Over the past few weeks, Coloradans have listened to emotional reports recounting the stories of families whose homes were lost in the Four Mile Canyon Fire west of Boulder. Despite the heroic efforts of the hundreds of responders, despite the deployment of extraordinary firefighting assets, despite the unified commitment made by local, state and federal resources, 167 homes were destroyed, stealing irreplaceable valuables and generations of treasures.
These fires, as well as the spectrum of natural disasters we are vulnerable to in Colorado, force us to confront our sometimes volatile relationship with Mother Nature. However, we are not helpless. With a little effort, we can have an impact on our exposure, vulnerability and resilience to the unleashed forces of nature.
September was National Preparedness Month, an opportunity to remind us of the need to prepare for natural disasters and all-hazards. FEMA is pleased to have joined emergency officials at local and state levels in this important effort, together with businesses, non-profits, community organizations, voluntary agencies such as the American Red Cross, and most important, individual citizens.
It is critical that we assume personal responsibility for our safety. It is also just as important for us to reach out to those in our neighborhoods and community associations who may need additional assistance – the elderly, those without resources, those with functional challenges, and those who are isolated and alone.
I am continually inspired by stories of individuals and communities who took the time to plan, and then when disaster struck, their plan saved not only their own lives and property, but also the lives and property of others in their community. Disaster preparedness not only helps with the immediate life- and property-saving measures, it also contributes to our individual and community resilience, our ability to bounce back.
Experts talk about the difficulty of motivating people to prepare for low-probability, high-risk events such as floods, tornados and wildfires. But I can tell you that when the natural tendencies of Mother Nature crosses paths with the all-too human tendency to say that it won’t happen to me, people and communities suffer.
As FEMA regional administrator, I recognize that government has a role to play in protecting lives and property, but government has only a piece of the preparedness and response pie. It takes all of us – working individually and collectively as a team – to be ready for the challenges that disasters bring. Preparedness starts with the individual.
First, make a family disaster plan so you know what important actions to take in the event of an emergency. Second, put a kit together that will enable you and your family to be self-sufficient in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Third, stay informed. Take a Red Cross course or first aid training. Learn what risks you are most likely to face in your area. Visit the website, or tap into numerous resources available in your local community. And don’t forget to make connections with your neighbors.
Preparedness Month is not about fear. It is about empowerment and personal leadership. It is also about making a proactive choice between being a disaster victim or being a disaster survivor.
Don’t wait for someone to do it for you, don’t wait for a disaster to hit, don’t wait to be rescued, and don’t wait till tomorrow. Prepare now!
Robin F. Finegan is regional administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an online-only column and has not been edited.
