People get ready

Once again, fire looms on the Sisters Country horizon. Across the nation, millions of people are struggling to cope with the effects of fire, wind and flood. At the same time, we recall the catastrophic acts of terrorism that came out of a clear blue sky on September 11, 2001, to kill and injure thousands.

We've had plenty of reminders lately that life is uncertain. Yet, accustomed as we are to the comfort and convenience of modern life, many of us are not prepared to cope when those comforts and conveniences are snatched away.

Preparedness and self-reliance are old-fashioned virtues that still have a vital place in a world of iPhones and Internet shopping. When the power goes down, when the roads are closed - whether it's because of a natural or man-made disaster or because of severe weather - we all need to be able to keep our families warm, safe and well-fed. We need emergency plans and emergency supplies, 'cause there may be a time when the store is out of bottled water - just ask folks in flood-ravaged Vermont.

A grass roots group has organized locally to encourage all of us to think about the things we don't like to think about and prepare for things we hope we never have to deal with. They are neighbors reaching out to neighbors.

Sisters Country: Prepared and Ready is hosting a preparedness fair at the Village Green on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (see related story, page 23). If you've been thinking that you need to get your act together when it comes to a little emergency preparedness, this is a good opportunity to do it. Fact is, we owe it to ourselves to be prepared - and we owe it to our neighbors. Don't be a burden on others when trouble comes down.

It feels good to feel like you're ready for anything. That's the kind of pioneering spirit that sets Sisters Country apart.

Jim Cornelius, Editor