Do You Have A Plan?

At dinner tonight I was talking to my sons and John (Niki was working). I told Cody, my sophomore, that we needed a plan in case of a disaster. He didn't like the thought of that, it makes him uncomfortable, so he jokes that I worry needlessly. Undeterred, I tell him where I will pick him up if something happens. And if it's clear I cannot pick him up, I indicated the quickest foot route home. I also tell him if he cannot leave the building, find his sister. Then get to the cafeteria and get a couple of bottles of water--he'll need them to keep hydrated. I note that I need to give both Niki and Cody water bottles for their lockers..and maybe some granola bars too.

Yep. I am one of those. I have my emergency kit in the basement, complete with tape, scissors and plastic. I have the canned tuna, pouches of tuna, sardines (never had a sardine in my whole life--don't know why I think they sound good in a disaster!) and soup. We have spaghettios in cans (I lived on those cold in college) and a can opener. We have water (which is due a replacing soon), a battery operated radio and blanket. I need a new flashlight--the kids have needed those from time to time for night-tag and they know where to find mine.

I've been listening to a lot of radio and I've been keeping up on the latest developments. I'm pretty diligent about knowing what's happening world-wide, and I have a sinking feeling that we could be looking at something different. It might not be the dirty bomb we're programed to worry about (although I still worry about that too) but likely the Avian Flu. If the Avian Flu were to become a reality here in America, a full blown pandemic, I would need to protect my family and stay home until it rides itself out. Here is the government website, check it out for yourself. It looks to me as if our government hasn't ruled something like this out, so why would I?

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/index.html

Have you taken time to look it over and put together an emergency kit? It all fits into a large plastic bin and it didn't cost much--actually I added to it over the course of a few months until it was filled. I know what you're thinking--Stacey's gone bonkers for good....I knew it I knew it I knew it! And that's okay--because it's far more important to me that the people in my life that are important (yourself included) have the idea planted in their minds. Maybe you haven't begun, but now you will prepare just in case. And give those husbands and children something to giggle about. Besides, I may or may not share! (kidding--I will share. But not my sardines.)

This is one of the ideas I hope my family will tease me about for years. Because if they're making fun of me...then what I worry about hasn't happened. But I have a plan. I'll NEVER be ready to use it, but I'm informed. It just isn't an option to be apathetic about this.

And I am a Christian, but don't buy into the argument that when it's time it's time. It's true, that God is all knowing. At the same time, God gave me the good sense to take care of myself and my family. Very clevah! Sorry for such a dreary post on a Monday, but it's been on my mind.