Why Not Make a Plan?

Why are people with disabilities so reluctant to create a plan for responding to disaster? We have the greatest likelihood of not surviving a disaster simply because we are disabled and must contend with that as well as whatever happens during an emergency, so why don’t we try to even the playing field by developing a plan to reduce the impact disaster might have on us? Is it because we are afraid to face our vulnerability? To me, this just doesn’t make sense. Maybe there is something to be said for being an “ounce of prevention” personality, but I want to know that I’ve got the edge that will help me survive in the event something disastrous happens.

Perhaps it’s the fear about how much it will cost to prepare? But it seems to me that doing nothing is far worse! There are so many things you can do to make a difference that don’t cost anything. For instance, writing down the contact information for the services you need. Or perhaps it’s collecting a few extra supplies to have on hand, or even designating a spot where you’ll meet up with family in the event you have to evacuate. If you can put a few dollars into those items you are especially dependent upon, then so much the better, but not doing anything at all leaves you at the mercy of whatever wind is blowing at the moment.

Maybe you feel it will take too long to make a plan. But don’t you find time for the things that are important to you, and shouldn’t this be important? I’m convinced that disastrous events are occurring at a much greater rate than they have in the past, and now is the time to think about how a disaster might affect you and what you can do to lessen the impact.

Creating a plan isn’t hard to do.Disability Network/Lakeshore is available to assist you in designing your plan. We have packets that will help you identify the areas you are especially vulnerable in and suggestions for how you might design your plan. Please, contact us at 616-396-5326 and ask for a copy of your emergency preparedness planning kit.