In talking to people across the country it seems as if everyone is “aware” of the benefits of preparing for everything from simple emergencies to major disasters. The problem is actually taking the necessary steps to move from awareness to preparedness. Too often people procrastinate taking the steps they know they should take.
In today’s busy times there are so many distractions that get in the way of what we all know we should do. It’s not that people don’t want to be safer or better prepared…it’s just prioritizing to get it done. After an emergency or disaster people will often say….”I was planning on get the supplies I need but I forgot” or “I knew this would happen and just never got around to doing what I needed to do.”
So….how can we change this. I think the first thing to do is realize that you don’t have to get it all done in one day. Take a small step. Look at one aspect of your personal safety and preparedness and do something about it. Maybe it is checking your smoke detectors. Maybe it’s making sure you have flares or a flashlight in your car. Maybe it’s checking that you have some fire extinguishers in your house. Or maybe it’s just taking a few moments to think about some recent events that may have affected your neighborhood. Each of these small steps will eventually add up and before you know it you will have taken a big step.
There are plenty of resources available that you can use. Visit the web and look up your local emergency management site, stop by your local fire house and ask questions or pick up a brochure and ask your employer what the companies plans are.
The general message out there is Get a Kit, Make a Plan, be Informed. What that means simply is……
1. Check what emergency supplies you have on hand or may need. Either make your own or buy a pre-made survival kit.
2. Think about what could happen and what you would/could do if it did. Discuss this with your family so everyone knows what to expect.
3. Know what could happen in your area and where you can get updated information during an emergency.
Nobody can predict for sure if and when something will happen to them. However…we do know that things do happen and the more you prepare for them…the better off you will be. Take the steps now. Time is one of the greatest assets we all have. Also…encourage your friends and family to do the same. I can assure you….you will feel better if you do.
Until next time…be safe…be prepared.
Paul