June 2, 2008 - Make preparedness a community effort It seems like disasters are in the news every single day. Is it because there are more disasters or are they just being covered more often now due to the 24-hour news cycle? Statistics can be overwhelming, but let’s look at some numbers. For 9 years we have quietly been trying to help our country prepare for the unexpected using our collaborative programs associated with our customizable 284-page book. We’ve worked with many government agencies, businesses and nonprofits to get hundreds of thousands of custom books into the public’s hands.
Commentary by Bill & Janet Liebsch
According to NOAA the United States averages 1,200 tornado sightings per year. Tornado season typically runs from March through July and, through the end of May [the most active month], there have been over 1,200 tornadoes sighted. But 2004 still holds the record with 1,717 tornado reports per the National Weather Service.
Initial reports indicate 2008 is on track for being one of the deadliest tornado seasons with over 100 deaths so far, however the record was in 1953 with 519 tornado-related deaths. Another statistic from 1974 shows 148 tornadoes ripped through 13 states and 1 province during a 21-hour period killing 315 people.
The recent quake in China has taken almost 70,000 lives by initial estimates and the aftershocks may continue for weeks or months potentially causing more casualties. But the deadliest earthquake on record was also in central China back in 1557 killing an estimated 830,000 people.
And nearly 1,800 thunderstorms can be in progress over the face of the earth at any given moment, according to NOAA.
The point is … disasters happen ~ period. No matter where you live there is a chance some type of natural or man-made disaster or emergency can (or at some time will) occur. Whether it’s a flood, fire, winter storm, hurricane, a chemical spill forcing an evacuation, or your child getting a bloody nose – stuff happens.
The question is … what are YOU gonna do about it?
According to a 2006 study by The Ad Council … "although 91 percent of Americans said it is important to be prepared for emergencies, only 55 percent have actually taken steps to prepare".
Most citizens and small businesses argue why should I prepare for something that might not happen. Our response is … why not. If more people would learn what to do before, during and after many types of scenarios (esp. children and young adults), it could alleviate a lot of problems, fear and anxiety. Plus it could lessen the burden on our nation’s Emergency Services during a crisis.
We rely primarily on word-of-mouth so we can keep our costs down and provide a quality customizable product for 75% - 89% off the $14.99 list … and still donate millions in cash and match to First Responders and nonprofits around the country. And, as of last fall we started offering the same deeply discounted price direct to citizens too.
Our objective is not to "sell a book". Our goal is to help agencies, businesses, civic clubs, faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools, youth groups and volunteers work together and make preparedness a community-wide initiative and share the wealth to benefit everyone involved.
For example, Saint Paul Island’s Department of Public Safety had no money to purchase custom books but wanted a copy in every home on the island. So the DPS Director approached some businesses on his Local Emergency Planning Committee, and they contributed money and services in exchange for having their logos and data in the book and on the cover. The Director collected enough money to pay for his entire book order and part down on a civil defense siren for the Island. It was a community effort that was a total win-win for the agency, residents and local businesses!
So next time a disaster happens and you’re asking "what can I do to help" … look in the mirror and ask yourself if you, your family and community are ready for the unexpected. Then ask your neighbors, churches, Scouts, civic clubs, schools, Chambers and volunteers to pool orders together to save on freight and get this book in everyone’s hands. Or better yet … have those groups use our fundraising programs to get the data out to local citizens and earn money for their efforts.
To learn more about us, our products and programs please visit www.itsadisaster.net or call Fedhealth toll-free 1-888-999-4325 (7a-4p Pacific Mon – Fri).
Bill & Janet Liebsch are co-founders of Fedhealth and co-authors of IT’S A DISASTER! …and what are YOU gonna do about it?
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