Prepare for Disasters Part 1

 


   Here in the south Louisiana we are use to preparing for hurricane season. Every year when a hurricane is in the forecast to hit our area, it amazes me to see people scrambling around for last minute items. I wondered why anyone knowingly waits until the last minute to gather all the items that they will need.
    In the next few weeks I will post some helpful tips to prepare for all sorts of disasters. Most of these will pertain to hurricanes due to the fact that it is what I know best. The tips however, will be useful for everyone in any sort of disaster. As a first responder, I have first hand knowledge of what happens when people do not prepare or are not prepared enough for an emergency. 
   After living through the disaster known as Katrina, it made all of us here on the Gulf Coast on edge. For a little while anyway.  Katrina has been behind us for a few years now and a sense of complacency has started to take effect with some. Was it a once in a lifetime storm? Preparing now will save everyone from the mad dash to the stores for essential items that may not be there. 

First thing that is extremely important. Money. I know money is tight for everyone, but there should be a small emergency fund in ready cash. During Katrina, the banks were shut down for weeks and no one had access to their money from an ATM. Generators were great to have, but how will you buy gas if you can't access money from the bank?

If you don't have a fund for emergencies, start now. How much you will need will depend on your family's needs and whether you are riding the storm out at home or leaving town. Keep this money somewhere safe, but where you can grab it and go if the time comes.  

Hurricane season starts June 1st.