Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

June 29, 2011

This week I’m going to share an article that was written by a fellow co-worker, Ellen M. Bjelland who is the Extension Agent in Barnes County in the area of Family Consumer Science. She has taken the time to create this article and I think it contains a perfect action plan for all of us to consider as we deal with water issues of our own.

What is Most Important?

As we continue to hear reports from Minot about the high floodwaters levels, I would guess many of us have thought about what we would take with us if we only had 24 hours and knew that everything in our homes would most likely be ruined by the floodwaters. Perhaps you even made a plan.  Some of the items that may be on your list are:

·         A tent and sleeping bags

·         Bedding if you need to stay in a shelter

·         Photo albums

·         Laptop/computer

·         A few changes of clothing for everyone

·         Food & water

·         Prescriptions

·         First Aid Kit

·         Flashlight and batteries

·         Cash

·         Important document file

·         A few items related to family or heritage

·         Books

·         Select toys for kids

I personally can only imagine packing up the car then closing the door to my home, knowing that I may never be able to return. I would be sad about the things I would be losing, but on the other hand I would feel grateful that there was some warning and I had time to gather up a few things.  Mostly, I would be grateful that the people and pets that make up our lives would be safe.

It is a good idea to think about these things and ask yourself “Am I prepared for a disaster?” If not, what can I do to be better prepared? 

It is also a good idea to ask yourself “What would I take with me if I had to evacuate in 24 hours?”  I challenge you to sit down and write a list of what you would take with you.  Do you have some of the same items as the list above? What is on your list that is different from this one?

To touch a bit more on the financial side, it is important to have cash and an emergency fund available that you could use for shelter, gas and food. Also, be sure your insurance is up-to-date and know what is covered (flood is NOT normally covered by homeowners insurance – you have to buy flood insurance separately). It is also important to complete a home inventory and keep all your important documents in a safe location. For more details about what to include, request the NDSU Extension Service publication Household Inventory from your county Extension office or download it from http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/fammgmt/fe223.pdf .

Perhaps the University of Missouri’s Dr. Weagley summarizes the situation best:

“Finally, nothing can prepare us for the aftermath of a disaster the caliber of the tornado that hit Joplin, New Orleans and Katrina, or Japan's recent earthquake and tsunami. I, however, do know something about the human spirit. If we are faced with disaster, we will be challenged but we will prevail. It is what we do. We survive to grow and to love, yet again. Being prepared just makes it easier for that human spirit to blossom anew.”

The people of Minot will prevail, and in the meantime our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Adapted from “MU Financial Tip of the Week - What is Most Important?” by Ryan H. Law, M.S., AFC.

Schedule

Wednesday, June 29 – Burke County

Thursday, June 30 – Divide County

Friday, July 1, Burke County

Monday, July 4 – Independence Day Observed

Tuesday, July 5 – Divide County