First, what are the risks we face?

Here are some basics: While various kinds of possible attacks are discussed in the newspapers, for many of us, the biggest risk is the everyday risk of worry we feel – for ourselves, our families, our neighbors, our city, the world. Worry is as catching as any infection, and can be just as harmful. Being informed and prepared is the best way to fight worry. We are fortunate in having so many ways of getting information we can trust and rely on. Not only are there newspapers, television, radio, but also lots of materials on the web – including newspapers and broadcasts from around the world.

Each of us should choose a source of news we trust and feel we can rely on, and pay attention to what it tells us. We are generally pretty good at recognizing ‘hype’ – stories blown out of proportion to sell papers, or to sway public opinion one way or another, or just to get public attention. Most of us read or listen to such stories and laugh at how foolish they seem. But when things seem generally more worrisome, we are sometimes afraid to ignore even the most unlikely story. Read the news as if you were on a jury. Think about how they know what they are saying is true. Think about who would gain from publicizing the story. Discuss things with people whose judgment you trust and see how they understand these things. Sensible discussions are some of the best ways of controlling anxiety. Remember, too, that we need to control worry not only for ourselves, but for those who depend upon us – our children, our families. Once you’ve decided what sources of news you do trust, don’t let yourself get distracted by those sources you don’t trust – skip the papers you think are just churning up fear to sell papers, turn off the TV or radio when they seem to be more interested in frightening you than giving you accurate information.

Another important way of dealing with worrisome times is to spend more time with the people who matter most to you. Set aside extra time to spend with the kids, reading stories, listening to music, playing games, or just talking. And don’t forget that talking is just as important for children as it is for adults as a way to deal with worries. Try to help them learn to sort out trustworthy news and to focus on what they can do rather than on what they can’t. Remind them of the day-to-day things you do to stay in touch and to keep people’s spirits up – talking on the phone, getting together for family events, sharing books you’ve enjoyed.

Second, how can we confidently deal with the actual concerns we still have?

It makes sense to have a few general purpose things around the house for any kind of emergency – flashlights, batteries, matches, a portable radio, a Boy Scout knife, a short list of important telephone numbers. Some people would add some bottles of water, or a screw driver. Put in whatever you think is important for you to have. People on regular medication may want to have a supply of their pills – but if you do that, keep them fresh by replacing them each month with a new supply. It’s worth putting these together in a small box and putting them some place where if needed anyone can reach them. You may want to keep copies of important prescriptions and spare pairs of glasses as well. Don’t worry about ‘stashing’ supplies of exotic antibiotics – they will more than likely expire before you ever need them – and getting drugs to people who need them is a priority item in city and federal emergency planning.

Last, how do we decide what it is practical for us to do?

What’s practical depends upon where you live, but also on what worries you most – something which most people don’t think is necessary, like duct tape and plastic sheeting, may seem very important to others. Everyone needs to do things in a way that makes him or her most comfortable. But, remember, that what one person needs to do because he or she tends to be very sensitive to risks – even very unlikely ones – does not need to be what everyone does. You know yourself best, and should judge the level of risk (not worry) you are most comfortable living with.