I am always amazed at how many people in this country raced to get preparedness kits and supplies right after a disaster strikes somewhere. Why is it that we have to wait and see mass devastation before we will take some basic simple steps to prepare ourselves for the unexpected. If more people would just take a little time each day to increase their level of preparedness….we would all be much better off. Make it part of your daily or weekly routine. Don’t think of it as a chore. Make it fun, enjoy the process and the learning. And know….that each step you take makes you just a little bit safer. And while you are at it….encourage your friends, neighbors and community to do it with you.
Here are some simple things you can do that don’t require purchasing anything. If you can think of other ideas…please comment here.
1. Learn CPR
2. Learn basic first aid
3. Learn what types of disasters can happen where you live
4. Stop by your local firehouse and meet the firefighters, learn what they do and see what they can teach you
5. Drive around you neighborhood and make sure you have at least 2 routes out of town in case you have to evacuate
6. Practice fire alarm drills in your home with your family. Learn what to do, multiple ways out of your home and where you will meet.
7. Take an inventory of your valuables. You can write them down, take pictures, add receipts, etc. Store this info in more than one safe place.
8. Remove hazards around your home: old trees/branches that could fall on your house, over-used electrical outlets, etc.
9. Talk about recent disasters around the work and discuss with your family what you might do
10. Organize meeting points both around your town and at a relocation site so you can quickly reconnect with family members
11. Make a communication plan
12. Talk to your neighbors and learn what they have done and/or can do in an emergency.
This is just a partial list. Please share with us your thoughts.