Are we ever really prepared for a disaster? We purchase insurance to protect our persons and our property. We make wills for the worst case scenario. And for everything inbetween we try our best to prepare. If we’re lucky we  have basements or storm shelters. For those of us who don’t have either we pick a room or place inside our home to be our “safe” place. We stock up on bottled water, batteries, flashlights, portable radios, candles, ready to eat goods and some folks even have generators. But there’s always something we didn’t think of or, in the case of April 2011, we had no warning so we didn’t get a chance to brace. The tornadoes hit and Alabama will show the scars for years to come. My family had no electricity for eight long days. Our mettle was certainly tested. But we, in my household,  were spared injury and loss of property so we can’t complain.

A few things I learned during that horrific time was that people handle the fear and the pressure very differently. Folks you consider quite strong might prove othewise under perilous conditions. It was fascinating to watch. I discovered, for example, that a man I have known for quite some time and whom I in fact know quite well could not handle the darkness and the eerie quiet of the nights. As the days passed he unraveled bit by bit. We sat on my front porch many nights talking him through the discomfort. Another neighbor had to leave town. She couldn’t bear the uncertainty of when life would return to normal. Others became extremely protective and territorial of their homes and possessions. Worse, they grew  suspicous of everyone. These were normal people…usually. The very first night without electricity a young man lost his life over a twelve-pack of beer. Never under estimate the fear darkness and uncertainty can prompt in other humans. After about three days desperation sets in. The already devastating situation becomes even more volatile.

Yesterday and last night I spent a lot of time thinking about and praying for those in the path of Sandy. I fear there will be much loss of life and property. Life may not return to normal in the areas most affected for a number of days or weeks. So today, I would like to ask all of you to reach out in whatever way you can. If you have resources, help those who don’t. Call friends and ensure they’re safe. One of the most important things friends did for me in April 2011 was just a phone call to see that we were safe. That meant so much. Your thoughts and prayers can make such a huge difference. So make those calls. If you live in the affected areas and it’s safe to do so, get out and check on neighbors. See about the elderly in your community. Let those struggling know that you care and that they are in your thoughts.

I hope you’ll share with us today some of the things you do to prepare for disaster that might help others be more prepared in the future. And whatever you do in times of disaster, make staying safe the priority.