We all know how important it is to prepare for an emergency.  We have been informed by governmental sources, at schools, through civic organizations and by example.  We know that we cannot control the environment, and that an emergency situation puts lives at risk.  The media covers major disasters all the time.  Just mentioning the phrase emergency preparedness conjures up thoughts of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, storms, and terrorism.  The messages that urge us to prepare sound apocalyptic and frightening.  Yet many people do not prepare for an emergency.

 If we are frightened into preparing for an emergency, it means acknowledging the fear that our lives could be suddenly and forever changed.  Preparation can be intimidating, expensive, or even wasteful when unused goods reach their expiration date and need to be replaced.  Stockpiling supplies we may never use may even seem futile or silly.  Yet preparing for an emergency need not be all doom and gloom.

 We need to include emergency preparedness into our lifestyle.  The same items that see us through an emergency can make our daily lives more convenient and outdoor recreation more fun.  Once we stop segregating emergency preparedness items, we begin practicing dynamic preparedness.  All emergency items are multi-use.  We do not need to stockpile emergency items out of fear.  We need to keep useful items readily available for all our activities, and we need to use our supplies.

 I have a well stocked backpack ready for everything, from an overnight stay to an emergency situation.  It contains the things I need to travel, including toiletries, medicines and water as well as a crank flashlight and cell phone charger.  This comfort bag is always ready, and easy to personalize, because it goes everywhere.  It is also a great timesaver because it is already packed for all occasions.

Emergency preparedness should not be limited to survival.  It should include comfort.  A well prepared individual should have the satisfaction of knowing that if there were to be an emergency, the advance planning would allow for a quality of life that others in this same situation could not attain.  This is the reward for planning ahead.

Likewise, preparation for a possible future emergency should have a practical immediate benefit.  Supplies that are used on a regular basis are significant because they are part of our lifestyle.

Preparing for an emergency can be as fun as planning a camping trip.  Supplies such as sleeping bags, camping stoves, portable toilets and even portable showers, serve well in emergency situations.  Emergency food supplies, such as self heating meals, are great when the fish aren’t biting.  Emergency water can withstand extreme temperatures, last up to five years and are handy to keep in the car.

Laptops, televisions and any other device that can be plugged into a car cigarette lighter can also be powered by crank or solar energy.   An exercise bicycle can be adapted to power a 12 volt power pack.  This means that basic comforts, including technology can remain available in times of disaster.

Dynamic preparedness is more than a trash can full of supplies in the garage.  It is the deluxe plan, and the most economical way to prepare for disaster.  It is also makes it easier to cope during an emergency than waiting until after a disaster happens to read the packing slip in an emergency kit.

Many of us are unaware that we have started emergency preparedness.  Those of us with boats or recreational vehicles already have many of the supplies. Keep a supply food and water with a long term shelf life that is used on a regular basis, and keep those camping supplies accessible. We need to take the fear out of emergency preparedness and enjoy the pleasures of being prepared for everything.