What can you do when faced with a disaster or crisis, such as the terrorist attack of September 11, a hurricane, flood, tsunami? Here are the steps I take to be ready for a natural or man-made disaster:
1. Keep your body in working order: One gentleman interviewed outside the World Trade Center said, "I ran like hell - I'm 69 but I can still run." Through regular exercise you can be ready to react in an emergency to rescue yourself and others. Know that you can walk several miles, negotiate flights of stairs, and help carry somebody else to safety.
Walk of Life 10-Week Program: Build your walking fitness with our free program.
2. Be a regular blood donor or support your local blood drives: I donate blood 3-4 times per year, and I organize our blood drives at work. If you cannot donate blood, consider volunteering to organize or assist at local blood drives. Everyone rushes to donate during a disaster, and ends up facing long lines. Far better to know your blood is already in the blood bank, ready for use. Set an appointment to donate regularly or to volunteer regularly at blood drives.
How to Donate Blood
3. Support relief and rescue agencies: My yearly donations go to charities which react to disasters both locally and internationally. When I see people in pain, I know I have already ensured that somebody will be coming to help.
4. Participate in local emergency planning: Many cities are organizing local emergency preparedness teams. Work with your neighbors to ensure that you will be able to band together quickly in an emergency.
Create a Home Disaster Plan
5. Learn CPR and basic first aid: The worst horror is not knowing what to do when somebody is hurt. Get that knowledge before you need to use it.
CPR | First Aid for Common Emergencies
6. Practice kindness: The last word you speak to someone today may be the last words they will ever hear - let them be supportive and kind. Today a guy blocked my way unthinkingly in the supermarket. Did I give him the killer look that my impatience wanted to give? No - when he noticed me we both smiled and laughed and he apologized. Life is too short to spend it spreading anger. Hug your loved ones. Compliment your co-workers. Thank anybody who does anything for you. Reconnect with those you have drifted away from.
We can't always prevent disaster, but we can be ready to react and to support those who are suffering. Fight back against the darkness - be both strong and kind.
