Having looked at shelters from other countries and from the past, we conclude the Gimme Shelter week with a reminder that this is National Preparedness Month , slogan "Get A Kit, Make A Plan, Be Informed and Get Involved."
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. Throughout September, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of organizations to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation.
Their websitehas every resource you could ask for, with a heap of brochures, checklists, templates for Family Emergency Plans and even videos. The focus is on emergency preparedness in general rather than a bomb or terror threat specifically. Many of the checklist items look familiar from the leaflets issued to British homeowners in 1939: food, water, matches, radio, flashlight and batteries, fire extinguisher. But there are some modern additions:
- Copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Can openerfor food (if kit contains canned food)
It's all fairly rudimentary stuff –- no need to go digging that 1950's style nuclear bunker in your basement -- but past experience has shown that a little preparedness can make the difference between being a victim and being a survivor. The power of the internet means that virtually everyone now has access to all the information they need on this topic; but as usual, the technology is less important than human attitudes.
