For now, dialing 911 and crossing your fingers should not be a part of your overall plan. This isn’t a slam against any particular governmental agency, it’s a simple statement of fact. When it comes to emergency responders, there are too few of them and too many of us. Self-reliance will be the key to surviving.

The CDC has some helpful tips and techniques for surviving a nuclear blast. Additionally, here are a few things you can be sure of should the worst case scenario happen.

1. Terrorists will target a city, during the day when it is most populated and likely pinpoint an emergency response/police/fire/paramedic center to maximize confusion and minimize the effectiveness of emergency responders.

2. Families will be separated while at work and at school. Is your school currently working on an emergency communication plan? Do you have an alternative communication plan?

3. Emergency rooms and hospitals, should they survive the initial blast and subsequent shockwaves, will be overrun and getting to them will be more hazardous than staying put. Do you know how to administer emergency first aid or perform CPR?

In any future emergency situation, planning now and relying on yourself in that moment, might make all the difference in your world.

Continue the discussion on Twitter

Continue the discussion on Facebook