HOPELESSNESS becomes REALITY

"Only action that is immediate, real and very substantial will prevent that doubt from morphing into hopelessness. That feeling can create its own reality".

In a recent Op-Ed in the New York Times, Warren Buffett writing about the debt and taxes included the above sentence and he wasn't talking about disaster preparations.  And while I am not going to get into a political discussion here; I have given a lot of thought to that one sentence; in fact it's been bugging me, following me to meetings and to my work on planning for disasters.
One of the things we in Emergency Management discuss is the feeling that due to the media coverage, a large part of the public expects up to snap into action ASAP and fix everything, saving you, grandma and the kitty in the tree.

When disaster happens, the immediate action you expect may not happen.  Why not? We have spent millions since 9-11 and Katrina preparing for disaster you might point out.  Yes the government has spent millions (I have no idea how much), but what have you spent ?
Consider if you will the emergency management folks (Fire, Police, Public Health, Non Profits) who live in your community will be affected by the same disaster.  Their houses will be as damaged as yours, their families suffering the same things your family does. 

So lets review "Only action that is immediate, real and very substantial By you!  will prevent that doubt from morphing into hopelessness.Caused by not having a plan that feeling can create its own reality"Helplessness.

Okay I feel better now; believe me there is more we in Emergency Management can do to help and we do every day (well most everyday, you need day off once in awhile). I know that you have started your preparation, so move it forward this weekend.

Disaster Dave