Taken from "In case of Emergency Read Blog"

Mike Coston, a friend of this blog, who writes the really terrific Avian Flu Diary suggests that every American have a “disaster buddy” as part of their preparedness planning.

In a post today, “In An Emergency, Who Has Your Back?”, Coston explains that such a buddy would be “someone who prearranges to help a friend, relative, or neighbor during a personal or local emergency.” It was an idea that Coston had originally for dealing with the flu (his expertise) and now believes could be useful for disaster preparedness in general. He writes:

We are truly only prepared as our friends, families, and surrounding community are. There are roles to play for everyone, including civic organizations, schools, and church…

Now – before a disaster occurs – is the time to sit down and talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about how you will help one another during a personal or community wide crisis…

Frankly, having (and being) a `Disaster Buddy’ to friends, neighbors, and relatives should be part of everyone’s family disaster plan…

This concept isn’t new of course. It is what friends, neighbors, and families have done for each other for thousands of years. Find it here:

http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2010/07/in-emergency-who-has-your-back.html