Duck and Cover the Basics

Emergency Preparedness

One summer during college, our history class met in a portable to take our final exam. Our professor would not be present during the exam and trusted that we would not be dishonest during the examination. I was stuck on an essay question and couldn't remember who was US president during the infamous Trail of Tears. I looked around the room and sorted my thoughts, but fearing that someone would accuse me of cheating, I looked outside the portable window instead. At first I thought someone was pushing a dolly to carry school supplies up the ramp, but the shaking and vibration of our desks was due to something bigger than that.

My classmates and I exchanged bewildered looks and finally someone asked, “Is this an earthquake?” I looked up to the front of the classroom, expecting to receive instructions from our professor, but of coarse, we were on our own. Fortunately, the earthquake only lasted a few seconds causing minor to no damage. Eventually, we evacuated the portable and stood far from any falling objects. However, I think back to that day and still can't believe that a group of adults were too startled to remember something so elementary and instinctive like duck and cover. If grownups can panic during a natural disaster, how much more preparation should we have with our children for future catastrophes.

Kiana rescued daddy from the flood.

Most of us have at least some emergency food stored in our kitchen cabinet, but emergency preparedness should not be stored in a dusty shelf but continually practiced and updated. Emergency preparedness is more than owning a first aid kit and food storage. Emergency preparedness is knowing how to use your supplies, how to evacuate a hazardous environment, and even who the family contact will be in case you cannot be located. After my cousin bought the emergency preparedness kit for her family, they decided to have a family night where they discussed evacuation plans and learned how to use basic equipment.

Rowing to safety with canned food

 from their food storage.

In Texas, my cousin's state of residence, locals must prepare against thunder storms, violent hurricanes and floods. 5 year old Aylen, and 2 year old Kiana sat in their blow up raft as they practiced rescuing their drowning dad on their kitchen floor. They threw down adult Floaties and with all their might, attempted to drag him into the raft. The girls learned how to apply a bandage and the importance of food storage during natural disasters when you might not have easy access to food like during a flood.

Wearing a life jacket helps you stay above the flood.

Wildfires, droughts and snowstorms are common natural disasters in the state of Utah. Remaining calm, alert and prepared will keep us from freaking out, and freaking out those around us as well. The toughest part is getting started. You can begin by keeping a flashlight by your bed side, a 2 Liter water bottle (in case of a fire) in every room, or knowing where the nearest and safest exit can be found. If you plan on adding to your food storage, you can do what my friend does, and spend $3.00 a week on emergency food. This way, buying all your food at once, won't seem overwhelming. Natural disasters can be unpredictable, but with the proper preparation, we don't have to be.

For more information on emergency preparedness and on how to include your children in emergency preparedness awareness, visit http://www.ready.gov/natural-disasters