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The recent and horrific events in Japan lead one to ponder the possibility, or inevitability, of a local natural disaster.
Preparedness is key to surviving an emergency, and organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide step-by-step approaches to disaster preparedness.
The American Red Cross suggests stocking up for at least 72 hours -- three days and nights -- of self sufficiency. You'll need at least one gallon of water per person per day. You'll also need food, pet supplies, prescriptions and other things you might not think twice about when life isn't at Code Red. Do you have batteries? Are your documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.) located where you think they are, and are they in order? How about diapers and baby formula? Do you have plenty on hand?
On the FEMA website, suggestions for readiness include how to become informed about local emergency plans, how to identify potential hazards that affect local areas, as well as how to develop and maintain an emergency communication plan and a disaster supplies kit. Other topics include evacuation, emergency public shelters, caring for animals in a disaster and information specific to people with disabilities.
For more information on how to prepare for any type of disaster that might hit, visit FEMA and the American Red Cross websites.
Do you have a disaster kit ready? Do you have an emergency plan for your family in the event of a disaster? Let me know here.
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