Prepare for Emergencies

Preparing Children for Emergencies

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:00:00 -0400

Intense circumstances create high amounts of stress, not only for adults, but children also. Whether it is a fire, flood or earthquake, children need to know what to do and how to do it in order to minimize stress and anxiety. Have you heard stories on the news about a child who saves a family by staying calm, calling 911, and following directions? Being prepared to help in an emergency saves lives. What makes it possible for a child in a high stress situation to be ready to help?

Preparing Children for Emergencies

Sailing Safety

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:00:00 -0400

Sailing, like most activities, does have some possible dangers. Knowledge, preparation and care, can help prevent most serious problems. Consider the following ideas when preparing for your sailing adventure.

Sailing Safety

Home Security Measures

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:00:00 -0400

Anyone is susceptible to robbery, home invasion, or assault. Criminals often survey their target before entering and taking a few precautions will make your home and those who dwell there less likely to be victimized. Those who have experienced someone coming into their home will often report the feeling of being violated. More than the items lost or destruction of property, the concern for the lives and well-being of those in the home are the foremost concerns. It can effect daily activities, comfort and self-assurance.

Home Security

Purify Water

Mon, 9 Jul 2007 09:00:00 -0400

Water is essential every day for survival. Being able to clean water is just as important, for many diseases, parasites and chemicals can easily be transmitted through water. Water can become contaminated for many reasons. Whether it is a public pool, direct contact with an infected person or from drinking contaminated water, these diseases pose a threat to health and safety. Water safety can effect a person on a large or small scale. If there is a large disaster and it is far reaching, having methods to purify water will be essential to health. Outside help cannot always get to everyone fast enough in some cases. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared to care for yourself, family and possibly others in close proximity.

Purify Water

Food Storage

Mon, 2 Jul 2007 09:00:00 -0400

There are many possible problems that can occur in which having a supply of food on hand will allow for life to continue in a relatively normal manner. Such circumstances as a trucker's strike, famine, drought, or other natural catastrophes could prevent food from being readily available. By having your own supply of several months of food, such circumstances will not have as great of impact on you and your family. This article will address what to buy, how to store it and how to rotate it effectively.

more on Food Storage

72 Hour Kits

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0400

Life has many uncertainties and unexpected events. Planning for the unexpected will be of great help if evacuation is needed for a disaster. Being prepared with a 72 hour kit will allow for you and your family to have something on hand that is ready to grab in a moments notice. Although there are some basic items that should be included, kits can be personalized. It could be that what you are taking with you in your kit is all you will have when the situation is over. It is important to consider individual needs when planning and the possible situations that can occur in your region of the country. Along with having 72 hour kits also make emergency plans for your family. These plans could include where you will meet or who you will contact outside your immediate family to report on individual status (this person should be in a different part of the country so they are not experiencing the same conditions).

72 Hour Kits

Water Tanks and Heaters

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0500

Periodically drain several gallons of water from your water heater. Drain water into a container by opening the faucet at the bottom of the tank. This removes sediment from the bottom of the tank to increase heating efficiency and prolong tank life. This process will ensure that the tank remains free of mineral and rust deposits and will also save on fuel!

Water Tanks and Heaters

Evacuations

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0500

Be prepared for either an evacuation or to take shelter where you are. Create a personal plan that includes a method for making contact with family and friends in the event of disaster. Occupants should be invited to volunteer ahead of time to assist disabled people in an emergency. If a volunteer is not available, designate someone to assist who is willing to accept the responsibility. Assist the disabled person to evacuate. Know where emergency devices are located and the location of at least two emergency exits close to your living/working area.

Evacuations

Car Problems

Mon, 4 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0500

Call the police, if necessary. Report any circumstances that put you and your passengers or your vehicle in danger. Find a safe spot to wait for help. In heavy traffic it is best to put some distance between yourself and your car. Remember to switch on your hazard lights and place a reflective triangular warning sign at least 20 meters behind the vehicle.

Car Problems

Chemical Threats

Mon, 28 May 2007 09:00:00 -0500

None of us like to consider the possibility of a chemical attack but arming yourself with information could be the difference between life and death. Chemical warfare is different from the use of traditional conventional weapons because the destructive effects of chemical weapons are not caused by any explosive force. As a result chemical weapons are desired by terrorist organization, and are thought of as an ideal choice for a weapon. With this in mind it is important that individuals are aware of the risks associated with chemical attacks and how to prepare for them.

Chemical Threats

Fire Damage

Mon, 21 May 2007 09:00:00 -0500

Whether the fire is large or small care during cleanup can often be the key to salvaging what remains.

1. It is critical that home owners take pictures of damaged areas and inventory the contents of each room. Insurance companies will use this information to make a value assessment. In fact it is a good practice to maintain an inventory of important home items before tragedy strikes. Lists should be kept in a safety deposit box or fire safe. Content lists can also be stored on CDs or computer media for easy updating and retrieval.

Fire Damage

Electricity Out

Mon, 14 May 2007 09:00:00 -0500

If electricity is off, clean out freezer and refrigerator and leave doors propped open, or place charcoal in unit. Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, tanks, sink and tub drains to prevent freeze damage if heat is off in winter.

Electricity Out

Allergic Reactions

Mon, 7 May 2007 11:56:09 -0500

Ask what the ingredients are when eating out. Avoid foods that may cross react such as bananas, kiwi fruit, and avocado.

Allergic Reactions

Emergency Preparation Tips

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:51:25 -0500

1. Talk with your family about potential emergencies and how to respond to each.

2. Plan and practice what your family will do in case of an emergency.

3. Record special medications or special food required by family members.

4. Talk with your family about potential emergencies and how to respond to each.

Emergency Preparation Tips

Emergency Generators

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:00:00 -0400

After an emergency a generator can become a lifeline but with the added security of power, comes additional risks. When used properly generators can be lifesaving tools, but when not used properly generators can contribute to tragedies. Portable generators should never be directly hooked into home wiring for a number of reasons.

One of the biggest risks associated with Generators is Carbon Monoxide poison. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and deadly gas and can kill you before you even realize what is happening. You cannot smell, see or taste carbon monoxide. Gasoline generators give off these deadly fumes. The unit's exhaust must be vented outdoors, not in a garage or enclosed area. Generators should never be operated in a home, garage, or other enclosed building. Good ventilation for your generator is critical, not only for your health reasons but also because overheating will damage the generator.

Emergency Generators

Flood Clean Up Tips

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:00:00 -0400

While it is suggested that victims of flood use heat to dry closed building interiors they should be aware that mildew and expanded moisture damage may result. This really cannot be avoided, it may be minimized by circulating air. Victims of floods or individuals with water damage should not assume an affected area is dry without the use of moisture meters bacterial or microbial growth can start very quickly if the affected area is not completely dried and cleaned.

If the flooded home is a multilevel house, water can be drained in the pipes by gravity flow, after the water line into the house has been shut off.

Flood Clean up Tips

Evacuating Pets

Mon, 9 Apr 2007 09:00:00 -0400

If storms or forest fires force an evacuation, never leave your pets behind. Know your pets' hiding places so that you can easily find them in times of stress.

If you hear reports that a storm is approaching and your home is in the evacation area, leave early do not wait until the last minute. Transport your pets in a sturdy pet carrier, this makes pets feel safer and more secure, and reduces the chance they will become lost. If a storm is approaching do not leave pets outside or tied up.

Pets and Emergencies

Electrocution and Live Wire Safety Tips

Mon, 2 Apr 2007 09:00:00 -0400

Beware of dangers after a disaster, such as downed power lines and debris created by strong winds or rain. If outside after a storm, be alert for power lines that may be hard to see in streams or puddles. Always remember that water conducts electricity, and any wire in a puddle should be assumed live and dangerous.

If you see a downed power line, move a safe distance away and call authororities. It is always best to assume all downed lines are energized. Downed power lines can hurt or even kill you. Sometimes electrified wires will spark, hum, or "dance" , but not always, so don't assume the wire is dead if it is inactive. Always maintain a safe distance from anything that is touching the power line, like a tree, or fence.

Electrocution and Live Wires

Search and Rescue

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:00:00 -0400

Canine search and rescue (SAR) began years ago, with fairly informal teams looking for lost campers and hikers in wilderness settings. Training for a SAR dog begins when the pup is born. An obedience trainer, recognizing a dog's agility and focus as a pup, may recommend him for search and rescue training.

Search and Rescue

Water Purification

Mon, 5 Mar 2007 09:00:00 -0400

Under serious disaster conditions, no water can be presumed safe for consumption. Typhoid fever, dysentery, and infectious hepatitis are diseased associated with unsafe water. Water purification techniques may be effective in removing some, but not all contaminants from water. The only way to guarantee a safe water supply is to store it away yourself before a disaster.

Water Purification