To build up a library is to create a life. It’s never just a random collection of books. Carlos María Domínguez
Disaster preparedness is a combination of attitude, equipment, supplies, skills, and planning. Not all skills can be maintained in your mind due to scope of subjects and depth of skills. Having reference and training materials in a library is a key module of preparedness. Library storage technology can include DVDs, books, YouTube videos, maps, manuals, and devices along with important family records. Here are some key tips and resources that we have found helpful:
Save all equipment manuals of gear in one safe and ready access location.
Maps of local area, state, United States, and world
Medical First Aid DVDs
Basic First Aid Training by American Safety with John Klatt
Blunt Force Trauma First Aid by American Safety with John Klatt
Knife Wound First Aid by American Safety with John Klatt
Gunshot Wound First Aid by American Safety with John Klatt
Medical First Aid Books:
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies: Quick Fixes, Clever Techniques, and Uncommon Cures to Get You Feeling Better Fast by Prevention Magazine
Outdoor Medical Emergency Handbook – First Aid for Travelers, Backpackers, Adventurers by Dr. Spike Briggs and Dr. Campbell Mackenzie
The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide Emergency Preparedness For Any Disaster by Joseph Alton, M.D. and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies: Quick Fixes, Clever Techniques, and Uncommon Cures to Get You Feeling Better Fast by Prevention Magazine
Armageddon Medicine: How to Be Your Own Doctor... in 2012 and Beyond - An Instruction Manual by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD
Gardening DVDs:
How to Grow Anything: Your Best Garden and Landscape in 6 Lessons, Melinda Myers by The Great Courses
How to Grow Anything: Container Gardening Tips and Techniques, Melinda Myers by the Great Courses
How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening for Everyone, Melinda Myers by the Great Courses
Gardening Books:
The Resilient Gardener: Food Production and Self-Reliance in Uncertain Times by Carol Deppe
Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre by Brett L. Markham
Back to Basics: How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American Skills by Reader's Digest
Camp Dutch Oven Cooking 101 by Lodge
So Easy to Preserve by Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia
Internet Resources:
“Ten Essential OTC Medications” by Cynthia J. Koelker, M.D.
General Survival Books:
Survive the Coming Nuclear War: How To Do It by Ronald L. Cruit and Robert L. Cruit, M.D.
Surviving the Economic Collapse by Fernando "Ferfal" Aguirre
LDS Preparedness Manual by AVOW
Hawke’s Special Forces Survival Handbook: The Portable Guide to Getting Out Alive by Mykel Hawke
BSA Fieldbook by Boy Scouts of America
DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner: 25 Ways to Build a Self-Reliant Lifestyle by Betsy Madison
Hunting & Gathering Survival Manual: 221 Primitive & Wilderness Survival Skills by Tim MacWelch
Education and Entertainment:
Great Games: 175 Games & Activities for Families, Groups, and Children by Matthew Toone
Fun with Games, Family Home Evening Resource Book by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Great Family Songbook: A Treasury of Favorite Show Tunes, Sing Alongs, Popular Songs, Jazz & Blues, Children's Melodies, International Ballads, Folk - Jingles, and More for Piano and Guitar by Dan Fox and Dick Weissman
Variety of books for reading, learning, crafting, playing, and creating
Bible and other religious books and study materials
Blank books for notes, drawing, games, and journaling