The first 72 hours of any disaster is most critical.

While predictions are relatively normal for this hurricane season, I encourage you to still prepare for the worst and hope for the best. With the economy down in the dumps, (the swine flu, gasoline prices rising, families becoming homeless, job loss and a host of other critical issues), most people have very little time to precipitate a disaster that has not materialized. However, we must prepare for crisis or prepare to be caught off guard and suffer the consequences.

More injuries occur because of un-prepared people making rash decisions, either from having no supplies saved and going out to get them, after the event, going into dangerous areas to site see or by just not getting out of harms way.

I encourage you to prepare now. Begin by storing basic supplies that will last for up to 7 days (water, non-perishable goods, batteries, toiletries, hygiene supplies). Yes, I said 7 days because first responders will be taking care of their own families. Remember, that the people you are expecting to come running to your rescue have families too, and are most likely trying to keep them out of harms way.

Make sure you put everything that is a must, for your households survival in zip lock bags and carry them with you when you evacuate. Take pictures of your house, outside and in. Take the camera with you when you leave. Consider having the film developed wherever you evacuate to. Simple things like I just mentioned will save you a lot of headache.

Next, Tri-Coastal is very aware of multiple sites that will pop-up on the Internet and locally after a disaster. I urge you to spend a little time to check on the organization you support. Please, don’t be fooled into thinking that because they have a big name, that it means that they will be good stewards of your money. Please, spend the time to make sure your hard earned dollars get to the needy, not the greedy.

Until next time,
Be Safe,

Carolyn Thompson,
Executive Director

 

Compassion and self-reliance is our motive and eradication of poverty is our goal.