The topic of emergency preparedness can seem overwhelming to some. So much so, that they’re afraid to even get started. I hope that’s not you. Look at what happened to more than one million households due to last year’s ice storms in New England. The Times Argus reports:
The federal government says it distributed nearly $80 million in disaster relief funds to four New England states following a devastating ice storm a year ago.
The Dec. 11-12, 2008, storm knocked out power to an estimated 1.4 million electric customers in the region. Some were without power for almost two weeks.
Can you imagine going without power for almost two weeks in the winter? Take an inventory of what you have in your home right now, including water, food and medical supplies. Do you have what you need to sustain and protect every member of your household? If not, start by purchasing home and car survival kits. All of the experts, including the American Red Cross and other organizations that are prepared to aid people during a time of disaster, are advising individuals to have their own kits. Help may not be able to arrive at your doorstep when there’s a natural disaster or other emergency. Once you have your basic kits, expand your supplies to last you 2, 4 and then 6 weeks, and eventually more.
Source:
http://www.timesargus.com/article/RH/20091212/THISJUSTIN/912120336/1003/NEWS02