Are You Prepared for Disaster?

This is a time to do all we can to help in the Disaster Relief Effort.  We have given financial help, but I also felt that one thing I could do was to provide information that might be helpful, when faced with yet another disaster.  We can never be "too prepared," as it is not a question of "if," but, "when?" 

So, You Think You’re Bullet Proof!
How Prepared For Disaster Are You?
By: Rev. J.G. Kramer
09-06-05

Text: Deuteronomy 15:7-8: “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.”

Generally, when we think of “helping those in need,” we think of giving money, or material things.  Those are often needed and important, but there are other ways we can also “help.”  Good information and knowledge can be even more timely and valuable, especially in preparing for imminent disaster, or its aftermath.

Most of what I write deals with more of the spiritual side of things, but I felt urged by the Lord to write this in order to give some practical help for when we face major disaster or calamity.  Another reason for writing this is that most of us adopt the attitude that “ it won’t happen to me, or mine.”  However, when we operate from that sort of mind-set, we put ourselves, and our loved ones, at risk.

Following, in brief form, is the reason I offer these things you can do, that will help you perhaps come through disaster or calamity better able to put your life back on track.

My family and I went through Hurricane Hugo in 1989, in Summerville, SC, about 20 miles from Charleston.  We lost our home to that storm, and we saw the destruction and havoc nature can produce.  We knew first-hand how bad things could be, as we were unable to return home for some six weeks.  Our subdivision was the last to be ordered to evacuate, at about 3:30 P.M, the evening Hugo hit.  We hurriedly gathered a few things, important papers, our pets, went to the bank and got the last $50.00 we had as it was the day before our next payday, and at that very moment all the power went out.  That meant the 40 or so people in line behind my wife were unable to get any money at all.

We managed to get to Birmingham, AL, where we have family to take us in and help.  During the six weeks we were with family, I made 3 trips back to SC with friends, to salvage what I could, and to begin to find a place for us to live.  Starting over was hard, and we made some decisions after Hugo that I want to share with you, in just a moment.  But first, let me share this. 

For a week now, I’ve watched the devastation and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  And the scope and magnitude of it, causes what we experienced with Hugo, to pale.  I have tried to wrap my mind around it, and all that has unfolded as a result, and it has raised questions in my mind for which there are no easy answers.  However, it has reinforced one thought that I brought away from dealing with Hugo.  As responsible adults, be we Christian or not, we cannot, nor should we expect the Government to provide for us in the event of a major disaster, or any other calamity, unless we have no other realistic alternative.

I know God gave us governments, and they do the best they can, but He also gave us wisdom and plain common sense as well.  If we use those God-given gifts, then we will be better able to immediately provide for our loved ones and ourselves much quicker, and perhaps more effectively.  And so, I offer the following things we can do to be better prepared.

Advance Steps For Dealing With Disaster *

* The following steps would generally apply to any major disaster or calamity, be it natural (caused by nature), or man-made.  We live in a world where more and more disasters are man-made (not the least of which are terrorist’s attacks).  Understanding this, please take these steps to heart!

• Set up a cash reserve that does not get used for any reason, other than a major disaster.  You would need to determine how much that reserve would be.  If you can’t put it away all at once, then do a set amount each month, until your goal is reached.  (The key is to be consistent.)  The reason is that if the power goes, you would not be able to access your money, without going to where power is anyway. 
• Buy a fire rated, water proof safe (These can be purchased for little expense…between $30.00-$40.00 to keep this reserve in, as well as any important papers, and they are portable.)  You would want items such as insurance papers, birth certificate, your medical history – listing any conditions you may have, along with any medications you may be on, being sure to include the name of the drug as well as the amount of the dosage.  Also make a list of important account numbers to put in the safe (Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, Driver’s license, Physician information, Banking information, Credit/Debit Card, a list of important phone numbers-such as family and friends - to let them know you are OK or if you need further help once you get to a place of safety, or any other documents you would need to replace if your wallet or purse were lost, or stolen), along with any other valuables you may want to take with you.
• Establish a predetermined evacuation route, so that should you be forced to move quickly, it would not be something you would have to think about.  Have a good map in your supplies just in case.
• Put together an Emergency Survival Kit (purchase a large plastic container, with a lid, and include some or all of the following items as they apply to you and your family).
  • A Bible for those who draw strength, comfort, and guidance from His Word, in times of crisis.
  • A Red Cross Approved Emergency Kit
  • Blankets
  • Over-the-Counter items such as:
    • Something for pain relief
    • Something for diarrhea/nausea
    • Eye wash or eye drops
    • A topical antibiotic
    • Anti-bacterial hand cleaner (gel form)
    • Sun screen
    • Tooth brush/Tooth paste
    • Bar of soap (in a plastic keeper) and wash cloth
    • Deodorant
    • Container of baby wipes
    • Toilet paper
• Also in this container, you would want to have the following:
  • A couple of changes of clothes for each person
    • Also include with the clothing an extra pair of shoes and          
         socks, along with an antibacterial foot powder, to help
         keep feet dry and as germ-free as possible.
  • If you have an infant, be sure to include the basic items you would need for at least 3-4 days, to allow you to get to a safe place.
  • If you have young children, include items to keep them occupied and entertained…coloring book, crayons, pencils and paper, books, simple games.
  • Candles and dry matches, flash light/batteries, portable radio (items that requires batteries should be checked often, to make certain the batteries are up-to-date).
  • Large trash bags for use as ponchos, sitting on wet ground, etc.
• Adequate drinking water for 3-4 days
• Non-perishable foods for several days:
  • Energy bars/Fruits bars, etc.
  • Any non-perishable food items you may like
• Put this container where it is easily moved to your vehicle.  Do not cover
  it over with other items.  Make certain your path to it is not obstructed.  Remember, time may be critical!
• Finally, if you are told to seek shelter, or to evacuate, don’t hesitate.  Delay or indecision could prove very costly, or maybe even deadly.  Use your God-given gifts of wisdom and just plain good common sense, and leave, trusting God to watch over your possessions.  As long as you are safe, you can get more things.  Don’t let yourself be lulled into the thought that you are “bullet proof.”  It just isn’t so!!