One estimate is that only one percent of the U.S. population have prepared for possible disasters. The unprepared people may think that there is a low probability that they will ever encounter a disaster such as a flood, fire, power blackout, blizzard, hurricane, tornado, toxic spill, earthquake, or serious supply chain problem. Even though the probability of these individual disasters might be low, the probability of suffering from at least one of these disasters is much higher.
There are other reasons why people fail to prepare. They might, for example, not like thinking about unpleasant topics. They also might expect the federal government to take care of them during a disaster.
This type of thinking is unfortunate. The experience of New Orleans residents during and after Hurricane Katrina should be a wake-up call for those who think that the federal government can quickly and efficiently help millions of people affected by disasters. Also, after Hurricane Sandy, some unprepared New York State victims had to resort to dumpster diving.
In fact, both the US federal government and the Red Cross recommend keeping a two week inventory of emergency food and supplies.
What happens to unprepared people? Shortly before or after a disaster, all the unprepared people rush to stores to buy what they should have already bought and stocked. Many of them will find that other people, who also were not prepared, have already emptied the store shelves. Even those who can buy some supplies might not find as many supplies as they want to find. Those who try to buy supplies on the black market will be subjected to price gouging.
But food and supplies are only part of what is needed to prepare for disasters. Physical fitness also is needed and takes time to achieve. Physical fitness during a disaster can mean the difference between life and death. A lack of physical fitness can result in a failure to accomplish physical challenges such as snow removal, for example, that comes with a disaster such as a blizzard. Even worse, trying to meet these challenges can result in a disability such as a stroke or a heart attack.
Skills must be developed before a disaster strikes. Basic first aid skills, for example, can mean the difference between life and death.
Prepping is not a new practice. It has been going on since Noah with his ark and Joseph in Egypt.
What type of preparations have you made for possible future disasters?
My book has additional ways to prepare for disasters.
