Disasters happen every day, all over the world. Don’t think they happen here? Think again. Click on the "Disaster History" document to learn more about disaster history in Pennington County.
Are you in Disaster Denial?
Have you ever postponed thinking about, or acting on, information that makes you nervous? If so, it’s not your fault. Studies have shown that we are all inclined to be ‘unrealistically optimistic’—we can be given a very clear assessment of the future and still feel "it will be fine." People can overcome this feeling by taking reasonable and realistic steps to reduce their chances of being hurt in a disaster.
Signs of Disaster Denial:
"If it’s my time to go, there’s nothing I can do."
Many people use fate as an excuse to avoid taking action, but this mindset is flawed—major disasters rarely result in death. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the chances of property damage and personal injury. The reality is that a disaster is unlikely to be your ‘time to go,’ which means you’ll still need access to essential supplies and information. By preparing in advance, you can improve your chances of staying safe and ensure you have the means to reconnect with the people who matter most after the crisis.
"There’s no way I can afford to store supplies."
The periods of your life when resources are very tight, are times when it is even more important to spend time reducing risks and creating options for yourself and your family. Many people just live day to day. When resources are extremely tight, you still have ways to increase your family's security. Aside from careful planning, a vital first step in preparedness, make it a habit of buying just one item per week or one per month that you might need in your emergency supply kit. That way, even for a short-term power outage, if not an outright disaster, you will have the resources you need to help you get through until services are restored. Slowly increase these backup supplies over time as your budget allows.
"Planning for disasters will make them happen."
Forest fires, severe weather, wind storms, and tornados are all a part of our area. They happen regularly and with an almost predictable frequency. They are going to keep happening. Despite any negotiating you may have done, or private understanding you have, these disasters happen on their schedule, not yours. The ironic twist is that the people who have taken steps to plan often end up feeling like the experience was not such a big disaster. It is those people caught by surprise who endure the hardest experiences. Not planning is the element that leads to disaster.
"I choose not to live in fear."
Taking steps to reduce specific risks is logical and something you do every day. You do it every time you brush your teeth and each time you look both ways before you cross the street. Our region faces real severe weather hazards and other hazards. It is logic, not fear, that inspires us to take steps to reduce the impact of these natural processes