July - September
2011
Why Prepare?
Preparedness Planning by Denis Korn Industry
Expert Since 1975
“As a
society today, we are extremely vulnerable to events over which we have
virtually no control. The systems created to support our basic needs are now so
complex and interdependent, that a serious emergency can cause breakdowns in
the supply of essential goods and services.” - Denis Korn, 1989
Not since I
started in this very specialized industry, 35 years ago, have I felt so called to
encourage friends and customers to be adequately informed and prepared. The
warning stated above is even more fitting today than it was 20 years ago. While
it has always been my attitude and choice not to exaggerate nor focus
inappropriately on the negative and menacing issues of the times,
I am neither naive nor ignorant of the current
and emerging challenges that we all face at this point in time.
We are at a crossroad in the evolution of our society. For most reading
this commentary, the events surrounding us and the potential for a significant
impact on our chosen lifestyles are unprecedented - and difficult to
comprehend. We are encircled by political, economic, psychological, and natural
calamities that are creating an atmosphere of constant and pervading
uncertainty. What if any actions are to be taken? As far as preparedness
planning is concerned, it is my hope that whatever action you choose, it is
motivated by knowledge, good advice, and critical thinking, not by fear and knee-jerk
reaction.
Reality speaks for itself, and to
plan not only for the unforeseen, but also for that which is foreseen, and
seemingly inevitable, is something each person must decide for themselves. The
value of investing time and money in preparedness planning is an
uncomfortable and controversial issue - and it is not going to go away.
It may be difficult for us to
acknowledge that a natural, political, or economic catastrophe might occur, and
these are not easy issues to deal with or easy situations in which decisions
are made, however we have lives to live and children to raise - we must
not abdicate our responsibilities.
We ought to respond in all earnestness and provide the emergency
essentials for ourselves and our families. If not us then who? We
are blessed to live in a country of extensive resources and we have available
to us many different options for emergency planning. As obvious as it is, all
the planning in the world is for naught if not acted upon before the emergency -
timing is everything.
Being prepared for emergencies is simply a good and proper idea and a
prudent action to take. If you need examples of why, look to the past and refer
to the natural disasters, financial disruption, and man-made devastation that
has occurred. Then look at the present for more evidence of potential
tribulations and peril. Where are we vulnerable? We are susceptible to
short-term disruptions and/or to circumstances that lead to long term changes
in our lifestyles.
You must choose what the scenario
will be and how you will respond. Be aware that sensible preparedness planning
provides an invaluable experience of security and peace of mind appreciated by yourself and your family.
We cannot always rely on someone else or the government to take care of
us. It is necessary to: 1 - identify potentially catastrophic scenarios,
2 - determine a realistic and suitable response, 3 - Create an
appropriate plan of action. This is not a great revelation - it is rather
self-evident.
“Eat it up. Wear it out.
Make do, or do without.”
“If ye are
prepared, ye shall not fear”
It is easier to prepare and prevent, than to repair and repent.
~~~~ Anonymous
~~~~ Anonymous
“Bad planning on
your part does not constitute an emergency on my part”
“One of the true
tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an
emergency.”
--Arnold H. Glasgow quotes
To be prepared
emotionally is the first step to disaster recovery.
No comments:
Post a Comment