Preparation is Key: Tips for Disaster Preparedness

Preparation is Key: Tips for Disaster Preparedness

Story by Daniel Granderson

Professionals from our October feature “Ready? Set. Pack!” say they’ve learned a lot from the many hours they’ve helped disaster victims. Gain from their wisdom and be better prepared for the next natural event:

•  No two disasters are exactly alike. Bob Mitchell, the Potomac Conference’s Adventist Community Services (ACS) coordinator, trains volunteers to always be flexible when responding.

• Individuals, families and communities that prepare are much more likely to survive and recover quickly. A family that has an escape plan and survival box with three days of food, medications, changes of clothing, a reliable communication device and some cash (among other vital items) is better prepared to cope with such a disaster, says Minnie McNeil, ACS/Disaster Response coordinator for the Columbia Union and director for the Allegheny East Conference.
• Personal care products are underrated luxuries. “One of the most important things we have learned is that, for people who don’t have anything, they need personal care kits: toothpaste, deodorant, soap, hairbrush, etc. Personal care is very important,” counsels Joe Luste, New Jersey Conference’s ACS/DR southern area coordinator.
• Pay attention to the media. “Too often, out of sight is out of mind,” notes Luste. “In a very complex society—including faith-based organizations, such as our own ACS/DR and denomination—fall into this trap. Media, in this case, helps remind us that, yes, news sells and storms are news, but they are also raising people’s consciousness levels.”
• Realize that no one person or one state is immune to natural disasters, notes Luste. We can all be impacted when we least expect it.

Read and share these articles from the October Visitor!

• Servant of God, Friend to Man
• Ready? Set. Pack! Learning the Skill of Disaster Preparedness
• Preparation is Key: Tips for Disaster Preparedness
• Small Groups Boost Church Membership. What's the Science Behind Their Success?
• 3 Practices of Successful Small Groups
• Editorial: It Could Be Me
• Photos: "Forever Faithful" International Camporee
• October Visitor Bulletin Board