THE PUBLIC MIND: WE MUST REMAIN DISASTER PREPARED

Dear Editor:

This is an open letter to the citizens of our area.

We have just lived through a rather extraordinary period in the evolution of our area. Some good things, and some not-so-good things have happened on the trek to Dec. 3, 1990. It is time, however, for us to put the hysteria and recriminations behind us, and stop beating up ourselves, and each other, over why we prepared for disaster.

We can rejoice in the fact that catastrophe did not strike just yet. We can, perhaps, breathe a sigh of relief. But, this is not the time to "demobilize" our emergency procedures and supplies that we so earnestly developed in the past months.

Many types of disasters may occur in our area. Fires, floods, severe weather, and even earthquakes have potential to wreak havoc in our communities. However, the preparedness that we have developed for the threat of earthquake will stand us in good stead should we have a blizzard this winter, or a tornado in the spring.

Disasters or emergencies may happen anytime in Southeast Missouri, but that is true of any place on this planet. It is not fair to ourselves to dwell on one event, or series of events. Life must go on. However we can be proud that we have taken actions to make our communities and ourselves safer. Do you have any doubt that we all are better able to deal with emergencies than when all this began? Let us collectively pause for a moment, take a deep breath, cool off a little bit, and move on to the next crisis.

Folks around here are strong and proud, and we have a tradition of helping each other when times are tough. At no time have we in this area shown more care and concern for our families, neighbors, and communities than during recent events. I am proud of us all, and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

Brian Miller

Coordinator, Cape County Office

of Emergency Preparedness