Disaster Preparedness: The must have mindset for everyone

In light of the recent tragedies this week in Boston and Waco, one should start to realize perhaps those people on those prepper TV shows aren't crazy after all.  Granted we are talking about two totally different emergency scenarios, but it seems in the past few years there is a strong call for public awareness on the topic of "Disaster Preparedness".

Disasters come in all shapes and sizes and no one or no geographical area is really immune to the destruction they can cause.  From weather, to terrorism, to accidents, it is clear that when an emergency strikes, there are things you can already have in place.  I won't bore anyone with pack lists or survival tips.  After all, that information is available by doing a simple google search.  What I want you to focus on is this.  Disaster preparedness has to include the attempt to create a "As close to normal life" scenario as you can make for you and your family.  I have the benefit of the doubt here.  I work in this field and constantly live in this mind set.  The problem, is that most of you don't and in addition to the physical destruction of life and property, there is a huge mental trauma that is suffered by those affected by disasters in general.  People are used to waking up to an alarm clock, popping in their K-Cup, watching the news, taking a hot shower and have a decent breakfast and then going to work.  When a disaster strikes, you are totally lifted out of your "routine", which to many, can cause mental trauma.

Consider the folks in Waco, just last evening - given just minutes to evacuate their community and "get out of Dodge".  If you received that call, would those few minutes be in panic trying to scramble for supplies and clothing or would it be a calm grabbing or pre-made backpacks with those items that you and your family need? The choice is yours.  When preparing your packs or bags or whatever works for you, consider those items that will help with the mental trauma of having to relocate to a hotel 50 miles away for upwards of 48-72 hours.  If your 12 yr old daughter is an avid fan of crayons and coloring books, then you better be sure you have an extra set of crayons and a coloring book to keep her mind at ease.  You get the point right?  Walk around your house and find all of those items that clutter the house and put them in packs.  Don't forget to add other items for each family member that are relevant to them.  Each member of your family should have a disaster bag for just such an occasion.  Also consider having a dedicated bag of non-perishable food items and medical supplies.  After all, Fido likes treats and toys too.

There are so many "Bug Out" type scenarios I could cover.  I hope that some of this info helps everyone realize the need to prepare.  That "5 minute" bug out scenario does not have to be panic and chaos.  Remember, what you do today, makes tomorrow easier.  Stay safe & prepared, and God Bless all those affected by these recent disasters.

What is it about weather?

What is it about weather that is so fascinating.  The eerie images from Hurricane Isaac the past few days have consumed us all, glued to the television for hours, watching and waiting for that next destructive image.  So sad and heartbreaking but at the time so fascinated that you simply cannot pull away from it. 

 I will admit that I am consumed by significant weather events and I can't state a rational reason why I find it so exciting.  I cringe at the loss of damage and property, yet I am so fueled by the images and having the chance to be part of it.  Last year I responded as part of my job to Hurricane Irene in New York.  It was an amazing experience.  A few years earlier again I found myself working in the snow blizzard that affected Pittsburgh and the surrounding counties.  Again so heart pounding and exciting.  But what is it about weather that makes ordinary people infatuated with mother natures wrath? 

 These images are amazing.  Not amazing that I think they are cool and that I would wallpaper them all over my computer or iPhone, but amazing in the sense that this can happen anytime, anywhere to all of us.  And at the core we all realize how small of a world we live in and how these weather disasters will effect us for many years to come.  Let this be the great wake up call and call to action for all us to get prepared, prepared for the very worst that life can send our way.  I sincerely hope that all effected by this storm will overcome the great hurdles that lay in their way.

Images from www.weather.com