About Emergency Preparedness
During an emergency, families and individuals rely heavily on the institutions that were constructed to serve the community such as the Fire Department, Police Department, Clinics, Hospitals, Humanitarian Organizations, Food Supply Chains and Disaster Organizations. But what are we to do if these organizations are somehow unreachable for long periods of time or so overwhelmed that they are not able to provide their services to the people
As believers in Christ, the Lord our God did not leave us as sheep without a shepherd. We have in us the Holy Spirit of the Most High God and Elders and Leaders of the Faith. One of the greatest commands the Lord Jesus gave us when He was leaving the world is that we love one another. Christians all over the world, though far apart are one. One in faith, Spirit and fellowship. And when there is need, disaster or peril, we share in these burdens also. We do this by fervent prayer for each other and by lending a helping hand where we can, yes even to the world.
Although some have fallen to scoffing at the warnings in the scriptures, these are indeed the latter times. The last days of all ages. God is eternal and could never be bound by mankind's notion of time. A few thousand years to our God are but a tiny spot on an endless scroll. When the Lord says He is coming soon, He is indeed coming soon. We are living in the end times and the devil, as it is written, knows he has but a short time.
Jeshurun Ministry in obedience to God, seeks to provide recommendations based on scriptural guidelines for Kingdom Living in addition to standard community guidelines from various organizations on preparing for emergency situations. Although disasters may vary in different parts of the world, in the end times, the common will no longer be the common and we must first seek God's guidance to navigate these situations. He is faithful to lead His children through these times of trouble but we must walk in obedience to His word and follow His instructions when He gives them. These will be the times when the fellowship all over the world will have to rely more heavily on each other for strength and charity when the world's systems are in turmoil.
How To Prepare
The bible teaches us that we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Being in right standing with The Almighty enables us to dwell in His presence, live in faith and confidence with God and most importantly, trust His counsel in all things. Believers are urged to put their houses in order and walk upright in holiness before the Lord as He commands then follow practical guidelines to prepare for emergency situations.
It is important to know your area of residence, specifically its vulnerabilities and assets. Secure the contacts for your neighbors and live as good neighbors where possible, lending a hand to each other when needed. Communities will have to work together and stay informed of warnings and hazardous situations. Community leaders should be aware of the elderly, the disabled and the handicapped in the area. Families should look into CPR and First Aid Training so that at least one member of the family can offer some assistance in a medical emergency if the hospital or emergency services are unavailable at the time.
According to the DRA - Disaster Reconstruction Authority here in the Bahamas, the four stages of the disaster management cycle are Mitigation, Preparation, Response and Recovery.
MITIGATION are the actions taken before hand to make an event less severe if it was to occur, such as building a strong home in an area not prone to flooding, or building a flood proof structure at or near a coastal area.
PREPARATION means immediately preparing for an event or disaster when forewarning was able to be received from local officials.
RESPONSE is the actions taken during the event that allows individuals and families to come out of it alive and safe.
RECOVERY is the clean up and rebuilding process for a return to a normal state of function as soon as possible after the event.
We will now look at the practical guidelines of preparation for such emergency situations or natural disasters.
HURRICANES
EARTHQUAKES
TSUNAMIS
Modern Technology has thankfully made preparing for these types of storms possible by giving advanced notice of their arrival.
Earthquakes occur in a range of intensity from very weak to catastrophic. There is no precise day and time method of prediction
The word Tsunami is Japanese in origin. Underwater seismic events can trigger a Tsunami and being aware of the signs of oncoming tidal waves can save your life.
VOLCANOES
FIRES
Volcanic eruptions can reduce visibility, damage homes and buildings, and cause severe health problems.
Taking action before hand to prevent a fire from ever occuring is the standard to save lives and property.
HEAT WAVE
Extreme heat can pose serious health problems for high risk individuals.
FLOODING
TORNADOES
LANDSLIDES
Catastrophic flooding can occur with advanced warning and without any warnings at all causing death and injury.
Tornadoes are spawned from thunderstorms and can also be formed in tropical storms such as hurricanes.
Landslides are dangerous and life-threatening because they often occur with little to no notice very quickly.
SNOW STORM
HAIL STORM
AVALANCHE
Snow storms or Winter storms can range from a moderate snowfall to a blinding windy blizzard that can last for days or hours.
Hail fall is possible during most thunderstorms and can cause injuries and damages to aircrafts, vehicles and crops.
Similar to a landslide, an Avalanche is the sudden rapid flow of snow and ice down a slope
FOOD SHORTAGE
DROUGHT
BIOHAZARD EXPOSURE
Stock a short term emergency food pantry but focus on long term initiatives such as farming and fishing.
The best way to prepare for a drought is to make conserving water a part of your daily life.
Biological events are mainly caused by the spreading of organisms or toxins that can make people and animals sick.
