Living on a homestead is a wonderful idea during a crisis. This is especially true for a health disaster where people are succumbing to an infectious disease. Getting away from society will reduce your risks greatly.
The same applies to crises such as terrorist attacks, floods in the cities, etc. Being in a rural homestead may not be as convenient and fun (if you’re used to modern amenities), but it will keep you safe.
There are 10 things that you must be aware of when living on a homestead. Let’s look at what they are.
- Are you close to water?
This is the most important point of all. If you’ve water supplies stored away to last you a month or two, you’re relatively safe. The key word is ‘relatively’… and even with water supplies, you still need to know where your closest fresh water sources are.
Are there rivers, streams or lakes nearby? If there are, you’ll never be short of drinking water and that’s a huge relief. Always remember to keep water purification tablets and water filtration bottles/straws in your homestead.
- How accessible is your homestead?
The accessibility of your homestead is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you do not want it to be too close to the city, but on the other hand, you do not want to be so isolated that it’s a 7-hour drive just to get back to the city.
The more accessible your homestead is, the more easily people can find you. So, you’ll need to pick a location that’s about an hour’s drive away, isolated and hidden. You’ll still be able to get there on a full tank of gas… and get back quick if there’s an emergency.
- What is the local wildlife like?
Are there bears in the area? Coyotes? Deer? Knowing the wildlife that’s around your property will let you know about possible threats and opportunities. If there’s bears, you’ll need bear spray and a gun in the house. If there’s deer, you might want to hunt them. If there’s a lake with fish nearby, you can always go fishing.
- What possible natural disasters could strike?
Are you living close to a forest? A wildfire could be a possible threat. If you live on a plain that has seen hurricanes and floods before, it could happen again… and happen fast.
Knowledge of past natural disasters in the area will give you an idea of what could happen in future. Forewarned is forearmed.
- Who are your closest neighbors?
While you’ll not need to be best buddies with your neighbors, it will definitely be a good idea to get to know them and where they live. In an emergency, you could always call on them for help. Being cordial with them early on, will prevent you from looking like a stranger that they need to be wary of when an emergency arises.
- How far are you from professional medical help?
This is important! Should someone in the house get hurt and need urgent medical help, you’ll need to know where the closest hospital or doctor is. There will not be time to think or search when there’s a casualty who needs urgent medical attention. So, be prepared.
- What’s the best evacuation route?
Even if you live in a homestead, there may be times when you need to evacuate your home for your own safety. Do you know where to go next and how to get there? What if the road you usually used is blocked?
You need a plan and a backup plan. Once again, it all comes down to you preparing early.
- What are the landmarks?
Familiarize yourself with the area. If there’s an emergency at night and you need to drive in the dark, it’ll be helpful if you know a few large landmarks so that you can guess where you are.
In rural areas, there will not be many street lamps and there will be very few road signs to guide you. Your knowledge of the area is crucial.
- Do you have the necessities stored?
If you’re living elsewhere and only plan to use the homestead as a place to bug out to, you must have water and food supplies there. Other things like a first aid kit, medicine, tools, and important items that you need should be stored in the homestead safely. Ensure that your home is burglar-proof and has an alarm system.
- Will you be living there permanently or is it a secondary location?
Some people choose to live in a homestead. If this is the case, you may wish to learn gardening, how to raise livestock, etc. This knowledge will allow you to be self-sufficient and live off the land. All are very useful skills that will serve you well should society collapse.
If you’re living in the city or suburbs, it’ll be a good idea to stay in your homestead for a week or so every few months. This will be the best way to get experience and know how it feels like. It can be a sudden shock to go from an urban to a rural lifestyle.
Getting used to it early on will ensure that you’re not further stressed out by the new living conditions. In fact, you will feel relieved when you reach your homestead and know that you’re safe.
“The greatest fine art of the future will be the making of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.” – Abraham Lincoln