Planning For The Unexpected Can Save LivesBy Tom Herrin Most people don’t think of many things today as life-threatening. After all, this is the 21st century in which the world is loaded with technological advancements. Even with all this ability to control so many things, no one has effectively been able to control the elements. Natural disasters can happen almost anywhere at almost anytime. Just because people feel that they live in an area in which none of those things seem to occur, there is no guarantee. While some areas have become accustomed to earthquakes, and others with others tornadoes or hurricanes, no one seems to be protected from any or all of these things. Wildfires and floods in general can be added to the list. Most of the time when people experience major injuries or death, making bad decisions plays a large part. What Resources Are Available? Fortunately for most, there are plenty of ways to receive warning and/or information about emergency situations. Weather radios as well as channels on radio or television dedicated to providing such information are invaluable. It is important that every family member be educated about the meaning of the various alerts and what they mean. Heeding the warnings available should be a regular practice for all family members. Effective Ways to Communicate Are ImportantIn times of crisis, regular communication may be disrupted. Cell towers can be taken out of service, radio and television signals can be lost. Every family member needs a list of phone numbers, email addresses, and names and numbers of trusted places to seek help. People need a way to go to a safe place or check in with someone. This should allow other family members to verify each other’s location. Planning Should Be A Collective EffortEvery person needs to have a working knowledge of each part of an emergency plan. Items such as bottled water, ready-to-eat food, first aid supplies, and copies of important documents should be kept in something that can be picked up and carried in a moment’s notice. In an evacuation situation, this will provide people with a means to survive a few days so that they will be more likely to make good decisions. Working to stay in good physical condition will also pay big dividends in such circumstances. Effective planning is critical and can save lives when the unexpected happens. To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Berkeley, Calif.