Disaster Management for the Family

Do we know what to do when all the mobile towers are jammed, electricity cut , water supply dried out.

When I watch the perils of earth quake hit Haiti this is exactly what is happening. For a moment let us think of our lifestyle which is driven by the convenience of 24 hr ATMs, mobile phones, super markets etc which has made us heavily dependent on these amenities. Mind you, all these are liable to be out of service, most often than not, all at once when a disaster strikes in the form of flood, storm, Tsunami, earthquake etc.


The first urban human reaction during a calamity is to pick up the phone and try calling the family whereever they are. The phone would be useless because lines would all be chocked up. This exponentially increases the panic and people will suddenly realise how helpless we are in this age of cutting edge technology.

Such are the times when we go back to our basis. The good old wisdom of having some money, non perishable food (grains, dried fruits etc), an emergency lamp (storm lantern ??) etc at home always will help to some extend. Each family should have minimum 3 day storage of water and provisions & medicines. Reme

The family has to discuss together how to look after themselves in an event all communication lines are down. What to do if the children are at school, on the way etc. and the disaster strikes. A common meeting point, routes etc can be discussed. Don't be shy in discussing the scenarios. Remember the saying " The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war".

These social networking forums should discuss such social issues and increase the awarness for a better order of life - This thought is my humble contribution to that noble cause.