Sate Emergency Websites

There are many people who think that it is only the "Mormons" who care about food storage. There are those who think that only crazy people "hoard". I've met people and have read many blogs, forums, etc. where someone mentions how silly it is to 'prepare' and that it isn't the end of the world.

There are many who think it is ridiculous to prepare for an emergency. I don't see why. Yes, there are those who are over the top and act like it is the end of the world, but those aren't as many as one would think. However, it is better to prepare for the end of the world then not prepare at all. For many who prepare for emergencies they are preparing for localized disasters, money trouble, job loss, or death.

What I will never understand is the attitude non-preparers have. If one simply keeps up with the news they would see why. Each time I hear about people being evacuated for hurricanes or fires I wonder how many of them have an emergency pack filled with food and water, or even if they have a plan. How many people in the tent cities of Cal. during the fires had emergency kits? How many panic in the few minutes they have to gather what they need to survive only to find they they were thinking more about the family jewels than the food that they would need? Sure, food will be provided, I'm sure there won't be a long line of hungry people because everyone else prepared. I'm sure the food will be set up before anyone arrives and that there will be enough for everyone. I'm sure they will also have your medication and food you won't be allergic to. I'm sure nothing will go wrong and you will be back at home in a few minutes and everyone was just overreacting in the first place.

I try to imagine if I was one of the people who got stuck in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. How many of them were prepared? How many of them went hungry?

What about the people who were being evacuated from Houston and Galveston just shortly after Katrina. How many of them got stuck on the road, out of gas, out of food. I know that road they were stuck on, there aren't many places to stop and get food, or gas. My inlaws were on that drive. My mother-in-law got cold, her husband pulled out a wool blanket from their emergency kit and warmed her up. They had a kit, they had a plan, and because they were prepared they were allowed the time to think more clearly than spend energy and time worrying about what to do next.

I know many people may try to use an excuse that they don't have enough money. I've been one of those people. I still don't have enough money to buy everything right away, but I have enough spare change to build up slowly and having one band-aid is better than having none when you get a cut. Having one package of food in your kit is far better than having none when you get hungry after hours of evacuating.

One might think that people are crazy for preparing and that nothing will happen to them, but at some point in their life, in everyone's life, something will go wrong. The electricity will go out, a storm will happen, a fire, hurricane, illness, earthquake, tornado, drought and many others. It isn't just the "Mormons" or "crazy" people who are preparing or urging others to prepare, but the government as well. They know there are many who expect the gov't to save them in time of trouble, but they know it isn't always possible so not only is there the FEMA website that has emergency preparedness tips but each state has one. Well, at least I think every state does, or at least to some degree.

I checked out my new state's emergency website. What a cool website. They understand that emergencies will happen and not only do they provide resources for emergency responders but they provide information for schools, families, and even a separate area for children that includes a program they can 'graduate' from. How cool is that. Would the same person who makes fun of all the people preparing do the same to the state? I enjoy that the government, local and not, understand that being prepared is a good thing. So google your state's emergency preparedness site and you may be surprised with what they have to offer. I"ve bookmarked mine, why don't you bookmark yours.