Be Prepared

The Boy Scout motto, a cliché or just good advice - are we prepared in our city and states for a natural or man-made disaster? After watching the South go through the biggest disaster I've ever witnessed, I'd say we've got a ways to go. While we can't always depend on immediate government help, there are a few things we can begin to do individually or as families in a crisis - natural or otherwise.
I drive to and from work across a floating bridge over Lake Washington. What if it sank in a major storm (remember I-90)? What if an earthquake were to wipe out many of the elevated highways we have in the Puget Sound area? Could I get home and what resources would I have?

We should all be asking ourselves similar questions and be prepared to at least have enough food and water on hand to last a few days before other resources are available. This is also beneficial in emergencies like a power outage or other temporary situation where normal services are unavailable.

Essentials to have in your car or home:

• A 72 hour kit/bag containing water, food, flashlight, matches, batteries, poncho or tarp, battery-powered radio, knife, candles, address/phone book, first-aid kit. The kit can contain much more, but is ultimately determined by how much you want to carry.


• Food Storage: longer term food, water and necessities of life that could last a few months or more.

If you're at home and can stay there, it's advisable to have extra water and food for several weeks, if not months (yes, months). If there is no electricity, you'll also need a way to heat things up. A propane stove will work as well as a barbecue (gas).

Finally, don't forget about your pets. Extra food can be stored for them as well. It was a heartbreaker to see so many pets left behind after Katrina and how helpless they are without us.

This wasn't meant to be an exhaustive treatise on preparedness and disasters but to think about a few simple things that can be done to prepare for a natural or man-made disaster and possibly save a life. Being prepared is no accident.

Links:
http://providentliving.org/
http://www.fema.gov/library/prepandprev.shtm
http://www.metrokc.gov/prepare/preparerespond/default.aspx