By Brian Scoles
Recently, I came accrossed some startling information that I just have to write about in hopes that it will evoke a response from those who read this blog.
According to a report published by Peter D. Hart Research and Public Opinion Stratagies, Americans, both personally and as a nation, lack the initiative to prepare themselves and their families for natural disasters or terrorist attacks. This comes on the heels of the tragic events of September 11, 2000 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Americans have readily accepted the changes that have occurred since 9/11 in everything from air travel to entering public buildings or doing business on the Internet. We readily accept being searched and scanned for our safety, yet we fail to undertake the most simple personal precautions and disaster planning to protect ourselves, our family, and our community in the event of a disaster or attack. Why is it that although the nation has adapted to increased security in daily lives, Americans have not personalized the realities of these threats enough to take more personal preparedness actions?
Are we so complacent as a society that we think another tragedy will not strike us? Apparently that is the case. The Hart report states that 54 percent of Americans don't think another disaster is likely to happen.
That's not to say American's hearts weren't touched by what they saw during the terrorist attack and the hurricanes, people donated financially in record proportions. But, donating money to enable someone else to care for the victims and getting actively involved to the point of personal preparedness are very different things.
Why are you unprepared? Why do you think others don't prepare? I'd like to hear from you.
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2 comments:
I can't believe that 54% of Americans don't think another disaster is likely to happen. That is truly living with your head in the sand! I do think, however, that most people believe that nothing will ever happen to them! It is always going to happen to someone else, somewhere else, at some other time.
Unfortunatly, most people have great intentions but procrastinate about creating that family disaster plan, getting those disaster supplies for a kit (which by the way, aren't cheap!), getting trained, etc. We just have to do the best we can with what we can afford and go that extra mile when we can.
By Brian Scoles
54% is staggering considering the size and scope of the tragedy that struck the Gulf Coast last hurricane season. But the fact remains that majority of American's are unprepared.
Where does the fault lie for this situation? Remember, many relief agencies were criticised heavily for a delayed response.
Should the blame for the lack of preparation be placed on the Federal Government, the American Red Cross, or is it the individual?
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