Surviving Disaster Near a Lake or River: How to Get Prepared

Those who live near large bodies of water are no strangers to storms and the devastation they can leave behind. Just as those near the coastlines have to deal with treacherous hurricanes, those who live near lakes or rivers know all too well about the potential of flooding. Take the proper precautions to ensure you are safe and ready in the event that disaster strikes.

Preparing for a Disaster Near the Water

Have an emergency kit on hand that includes the following:

• A battery-powered weather radio
• Water
• Nonperishable foods
• Sleeping bags
• Mess kits
• Clothing
• First aid supplies

If you have the option, subscribe to cellphone alerts for notification of all kinds of disasters, including floods, tornadoes and high wind alerts.

Living on a Boat During Disasters

If you own a boat that survives a disaster, it may become your new temporary shelter. Keep an emergency kit like the one described above on your boat at all times. Add additional waterproof clothing, extra flotation devices and life jackets for adults and children.

Be prepared for scenarios that require quick thinking and proper training by taking a boating education course. In addition to learning how to operate the equipment on your boat, these classes cover navigation rules, safe personal watercraft operation, casting off and docking. Find out now if you need any liscensure or certification to legally operate a boat in your state, too; for example, boaters in Wisconsin born after Dec. 31, 1988, and who are at least 16 years old must have a Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate to operate any motorized watercraft.

Thanks to new boating technologies, living on a boat can now be more comfortable than ever before. Photovoltaic (PV) power, which has been used for years to power battery chargers, calculators and flashlights, is now incorporated into thin panels that can be stored and rolled out to capture power from the sun. These can keep batteries charged or stored in a battery bank, according to Lance Long, a bug out blogger in Key Biscayne, Florida.

Robert Richardson, founder of Off-Grid Survival, is a great resource for boat bugging and has investigated alternative power for boat living. He recommends a portable solar device to keep USB devices charged as well as those using rechargeable AA batteries. Check out his step-by-step off-grid air conditioning unit as well.

Defending Yourself and Your Boat During a Crisis

Conditions and people can change during a crisis. Looting often takes place ashore and pirating can spring up on a large body of water. Don’t become a victim.