A sobering comment from Jamie Lee Curtis:The images tell it all. How can it be? Yet again, with the advent of technology we are there, intimate in the grief, desperation, hopelessness and deep frustration that in a time of great crisis we/you/they are alone, no aid for days.
As the National Red Cross Spokesperson for their Do More Than Cross Your Fingers Campaign of Disaster Preparedness, I am well aware of the need for each person's self sufficiency in the moment of crisis. In the case of Haiti, the very infrastructure, however weak, to help in the time of need was itself crippled and crumbled. In this great time of global commitment stop for a second and ask yourself, have I done more than cross my fingers?
A disaster could strike you and your family in your own communities. We watched Katrina. We watched how quickly anarchy and self preservation turned stunned and hungry, angry, hurting masses into mobs desperate for water, food, shelter, HELP. Trying to get aid for a sick or injured child.
Are we prepared? Doubtful. I am not proselytizing about my mighty way or the highway, that I am some pillar of preparedness, but yes, I am prepared here in my home in Los Angeles for a big, catastrophic earthquake but we all need to be. We cannot expect our government to help us individually in the first days after a crisis. The need is too much.
Triage... Help the most needy. Rescuing where there is the greatest need. Chances are you, in your insular life will not be their priority - so be your OWN. Go to the websites. Download the lists, basics, water, one gallon per PERSON per DAY and have at least a WEEKS supply. FLASHLIGHTS, FOOD, PRESCRIPTIONS, GLASSES, HEALTH DOCUMENTS, SHOES and CLOTHES and a CROWBAR to help open doors that are affected when the lintel's sag. Do more than cross your fingers.
I'm sure there were some disaster supplies in Haiti somewhere, but sadly, they were buried. We are going to need to rely on our neighbors and communities as the government agencies try to help the cities. We are all still wondering why it takes so long to get aid in, water, food. The basics. I don't know and I applaud all the efforts being made on behalf of the fallen and failing and fragile lives, hanging in the balance.
Remember the NorthEast Power blackout? The numerous blizzards? Get started preparing for your own disaster relief. Prepare to be helped by YOU.
4 comments:
Once again, people have to get over their sense of entitlement on the government. Jamie Lee Curtis nailed it in her comments. It is not paranoia to be prepared for any type of disaster. When it comes right down to hard facts we are all responsible for ourselves first and then we can reach out a hand to our fellow citizens. If the government can step in to help us, great but until that point be ready. One more thing, always keep cash on hand. People who depend on debit cards will be out of luck. The same goes for keeping a full tank of gas in the car. You might need the car to get out of the area.
One suggestion...there is a local blog on preparedness,
http://commonsensedisastertips.blogspot.com/, also, our fire dept has a series of links related to disaster preparedness, www.spring-lake.fd.com
Follow the links from there
You should always have a non-electric heat source handy in case of electrical power outage during the winter.
You don't have to use it regularly, but to have it ready for that rare occasion you may need it could save your pipes when it's 17 outside.
Or just get a small generator and tuck it away in the basement.
"Prepare to be helped by YOU." Good luck getting that point across. Here is another example of that credo falling on deaf ears: What does anyone expect in case of loss (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, etc.)?
The disaster itself is news. What happens after the dust settles is the real story.
Perhaps insurance policyholders need to know they can have access to basic rights and information?
Antone P. Braga
www.DisasterPrepared.net
Post a Comment