Blogpost 3: Nature's Wrath: What Do We Do?

Tsunamis, earthquakes, snow storms, typhoons, volcanic eruptions etc., are all forms of natural disasters that cannot be prevented. Still in the state of shock, the survivors of this disasters are left to live with its aftereffects. With no access to clean water or first aid, the risk of  having a disease outbreak is very high. Adding also to the fact that there are decomposing bodies around that have yet to be buried makes it more difficult. In all these situations, do we really now what to do when we are faced by this great kind of devastation?

Nowadays, weather state bureau agencies can predict a looming possible storm even if it is still outside the country's area of responsibility. Because of modern technology and equipment, we are now able to adequately prepare on time. I believe that if we have enough knowledge of the danger that is ahead of us, then we would go the extra mile and start moving out of harm's way.

In an article by Carolee Colter entitled Preparing for Disaster, Ms. Colter gave us an insight on how important it is for us to prepare ahead of a disaster. She said and I quote, "Planning ahead for a disaster involves anticipating emergencies that disasters bring in their wake...many disasters arrive with less warning." Without a concrete plan, chaos and confusion will surely be the sight. People walking around not knowing what to do next or where to go. Once a disaster happens, the time you have to prepare is gone and all you can do is cope with it. And sometimes, coping means for the rest of your life. 

So how do we really prepare for this natural disasters? In an article entitled How To Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit - Disaster Preparedness by Janet Wickell, she gives us tips on how to organize our emergency kits. One of her tips are and I quote, "The trick is gathering them in one area and packing them so that items are easy to transport." Part of Ms. Wickell's article includes practical supplies that are needed in an emergency kit. Such as water, canned goods, flashlight, first aid, batteries, etc. She also said that it is better that the supplies we pack could last for more than three days. Be practical.

Living in a country that receives more than 20 typhoons each year and is very prone to different kinds of natural disasters, we have this certain attitude that we already know what to expect and try to make our predictions on how to survive this calamities. But let's try to be different. Let us start listening to authorities and people who have more knowledge about it. When they say evacuate, then do it. When they say to stay put at home, then just stay put. Because at the end of the day, they will still be the very same people who can save your life.