Home » » Emergency Preparedness » Healing Through Preparing

Healing Through Preparing

© Donna Satterlee

I have written and discussed being prepared for an emergency always linking it to some sort of natural disaster, long term unemployment and such. Now I feel I must include cases of terrorism in that list. Not that I truly think that we will find ourselves under constant attack, but because, like natural disasters, it appears it too, is an event that we will have no warning about should it happen.

What happened in New York is unimaginable. Even those not in the immediate area were affected in ways outside of the falling buildings. Water and food supplies were affected, employment has been affected and even transportation was affected. If an event similar to those that have recently happened should occur in your area what would you do? How would you react? Very scary things to think about but we should all do just that. We should develop a plan just like we should develop a plan should a natural disaster strike. This isn’t meant to scare anyone or cause undo worry just the opposite. This is designed to give you back some sense of control in your life. I remember hearing that fear is a reaction to the unknown. The “not knowing” has always been the hardest thing for me to deal with. So, if we have a plan at least will begin to have answers to some of those what if questions. What if this happened to me? How will I find my kids, husband, sister…? And so on.

In a recent article that I was reading one of the people who worked in emergency management stated that every American should have a plan and a program that will last them at least three days. There’s that magical number again, 3. Why three days? Because that is approximately the amount of time for the government and other relief agencies to work through the confusion and to really get organized to help. Of course they will be responding immediately but in general for those not injured or in immediate danger that would be the time it would take before we could expect assistance. We have to remember that the lines of communication may be affected, as could transportation.

All this said, again don’t panic, plan! Be sure to have adequate food and water stored away for your family. Again have at least one gallon of water per person per day. This kit should be no different than any emergency preparedness kit. If you have already put your together than your just about finished. What we should also be sure we have, not only in our kits, but with every member of the family is a contact plan and contact numbers. Talk with your school to find out what they would do in a situation like this. Work out arrangements with trusted neighbors and friends so if, for whatever reason, you can’t be home in time for your children that someone picks them up at school or meets them at your house. Be sure the school has your written permission to release your child under these circumstances to these individuals. Also, be sure they have contact phone numbers for each of them. Every member of the family should have a list of emergency contact phone numbers written down. Mom and Dad’s work numbers, cell phones, home number and neighbors. You want these written down for two reasons. First, in a time of crisis and chaos you might not remember your husband’s work number. Second, should you be unable to call or if there is a small child involved, then others will be able to place those calls for you. The family should decide on a key contact person and have their number written down. As soon as each person is able, they should call the contact person to let them know where and how they are and any other vital information. This contact person might live in New Mexico and your family might live in Vermont. In other words, they don’t necessarily have to be located next door. In fact it would probably be better if they lived away from the immediate area or their phone service might be out. Another good item to think about is cell phones. They proved to be a very valuable communication tool in September.