An important question many people ask is: “Why should I
prepare for a disaster?”
Simply, you should prepare because a disaster can strike
without warning, forcing you to go for days without basic necessities. You may
even have to evacuate your home.
Disaster threats are real. They disrupt millions of lives
every year and have lasting effects, both to people and property.
Preparing for the unknown does take some time. The good news
is that you do not have to prepare for and do everything at once. The first step is to simply figure out which
disasters are relevant to your locale, lifestyle and family.
Important
Reasons to Prepare for a Disaster
There are some very important reasons why you should prepare
for a disaster:
Saves Lives – Different disasters require a varying
array of responses. Being prepared for disaster emergencies can make a huge
difference in saving lives as well as money.
Reduces Danger – Knowing the steps to take during a
disaster – whether flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes or another crisis – can
greatly reduce the danger and distress your family may face.
Reduces Uncertainty – Not having a complete
understanding of a hazardous threat can leave you frightened and uncertain of
what to do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Being prepared by knowing
what to do reduces uncertainty.
Helps Cope with Stress – Disasters are stressful
events over which we have little or no control. The sudden disruption of
everyday life, the experience of fear, feelings of uncertainty and a lost sense
of safety are the common factors that make all disasters stressful.
Speeds Recovery – How quickly you can recover from a
disaster depends on how well you have planned and prepared for one.
Establishes Sense of Safety and Security – Children
take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives. Adults
can help children cope first and foremost by establishing a sense of safety and
security.
Your Responsibility – Preparing for a disaster is
simply part of providing for and protecting your family.
Your Civic Duty – Preparing for an emergency allows
first responders to help those who truly need assistance instead of helping you
who knows better and is prepared.
The purpose of this blog is to present preparedness ideas for those that are brand new to the idea of being prepared for various disasters. We will also provide information for experienced ‘preppers’.