preparednessblog

Mother Jones Magazine ran an interview with Amanda Ripley, a Time Magazine reporter who was in New York during the World Trade Center attack, and the author of The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why.

I definitely plan to pick up a copy of the book, as the premise is intriguing. Keep your fingers crossed for a review copy for me.

At the end of the interview, there are five tips to increase your survival chances in a disaster. I’ve paraphrased them here for quick reference:

1. Remember that text messages sometimes can go through when cell phone calls cannot. This can be a valuable way to stay in contact.

2. Be prepared for your vision to be impeded by smoke. For instance, make sure you can find your way around your house without being able to see.

3. Maintain a healthy weight. You’ll be more limber, more agile, and more able to get through tight spaces.

4. Know your neighbors. Mutual aid can help you and those around you get through a bad situation.

5. Have a plan. Do family fire drills, know where emergency exits are in your place of employment, and have meet-up locations established for if you and your family are separated.