We’re lucky, you know. We live in a country where if a disaster happens, there are brave souls who will be there within minutes to help us. They’ll put their lives on the line to help keep us safe. That’s pretty darn awesome!

When disaster strikes, the initial call will go out to the First Responders. They’ll arrive in any weather conditions and continue working on the problem until either the “All Clear!” is given or until they can no longer help.

I know there are many countries that are unprepared to handle the amount of face-to-face contact it takes to get things put back together. We have so many wonderful people who are willing to help! It is a blessing.

With all these blessings comes responsibility though. We need to step up and take care of ourselves as much as possible. That way, when disaster strikes, those who are injured or in shock may get the help they need to survive.

I guess I hadn’t thought of it that way before: that my not preparing will have a negative effect on other people, but it’s true. I don’t want to know after a disaster, that people died because those who responded were helping me.

Because I want to be able to help others, I took a CERT class: Community Emergency Response Training. It allowed me to learn what was needed to help my own family, friends and neighbors. I don’t want a disaster to befall us, but if it does, I want to be ready to take care of myself…and others if necessary!