I have been doing disaster services for over 10 years for the American Red Cross. I have seen a lot of disasters including tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, fires, and hazmat spills. It doesn't have to be a terrorist event to be devastating to your family. There are simple steps you can take to be prepared for a disaster.
The Red Cross has an excellent set of guidelines for preparing for terrorism. You should note that their recommendations apply for almost ANY disaster!
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/unexpected.htmlIn addition, they have an excellent section devoted to disaster planning, where you can get advice on being prepared with children, pets, seniors, etc.
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/Finallly, here are recommendations for a Family Disaster Plan, including supplies you should have on hand in advance (as well as phone numbers and more). Taking the time to put this material together will make you feel more secure and will increase your chances of surviving anything! More importantly, these materials will help you get back on your feet more quickly if something were to happen.
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/familyplan.htmlI know that disaster can happen at any time and while I believe that help will be on hand, I also know that the first responders can be overwhelmed during an emergency of a large scale. It may take 24-48 hours for efforts to be well-organized (despite the intensive training that FD, FEMA and ARC personnel receive).
One of the most proactive steps you can take is to consider volunteering as a Disaster Services responder and get the training you need to be a part of the solution, instead of a part of the problem, if something were to happen. This takes a special kind of person though, and not everyone is cut out for it.
For myself, I refuse to live my life in fear. I go about my business and take reasonable precautions, but don't allow myself to become paranoid. Sometimes that is easier said than done. After every fire, I go home and make sure our insurance bill was paid that month!!!
Marie
