After reading numerous accounts of the Moore, Okla., tornado in the New York Times and from reports on National Public Radio, you can hear the wonder in the reporters’ voices as to why “these people” continue to live in tornado-prone region. “There they go again,” was the tone, as if jobs and family had nothing to do with why people live where they do. THE BAD thing about emergencies is they don’t happen often enough — at least when it comes to being prepared.
Of course, I feel the same way about those who rebuild in the obvious path of a hurricane or along the San Andreas Fault. Though it seems the chances of being blown away by a tornado are more slim than getting walloped by a wall of water or swallowed up by the earth.
When the sirens sounded Sunday night, I was surprised at how ill prepared I was. Even with a basement, I had nothing of use stored down there. Yes, there were the keepsakes of photo albums. But in the refrigerator there was no water or useful food. As I stood among jars of exotic marmalade and honey, I realized I had no clothing, shoes, or outerwear set aside. We had to scurry around to locate flashlights. I had left my purse with cash and credit cards upstairs. We had no first aid kit within reach. And I married a Boy Scout.
The next day gave me pause as to what I would do differently and I’m determined to set aside some time this weekend to assemble an emergency kit.
The good weather returns and emergency mode is soon replaced by normalcy.
In truth, it’s counterproductive to always be thinking a disaster lurks around the corner. That way of thinking can shape our personalities into soothsayers of doom. Such people lose a sense of purposefulness in their lives and their sense of priorities flies out the window, including taking care of one’s health with good diet, sleep and exercise.
It’s also fatiguing to always be on edge.
Sure as rain, another tornado is on its way. Being prepared is the best way to cope, and then let it go.
Disasters, close calls, deaths, all are teachers of priorities. Grab onto life, let the other stuff go.
Sunday’s tornado drill found us woefully inept
