Prepare/Respond/Recover

PREPARE

Preparedness and preparation begins with the acceptance that risk does exist, and enough such that it warrants action to prepare.

Risk Awareness motivates into action.

During the prepare phase we determine and examine our current situation and state of readiness (or lack thereof), and then consider contingencies to various scenarios which may disrupt our lives.

Preparations vary widely in scope, resources, and acquired knowledge, and at a minimum are focused on the basics which include generalities such as shelter, water, food, and security.

Natural Disasters	Bioterrorism Emergencies
Earthquake Extreme Heat Floods Hurricanes Landslides/Mudslides Tornadoes Tsunamis Volcanoes Wildfires Winter Weather  Casualties Emergency Wound Care Injuries Burns Coping with Traumatic Events	Preparation and Planning Chemical Emergencies Preparation and Planning Radiation Emergencies Preparation and Planning Radiological Emergency Planning Outbreaks and Pandemics Flu

 

RESPOND

Preparedness for disaster not only involves one’s preparations, but recognizing the warning signs may provide a tremendous advantage.

If we’re all too busy ‘with our noses to the grind stone’ we might not have the situational awareness to recognize the clues that may be indicating impending disaster (or the increasing risk thereof).  Disaster may come on slowly or it may surprise us suddenly.

For example some natural-disasters are forewarned by technology (weather radios, media reports) and will provide time to take action for those who are aware (severe weather, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires) while other natural- disasters occur instantly with little or no warning (earthquakes, tsunamis, solar-flares, etc.

And then there are the warning signs of disaster from the standpoint of mankind. Things like economic/financial (collapse), politically motivated/induced chaos, wars.

Some warning signs are subtle. Others are not and are often unrecognized.

 

For Families and Individuals
Recognizing and Reducing Anxiety in Times of Crisis What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life
For Seniors & Older Adults	People with Special Needs
A Guide For Older Adults	Pregnant Women People With Chronic Conditions Drug and Medical Device Safety

 

RECOVER

After having considered the effects of the disaster’s impact itself, you then need to consider how you will recover.

It may be short, long, or in-between. Think about how the recovery could affect and/or change your life…and for how long. Prepare for it.

Think about what will you need to have done ahead of time to thrive. Think beyond just the supplies, the preps, the stuff… do you have the skills and ability to implement your recovery?

For serious disaster, the unprepared could falter and fail during a long recovery. Just remember “If you prepare you shall not fear.”

 

Environmental Cleanup & Recovery	Hazardous Materials
Cleanup Safely after a Disaster Debris Management Disaster Site Management Emergency Preparedness and Response Natural Disasters: Response, Cleanup & Safety for Workers Resources on Disaster Recovery Hazards Planning for Disaster Debris Recovering from Disaster	Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Hazardous Substances Data Bank Medical Management Guidelines for Acute Chemical Exposures TOXMAP – Environmental Health e-Maps WISER – Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders
Animals in Disasters
Protect Your Pets in an Emergency Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide Disaster Preparedness for Veterinary Practices Disaster Preparedness Resources Merck Veterinary Manual — 9th Edition Online Safety Hazards When Working with Displaced Domestic Animals