Emergency Preparedness and System Vulnerabilities

Introduction

• Just-in-time delivery system: Efficient during peace but fragile during chaos.
• Quick depletion of resources in emergencies.

Fuel Supply

• Gas Stations:
  • 2-3 days' worth of gasoline, around 10,000 gallons per station.
  • One station per 5,000 people = 2 gallons per person.
  • 150,000 stations rely on frequent tanker deliveries.
• Vehicle Dependency:
  • Semi-trucks transport 70-80% of freight, consuming 60-65% diesel.

Grocery Stores

• Rely on daily shipments.
• Shelves cleared within 3-5 hours during panic buying.
• 2-3 days' worth of food on hand.
• 80% of cities rely on trucked-in food.

Communication Systems

• Cell towers have limited surge capacity, rely on power.
• Backup power lasts 4-8 hours.
• Internet slowdowns during crises.

Financial Systems

• Banks and ATMs have limited cash.
• Digital systems vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
• Physical cash will be crucial immediately post-crisis.

Water Supply

• Requires electricity for pressurization and purification.
• Water towers provide limited backup.

Electricity and Power Grid

• Aging infrastructure, vulnerable to disruptions.
• Power outages more common and longer in crises.

Stores and Retail

• Big stores like Costco see massive traffic surge.
• Reliance on just-in-time delivery.

Emergency Services

• Fire Departments:
  • Overwhelmed by increased demand.
  • 65% of firefighters are volunteers.
• Police:
  • Insufficient numbers to handle increased crime.

Ammunition and Defense

• Rapid sell-outs during crises.
• Supply disruptions affect availability for years.

Food Supply

• Reliance on distribution centers for daily shipments.
• Grain reserves minimal compared to countries like China.

Healthcare

• Hospitals operate at high capacity normally.
• Limited beds and supplies for mass emergencies.

Transportation

• Gridlock during evacuation, limited routes.

Rail Transport

• Critical for moving cargo, dependent on diesel.

Conclusion

• Preparing individually is crucial.
• Strong and prepared individuals will thrive.