SERVE Letter July 2021
As Independence Day approaches, it is vital that we recognize the value of freedom. Freedom is not simply given, but earned, through trials, tribulation, and revolution. Many lives have been sacrificed for our freedom. Many in America today want to take away the freedom so many Americans have sacrificed for. We live in a great nation where we have the freedom to go after our dreams, to ‘reach for the stars,’ as they say. People come from all over the world to have this freedom. Just this week I heard a story from a good friend of mine in our industry whose parents came to America from Puerto Rico. They did not speak English, but learned the words, “Can I help?” Today his son has taken over their father and mother’s company built from humble beginnings, but now a $30 million+ business. Hard work, determination, and a heart of “Can I help?”...Only in America.
On July 4, 244 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was passed, and the thirteen colonies became united and free, allowing this humble Puerto Rican couple today to come into America and ask, “Can I help?”
John Adams wrote this message to his wife Abigail, “The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America... It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”
At Brookstone, we pride ourselves in 5 Core Values: To Knock the Customer’s Socks off, Be the Example, Make it Happen, Bleed Yellow, but most importantly, to Be the Light. Every day, our team strives to make the most of every situation and put our customers first. Through every storm, every tribulation, and every disaster, our team conducts these “solemn acts of devotion” to offer a light, a beacon of hope, for every hurting family.
In honor of the 244th anniversary of independent nationhood, let me close with a reference to Daniel 2:44, “…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.”
God Bless America,
—Mike Whitcomb
How to stay safe in Severe Summer Weather:
The National Weather Service signifies severe summer weather as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and thunderstorms. The top two things the National Weather Service recommends to be ready for summer weather are to stay informed and have an emergency kit prepared. Staying informed about severe weather can be as easy as checking the weather forecast in your area throughout the day. You won’t have to worry about being caught off-guard should severe weather hit.
Putting together an emergency kit can be a reasonably simple task. At a minimum, a standard kit should contain essential items such as:
- First-aid kit including sterile bandages and gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes and ointment, instant cold packs and ibuprofen, and a splint
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) and a portable radio and extra batteries for each
- Emergency tools like sharp scissors, tweezers, a hammer, screwdriver, etc.
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Blankets
- Whistle to signal for help
If you have more time to prepare for a major storm or hurricane, you may want to add these additional items to your kit in case you’re stranded or need to evacuate your home:
- At least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- At least one change of clothing and shoes per person
- One blanket or sleeping bag per person
- Credit card and cash
- Prescription and non-prescription medicines
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
It’s never too late to prepare – severe weather could be right around the corner this summer. Follow these helpful tips so you won’t be unprepared if it hits.
For more information on severe weather preparedness, check out detailed plans from ready.gov.
From Brookstone, stay prepared and safe!
Speaking of severe weather, Brookstone would like to highlight the Ready Action Plan (RAP) program because how you respond to unpredictability can define your success. RAP is the smart way for property owners and managers to protect their property before, during, and after a crisis. The RAP software is an effective emergency preparedness and facility management tool that offers a simple, intuitive solution for managing a safer, better-organized property. This web-based system allows you to store all of your essential property information in one secure location. Floor plans, building systems, internal and external contact lists, key documents, and customized emergency response plans are all at your fingertips. You have the ability to access, review, and manage all of this critical property information from any internet-connected device at any time as quickly as you would navigate a website. For more information on creating your Ready Action Plan, please give us a call today at 1-800-699-1970.
