Personal & Family Preparedness
There are many free resources available, from checklists to books, on individual and family preparedness. The most readily accessible for anyone is the telephone book provided by each local telephone company. However, having an individual and family disaster plan is not just a matter of what is already there: when the disaster strikes, it is too late to reach for the phone book!
The telephone reference guide(s) are a good place to start; other sources for information are your local fire and law enforcement agencies, your local and state government emergency management organizations, the local chapter of the American Red Cross, public libraries, the Federal government publications agency in Pueblo, Colorado, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Many insurance companies, schools and universities, medical facilities, and other private non-profit and/or for profit entities also have a variety of ideas, suggestions, and "how-to's" on disaster preparedness.
All this information is wonderful! There is so much out there--that a person could spend a lifetime reading and researching....without ever becoming personally prepared. The point is that, no matter how much information is collected and read, unless it is personalized and applied and practiced, there is no such thing as 'being prepared.'
Preparedness is not a function of how much money can be spent on 'kits', books, checklists, supplies, etc. Nor is it a function of how much information can be collected and handy when disaster strikes. True preparedness begins in the mind. Ask yourself, if something happens right now--how good are you going to 'feel' about the choices you have?
Having choices is what preparedness is about: it's developing a comfort level for any eventuality. It is knowing, in advance, that you have options and have considered possibilities and formulated a back-up plan to ensure your and your family's safety and peace of mind.
How do you gain this 'peace of mind'? Beyond acquiring the 'information', think about what your needs are for comfort: what reassurances would you want (besides hoping that disaster never strikes directly at you or your family!) to be able to function efficiently through a demanding occurence? Think about the uncertainties you may be faced with--and take steps to deal with them before the event.
Ask yourself:
1. If I am not at home, where is my family? What is in place for their safety and comfort?
Most of us cannot 'function well' when we are worried about what's going on at home.
If you have children, do you know what their schools' provisions are for disaster response? If you have not reviewed their disaster plan(s), how can you be sure your children will be taken care of?
If the family has to evacuate your home when you are not there, do they know where to go and what to do? Will you know how to find them? Will they be able to get in touch with you?
2. Are we (me and my family) equipped to be away from home for an extended period of
time with little or no notice?
Being stuck on the highway for several hours if you are not prepared for it could be a disaster for you and your family. What is in the car to assist with your comfort? Are there changes of clothing for weather variations? Snacks and beverages in case of hunger? Activities to divert the mind and preclude boredom? Over the counter medicines (such as aspirins and/or antacids)--especially if you have children! Something for those children to occupy them? Emergency equipment such as flashlight, flares, first aid kit, home-made porta-potty?
What if you cannot return home for several days? Do you and your family have some place to go? Sure, public shelters may be available; but those places are not the most comfortable nor equipped to meet any special needs you may have.
3. What do I need for my special needs?
If you are dependent on medications for life maintenance, do you have a supply to see you through a period of non-availability? Or at least, a copy of a renewable prescription with you at all times? What about eyeglasses? Extra hearing aid batteries?
What if you are caffeine or nicotine dependent? (Yes--these are euphenisms for coffee and cigarette addictions.) Disasters are NOT the best time to 'break the habit'! And convenience stores may be inconveniently closed.
You may be at work, on the highway, shopping, miles away from home and loved ones--what do you need to keep your thoughts focused on your comfort and remind you that you have done all you could to be prepared? Maybe a few photos to keep you in touch when the phones are out and you cannot physically be there with them....
