Routine Plans Can Turn into Disaster: Be Prepared

Once again, an ongoing story in the news about the Kim family reminds us how the most routine plans can turn into disaster for the unprepared. The good news is that the family survived nine days in an isolated and remote area in Oregon, though the father remains missing.

Stuck in the snow with "minor provisions," the mother and two daughters are doing well. How did they survive without any contact in the harsh climate hidden away in the rugged mountains? Because of ingenuity and some basic preparation, they will be alive to share their story with others.

This is a lesson for us all. Whatever we are doing -- whether at home, visiting friends, at work, driving around town or on a vacation -- the possibility always exists for the unexpected. Maybe you will encounter a sudden storm, earthquake, power outage, or terrorist attack, so it makes sense to be prepared. Yet most of us, aware of the potential for disaster, do nothing. We sit back and feel safe that somehow other people or the government will be there to take care of us.

Just look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and how everyone was left to fend for themselves. That is the nature of a sudden crisis. Even the government and the local police tell us they will not and cannot be there in the immediate hours to days after any disaster to protect us. Accept that many of the services you take for granted may be nonexistent for days or weeks.

So what can we do? Simple. Just take a few moments and think about what items you may need to keep yourself and your family safe if the unexpected should occur. In your car, keep a small duffle bag of critical supplies, especially if you live or travel in areas of bad or sudden weather. Here's a great place to start:

• Dried food


• Bottled water


• Matches


• Flashlights and batteries


• A radio


• Blankets


• Work gloves


• A small first aid kit, including any medications taken by family members


• Whistles


• Hygiene products


• Toilet paper


• Garbage bags


• Jumper cables


• Some quarters


• Playing cards

Take a few moments and stop and think. What will you need to stay safe through any possible emergency? If you do, then you dramatically improve your chances of surviving the unexpected.

Editor's Note and Update: CBS News is reporting that James Kim's body has been found by search parties. All of us at WebMD extend our condolences and prayers to the Kim family for their tragic loss.

Related Topics:

• First Aid and Emergencies
• Preparing for Disaster

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