# 4536
SIP stands for Sheltering In Place, something that the Federal government would like to see more people willing and able to do in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
Whether it be the aftermath of a hurricane, an earthquake, or a terrorist’s dirty bomb . . . people need to be prepared to care for themselves and their loved ones for hours, perhaps even days.
It is for that reason that I’ve stressed the need for individual and community preparedness, and have urged that every household have enough supplies to last a minimum of 72 hours (food and water), a good first aid kit (and knowledge to use it), an emergency radio, and a family emergency plan.
As a paramedic, I’ve seen what a lack of preparedness and training can cost, in terms of suffering and even lives.
And as a Floridian who has ridden out more than a few hurricanes, I know what happens to grocery store shelves before, and immediately after a big storm, and what it is like to be without power for an extended period of time.
Which is why I prefer to see people maintain a minimum of two-weeks of emergency supplies in their home.
John Solomon, writing on his In Case Of Emergency Blog, has two entries that I would refer you to this morning. Both deal with the need for Sheltering In Place after a terrorist attack, and how that could save thousands of lives.
Yesterday, John wrote:
New Study Indicates Most Washington, D.C. Area Residents Would Be Willing To Follow Instructions To ‘Shelter In Place’ After ‘Dirty Bomb’
Followed today by:
“Gimme Shelter: The Need For A Contemporary Civil Defense Program”
Both essays raise important issues. Highly recommended.
Personally, I prefer to think in terms of `all-threats’ preparedness. But for those who live in New York City, Washington D.C., or other large high-value areas, terrorist attacks certainly have to be considered.
The bottom line, however, is that willingness to follow emergency instructions isn’t enough. People have to be prepared to shelter in place before a disaster strikes if they hope to comply.
Agencies like FEMA, READY.GOV and the HHS are constantly trying to get the preparedness message out, so that when (not `if') a disaster does occur, human losses can be minimized.
For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, up to and including a terrorist attach, the following sites should be of assistance.
FEMA http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm
READY.GOV http://www.ready.gov/
AMERICAN RED CROSS http://www.redcross.org/
And a few of my (many) preparedness essays include:
An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness
Inside My Bug Out Bag
Red Cross Unveils `Do More Than Cross Your Fingers’ Campaign
The Gift Of Preparedness
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