Catalyst for Preparation
“The big lesson I learned from Hurricane Katrina is that we have to be thinking about the unthinkable because sometimes the unthinkable happens.” ~Mike Leavitt (United States Secretary of Health and Human Services 2005–2009)
As we approach the middle of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season, the Outer Banks off the coast of North Carolina is preparing for the worst. Hurricane Florence is expected to slam into the East coast later this week and tens of thousands of residences have been ordered to evacuate and get out of the path of the storm. As we reflect as to what that means, one might remember last year as a year full of powerful storms that wreaked havoc over broad areas of Florida and especially the Caribbean. The United States protectorate, Puerto Rico, is still suffering from massive shortages on basic needs like electricity, running water, food, safe shelter and healthcare. Hurricanes bring a destructive power unlike any on earth. It was thirteen years ago when Hurricane Katrina slammed in to the Gulf coast and all but destroyed the City of New Orleans. Out of the dark cloud of the massive destruction and loss of life caused by Katrina, there is, as with all dark clouds, a silver lining. One might argue what good could possible ever come from the largest natural disaster in the history of the United States? I would answer that the government, from the national level to the local municipal level, is planning for the next disaster.
The idea of planning for the unthinkable seems like a ludicrous idea. How do you plan for the unthinkable? First, you must think of it, determine the likely hood and then plan for it. The government at every level was completely unprepared for happened in 2005 when Katrina hit. No one expected record level storm surges…no one expected over a 150,000 people to ignore the mandatory evacuation order…no one expected the number of levies to fail and no one expected that so much of the city would find itself under water. In the Aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, thousands of homes needed repair due to substandard building codes that had been the norm in South Florida during the building boom of the 80’s. In New Orleans, there were very few homes to repair because most of the homes destroyed were completely flooded. After Hurricane Andrew, building codes were revisited in Florida and as a result, homes are built to a standard that they can now withstand greater forces brought on by hurricanes resulting in less loss of property due to storm damage. The point is, with every event, be it a natural disaster or a manmade catastrophe, there are lessons to be learned if people can look dispassionately to the evidence at hand. In looking at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the government has spearheaded an effort to help people become better prepared for disaster.
September is Disaster Preparedness Month. There are a whole host of websites that now provide supplies, guidance and materials in order to help you to prepare for the unthinkable. I know it might sound silly if you think about the probability of a catastrophic event occurring but let’s look at it. Disaster can come as a blizzard that knocks out the power for several days, or a sever weather event Like Hurricane Ike that disrupted power in the Ohio valley for over a week. There are events like the oil spill near Decatur, Indiana that is affecting the water there or the horrible water issues in Flint, Michigan. Disaster comes in many forms and as responsible adults, we must prepare for such things. I encourage you to visit the many websites and investigate what you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during an emergency event. A good place to start is with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website, www.ready.gov/be-informed, as it lists several possible emergency situations and tips on how to deal with each one. Another good place to gather information on how to prepare for the unthinkable is the Red Cross website, www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html
Being informed and having a plan of action is the first and best step in protecting yourself and the ones you love and care about. Have the discussion with your family about what to do “In Case of … (fill in the blank)” To paraphrase Winston Churchill…failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Don’t fail, be prepared. Our thoughts go out to the families who once again will face the wrath of Mother Nature. Our thoughts also go out to those who are still suffering the ramifications of the vile acts of terrorism on this date 17 years ago…9/11, we shall never forget. I encourage you to stand tall and be kind and compassionate to yourself and your neighbors, remember, we’re all in this together.
Wm Reid
Best Home Care Services
325 N Eastern Ave
Connersville, IN 47331
765-827-9833
wmreid@bhcshealth.com