By NICK HOLLOWAY
“Good luck happens when preparedness meets opportunity.” Despite this precautionary quote, in this age of virtually instant access to everything, emergency preparedness is a tough sell. Nevertheless, taking a little time to get together some basic items can make a huge difference when something unexpected (but not unanticipated) occurs.
Compiling emergency items is inexpensive and easy; you can even get the kids involved and make it into a family activity. To get started, start a conversation at the dinner table about what your family would do in an emergency. To make it realistic and fun, create on a scenario with a three day duration and start brainstorming about what you would need to get through it. You probably already have a lot of items that could be used scattered around your house. Many of the items you put together will also come in handy in non-emergent times as well -if you keep some basic tools in your car you have already started an emergency kit for your car that will be great to have in all kinds of situations.
A quick google search reveals dozens for websites that can help you put together items you might need for your home, car and office. None of us wakes up and thinks “this would be a good day to have car problems on an isolated stretch of road where there is no cell service”, but the truth is almost all of us will confront an emergency situation at some point. We just don’t know when.
Some stories have good endings and seem to be no big deal, while others, unfortunately, end tragically. Having the right things, in the right place, at the right time can dramatically change this calculus to our favor. When the boy scouts adopted their moto, “be prepared” way back in the days before texting and internet, the idea was that preparation could be the difference between survival and tragedy. The scout motto still holds true today.
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All disasters begin and end locally, often within the home. Prevention and preparation can go a long way to reduce negative human impacts. The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages Missoulians to:
1. Be informed. 2. Make a plan 3. Build a kit.
Follow OEM on Facebook and Twitter.
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Nick Holloway is Programs Coordinator at the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management (OEM). OEM includes the Missoula 9-1-1 Center and Disaster and Emergency Services, which assists and coordinates emergency response components of Missoula County and the City of Missoula. Nick is passionate improving disaster preparedness and resilience in Missoula.