4 Reasons We Don't Prepare for a Disaster

Even though natural and man-made disasters occur daily all over the globe, most of us are not as prepared as we need to be. We've probably all heard the warning that, in a huge disaster, we'll be on our own for at least three days. If you look at what the folks who got his by the hurricane Sandy, it might be months before the bare necessities for survival are restored--electricity, gas, cleared roads, access to food. It's too easy to assume someone else will take care of us, when in an emergency, we will need to take care of ourselves and those we love.

I've identified 4 reasons why we aren't prepared as we should be. They're simple reasons, but they're important enough to keep us from getting prepared. Falling prey to these reasons may wind up being a life or death situation.

1. We're afraid to think about it.

Who wants to think about all of the horrible things that could happen? Unless a person is an obsessive worrier and goes in for this kind of perpetual anxiety, it's not something most of us want to ponder, let alone prepare for. We parents are especially horrified by the idea that one of our children could be injured or killed. As a consequence, most of us don't let ourselves focus long enough of the possible dangers that might befall us and prepare for our survival.

2. We are too busy.

• "Oh, I'm going to get my disaster plan together as soon as I finish this big work assignment..."
• "I know I need to get supplies together, but I'm just so busy right now."
• "Look, I'm barely keeping up with all my kids' homework and music lessons! When do I have time to figure all of this out?

I honestly believe we are all too busy to get prepared. I don't know any parent who's sitting around with nothing to do, do you? It doesn't matter, however, if we've got time or not. It's critical to our families' safety to make the time to get prepared.

3. We don't know what we actually need

I've gone from one website to another website, getting so overwhelmed by the many options. Do I need to get a backpack for each person? Or should I get a group pack? Do I need to prepare for overnight? Three days? A week? A month? Even longer?

Will our house be so damaged that we can't stay inside? Will we need to camp outside? What size tent should I get? What if the disaster is in the winter? Will I need a heater? A generator? Where will I keep the gas so it doesn't blow up? How will we keep dry if it rains. What will we do if...or when...or how...?
The questions are overwhelming and I end up doing nothing at all.

4. We can't afford to buy the supplies

Suppose you worked out a plan and identified exactly what you needed. Getting prepared can be very expensive! When I look at the list of things to carry me, my daughter and housemate through a major disaster, I have to admit that it is quite pricey! With the current economy, many are struggling with financial stress that does not leave a great deal of money left over for items you may use only once, or may never need at all.

We prepare for a disaster we hope never comes. I've lived my whole life waiting for the Big One--the Earthquake of all earthquakes. We've been told it will definitely occur. It's simply a matter of when. I have lived through many earthquakes and wonder if the Big One will actually happen. It's difficult for me to spend the money necessary to prepare for an event that might not occur in the immediate future.

But then again...it could happen while I'm here typing, so I'd better stay focused on the reality at hand. Getting prepared!

Action Plan:

1. What stands in the way between you getting prepared?

2. How will you get past these obstacles?

3. What is one step you can take today?

Please post your answers, questions and comments!