3-Word Wisdom 11: Prepare for emergencies

The early reports and video footage from Japan’s catastrophic earthquake and tsunami are horrific beyond words. I have been glued to the news all morning, unable to turn away from the images of nature’s fury, and imagining the terror its victims must feel. As Japan and the world deal with the aftermath of the devastation, my musings about turning 60 are now even less significant. Please know that my prayers are with those who have suffered tremendous loss. I hope my posts can serve as a simple diversion from the news of human suffering.

Waking up to the news this morning of Japan’s 8.9 earthquake brought me back to my earthquake experiences. In 1971, I lived close enough to the epicenter of the Sylmar quake to be tossed from my bed, momentarily unable to get out of my room, and finally escaping to huddle in a doorway with my mother -frightened by the indescribable roar of the undulating earth under our feet, and the crashing of our household breakables. It was the most terrifying minute of my life.

Twenty-three years later, we comforted our children as the earth again shook violently during the Northridge quake. We were farther away from ground zero by about 20 miles, yet I recall doing an instantaneous  internal calibration of sorts – upon being awakened from a sound sleep by the thunderous noise and our bed suddenly being jerked back and forth…”Earthquake!...strong one!…is it the Big One?...no, not as bad as ’71…we will be okay....get to the kids!!!...grab the flashlight and battery operated radio…where was it centered? Is the rest of the family okay?”  Experiencing a small earthquake is a novelty, but experiencing the terror of a strong quake will give you a completely different perspective. I do not recommend it to anyone!

Considering my personal experience, one would assume I am prepared for the next big earthquake. Sadly, the time between natural disasters lulls us into a false sense of security, and our earthquake preparedness kits get tucked back into the recesses of the garage – surplus batteries dead, canned food outdated, supplies depleted when we seized a gallon of water instead of making a trip to the store. Daughter is our model of “Be Prepared” wisdom. She oversees the emergency response plan for her company, her earthquake kit is fresh, and she has given each of our family members a laminated copy of our Family Emergency Plan – who we call – where we meet – and everyone’s contact information. Every family needs my daughter and her diligence to keep them prepared!

Today’s 3-Word Wisdom: Plan for emergencies. Yours many not be earthquake related, but every family would benefit by having an emergency plan. Take the time to complete one and pray that you will never have to put it into action. I’m off to the store now – for batteries and water!