“Crises are part of life. Everybody has to face them, and it doesn’t make any difference what the crisis is.” ~Jack Nicklaus
We’re spending some time in Louisiana with family this week as Hurricane Laura barrels down on that state and Texas. Forecasters are right: Take care of yourself. Your life is more important than your stuff.
It’s interesting to listen to those forecasters — even as some sensationalize and hype — emphasize the significance of protecting your four walls. But it’s true, isn’t it? Essentially, when crises arise, it’s the same message every time: Protect your four walls. Whether the emergency is your health, your finances, your personal well-being or your life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, circle the wagons.
Take care of your family:
- Shelter.
- Vehicle/transportation.
- Utilities.
- Food.
Funny how forecasters, meteorologists, governors, mayors and other leaders agree during this unusually strong hurricane. Take care of yourself and your family. Make sure your home is battened down, your car is full of gas, you have a generator or other way to cook or preserve essential items and make sure you have plenty of food.
Crisis always brings to light the fact that you need a plan. The time to plan, however, is before the crisis, when cooler heads prevail and time is on your side. You know that empty feeling when you walk into Walmart and the shelves are bare? Or you’re forced to wait in line to fill up your spare gas cans as the storms? Again, it’s the same with health, finances, family matters, economic downturn and national crisis like COVID-19.
But even as the storm is approaching, you can still win. Don’t panic and be flexible. Here are a few tips if you’re surprised or caught unawares.
- Prepare, and have a sense of urgency.
- Create a plan. If you don’t have enough resources, make the most of what you have.
- Have important items at the ready: Food, cash, fuel, transportation, tools etc.
- Stay vigilant. Be prepared to act.
- Communicate with those in your circle.
- Take notes that will help you prepare for the next storm or crisis.
One of the keys to surviving a crisis is to heed the guidance of experts. First, identify the experts or your go-to source for the crisis and observe their instruction. Warnings and alerts are critical, especially in the height of crisis.
Above all, though, stay calm and maintain the peace. And, once the storm passes, take a breath. And plan for next time.