I Asked Chat GPT 5 Questions About Preparedness. Here’s My Assessment

I’d always wondered how “smart” an AI software can be, especially when it comes to something near and dear to my heart–preparedness. So, I signed up for Chat GPT and started asking it some questions about survivalism. Here’s how it responded and my thoughts below.

Question #1: How do I prepared for a disaster?

Preparing for a disaster is crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare:

Risk Assessment:

Identify the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in your region (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires).

Understand the potential impact of each type of disaster and assess your vulnerability.

Emergency Plan:

Create an emergency plan for your household. Include evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication strategies.

Assign responsibilities to each family member.

Practice your emergency plan regularly, so everyone knows what to do during a crisis.

Emergency Kit:

Assemble a disaster supply kit that includes essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlight, batteries, multi-tool, personal hygiene items, and important documents.

Customize your kit based on your family’s needs, including items for infants, elderly family members, or pets.

Store your kit in an easily accessible location.

Communication:

Establish multiple communication channels with family members and emergency contacts.

Keep a list of important phone numbers, including local emergency services, relatives, and neighbors.

Consider investing in a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio for receiving updates during power outages.

Home Safety:

Secure heavy items and furniture that could fall during an earthquake or strong winds.

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them regularly.

Learn how to shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity in case of emergencies.

Community Resources:

Familiarize yourself with local emergency response plans and resources.

Know the locations of nearby shelters, hospitals, and evacuation routes.

Volunteer with community emergency response teams or disaster relief organizations to gain additional skills and knowledge.

Financial Preparedness:

Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses during and after a disaster.

Review your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for various types of disasters, including flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area.

Health and Wellness:

Stay informed about potential health risks associated with disasters in your area.

Stock up on prescription medications and medical supplies.

Plan for the mental and emotional well-being of your family members during and after a disaster.

Stay Informed:

Monitor weather forecasts and emergency alerts regularly.

Sign up for emergency notifications from local authorities and organizations.

Stay connected with neighbors and community members to share information and support each other during emergencies.

Remember that preparedness is an ongoing process. Review and update your emergency plans and supplies regularly to ensure they remain effective and relevant to your needs.

My thoughts on Q#1

At first glance, it’s not a bad attempt. In fact, some of the advice is good. For instance, identifying the types of disasters that could happen near me is useful because, while preparedness activities are similar for many disasters, there are differences. As an example, somebody who may be impacted by an earthquake will take different/additional precautions than somebody who may be affected by a hurricane. I also like that it discusses creating an emergency plan, assembling an emergency kit, financials and insurance, and that I should consider how best to communicate with family and stay informed. Last, I was surprised to see Chat GPT recommend I volunteer to with disaster relief groups to improve my skills. Kudos!

Now, here’s where it falls short, and I suspect that if I ask the right questions that I can get better answers.

I should be reminded to check on supplies in my kits regularly because supplies (food, medications, etc.) do go bad. After all, if I packs supplies away and don’t check on them for a decade, odds are good that I’ll be disappointed.
When it says I should know how to shut off utilities, I should also know when NOT to shut them off because it could be dangerous to me!
Several recommendations are far too generic, and I’d imagine that if somebody doesn’t question it further, they’ll just gloss over it. For example, it says to “Stay informed about potential health risks associated with disasters in your area.” What does that mean? Or, “Monitor weather forecasts and emergency alerts regularly.” How? There are many ways to do so, some better than others. Then again, it’s wise to have more than alert just in case your primary fails.

I don’t want to bash on Chat GPT too much. Overall, it’s worthwhile advice. I just think it needed a bit more fleshing out for a newbie to fully process.

Alright, I figured the next best question was to follow-up.

Question #2: How do I evacuate from a disaster?

Evacuating from a disaster requires careful planning and swift action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you evacuate safely:

Stay Informed:

Monitor local news, weather updates, and official announcements to stay informed about potential evacuation orders.

Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency management agencies.

Prepare in Advance:

Have an emergency evacuation plan in place for your household, including designated meeting points and evacuation routes.

Ensure your emergency kit is readily accessible and contains essential items such as water, food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlight, batteries, and important documents.

Keep your vehicle fueled and in good condition.

Follow Evacuation Orders:

If authorities issue an evacuation order for your area, take it seriously and evacuate immediately.

Do not delay evacuation, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly during disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods.

Secure Your Home:

Before leaving, secure your home by closing windows, doors, and shutters if possible.

Turn off utilities such as gas, water, and electricity, if instructed to do so, to prevent hazards.

Notify Others:

Inform friends, family members, or neighbors of your evacuation plans and whereabouts.

Leave a note in a visible location indicating when you left and where you are headed.

Evacuation Route:

Follow designated evacuation routes specified by authorities.

Avoid shortcuts or unfamiliar roads, as they may be hazardous or blocked.

Stay Calm and Patient:

Remain calm and patient while evacuating, even in stressful situations.

Follow traffic laws and instructions from law enforcement officers or emergency personnel.

Be prepared for heavy traffic and delays, especially during mass evacuations.

Stay Connected:

Keep your mobile phone charged and carry a portable charger or spare battery.

Stay in touch with family members, friends, or emergency contacts to provide updates on your location and status.

Seek Shelter:

If possible, evacuate to a designated emergency shelter or a safe location outside the affected area.

Follow instructions provided at the shelter and cooperate with shelter staff.

Stay Informed:

Continue to monitor news updates and official communications for information about the disaster situation and when it is safe to return home.

Follow instructions from authorities regarding when and how to return home.

Recovery and Reentry:

Only return to your home or area after authorities declare it safe to do so.

Be cautious of hazards such as downed power lines, floodwaters, or debris.

Assess your property for damage and contact your insurance company if necessary.

Remember that safety is the top priority during evacuations. Follow instructions from authorities, stay informed, and remain calm to ensure a successful evacuation process.

My thoughts on Q#2

Again, not a bad first shot. Some advice that I like include: staying informed by monitoring local news and weather (but they essentially told me that in Q#1), preparing in advance with a plan and evacuation kit, securing my home before leaving, having a way to keep my phone charged, and notifying others of my departure. That said, I’m not a huge fan of leaving a note on my front door stating that I’ve left unless there’s an expectation that somebody you know will be coming by to check on you AND you couldn’t get hold of them prior to leaving.

What I wasn’t too happy with was advice like evacuating to a designated emergency shelter. Personally, I wouldn’t be caught dead in one of those places, but that’s just me. Following designated evacuation routes isn’t always the best plan, either, but I understand where they’re coming from because it is possible that a different route may be hazardous without you knowing it, so I’ll cut them some slack there. Again, I’d say my biggest complaint is that the advice is just too generic to be truly useful. So, I figured I’d try to force it to be more specific.

Question #3: Recommend several ways to prepare financially for disaster. Be specific.

Preparing financially for disasters is essential to ensure you have the resources needed to recover and rebuild in the aftermath. Here are several specific ways to prepare financially:

Emergency Fund:

Establish an emergency fund specifically designated for unexpected expenses related to disasters.

Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in this fund.

Keep the funds in a liquid, easily accessible account such as a savings account or money market fund.

Insurance Coverage:

Review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for various types of disasters relevant to your region.

Consider policies such as homeowners or renters insurance, flood insurance, earthquake insurance, and windstorm insurance, depending on your area’s risks.

Understand your policy deductibles, coverage limits, and exclusions.

Document and Inventory:

Maintain a detailed inventory of your belongings, including photographs, receipts, and descriptions of valuable items.

Keep important documents such as insurance policies, identification, financial records, and medical documents in a secure, waterproof container or digitally encrypted storage.

Property Protection and Mitigation:

Invest in property improvements and upgrades to mitigate potential damage from disasters. This may include reinforcing your home against earthquakes, installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows, and elevating your property in flood-prone areas.

Some insurance companies offer discounts for implementing certain mitigation measures.

Financial Records Backup:

Keep digital copies of financial records, including bank account statements, investment account information, tax returns, and loan documents.

Store backups securely in the cloud or on an external hard drive kept in a separate location from your primary residence.

Alternate Payment Methods:

Maintain alternative payment methods in case of disruptions to banking services or infrastructure during a disaster.

Keep a small amount of cash on hand in a secure location, along with traveler’s checks or prepaid debit cards.

Budgeting and Prioritization:

Review your budget and prioritize saving for emergencies and disaster preparedness.

Allocate funds each month specifically for your emergency fund and insurance premiums.

Cut unnecessary expenses or redirect discretionary spending towards building your financial resilience.

Financial Assistance Programs:

Research government assistance programs, grants, or loans available to individuals and businesses affected by disasters.

Familiarize yourself with eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines for these programs.

Financial Planning and Professional Advice:

Consider consulting with a financial planner or advisor to assess your financial readiness for disasters and develop a comprehensive plan.

Discuss strategies for protecting assets, managing debt, and maximizing resources in the event of a disaster.

By implementing these financial preparedness measures, you can better safeguard your financial well-being and enhance your resilience in the face of disasters.

I was really rooting for it this time. I’d figured that I could at least entice the computer a little further along, but not quite. I can say that I liked how it suggested having an emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses saved as well as cutting unnecessary expenses. Talking with a financial planner couldn’t hurt, either. Having backups of important financials and having some cash on hand is good, too. And mitigation actions is useful, but not what I’d expected to see from this question.

Now, I was expecting to see something about alternative payments besides “Maintain alternative payment methods in case of disruptions to banking services or infrastructure during a disaster.” Nothing about gold or silver? Maybe Bitcoin? And I would’ve liked to see more about how much cash to stash, as the expectation from what I read is that I still had access to my bank account, which may not be the case. Also, while “Maintain a detailed inventory of your belongings” is a useful, it’s far easier to just video record everything; that what I do. It’s just too generic for my tastes.

I figured I would stop messing around and get to the point…

Question #4: Should I stockpile gold or silver for disaster preparedness? What about bartering?

Stockpiling gold or silver for disaster preparedness and bartering purposes depends on various factors, including personal preferences, financial goals, and the specific circumstances of the disaster. Here’s a breakdown to consider:

Gold vs. Silver:

Gold: Gold has historically been considered a store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty. It tends to retain its purchasing power over time, making it a popular choice for long-term wealth preservation. However, gold can be relatively expensive to acquire and may not be as practical for small transactions during a disaster.

Silver: Silver is often seen as a more accessible and affordable precious metal compared to gold. It has similar characteristics as gold in terms of being a store of value, but it also has industrial uses, which can affect its price dynamics. Silver may be more suitable for bartering purposes due to its lower value per unit compared to gold.

Bartering:

In a disaster scenario where traditional currency may lose value or become scarce, bartering can become a valuable method of exchange for goods and services.

Items that are practical, durable, and in demand are typically good choices for bartering. This may include food, water, medical supplies, tools, clothing, and hygiene products.

Precious metals like gold and silver can also be used for bartering, especially for larger transactions or when traditional currency is unavailable. However, their value and acceptability may vary depending on the situation and the preferences of those involved in the barter.

Diversification:

It’s important to diversify your disaster preparedness assets beyond just precious metals. While gold and silver can be part of a diversified portfolio, they should not be the sole focus.

Consider diversifying your assets with a combination of cash, precious metals, essential supplies, and other tangible assets such as food storage, emergency equipment, and tools.

Diversification helps spread risk and ensures you have a range of resources to address different needs during a disaster.

Practical Considerations:

When stockpiling precious metals for disaster preparedness, ensure they are stored securely in a safe and accessible location.

Keep in mind the potential challenges of transporting and safeguarding precious metals during an emergency situation.

Balance your investment in precious metals with other forms of disaster preparedness, such as emergency supplies, insurance coverage, and financial reserves.

Ultimately, the decision to stockpile gold or silver for disaster preparedness, as well as for bartering purposes, should be based on your individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and objectives. It’s essential to conduct thorough research and consider professional advice before making any significant financial decisions.

My thoughts on Q#4

Overall, I don’t have much to complain about with the advice given. It’s realistic and tempered with some caution. About my only complaint is that it didn’t specifically cite my recent article on why I think bartering is a bad idea, lol.

Okay. One last question for today.

Question #5: Which books should I read about disaster preparedness? Give me several of the best recommendations.

Certainly! Here are several highly regarded books on disaster preparedness that cover a range of topics and perspectives:

“The Prepper’s Blueprint: The Step-By-Step Guide To Help You Through Any Disaster” by Tess Pennington:

This comprehensive guide provides practical advice and step-by-step instructions for preparing for various types of disasters, including natural disasters, economic crises, and pandemics. It covers essential topics such as emergency food and water storage, first aid, home security, and long-term survival strategies.

“Disaster Preparedness for EMP Attacks and Solar Storms” by Arthur T. Bradley:

Focusing on the specific threat of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks and solar storms, this book offers insights into how to prepare for and mitigate the effects of these potentially catastrophic events. It covers topics such as protecting electronics, securing alternative energy sources, and developing communication and survival plans.

“The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes – and Why” by Amanda Ripley:

Investigative journalist Amanda Ripley explores the psychological and behavioral aspects of survival in the face of disasters. Drawing on real-life stories and scientific research, the book examines why some individuals and communities are better prepared and more resilient in crisis situations than others.

“The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way” by Joseph Alton and Amy Alton:

Written by a husband-and-wife team of medical professionals, this comprehensive guide provides practical advice on managing medical emergencies when professional help may not be available. It covers topics such as wound care, infectious disease management, first aid techniques, and herbal remedies.

“Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why” by Laurence Gonzales:

Drawing on the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and wilderness survival, Laurence Gonzales explores the traits and behaviors that contribute to survival in extreme situations. Through gripping stories and scientific insights, the book offers valuable lessons on decision-making, resilience, and adaptation in the face of adversity.

“Lights Out: A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath” by Ted Koppel:

Investigative journalist Ted Koppel examines the potential threats posed by cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and the vulnerability of modern society to widespread power outages. Through interviews with experts and government officials, the book highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience in the digital age.

“Just in Case: How to be Self-Sufficient when the Unexpected Happens” by Kathy Harrison:

This practical guide offers advice on self-sufficiency and emergency preparedness for individuals and families. It covers topics such as food storage, water purification, emergency shelter, and alternative energy sources, providing actionable tips for becoming more resilient in the face of disasters.

These books offer valuable insights and practical guidance for individuals looking to enhance their preparedness for disasters and emergencies. Whether you’re interested in practical survival skills, psychological resilience, or understanding the broader societal implications of disasters, these books provide valuable resources for readers of all levels of experience and expertise.

Hmmm….I don’t even have to read the details. I know Chat GPT needs some serious fine-tuning because it didn’t recommend a single one of mine. 😉