Will Your Family Survive a Disaster?

Longmont, Colorado— Experts are predicting the bird flu will make its way to Colorado within the next several months. Earlier this month, at the annual Health Care Summit, David May, president of the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, stressed the need for Northern Colorado businesses to begin preparations for the potential flu pandemic. Health officials at all levels of government are urging Americans to stockpile as much as two months worth of food, medical supplies and emergency items. There are many devastating situations that can strike home to Colorado residents including: car accidents, tornados, a terrorist attack, a severe blizzard, the potential flu pandemic, even a disabling medical condition or unemployment. Tom Ridge, former Director of Homeland Security acknowledged when speaking about a terrorist attack, “The general theme of it's-not-a-matter-of-if-but-when is legitimate.” When disaster hits, depending on Uncle Sam or luck is not enough! Being prepared is often the difference between life and death and every individual needs to be ready to care for themselves and their family.
Knowing where to begin and how to prepare can seem overwhelming in the face of everyday life. Many people are simply turning their heads, avoiding the thought of potential tragedy, hoping to plan later. Disasters strike without warning. Families that plan and prepare in advance are most likely to safely weather major catastrophes.
A course titled, “Peace of Mind Through Personal Preparedness”, is being offered June 17th, from 12 pm to 4 pm, through the Longmont Free University. The cost of the class is $59 and registrants’ spouses or partners may attend for free. Participants will learn how to assess the most probable risks to their safety and how to minimize those risks. Special focus will be given on what supplies and training individuals will need, where and how to store and maintain those supplies, and knowing how to escape or evade emergency/disaster situations. The class includes handouts with an inventory and action checklist. To register, call Longmont Free University at 303.702.1500 or sign up online at (www.longmontfreeu.com). The title of the course is, “Peace of Mind Through Personal Preparedness”, and the course number is: 640001. Russ Howard is the instructor of this class held on Saturday, June 17, 2006 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Jack A. Spigarelli, author of Crisis Preparedness Handbook, writes, “The prudent realize there are no guarantees in life. They know the only security comes from being independent. They accept responsibility for themselves and their families and take steps to become as self-reliant as possible. They recognize potential problems and do what they can to minimize their effects. In short, they prepare.” One of the first steps is to recognize the need for preparation. Individuals can ask themselves a simple question to assess if they are adequately prepared. Will your family survive a disaster? If the answer is not a definitive, “YES!”, prudent men and women have the opportunity to take the next step to ensure the safety of themselves and their families. Register and attend the class, “Peace of Mind Through Personal Preparedness” this Saturday.
Russ Howard, a Northern Colorado resident, has developed this course so families in the region are equipped to take action to assure their personal safety. Howard has many years of involvement with military and civilian survival training. He has taught personal defense for law enforcement and civilians and conducted safety training for USGS Alaskan survey crews. His professional experience includes teaching, biomedical manufacturing, and aerospace engineering and consulting. For more information regarding this course, or to inquire about his development of a course for your company, organization, or community, contact Russ Howard by phone at 303-478-1791, or via email: RussHoward@bruen.com.