Preparing for the Expected

There is a lot of talk about preparing for the unexpected, but once we've thought about it and prepared for it (or bought insurance for it), is it really unexpected? I would argue that we prepare for a set of eventualities that, while uncertain in timing or probability, are well within the realm of possibility. In reality, we are preparing for the expected.

We lock the doors, because we expect that otherwise someone will come in and steal. We get the oil changed, because we expect that otherwise the engine will be damaged. We prepare for heavy rain by installing a drainage system, because we expect that otherwise we will have water in the basement. We purchase property insurance, because we expect to otherwise suffer financial ruin following a fire.

Somehow, though, preparing for a disaster by setting aside some food and water, making a communication plan with the family and employees, establishing a shelter area, or making the office or home less vulnerable by adding some security, can wait until tomorrow, or the day after that. Maybe it can wait, maybe no disaster--natural, human-caused, or technological--will ever hit your business or home. But, wouldn't you sleep better if you could expect to bounce back if and when the disaster hits?