Talking About The Weather (A post for Alabama Disaster Relief)

My sweet friend, Mrs. Jones is asking those who can - to join in and write a post to benefit Alabama Disaster Relief.  I'm happy to do that for her!  Please join in!

As you all know, I'm from Massachusetts.  Until recently, tornados were an extremely rare occurrance up here!  I've been lucky to not have been in the western part of the state which has been affected by the recent tornados.  So I can't speak from any "tornado related" experience.

When the tornados in Alabama hit (much like up here), my first thoughts were of my friends in the affected areas! 

How are they?
Where are they?
Is anybody hurt?
Are their pets OK?
Are their workplaces still standing?
How can I help them?

So far, everyone I know has been lucky.  Homes have been destroyed, cars lost, offices gone...but everyone was not only ALIVE, but NOT INJURED!  Such a blessing.  Things can be replaced, those I love - can not.

Now, while I don't have any direct experience with tornados, I am very familiar with other weather related disasters.  We get some pretty fierce Nor'Easters around here (not to mention the week last year that I had no heat or water.)! A hurricane isn't unheard of here either. And I've been traveling and encountered some pretty drastic flooding and thunderstorms.

Recently, I've started putting together a "disaster kit".  A few gallons of water, lots of AA batteries for the random gadgets and DD for my flashlights.  I keep a stash of candles and matches nearby.  I have extra dog food, leashes, and a puppy first aid kit ready.  My theory is that - if I'm ready for anything, it will never happen.  I know that sooner or later I'll need to break into my emergency stashes (and yes, I do have an emergency stash of chocolate...hidden in the freezer), but I'm in no rush!  I still have canned goods, a human first aid kit and other little gems to add to my emergency stash.

The one thing that strikes about the Alabama tornados and all the other natural disasters is the resilience of people.  People pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and keep going...and help their friends, family and neighbors do the same!  I think it's one of the best and strongest components of human nature.  Well, that and the sense of community.  Something about the worst of times seems to bring out the best in people.  I admire that! You (or at least, I) don't see people helping each other and watching out for each other outside of natural disasters or times of emergency.  I truly wish that people could embrace that sense of community all the time.

What are your thoughts?  Do you have an emergency kit?  Do you think that natural disasters bring out the best or worst in people?