Elmore County has a new author — Scott Pyron.
Scptt Pyron
While new to publishing books, he is not new to the subject matter in his new book, The Practical Guide to Family Preparedness.
In the book, Pyron offers advice and tips for individuals and families on how to be ready for any incident, from storms to major events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When it first hit and people were told to stay home, I saw the madness of people just losing it,” Pyron said. “They were trying to buy everything they could because they hardly had anything at home.”
Pyron is a homesteader and grows some of his own food. The book talks about how even a novice can become more prepared for any incident by storing bottled water, canned food and other materials.
“I’m not promoting doomsday type preparedness,” Pyron said. “I just want everyone to be able to have on hand the things they need for a couple weeks to a month.”
Much of the material in the book comes from Pyron’s experiences growing up as a military child.
“I always found it was good to have a little bit more on hand just in case something comes up,” Pyron said. “I have been through hurricanes, snow. It is very comforting to know that you don’t have to rush to the store because the storm is coming.”
Pyron’s book gives information about water and canned food supplies in ways that allows rotation and replenishment instead of the large containers of water and drums of water.
“If someone has that ability, fantastic,” Pyron said. “Most families want to have enough to last a week or so in case of severe weather or other crisis. The idea is to have enough until relief comes. In most cases it is days to a week.”
Pyron does vary from the FEMA recommendation of a gallon of water per person per day. Instead, he opts for close to two gallons.
“I drink a lot of water,” Pyron said. “It also aids in personal hygiene in those emergencies."
Pyron’s book also gives suggestions not related to food, such as having a month’s supply of medications on hand for adults and children and special considerations for the elderly.
“There may be cases where it will be several days before you can get to a pharmacy,” Pyron said.
Pyron also suggests keeping things like wool blankets handy in case of power outages.
“They retain heat even when wet,” Pyron said.
Pyron noted Elmore County might not get the big disasters seen on national news but the area is still prone.
“In this area the weather is our biggest potential emergency,” Pyron said. “Especially tornadoes and severe thunderstorms which in some cases can rival some hurricanes.”
Pyron hopes his book will give a sense of relief and a plan to being prepared for the next emergency.
“I saw there were so many people, including some of my family and friends that were struggling, stressing like crazy trying to get just enough food for their families with the power only being out for a couple of days,” Pyron said. “I was surprised they were not prepared. I hope this helps out.”
Pyron is working with book distributors to get his book available in local bookstores. In the meantime it is available online at Amazon and barnesandnoble.com.
