Even though it’s not something that most of us want to think about, the reality is that every single day we face the possibility of experiencing a disaster. This is because disasters don’t respect geographic boundaries and they come in a variety of forms, including natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, etc.), industrial accidents, disease pandemics, and acts of violence (terrorism, mass shootings, etc.).
Despite the fact that disasters are common, FEMA and researchers at the Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation have found that many Americans aren’t prepared for a disaster:
- 48% of Americans lack emergency supplies for use in the event of a disaster.
- 60% of American adults have not practiced what to do in a disaster by participating in a drill or preparedness exercise at work, school, or home in the past year.
- Only 39% of Americans have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their households. This is despite the fact that 80% of Americans live in counties that have been hit with weather-related disasters since 2007.
- More than 50% of parents do not have a designated meeting place for their families in case of a disaster.
- More than 50% of Americans have not prepared copies of crucial documents.
- 42% of cell phone owners do not know all of their immediate family members’ phone numbers.
It is because of statistics like these that I take time each September, which is National Preparedness Month, to address disaster preparedness topics. I’m certainly not a “prepper,” nor do I wish to cause you anxiety or fear. However, I’ve lived through a couple of natural disasters, so I know from firsthand experience how important it is to be prepared just in case.
I hope you will take some time this year to review disaster preparedness information (like that contained in the posts I’ve listed below) and take steps to increase your family’s preparedness.
- Assembling a Basic Disaster Preparedness Kit (includes a printable checklist)
- Creating a Family Emergency Plan (includes a printable plan)
- Disaster Preparedness for Families with Special Needs
- Dos and Don’ts of Donating After Disasters
- Eight of the Best Foods to Keep in Your Disaster Preparedness Kit
- Finding Supplies Before a Storm When Store Shelves are Bare
- Innovative Disaster Preparedness Tools and Equipment
- Items to Use for First Aid When in a Pinch
- Introduction to Disaster Preparedness
- Obtaining and Storing Disaster Preparedness Supplies
- Remaining Vigilant
- What to Do in An Active Shooter Situation
- What You Really Need in a First Aid Kit
Stay tuned because next week I’ll be sharing a new preparedness post!
Do you have a disaster supply kit or a disaster plan for your family? Why or why not?
