PREPARING FOR NATURAL DISASTERS

During the past few weeks, we have heard and perhaps shared our own stories of what happened during the severe winter weather hitting Ontario. Many were without power for hours and even days. It has struck home how we need to prepare for emergencies.

You have probably seen several lists of things to do to help prepare for the unexpected. They would include such things as:

1. Create a plan. Have a meeting place where the family will assemble. Or, perhaps have a contact person outside the area that members of the family can check in with.
2. Put together a disaster kit that will include such things as non-perishable food stuffs and water to last 72 hours, flashlights, extra batteries and extra cash in case the ATM machines aren’t working.
3. Create a list of important documents. This list should be kept off site in case your house is destroyed.
4. Know what your insurance covers and does not cover.

Of course, there are many websites that have more detailed plans. One such website is: http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Winter-Storm.

During any natural disaster, many people turn to God for help and comfort. Others cannot understand how a loving God would allow such things to happen. They would be well served to read our brochure Why Am I Suffering?, which can be downloaded at http://www.ucg.ca/booklets/why-am-i-suffering. Of course, it is also very important to have fellow Christians to rely upon as well as friends and neighbors who actively reach out to one another in time of need.

Anthony Wasilkoff