given the current global geopolitical and economic climate.

But let’s concentrate on South Africa first. South Africa finds itself on a precarious edge. A recurrence of the July 2021 riots and looting, or even worse events, compounded by extended power outages, could lead to severe security concerns. The country, or parts of it, could descend into complete anarchy.

Various triggers, such as political turmoil, issues with Eskom, sabotage, internal factionalism, xenophobia, or widespread hunger, have the potential to incite chaos. In addition to the looming food shortage, the scarcity of fresh drinking water poses another critical threat. Without electricity, water pumps will cease to supply reservoirs. Although we hope these scenarios do not materialize, we must “be prepared” for any possible outcome. The risk of political conflicts or even a civil war cannot be ruled out.

Let’s now tap into the rest of the world. As of this moment, the global geopolitical climate is highly volatile and complex. Here are some key points:

1. **Russia-Ukraine Conflict**: The ongoing war continues to impact global energy and food security, leading to higher prices and increased inflation rates.
2. **US-China Relations**: Tensions remain high, influencing global trade patterns and tariff costs. Both nations are also competing for access to critical minerals.
3. **Middle East Instability**: Conflicts in Syria, Iran, and Lebanon are causing regional instability. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and Israeli strikes in Iran and Lebanon are significant developments.
4. **Climate Change**: Geopolitical risks are complicating efforts to address climate change. The world is halfway through a critical decade for climate action, but progress is hindered by geopolitical conflicts.
5. **Cyber Warfare**: Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and severe, targeting critical infrastructure and causing significant human and financial impacts.
6. **Nationalism and Protectionism**: The rise of nationalism and protectionism is challenging the positive impacts of globalization and economic growth.
7. **Elections and Political Uncertainty**: Over 50 countries are heading to the polls, leading to high levels of political uncertainty in many of the world’s largest economies.

Let’s throw in WEF / UN Agenda 2030, the now dismantled Georgia Guidestones, The Gates Foundation etc…and you have enough information in those once researched, to ensure that you make an effort to prepare for the next onslaught against humanity. WAKE UP!

These factors contribute to a highly unpredictable and tense global environment. It’s essential to stay informed and prepared for any potential developments.

I’m not finished… lets mention the threat from nature.

As of this moment, here are the key environmental climate threats we face:

1. Extreme Weather Events: Increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heatwaves are causing widespread damage and loss of life.
2. Critical Changes to Earth Systems: The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which includes the Gulf Stream, is at risk of collapsing, potentially leading to drastic climate changes.
3. Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Collapse: Species extinction rates are accelerating, and ecosystems are under severe stress, threatening global biodiversity.
4. Pollution and Waste: Pollution from plastics, chemicals, and other waste is contaminating air, water, and soil, posing health risks to humans and wildlife.
5. Water Scarcity: Many regions are experiencing severe water shortages, exacerbated by climate change and population growth and let’s not forget…unplanned maintenance due to ZERO planning and Corruption.
6. Melting Permafrost: The thawing of Arctic permafrost risks releasing ancient microbes and generating epidemics.
7. Mineral Resource Scarcity: The demand for minerals essential for the transition to renewable energy is increasing, leading to potential conflicts and environmental degradation.
8. Space Debris: The rapid expansion of space activity is creating orbital debris, which can damage the ozone layer and undermine geopolitical stability.

These are just some of the threats that highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated global action to mitigate climate change and protect our planet.

Here’s a summarized plan that covers various aspects:

Emergency Contingency Plan (ECP) for Urban Environments in 2025

#### **1. Emergency Preparedness Kit**

– **Water**: At least 3 liters per person per day for at least 3 days (3-day supply).

– **Food**: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply).

– **First Aid Kit**: Bandages, antiseptics, medications, etc.

– **Tools**: Flashlight, batteries, multi-tool, whistle, duct tape, etc.

– **Personal Hygiene Items**: Sanitizer, wet wipes, garbage bags, etc.

– **Important Documents**: Copies of personal documents, insurance policies, etc.

– **Communication Devices**: Battery-powered radio, extra batteries, chargers.

– **Clothing and Bedding**: Warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags.

– **Special Needs Items**: Baby supplies, pet food, prescription medications.

 

#### **2. Food and Water Storage**

– **Water Storage**: Store water in clean, airtight containers. Don’t wait to rotate water every six months. Get into the habit NOW to rotate stored water on a daily basis. This ensure that you develop a habit and that your water is always fresh. Set up a rain-water harvesting system for emergency supply for drinking / washing / flushing or firefighting. Purification methods vary from tablets to normal unscented household bleach.

– **Food Storage**: Store food in a cool, dry place. Again, don’t wait to rotate food supplies every six months. Build up a supply, if you haven’t already done so and start using it before it expires. Replace it and add to the supply. Slowly you’ll develop a habit and be grateful that you can look at your hoard and know that you have enough for a limited amount of time.

Here’s a revised list of ideas:

• Stock Up on Essentials: Bread, milk, coffee, and other short-term favourites.
• Non-Perishables and Long-Life Foods: Ensure you have a good supply.
• Tinned Foods: Buy as many as you can for convenience and longevity.
• Healthy Staples: Grains, brown rice, dried fruit, nuts, granolas, muesli, etc.
• Dried Foods: Include rice, pasta, maize meal, sugar, salt, dried beans, and soup.
• Quick Meals: Ensure, Future Life (just add water for a meal in a glass).
• Pet Supplies: Don’t forget to stock up on food for your pets.
• Dehydrated Vegetables: Buy these if available for an easy, nutritious addition.
• Freeze-dried Meals: These may be costly, but they can last up to 25 years.
• Caloric Intake: Aim for at least 2000 calories per day.
• Refrigerated Items: Use up all perishable foods first before they spoil.
• Homegrown Vegetables: Encourage growing a small vegetable garden to supplement your food supplies.

Feel free to adjust or add anything else you think is necessary!

 

#### **3. Energy for Emergency Power, Lighting and Cooking**

– **Power Banks**: Portable chargers for phones and other devices. Don’t store these for years, they deplete and when it comes to using them, they don’t hold a charge. Use it and then add one to your supplies as you need.

– **Solar Chargers**: Portable solar panels for charging devices.

– **Generators**: Small, portable generators for emergency power.

– **LED Lights**: Energy-efficient LED lanterns and flashlights.

-**Hands-free**: I always recommend a headlamp, it is the most important type of torch you can have in your kit when you need to use your hands for other duties.

– **Alternative Cooking Methods**: Portable stoves, solar cookers, or camping grills.  Use gas or fire for cooking and re-heating. Have several full gas bottles on hand. Stock up on matches, lighters.

 

#### **4. Medical Supplies and Survival Gear**

– **First Aid Supplies**: Make a comprehensive kit including bandages, antiseptics, medications, etc. Be careful with expiry dates on self-medication drugs. Use and replace when getting to around 50%. Accumulate extra chronic medications (they won’t be delivered). I encourage getting first aid training and certification. The First Responder and Stop The Bleed training courses cover the most important areas of first aid combined with trauma aid to a patient.

– **Survival Gear**: Multi-tool, fire starter, emergency blanket, emergency shelter like a tarp. etc.

– **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: Masks, gloves, goggles.

 

#### **5. Bio-Chemical and Chemical Attack Survival**

– **Gas Masks**: Ensure availability of gas masks for each household member.

– **Decontamination Supplies**: Soap, water, and a change of clothes.

– **Emergency Shelter**: Designate a safe room or shelter in your home.

 

#### **6. Earthquake and Wildfire Preparedness**

– **Earthquake**: Secure heavy furniture, create an evacuation plan, and practice drills. We’ve had a few tremors, but we never really have to worry about this in South Africa…never say never…

– **Wildfire**: Clear vegetation around your home, create an evacuation plan, and stay informed about local fire conditions. Ensure that you have hoses ready to be connected to your water storage facility with a pump that can work off your 220v supply or generator / solar.

 

#### **7. Solar Flares and Other Threats**

– **Solar Flares**: Have a Faraday cage to protect electronic devices, and stay informed about solar activity. This requires some help from those in the know for most people, but a simple solution is to keep unused electronics turned off when not needed, maybe invest in an old school wagon that doesn’t have and ECU.

– **Other Threats**: Stay informed about local and global threats, and have a plan for each scenario. It might seem like you’re forever dwelling on the negative, but actually you will be empowered to know that you are prepared and capable if the slightest emergency arises.

 

#### **8. Local and National Government Agendas**

– **2025-2040**: Relying on governments that you don’t trust or can’t rely on, can pose several dangers:

1. Human Rights Violations: These governments often suppress dissent, limit freedoms, and engage in practices that violate basic human rights.
2. Corruption and Mismanagement: Corruption can lead to the mis-allocation of resources, economic instability, and a lack of trust in public institutions.
3. Lack of Transparency: A lack of transparency can result in misinformation, manipulation of public opinion, and a lack of accountability.
4. Economic Instability: Sinister governments may engage in policies that harm economic growth, leading to increased poverty and inequality.
5. Environmental Neglect: These governments might prioritize short-term gains over environmental sustainability, causing long-term damage to natural resources and ecosystems.
6. Security Risks: Engaging in aggressive foreign policies or internal repression can lead to conflicts, both domestically and internationally.
7. Erosion of Democratic Institutions: Undermining democratic processes and institutions can weaken governance, leading to instability and authoritarian rule.
8. Social Division: Policies that promote division and xenophobia can lead to increased social tensions and violence.

It’s essential for citizens to stay informed, engage in civic activities, and advocate for transparent, accountable, and ethical governance to mitigate these dangers.

 

#### **9. Implicit Trust Network**

– **Family and Trusted Individuals**: Have a plan for communication and meeting points with family and trusted individuals. Ensure you have an alternative means of communication other than relying on your cell phones. Make a habit of creating a regular check-in schedule. This ensures that you keep your communication skills and use of equipment fresh in your mind for when you really need it. I encourage you to get some training in radio communications.

– **Community Resources**: Know the location of community shelters, emergency services, and other resources.

 

#### **10. Continuous Monitoring and Updates**

– **Stay Informed**: Regularly check news sources, weather updates, and government alerts.

– **Update Plan**: Review and update your ECP regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective to you and your network.

 

I have summarized this Plan as a start for you. I have touched lightly on self-awareness regarding safe-network and trust. This can go down the rabbit hole into a myriad of bunker solutions and self-protection, but that is for another topic.

This plan should be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. It’s important to practice and review the plan regularly with your family and trusted individuals to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

 

My experience and your Take-Away

In 2014 I started really prepping for “Doomsday”. I was researching safe-rooms and bunkers, bought simple handheld 2-way radios, created my first EDC bag, had water storage and my “get-out-of-Dodge-vehicle’ etc. By the start of Covid-19 I already had a reserve of food, water, power, fuel, medical supplies, communication equipment, water and much more. I was also 90% self-reliant for vegetables. I remember trying to educate so many people in my immediate circles at work and friends of the need to “Be Prepared” but a lot of my efforts fell on deaf ears…until Covid HIT!… And then…fast forward to the rioting and looting of July 2021 and all I could do was shake my head at the long lines formed by people encompassing shopping centres, waiting to get in to buy what little was left on the shelves. And the long lines of cars??? Waiting to get the last few drops of fuel at the garage. Zero policing, KZN ticked every Preppers’ preparedness checkbox for 14 days. What a wake-up call that was to the rest of South Africa.

Enough said! Your Take-Away if you didn’t get it, ‘BE PREPARED’! It’s not too late.