Workshop helps prepare for disaster

I enjoyed the Nov. 16 front page story about difficulties that organizations and governments have sending immediate help to victims of major disasters, such as the storm in the Philippines.

For the past few years, I've coordinated a simple disaster preparation workshop at the Indian Creek Nature Center that is designed to help people easily ride out, in relative comfort, a week of power loss resulting from a January blizzard.

It surprises me how unprepared many families are for disasters. Simple and inexpensive preparation is prudent and it's always preferable to be personally ready, rather than to expect quick relief from the government.

I'll lead this workshop again on Dec. 14 and I welcome anyone to attend. For information, check the Nature Center's website at www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org.

Rich Patterson

Cedar Rapids