Survival Mom

Survival Mom

Adult nonfiction
I don't have to tell you that shit hits the fan large scale as
in oh, snap, pandemic. But crises that transform life into chaos
don't have to be as dramatic as COVID. Eugene and I had three
children including a baby when the ice storm of '98 hit, taking out
electricity for a week, significantly longer in rural areas. The
trailer park used a well for water, a well that needed electricity to
function. So no water. Even making putting off showers and laundry
and drinking bottled water, there were four people needing to use the
toilet. I have vivid memories of balancing with a hefty, active
almost toddler in a backpack on ice, chipping more of the same and
collecting it in a bucket, and melting it over a camp stove so we
could flush.
I think you get the idea. Those of us who can afford to do so
tend to go through life in a state of comfortable complacency until
the shit hits the fan. Lisa Bedford, author of Survival Mom, says
that's a dangerous way to function. The time to prepare for
emergencies is well before your family is down to the last roll of
toilet paper and it's totally out of stock.
Bedford started the blog that led to the book when she realized
that the writings on disaster preparedness were by, of, and for men.
She created a format that would be more accessible to moms, the
backbone of many families.
Survival Mom is both truly comprehensive and user friendly.
Each chapter covers one preparedness aspect such as sanitation, living
without electricity, evacuation, and finances. Each goes from baby
steps to more complex projects. You also learn how to include
children in the work without scaring them. In addition to achieving
family buy in, this can lead to truly awesome quality time.
Bedford knows that one size does not fit all in matters of
emergency preparedness. Most common natural disasters differ by
geographic locations. And other factors enter in. I'm much more
likely to deal with a blizzard than an earthquake. My trailer with
storage shed offers different affordances than a McMansion or a rental
apartment. One of my most idiosyncratic emergency stashes (and this
should come as no surprise) is based on a fear of libraries not being
available. I stock up on books from yard sales, library book sales,
little free libraries, and book sales.
Even apart from disaster preparedness, though, readers can learn
a lot from Survival Mom. Many of her readiness hacks can greatly
enhance quality of life. Walking without your eyes glued on devices
can not only help you not be a crime victim, but allow you to see
sunsets, unusual architecture, scampering chipmunks, and other
delightful sights you'd otherwise miss out on. Non screen family time
can strengthen bonds and create precious memories. Cooking nutritious
meals rather than routinely going for takeout or prepackaged food and
using a vehicle only when you need to can lead to improved health and
fitness.
I learned a lot. I bet you will too.
On a purrrsonal note, although it may not qualify as disaster, the
current snowy stretch Maine is going through with major storms a week
apart is illustrating the need for preparedness. It started last
Saturday when we got over a foot of the white stuff. Tobago and I
were able to stay in while Eugene was blizzard battling. Even as it
was winding down word was out about another big storm due Friday. So
people in charge of snow removal had to dig up the mountains they'd
built clearing streets and parking lots and load the snow into dump
trucks to move it to undisclosed locations. Thursday in Wells Dining
Commons the mood was a pandemic rare joy. Undergrads weren't waiting
on admin to declare Friday a snow day. They had determined it would
be one and made their plans. Whether a ski trip or a chance to sleep
in and take it easy they were greatly anticipating a break in routine
and chance to exercise agency. I told my manager and supervisors I
might not be able to make it in if my commute would be too dangerous.
Eugene left the house about an hour before midnight. I was snowed in
when I woke up. The snow was steady, the winds fierce. I stayed in
doing homework, catching up with laundry and cleaning, playing with
Tobago, and reading--very happy not to be bus commuting in the mess.
I was lucky. We didn't lose power like a lot of people did. This
morning Eugene got home after a 29 hour shift. He's now getting some
well deserved sleep. (Jules)
My daddy hooman is home. Yasss!!! (Tobago).
A great big shout goes out to the blizzard battlers and electric
company repairmen and all others working out in the storm.
Congratulations go out to our Adam who has nailed an engineering (his
major) job in the town next door to where he lives months before his
graduation.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway



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