Plan for the Unexpected Even in the Mountains
By Tom Herrin
For years, many people in the mountains felt a certain protection from the elements. The emphasis on storage and planning was important, much of the focus was on a variety of shortages. Even when people felt threatened by disasters, they still often felt that some of those things couldn’t happen there. I live hundreds of miles from the coast but still have felt the effects of serious hurricanes. One of the things people become too complacent on is their overall health. Good health can increase the likelihood of survival in times when people are forced to do without the basics.
A Variety Of Issues Can Cause Problems
Whether it is hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, or some other drastic event, people can improve their own chances of survival if they have a good plan. In today’s world, things like chemical spills or serious problems with the power grid can change life. I was in Austin, Texas a few years ago at a work conference. A severe cold spell triggered the need for rolling blackouts. No one expected them because they had not seen them before. When you suddenly have no power, living in the dark and/or cold can be a new challenge.
Have Some Basics Covered
Most people in the Salt Lake City area are well informed about storage and preparedness, however they may not put them to use. In Texas during Hurricane Harvey, many people learned about the need to evacuate. When this happens, there is little time to make decisions or plans. People need something they can pick up as they go out the door to a safer place. A container with bottled water, ready-to-eat food, first aid supplies, and copies of important documents should be kept that can be carried out in a matter of minutes.
Keep Communication Open
Each family member needs to have a list of phone numbers for family and other helpful sources. These should be kept on something besides a cell phone in case they fail. It is also important to educate every family member on what the alert systems mean. Determine an acceptable meeting place in the event you are separated. There needs to be some way of accounting for those members who may not be with the group. Let every family member know which are trusted sources of information, and you can rest easier with knowledge.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Utah.
