Guarding Your House During an Earthquake: Lessons from Fortitude Ranch

Earthquakes can strike without warning, leaving devastation in their wake. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, it's important to take steps to protect your home and family in case of a seismic event. One organization that's taking earthquake preparedness to the next level is Fortitude Ranch, a survival community in Colorado that's designed to withstand natural disasters and societal collapse.

Fortitude Ranch is a 50-person working compound that's designed to be self-sufficient in case of a catastrophic event. The community has everything from bunk beds to livestock to a greenhouse, all designed to keep its residents safe and secure. Here are some of the lessons we can learn from Fortitude Ranch when it comes to guarding our homes during an earthquake:

Building types: Fortitude Ranch is built to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. The buildings are made of reinforced concrete and steel, which can withstand strong winds and earthquakes. The roofs are sloped to prevent snow buildup, and the buildings are designed to be energy efficient.

Gardening: One of the key features of Fortitude Ranch is its greenhouse. The greenhouse allows residents to grow their own food, even in the dead of winter. In addition to the greenhouse, the ranch has outdoor gardens that produce a variety of fruits and vegetables. Having a garden can be an important source of food during an earthquake or other disaster.

Number of people: Fortitude Ranch is designed for 50 people, which is a significant number of people to manage during a disaster. While you may not need a community of that size to protect your home, it's important to have a plan in place for who will be responsible for what in case of an emergency. This includes things like who will be in charge of gathering supplies, who will be responsible for evacuating pets, and who will be in charge of first aid.

Emergency supplies: Fortitude Ranch has a stockpile of emergency supplies, including food, water, medical supplies, and tools. Having an emergency kit on hand is important for any household, even if you're not preparing for a societal collapse. Some essential items to include in your emergency kit include water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and a radio.

Training: Finally, the residents of Fortitude Ranch undergo extensive training in survival skills. While you may not need to know how to shoot a gun or start a fire with sticks, it's important to have some basic survival skills in case of an emergency. This can include things like knowing how to perform CPR, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how to shut off your home's utilities.

In conclusion, earthquakes can be devastating, but with the right preparation, you can protect your home and family. Lessons from Fortitude Ranch show that building types, gardening, number of people, emergency supplies, and training are all key factors in earthquake preparedness. By taking steps to prepare your home and family for an earthquake, you can help ensure that you'll be safe and secure in case of a seismic event.