Learn How to Protect Yourself in a Disaster

How many times in the past few years have we witnessed disasters? How about the big one in New Orleans, hurricane Katrina? Or, what about all the snow and ice storms this winter in the Midwest and up in New York? Or, what did you think about the tornado that hit Alabama in February? It seems that natural disasters can hit any part of the country. Let's not even think about the man made kind of disasters that can occur, Twin Trade Towers, New York City, 9/11. We are faced with a never ending series of disasters. It doesn't matter whether you live in Iowa, the Pacific Northwest, Florida, or Boston, stuff happens. In order to protect yourself and the ones you love, the government has come up with three suggestions.

1. Get a Kit
2. Make a plan
3. Be informed

The first thing the government suggests is you prepare a kit for any emergency that may arise. Think in terms of the basics: food, water, and air. That means the bare essentials of your kit should contain bottles of water, food and a dusk mask. A three day supply for everyone in your family is the suggestion. Once you have these basics, you need to think beyond. A hand crank radio to stay informed and a flashlight, again hand cranked, would probably be the best should be the next two items in your kit. The third important item after the basics should be a first aid kit. After your kit is together with the above items, start thinking about your own personal needs: prescription drugs; pet food; infant formula and diapers; and activities for young children. As you can see, this will take some thinking and organizing.

The second step is to make a plan. By making a plan, we're talking about how do you contact each other if your family gets separated during an emergency? The communication part of the plan is important for your peace of mind. Wouldn't you want to know that your son/daughter, husband/wife is OK after you've been separated? Of course you do and that's where the communication plan makes it happen. Decide on how you will contact each other and how you will get back together during each kind of emergency. Decide on a place in your town that you're all familiar with. Come up with an alternate place close by in a different town in case your first place in unavailable. It may be wise to have an out of town relative as a contact person. He/she would be the one each of you can contact to check in so to speak.

A related plan is to check if your school, club, daycare, or wherever has an emergency plan. If they don't, you may volunteer to help them set one up. Think of the places where the family goes. That's who you need to ask to see if they have an emergency plan.

The third step is to be informed. Find out how your community will react to a disaster both man made and natural. What steps have they taken to ensure your safety and how will they help should an emergency occur. Learn how the federal and state government has prepared for these inevitable situations and how they will help you after the fact.