For many people, emergency preparedness arouses ANXIETY. As a result, they avoid taking simple steps to protect themselves. They don’t act on the intelligence they have. They don’t stock up on food and water.
Yet, according to the experts, we might be on our own for 72 hours following a disaster. [An organization called 72hours.org offers information in English, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese]. The recommendation to have food and water on hand sounds like a no brainer.
I keep asking myself one question: How can emergency preparedness become part of the American way of life?
Shortly after Hurricane Sandy, millions of homes were without electricity. Nonetheless, many children celebrated Halloween.
This year, when children come trick or treating, why not give them two bags of candy? At the same time, recite the following rhyme:
“It’s Halloween, my dear.
It’s time for trick or treat.
Here’s something for the pantry.
Here’s something else to eat.”
It’s one way to educate children about personal preparedness. Do you or your neighbor have a better idea?
Let’s get a conversation going. There’s space below to leave a comment.
Feeling Safe Again 
I was also affectd by Sandy, my home is about 100 miles north of NYC in Woodstock and I had no power for 5 days. I ran a borrowed generator for about 2 hours per day to charge my phone and heat my house. Other than that I was in the dark.
I remember haloween was celebrated a day late – but celebrated nonetheless. I had concert tickets for the Alman Brothers Band that night and my friend and I went anyway. Despite the blackout we had a great time.
I think disaster prepardness depends on what you’re used to. I grew up with lots of blackouts and weather-related restrictions on winter activities, so I adopted flexible expectations pretty early. Living in South America for several years helped: you get used to being creative when your expected solution is often unavailable. Yes, It’s important to be prepared – have extra canned food and dry goods, a battery radio, and candles, etc. But all of that’s no good if you panic when you can’t send text messages, can’t ride a bicycle (let alone fill the tires with a hand pump), or don’t know what to do with yourself without your favorite prime time sitcom. For me, disaster preparedness efforts should focus on helping people become more self reliant, creative, and yes – informed about how to solve simple problems witouht power or technolgy.
I am touched by what you wrote. Thank you for sharing!