EMERGENCY RISK REDUCTION

My daughter, Rachel, is on a trip in Europe. She has two loves, each with four legs – a golden retriever and a border collie. Guess who is called upon to exercise the dogs daily – actually, twice daily — especially that energetic border collie.  Over the course of these three weeks, I have lots of time to observe and think, hopefully while getting a bit of exercise — which is a bonus.

Household pets emphasize emergency preparedness in at least two major ways. I have blogged before about the member-of-the-family status that both Jazz and Inka are in Rachel’s life and, by extension, in our family. She could not fathom leaving them behind during an evacuation due to flood, fire, etc. Unthinkable! And, frankly, neither could I, nor a large percentage of our population who have furry friends or other pets. We in the West have become too attached. It is reflected in the money spent on pets. Stop at one of the pet ‘box’ stores. They are massive, and someone is buying this merchandise! At least my family is, and perhaps yours as well. It’s big money, and it’s growing.

The simple fact is that families will take risks, whether acceptable or unacceptable, to protect their pets, just as they would a child. This brings me to the second point.

For many adults, their pet IS their child. Of course, backgrounds vary enormously — single, married (DINKs…Double Income/No Kids), empty nesters, etc. And in the dog walks, I see some adults with laughing kids and their pups – but this is the minority. But, most disturbingly, I see adults that seem to be far better adjusted to their dogs than to other humans. At least the humans they meet in the dog parks. I am using a broad paintbrush here, but many dog owners won’t look me in the eye; many won’t speak. If uttering anything, it’s often only to their dogs, or a platitude toward Inka or Jazz. Dog owners who talk in a group usually have seen each other numerous times in the dog park, are neighbors, etc.  Animated conversation among strangers is very rare. Awkward. Suspicious.

This attitude’s impact on emergency preparedness is profound. I have written before about the social disconnect suffered in the West. We are utterly dependent upon each other. How long can YOU go without water, electricity, or a Starbucks? How much food do YOU have stored? I didn’t think so. Nevertheless, we live our lives very autonomously and hardly realize it. We have so little ‘investment’ in others – because today, we don’t depend on each other. We take for granted the water from the faucet, power at the light switch, money at the ATM, and gas at the petro station.   But what about tomorrow? What if an emergency hit, much less a disaster?  What if none of the above was available at push of a button or the flip of the wrist? This is when investing in others’ lives matter. As the adage goes, there is safety in numbers. It is our greatest resource, and that which may be the key ingredient to surviving – even thriving – after an emergency or disaster.

Keep loving your pet. Keep walking that dog. I am leaving now for another walk with Inka and Jazz.  But let’s not neglect human interaction. I challenge us to practice social engagement. Yes, I also need to practice it, and improve. We may just need it someday. And even if we don’t, there is very little downside to a smile, a cheerful greeting, and an upbeat attitude.

Thanks for reading.