National Preparedness Month

I’d say most of you are already well aware that September is National Preparedness Month.  We’ve been observing it for the last 20 years in the US, beginning three years after the September 11 attacks.  September also happens to be the month when the US has experienced the most natural disasters, thanks largely to hurricane season.

And I’m equally sure that you’re well aware of the numerous community events sponsored by churches and government organizations to promote preparedness education and persuade people to better prepare for disasters of every flavor.  Undoubtedly you, like I, have been disappointed in offerings of the past.  And I know that the month is almost half over, but I’m hoping to encourage you to give them—at least the non-government ones—another chance.  As more individuals recognize that we’re preparing for real threats, the information shared at tables and in presentations is improving by leaps and bounds. 

Last year and this, I had a table at my church’s annual preparedness fair.  This year’s attendance almost doubled last year’s.  I was grateful to have been invited to participate, for the opportunity to help interested people get a little more prepared.  I was more grateful for the few little things I learned from others at their tables.

This year, however, just about blew me away.  Not only was I learning from others on completely unrelated topics at my own tables (I presented on powdered milk usage and medicinal herbs), I was getting boots on the ground reports.  All is not well, but you already knew that.  Just getting a little more confirmation.

There was so much more I learned at other tables as well.  I made contacts—one particularly important one, a doctor.  A doctor who believes in being prepared for the unexpected—and in making sure his patients are prepared as well.  There happen to be a lot of diabetic patients in his practice, and he prescribes them emergency antibiotics just in case a problem arises in the evening or on a weekend before he can see them.  Of course, they’re supposed to talk to him first, but the emergency antibiotics allow the especially vulnerable diabetics to nip an infection in the bud.  And he offered to help me prepare as well with some other medical supplies I’d like to have on hand.

At other tables I got to sample some meal-in-a-jar dishes and some whole wheat salads.  One couple shared some good information on Dutch oven cooking and another focused on gardening in our challenging climate. 

Preparedness fairs of the past often shared the same old information each year.  I truly believe that has changed.  And it’s time to give them another chance.  Chances are, there’s one near you.  Not only will you have the opportunity to learn something new or make a new connection, you might even have some questions answered.