SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

Whether you've always lived on the fringe or are busy creating your fortunes, preparedness is becoming a household term. From Amazon dot com's preparedness store selling "kits", and providing lists to help you prepare, to the Department of Homeland Security's fourth annual National Preparedness Month campaign, it 's like Y2K on steroids.

 

Just search the internet on preparedness- you will be presented with an onslaught of articles, businesses, organizations, government agencies, and individuals, presenting reams of information, ideas, and products.

 

I attended the "Preparedness Fair" on the grounds of Olympia's state capitol this week. Booth after booth of information on how to prepare for an earthquake, a tsunami, a volcanic eruption, a fire, or a flood, what you need to do, what you need to have. List after list, pamphlet after pamphlet. Like the others in attendance I went from table to table collecting information, which in the end filled up a large plastic bag. It's enough to cripple you from even taking the first step.  I walked away wondering if I'd ever open that bag and read even one of those pamphlets. I wondered how many people who attended would.

Where to begin? Take a deep breath and go for a long walk. Once you've found that calm and clear place, decide that you'll take one step, do one thing,  towards your preparedness.