6 Mistakes People Always Regret After a Natural Disaster — Former CIA Officer

Published on December 31, 2025
Duration: 7:47

This guide, based on the advice of former CIA Officer Jason Hanson, outlines six critical mistakes people regret after natural disasters and provides actionable steps to avoid them. It emphasizes the importance of securing clean water, maintaining generators, diversifying light sources, having ample spares, preparing for warmth, and ensuring financial preparedness through cash and precious metals.

Quick Summary

Former CIA Officer Jason Hanson highlights six common regrets after natural disasters: lack of clean water, untested generators, insufficient light, no backups for essentials, inadequate warmth, and sole reliance on digital payments. He advises proactive preparation including water storage, generator testing, diverse lighting, spare items, heating solutions, and carrying cash and precious metals.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 6 Mistakes After Disasters
  2. 00:52Mistake #1: Clean Water
  3. 01:40Mistake #2: Testing Generators
  4. 02:34Mistake #3: Light Sources
  5. 03:35Mistake #4: Spares and Backups
  6. 04:57Mistake #5: Staying Warm
  7. 05:42Mistake #6: Financial Preparedness

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common regrets people have after a natural disaster?

Common regrets include lacking clean water, failing to test generators, insufficient light sources, not having backups for essential items, inadequate heating methods, and over-reliance on digital payments without alternatives for bartering.

How can I ensure I have clean water during a natural disaster?

Store water in various containers like 55-gallon drums, 7-gallon Aqua-Tainers, and 5-gallon jugs. Additionally, maintain high-capacity water filters to purify natural water sources like creeks or ponds.

Why is generator testing important before an emergency?

Regularly testing generators (solar, propane, gasoline) monthly ensures they are functional and fully charged when needed. This prevents the critical failure of having a non-working generator during a power outage.

What financial preparedness measures are recommended for disasters?

It's crucial to carry significant amounts of cash in various denominations and to store precious metals like gold and silver. These serve as vital bartering tools when digital payment systems are down.

More EDC & Lifestyle Videos You Might Like

More from Jason Hanson

View all →