Whilst writing this blog, people all over the UK will probably be suffering some sort of fall out from the storms and flooding which are affecting the whole country at the moment.
We seemed to think that we were somehow immune, as we looked on at other countries experiencing forest fires, flooding, hurricanes and natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanoes, to say nothing of the suffering resulting from war zones.
How are we coping? Reasonably well, but not without the help and assistance of many agencies, volunteers and the media.
There seems no doubt that these climatic events are happening more frequently and are more severe than in previous years.
Many people say that we have had events like this in the past, and we should not make a big issue of it. That said, it would seem to be common sense to have plans in place for weather changes that we know will be more than likely.
Rather than have wide spread panic, it is surely good to have robust emergency plans up to speed, which can be put into operation quickly and effectively.
Evidence of this is becoming more apparent on our T.V. screens.
Alongside this, the root cause of the predicted problem, e.g.flooding, should be researched and practical solutions found, which would help minimize the crisis and subsequent damage.
Unfortunately, it is likely that such plans may be put to one side once the crisis is over, often down to financial constraints, or a sense of complacency.
Added to that, it often takes years to negotiate the layers of red tape which have to be surmounted, for example, planning laws.
Preventative and ongoing maintenance work to trigger areas such as the regular cleaning of ditches and clearing and widening of water channels are simple practical steps which can help with the overall management.
Suitable flood barriers should probably be more widespread in vulnerable areas, and perhaps new housing designs to cope with raised water levels.
Other practical steps such as the wider availability of sand bags together with efficient ways to prevent the entry of water into households, such as flood doors and windows.
Already in place in most large areas, is a joined up network between emergency and voluntary services, providing assistance with evacuation, accommodation, heating and food.
Vulnerable people should be able to call a help line and should have a personal emergency plan to put in to action.
All of that said, it is often the communities themselves which rise to the occasion, rural communities in particular.
They are more used to fending for themselves and not lifting the phone and expecting someone else to sort things out.
There are many examples of residents in small communities banding together and at short notice having an effective solution in place.
These communities tend to know each other, so the vulnerable are easily identified, and accounted for.
Somewhere like a village hall may be used as a central point of safety, whilst warmth, food and basic sleeping facilities can be provided very quickly by resourceful practical people.
Social media can be used to round up essential supplies and any useful pieces of equipment and services.
Rural communities are capable of solving so many of the problems they face if they did not have to negotiate bureaucracy
For example, many banks, post offices and bus services have been removed from villages, severing lifeline links.
Many areas have come up with innovative solutions such as having a minibus which is funded by bus company, bank and post office which could offer mobile services and transport links all in one. However, such solutions are often met with red tape and negativity put forward by urban institutions, which have little or no idea of rural living.
Resilience in the face of adversity is also seen with those in the war zones.They have to think on their feet and find short term solutions in order to stay alive and move on.
We must all take lessons from these examples, and yes, be as prepared as possible for caring for a large number of people, but don`t forget common sense and thinking for ourselves. That is why we have an intelligent brain!
