Grace and Clarity

Each year we find Mother Nature cycling into seasons of upheaval and change.  Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and droughts are part and parcel of Her ongoing evolution and growth.  As Mother Earth balances and purifies Herself once again, I am reminded that we must be wise occupants of Her diverse terrain.

Unexpected changes can occur at any time and can be felt anywhere from the debris-strewn fields of our own back yards to the soaring prices at the grocery store.  A few simple preparations can go a long way toward banishing unneeded fear and making a catastrophe feel more contained.  Here are some basic tips from the Red Cross, Backpacker Magazine and wilderness experts to help you manage weather challenges that may come to your area this year:

• Back up your contact list–Nothing is more unnerving than the thought of being out of touch with those most important to you.  Yet when inclement weather arrives, it may not always be possible to charge your phone or even get a good cell phone connection.  Back up your contact list the old-fashioned way: on a piece of paper.  Write all the names and phone numbers of important contacts on a slip of paper small enough to fold into your wallet or purse.  Then make a few copies and put them in different places like your car, your office and your fireproof safe.  While it is unlikely you will ever need to use it, your list reassures you that you could go to any landline and have important numbers close at hand.
• Give your loved ones your landline number–At times of crisis, cell phone providers can be completely overwhelmed with calls.  The result is no one gets through and it is impossible to assure loved ones of your status.  In such times, a land line may work when other high-tech gadgets fall short.  Be sure you give–and receive–landline numbers as well as cell phone numbers from anyone you may need to get in touch with.
• Sign up with the Red Cross “Safe and Well” list–At the Red Cross official site, you can discover if out-of-contact loved ones in ravaged areas have found safety.  The Red Cross home page has a box entitled “How to Get Help” and below it is the heading “Safe and Well” followed by “List yourself or search registrants.”  This page allows you to register, or check on others who have registered, in an area of natural disaster.  Even if you cannot make contact by phone, this list allows you to learn your loved ones’ status such as they are “safe at home” or are “taking refuge in a shelter,” etc.  But participants in affected areas must self-register at the time of the crisis; tell your loved ones and plan ahead to keep in touch!
• Learn how to handle your region’s challenges–At www.redcross.org you will also find a  heading entitled “Preparing and Getting Trained.”  It drops down to reveal an option called “Preparedness Fast Facts.”  This menu gives you specific preparation check-lists for fires, tornadoes, pet safety or whatever your challenges may be.  You can print up as many as you want and review all relevant scenarios for your area.  Lists include items to gather, how to prepare and what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Grab a few essentials–Ever had a flat tire?  If you have, you know the key to turning that disaster into a do-able task is preparation.  Having the right tool for the job makes all the difference when you are in a challenging situation of any kind.  Go beyond just printing up a list of suggested preparation items–get out and purchase them.  I like to add one item to my shopping list every week, usually something I see on sale.  One week I buy candles on sale, another week a 12-pack of water bottles.  Keep an eye out for sales at “super stores” where you can grab reduced-price energy bars while picking up an emergency weather radio.  And the beauty is, once you have your non-perishable items, that part is done! 
• Think of those around you—Many of us don’t feel the urge to provide for our own unexpected needs, but how about planning ahead for someone else?  If you have an elderly neighbor, live in an area with kids or share a walking path with local pets, chances are they may need some help in a crisis, too.  Consider buying an extra bag of dog biscuits when they go on sale or squirreling away some juice boxes.  Perishables need to be rotated, so if you stock up, be sure to use any times nearing their expiration date after purchasing replacements. 
• What’s the worst that can happen?—I like to keep apathy at bay by asking myself, “What’s the worst that can happen if I don’t end up using the items I’ve collected?”  The answer is simple: I use the candles to light a romantic dinner, take the water on a hike in the summer and pack the energy bars for my next camping trip.  Simply restock expired items the Red Cross says you should keep on hand and enjoy any items that need to be used.  In the end, we find we have nothing to lose–and everything to gain!

Whether you live in an area confronted by an annual hurricane season, are susceptible to frequent blizzards or prone to heat extremes, you get to choose how much power you take over your future.  My hope is I will never have to use my simple supplies, but if I do I’ll be thanking my lucky stars I took the time to be prepared.