When we think of disasters here in Oregon, here in Eugene in the Churchill neighborhood, we tend to imagine earthquakes, volcanoes, or maybe a flood or mudslide. But if you're life is threatened, the event doesn't have to be that big to feel like a disaster. There are lots of possible little disasters.
 
Suppose the lint in your dryer catches fire and burns your house down? Suppose some crackhead decides you're his next victim? Suppose you're at the movies watching Avatar with the kids and you smell smoke? Suppose you're at Valley River Center shopping and someone yells something and then you hear an explosion?
 
In each of these little disasters, having a 72-hour kit isn't going to help. Having a couple gallons of water isn't going t do you much good. A flashlight in a movie theater would be a plus. But the point is, you shouldn't focus just on big disasters.
 
But how do you prepare against these little disasters?
 
One simple way is to play the disaster game. Every where you go, every room you enter, the game is to find a second way out. Many small disasters, from fires, to criminal activity, to acts of terrorism can be avoided by knowing where the other exit is and getting there before the disaster overtakes you. We are not talking about preventing the disaster, we are talking only about you and your family avoiding it.
 
When public officials see big disasters coming, they warn their constituents to evacuate. For small disasters, it's going to be up to you. Get a head start. Play the disaster game.