Lions Can Help Prepare Our Communities

October 2021 - Lions Magazine

     As climate change worsen, life in our communities will become more uncertain.  We as Lions can help prepare our communities in the event of emergencies. One way to do this is to prepare a go bag that is ready and can be grabbed in the event of an evacuation.

     Developing go bags is a great way for Lions Clubs to learn how to prepare and then take that knowledge out to their communities so, those communities can be better prepared.  The go bag should hold enough supplies for at least three days and should be particularized to your individual needs. The basic components of a go bag should include water, food, and clothing.  But there is a myriad of other suggestions of what should be included.  FEMA provides a basic list through their website ready.gov.  It is also a great location for other basic information about what to do in an emergency.  If you are looking for more detailed information about how to prepare for an emergency there is also a book called How to Prepare for Climate Change: A Practical Guide to Surviving the Chaos by David Pough. 

     It is also important to remember to prepare any important personal information in advance.  Make sure that all your important documents are kept together and are ready to grab as you leave.  Also make sure that you have pictures and information about you family should you become separated.  Once the go bag is completed make sure that it is placed somewhere where it is easy to grab and that all its components are kept together to ensure that it is ready to go.  Once the club has developed their go bags they can move out in the community to help other community members prepare for an emergency.

Stephen Brewster DG

MD-36E