Meet Jeanie

When you think "disaster", what comes to your mind?
Is it the big national disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes,
wildfires, or ... ?

The biggest obstacle most people face is knowing disasters are not limited

to weather related occurances.

Did you know there are around 358,500 house fires each year in the United States?
Home fires account for 92% of civilian fire deaths.

There are approximately 16,500 office and store fires each year, 

causing a staggering $932 million in direct property damage. 

This figure shows fire remains a major issue within the workplace, 

showing a clear need for enhanced protective measures. 

How many of these do you think had a disaster preparedness plan?

Other "hidden" disasters include gas leaks, water main breaks, electrical issues,

explosions from various sources, chemical disasters ... the list goes on. 

As a local and national disaster volunteers and an EMT, 

I have seen many events that would astound you, leaving your chin on the ground.

One of my favourite things to do when consulting with business owners

or individuals is watching their faces when I point out the possibilities

and hearing them say, "Wow, I never thought about that!".

This is what makes my disaster preparedness presentation so rewarding.

It depends on whom you ask.

Technically, the difference between an “emergency” and a “disaster” is that Emergencies are routine events that local police, fire and emergency medical service personnel handle on a day to day basis. 

Disasters are events that require more resources than a local jurisdiction has 

and will therefore require outside assistance. 

However, if you ask someone who has been seriously ill or injured,

is hospitalized, will need time to recover, who may never fully recover,

is facing major medical bills and so on and so forth, he or she and the family

may consider this a disaster.

As a child, I learned people often get injured in a disaster, and others need

to know what to do and how to help until the professionals arrive.

I have never been able to separate Disaster Preparedness from Health and Safety training, and have always been involved in both areas.

When I receive a request from a business owner, the first step I take ia 

to find out what disaster preparedness has been put in place.

As I learn more about the business, I point out what could happen,

what supplies are needed (such as food, water, medical supplies) and

in what quantity for the number of staff who work in the business.

I go through a checklist of "what if's" and set up a training schedule

for the disaster aspect of the location.

I also introduce the Health and Safety training which includes

CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resusitation), AED (automated

external defibrulator) and basic first aid for medical emergencies

from a paper cut to falls, strokes, diabetic issues, heart attacks,

and cardiac arrest.

Did you know heart attacks and cardiac arrest are two separate issues

and are not interchangeable?

The next phase is to bring in other experts who can review the business's

potential financial disasters, insurance disasters, technology disasters,

and whatever else might be needed.

These experts make suggestions and recommendations for the business

and is another free service to bring awareness of pitfalls for the owner. 

Disaster Preparedness includes so much more than how much

food and water you have on hand.

Disaster Preparedness is a lifelong commitment.

No one can become totally prepared overnight - it takes time, step by step.

No one can ever be totally prepared with all the needed supplies -

that would cost you way too much money.

Disaster Preparedness starts with recognizing that Disasters Do Happen.

No one is immune.

Get to know what disasters are more likely in your neck of the woods.

For example, living in California, you can expect more earthquake.

What most people do not realize is the Mississippi river from the top

to the gulf is where the New Madrid fault is located (which helped form the river).

The fault has been dormant since 1811/1812, but when it shifts again,

it could affect major cities such as Memphis Tennessee, St. Louis Missouri, 

Little Rock Arkansas and Evansville Indiana. 

Every year hundreds of small earthquakes occur in the NMSZ

(New Madrid Sismec Zone), however, most are too small to be felt by humans 

and can only be detected by sensitive instruments. 

If the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 were to recur today, 

significant damage to buildings, transportation, and critical infrastructure would occur in at least eight states, resulting in loss of life, and economic disruption. 

The Great New Madrid Earthquake, was actually a seismic event made up 

of 3 major quakes, followed by thousands of aftershocks, ranging from strong

damaging quakes and diminishing to weaker quakes that lasted for years 

after the main shocks. 

The 3 main shocks were estimated at magnitudes 7.7, 7.5, and 7.7. 

As there were no seismograph stations in the region at that time, magnitude 

estimates vary widely (from 7.7 to 8.1) based on interpretation of journal accounts,

damage reports, and descriptions of effects from that time. 

Since the last major eruption was over 200 years ago, most do not even consider 

this to be a threat. 

But it is possible.

The USGS (United States Geographical Society) has projected that 

for an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 to 8.0, the probability for occurrence 

is approximately 7-10% over the next 50 years. 

Knowing what could possibly happen as well as what is more likey to occur

can help you plan and prepare.

If you are ready for a major disaster, the smaller ones are easier to manage.

They key to disaster preparedness is getting started and continuing 

to get more prepared every day.

  YES! The need to prepare is real.

Every disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property. 

If a disaster occurs in your community, local government 

and disaster relief organizations will try to help you, 

but they will all leave at some point, leaving the people to rebuild.

The main goal in preparedness is to be self sustaining for a bare minimum 

of three days, but in reality it should be between seven and ten days.

If roads are damaged, and power is out, no one is going to be able

to reach you for awhile. 

You and your neighbours need to be ready as well. 

The goal of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) 

and other outside organizations is to provide aid to help you

get back in your feet.

They are not there to care for you forever.

There are many reason people may not prepare for disasters.

Some of them are ...

Lack of awareness: People may not be aware of the need to prepare.

Limited access: People may not have access to preparedness products or services.

Cost barriers: People who are struggling financially may be less likely 

   to want to spend the money.

Underestimation: People may not consider the cost of preparing for a disaster.

They need to consider the cost of not being prepared as well.

Myopia: People may forget the fear and danger they felt during a disaster.

The "It won't happen to me" syndrome (aka denial): People may not believe 

    they are at risk of danger.

This is why I point out the "not immediately apparent" type of disasters.

There are some who can afford all sorts of fancy survival equipment,

but most of us cannot.

Disaster Preparedness does not need to cost a lot.

Any preparedness is better than nothing.

Also, working with your neighbours can help lower some of the costs.

Much of what you may need, you might already have, you just do not know it.

Or you do know, but the items are all over your house or business,

and in many situations, you will not the the time to retrieve them.

Disaster Preparedness and knowing what could go wrong, 

allows you to prevent many dangerous situations from happening. 

Taking steps now can minimize injury or a medical emergency 

if something does happen. 

You can reduce potential damage to your property from disaster situations. 

Having confidence that you know what to do will reduce your fear 

and the emotional impact of an incident. 

Disaster Preparedness has many benefits. 

First and foremost, it increases your chances of success. 

When you are prepared, you are able to act quickly and decisively.

 Being prepared can reduce fear and anxiety in any given situation.

The more calm you can be allows you to think more quickly and focused.

This helps lessen losses that accompany disasters. 

Benjamin Franklin said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.".

Alexander Graham Bell said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key 

to success.” .

Neil Armstrond said, "Prepare and trust your instincts." as well as

"You've got to expect things are going to go wrong. 

And we always need to prepare ourselves for handling the unexpected.”. 

"The question is not IF something is going to happen,

rather WHEN is something going to happen - and What.

Will You Be Prepared?"

--- Jeanie Edwards