Crisis Checklist Basics

"Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services.  Factors (such) as (the) number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911.  People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs."  (FEMA: Emergency Management Institute, CERT Overview, website)

Yes, it is a frightening thought, isn't it?  It could make us feel helpless, victimized, vulnerable.  Or, we can acknowledge this reality and do what we can to prepare ourselves... our families... our communities.  In other words, be proactive.  Through knowledge, preparation, training, and reaching out to our community, we can become empowered, not victimized.

A few things you can do:

1)  Prepare as best you can (see Crisis Checklist below).

2)  Research and investigate what our government employees— paid with your tax dollars— are doing to help you prepare.  An example: Department of Homeland Security's website is comprehensive and a good starting point for exploration.

3)  Support your local chapter of The American Red Cross.  Take one of the many First Aid and CPR courses that are available near you.

4)  Talk with your neighbors/local government about forming a chapter of the Citizen Corps or CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), both FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) initiatives paid for by you.

"Knowledge is power," yes, but more importantly, it's what you DO with the knowledge that will make a difference... ease the fear and stress in your life... change the world for the better.