“I think I’m getting tuned into survival issues better these days,” Duane said to Survival Sam over the phone, “but everyday life makes it hard to stay focused.  That’s especially true when things seem to be going well.”

            “I can certainly understand,” Sam said.  “I like a phrase used recently by retired General Russel Honore.  He led a relief convoy of federal troops into New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  He’s developing a project to encourage what he calls ‘a culture of preparedness.’"

            “A culture of preparedness?” asked Duane.  “What does that mean?”

            “The general would like to see businesses have generators ready in case of long power outages,” Sam said.  “He thinks cities should stockpile food and water so they don’t have to be so dependent on the federal government.  And he’d like to have civil defense classes taught to children to educate them in first aid and survival basics, such as how to purify water.  He believes every family should have an emergency plan, including having backpacks ready with food, water, important documents, and medical supplies.”

            “That’s asking a lot of everybody,” Duane said.

            “The idea is to prevent a post-disaster disaster,” Sam said.  “General Honore believes we should be prepared because disasters can happen anywhere, and people should be ready for that possibility.  Of course, you and I know not everyone will go along with what the general wishes for any number of reasons.  So it’s up to each of us to develop that culture of preparedness in our own households.”

            “Didn’t you say QuakeKare.com on John’s blog has checklists and emergency kits?” asked Duane.

            “Yes,” Sam said.  “They have materials and goods for home, office, and even schools.  They’ve even got emergency supplies for pets.  They’ve brought a lot of things together, which should make your job of preparedness a lot easier.”