Emergency Preparedness: Move Over, Boy Scouts

Be prepared. That's the motto of every Boy Scout in any part of the world. However, it's not just Boy Scouts who should live by that motto. Everyone must be prepared. Whatever your age, gender or race is, you should always be prepared for every possible emergency in every possible way.

Disasters and tragedies are devastating events, both on the individual and national levels. They occur in various forms. Whether its a simple road accident or a catastrophic natural disaster, you should have everything you need and know what to do to survive. They can strike any time. Your dream vacation can suddenly become your worst nightmare if a typhoon makes a surprise visit to the resort you are in. An unforgettable camping day can become a really unforgettable day if a grizzly decides to show up and join the fun. Even if you're just enjoying the comfort of your own home, a magnitude 8 earthquake can change your life in the blink of an eye. Emergency preparedness or emergency management is something that you should always keep in mind to ensure your safety and survival.

Being prepared does not only mean having an emergency kit. Because you are not just an individual, emergency preparedness should not guide you on surviving just as an individual. You are a social being and people around you must always be safe and protected too. You should respond to these tragic events responsibly by also considering others' safety. Being prepared means being prepared as an individual, as a family member and as a member of a community.

The biggest mistake that you could commit if tragedy strikes is ignoring your own safety. You should always protect yourself first. Although that seems to be a very selfish act, it is not. You have a responsibility to yourself. Ensure your own safety first so that you would be able to protect others. You should be emotionally and mentally prepared so you could act promptly and deal with the situation appropriately. Be equipped with an emergency kit at all times. Learn first-aid. Coordinate with your local disaster service agency to know the basics of survival. Learn practical survival skills.

After learning how to deal with emergency situations, share your knowledge to the members of your family. Teach them what to do and where to go in case an emergency occurs. Make sure you have the necessary items for every type of emergency --- first aid kits, emergency lights and radio.

Your community should have a disaster coordination council to enable the residents to plan in case disaster strikes. If you live on the coast, know where to go in case a tsunami threatens to slap your village. Be aware of where the evacuation areas are located. Participate in disaster preparedness drills. Get involved in various medical services that your local government offers. Have your kids receive essential vaccines.

The worst tragedies in history claimed so many lives not just because of their intensity but because people were not prepared. A disaster as catastrophic as an earthquake or volcanic eruption can never be prevented but we can always protect ourselves from them. Being prepared is not just something that Boy Scouts should bear in mind. After all, you don't have to be a scout to survive.