Emergency-Preparedness

PERSONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

By no means is the idea of preparedness a new one, and although we don't have much of an historical account, we're sure our oldest forefathers, back to caveman times, knew to take shelter, have a fire going and have a stockpile of food to eat when they saw a storm blowing towards them. Perhaps Shakespeare had the idea on his mind where in Hamlet he says, if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come; preparedness is all. Might there have been a severe storm occurring while he was writing the play? People with special needs have challenges with day-to-day activities - now add an emergency. How do we keep the message in mind and encourage action to be taken before the emergency happens? It's true that in this part of the country we don't see disaster often, and when we do, the impact is typically short-term with little effect on our overall well-being. This does not mean a disaster plan is not needed. Like insurance, our hope is you will never use it, but in an emergency you will have some comfort that you and your family are prepared. We all know disaster can strike without warning at any time. The time to sort out what needs to be done is not while the disaster is occurring. Being prepared is everyone's responsibility, particularly when there are added needs, and is vital in every aspect of our life, at home, school and work. Take some time to put a plan together, do it one week at a time so you do not overburden yourself. Remember that when a disaster happens, you and your family may be on your own and spending a little time will benefit yourself and those you care about. It is easy to rely on the fact that we live in communities that have excellent emergency services. But, if the event is a power outage, widespread severe weather, or a chemical release from a nearby facility or truck, public safety will be overwhelmed. How long might we have to take care of ourselves? Those with specialized needs must also make their own preparations. Talk with your family about what you will do in an emergency, put a family plan together that includes how you will communicate with one another if you're not in the same place, and get an emergency kit together that will help you get by if you are forced to stay in your home for a couple days.

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