Disaster Preparedness

Hurricane season officially opened on June 1st and the psychological storm stress levels are already building as evidenced by generators, flashlights and tarps flying off the shelves of our local Home Depot just as fast as they were placed there by store employees.

This could mean that people are taking careful steps to wisely prepare before the storms, or that they are impulsively buying things in a panic hoping that it will increase their luck in not having to face the unusual stress that only comes from storms. Here's a simple way to tell the difference. Does the household disaster plan reflect any sense of actual planning about what the items will be used for or where your family may have the greatest needs? Consider the issue that some sale items may be stacked on the pallet or end-cap in front of the store dramatically marketed down, yet still be redundant and useless to actually help your family.

Bottom line-If you don't know why you are buying something to handle the approaching storms, just put it down. It may be useful to you in the future but you don't need it now. Spend your time and energy on things that matter and you'll see a major decrease in storm stress, while building a greater sense of security for everyone in your family.