A lot of people see this kind of Blog post and say...What kind of fear mongering is this guy up to? It's not about FEAR, it's about PREPARATION!
I think we all get a little ignorant from time to time on how quickly all hell could break loose and it takes a DISASTER for us to see that. However, unless it happens to us personally or in our town or neighborhood we tend to still brush it off, never getting the hint.
That was me back in 2011...before the Japanese Tsunami hit us here in Hawaii...this is after several other events hit us close when years earlier the Electrical Grid went out and left us without power on most parts of Oahu for several days. What about our 30 days of rain and people Kayaking and paddle boarding in the streets of Waikiki. These events made a huge impact on the island yet many of us still didn't prepare...WHY?
I wish I had the answer as to why it took the 2011 Japanese Tsunami to wake me up personally, but that's what it took...I was so unprepared I actually feared what might happen to me and my family. Going to get supplies before the Tsunami hit was a complete disaster all in itself. It was at that moment when I saw people fighting for water and toilet paper I said to myself...that won't be me next time.
“Your worst enemy when it comes to a Man Made or Natural Disaster is your own procrastination.”
Below is a great Video on preparing ASAP if a Disaster is imminent! However, this video shouldn't be your last resort...you should always be prepared WELL IN ADVANCE.
DISASTERS CAN BRING THE BEST AND WORST OUT OF PEOPLE!
Too many of us think it won't and can't happen to us...well, it CAN and it WILL...it's just a matter of time so take it from me...DON'T WAIT to be ready...PLEASE prepare yourself today for a disaster that could come tomorrow, because at the end of the day when a disaster strikes it's every man for themselves. You'll see the most amazing acts of kindness, but you'll also see the most despicable acts of evil...Be prepared for both!
Below is a GREAT Starter list from FEMA themselves so that you have the essentials for a disaster.
Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan
Be prepared for unexpected emergencies by creating a Family Emergency Communication Plan that gives clear instructions on who to contact, where to go and what to do.
Make a list of emergency contacts. Include contact information for family, friends, medical facilities and service providers.
Designate emergency meeting places. Decide on familiar meeting places that are inside, outside and in your neighborhood where your family can convene during a disaster.
Make copies of your communication plan. Each family member should have a copy of the Family Emergency Communication Plan. Place it in an accessible place like your wallet, briefcase, purse or book bag.
Practice your plan! Review, update and practice your communication plan each year so everyone is familiar with the instructions.
Home emergency kit essentials
Having a home emergency kit can make the difference between life and death when disaster strikes or in the case of an evacuation. Make sure you include the following items in your basic home emergency kit:
Food and Drink
Water – Each person should have 1 gallon per day for at least 3 days
Food – At least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food for each person
Pet food and supplies
Medical Supplies
Medications – 7-day supply and medical supplies
First aid kit and manual
Medical tape
Scissors and/or tweezers
Cotton balls/Q-tips
Hydrogen Peroxide/Isopropyl Alcohol
Iodine
Thermometer
Sunscreen
Splints/braces
Rubber gloves
Vaseline/burn alleviants
Personal hygiene
Soap and detergent
Shampoo
Towels/wash cloths
Toilet paper
Tooth brushes and toothpaste
Razors
Feminine hygiene products
Weather/environmental concerns
Warm cloths
Coats/jackets
Boots/treads
Rain gear
Sleeping bags
Hats, masks and gloves
Tools and technology
Wrench or pliers – to turn off utilities
Wire clippers, utility knives, soldering iron, axe, shovel and saw
Lighter with fuel and/or matches in waterproof case
Masking, electrical and duct tape
Radio with extra batteries
Communication devices
Whistle/flare signals
Flashlight with extra batteries
Camping supplies with portable stove or grill
Maps/GPS device
Manual can opener
Like I have stated emergencies and disasters are often unexpected, but it’s important to be prepared for even the worst case scenarios. Creating a Family Emergency Communication Plan and an Emergency Kit are great ways to practice important safety protocols and have essential items accessible when you need them most.
Your Emergency Kit may consist of any number of items necessary for your personal survival in your own type of situations as not all situations will be the same. Only you can prepare your own kit depending on your personal needs. These items must reflect some form of necessity as to sustain human health and everyday life. The items are going to strongly depend on you, where you live, your family size and type, the extent and type of damage, and where you are at the time the disaster strikes. Putting together a workable emergency kit should take time and be well thought out.
Please take the time to follow the links below for additional info on preparing for a disaster in your area: (http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready/get-a-kit) Also check out: https://www.ready.gov
This Blog post isn't going to take care of you and your family, but at least it will move you in the right direction...I can only motivate you to prepare yourself for a disastrous event...You'll need to take action on it yourself and I hope you do sooner than later.