An easy way to approach emergency preparedness is to plan, prepare, and practice. The following is a basic overview of this preparedness construct with a few suggestion to get you started.
PLAN – Create a plan based upon what could go wrong
As the saying goes “fail to plan, plan to fail.” Sit down and write out a plan, taking into consideration the types of disasters that could potentially happen in your area or circumstances.
Here are a few possible calamities for you to consider:
Floods • Tornados • Hurricanes • Volcanic Eruptions
Tsunamis • Earthquakes • Terrorist Attacks (Chemical, Nuclear, Grid)
Severe Storms • Health Epidemics • Fires (Wildfires)
Transportation Problems (Strikes, Fuel Shortages) • Vehicle Breakdowns
Road Closures (Accidents, Avalanches, Mudslides, Bridge Out)
Celestial Catastrophes • Wars • Technological Crisis (Widespread)
Economic Collapse • Riots • Anarchy • Radiological Accidents
Make note of the type of supplies and sustenance you’ll need to have on hand. What type of training will you need?
Discuss and list evacuation routes and family rendezvous points.
PREPARE – Prepare a kit and develop skills based upon what could go wrong.
Gather all the emergency supplies, food, and water that you’ll need for you and your loved ones.
Attend classes (as listed in your plan).
Learn how to shut off gas and electric for your home, and familiarize be sure that all household members know how to use a fire extinguisher and other safety and personal protection equipment.
PRACTICE – Practice using (testing) preparedness items and skills
Test all of the gear in your emergency kit, as appropriate and feasible. For example, practice using emergency communications devices and setting up an emergency shelter..
Memorize important phone numbers.
Conduct periodic emergency drills or evacuations.
One of the main principles or concepts of emergency preparedness is to be ready (pre-pared) before disaster strikes.
For whatever excuse or reason, many people put off doing what they know they should do. Perhaps they believe they’re too busy to prepare.
However, when something terrible happens, they’ll wish they had taken the time – perhaps more than they’ve ever wished for something before.
All other activities or tasks that we have to do are dependent upon us being alive to do them.
Don’t put this off!
In putting off what one has to do, one runs the risk of never being able to do it”. – Charles Baudelaire
