Prepare for Disasters

Planning for disasters is a lot like buying insurance. You hope that you never need to use it, but you feel better having it. But the bummer is that most families in this country aren't ready to survive any kind of disaster at all. When was the last time you saw a TV interview of somebody that lost their house in a tornado, hurricane, or flood and the poor dude is just shocked that everything is gone. And, then he complains that the government isn't there fast enough saving his butt.

Hmmm, yeah I guess that's a bit harsh. I feel for the folks that get wiped out and I support relief efforts and believe that volunteering is important to help others. But, it's not right for somebody to not take steps to prepare for disasters and expect someone else to bail him out. If you own something, you have to take care of it - that's the way I see it.

There are many types of natural and man-made disasters that may affect you and your family. Depending on where you live, or are traveling, the chance of encountering a specific type changes along with the importance of being prepared for it.

Click this image from NOAA for a larger view.

Choose which disaster to prepare for, live through, and survive after:

A natural disaster can be devastating to life and property and disaster recovery can be costly and difficult. When a disaster occurs there is not a lot you can do to save your home and property, but that should be a secondary concern anyway. Your priority must be to survive the event and then continue living until disaster relief efforts are available to help you. Your odds of survival aren't too good if your disaster plan is to 'wing it' and hope nothing hits your neighborhood. A disaster kit and disaster plan are two key elements that you must have in order to manage and recover from natural or man-made catastrophes.

Don't let disaster preparedness be something you get to 'next year' - do it today. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it!