Nothing to Fear

For the past two weeks my dining table has been covered with supplies for 72 hour kits. I had been putting them together a little bit at a time for the past year, but finally pulled them out again to reassess their contents and fill them with more essentials. My husband and I are also discussing various game plans, should certain things happen. It's an odd obsession, but I'm to a point that, if something were to happen, I wouldn't be too worried! And THAT feels GREAT! I've heard it said before, "It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark."

Throughout the many websites devoted to emergency preparedness, I found a common theme between all of them:
1. Get a Kit
2. Make a Plan
3. Be Informed

Getting an emergency kit together can be tedious, but will be worth it when you only have a minute to grab stuff and go. Having something is always better than having nothing. Try to work on it a little each month, and soon you'll have a well-stocked kit that's ready for anything.

Making a plan BEFORE a disaster strikes will likely speed up your response time. If you already have a plan in place, you won't need to stop and think of one. Discussing the plan as a family will get everyone on the same page. Focus on likely scenarios and decide on meeting places, should something occur.

Being informed about the disasters that could happen in your area -- flood, earthquake, fire, mudslide, winter storm, etc. -- will also help with your planning. Find out what radio and TV stations broadcast emergency alerts. Sign up for emails or texts that alert you in an emergency.

Ready.gov has all sorts of tools to help you accomplish these three goals -- even specialized advice for kids, businesses, older people, those with disabilities, or pet owners. Department of Homeland Security also has lots of great information, including E-mail updates about disasters, family preparedness, and news from other government agencies.

If you've got a kit, a plan, and the info you need, you'll be several steps ahead of most people out there! "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."