So when they place a large order for something that they want absolutely immediately, I pay attention.
A few days ago, FEMA put out a solicitation for 5 million bottles of water, to be delivered within 2 days. It said they had an "urgent requirement" for this water.
From Fedbizopps:
Bottled WaterThat sounds like a heck of an emergency, and one that might be approaching quite rapidly. Soliciting a supplier to deliver 5 million bottles of water with 48 hours notice doesn't seem to be the normal way of doing business for FEMA, does it?
Solicitation Number: HSFE70-16-Q-0034
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Location: Response Branch
Solicitation Number:
HSFE70-16-Q-0034
Notice Type:
Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Synopsis:
Added: Aug 24, 2016 8:16 pm
FEMA has an Urgent requirement for bottled water.
Quantity up to 5,000,000
Bottled Water must be delivered in 1/2 or 1 liter bottles only
All Trailers are required to be dropped at delivery location for up to 30 days
All bottled water must be received by Friday, August 26, 2016
Delivery Hours 1300 - 2000
Delivery Location
ISB Maxwell AFB
55 Lemay Plaza
Montgomery, AL 36112
And why are the trucks to be left there for 30 days? That's another thing that strikes me as interesting.
One possibility is that they are getting ready for the potential hurricanes headed for parts of the United States, but whether the pending emergency is that or something more sinister, we'd all do well to make sure our own water preparedness is up to speed.
What can we learn from this?
Water. You need water.
If you aren't already well-supplied, stop what you're doing and stock up on water. All sorts of water. Hand washing water, drinking water, water for pets. If you're a prepper, you know the drill. You may already have everything you need on hand. Take a moment to check that you have everything you need.
We aren't always lucky enough to get a warning that a water emergency could be approaching, so when you actually do get one, you'd be foolish not to heed it and get prepared for your family.
If you want to learn more about preparing for a water emergency, you can check out my book, The Prepper's Water Survival Guide. If you aren't prepared yet and you really want to be, check out my 10-week class, which begins on Sept. 11.
Whatever route you take to getting prepped, don't delay. If FEMA wanted to be ready within 48 hours, that could mean that we have even less time.
The first symptom of exhaustion is dehydration as the human body is two thirds (2/3) water. You can survive with a lot of things, you can't survive without water.