YORKTOWN, Va., Dec. 30, 2011 — The 2012 phenomenon is a collection of beliefs predicting that cataclysmic events will occur on December 21, 2012. Many base this doomsday prophecy on the end-date of the 5,125 year Mesoamerican Long Count calendar (a.k.a. Mayan calendar). Claims of astronomical alignments and numerological significance are also associated with the date. Some believe that the earth will undergo one or more catastrophes, such as a massive solar storm, sudden magnetic pole reversal, supervolcano eruption, or collision with an asteroid. While scientists and scholars alike tend to scoff at such prophecies, it does provide an opportunity to ask, "What if they're right?" What if the world did experience a serious and far-reaching disaster? How would we as a species fare? Perhaps more important, how well would your own family survive?
Dr. Arthur Bradley, author of the bestselling "Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family," says that most people are ill prepared for even a mild disaster, let alone one of biblical proportions. He points out that families typically store only about a week's supply of food and even less water. If the nation's infrastructures, such as electricity, food, water, or emergency services, were suddenly disrupted, most people would have a very difficult time surviving.
He also reminds us that the planet doesn't have to be struck by an asteroid or encounter an errant black hole for our safety to be in danger. Deadly threats are all but commonplace. Hardly a week passed in 2011 that headlines didn't read of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or nuclear accidents. Preparedness begins by accepting that the world is not as safe as we'd all like to believe. Ninety-nine percent of the time the world spins like a top and our refrigerators are full of milk and cheese, but when things go wrong, they can do so quickly and with dire consequences.
Dr. Bradley advocates that families, communities, and nations alike prepare for difficult times. He points out that the dangers are many, including natural disasters, pandemics, financial calamities, terrorism, and personal tragedies. In his handbook, he provides no-nonsense advice on how to meet our fourteen basic needs (e.g., food, water, shelter, transportation, etc.) through adequate preparation. He reminds us that "Fear never wins the day. Rational thought and practical preparations are what carry people through difficult times."
Dr. Bradley says, "Without question, 2012 will be a year remembered for the catastrophes that it does or doesn't bring. Even if the doomsayers are proven wrong, there's little doubt that there will be some sort of significant event that endangers families around the world. Whether it's a new strain of influenza, a deadly earthquake, damaging floods, or a stock market collapse, the world will once again remind its inhabitants not to become too complacent. Instead of reviving the age-old resolution to lose a few unwanted pounds, perhaps the best New Year's resolution for 2012 is to take steps to better prepare your family for the coming challenges."
Contact:
Arthur Bradley, Ph.D.
Phone: (757) 224-6608
Cell: (757) 332-0829
email: Email
URL: http://disasterpreparer.com
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