Given that our planet appears to be going through perilous changes, with the proliferation of catastrophes that have occurred recently worldwide, it is perhaps a sign of entitlement thinking that more than half of American families have not assembled a disaster kit or created an emergency plan, various studies show.

Indeed, it is ironic that a nation built around a rugged individualist ethic based on true grit has largely descended into degeneracy, as many Americans today see no need to take personal responsibility for their very survival. The problem is compounded by the propensity of so many people to exist in a state of denial, refusing to think disaster will happen to them.

The American Red Cross recommends five proactive steps to help Americans prepare for disasters and emergencies, such as making a disaster plan, preparing a disaster kit and becoming trained in handling disasters.

It is common sense to follow the Red Cross’ recommendation that it is essential to buy — or put together — a grab-and-go backpack, including food, water and emergency blankets, plus a basic First-Aid kit, emergency snap lights, dust masks, nitrile gloves, an emergency whistle, emergency ponchos and pocket tissues. Also coming in handy will be portable water filters, a cellphone with chargers, a manual can opener, matches, sheets of plastic, duct tape and weapons.

One merely has to look to the wisdom of squirrels, who wisely store up nuts for the winter, for a hint on the path to take for each person’s survival.