Articles - Prepared For Crisis

Food shortages, terrorist attacks, hurricanes, tsunami’s, and black outs have threatened areas of the world for years. But never has there been such a time of uncertainty and concern shared amongst the American people in regards to our food and gas supplies, and the scary, rippling effects of destructive, unexpected disasters and life-threatening crisis. With images of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina forever embedded into our minds, the fear of disaster continually haunts us.

Never again do we want to be caught by surprise or off guard when disaster strikes. In fact, the U.S. government is willing to spend millions of dollars busing and flying thousands of people out of hurricane-threatened areas just for cautionary safety measures. But the government can’t control every possible disaster situation nor can they come to the rescue of each American every time a disaster strikes. Parts of the U.S. are already experiencing gas shortages and the threat of food shortages is not far behind. As witnessed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, disasters that threaten lives cause true panic amongst people.

Never again do we want to be caught by surprise or off guard when disaster strikes. In fact, the U.S. government is willing to spend millions of dollars busing and flying thousands of people out of hurricane-threatened areas just for cautionary safety measures. But the government can’t control every possible disaster situation nor can they come to the rescue of each American every time a disaster strikes. Parts of the U.S. are already experiencing gas shortages and the threat of food shortages is not far behind. As witnessed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, disasters that threaten lives cause true panic amongst people.

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security and Sesame Street joined together to produce a DVD called “Let’s Get Ready” with the sole purpose to teach children how to prepare for potential disasters or emergencies. Sporting a red helmet, Grover teachers children what they need to know in case of an emergency. Education Director of Sesame Workshop, Jeanette Betancourt, said, “This way they’re aware something unexpected can happen and there’s ways to prepare for it.”

But Homeland Security and Sesame Street are not the only ones concerned about Americans making appropriate emergency preparations. The Red Cross, which responds to areas following a disaster, is also publicizing the importance of emergency preparations – from building a disaster kit to making a family disaster plan. Emergency preparation tips and information have been published in local newspapers, warning citizens to be ready for the next, unexpected emergency.

Are their attempts futile? Should warned Americans follow the advice of Homeland Security, Sesame Street and the Red Cross? I don’t think it can hurt. Just ask someone who has lived through a horrible, life-threatening disaster if they wished they had stockpiled extra food, drinking water or a first aid kit. Think about your own family. Do you want to insure their safety in the event of an emergency?