Studies have shown that those who prepare for a disaster and think through how they will react and what they will do, survive better than those who do not. In this computer age we can best relate this to our brain being the computer. We study, learn and plan and when the need arises, the appropriate mental files are pulled up so we can draw upon and act on the information we have already considered. If we have not created the file and entered sound information, we will have no resources when they are needed.  

It’s similar to the process of flight training for a pilot. If you have studied, practiced, and rehearsed a procedure or reaction, it can be called upon to save your life when the circumstance requires. Thus, Captain Sully Sullenberger was able to pilot his disabled US Airways flight to a successful water landing on the Hudson River, and save all the passengers and crew just one year ago. 

Stage 1 – This can’t be happening 

We are preparing now for the day when we will have to make lifesaving decisions at a moment's notice.  We know when faced with an emergency our brains all work in the same way. First, we have a time of disbelief, hopefully lasting only a moment. We say to ourselves that this can't be happening, but then we know from our training that we have to take action.  
I recently heard the story of a man who was traveling and staying in a hotel. He is a “prepper” - someone who has studied and planned for emergencies. One morning he was in his hotel room when he smelled what seemed to be burnt toast. Then the hotel alarm went off, and he knew he should get out of his room. He went out into the hallway to see people milling around in confusion, and the man in the next room was telling folks not to worry because he burnt a waffle in the microwave. The alarm continued and there was no information from the hotel staff over a PA system or otherwise. The prepper understood that he should evacuate, because there was a possibility there could be a fire on another floor and the burnt waffle was just a coincidence. Finally, he took his laptop and a few other items and walked down the stairs to the street. When he arrived at ground level, no one else was there and he returned to the lobby where he was told by the clerk that they had no idea what the real story was, but they were investigating. What would have happened to the hotel’s guests if there had been a real fire?  

Even though the prepper knew he should evacuate immediately, he spent far too much time in a "this can't be happening" stage, and the hotel staff behaved as if they had no training in emergency procedures at all. Had this been a real fire, his hesitation could have cost him his life and perhaps the lives of others as well.  

Stage 2 – Now what do I do? 

The second stage in an emergency is the "now what do I do" stage. During this stage we evaluate our options. We formulate a plan and make the decisions which determine how well we survive. If you’ve watched James Bond, MacGyver, Indiana Jones or Jason Bourne in movies, then you know they do not hesitate before answering this question, and if we have read and thought through most emergency scenarios, we will not hesitate long before answering this question either. We will know what to do.  

Stage 3 – Take action! 

Those who have previously thought through various scenarios, and who have perhaps rehearsed them, are able to progress rapidly from the planning stage to the third stage--the action phase. Even children in elementary school know what to do when there is a fire drill, because they have rehearsed it and are trained to line up and follow their leader to the place of safety. Ditto for a lockdown – they know what to do. 

During this third stage we take control and act upon our plan. Many times people around us will become stuck in the planning phase. They may be standing right next to their 72 hour kit and know they should be evacuating, but they just can't seem to make the final decision to pick up the kit and get out.  These people are more than willing to work and do their part if there is someone around them to give direction.  

We need to be ready to give direction, if around us there are those unable to move from the "this can't be happening stage" and on to the evaluation and action stage very quickly. We need to prepare to be the ones capable of giving direction. 

With that in mind, let us consider a scenario as an example of just what it means to think through a situation in advance of the event. Let’s consider our response to a flood. 

After each question, stop and think about the answer. 

Q - A flood watch has been issued, meaning a flood is possible. What would you do? 

A - You could be listening for the latest reports on conditions in your neighborhood. However, you can only do this if you know the radio and TV stations that will be covering the weather emergency.  

You could be taking in the furniture, toys, lighting, and other items in the yard that could float away. Do you know where you will put them? 

Q - Flooding usually brings power outages, how will we see in the dark?   
A - Maybe you should be setting out glow sticks and flashlights just in case. 

Q - If the power goes out how will you keep warm and fix warm meals?  

A – If you have a fireplace or woodstove, you should be making ready some fuel, or at least trying to remember where all the sleeping bags are stored and getting some warm bedding out for the family (assuming it is winter). 

And then there is the issue of laundry. If the power goes out you won't be able to do the wash. Maybe you should get it caught up while you still can (ahead of an actual flood emergency). 

Q – You hear it—the watch is now a flood warning meaning flooding is on its way.  Your spouse is at work and your children are at school. What will you do?  

A - You could call your spouse and warn him (or her). He may be able to come home or you may just select a place to meet if you are forced to evacuate. But, do you really want to pack the car and get the house ready yourself?  

What if there is no spouse and you are at work? Will you pick up the kids and have them help you get the house ready or will you go home and get things in order and hope the flood holds off until they are home? 

Q - Now you hear that they might evacuate your neighborhood. This means the flood waters could enter your home. What should you do? 

A - You may want to move expensive or sentimental items to the second flood or attic. If you have a well, or even if you don't, you may want to get out your picnic cooler and pitchers and fill them with fresh water before public supplies are contaminated and electricity is cut to your home.

Q - If you have no second floor should you take critical documents and possessions with you?  

A - Do you know where they are stored? What would be your priorities? How would you fit them into the car and still have room for pets and the kids? Maybe you need to purchase a rack for the top of the car? 

Q - How would you get out of town?  

A - What if the best route is blocked, do you know the second or third route out? Maybe you should purchase a good set of maps. A GPS may not be of any use if roads are blocked. 

The point of this exercise it to help you understand that there is a lot to think about and that with every question there appears one more. The answers aren't difficult, but if you have never thought about them you may not be able to think clearly when the need arises. We tell our children, when talking about moral issues, that they should think about it and decide ahead of time how they will respond. When you are a passenger on an airline, the flight crew repeats the same emergency instructions before the plane leaves the gate. Is it too extreme for us to do the same with our family, regarding our home and neighborhood or our plan when visiting a hotel? 

Have you considered what you would do if there was a fire in your home? Fires are a possibility no matter where you live or where you may visit.  

Try thinking about how a burglar would break into your home. Who knows the weaknesses in your home better than you do? No one likes to think about someone invading their home, but as economic times become more difficult, some predict that burglaries, muggings and home invasions may increase. Think now about how to keep your family safe, and it may make the difference between safety and sorrow later. 

This week, take some time to think about the disasters common in your area and emergencies that every family may face. Many of these we have addressed in other articles, but now is the time to re-read and consider the key points, so in an actual emergency you can move immediately into action for your own safety and the safety of others. Prepare now to be the one others look to for direction when seconds count.

For help with your plan or to ask questions, visit Carolyn's blog at: http://blog.TotallyReady.com or write to her at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com