5 Documentaries That will Turn You Into a Prepper

We all prepare for various things every day. We buy life insurance, health insurance, and auto insurance to prepare for the likely event something bad will happen in the future. We buy a weeks worth of groceries to prepare for a week of not going to the grocery store. We save money for our kids’ college tuition and retirement. In a way, we are all already preppers to one degree or another. However, the documentaries listed below may convince you to step up your preparedness a little.

1. History Channel: After Armageddon

The History Channel’s documentary After Armageddon is really more a docu-drama. But, don’t let that deter you from watching it – it is chocked full of useful commentary from experts. After Armageddon focuses on an “average American” family of three, who are totally unprepared for a longterm disaster, as unfortunately, most Americans are. It shows how they attempt to survive a world-wide disaster by first trying to ride the disaster out in LA. Once it was obvious they could not stay in LA they struggle to survive a trip to a real town in Idaho where they have friends. Various experts in survival, defense, sociology, psychology, nutrition, and others, provide commentary throughout the film. These comments are very insightful and relevant, being based more on actual real-world events than just theories. These experts include journalists, authors, university professors, directors of emergency management and disaster researchers from universities such as; Ryerson University, Rutgers University, UC Berkley, George Mason University, UC Davis, Columbia University, UCLA, and MD University. We watched this as a family and frequently paused it to talk about what the family was doing and how it would be helpful or harmful in an emergency situation. Overall, this is an excellent primer for everyone, not just prepper types. It covers a lot of valuable tips and techniques in a wide range of scenarios. I would highly recommend it to everyone, even if you’re someone who’s already preparing. You may think that a pandemic is never going to happen. You may be right, but the government doesn’t seem to think so. They have a whole page at ready.gov explaining how to prepare for a pandemic and how to best survive during it.

5 Things to do to get ready for a PANDEMIC according to the US Government:

1. Store a two week supply of water and food.
2. Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
3. Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough, and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
4. Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other sources and store them, for personal reference.
5. Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

6 Things to do during a PANDEMIC to help limit the spread of germs and prevent infection according to the US Government.

1. 1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   2. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
   3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
   4. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
   5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
   6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

   
   

   2. National Geographic: Electronic Armageddon

   
   National Geographic’s Electronic Armageddon is based on Richard Muller’s book, Physics for Future Presidents. The documentary investigates the science behind and the social impact of a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse or HEMP hitting the United States. This documentary is made in an entertaining way, as a presidential briefing. It as though you are in a meeting with government officials being told of the gangers on an EMP. An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can have two causes. It could be caused by a nuclear weapon designed not to kill humans but to attack electronics or caused by the sun with a coronal mass ejection. Most experts believe the former is unlikely but the later is inevitable. Either one would cripple every aspect of modern society’s infrastructure, including our especially vulnerable electrical grid, resulting in millions of casualties. Expert commentary is provided by; physicists, former CIA agents, the former science advisor to President Reagan, the president of the Federation of American Scientist, NOAA Space weather scientists, USGS Geophysicists, and US Representatives. Overall, this documentary is an eye-opening depiction of what my come to pass. I would recommend it to everyone who is even slightly concerned about taking care of the ones they love. As mentioned earlier most experts agree that an EMP caused by the sun is inevitable. This is corroborated by ready.gov literature about space weather.

   The US government claims that space weather can have a direct impact on our daily lives.

   The main area of concern will most likely be our nation’s electric power grid. Northern territories are more vulnerable to these effects than areas farther south because. Generally, power outages due to space weather are very rare events, but evidence suggests that significant effects could occur. These power outages may have cascading effects, causing:

   • Loss of water and wastewater distribution systems.
   • Loss of perishable foods and medications.
   • Loss of heating/air conditioning and electrical lighting systems.
   • Loss of computer systems, telephone systems, and communications systems (including disruptions in airline flights, satellite networks, and GPS services).
   • Loss of public transportation systems.
   • Loss of fuel distribution systems and fuel pipelines.
   • Loss of all electrical systems that do not have backup power.

   The US government recommends that we prepare for such an event now.

   They say to begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. They go on to recommend nine additional steps you can take, which include:

   1. Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer if there’s room. Leave about an inch of space inside each one, because water expands as it freezes. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
   2. Be aware that most medication that requires refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
   3. Keep your car tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
   4. Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so know that you may need help to lift it.
   5. Keep a key to your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home, in case the garage door will not open.
   6. Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand crank charger. These chargers are good emergency tools to keep your laptop and other small electronics working in the event of a power outage. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger because you can charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
   7. If you have a traditional landline (non-broadband or VOIP) phone, keep at least one non-cordless receiver in your home because it will work even if you lose power.
   8. Prepare a family contact sheet. This should include at least one out-of-town contact that may be better able to reach family members in an emergency.
   9. Make backup copies of important digital data and information, automatically if possible, or at least weekly.

   3. National Geographic: American Blackout

   
   The National Geographic: American Blackout docu-drama is an interesting fictionalized depiction of what might happen if the entire power grid went down in the USA for ten days. The story follows several individuals as they cope with the outage in different ways. One of my favorite lines in the movie was when a New York couple who was stranded in their high-rise apartment cried, “Why aren’t they helping us?” This vividly shows the mindset of many people, who think that the government will always be there to rescue you. Unlike the History Channel’s: After Armageddon, there are no interviews with experts who give their opinions on what things would be like during a global catastrophe. It’s worth a look for educational purposes and it drives home the point of assuming personal responsibility for one’s own safety and security.

   4. American Experience: Blackout

   
   American Experience: Blackout takes us back to 1977 when a severe thunderstorm caused a massive power outage leaving some eight million people in darkness in New York City and surrounding areas. By the time the power was fully restored more than a day later, more than 1,600 businesses had been looted, more than 3,000 people had been arrested, and firefighters had battled more than 1,000 fires. This film shows how quickly society can spiral out of control. It also goes into detail about why things got so out of control that night. Most blaming the poor economy as being the reason people went out there to loot but the documentary never really explains that – that is not a good reason to do such things. This film strengthens the docu-dramas mentioned earlier with a real-life event. We have all probably experienced power outages from time to time. The US government recognizes this and makes some recommendations on their ready.gov website on how to prepare for and survive a power outage.

   According to the US Government a power outage may:

   • Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
   • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
   • Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
   • Prevent the use of medical devices.

   They recommend that you start preparing now by:

   1. Taking an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
   2. Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
   3.  Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
   4. Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
   5. Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
   6. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
   7. Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough non-perishable food and water.
   8. Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
   9. Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

   During a power outage they recommend:

   1. Keeping freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
   2. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
   3. Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
   4. Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
   5. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.

   After power has been restored they recommend:

   1. 1. Throwing away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. (already stated above similarly)
      2. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.

      
      

   5. History Channel: Day After Disaster

   
   Many experts believe that, while the risk of an all-out nuclear war has drastically decreased after the end of the cold war, the threat of a nuclear attack on American soil is now actually more likely than ever before. This assessment is due to the availability of nuclear bomb materials to terrorist groups, the fact that anyone with a bachelors degree in physics could likely build one, and that our porous border would allow them to smuggle it into the country. The History Channel’s Day After Disaster portrays what would likely happen after a single nuclear attack on Washington DC occurred. They accomplish this through shockingly realistic dramatizations and expert commentary from people like professors of Columbia University, the former Assistant Secretary of Defense and the FEMA National Preparedness Director to name a few. Day After Disaster puts you at ground zero to experience the consequences of a nuclear explosion from the moment of detonation to 24 hours afterward. The film focuses on the administration’s controversial Continuity of Government (COG) program and explains how the government plans to save American lives while also ensuring that the country does not descend into anarchy should the President and those next in line be killed. This may seem like a far-fetched doomsday conspiracy to many, but the US government is taking it very seriously. They even list it as one of the emergency situations everyone should prepare for on their website ready.gov. If you have not given much thought to the possibility of a nationwide or global disaster these movies will help you understand what could come to pass and help you prepare for the future. What other documentaries would you recommend to help open people’s minds to the possibilities of a national disaster and encourage them to make the necessary preparations to protect their friends and family?

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