Most people really do not know how to start preparing.  That is what National Preparedness Month is all about.  I want to share a couple of websites with you so that you can benefit from the information they provide to help you get ready to face whatever kind of emergency situation you are faced with.

Before I do that, I would like to say that there are some very simple things you can do to prepare for any difficulty you may face.  The other sites will help you to prepare for other specific disasters or emergencies.  First off, putting together a simple emergency kit is important.

Start with a good sized tote and fill it with a couple of days supplies of non-perishable food stuff-this may include things like formula  (if a baby is in the house) or soft foods for the elderly, at least a 3-5 day supply of water for each person in the family, high energy protein bars, small containers of medication in waterproof containers for chronic conditions, toilette paper, waterproof matches, flashlights & batteries, cell phone & charger, important documents & ID, blankets, and change of clothing, a can opener,a small radio, walkie-talkies or hand held CB, hand sanitizer gel, small cook stove or portable small grill with fuel, camping lantern, small portable folded rain poncho, small foil folded emergency blanket to retain warmth, hand or foot chemical foot warmer packets, first aid kit, these are all basics.  You think about what you or a specific family member needs to survive several days without help.  Make your kit tailor made for your family’s survival in mind.  Dont forget the family pets…keep emergency pet food and water supply for them as well.   This site may help you to discover what to put in your kit: http://www.ready.gov/america/npm09/getakit.html

Think about where you live and what kind of natural disasters happen often in your area…if you are prone to flooding…then definately prepare for that…not only in your home…but in your vehicle as well.  Have something handy in your vehicle that will allow you to cut the seat belts & break the vehicle windows if you are trapped in flooded waters.  Many people die each year because they can’t get their windows open due to water pressure on the windows.  If your area is prone to tornadoes…learn about the safest place in your home to wait out the storm.  The same thing with wildfires…do you have an emergency evacuation plan worked out?  You get the idea, keeping safety and well-being in mind, take action.

Another thing I learned about recently is a battery company that is doing it’s part to help prepare cities that are vulnerable to weather related emergencies.  They are donating what they call hours of power by donating batteries to first reponders and law enforcement authorities in those cities by having visitors to their blog simply click on a button.  There is no cost, you dont have to sign up for anything…you simply click on their button.  This is something everyone with a computer can do.  Check it out here and click:  http://www.duracell.com/us/hoursofpower/cities.asp or here: http://www.duracell.com/us/hoursofpower/safety-tips.asp .

Ok, now that you know what to do…get ready, get set…go prepare!

          The destruction of land, property, and lives is such, that it is going to take massive relief from other countries.  The sooner the Myanmar government “allows” this help the better.  The numbers are being contested and thrown about here and there…but, there is no doubt that the loss of lives is massive.  It is estimated that over 22,000 people are dead and 41,000 people are unaccounted for or missing.  Those numbers are subject to change and not for the better i am afraid.

         The peoples of Myanmar are angry…angry because of a government crackdown on peaceful protests by monks back in September.  The people of Myanmar don’t feel that the government properly prepared the people for this storm.  Some precautions could have been taken, with proper notice, to find some safety for many of the people.  They were caught unprepared.

           Now, the  Irrawady delta region was flooded by the massive storm surge and not only the lives were lost but the area of the delta which is called the rice bowl.  This is where the large portions of rice were grown and produced.  This will have long lasting effects on the country because of the lives lost and the ability to earn income in that area that was devastated.

        The government of Myanmar did ask for assistance from other countries which is unheard of.  This should tell us that the circumstances are dire indeed.  Now, relief efforts are underway.  This will require large scale coordination of aid workers.

        Fresh water, food supplies, building supplies, medicines and clothing and other basic necessities are scarce.  This is all in relation to the damage from the storm.  Think about the large scale need to bury this many bodies before disease sets in to the area. I am sure that the military will have to pitch in to help bury this many dead people.   These deaths could cause massive infections and diseases if the bodies of those lost is not properly taken care of. 

          In the meantime, cleaning up the damage is critical to getting the aid workers into the region.  Giving them room to work that is safe for those offering help.  Pray for those who are grieving and trying to survive physically at the same time.  Time and genuine human compassion are required not to mention funding.   Relief efforts will also require teamwork.  The fear is going to be tremendous at a time like this.   We need to unite at times like this…because, therefore, but for the grace of God…this disaster could be visited upon any of our countries, at any time.