Disasters come in all shapes and forms. While many have adequately prepared for a possible threat, some people’s worst enemy are themselves. Without the proper mindset, and actions (or lack there of) such as an inflated ego, procrastination, or failure to act, can put a person in more danger. This is not the right mind frame when dealing with a chaotic situation. Having the right mind frame and being able to rationally make decisions is crucial during a disaster.
Be Weary: The Danger Still Exists
A well thought out disaster plan that encompasses a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C can help keep a family safe and keep their options open. Many preppers commonly agree to have back ups for the back ups. If one decides to stay at their home when an evacuation is ordered, they must be prepared for the consequences. The largest price to pay would be their lives, if they are not adequately prepared. The Guerra family decided to ride out Hurricane Katrina and in a 3 minute time span, water started pouring into their home and they were left with the only option to evacuate to the roof. The mistake they made to “ride it out” almost cost them their lives.
No one wants to be in this situation.
The Effects and Damage Could Be More Than One Envisioned
Storms, flooding and tornadoes leave behind broken power lines, uprooted trees, destroyed homes, dirty water sources and debris scattered in so many places that danger lurks at every corner. A person could be trapped in their homes for an unknown amount of time before rescue could come. Be prepared and aware of what one may see. There are fatalities with disasters, and for some disasters, there are many deaths.
If a situation is bad enough where a evacuation is ordered by the government, a person must be ready. Even though some individuals who are prepared with supplies and want to “ride it out,” will be told they have to leave. This is why having a secondary plan with a bug out location lined up is always necessary for disaster planning. According to the Disaster Evacuation and Displacement Policy the government has the right to force someone out of their home:
“Dependent upon state and local law, [the local executive] has extraordinary powers to suspend local laws and ordinances, such as to establish curfew, direct evacuations, and, in coordination with the local health authority, to order a quarantine.”
Source – Disaster Evacuation and Displacement Policy for Congress
Crime
In the aftermath of a disaster, police are either unable to be present or busy in the rescue area. This lack of police force only feeds acts of crime and lawlessness. Without the ability to defend oneself and their property, they are in a very dangerous situation. Having a defense plan is critical in the event where someone is trying to invade a home.
Lasting Health Issues
Disasters that cause polluted water, and collapsed buidings can cause lasting health problems. For instance, during the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, when the Twin Towers collapsed, tiny particles of debris, smoke and asbestos filled the air that many breathed in. This caused lasting damage to their lungs. Additionally, wading through polluted flood waters like many had to do during Hurricane Katrina caused water born illnesses and for some staph infections due to where the infection seeped into their skin from previous cuts and wounds.
Staying put and hunkering down during a disaster is a choice that many face. But weigh the consequences of this before setting the plan in stone.