Good Reasons to Prepare

Can you think of an emergency that could occur in our area that might be worth preparing for? Sunday night in the greater Atlanta area, a preparedness fireside was held for the Single Adults (lucky ducks!). A couple from Idaho who had lived through the Teton Dam disaster spoke of their experience. Learning from other people's experiences is the smartest idea known to man or beast. Attendees heard the couple speak of their young son's prayer that their home would be spared. That prayer was answered, but they were still part of thousands who were forced to evacuate - with no notice. The police arrived on their doorstep and said, "Do not pack. Get out of town now."

What would you do?

I hope you would grab your 72-Hour kit and get in the car. The kit would have been thoughtfully prepared months or even years earlier. The food inside would be sufficient to sustain your family for at least 3 days. There would be extra clothes for everyone and an emergency radio. Toothbrushes and waterproof matches, medicines and an extra pair of glasses for your 6 year old. Each family member would have bedding and something "to do" in those boring down times during a crisis. A few other important items could be found in your kit that especially apply to your family. Nothing in the kit is fancy, but it would get you comfortably through those first few days when stress is high and resources are nonexistent. And you would have at least half a tank of gas in the car at all times to get you on the road to safety.
A 72-Hour kit is just the beginning of preparedness, but those who heard the fireside talks Sunday night left there thinking, "I need to check my kit."
This weekend, the 2011 Grand Blanc Emergency Preparedness Fair offers you an opportunity to learn about what is necessary in those first 72 hours after a catastrophe and so very much more. Come to the fair and do something to increase your preparedness, now.