Don't let anyone convince you that preparing for a disaster is the sole responsibility of the "experts." According to official warnings, you must be your own "expert." You must be prepared to be on your own, knowledgeable and self-sufficient. Your survivability depends on it!

The Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and the American Red Cross are warning us now that it is our individual responsibility to be ready. Ultimately, we are accountable for our own safety and the safety of our loved ones. Emphasis on this subject is in no way grounds for panic or crisis thinking. On the contrary, personal preparedness should be a way of provident living and a matter of common sense for every family, business, neighborhood and community.

Many of us mistakenly believe that first responders, hospitals and disaster relief agencies will be readily accessible in the aftermath of a disaster. The truth is - many public services are already stretched to the breaking point. Due to the current health care crisis, monetary cutbacks and deficiencies in key areas we've become vulnerable as a nation. Critical emergency services and personnel are understaffed, overworked and ill-prepared to handle a large scale disaster. And to naively expect we will be taken care of is irresponsible. Most of us know this already. The fundamental questions we must ask is ARE WE READY? Are your children ready? Are your co-workers ready? How about your neighborhood?

Have you stopped to consider where you or your loved ones will be when a disaster hits? You may be driving to the store, at work or visiting a friend. Your children may be at school, with a babysitter or at a neighborhood playground. What plans do you currently have in place to respond? Would your children have a clue as to what to do? Where will you meet? Who are your out-of-state contacts? Who will be responsible for your children if you are not there? What about your pets? If forced to evacuate, would you, your co-workers and your children know how to safely respond and where to meet? Do you know exactly what to do for each type of disaster? And do you have the necessary skills and supplies to survive until help arrives - no matter where you are?

The wrong answers to these questions and relying on your instincts in a disaster could potentially cost you your life? Sadly, in the event of a large scale disaster or terrorist attack, there will be two groups of citizens... the prepared, and the unprepared! Which group will you, your family and your co-workers be in?

We live in very troubling times and when seconds count... there truly is no higher priority than your safety. There are few things that you can do that will produce a greater sense of security and peace of mind than preparing your loved ones for the unthinkable. Personal preparedness is one of the single most important investments you will make in your lifetime. We don't think twice about spending thousands of dollars annually on various insurance premiums (auto, health, homeowners, life, long term care, etc.) to prepare for the unexpected. Yet, when it comes to prioritizing the one thing we are ultimately accountable for - our physical safety, comfort, and in many cases our very survival - we tend to diminish it's priority and even it's urgency - as if it were a luxury.

As you know, most disasters occur suddenly and without warning! The reality is that a disaster is not going to wait until it's convenient for you. Unfortunately, you may only have seconds to react and you won't have the luxury of locating loved ones or running around and systematically gathering up the items you'll need. There won't be time to research and study last minute survival techniques or disaster specific actions. Ideally, we would all like to know the exact time and nature of an emergency or crisis situation. This would allow us time to make advanced preparations and feel somewhat secure when the event actually occurs. In life however, this is usually not the case.

Understandably, for most people bracing for a disaster evokes powerful feelings and emotions such as fear, anxiety and loss of control, but it doesn't have to. At Banana Pack Disaster Sack we believe knowledge is power, and we've made it our business to alleviate your fears by taking the guesswork out of the equation. While it's true that you can't always control the outside world, it is still your individual responsibility to control your inner one. In today's world preparing for a disaster can no longer be considered a luxury but a necessity and an urgent one at that! Complacency and procrastination are no longer viable options.

Ultimately, the outcome is in your hands, and your decisions or lack thereof could profoundly affect your life and the lives of those around you. After September 11th, we said "we will never forget" but the truth is in many ways we have - our complacency as a nation has become blatantly evident by our lack of individual preparedness. We must regroup and come together with unity and purpose because our nation demands it and our lack of national resources requires it.

Going from where you are now to where you need to be requires advanced planning, a little homework and your Banana Pack Disaster Sack. We've done most of the work... so you don't have to. However, there are still things you must do to prepare your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, and it is your individual responsibility to get it done. Don't be afraid to stand up and speak out, it could be your efforts that save many.

Getting started is simple. After you receive your Banana Pack Disaster Sack, congregate with your loved ones and familiarize yourself with the contents, complete your kid-friendly "Family Plan of Action" kit and your "Financial Preparation" kit together. Next, talk to your co-workers and neighbors. Organize and prioritize together, it's easier than you think and requires very little time. Remember, time is of the essence.

If you belong to a homeowners association, business organization, neighborhood watch program, church, club or PTA - start a dialogue. Promote preparedness within your circles, and create momentum within your workplace and neighborhood. Start a "Neighbors Unite" or C.E.R.T program on your block and in your workplace. Commit 72 hours to preparedness, that's all. Simply decide to do what's right and take advantage of the resources that are readily available to you. Focus on those strategies, resources and supplies that will most enhance your comfort, safety and security.

As medical professionals, we strongly encourage you to take action now. Take a CPR and first aid class. Encourage your family, friends and co-workers to attend with you. It could be your life that they save.

Finally, inspire and motivate others by sharing your preparedness success story with friends, neighboring businesses, surrounding blocks, your church, the local newspaper and anyone who will listen. Remember, we are all in this together. Create momentum within your neighborhood and community and a safety movement will follow. Be alert and vigilant to your surroundings. Please be a part of the solution and do your part. You'll be glad you did.