Thanks goes to Rey Gonzalez for this latest article on disaster preparedness.
Many of us don’t prepare, plan or even discuss what happens in the event of a major disaster with long term affects, or a minor temporary disruption in our lives. Any event, man-made or not, can disrupt or prevent something, especially in our way of life, a daily process, or an established system of getting things accomplished, from continuing as is the norm or as usual. Herein is when/where we should all have and understand our personal continuity of operations plan (COOP).
Any event or mishap can disrupt our usual norms. And any such event may occur in or near our home, workplace, or village. As such, having planned for any such occurrence will make it that much easier and safer to manage. Having such a plan with goals and objectives to reunite with family, deal with the inconveniences, insurance companies, recovery of losses, is essential. And one single plan with different designed plays in our playbook will help do just that. Keep important paperwork, currency access, guns/ammo, not an over-load, readily available in one place/container ready to grab and run should an event occur in or near home base.
First, we must identify and establish a muster or assembly point. It may not always be the home base. Such locations must be identified based on the event and the proximity to the location of occurrence, so make it nowhere near ground zero.
After assembling, or should time not permit assembly, you should have identified a primary location or two which will serve as your temporary primary facility, and which will be used to house/feed/reunite you and carry out essential functions. Also, don’t forget to designate alternate facilities.
Second, establish a delegation of authority. Identify who will make decisions re-establish goals and objectives should the need arise and make policy decisions. It sounds very governmental-ish but understanding the continuity of operations by all is essential.
Third, keep in mind that communication channels may not be readily available at the onset or during an event, until such time as comms and power are restored. In many cases, you may establish a “runner.” This will be someone with the ability and know-how to communicate in person, via third party, or other means, with others, and return with communications from others.
Lastly, it is a restoring and/or reconstitution of our lives. You should have a process in place whereby a surviving or replacement person can pick up and move toward normalization.
I mean no scare tactics, nor do I predict a major occurrence that will disrupt any of our lives any time soon. I do believe in preparing and planning. Discuss it, if only superficially, with loved ones, family and friends. It’s a small undertaking compared to the major buttocks pain that may come with such an occurrence.
Ok then, that’s all I have to say about that.
