Disaster Planning 101

It was 9:30pm on a Thursday night when I received a text message from a friend in California, asking if I was aware that a tsunami was expected to reach Hawaii. Immediately, I turned on the news and learned that Japan had experienced a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and than a tsunami warning was in effect for the Hawaiian Islands. As usual upon learning of an impending potential weather event, I jumped in my car and drove to Safeway, stocked up on essential groceries, waited in line at the gas station to fill up my car, and went to a cash machine to withdraw emergency cash.

In Hawaii, the biggest fears we have are loss of use of our ports, communication, and electricity. We know that we have to be able to survive without delivery of goods and electricity for several weeks in the event of a disaster. Those who have good memories for past shortages recall that toilet paper was in short supply for months and so you will always see Hawaii residents buying Costco sized toilet paper packages. Other popular items for hoarding are bottled water, batteries, beer and cookies.

I’m now proud to say that my cupboards are filled with canned goods, bottled water, paper supplies and cat food/litter. I also have everything I could possibly need if we lose electricity---crank and battery operated flashlights and radios, batteries, cooking stoves and fuel, ice packs and coolers. I have supplies close enough to the front door so that I can escape very quickly if necessary.

Have you thought through what potential weather disasters might impact you and your sport and recreation facility or event? Have you developed disaster plans in preparation? Have you practiced your disaster plan? Do you have all of the supplies that you would need in the event of a disaster?

As the world watched Japan’s devastation and its response to its most recent earthquake and tsunami, we were reminded again of the importance of preparedness.