To be or not to be … prepared.

To be prepared or not to be prepared; the choice is yours.

While most of today’s headlines cover American Idol or where Britney Spears is in her recovery efforts, there is real news going on that affects thoughts of preparing for ‘something’ in the near future.  If you want to stop at the surface news, sure, no need to be prepared.  Dig deeper and find some disturbing news that the question of being prepared gets answered quickly.

March 26, 2008 – Antarctic Ice Shelf broke away and dropped off. It is something like 9 times the size of Manhattan Island. It is reported that this happened much sooner than experts had anticipated it would. The scientists are now concerned that their worst case scenarios for the effect on the environment were evidently too conservative.  To prepare or not to prepare for ‘Acts of God’ events, now starts to be thought of as a reality.

March 27, 2008 – Gunmen blow up another oil pipeline in Southern Iraq. Crude oil is now trading at $107 a barrel!  Are you prepared to drive less or not prepared and ready to pay more?

March 27, 2008 – Violent anti-government riots earlier this month in Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, left many dead. Today the Monks called reporters to give their views.  Here is a country preparing to host the Olympics.  With that kind of turmoil and anti-government activity, how prepared are they to host all the nations in the Olympics?  Does this kind of political unrest in another ‘super power’ country give me pause to wonder if there is something to worry about?  To prepare or not to prepare for a political uprising in a country that is in direct competition with the one I live in, weighs on my mind.

 We can continue to be lulled by superficial activities like Idol or Brit and put our heads in the sand or we can take a good look at what is happening of importance around us and get ready to serve those who will be in need.  We will do that best if we are already prepared.

To be or not to be prepared, THAT is the question.

Popular Questions

What does “to be or not to be prepared” mean in everyday life?

To be prepared means anticipating likely needs before an unexpected event creates pressure. It can involve keeping essential supplies available, making a simple plan, and knowing how to respond when circumstances change. The goal is practical readiness rather than preparing for every possible problem.

Why is it better to be prepared before an emergency occurs?

Preparing in advance gives you time to compare options, gather supplies, and make thoughtful decisions. Waiting until an emergency begins can lead to shortages, rushed purchases, and unnecessary stress. A small amount of preparation now can make basic needs easier to manage later.

How can someone choose between being prepared and over-preparing?

Start by identifying realistic risks, essential needs, and the number of people or animals you may need to support. Build a manageable supply of useful items, check expiration dates, and replace anything that is damaged or no longer suitable. Review the plan periodically instead of collecting items without a clear purpose.

What are the first steps toward being prepared?

Make a list of essential food, water, medications, lighting, communication tools, and other necessities. Store those items in a clean, accessible location and keep an inventory so you know what is available. Then write down key contacts, review your household’s needs, and update the plan as conditions change.