HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

If you have created your Go Kit, written your evacuation plan and pretty much done all the basics you need related to getting yourself prepared for a disaster, what comes next?  How much is enough, or do you just keep adding to your preparations in a never ending cycle of preparedness?

For me, the natural next step was to do what I could to help others prepare.  Hence, writing this blog, sharing tips with my co-workers, and taking the CERT class (Community Emergency Response Team training).  I don’t believe that everyone has to follow that same recipe for success though.  Not all of us want to become that involved, and that’s ok.

One thing I’ve discovered is that even if you only want to do the basics in being prepared, it’s an on-going effort.  For instance, I have my Go Kit assembled, but I have to rotate my medications and the food in the kit on a monthly basis.  That is how I keep the kit up-to-date so the items stay fresh and viable.  In the same way, I check my written plan quite often as phone numbers or financial information changes, and plans must be adapted as time passes too.  When have you done enough?  When you can say you’re comfortable that you’ve done what you could to protect yourself and those you love from the fallout of a disaster.   Every effort you make is another step toward survival.

THE PERFECT GIFT

The season of giving is here, and I can think of no better gift to give than that of preparedness.  My sister and I often exchange gifts of tools or items that we can use in our “Go Kits,” such as a mess kit, a special tool for turning off the gas to the house, or a hand-cranked radio.  But there are other possibilities too.

Consider taking a first aid course.  It’s something you can give yourself that may prove to be a life-saving gift to your friends and neighbors.  Or how about taking a CERT class?  CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team, a class where you learn how to respond during a disaster.

This holiday season, why not invest in yourself and give the gift of preparedness?  I bet you won’t regret it!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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!