How Long Does It Take to Become Disaster Prepared?

Disaster preparedness is a lifelong commitment. No one can become totally prepared overnight it takes time, step by step. No one can ever be fully prepared with all the needed supplies that would cost too much money.

Disaster preparedness starts with recognizing that disasters do happen. No one is immune. Get to know what disasters are more likely in your neck of the woods. For example, living in California, you can expect more earthquakes.

What most people do not realize is that the Mississippi River, from the top to the Gulf, is where the New Madrid Fault is located (which helped form the river). The fault has been dormant since 1811/1812, but when it shifts again, it could affect major cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Evansville, Indiana.

Every year, hundreds of small earthquakes occur in the NMSZ (New Madrid Seismic Zone). However, most are too small to be felt by humans and can only be detected by sensitive instruments.

Disaster preparedness is a lifelong commitment. No one can become totally prepared overnight it takes time, step by step. No one can ever be fully prepared with all the needed supplies that would cost too much money.

Disaster preparedness starts with recognizing that disasters do happen. No one is immune. Get to know what disasters are more likely in your neck of the woods. For example, living in California, you can expect more earthquakes.

What most people do not realize is that the Mississippi River, from the top to the Gulf, is where the New Madrid Fault is located (which helped form the river). The fault has been dormant since 1811/1812, but when it shifts again, it could affect major cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Evansville, Indiana.

Every year, hundreds of small earthquakes occur in the NMSZ (New Madrid Seismic Zone). However, most are too small to be felt by humans and can only be detected by sensitive instruments.

The key to disaster preparedness is getting started and continuing to get more prepared every day

What most people do not realize is that the Mississippi River, from the top to the Gulf, is where the New Madrid Fault is located (which helped form the river). The fault has been dormant since 1811/1812, but when it shifts again, it could affect major cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Evansville, Indiana. Every year, hundreds of small earthquakes occur in the NMSZ (New Madrid Seismic Zone). However, most are too small to be felt by humans and can only be detected by sensitive instruments.

If the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 were to recur today, significant damage to buildings, transportation, and critical infrastructure would occur in at least eight states, resulting in loss of life and economic disruption.

The Great New Madrid Earthquake was actually a seismic event made up of three major quakes, followed by thousands of aftershocks. These aftershocks ranged from strong, damaging quakes to weaker quakes that lasted for years after the main shocks. The three main shocks were estimated at magnitudes 7.7, 7.5, and 7.7. Since there were no seismograph stations in the region at that time, magnitude estimates vary widely (from 7.7 to 8.1) based on the interpretation of journal accounts, damage reports, and descriptions of effects from that time.

Since the last major eruption was over 200 years ago, most do not even consider this to be a threat. But it is possible. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) has projected that for an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 to 8.0, the probability for occurrence is approximately 7-10% over the next 50 years. Knowing what could possibly happen, as well as what is more likely to occur, can help you plan and prepare. If you are ready for a major disaster, the smaller ones are easier to manage.

The key to disaster preparedness is getting started and continuing to get more prepared every day.

The key to disaster preparedness is getting started and

continuing to get more prepared every day

What most people do not realize is that the Mississippi River, from the top to the Gulf, is where the New Madrid Fault is located (which helped form the river). The fault has been dormant since 1811/1812, but when it shifts again, it could affect major cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Evansville, Indiana. Every year, hundreds of small earthquakes occur in the NMSZ (New Madrid Seismic Zone). However, most are too small to be felt by humans and can only be detected by sensitive instruments.

If the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 were to recur today, significant damage to buildings, transportation, and critical infrastructure would occur in at least eight states, resulting in loss of life and economic disruption.

The Great New Madrid Earthquake was actually a seismic event made up of three major quakes, followed by thousands of aftershocks. These aftershocks ranged from strong, damaging quakes to weaker quakes that lasted for years after the main shocks. The three main shocks were estimated at magnitudes 7.7, 7.5, and 7.7. Since there were no seismograph stations in the region at that time, magnitude estimates vary widely (from 7.7 to 8.1) based on the interpretation of journal accounts, damage reports, and descriptions of effects from that time.

Since the last major eruption was over 200 years ago, most do not even consider this to be a threat. But it is possible. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) has projected that for an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 to 8.0, the probability for occurrence is approximately 7-10% over the next 50 years. Knowing what could possibly happen, as well as what is more likely to occur, can help you plan and prepare. If you are ready for a major disaster, the smaller ones are easier to manage.

The key to disaster preparedness is getting started and continuing to get more prepared every day.

New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812

If the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 were to recur today, significant damage to buildings, transportation, and critical infrastructure would occur in at least eight states. This would result in loss of life and economic disruption. The Great New Madrid Earthquake was actually a seismic event made up of three major quakes, followed by thousands of aftershocks. These aftershocks ranged from strong, damaging quakes to weaker ones that lasted for years after the main shocks. The three main shocks were estimated at magnitudes 7.7, 7.5, and 7.7.

As there were no seismograph stations in the region at that time, magnitude estimates vary widely (from 7.7 to 8.1) based on interpretation of journal accounts, damage reports, and descriptions of effects from that time. Since the last major eruption was over 200 years ago, most do not even consider this to be a threat. However, it is possible. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) has projected that for an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 to 8.0, the probability of occurrence is approximately 7-10% over the next 50 years.

Knowing what could possibly happen, as well as what is more likely to occur, can help you plan and prepare. If you are ready for a major disaster, the smaller ones are easier to manage.

New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812

If the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 were to recur today, significant damage to buildings, transportation, and critical infrastructure would occur in at least eight states. This would result in loss of life and economic disruption. The Great New Madrid Earthquake was actually a seismic event made up of three major quakes, followed by thousands of aftershocks. These aftershocks ranged from strong, damaging quakes to weaker ones that lasted for years after the main shocks. The three main shocks were estimated at magnitudes 7.7, 7.5, and 7.7.

As there were no seismograph stations in the region at that time, magnitude estimates vary widely (from 7.7 to 8.1) based on interpretation of journal accounts, damage reports, and descriptions of effects from that time. Since the last major eruption was over 200 years ago, most do not even consider this to be a threat. However, it is possible. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) has projected that for an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 to 8.0, the probability of occurrence is approximately 7-10% over the next 50 years.

Knowing what could possibly happen, as well as what is more likely to occur, can help you plan and prepare. If you are ready for a major disaster, the smaller ones are easier to manage.

Do We Have to Be Prepare for a Disaster?

YES! The need to prepare is real.

Every disaster has lasting effects, both on people and property. If a disaster occurs in your community, local government and disaster relief organizations will try to help you. However, they will eventually leave, leaving the people to rebuild. The main goal in preparedness is to be self-sustaining for a bare minimum of three days. But in reality, it should be between seven and ten days. If roads are damaged and power is out, no one will be able to reach you for a while. You and your neighbors need to be ready as well.

The goal of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and other outside organizations is to provide aid to help you get back on your feet. They are not there to care for you forever. There are many reasons people may not prepare for disasters.

Some of them are:

Lack of awareness: People may not be aware of the need to prepare.

Limited access: People may not have access to preparedness products or services.

Cost barriers: People who are struggling financially may be less likely to want to spend the money.

Underestimation: People may not consider the cost of preparing for a disaster.

There are some who can afford all sorts of fancy survival equipment, but most of us cannot. Disaster preparedness does not need to cost a lot. Any preparedness is better than nothing. Also, working with your neighbors can help lower some of the costs.

Much of what you may need, you might already have. You just do not know it. Or you do know, but the items are scattered all over your house or business. In many situations, you will not have the time to retrieve them.

Do We Have to Be Prepare for a Disaster?

YES! The need to prepare is real.

Every disaster has lasting effects, both on people and property. If a disaster occurs in your community, local government and disaster relief organizations will try to help you. However, they will eventually leave, leaving the people to rebuild. The main goal in preparedness is to be self-sustaining for a bare minimum of three days. But in reality, it should be between seven and ten days. If roads are damaged and power is out, no one will be able to reach you for a while. You and your neighbors need to be ready as well.

The goal of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and other outside organizations is to provide aid to help you get back on your feet. They are not there to care for you forever. There are many reasons people may not prepare for disasters.

Some of them are:

Lack of awareness: People may not be aware of the need to prepare.

Limited access: People may not have access to preparedness products or services.

Cost barriers: People who are struggling financially may be less likely to want to spend the money.

Underestimation: People may not consider the cost of preparing for a disaster.

There are some who can afford all sorts of fancy survival equipment, but most of us cannot. Disaster preparedness does not need to cost a lot. Any preparedness is better than nothing. Also, working with your neighbors can help lower some of the costs.

Much of what you may need, you might already have. You just do not know it. Or you do know, but the items are scattered all over your house or business. In many situations, you will not have the time to retrieve them.

What Are The Benefits of

Disaster Preparedness?

Disaster Preparedness and knowing what could go wrong allows you to prevent many dangerous situations from happening. Taking steps now can minimize injury or a medical emergency if something does occur. You can reduce potential damage to your property from disaster situations. Having confidence that you know what to do will reduce your fear and the emotional impact of an incident.

Disaster preparedness has many benefits. First and foremost, it increases your chances of success. When you are prepared, you are able to act quickly and decisively.

Being prepared can reduce fear and anxiety in any given situation. The more calm you can be, the more quickly and focused you can think. This helps lessen losses that accompany disasters.

Benjamin Franklin said,

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."

Alexander Graham Bell said,

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

Neil Armstrong said,

"Prepare and trust your instincts,"

as well as,

“You’ve got to expect things are going to go wrong. And we always need to prepare ourselves for handling the unexpected.”

"The question is not IF something is going to happen, rather WHEN something is going to happen - and What. Will You Be Prepared?"

— Jeanie Edwards

What Are The Benefits of Disaster Preparedness?

Disaster Preparedness and knowing what could go wrong, allows you to prevent many dangerous situations from happening. Taking steps now can minimize injury or a medical emergency if something does happen. You can reduce potential damage to your property from disaster situations. Having confidence that you know what to do will reduce your fear and the emotional impact of an incident.

Disaster Preparedness has many benefits. First and foremost, it increases your chances of success. When you are prepared, you are able to act quickly and decisively.

Being prepared can reduce fear and anxiety in any given situation. The more calm you can be allows you to think more quickly and focused. This helps lessen losses that accompany disasters.

Benjamin Franklin said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail".

Alexander Graham Bell said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” .

Neil Armstrong said, "Prepare and trust your instincts." as well as " You've got to expect things are going to go wrong.

And we always need to prepare ourselves for handling the unexpected”.

"The question is not IF something is going to happen, rather WHEN is something going to happen - and What. Will You Be Prepared?"

- Jeanie Edwards