There are so many things in life we prepare for, such as graduations, weddings and the birth of a child. Yet there are other things in life we take no thoughts to, and if a disaster should occur, it would be completely tragic. If we live in a Regional area that is not prone to many natural disasters, we don’t give a second thought to the preservation of our belongings, documents and memories. But one thing we do forget is that fire is no respecter of person, geographic region or season. It could happen when we least expect it.
Awareness is the First Step
Do you realize that organizing and preparing for disaster can save your life or the lives of your family members? In 2004, a market research firm called Wirthlin and the American Red Cross did a survey. They found that sixty-seven percent of all Americans believe that it is very important to take steps in preparing for a catastrophe. But that awareness hasn’t propelled them into action to become prepared. Because only two in ten individuals feel prepared for the catastrophe.
Back in June of 2011, I don’t believe the residents of Springfield, MA expected, nor were prepared for, the tornado that swept through their community. Although the deaths were low, the damage was extensive as it tore apart 39 miles of communities.
FEMA has recorded that since 1950, there have been 20 major disasters and 11 emergencies declared. Since I was born in 1957, this covers my lifetime up to this point. I can say that I have fortunately not been affected by these disasters or emergencies. But there are many that can.
So what is the reason for this gap between being aware that it is necessary to be prepared for disaster, and the actual implementation for your family? Research has found two things. One is instruction and the other is organization. They know being prepared is important and even necessary but they don’t know the exact steps that should be taken to be effectively prepared. Then, those that have those instructions on preparation are not organized enough to begin the process. Families think, “I know where my lanterns or flashlights are.” But when the time comes to need them, they find there are no working batteries. Or if they live in a home that has a well, and they don’t know the steps that need to be taken to have water to at least flush their toilets when they loose electricity.
Types of Disasters
What are the types of disaster we need to be aware of and concerned with? According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the American Red Cross (ARC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) there are more than 35 different kinds of disasters. But they fall into three main categories: natural or weather-related disasters, man-made disasters, and acts of terrorism. Being prepared for each is similar because the outcomes are the same. When the power goes down and you have no electricity, and hence no mode of communication, it doesn’t matter if it was a hurricane that caused it or a terrorist attack. Your situation is still the same. You are without electricity and communication.
Be Prepared and Organized
Many individuals who have experienced disasters in their homes wish they knew then what they know now. They would have been more prepared with important documents or having a grab and go bag. They would have prepared their family with a designated person to call so that each family member could call that person to give the update on their well-being and their whereabouts.
Many individuals don’t really realize what their home-owners insurance policy covers and find out when the disaster occurs. By then it could be too late. Did you know that the President must declare a State of Emergency before Federal monies can be distributed? And who knows how long that process is before you could see some provision.
Or many individuals who have lost it all to a flood, tornado or hurricane, look back over their belongings and realize those are only “things”, and “things” are replaceable. But losing their precious memories are not replaceable and they wish they had taken precautions to preserve those memories.
So to sum it up, here are some reasons why it is critical that your family be prepared for disaster.
- You can protect your family from harm
- Ensure that your possessions are protected
- Be informed, have a strategy and plan and be ready to take action
- Have a plan on how to communicate, evacuate or escape from a disaster
- Prevent as best as possible destruction to your home
- Be ready and prepared to deal with any natural or unnatural disaster
- Have your essential and important documents organized
- Recover from disaster quickly
Don’t wait until disaster strikes to wish you prepared your family. Begin now, have it all in place, and rest knowing you have done all you could possibly have done to have your family be protected if a disaster should occur. Do you struggle with beginning the process and need help in clarifying what all needs to be done? Contact me. I am here to help get you organized and prepared for disaster!
Regina Sanchez, Professional Organizer
860-874-8515