Since 2004, September has been designated National Preparedness Month. Established because of the events of 9/11, it is a national campaign to encourage Americans to be ready for disasters. It is typically a month to focus on emergency plans and supplies for surviving natural disasters. There is, however, more to preparedness than natural disaster preparedness. Much more.
Victor L. Brown taught
“Some people have reacted to the theme of preparedness as if it were a doomsday matter…Our emphasis on this subject is not grounds for crisis thinking or panic. Quite the contrary, personal and family preparedness should be a way of provident living, an orderly approach to using the resources, gifts, and talents the Lord shares with us. So the first step is to teach…people to be self-reliant and independent through proper preparation for daily life.”
Preparedness includes:
• Education – make it a lifelong pursuit
• Continuing career development
• Building emotional resilience
• Responsible financial management
• Nourishing spirituality
• Storing food and learning to use it
• Good health habits – diet, exercise, sleep, preventative care, cleanliness
• Avoiding addictive substances and behaviors
Preparedness involves all areas of our lives.
How can you become better prepared during National Preparedness Month?
