Questioning Your Readiness

For those of us who have been through a natural disaster, some are all too wise after the event – not having been truly prepared in advance.

The question that I would pose to you regarding your level of preparedness would be; Are you prepared for the disasters that are more likely for your area? Are you aware of the conditions and hazards specific to your community?

I hope these questions will make you look at your disaster preparedness kit and plan from a perspective that will allow you to actually be better prepared and therefore give you better outcomes.

For example, the natural disasters which the state of Queensland  (EMQ; http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/emq/css/householdplan.asp ) is more prone to are;

• Cyclone
• Severe storm
• Flooding
• Tsunami

With your local challenges in mind, does your disaster preparedness plan cover the need to have regular access to the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia) http://www.bom.gov.au/ , and are you able to understand the reports/information and to have an appropriate plan in place to action if needed.

If the situation does require you to leave your home, are you aware of your local emergency support services and centres? Where would you go? There are many resources available locally to research that can save lives. Discuss your researched plan and detail with your family, rehearse your evacuation plan, who does what, where and when.

The sudden nature of these natural disasters would also mean that you would need a number of emergency kits;

• Comprehensive kit for home and family
• Individual “go kits” to leave urgently
• Compact kit in the car/office for use when needed when away from home

What are the requirements of the different kits? From the volume and weight requirements of storing/carrying food and water – to the need to actually store and carry volume – be aware of new technologies in these areas www.sureaqua.com

I hope that I have given you questions to help you “question”, questions that will give you the skills to prepare effectively.