We are all, this weekend, thinking about homeland security and the threats that face us. While terrorism is certainly a threat to Maine, more immediate threats come from the weather patterns that tend to sock our state, insulating us in snow, cold and ice.

We can, each of us, prepare to face those kinds of emergencies at home, but too many of us are not adequately prepared.

Think about spending the next ice storm reading, relaxing, and playing games with your children or grandchildren while you enjoy an unexpected midwinter vacation – the house toasty warm with your auxiliary heat, plenty of light from oil lamps, and a well-stocked larder to carry you all through.

Now, think about spending the next ice storm huddled in bed to keep from freezing, the sound of bursting water pipes and a growling stomach to keep you awake while you wonder if there is a public shelter and if anyone will come to take you to it.

In Sumner we realized that, in a regional emergency such as another ice storm, our citizens and our town will need to be self sufficient for at least the first few days. That is why we have undertaken to get our residents and the town prepared for likely emergencies. While the federal, state and county emergency management agencies are prepared to help, it will take time for them to respond. They say individuals and communities must be able to survive on their own for at least the first 72 hours of a major problem.

A citizens Emergency Management Committee has been formed in Sumner. They are developing a “Warden” plan, similar to the air raid warden system used during World War II. Neighbors will be responsible for checking on neighbors so that emergency responders will know of special needs, such as someone needing transportation in event of an evacuation.

A package of information on how to prepare and respond to emergencies is being developed for each resident. Steps are being taken and supplies are being purchased so the town office and emergency management office can remain open during an emergency.

A little inexpensive preparation will save many lives and prevent much suffering.

Preparation can mean the difference between a little inconvenience and a major disaster or between survival and death during emergencies, be they manmade or natural. The skills and materials developed for one possible emergency can be used to cope with many others.

Most of us wear seat belts and have fire insurance even though we hope we do not have a car crash or house fire. Likewise, it is reasonable to spend a little time and effort thinking about how we will cope with emergencies that are likely to occur.

The lessons we have learned from Sept. 11, 2001, and the more recent failure of the city and people of New Orleans to be ready for the flood that was bound to happen, coupled with the newer realization that the world is past due for another influenza pandemic served as strong incentives for the town of Sumner to get ready.

A physician in our town recently pointed out that we all needed to plan what we will do when this pandemic hits: overloading medical facilities, halting delivery of needed supplies and services and felling a large percentage of our people.

As a child growing up in New Orleans, we all knew that the city would flood some day. Yet, when it happened 60 years later everyone seemed surprised and no one was ready. A little inexpensive preparation would have saved many lives and prevented much suffering.

Knowing that we are prepared has the added benefit of providing peace of mind – insurance against a comfortable inconvenience and catastrophe.

Editor’s note: Tom Standard is a former selectman in the Oxford County Town of Sumner.