Hurricane Ike - A Painful Reminder
By Christine E Cederquist

Downed power lines, thousands upon thousands of flooded homes, and victims awaiting relief are just some of the scenes in Louisiana and Texas, evidence of Hurricane Ike's profuse wrath. The warnings of "certain death" given by officials were not the only concerns in the minds of those who stayed behind to face Hurricane Ike, but painful memories of disastrous Hurricane Katrina which roared through New Orleans and the Gulf Coast only three years prior, would have been enough to create fear in the hearts of many.

One can't help but feel compassion for those who were the victims of Hurricane Katrina and now the victims of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. Although many of us are distant from the realities faced by those living in hurricane-prone areas, with only the scenes on our television sets as a cruel reminder of Mother Nature's capabilities, it is vital to our safety to prepare lest a natural disaster head our way.

Despite the rising gas prices (almost $5 a gallon in certain areas) due to a fear of shortage in supply, gas prices should be the least of our concerns during a time like this. Time stops for no one, nor does destruction-causing weather and so it goes without saying that one should plan for the worst strategically while praying for the best. However, where does preparation begin... and how?

Preparation begins with YOU. Precaution and careful planning are required to safeguard not only your life, but the lives of family members. Now you may be thinking, 'I don't need to prepare yet', but rest assure, a Natural Disaster will not wait until you've prepared yourself for it, so why would you wait for it? Begin preparing by first researching the types of Natural Disasters that may strike and affect your community/state. Next, gather the Survival Tools necessary to protect yourself from a potentially threatening natural occurrence. Lastly, sit down with family members to devise an Emergency Plan for Disaster. The key to safe living isn't just about a proper reaction, but being proactive. Claim your life and your world. We may not be able to stop Mother Nature, but we can surely do a better job of being prepared for her when she comes.

Rule your world. Make it safe!!!

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