My First Ever Blog Spot: PREPAREDNESS. How much are you prepared?

Whether in times of disaster or not, it is always best to be prepared than be sorry. Well, what do we prepare for in life? Quizzes, exams, recitations, recitals, contests, missions, first communion, speech, or life itself; life after school, life after marriage, or simply anything right? It depends on our priorities, aspirations, hopes, dreams, and so much more.

We also prepare for our daily undertakings or upcoming events. For an instance, we prepare for coming storms or typhoons, or worse super typhoons. Speaking of which, it brings me back the memories of the unforgettable happenings that took place few days ago and the tragic episode almost a year back then. Who can forget last year's incident on December 16-17, 2011 when typhoon Sendong struck Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City and other various places?

Who'd have thought that a signal number two storm could make that much damage not only to properties but to the lives of people as well? Whether it was only signal number two or higher, it only speaks of one thing: we lacked PREPARATION, we were not prepared. Death came like a thief in the night, only the thieves were prepared and the victims lie dead and helpless after their attack.

Now let us not dwell on the damage that has been made, it has already been done and no matter what, "what's done is done" and we can never bring things back again. That incident taught us many lessons, lessons that were learned the hard way. Let's ponder on what Steven Cyros (Vice President and COO of FTF Technologies, Inc., a leader in the Disaster Preparedness Products, MRE’s, Canned Butter, Canned Cheese and other Shelf Stable Foods market) once said: Remember; when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.

Let us compare what had happened last December 4, 2012, when super typhoon Pablo struck Cagayan de Oro, from what had happened last year when Sendong hit our city. We can see that now we're better off by far than from last year's experience. We did the right thing this time. Although Pablo was of signal number three in our area, we have recorded zero casualties after the storm. It was an achievement for us for the record but more to that; it was a prize of being prepared ahead of time. Many lives were spared and though some were still greatly affected, at least they still have something to celebrate this Christmas, LIFE.

I for one have prepared enough for Pablo's coming. Together with my family, we took the necessary steps to safety. Like I’ve said earlier it’s better to be prepared than be sorry and I’d always keep in mind my scouting’s motto “Laging Handa” - once a scout, always a scout. During the moment we encountered Pablo, we still manage to have a peaceful sleep. Funny but we know to ourselves we’re ready and whatever happens we already have a plan for safety and that we’re good to go. As said in the bible “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (Doctrine & Covenants 38:30)

We just hoped for the best but prepared for the worst. Thank God our prayers never gone unanswered and He blessed us with His grace and mercy.