Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in November 2005 and has been updated.
Events of recent months should lead each of us to ask the simple question, “What responsibility do I have to myself and my family to be prepared?” Now is a good time for all of us to ask ourselves that question.
Tornadoes, severe winter storms, and now a pandemic threat all have public officials and representatives of private relief agencies hammering home the need for everyone to plan for a disaster. It would be impossible to count the number of times that we have heard that everyone should have a three-day supply of food and water and a seven-day supply of medication on hand. However, time and time again, we hear people affected by disaster complain that they need food and water in the first 24 hours after the calamity.
It is important to acknowledge that some people, especially the elderly and disabled, may have trouble following preparation guidance. It has also been said that some people living in poverty may not have the money to "stock up" for three days. Oftentimes, though, the people standing in line waiting for relief supplies seem to represent a cross-section of the population, not any particular group. If just half of those standing in line planned ahead, the supplies that rapidly flow into a disaster area might very well be sufficient to serve the short-term needs of the community. Instead, shortages often result.
Human nature probably assures that we will always have those who ignore sound advice. In spite of that, those of us responsible for responding during a crisis will keep preaching preparedness. In St. Charles County, the Department of Community Health and the Environment has been promoting the Missouri "Ready in 3" program. It is an excellent program and is available online at www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3. Printed materials can also be found throughout the county at libraries and many government offices. Additionally, residents can call (636) 949-7408 to have materials mailed.
The steps are easy and straight-forward:
- Create a Plan
- Prepare a Kit
- Listen for Information
Detailed guidance will take you through each step and when you are done you and your family will be well-prepared to cope during the first 72 hours following a disaster. With a minimal investment of time and effort and money you will have the peace of mind that is found by knowing you are prepared. No disaster is easy, even with preparation, but taking personal responsibility for self-preservation and survival will make the difficult more bearable. Remember, "Be Prepared" is good advice!
The Ant and the Grasshopper
In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.
"Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?"
"I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to do the same."
"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; "we have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food, and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew:
"IT IS BEST TO PREPARE FOR THE DAYS OF NECESSITY."