By Dr. Chris Reynolds, CEM, MEMS, Lt.Col, USAF (Ret)
Special Contributor, American Military University

Whether it is wildfires, tornados, flooding, or hurricanes, we all face the threat of disaster. Our military training provides us with a unique perspective on preparedness.

In a perfect world, everyone would be prepared anytime disaster strikes, but the reality is that few disasters allow time for people to gather even the most basic necessities. Most families are ill-prepared to deal with the challenges a disaster presents and the first time the power goes out, they are faced with the hard reality of isolation.

Tenets such as self-sufficiency are critical skills military families can teach the lay public. Preparedness begins at home with our families and many of the most resilient families are those of military members, which face constant moves and have an almost intuitive situational awareness of their surroundings. Military families are in a constant state of readiness as they prepare for their deployment, or that of their family member.

Military families can help all families in the community to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, which means having safe shelter, basic first aid supplies, non-perishable food, clean water, and sanitation.  Our military families possess the necessary skills to help their neighbors prepare.

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