When I was a teenager, I remember our family driving from our home in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, to Augusta, Kentucky - a drive of around 40 miles. We went to visit my Great Grandma Johnson, and her son, Jimmy. As their guardian, my father would periodically visit to make sure everything was going well and that the local woman he paid to clean and cook for them was doing what she was asked to do.

I remember my Grandma Johnson as a very old, frail lady.  When she spoke, it was just a whisper.  She was kind.  When I look at the pictures of my father and great grandmother, I can see the two of them shared some sort of special bond, and my father always spoke lovingly of her.  

Rural America

My Grandma Johnson was born in 1880 in rural Kentucky.  

Let's take a brief look at what her life would have been like at that time in rural America. In the 1880s, the majority of Americans lived in rural areas, and agriculture was the primary occupation.

Families like the Johnsons likely lived on farms or in small rural communities, relying on farming for their livelihood. They would have been involved in tasks such as planting, harvesting, and caring for livestock.

Electricity was not yet widely available, so lighting was provided by candles, oil lamps, or gas lamps. Cooking was done over open fires or on wood-burning stoves.

Transportation relied mainly on horses and wagons, with trains becoming more common for longer journeys.

While formal education was becoming more widespread in the late 19th century, it was still limited in rural areas. Many children received only a basic education, with schooling often taking place in one-room schoolhouses with a single teacher instructing multiple grade levels. My Grandma Johnson stated in the 1910 census that she was not able to read or write.

Doctors were scarce in rural areas, and medical treatments were often based on home remedies and folk medicine. Access to healthcare would have been limited, and families relied heavily on home remedies and self-care for treating illnesses and injuries. 

While my Grandma Johnson couldn't read or write, she possessed a wealth of skills that have sadly slipped away from many of us today. I firmly believe these abilities are crucial, especially in times of emergencies or disasters when self-reliance becomes paramount.

"Old Fashioned Skills" 

In our modern era, we've grown accustomed to outsourcing our needs, of someone else taking care of us, but I believe it's a mistake. Let's explore some of the essential skills our great-grandparents once mastered.  

Gardening for Food

Gardening provides self-sufficiency, ensuring access to fresh, nutritious food even during times of scarcity.  Once World War II Victory gardens disappeared, having a garden meant flowers.  The trend to growing edibles has gained significant momentum in recent years.  

Preserving Food

Food preservation techniques such as canning and pickling extend the shelf life of perishable items, reducing waste and ensuring a stable food supply.

Basic Carpentry

Carpentry skills allow individuals to repair and build essential structures and furniture, fostering self-reliance in maintaining their living environment. This saves time and money by eliminating the need for a repairman.

First Aid Training

Having basic first aid knowledge and knowing how to treat common injuries or medical emergencies that may occur can be life-saving.  I believe this should also include herbal medicine. Knowledge of herbal remedies provides alternative methods of healthcare, empowering individuals to treat minor ailments and injuries with natural solutions.  

Preparing Meals from Scratch

Cooking from scratch promotes healthier eating habits, and reduces reliance on processed foods.  Do you eat leftovers or do they end up in your trash? Minimizing food waste conserves resources, saves money, and reduces environmental impact, fostering a more sustainable lifestyle.  

 

Fishing, Hunting, and Foraging for Food

Fishing, hunting, and foraging for food are essential skills that help people find sustenance in nature. They're valuable in times of need, providing a way to feed oneself even when other options are limited.

Butchering

Butchering skills enable individuals to process and prepare meat safely and efficiently, maximizing food resources obtained through hunting or farming.

Navigating Without a GPS

Navigational skills enable individuals to find their way in unfamiliar terrain or during technology failures, ensuring safe travel and exploration.  I love to read maps and have many fond memories of following our path on a map during family vacations.  

Memorizing Phone Numbers:

Memorizing important phone numbers provides access to communication in emergencies when electronic devices may be unavailable.  This is why I strongly recommend a comprehensive paper contact list.

Bartering

Bartering serves as a bridge between individuals, fostering community ties and enabling the exchange of goods and services without the need for currency. It thrives on the principle of mutual benefit, allowing individuals to leverage their unique skills and resources to acquire what they need from others. In a world where no one possesses all the necessary skills, bartering facilitates an exchange where each party contributes what they excel in.

Self-Entertaining

Developing hobbies and interests for self-entertainment promotes mental well-being, creativity, and resilience in times of isolation or boredom.

Making Conversation

Effective communication skills build connections, foster empathy, and enhance social interactions, enriching relationships and community bonds.

Writing Letters

Are you old enough to remember the excitement of going to the mailbox and finding a letter or card addressed to you?  Written communication through letters preserves personal connections, documents important events, and provides a tangible record of thoughts and emotions.

Washing Clothes with a Washboard

Manual clothes washing provides a practical skill for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, particularly in off-grid or emergency situations.  And did you know that ironing maintains the appearance and longevity of clothing and linens?  

Making Cleaning Products and Soap

Creating homemade cleaning products and soap reduces reliance on commercial products, promotes sustainability, and saves money.

Sewing on a Button or Darning Socks

Basic sewing skills enable individuals to repair clothing and household items, reducing waste and extending the life of possessions.

Essential Skills for Modern Living

While Grandma Johnson possessed valuable skills for her time, and I believe for ours as well, there are additional abilities required to navigate the complexities of contemporary life.

Emergency Preparedness Planning

Developing a comprehensive emergency plan for your household, including evacuation routes, meeting points, and contact information for emergency services.

Power Outage Preparedness

Being prepared for power outages by having alternative lighting sources such as flashlights, candles, or lanterns, as well as backup power options like generators or solar chargers.

Financial Preparedness

Having an emergency fund and important documents stored in a secure location, as well as knowing how to access financial resources during emergencies.

Security Measures

Implementing security measures such as reinforcing doors and windows, installing alarms or security cameras, and having a plan for home defense if necessary.

Resource Management

Learning how to efficiently manage your resources, such as food, water, and supplies, can help prolong your survival until help arrives or until you can find a long-term solution.

Equipping Ourselves for Uncertainty

As we wrap up this extensive list of essential skills, it's evident that preparing ourselves for emergencies requires a multifaceted approach. Over the next several months, we'll look deeper into many of these topics, exploring how we, as 21st-century Americans, can best equip ourselves for both short-term crises and long-term challenges. By embracing the wisdom of our ancestors and integrating modern knowledge, we can grow in self-reliance in the face of uncertainty. Join us on this journey of discovery and empowerment as we navigate preparedness together.