Student Experiences

Preparing for and Recovering from Disasters: Lessons from Real-Life Experiences

Here is a depiction of a wildfire in Los Angeles, capturing the intensity and the efforts of firefighters battling the blaze near urban areas.

by John Fisher

Disasters can strike at any time, disrupting lives and communities in profound ways. Whether it’s a wildfire threatening homes, a flood inundating streets, or a tornado tearing through neighborhoods, being prepared and knowing how to recover are crucial. Insights from a disaster response and recovery class at Utah Valley University reveal not only the variety of disasters people face but also the importance of preparation, resilience, and recovery efforts. Below, we highlight examples of disasters shared by students and actionable steps to prepare for and recover from them.

---

1. Wildfires

Example:
One student recounted a wildfire that burned dangerously close to their home, fueled by dry brush. The swift actions of firefighters saved the neighborhood, but the event was a stark reminder of how quickly fires can escalate.

Preparation Tips:

• Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dry vegetation and other flammable materials.
• Develop an evacuation plan and ensure all family members know it.
• Keep important documents, medications, and emergency supplies packed and ready to go.
• Monitor local fire warnings and alerts during dry seasons.

Recovery Tips:

• Work with local authorities to assess damage and determine when it’s safe to return home.
• Document property damage for insurance purposes.
• Seek support from community organizations for temporary housing and emotional recovery.

---

2. Floods

Example:
Flooding due to poor drainage systems was described by a student whose neighborhood in Brazil experienced water damage and temporary road closures after heavy rainfall. Another student shared a similar experience with flooding in their basement.

Preparation Tips:

• Assess your home’s risk of flooding and consider flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area.
• Install sump pumps, water barriers, and improve drainage systems around your property.
• Store valuable items in waterproof containers and elevate electrical systems above potential flood levels.
• Have an evacuation plan and know the safest routes to higher ground.

Recovery Tips:

• Avoid standing water as it may be contaminated or electrically charged.
• Document damage for insurance claims.
• Begin cleanup quickly to prevent mold growth, using protective gear to handle contaminated materials.
• Reach out to local authorities for assistance with repairs and supplies.

---

3. Tornadoes

Example:
A student shared a harrowing experience of a tornado that destroyed a neighboring community while sparing their own. They described helping rescue people and clear debris in the aftermath.

Preparation Tips:

• Identify safe spaces in your home, such as a basement or interior room without windows.
• Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
• Stay informed through local tornado warnings and alerts, and practice tornado drills with your family.
• Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles during high winds.

Recovery Tips:

• Stay away from damaged buildings until authorities declare them safe.
• Assist neighbors and community members with recovery efforts if you are able.
• Use caution when clearing debris, and wear protective gear to avoid injuries.
• Access state or federal disaster relief programs for financial assistance.

---

4. Earthquakes

Example:
Students from Mexico City and Salt Lake City shared experiences with earthquakes, describing collapsed buildings and the challenges of adapting to local construction materials and safety protocols.

Preparation Tips:

• Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls to prevent tipping.
• Identify safe spots in each room, such as under sturdy tables or against interior walls.
• Practice drop, cover, and hold drills to minimize injury during shaking.
• Keep an emergency kit that includes supplies for several days.

Recovery Tips:

• Inspect your home for structural damage and gas leaks before re-entering.
• Be prepared for aftershocks and stay away from weakened structures.
• Communicate with neighbors and local officials to coordinate relief efforts.
• Document damages and file claims with your insurance provider.

---

5. Hailstorms

Example:
A once-in-a-century hailstorm led to flooding in one student’s apartment building, requiring neighbors to work together to prevent further damage.

Preparation Tips:

• Install impact-resistant roofing materials to minimize hail damage.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear to improve drainage.
• Park vehicles in covered areas or use protective coverings during hailstorms.
• Stay indoors during hailstorms to avoid injury from large hailstones.

Recovery Tips:

• Inspect roofs, windows, and vehicles for damage and file insurance claims promptly.
• Work with building management or local contractors to address structural damage.
• Collaborate with neighbors to address community-wide impacts.

---

General Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

Across all types of disasters, certain strategies can help reduce risks and support recovery:

• Preparation: Build an emergency kit, create family communication and evacuation plans, and stay informed about potential risks in your area.
• Recovery: Seek emotional support, stay connected with your community, and access local or federal assistance programs to rebuild and recover.

---

Conclusion

The experiences shared by the students of Utah Valley University highlight the unpredictable nature of disasters and the importance of being prepared. Whether it’s protecting your home from wildfires, responding to flooding, or bracing for tornadoes, planning ahead and knowing how to recover are vital steps in building resilience. By learning from these real-life examples, individuals and communities can strengthen their ability to face and overcome future challenges.

Hashtags:

#DisasterPreparedness #EmergencyPlanning #CommunityResilience #NaturalDisasters #DisasterRecovery

Disaster Response and Recovery

Lessons from Emergencies: Themes in Disaster Response and Recovery

by John Fisher

In a disaster response and recovery class at Utah Valley University, students shared personal experiences and reflections on emergencies and disasters. Their stories revealed the challenges and insights gained from facing such events, whether directly or through simulations. This analysis explores five key themes that emerged from their posts: preparedness and infrastructure, community and support, resilience and emotional impact, unpredictability of disasters, and reflection and learning.

---

1. Preparedness and Infrastructure

• Many students highlighted the importance of preparation and the role of infrastructure in mitigating disaster impacts.
  • A student reflecting on flooding in Magé, Brazil, noted how poor infrastructure exacerbated the situation, emphasizing the need for better planning: "It made me realize how important good infrastructure is to handle heavy rain."
  • Another student, after experiencing a wildfire near their home, shared proactive steps to prepare for future incidents: "It made me think about how we could protect our home and surrounding area in case this happens again but isn't stopped in time."
  • A participant described their observations during a hailstorm, emphasizing how building location and drainage issues worsened flooding: "I thought about the way the building was situated in the landscape and how there are many areas in my community where water can get trapped."

---

2. Community and Support

• The importance of community collaboration and mutual aid during disasters was a recurring theme.
  • One student shared how their neighborhood came together to assist tornado victims: "We immediately got to work, trying to pull people out and locating their families."
  • Another described neighbors working together to manage flooding during a hailstorm: "All of my neighbors were out with buckets scooping water and trying to carry it away from the building."
  • A student recalled volunteering at a rescue mission impacted by an earthquake, where displaced individuals had to move temporarily: "They had to evacuate the building and move to a Rec Center, where they had to live for a couple of months, while the building was restored."

---

3. Resilience and Emotional Impact

• Students reflected on the emotional toll disasters took and the resilience required to cope with them.
  • A student shared the lingering emotional effects of a traumatic deployment experience, emphasizing the importance of seeking help: "It really hit me hard when I got home... it eventually led me to therapy and a new understanding."
  • Another student reflected on the impact of witnessing neighbors’ suffering after a tornado: "The sounds of these people’s lives being torn apart... is pretty embedded into my soul."
  • A participant described the frustration and gratitude experienced after a car accident, noting relief that the consequences were minimal: "I am happy this was not a bigger issue than it was."

---

4. Unpredictability of Disasters

• Many posts highlighted the sudden and unpredictable nature of emergencies.
  • One student compared their experiences with earthquakes in Mexico City and Salt Lake City, noting unexpected differences in the sounds and structural responses: "Building materials are different here, so believe it or not, the sound is way different and I’m not used to it."
  • Another emphasized the unpredictability of wildfires and the rapid changes they bring: "It made me realize how quickly things can change and how important it is to be prepared."
  • A participant shared their dread during a wildfire, describing how close the flames came to their home: "There was only dry brush standing between the flames and my backyard... I was certain it would devour my new home."

---

5. Reflection and Learning

• Students often reflected on lessons learned and considered ways to improve their responses to future disasters.
  • A participant shared how simulations in their EMT course prepared them for real-life scenarios: "It can be overwhelming when first walking into the incident but I just take a deep breath and do my job."
  • Another reflected on learning from a hailstorm to better understand vulnerabilities in their community: "It made me think about the way the building was situated in the landscape."
  • A student connected their experience with flooding to broader lessons about infrastructure and preparedness: "If it was bigger, it could have resulted in a landslide or flooding/damage to the entire house."

---

Conclusion

The shared experiences of these students illustrate the multifaceted nature of emergencies and disasters, highlighting the importance of preparedness, community support, resilience, and reflection. These stories provide valuable insights into how individuals and communities can navigate the challenges posed by disasters while emphasizing the need for proactive planning and emotional support.

Hashtags:

#DisasterPreparedness #EmergencyResponse #CommunitySupport #Resilience #DisasterRecovery

Protecting personal valuables

 

Photo from agri-pulse.com

How to Protect Your Personal Valuables from Disasters

In an unpredictable world where natural and human-caused disasters can strike at any time, safeguarding your personal valuables, including memorabilia, family heirlooms, and wealth, is crucial. Taking proactive measures to protect these items can prevent irreversible loss and ensure peace of mind. Here are some essential steps to protect your valuables:

1. Document and Catalog Your Valuables

• Photograph and Video Recordings: Begin by taking detailed photos or videos of your valuables, including memorabilia, family heirlooms, and other significant items. This documentation will be invaluable for insurance claims and recovery efforts.
• Create an Inventory List: Maintain a comprehensive inventory list that includes descriptions, purchase dates, and estimated values of your valuables. Store this list digitally to ensure easy access in the event of a disaster.

2. Use Secure Storage Solutions

• Fireproof and Waterproof Safes: To protect important documents, jewelry, and small valuables from fire, water damage, and theft, invest in a fireproof and waterproof safe. These safes are designed to withstand extreme conditions, keeping your items secure.
• Safe Deposit Boxes: For extremely valuable items, consider storing them in a safe deposit box at a bank. This provides an additional layer of security and ensures that your valuables are stored in a location separate from your home.

3. Digital and Off-Site Backups

• Cloud Storage: Scan essential documents and store digital copies in the cloud. Cloud storage allows you to access your documents from anywhere, even if the physical copies are destroyed or lost.
• External Drives: Keep backups of important files on external drives, and store these drives in a secure, off-site location such as a trusted friend's home or a secure office. This ensures that your digital assets are preserved even if your home is compromised.

4. Insurance and Financial Protection

• Adequate Insurance Coverage: Ensure that you have comprehensive insurance coverage for your home and valuables. This includes specific riders for high-value items like jewelry, art, and collectibles, which may not be fully covered under standard homeowner’s policies.
• Regular Policy Updates: Regularly review and update your insurance policies to reflect any new acquisitions or changes in the value of your possessions. Keeping your coverage current ensures that you’re adequately protected in the event of a disaster.

5. Prepare for Quick Evacuations

• Grab-and-Go Kits: Assemble a portable file system or lockbox containing essential documents and valuables that you can quickly grab in case of an evacuation. This kit should include items like identification documents, insurance papers, and any other critical records.
• Home Inventory Maintenance: Conduct a thorough home inventory and keep it regularly updated. An up-to-date inventory can streamline the insurance claims process, making it easier to recover from a disaster.

6. Enhance Home Security and Resilience

• Home Security Systems: Install a security system to protect against theft and vandalism. Modern security systems can provide real-time alerts and surveillance, adding an extra layer of protection for your valuables.
• Disaster-Proofing Your Home: Implement measures to make your home more resilient to natural disasters. This includes reinforcing roofs, installing storm shutters, securing heavy furniture, and ensuring that your home meets local building codes for disaster preparedness.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your valuable possessions to disasters. Whether you’re concerned about fire, floods, theft, or other emergencies, being proactive about protecting your valuables is a wise investment in your future security.

Taking these measures not only protects your material assets but also preserves the irreplaceable memories and sentimental value that these items hold.

Sources: 

1. How to keep your valuables safe from harm | Liberty Mutual 

2. Would Your Documents Survive a Disaster? What to Protect and How 

3. Protect Important Documents, Valuables from Hurricane, Natural ... - AARP 

4. Fact Sheet: How to Save Damaged Family and Personal Treasures 

5. FEMA Fact Sheet 

Balkans preparedness for disasters

 How are disasters handled in the Balkans?

By John Fisher

Theme: I used the heading, "How are disasters handled in the Balkans?," to do an internet search. This article was the seventh listing. It proposes CERT as a means of preparing people in the Balkans for disasters.

Summary: The global security landscape has become increasingly complex in recent decades due to factors such as modernization, rapid technological advancements, strategic shifts, and global political developments. The Balkans region is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, which are exacerbated by fast urbanization and unregulated construction practices that disregard relevant codes and misuse land and natural resources. To address these threats effectively, a comprehensive strategy must be developed and implemented, involving not only institutions but also the active participation of the entire society.

Application: This paper proposes the implementation of the CERT concept in the Balkans to enhance citizens' knowledge and preparedness for disasters. Introducing the CERT program would require collaboration and support from local officials and public safety agencies. Trained instructors from the United States could be involved in teaching the program, while local community members, including students, seniors, and retired individuals, would be recruited for CERT training, which could be completed in 20 hours over a week. After the initial training, ongoing support and sponsorship from officials would be crucial, with graduates of the program being empowered to teach future classes.

Reference: Bela, M., Fisher, J.R., & Keqmezi Rexhepi, Z. (2019,, October). CITIZEN KNOWLEDGE AND READINESS FOR DISASTERS IN THE BALKANS. Knowledge International Journal 34(1):159-163. DOI: 10.35120/kij34010159b https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357398238_CITIZEN_KNOWLEDGE_AND_READINESS_FOR_DISASTERS_IN_THE_BALKANS

Map of the Balkans

Comments by Kierra Hardy 

The region's fast urbanization and unregulated construction practices have escalated the vulnerability of communities to natural hazards. Disregard for relevant building codes and mismanagement of land and natural resources exacerbate the potential for disaster occurrence and amplify its consequences. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond the involvement of institutions alone.

A holistic approach that incorporates the active participation of the entire society is critical for effective disaster preparedness and response. By engaging local communities, policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and relevant stakeholders, we can foster a culture of resilience and preparedness. Empowering individuals with knowledge and skills through educational programs, such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept, can significantly enhance their ability to respond effectively during crises.

Moreover, collaborative efforts between governments, civil society, and international partners are vital for strengthening disaster management mechanisms. By sharing best practices, lessons learned, and resources, we can collectively work towards building resilient communities that can withstand and recover from natural disasters more efficiently.

It is essential to recognize that disasters do not discriminate based on socio-economic status, ethnicity, or nationality. The impact of these events affects all members of society. Therefore, an inclusive approach that considers the needs and perspectives of all individuals is crucial in crafting effective disaster management strategies.

By fostering a culture of preparedness, promoting sustainable development, and addressing underlying vulnerabilities, we can better equip communities in the Balkans region and beyond to navigate the challenges presented by the evolving global security landscape. Ultimately, the collective efforts of individuals, institutions, and society at large will determine our resilience and ability to adapt to the uncertainties of the future.

Utah has a magnitude 5.7 earthquake

Utah PIO Association (March 18, 2020) Dr. Keith Koper of the University of Utah Seismograph Stations explains the magnitude of the 5.7 earthquake in Utah today. The best sources for information are: @UtahEmergency on Twitter UtahEmergency on Facebook University of Utah Seismograph Stations Utah Geological Survey RUMORS THAT NEED TO GO AWAY: Myth: Officials are predicting a larger earthquake in the next 30 minutes. Fact: Earthquakes cannot be predicted. However, we are 95 percent certain that the earthquake this morning was the main quake. Myth: Officials (FEMA) are telling people to evacuate Fact: They are not. This was a strong earthquake, but see actual sources above. We expect to see some damage, but we will get through this Myth: Shut off your natural gas Fact: Only shut it off if you hear or smell gas escaping. Myth: Get in a doorway. Fact: It's better to get under a table or desk. Myth: Earthquakes can be predicted. They cannot be predicted, however, we expect that the earthquake we felt today was the largest one of the sequence. That is true in 95% of earthquakes. Preparedness tip:

Managing Life-and-Death Situations

With an emergency management plan in place, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack was prepared when tornadoes hit in 1999. (AP)

When former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack was about to take office in 1999, he went to the National Governors Association’s New Governor’s School, and sat next to then-Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia. Vilsack had one big question to ask his seatmate: “What are the one or two things I should focus on? Should it be health care? Jobs? Education?”

As Vilsack recalls, “Gov. Miller said, ‘Son, emergency management. I guarantee you that within six months something is going to happen in your state and if you don’t handle it well, it won’t make any damn difference what you do in health care or jobs or education.”  Read the rest of the article. 

What you can do to prepare for a disaster

By Julie Bowman

People rely on the government to immediately save them during a disaster or crisis for a variety of reasons, but mostly due to a lack of preparedness.  People don't prepare for a number of reasons  (I think of them as the preparedness myths):

• The idea that it won’t happen here or to me so I don’t need to worry.
• The sometimes overwhelming feeling that goes along with becoming prepared, so people give up.
• The costs people associate with becoming prepared. 
• The idea that if I have insurance I don’t need to prepare.  

All of these reasons may seem valid, but in reality, they aren’t and they really are myths in a sense.

A 72-hour kit can be large or small

People in the preparedness field (emergency managers and , yes, private vendors) need to convince people not only of the importance of being prepared for an emergency as individuals and families, but they also need to provide them the information necessary to convince them their reasons are myths. Emergency managers can accomplish this in some relatively simple ways.

First, emergency personnel need to utilize every possible opportunity to reach the public with accurate information about preparedness.

• Most cities send out some form of newsletter with the water billing statement; in the first issue of the year, do a brief article about preparedness and then tell that each month there will be a step listed to help the public become prepared; follow up with a monthly step that will equip families with the essentials by the end of the year.  
• Utilize local cable access programming and consider creating a monthly show that demonstrates putting together preparedness supplies using what you already have at home.  
• Create a public outreach program that not only teaches the how’s of preparedness, but the why’s as well.  
• Often times, people don’t understand why they need to prepare, so teach about the hazards that exist in the community and what the city will do to prioritize their response to issues in the aftermath.
• Teach the programs in churches, community centers, local fraternal organizations such as the Elks Club and the Lions Club.  
• Use non-profits and volunteers to help teach preparedness and help people make 72-hour kits. The Disaster Discovery Center in Utah is trying to do just that.
• Another thing to do is reach out to the kids in the elementary schools with preparedness information; teach them how important it is for each family to have a preparedness plan.  Once you get the kids involved and understanding, the parents will follow because the kids will make them (McKay, 2012). 

 A key to teaching preparedness is to not overwhelm people with the information.  Reiterate that preparedness is a process – you don’t have to do it all in one big bite, instead, approach it in small increments and you don’t have to go to great expense to get there.

Second, businesses, families, and individuals can do a lot to help themselves recover from a disaster and be resilient.

•  Each of these groups should create a disaster recovery plan.  This should include communication information, evacuation lists, important papers and documents, insurance information.  
• Outline the things that need to be done to recover, and then make a plan that suits your needs and budget to become resilient if the worst ever does happen.  
• At the UVU Emergency Services Conference last spring, we learned from Darlene Turner of the Disaster Discovery Center about Rebound in 72™, a plan for personal resiliency. It broke down the preparedness process into eight areas of need in our lives by timeframes post impact.  This plan is a method that simplifies the entire process into those easily digestible bites.  Adopt this plan or something similar to ensure you are covering all of your disaster needs.  Then, begin obtaining/doing those things that fulfil the needs outlined.  Make sure you have a plan for shelter, food & water, clothing, sanitation & hygiene, communication, and transportation.  
• At least annually, update your plans and any kits you have created (72 hour kits, car kits, tool kits, first aid kits, etc.), and replace expired and outdated items.  Change out stored water at the same time.  
• Talk with your family about your plan and practice those things that you can practice.  

How to create a 72-hour kit with minimal resources

It is important to get people moving in the direction of having a 72 hour kit, but recognizing that you don't have to create it overnight.  See what you already have at home first.  People would be surprised at how much they already have.  Sure, my 72 hour kit is probably the Cadillac of 72 hour kits and it is likely overkill, but since I don't like to camp, I've tried to plan for every possible contingency, and I'm blessed to have the resources to do so.  At the other end of the spectrum are basic (and I do mean basic) survival based 72 hour kits.  We just put them together for $8 each (excluding food, which can be obtained in the way of meal bars - 3 each day for 3 days - for about $12).  It is amazing how little you really NEED to survive for 72 hours. 

72-hour kits at school

The idea of having a 72 hour kit for my child at school is one we have been working on for quite some time with a lot of resistance.  The school says there is no place to keep them in the classrooms and they don't see 72 hour kits for the kids as necessary at school.  So I finally created a little kit in a 25 oz. wide mouth water bottle specifically for her to carry in her backpack back and forth to school each day.  It does not contain all the same items that would be in a normal, basic 72 hour kit, but it does have things for her to eat, an emergency blanket, a small inflatable pillow, water filtration tablets, a tiny stuffed animal, a picture of the family and a note from mom and dad along with a couple other things. It also includes my contact numbers and phone numbers of family out-of-state. It is lightweight and it does the job.  I also have her keep a factory sealed water bottle in her desk and I make sure she has a full water bottle with her each morning when she goes out the door.  There are always simple things we can do to be at least a little prepared.          

Become informed if you aren’t, and begin preparing!     

McKay, J. (2012, August). Who’s prepared? Not many.  Emergency Management. Retrieved from http://www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/Whos-Prepared-Not-Many-Opinion.html

Country unprepared for disasters

By Paige Ramsey

Most American has been under the impression that the government should be taking care of them after a disaster. According to the End of American Dream website article "55 Percent Of Americans Believe That The Government Will Take Care Of Them If Disaster Strikes," by Michael Snyder,

"44 percent of all Americans do not have first-aid kits in their homes. 48 percent of all Americans do not have any emergency supplies stored up. 53 percent of all Americans do not have a 3 day supply of nonperishable food and water in their homes. Essentially, what we have got is about half the country that is completely and totally unprepared. About half the nation is sitting back and relying on the government to make all of the preparations"(Snyder, 2012).

Steps that public managers can take to convince people of the importance of being prepared for an emergency as an individual and family are that they can show that the government is not in a position to help all the time by bring up examples of Hurricane Katrina. If that doesn’t work then another step would be to have emergency preparedness fairs etc. Honestly though if someone believes the government will help them without putting forth any effort then they themselves need to make the change and public officials can only do so much.

Families and businesses can start to prepare themselves for disaster by starting 72-hour kits, making sure that their homes and cars have etc. food and water. Also businesses can have an emergency plan and places to shelter if necessary. Also making sure that they have the right insurance coverage is a good way to prepare for disasters.

Snyder, M. (2012, July 22). 55 Percent Of Americans Believe That The Government Will Take Care Of Them If Disaster Strikes. End Of The American Dream. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/55-percent-of-americans-believe-that-the-government-will-take-care-of-them-if-disaster-strikes

Family preparedness for disasters or other emergencies

Book review by Wade Breur

Harrison, Kathy. (2008). Just in Case. North Adams: Story Publishing. 236 pages. Available at book stores for $10.36

Have you ever wondered how you would handle emergencies that can occur to anyone? What would you do if you did not have power at your home for twenty-four hours? What about 2 weeks?

In the book Just in Case, the author explores emergency situations that a common family may find themselves in. This book provides easy to practice ways to prepare yourself and your family for many if not all of the common emergencies that people may be faced with. The author takes two fictional families and follows how these families would do in the event that power was out for nearly a month as what occurred with Hurricane Katrina.

 The author has applied lessons from events like these in her own life and for nearly twenty years now, she has taken seriously her ability to be able to provide for her family in the event of emergency. She feels like she is able to be self sufficient in the event that power and water are no longer provided by local city and county entities. Rationale The reason why this book meets the requirements for this assignment is that it provides realistic information on how individuals and families can prepare for emergencies from the power outage to fire safety and response.

 The preparation for many of these scenarios is covered in two parts. The first part describes how to organize, acquire and rotate food and emergency systems. The next part specifically covers personal preparedness and preparedness with children. Finally, the question of how to effectively become prepared is answered in an easy to understand way in how to prepare your home and family to handle a crisis.

 The OAR Method 

 Have you ever wondered where to start when it comes to doing your own emergency planning? I believe the author has come up with a fairly basic principle that is titled O.A.R. which stands for Organize, Acquire, and Rotate (Harrison, 2008).

 Organize means that you simply organize what you have by taking an inventory of your supplies from food storage and those things that will provide you with some sort of use in an emergency situation. During this step of the process, the author stresses the need to organize your storage areas such as closets so that you are able to maximize the most space you can to store the things you may need to keep you and your family alive when the time arises. Notice that I use the word “when” instead of “if” when describing the possibility of an emergency to occur. The author did not go into great detail regarding the difference between “if” versus “when”, however when reading this book, it caused me to ponder the difference between these words. As a person uses the term “if” this happens to me, then I will be able to do this or react a certain way. The problem with using this term is that “if” keeps in the back of my mind that there is possibility that something could happen, but it is not as likely to occur. By using the term “when” this happens to me, it creates a resolve in my mind that it is going to occur and I am going to be prepared to handle whatever the situation produces. “When then” thinking provides me a way not only be physically prepared with the resources to survive and an emergency, but also to have the mental status needed to survive as well.

 The “A” in the OAR system means to acquire what you determine is necessary for that part of personal preparation you are working on. During the organizing phase of your preparedness, the author says for you to take note of what you need by beginning a preparedness notebook. Notice the author said notebook and not electronic spreadsheet for this step of preparation. One thing that is certain is that technology can and will fail during a crisis, but your preparedness notebook as long as it is stored with your emergency supplies that will be grabbed will be there for you to reference. The author enters into great detail about how to properly acquire the necessary items for your specific situation. What I got out of this section that will be most useful to me and my situation is that I need to be acquiring what I use on a daily basis when it comes to food storage. Too often, people will go out and buy wheat and certain grains that are not used on a daily or even a monthly basis. They expect they will be able to do something with them in the event of an emergency or crisis where they now need to use these items such as grain and the person has now history or know how on how to do this. This is a big mistake that I will be sure not to fall victim to.

 The “R” in the OAR system stands for rotate. Rotation applies to not only the food stores that you are building up, but also your emergency items. How often do you think to check out the supplies you stored last year or two years ago in your 48 hour grab bags? Are the batteries still good and what kind of shape are those granola bars you placed in them? Once again, this is another plug for that preparedness notebook. The notebook is a great way to track the dates and rotation schedule for your own food and emergency supplies and helps you feel like you are in control and manage this preparedness idea.

The last section of the book contains recopies and how to on preparing your food storage which does make for dry reading, it does though provide some good reference information that can be used in your time of need. Parts 2-4 of this book go into detail on how to handle and prepare for specific types of emergencies and some of the best ways to prepare for them.

 To give you an idea regarding each of these areas covered it is best to refer to the following topics covered: 

• Personal preparedness 
•  Home systems 
•  Communications 
•  Preparedness with children 
•  Pets 
•  Preparing your car 
•  Evacuation 
•  Loss of power 
•  Fire in a home 
•  Natural disasters 
•  Toxic hazards 
•  Pandemic 
•  Terrorism 
•  Food ideas and preparation 

 Conclusion

 I truly felt it was the author’s intention to provide not only very detailed information regarding what to do in specific emergency situations, but how to become prepared for them. This was done in a way that I felt that even in my situation, I can accomplish a preparedness level that is not only attainable in small bites, but it also makes sense. I am not by any means a person who obsesses over being prepared for every emergency situation. However, I do believe that by obtaining a level of preparedness that I know I have resources for at this time helps me to feel better about my family situation as well as rest better at night. Finally, I do recommend this book to anyone who is serious about increasing their personal level of preparedness.

 Harrison, K. (2008). Just in Case. North Adams, MA: Story Publishing

The Unthinkable: Who survives when disaster strikes and why

Author: Amanda Ripley

Review by Cortney Crosby

            I decided to write my book report on the book The Unthinkable:  Who survives when disaster strikes and why. This title caught my attention because it looked like it covered multiple different disasters and the best ways to survive them. When I was looking at the cover of the book deciding on whether or not to read it had a quotes from multiple sources like the New York time that were ranting and raving about how interesting and useful it was.

The author Amanda Ripley is a senior writer for Time magazine. One of the main things that I really enjoyed about Amanda’s book is the research she did for it. She is very knowledgeable about every incident she discussed. I think she came at this book from every angle possible. She not only covered details from victims but also the perpetrators. That alone I feel was a great asset to this book compared to others because I feel like too often we as readers miss out on the opportunity to hear both sides. It was refreshing to see the obvious hard work she put into tracking down and interviewing all of the people she wrote about. She also did a great job at looking at the medical side of how people react to stressful situations and their recovery. I think that the author’s intentions with this book were to get the general public to take a proactive lead in getting educated in what to do in the case of a disaster. She tells a lot of stories in this book from the first hand experience from normal people that got put in extremely unfortunate situations. Amanda did a good job at also not focusing on one type of disaster. She covered a wide array of tragic incidents for example local incidents like September 11th to foreign incidents abroad dating as far back as 1917.

             While I think she did a great job at breaking down peoples different reactions to a very wide arrange of disasters there was still something missing for me. The author writes a lot on what other people have told her and what they have experienced. She also writes a lot on what other people find helpful and how they dealt with these horrific events. I think a book like this would benefit from someone who as experienced some sort of disaster. Of course having said that her unique background of being the reporter for many of these types of incidents does give her an interesting individual take on these events.

            The author broke the book into three parts. Part one consisted of a section she described as Denial. She also broke it into two sub groups called Delay and Risk. In the Risk section she talked about how people in life threatening situations acted as though it wasn’t that big of a deal. For example she told a story about a lady who was in one of the building during the September 11th attack. She talked about how she knew it was a dangerous situation and yet she and her co-workers on average took 30 to 45 minutes to get from their cubicles to the stairs where they could evacuate. She called the second part of her book Deliberation.  Which she broke into three sub categories Fear, Resilience, and Groupthink. In these sections the author did a great job at showing perfect examples of each of these situations. In her fear section is where she had a great insiders story from a hostage situation not only from the victim but the gunman as well.  Part three of the book was called the decisive moment, which was broken into three sub categories Panic, Paralysis and Heroism. In the Heroism sections I found it interesting that Evolutionary Psychologist Gordon Gallup Jr. has such a strong belief that the average hero would be male, single, childless and young. His reasoning behind this was that heroes are the ones who get all the girls. He also says that with girls they are looking for quality not quantity therefore they wouldn’t be as likely to do heroic acts outside of parenting. Amanda then writes her conclusion to her book, which she calls making new instincts.

             Over all I believe that Amanda Ripley goal for this book was her way of trying to light a fire under the average Joe so to speak. So that people are/ will become more educated about what disaster they are really likely to encounter and how to best be prepared for them. I think she did a great job at explaining better ways that we as emergency responders can help educated and train the general public. One of the easiest examples of this that she talked about was instead of just giving direct orders of how to do something she said to explain the whys behind it. I know that I am more likely to follow directions if I know why I am doing them so it makes sense that others would like the same courtesy. Over all I thought it was a very educational book and I would recommend other to read it.

Ripley, Amanda. (2009). The Unthinkable:  Who survives when disaster strikes and why. New York: Three Rivers Press. 266 pages.ISBN: 978-0-307-35290-3 Available in the US for 15.00. 

Parents should bring a 72-hour kit, toys, and cell phone charger to emergency shelter

By Laura Lewis

As a shelter manager for the American Red Cross, I have learned the importance of disaster preparedness.  If a client comes into the shelter prepared, the stay is much easier.  Here are a few suggestions:

• Come to the shelter with a 72-hour emergency kit that is specific to your family needs.  You will have a much easier time then the person who comes totally unprepared.  
• If you come with children, your kit should have toys and games for your children.   The American Red Cross does what they can but they do not have the resources to keep children entertained all day.  
• You need to have a solar or crank flashlight that also charges your cell phone.  Although the shelter may have electricity, too many electronics operating at the same time can cause a breakdown.    

Emergency Managers should communicate preparedness ideas like these to the public prior to a disaster.  Communication through Emergency Preparedness Fairs, the media, non-profit organizations and local government is key to preparing the general public for a disaster.  

The American Red Cross has several programs that teach people how to be prepared in a disaster on their webpage Plan and Prepare at http://www.redcross.org/prepare.