Women in general have different needs from men, but female preppers in particular should anticipate certain scenarios that are specific to them so they can prepare accordingly. As a female prepper, here are some things to consider when planning your preps. (h/t to Blog.SurvivalFrog.com)
1. Menstrual hygiene
Most women have their menstrual periods monthly. In a disaster, convenient stores may no longer be operational, so stock up on items for your feminine hygiene needs.
Here are some items that you need to prepare:
- Tampons and sanitary napkins -- Stocks can easily run out, so buy a couple extra sanitary napkins and tampons whenever you go shopping to gradually build up your stockpile. Tampons have a variety of other uses as well, like for medical emergencies.
- Menstrual cup -- This is the ideal solution to periods during an emergency. A menstrual cup is a silicon cup inserted into the vagina during menstruation. It collects the menstrual blood, and once the cup is full, you simply empty it out. They are reusable and can last up to five years. Try different cups to find out which one fits you best.
- Hydrogen peroxide -- Clean your menstrual cup with hydrogen peroxide. After washing it with water, soak it in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes. Air-dry it afterwards. Make sure to check the bottle's expiration date because its effectiveness decreases over time.
- Period underwear -- For better hygiene, stick to a few pieces of underwear during your period. Set aside one that you can use on days with light blood flow.
Make sure to store the menstrual cup properly. Most menstrual cups have boxes, so place it inside the box before putting it in your bug-out kit. If you don’t, it may be contaminated, increasing your risk for infection.
2. Birth control and pregnancy
During a disaster, being pregnant can be a problem. Not only does it mean less mobility, you also won’t be able to access the technology and comfort found in hospitals. With a baby and a mother’s life on the line, this is a serious issue to consider.
If you happen to be pregnant before SHTF, make sure to stock up on the following:
- Purified water
- Clean sheets and pads
- Bacteria-killing creams
Start researching on how to give birth at home. It is also best to ask an expert on the matter.
To prevent conception, prepare the following:
- Condoms -- These are the most efficient means of preventing pregnancy. Moreover, they are light and easy to store once they’re taken out of the box. However, like other products, these have expiration dates, so make sure to check for those.
- Thermometers -- Another way to avoid pregnancy is to know your basal body temperature. By taking the temperature of your body every day, you’ll be able to determine which days you’re least likely to conceive.
3. Self-defense classes
As a woman, other people may treat you as an easy target. Prove them wrong by learning self-defense. There are a lot of self-defense classes, so choose one which suits you best.
Along with this, start getting into shape. It’ll be a lot easier to attack, run, or escape when your body is properly equipped for it.
4. Prepare a Get Home Bag
A Get Home Bag is where you pack the items you’ll need on your way home. You might be out when a disaster strikes, and you’ll want to go back to your house where the supplies are. When that happens, a pair of heels and a dress are not ideal for running. Pack a pair of running shoes or boots, a hoodie, and a pair of pants alongside toiletries, food, water, and other survival items. A GHB will help you survive before you reach the supplies available at your home.
5. Meet with other female preppers
Find a community of like-minded women near you or on the internet. Share and learn from each other. Not only will you gather ideas for prepping, you will also receive support and encouragement to prepare for any kind of disaster and emergency.
Learn more tips and tricks for your prepper needs at Preparedness.news.
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