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Basic Preparedness Tips

It’s very easy to look at shows like Doomsday Preppers and think to yourself “I could never do that!” The truth is, the vast majority of people who “prep” don’t do it that way, either. In fact, most people who prepare aren’t planning for the end of the world or Armageddon or any other type of apocalypse. They’re doing it as protection against leaner times.

 

When you were younger, you may have heard your grandparents or great grandparents talking about the Great Depression. After the stock market crashed in 1929, thousands of people lost jobs, and many families had to do without, or learn to live with very little, for many years afterwards. While our recent recession caused many to have to tighten their belts, it was mild compared to what our great grandparents, or their parents, went through.

 

Many who prep are doing so simply because they remember hearing stories of their own families going without. They know that, even though our country is technically in a recovery, the possibility of job loss is still very real, and that job security doesn’t mean a whole lot for many people these days. They simply want to have something set by in case something bad happens.

 

Many start preparing by doing something so basic that even the government tells us we should: preparing a 72 hour kit to be used in case of emergency. Some people call this a bug out bag or go-kit. No matter what you call it, it contains three days of food, water, and clothing for everyone in your family. It may not be in a bag or backpack. A plastic tote is a great place to store a 72 hour kit, especially if you’re planning on being able to drive out in an emergency, such as a weather or fire evacuation. This is the most common type of emergency that people prepare for.

 

From there, people usually try to increase the amount of supplies they have to a week, and then a few. One need only remember the long lasting power outages after Katrina and Sandy to have a good reason to stockpile a few weeks of food. If a major weather event moved through your area, would you be able to shelter in your home, if it was liveable? With a two week supply of food, your home would be a much safer, and more pleasant, option than a shelter.

 

As you can see, one doesn’t need to build a bunker or have a year’s worth of beans, rice, and water to be a prepper. Something as basic as preparing for a major weather event, or job loss, can make you a prepper. It’s all a matter of mindset. Buying a little extra here and there really adds up over time.

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Car Safety App is Released by the National Highway Safety Administration

A new car safety app that will provide real-time vehicle safety information to consumers from NHTSA’s SaferCar.gov site has been released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The new car safety app is available on iPhones and iPod touches and can be downloaded from i. NHTSA’s car safety app allows users to search its 5-Star Safety Ratings for vehicles by make and model, locate car seat installation help, file a vehicle safety complaint, find recall information and subscribe to automatic notices about vehicle recalls.

NHTSA is also providing access to the site for app developers who may be interested in integrating the information on to other sites. By providing access through a Application Programming Interface (API), NHTSA hopes that the car safety information that it’s making available will go viral, spreading to as many sources a possible.

The SaferCar app, according to NHTSA, includes a number of features that will help consumers stay on top of safety developments and also help them to make the best possible decisions when it comes to car safety:

  • 5-Star Safety Ratings: Consumers considering vehicle purchases can look up crash test ratings and compare them across different makes and models.
  • Recalls and Complaints: App users can stay on top of safety issues for vehicles they already own. Consumers can register their vehicles to be notified by NHTSA if a safety issue is discovered. The app also makes it simple to submit complaints to NHTSA regarding possible safety problems with a particular vehicle.
  • Help Installing Child Seats: The app helps consumers ensure their most precious passengers ride safe. Users can quickly get driving directions to the nearest child seat inspection station and get assistance to properly install their car seats and boosters.
  • Safety Headlines and Alerts: App users can receive important news and information from NHTSA, as well as recall notices and push notices on their recorded vehicles.

This is just the first stage in the development of the Safercar app. Development of an Android app is now  underway. In the meantime, anyone with an interest in keeping up with developments in car safety can access the information at http://www.safercar.gov.

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General Preparedness Personal Preparedness Preparedness Planning Preparedness tips Uncategorized

Travel Disasters and Situational Awareness

The news lately has focused heavily on the cruise ship disaster involving the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy.

Several interesting points come to mind on first glance at this mishap. First, when were passengers given a safety briefing? Some sources say they had one already and others say they were not due their first one for several hours. Also, we know the Captain abandoned ship and we also hear reports that many of the crew were not aiding passengers in distress. Next, with the ship not completely sinking and with being so close to shore, how could anyone have actually died? (Though with a passenger load in excess of 4,000 people, the number of deaths was relatively very low.)

The point of today’s post is not to criticize what did or did not happen aboard the Costa Concordia (especially since we weren’t there), but to focus on things to help protect you and yours if you find yourself in an emergency situation whether aboard ship, an aircraft, a train, or even in a public building.

The key is “Situational Awareness” which means you’re aware of where you are, what’s going on around you, what might happen, and how you might react. Whenever you’re in a new place, whether it’s aboard a ship, aircraft, train, or even in a new building, you should know your surroundings, the threats you may face, the ways in which you might learn of an emergency, and the assets around you.

Here are a few thoughts:

1. Know the layout of where you are. In a public building for the first time? Look at the fire escape plan which should be posted near elevators or stairs. (Hint, if the risk of an event is high, take a picture of the floor plan with your phone.) How many doors are between you and an exit? Could you find the exit in heavy smoke by counting doors as you crawled along the floor to safety? How about a plane? (Read the info pamphlet about the plane you’re in and pay attention during the safety briefing.) Where is the closest exit (remember, it may be behind you) and how many seats are there between you and the exit? Aboard ship? Attend any safety briefing, not just the mandatory ones. Which passageway do you take to reach the lifeboats from your room? From the galley? From the entertainment areas?

2. Learn to identify safety personnel. Aboard an aircraft it’s easy; they’re your flight attendants. What about aboard ship? Not all crew are trained to handle guest safety. Some are assigned specific ship protection duties in a crisis. Can you tell the difference? What about in a building? Who’s with security and how do you identify them? Do you know the location of the security office or posts? How about aboard a train?

3. Note the location of safety equipment. Where are the fire extinguishers? How about AEDs (Automatic Electric Defibrillators), fire hoses, first aid kits, fire alarm switches, emergency call boxes, flotation devices, emergency brake pulls, attendant service buttons, etc.? How many of these do you know how to operate should you be able to locate them? And, always remember that your cell phone can act as your emergency flashlight.

4. Talk with family members about what to do should an emergency occur. How many in your family know first aid or CPR? Do you plan meeting times or rendezvous points when at sporting events or the mall where you might separate for a bit? Note: When working on steps 1 through 3 above, make sure you involve others you’re with or teach them to do the same steps.

5. Maintain your health and physical capabilities as best you can. Getting out of a sinking ship, a wrecked train, crashed plane, or burning building are stressful and physically demanding. The healthier you are, the safer you are, and the more you’re able to help others.

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Earthquake Preparedness Food and Water General Preparedness Uncategorized

Tsunami

Tsunami

The threat of Tsunami is something we cover in detail in our preparedness manual “Disaster Prep 101” (see http://www.1800prepare.com/products/Disaster-Prep-101-.html) and because of today’s news, we see it as an important topic to include here.

Though some might think this is how-to information coming after the event, this isn’t necessarily the case. One thing to keep in mind is that when one Pacific Rim country experiences an earthquake, volcano, or seismic activity, that other areas along the rim will have an event in the very near future.

So, keep up with your earthquake preparedness measures, and below we’ll revisit what you should do in preparation for a Tsunami when the WAVES come rolling ashore.

Warnings – Does your area have official Tsunami warnings? Would you recognize natural signs?
Altitude – Where would you go in a Tsunami? Tall building? High ground?
Vehicle – How will you get to high ground? Is your evacuation vehicle ready to go?
Evacuation to Elevation – How ready are you for an evacuation scenario in general?
Safety & Secondaries – Is the primary emergency the only emergency that’s going to happen?

Warnings
1. In the past several years, especially since the 2004 Indonesian earthquake and resulting Tsunami that hit Thailand, warning systems including seismic sensors, Tsunami detecting buoys, and communication and warning systems have been improved dramatically. If you live (or are visiting) an area at risk for Tsunamis, have you checked to learn about the official warning system? Who gives it? Will they give you any instruction? What does the siren sound like?

2. In some instances an incoming Tsunami will draw water away from a beach as it heads toward shore. In fact, in 2004, an Australian Life Guard working in Phuckett, Thailand knew what it meant for the tide to go out farther than normal and he managed to clear his beach and get guests to safety. Keep an eye on the tide, but don’t go to the beach to look at it. Stay away if a Tsunami Watch (and especially a Warning) is given.

Altitude
1. One term you’ll hear is “vertical evacuation.” This means go up, either to upper floors in a strong building, or to high ground.

2. Where is the destination you’d go in a particular area? One habit to get into, regardless of the emergency or where you might be, is to look around for emergency warnings, gear, shelter, supplies, and evacuation destinations.

3. Look around your area and remember which buildings are more substantial. Some may actually have Tsunami info posted telling visitors that in event of a Tsunami they are either to head to upper floors (but NEVER use the stairs!) or to vacate the building in favor of a different location.

Vehicle
1. In any evacuation scenario you may have to rely on your primary vehicle to get you out of harms’ way. Is yours ready? Do you always have your keys on you? Do you keep the tank full at all times?

2. Though we mention your vehicle here, we’ll revisit the fact that your evacuation destination might well be an upper floor of the building you’re in. Your decision on whether to go to an upper floor or higher ground location should be dictated by A) Time – how long before the first wave hits and how much time you might need to get to another location, B) Where you’ll be the safest, C) Road conditions and current traffic since you don’t want to be sitting unprotected in gridlock traffic, D) Whether or not you need to provide safety to others, and E) Where are your safety supplies and gear?

3. With Tsunami’s getting in your vehicle as early as possible after a watch or warning is crucial. The faster you evacuate the area (safely) the more you help others by being out of the way when the less prepared try to get to safety.

Evacuation to Elevation
1. As you contemplate heading to upper floors or higher ground (now, while we’re discussing this academically and it’s not an actual emergency), remember that this scenario is an evacuation that is coupled somewhat with shelter-in-place reactions. Therefore, you want to be equipped and ready for both. So… where’s your kit? What does it contain? Will it help you get out of harm’s way as well as sustain you once you get where you’re going? Do you keep a kit at home, at work, or in the car? Maybe you have items at all three locations?

2. Since time is one of our most valuable assets in any emergency, what do you have in place that will help you save time in this scenario? We mentioned keeping your car gassed and ready (sitting in line at a gas station is not a model of an efficient evacuation), and we just mentioned your gear. How about knowledge? Do you know where you might go? Do you have hardcopy maps in case the smart phone isn’t working or the cell towers are down? Do you have alternate ways to communicate with loved ones if primary communication methods don’t work?

Safety & Secondaries
1. Misery loves company, so one of the key points to keep in mind is that a major emergency is not going to be the only emergency. You might have made it under a table in time in the earthquake, but what about the dam up the river that was cracked and is about to break? What if there’s a panicked evacuation and you or a family member are injured? How ready are you for that? Do you have your first aid gear? Are you trained to use it?

2. Need a list of things to keep in mind? Tsunamis don’t just happen, they’re usually triggered by earthquakes. So, when the earthquake hits are you going to automatically think “Tsunami?” How about fire? Fire is all too common an occurrence after destructive events – even floods. And floods? What if the dam breaks after an earthquake? Do you know how many dams there are in the US alone?

3. The main point here is to be ready for “the other shoe to drop.” Maintain your composure in the first emergency by being prepared so that when the second emergency crops up you’re able to handle that as well.

Though just a small, small section of Disaster Prep 101, we wanted to pass this along to make you think of two things. One, disasters are survivable if you’re prepared. Two, there is so much more to know with Tsunami preparedness (or any disaster) than an academic discussion of how the event occurs – which is pretty much all we’ll get from the news channels.

Besides, it’s not the job of the media to make us prepare. It’s our job since the safety and security of our own family rests squarely on our own shoulders.

How ready are you? Did the news today give you a good wake-up call?

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Winter Storm Warnings

A winter storm warning calling for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or are currently happening. This can obviously make travel conditions very dangerous. If at all possible stay of the roads and just try to ride the storm out at home. If you must travel make sure to have some basic emergency supplies in your vehicle. Some items you may want to consider are: a flashlight with batteries, some food and water, a thermal or fleece blanket, emergency flares, a shovel and a basic first aid kit. These are just some suggestions but again….the best option is to avoid traveling if at all possible.

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Take a Hike!!

Literally. Or at least a nice walk. It’ll do you good.

The first chapter in “Disaster Prep 101” covers your health; the many reasons it’s your most important preparedness foundation and the simple ways you can improve yours.

Here are but a few disaster-related reasons good health is important:
1. In a disaster, the first thing to hit you is stress. The better your health, the easier the stress will be on you. (PTSD mitigation and prevention.)
2. If you are injured or infected by whatever the emergency is, the healthier you are, the faster you’ll snap back.
3. During any physical labor for search and rescue, cleanup, helping victims, etc., the greater your stamina the easier things will be for you.
4. Being healthy in general keeps you out of hospitals and frees up room for victims of future mishaps.

Health is your foundation for all other preparedness measures and you should start there first. It’s the good foundation on which your “house of readiness and self reliance” is built. So start with you and your well-being first.

In fact, focus on your health before doing pretty much anything else since it’s top of your priorities list.

We hear lots from people trying to sell us on the doomsday philosophy that society is going to collapse and you need to hoard gold, silver, and jewels. As soon as we ask these people questions like “Well how are you going to get full market value for your hoarded gold if society has collapsed and the functional economy along with it?” or “Then how come your trying to sell your gold, silver, and jewelry?” they usually clam up.

Then once we explain to them that the best investments you can make are in yourself; your health and well-being and your skill sets since “no matter where you go, there you are,” we find they start to listen. Always, always, always invest in you and your family first before anything else.

To help, here’s a quick priority list for you:

A. Do something to improve your health every day. Take a walk, take the stairs, cut down on junk food or vices.
B. Get the basics for your family. Get a starter kit (most people call them 72-hour kits), a smoke detector, and a fire extinguisher.
C. Create your basic family emergency plan.
D. Invest in your skill sets. Take a CPR class, a first aid class, learn more about family financial planning, or take a cooking class so you’ll know how to make your food supplies last. Even learning to cut hair is a barterable skill.
E. Expand on each of the above. Gather gear as needed, take more classes, and always put you and your health first.

Skip the gold and jewels and take a hike!! Focus on you. You’ll be all the better for it in the short run and long run.

Paul Purcell – “Disaster Prep 101”

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Daylight Savings Time – Rotate Your Clock, Rotate Your Stock

One of the biggest issues with teaching preparedness is letting people know there are countless ways to make preparedness a subtle part of your current lifestyle.

Too many people think that “preparedness” is equal somehow to “survivalism” and that it means a total shift in their day to day living.

Not true.

Genuine preparedness is not complex at all. In fact I constantly use tell people that real readiness makes SENSE; it’s Simple, Economical, Necessary, Subtle, and Effective, and that’s the litmus test you should give everything you hear when others try to tell you how to protect your family.

Today’s tip from 1-800-Prepare follows this philosophy by giving you a reminder you can use twice a year to update some of your family’s protective measures.

It’s just about Daylight Savings Time, so when you rotate your clock, rotate your stock. You’ll want to look at, or update some of the following:

1. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
2. Check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher to make sure it’s reading full.
3. Check the expiration dates on stored food, medications, or over-the-counter medications you use daily.
4. Look through your list of family emergency contacts to make sure the people, phone numbers, email addresses and all that are current and correct.
5. Check the expiration dates on drivers licenses and other important documents.
6. See if you have acquired any new documents since your last rotation to see if you need to make any copies to go in your safe deposit box or other secure document storage.
7. Check the maintenance needs for all your vehicles. If any need servicing have it done now.
8. See if any family members (including pets!) are due for a medical or dental checkup.
9. Review at least one of your reaction plans, such as your family fire drill.

These are the main points and about all we can squeeze into a short posting. Note: If you’re already the proud owner of “Disaster Prep 101” you have the complete master checklist for items to check around the house this time of year. If not, you can get your copy through 1-800-Prepare.

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Use the News

One of the things I say continuously in my presentations as a disaster preparedness trainer is “the news channels will never go out of business.”

This means that there will always be something bad for them to report, but that also, there will be far more viewers unaffected by what’s going on than there will be victims.

So today’s tip is “Use the News.”

With current headlines echoing a volcanic eruption and tsunami in Indonesia, and severe weather in the Midwest around Chicago, we have opportunities to discuss readiness.

Most people will watch these stories on the news and say “Oh, how awful!”

But you, being the readiness-oriented in the group can say “You know what we’d do if that happened in this area?” And there you go. Your opportunity to use the news.

Use the news as a reminder to have a fire drill, to examine your home’s structure in advance of an earthquake, to prompt you to check you level of supplies you keep on hand for various emergencies, and to discuss reaction steps with your family.

Do you have small children? Taking the “Here’s what we’d do” approach with them serves several purposes at once.

1. It teaches them to look at bad news in a more positive manner.
2. It involves them in family planning so they can grow up making preparedness a subtle part of their life.
3. It provides an opportunity for them to seek the solution rather than focusing on the problem.
4. It reassures them that you’re in control and things will be alright.

Paul Purcell
Author – “Disaster Prep 101”
(Available at 1800Prepare)

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1-800-PREPARE in the NY Times

We are very excited about 1-800-PREPARE being mentioned in this Sunday’s issue of The New York Times. The story was about what some companies in the New York area were doing in the preparedness space to help individuals and companies get better prepared. While there are a number of companies in the space we are honored that the Times selected ours to mention.

Preparedness is slowly becoming a more forefront topic in the eyes of the public and we are happy that we have been recognized for our efforts in the space.

Here is a link to the article:

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Childproofing and Preparedness

When most of us have children we immediately think about the need to protect our child from “dangers” in the home. It seems to be a maternal/paternal instinct to protect our young. From almost the moment we bring our new baby home we begin the process of “child proofing”.

This can include putting up gates on stairwells, moving cleaning supplies to higher shelves, locking cabinets, covering outlets and even putting monitors in the room so we can keep an eye on everything. Most new parents also take at least a basic course in infant CPR. From car seats to hand wipes to checking toys for choking hazards….we are great at getting and staying prepared.

So…why is it that we are so good at “preparedness” when it comes to our newborns but not in the rest of our lives? Our children get a little older and down comes all the protection and we no longer think about and prepare for all the things that could happen. How can we continue to focus and make preparedness and constant and normal part of our everyday life?

Beyond the “big events” such as Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Massive Floods, Wildfires, etc….there are literally dozens of things that can happen on a daily basis to anyone of us that we can be better prepared for.

*Small or large car accident – see our Auto Emergency Kits

*Flip and Fall

*Choking

*Blackout due to storm or other event – Blackout Kits

*Injury at a sporting event

*House or Vehicle Fire

*Accidental Poisoning

*Robbery or Mugging

*Simple vehicle breakdown

*Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The list above isn’t meant to make anyone panic or instill fear. It is simply meant to show that there are events that can happen to all of us and if we take a little time to prepare for them…we will all be a little better off.

Lets take the same effort we do when we consider preparing for a new child and translate it to the rest of our lives.