When disasters strike our communities the first responders and local volunteers always rally with compassion and a single goal of saving lives and property.  Time after time ordinary folks rush into action helping their friends and neighbors when earthquakes, floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornados reek havoc on our normal lives.  Without our volunteerism many more lives would be lost along with millions more in property during these catastrophic events.  So, what can you do to help?

The Key is Preparedness

We often think of preparedness as the effort and expense we put out to preserve our own survival.  While this is obviously important for our own lives and property, the scope of preparedness is far broader than just ourselves.  Afterall, without the infrastructure of our communities and contact with others, our humanity is at risk and our personal survival will only be short-lived.

Join a local preparedness group.  By doing so you’ll learn about the natural events that can severely impact your community and the projects that are in place (or not) for emergencies.  You’ll be able to team up with like-minded people to set goals, create projects, plan evacuation drills, organize support events, stock food banks, and help fulfill whatever needs your community may be lacking in before a disastrous event occurs.  If you can’t find a group in your area, or you find one but deem it ineffective, then start one.   Learn how to locate or start a local preparedness group by visiting volunteer resources such as National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Citizens Corps, Community Emergency Response Teams, Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, Fire Corps, and others.  You can also go to sites such as the Center for Disease Control, American Red Cross, and FEMA for more insights and resources about community preparedness and volunteering.

Inquire about your local emergency planning/management office.  Do this by visiting your city and county offices ask what disaster emergency plans are in place in your community and how you may be able to participate.  You can also locate your local Citizens Corps Council to find out more about local planning agencies.

Support your First Responders.  While law enforcement, fire departments, and EMTs constantly train and prepare for emergency situations, they can’t do it all and be everywhere at once.  Find out how you can support these services by donating funds, supplies, time, or other appropriate resources.  When donating, do so responsibly and effectively though.  Always donate locally so that you know where your resources are going.

Work with your children’s school.  Does your school have a sound emergency evacuation plan? Are they ready for a sudden disaster?  Talk with your school administration to find out what emergency plans are in place and how you can support them.   Many schools today require that each child has their own emergency kit containing the basic necessities of first aid, food, and water but not all parents can afford these kits.  Perhaps you can start an angel program to help those families with this need.  Are the kids properly taught how and when to use their kits?  There are many questions to ask your school about emergency preparedness and the time to ask is now, not after an emergency happens.

Find out about emergency preparedness at your workplace.  Many of us work in factories or office complexes which should all have an emergency escape plan in compliance with local fire codes.  However, does your company train employees how to safely evacuate the facility?  Is there equipment in place to be used if a sudden loss of power and water occurs? Is there emergency lighting installed and are the fire escapes well maintained?  Does your employer offer first-aid/CPR training for employees?  Is there an emergency team you can join at your workplace?  If you don’t know the answers to these and other pertinent questions, then get involved with your employer’s emergency planning to find out more.

Preparedness isn’t just about ourselves and our close family, it’s about our entire community.  Find out what you can do to help in times of emergency by getting involved today!