As an adult I've been close to only one of what I would call a "major disaster." That was 9/11 and the anthrax attacks that followed. That morning, when we still thought there were more planes incoming, my hands were shaking notably as I was trying to figure my next move and what to do in regard to others I was responsible for or care about.

The #1 remedy in alleviating my anxiety on 9/11 was access to news reports.

The biggest anxiety for me that morning was NOT KNOWING what exactly had happened and what was going to happen next.

Once the news stations got a grip on what was happening (many false and alarming reports were broadcast in the first 60-90 minutes on 9/11) and after the government shut down the airspace and security mobilized in the city then my anxiety alleviated greatly.

One of my indelible memories of that morning is all the pedestrians and car drivers sharing with one another what they were hearing on the radio or seeing on television. Cell phones were mostly not working. Everyone hungered for news.

Now I have battery-operated portable radios in the car and at home -- in case there ever is a disaster in which we lose power.

Not knowing what disaster will occur next or when, the best thing I can think to do to deal with anxiety during and after a disaster is to try and mitigate it in advance, through preparedness.

I have now a checklist of priorities and preparations so ingrained in my brain I think that will help tremendously, whatever disaster occurs.

In the event of the likeliest disaster scenarios I am, and will be, comforted by: 1) gas in the car (I keep my tank topped off or nearly so) and bicycles and bike trailers; 2) a couple of months of food for me and my dog; 3) water storage for at least two weeks; 4) First Aid kits in the car and home; 5) radios and ample batteries to stay abreast of news; 6) sleeping bags, tents, etc.

Shelter-water-food-first aid - with those bases covered, I know that I and my loved ones are in pretty good shape. I am an experienced camper so even sleeping outside in the street in a tent, or my SUV, is not alarming to me.

Whatever happens, if I'm not injured and am at or near home and my home is still standing, then I won't need to worry about near-term survival (assuming the disaster is not a radiological or bioterror event) for me or my dog or a few friends for whom I have extra in the short-term.

I know I can walk 3 mph. I know I have water, food, a sleeping bag, first aid, etc. etc, in my SUV.

After studying the DC terrorist nuke scenario report I'm even less anxious about that -- because I have more knowledge of the threat and strategies to deal with an occurrence.

Knowledge. Have a battery-powered radio and LOTS of batteries. Know the threats. Know you're prepared. Know in advance the best strategies in response (that includes any loved ones you are responsible for or concerned about).


-