Disaster Preparedness - Are You Ready?

In event of a catastrophic impact, we should be able to meet the basic needs of shelter and food for ourselves and families until relief assistance is available. This is very important and needs to be reemphasized as the demands on government and response agencies can affect their ability to provide us with adequate relief and recovery services in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Personal readiness is being prepared. Being prepared is knowing what is required and taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and survival of our family and protection of our property. It is proper planning well in advance of disaster. Preparing a family plan and ensuring that our property is safe are two key aspects of preparedness planning.

Prepare to Survive

Being prepared is the most important thing you can do before and during a disaster. If disaster strikes, proper planning and preparation will get you through the disaster and its aftermath.

Don’t wait until the government issues a warning to shop for supplies, check your insurance policies or talk to your family about your disaster plans. Schedule a trip to the hardware store, supermarket and drugstore. Do this well in advance of a disaster; avoid competing with the frenzied masses during a disaster alert.

Invest in your protection and safety

Some of the most important things to have before a disaster may be the most expensive. You may need to save some money first, but think of these as investments and include them in your budget before disaster strikes.

My hubby brought me a Hurricane Handbook called "SURVIVE" published by Island Heritage and Scotiabank. This handbook is filled with lots of information to assist in emergency preparedness. The more I read, the more I felt compelled to share with you my friends what I was learning and being reminded of. I kept circling paragraph after paragraph, phrase after phrase to share with you. It is so important to be prepared. Disaster strikes at any time and sometimes when we least expect it. I pray that sharing these tips in the upcoming posts with you will move you to action. Preparedness yields peace of mind.