AUG 24, 2009 - Ready America is an online resource I'm recommending because of questions I get about references to emergency kits in my forecasts. Growing up in Florida and experiencing a number of hurricanes - most of which weren't much more than nuisances - I'm accustomed to keeping a certain amount of stuff on hand for, let us say, power outages of greater or lesser duration. Hurricanes are only one type of emergency that can strike and make a mess of our lives. As I've said many times in my forecasts, it's better to be prepared and not need it, than to need it and not be prepared. Ready America outlines some prudent preparations that would stand us all in good stead. Depending on where you live, a hurricane might be the least of your worries. Yes, this is a US government website, but the recommendations are fairly universal. (If anything, I think they're rather minimal: each of us should review our own circumstances and needs to see what additional steps should be taken.) Bear in mind that achieving a minimal level of preparedness can be accomplished quickly and inexpensively. More than that takes more time and money and planning. If you haven't started, time's a wastin' . . .
