Decision Matrix

I am committed to rebuilding and improving my current kits and supplies. In the past I have just gathered up all the things everyone believes should be in a kit and stuffed it all in various transport bags. In the end, I have a bunch of bags with lots of gear and will probably never have what I need with me when I actually need it. Time to rethink this whole process.

Back to my strategic planning background -- plan with the end in mind. OK, I can plan for the most likely scenarios. Can it be simpler?

In looking at all the possible disaster scenarios, I realized there really are a finite number of options. The real question is "Will you receive warning that a disaster is coming?" In Southern California, earthquakes are always unannounced. OK, we always know there is another one coming so we need to be prepared, but we don't get to watch them form on the weather radar with estimates of when we are going to get hit. I am keeping earthquakes in the No Warning category. Chemical spills, terrorist attacks, accidents, perhaps wind damage and home fires could be added to the No Warning list. Most other disasters we have some notice of.

The difference in Awareness/Warning is the difference in Evacuating versus Escaping. Evacuation allows more time, more orderliness, more thought. Escape just has to happen NOW! Grab what you can as you are running out the door.

Of course, you always have the option of Choose to be A Victim. That decision is usually made up front with a complete lack of planning and preparation -- but even the prepared may choose this route in the end.

In many cases, Shelter in Place is a preferred option. Note, if you are looking at a Localized Disaster, Shelter In Place may be with friends or family at their home.

I will be discussing these options in future posts. For now I wanted to get the concept of a Disaster Planning Matrix out there so we can begin building a structure to evaluate our own preparedness -- and it is posted in time to influence New Year's Resolutions!