When the starting gun goes off, will you be ready?

When you get started in your preparations, you don’t have to be perfect.  Preparation is an ongoing process and you won’t get everything right at the beginning.  It’s ok, just getting started and making a commitment to be prepared will make you better able to handle adversity.  Imperfect preparation today trumps perfect preparation tomorrow.

Here are some questions that can help you get started.  Think about how you can take action TODAY and incrementally improve your preparation.

• Do you have flashlights and batteries for when the power goes out?
• How much fresh water do you have?
• Does your home have several fire extinguishers to put out small fires?
• What canned or dry foods do you have in your pantry?
• Do you have a safe place to take shelter in the event of a storm?
• Have you taken a CPR class over the last three years?
• When was the last time you checked your home first aid kit?
• What weapons do you have that can protect yourself and your family from criminals?
• Do you have emergency numbers written down and handy?
• How secure is your house?
• Do you have any emergency shelter items ready?
• Is your battery-powered radio in good working order?
• What skills do you have that can assist your community during a disaster?

Remember, these activities don’t have to cost a lot of money or involve a lot of time.  Think about how people eat pepperoni.  Its enjoyed one slice at a time on pizza and sandwiches, not by eating the whole sausage at once!  Think about preparation the same way, take it one slice at a time.

Don’t put this off, make a commitment to getting started with preparedness!