My Family's Disaster Plan 

THE NEED TO BE PREPARED

Disasters can strike anywhere at anytime. Whether it is an earthquake, chemical release, or a flash flood, most disasters strike without any warning. When a disaster occurs, we don’t know if we will be at home, work, school, or another location, but we can all be better prepared if we take the time to talk about and plan with our families what to do when a disaster happens.

What I can do for you. 

Many people do not know exactly what hazards are in their area. They may know what some are, but often overlook others. If they are unaware of the hazard, how can they be prepared? I understand the earth's systems and how they affect individuals and communities. This encompasses geology, geography, meteorology, oceanography, environmental science, and emergency management. Because of all this, I know what the possible hazards are in your area.

Being prepared is a 3-step process.

In order to be fully prepared you need three things.

1. Family Disaster Plan

2. Disaster Kits

3. Food Storage

Each of these items is an important part of the preparedness process.

         

Need for individual preparation.

As I was pursuing my degree, studying natural and technological hazards and emergency management, I learned how to prepare for disasters on a much larger scale. Many times while studying these mitigation efforts I thought about how individuals need to prepare so they do not have to rely on  city, state, or federal assistance that may be days away. If individuals are prepared for what may come their way, they will be able to take care of themselves and their family until assistance arrives. This will also help emergency responders to assist those in immediate need first.

I have felt for a long time that most people want to be prepared for a disaster by having a family disaster plan, but for many reasons they never seem to be able to accomplish this goal. Some people don’t have the time to make a plan or just don’t know where to start. Some people ask, “Why take the time to prepare for something that might happen?” Others think they are prepared, but in reality they aren’t. Having a “72 Hour Kit” or a disaster kit is very important, but just having the kit doesn’t prepare you for an emergency. Proper planning is never complete. It is ongoing and ever-changing.