May Make a Difference Challenge: Emergency Preparedness

In the wake of an onslaught of natural disasters it seems only appropriate that we take time to prepare. If we teach our children the importance of preparation and set an example we will be making a difference. When we are prepared we will be in a better position to assist and help others if the need ever arose. Among our friends, it is often the joke that everyone will know where to come if there is a disaster because we have stocked up on our food storage and have more than enough to be self-reliant and help others too.

Many communities around the world are focusing on Emergency Preparedness in the month of May and it would be a wonderful idea to honor the individuals who have been affected in recent months by such tragedies.

Family Activity

• Take some time to discuss and learn about natural disasters.
• Show You tube clips about recent disasters and discuss the hardships these individuals face.
• Have your children share what could happen in your area and how important it is to be prepared.
• Plant a garden together as a family.  This teaches work, patience and self-reliance and it is a great way to prepare.
• Take time to put together a 72 hour kit.  Have each child assist in assembling a kit so they are a part of the preparation.  A great blog with many wonderful ideas is: http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/2009/04/72-hour-kit-grab-and-go-container-ideas.html
• Here is a great pamphlet on Emergency Preparedness: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/epc.pdf

An emergency situation can happen anywhere and anytime. We all need to be prepared to deal with these events at the personal, community and world level.

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility and it is up to each of us to learn what to do before, during and after an emergency situation.

This could make a difference for your family and loved ones in a very real way if there ever was a tragedy.  Being prepared is so important and teaching our children to prepare and be self-reliant will instill in them a quality that will give them the tools to be able to care for those they love and share with others.

 

 

About Chantelle Adams

Chantelle lives in beautiful British Columbia with her husband and their four children. Together they enjoy many adventures, boating, skiing, motor-biking, camping and hiking, to name a few. But the little things are just as important: the pillow fights, dancing around the house, the late-night talks and snuggling up together to read a good book.

Her passion is educating kids, parents and educators about leading by example, making a difference, and living a life based on key values. Her company, Foundations for Success, has given her the perfect outlet to share this passion with the world.

Ever since she was a little girl, she has wanted to make a difference in the world and knows that raising four strong, responsible, compassionate children is helping her achieve that dream. Giving back in simple ways is one thing that has drawn her family closer and has provided countless moments of joy. Currently her children are spending their spare time raising money to build a school in Africa with Free the Children. Her desire to make a difference led her to become involved with The Power of Moms as the Director of Family Volunteering.
Motherhood moments that make it all worthwhile are scattered throughout each day and keep her going. The whispered, “I love you, Mom,” the belly-laugh of her four-year-old, and those beautiful moments when her children offer to help without even being asked are simple things that truly make life grand. She is grateful to cross paths with other mothers as we “struggle, laugh, cry and enjoy this journey of motherhood.”