As we near the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the media’s coverage of the event is beginning to intensify. It’s hard not to relive the memories of that terrible day: where we were…how we responded…who we contacted…and how we got ourselves and our families through the day.
What is perhaps most resounding, and what I hope gets significant focus on this important anniversary, is the perseverance displayed by the American people in the face of such terrible tragedy. Despite unspeakable loss, Americans found a way to get through: to take care of themselves and to provide support and emergency assistance to their fellow countrymen.
My family and I are striving to focus on this aspect of the September 11th anniversary. We’re honoring those who were lost by pledging to enhance our own family’s fundamentally American traits of self reliance and preparedness. Here are just a few things you can do mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks and prepare yourself and your family:
· Develop a Family Emergency Plan. I’m a big fan of thinking “outside the box” with this particular recommendation. Written plans are great…and there’s a wealth of resources available to assist you with pulling together a really comprehensive emergency plan for your family (www.ready.gov is one). But once your basic emergency information is recorded, I don’t think there is any substitute for sitting down and talking through a game plan with your family. Really try to discuss things like meeting places, emergency contacts, and responsibilities (i.e., who will pick up the kids, arrange for pets, etc.). This type of dialogue reinforces the plan as a “living document,” not just a collection of important information that sits on a shelf.
· Make Emergency Supply Kits. There are plenty of guidance documents out there on the importance of creating and maintaining an emergency supply kits. Your local emergency management agency can oftentimes provide detailed guidance on the types of supplies best suited for disaster preparedness in your area. But here’s another concept to think about: in addition to preparing your home/office/car, spend some time creating a simple “kit” for your person. Think about compiling important contacts, information on medical conditions/needs, maps of meeting points on a small wallet card or in the notes portion of your smart phone. If you can (i.e., tote a large purse, like me) carry a mini flashlight, first aid kit, and any medications you regularly take. Having key contacts and supplies at your finger tips dramatically increases your level of preparedness.
· Invest in Training. CPR/first-aid training is not just important for the first responder community: everyone should have these basic life-saving skills. Let’s face it, even in jurisdictions with incredibly fast first response times, in the first few minutes after an emergency, we have to rely on ourselves and/or bystanders to provide that critical urgent care. Regularly attending community-sponsored CPR and first-aid training classes is one way to ensure we can provide the best and most immediate assistance.
· Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Muscle Memory. Seriously. Walk an evacuation route. Take a moment to track down the closest Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) at your grocery/gym/office. Practice sheltering in place or using the contents of your emergency supply kit. During an emergency event, that “muscle memory” gained through practice and repetitive action will help get you through the initial fog of activity. Spending several moments working through emergency procedures will pay dividends during a real event.
Written by Guest Blogger: Kate Summers
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