Book SummarySurvive and Thrive, by Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Survive and Thrive

Securing Essential Resources (Water, Food)

This section will cover how to prepare, store, and procure the two most vital resources for survival in a crisis: water and food. The authors stress that relying on a fragile system of supplies is risky. Preparation is crucial to weathering any storm, and it all begins with these fundamentals.

Importance of Preparing and Storing Essential Goods for Unexpected Situations

This section will discuss how to determine your water and food needs based on your household size. You will learn the best methods for storing water for extended periods and the types of food to keep on hand for emergencies.

Daily Water/Food Needs Based on Household Numbers

First, you need to calculate how much potable water per person is needed to maintain health and survival in an emergency situation. Fulton recommends allocating each individual a daily gallon for drinking. FEMA recommends a three-day supply of water, but Fulton and Devon advise that you should strive for enough water for two weeks. For a household with four people, you should have fifty-six gallons of potable water.

Secondly, calculate the daily food requirement per individual. Homeland Security recommends enough food for seventy-two hours, but the authors argue that you probably already have that much food on hand at any given time, and a more realistic goal is to maintain a supply for two to four weeks. If space is a factor, aim for a fortnight. If you have more space to keep food, aim for enough supplies to last four weeks. If you calculate 2,000 calories per day per person during that timeframe (you'll require extra calories if you're physically active, stressed, or exposed to cold), you should have enough food.

Context

• In addition to stored water, potential emergency water sources include rainwater, streams, and lakes. However, these sources should be treated before consumption.
• While storing a two-week supply requires more space, it provides a buffer against unforeseen circumstances, such as delays in aid or recovery efforts.
• This calculation does not account for additional water needs for pets, cooking, or sanitation, which should be considered when planning for emergencies.
• Buying in bulk for a longer period can be more cost-effective, reducing the overall expense compared to frequent smaller purchases.
• In some cases, community resources or shelters may become available within two weeks, reducing the need for longer-term personal supplies.
• Knowing you have a substantial food reserve can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety during uncertain times.
• Foods with high caloric density, like nuts and seeds, can be useful in maximizing storage space while meeting caloric needs.
• Increased physical activity and stress can also elevate hydration needs, as the body loses more fluids through sweat and respiration.

Methods and Vessels for Preserving Water Long Term

It's crucial to properly store water. Only use new, unused containers that are food-grade and can be sealed properly for storing water. The authors advise confirming that the vessels haven't previously held other items, including food. Avoid reused bottles from milk, soda, or juice due to the risk of bacterial contamination. Plastic containers marked 1, 2, 4, or 7 on the bottom are food-grade, and most will have a mark that indicates they can be used in the refrigerator or freezer. Do not use anything that is not marked food-grade and designed for storing water.

For long-term water storage, ensure a cool, controlled temperature, as water does go bad. Avoid storing water somewhere hot or in direct sunlight. The authors suggest basements, garages not near windows, pantries, and closets as good options.

Before filling water storage containers, rinse and sanitize them with a solution of a teaspoon of bleach per quart of water. Agitate it for half a minute to coat the inside surfaces, then empty it and fill with drinking water. Replace the water you're storing twice a year.

The type of container you choose is contingent on your space, your budget, and your planned storage capacity. The authors present four different options: Water bricks, stackable, tough containers of 1.6 or 3.5 gallons each; Five- or seven-gallon plastic containers that are easy to find, fill, and transport; Fifty-five-gallon water barrels, which can store about two weeks’ worth of water for a family of four, and Water bladders, designed to fit in your bathtub for holding an emergency water supply when you know a hurricane or other event is coming.

Practical Tips

• Implement a container exchange program with friends and family. Set up a system where you swap containers specifically designated for certain types of items. For example, you might exchange mason jars that have only been used for jams or pickles. This encourages a community approach to maintaining container purity and allows for sharing resources effectively while keeping track of container histories.
• Switch to using stainless steel or glass bottles with removable silicone sleeves for grip, as these materials are generally more resistant to bacterial growth and easier to clean thoroughly. When shopping, look for bottles that have wide mouths to facilitate better cleaning and drying.
• Incorporate the practice of checking for food-grade numbers into your grocery shopping routine. Before purchasing any plastic containers, make a habit of flipping them over to check the number. If it's not 1, 2, 4, or 7, opt for an alternative product. This will ensure that all new containers you bring into your home are suitable for food use.
• Use a thermometer sticker on your water storage containers to monitor temperature changes. These stickers change color or display a temperature reading, allowing you to ensure the water remains within the ideal cool range. For example, place a sticker on a water jug in your basement and check it periodically to make...

Survive and Thrive Summary Preparing Homes and Living Spaces for Crises

This section will cover ways to make your home more resilient in the face of potential disasters, including how to assess your home's structure and its utilities, how to secure entry points, and how to establish alternative forms of power, light, heat, and sanitation.

Assessing Home Structure and Utilities For Vulnerabilities

This section details how to inspect your home for unseen hazards and how to maintain and strengthen its components—from roof to floor.

Examining and Maintaining Roof, Gutters, Drainage, Windows, Doors

Before an emergency occurs, perform a thorough assessment of your home to identify any safety or security issues that may need to be addressed. The authors identify the most common risk areas as roof, siding, gutters, drainage, window and door seals, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, and walls and ceilings.

Other Perspectives

• The recommendation to assess before an emergency occurs assumes that homeowners can predict when an emergency might happen, which is not always possible.
• Overemphasis on potential safety or security issues could lead to unnecessary worry or stress for the homeowner.
• The prioritization of these...

Survive and Thrive Summary Ensuring Physical Protection Through Preparedness

This section covers how to increase your situational awareness and create a safe environment for yourself and your loved ones, including assembling critical supplies and go-bags.

Developing a Comprehensive Plan for Household Emergencies

This section presents plans for safely evacuating your house during and after an emergency.

Identifying Evacuation Routes, Rally Points, and Communication Methods

Fulton emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, which essentially means being aware of your physical self in relation to your environment and other people, "You must know where you are at all times," he says.

Context

• Stress and fatigue can impair situational awareness, making it important to manage these factors to maintain high levels of awareness.
• Understanding your surroundings can enhance personal safety by allowing you to identify potential hazards or threats and take appropriate action to avoid them.

Preparing "Go-Bags" With Essentials for Each Family Member

The authors advise the reader to assemble evacuation bags with supplies that will be needed to safely evacuate the home in an emergency where staying put is no longer a good...

Survive and Thrive Summary Eco-Friendly, Collaborative Methods for Preparing for Emergencies

This section will discuss methods to foster community connections and support networks, as well as incorporating eco-friendly and environmental considerations into emergency preparations.

Fostering Community Connections and Support Networks

This section will cover how to create and maintain a group of nearby people and companions who will act as valuable assets to help you navigate an emergency.

Sharing Resources and Assisting Vulnerable Neighbors

Devon and Fulton explain that the strength of a community relies on social frameworks and a willingness to work together to aid those who require it. The authors present some of the benefits of getting to know the individuals who reside nearby. They explain that it's simple to create a support network that will be less reliant on resources that could become unreliable in an emergency.

Context

• Historically, communities that have thrived during challenging times often had robust social networks that enabled them to share resources and support vulnerable members.
• Interacting with neighbors from diverse backgrounds can lead to cultural exchange and understanding, enriching the community's social fabric. -...