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General Preparedness Personal Preparedness Personal Stories Preparedness Planning Preparedness tips

Doomsday Preppers

doomsday-preppers

I have been asked by a number of people lately if shows like Doomsday Preppers have been good for business. I guess the natural reaction of most people is that since there is a TV show about the topic…it has raised awareness and now more people will buy preparedness supplies.

At this point I am not sure if a show like this actually will help to get people better prepared in the long run or if it will turn people off. While I am sure that some people will see a show like this and make a purchase such as long term food storage or a survival kit….I don’t think that in the long run in will move the needle. And….could it actually deter some people?

In talking about preparedness I have always focused on the masses. I want to help make preparedness a mainstream topic and something everyone thinks about. My problem with a show like this is it shows the extremes. It focuses on “preppers”. I believe that the masses will see a show like this and think the people on it are crazy. They will laugh at the level these folks have taken preparedness too and won’t want to associate themselves with them. I think many will simply say….”I can never be like that” and will decide that preparedness is for the extremists.

I am all for extreme preparedness if that is what is important for you. However…I think it is important to show that you do not need to take these type steps (bunkers, years worth of food, weapons training, etc) in order to be better prepared. You can simply become more aware of emergencies in your area, have a discussion/make a plan with your family, take a CPR class and/or buy some basic supplies such as a 72 Hour Kit. These simple steps will make you better prepared.

It is far more likely that you will encounter severe weather, a car accident, a house fire, flash flood, blackout, injured person, etc than a world devastating volcano or an earthquake that wipes out most of societies infrastructure.

There are levels of preparedness for everyone….start somewhere and build from there. You will be glad you did.

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First Aid General Preparedness Preparedness Planning Preparedness tips Wilderness

Hiking/Outdoor Preparedness

hiking-preparedness

Here are some tips submitted to us by one of our customers who often writes about preparedness. He was in the military and is an outdoor enthusiast.

Being prepared helps alleviate panic as does, training and practice. Practice techniques; make every movement a natural one. Your hands will know what to do until your mind catches up. Muscle memory is repetitive actions without thought. Practice is the only way to achieve this. You must be mentally prepared. You must understand you did not cause the disaster, but your actions going forward are critical to you and your family’s survival. You should practice any techniques described below before a disaster strikes. Use your own judgment, and verify every piece of equipment, tool or technique. Do not stake your life on anyone else’s word. As the saying goes in the military, never let someone else load your weapon or pack your parachute. Survival is up to you.

Clean Water Is the First Priority You Cannot Survive Without It

Water weighs roughly 8.5 pounds per gallon. This means you will not be carrying much in your backpack. You must learn how to collect and make water safe to drink. Boiling is the preferred method. Filter sediments from the water before boiling. You can use a coffee filter, cheesecloth or even a tee shirt. It must rapid boil for three minutes. Use a lid if you have one to collect the condensation caused by the steam. Drain the water from the lid periodically and save for drinking. Boiling removes the oxygen from the water, so once it has cooled shake or stir it well. Note the bubbles; these collect dissolved oxygen from the air. Dissolved oxygen helps control bacteria growth in the water.

Rainwater is safe to drink if it is not runoff, for example, from a roof, sidewalk or roadway. However, collect it and boil it or purify it using household unscented bleach or tincture of iodine. Use unscented Clorox bleach. Eight drops of bleach per gallon is the recommended ratio to kill the bacteria. Boiling or purifying water will not remove harmful chemicals or radiation. Iodine and bleach are the main ingredients in most purification tablets or drops. Tincture of iodine kills bacteria in water as well. Sixteen drops of iodine per gallon is the recommended ratio. Use two percent liquid iodine. Use these methods carefully, and only if boiling and rain collection is not possible. The water must set for an hour before drinking if it is purified using iodine or bleach. It must set longer if it is cool, below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Collect rainwater by opening an umbrella and turning it upside down. The water will channel to the center. Drain carefully. Let it rain for about 30 minutes before you begin collecting. This washes smog, pollen and any other airborne contaminates out of the air. You can collect rainwater by using clean plastic or your rain gear, as well.

You may be out in the wilderness and may have to collect water where there does not appear to be any. You can ever do this in your own backyard. Scoop out a shallow depression. Your pack should contain plastic or a poncho. Place the plastic over the hole and secure it with stones along the side. Place a small stone in the center to create a depression. Radiant heat will sweat the moisture from the ground and it will collect on the plastic. You can also place some green foliage in the depression, as well. Plants have moisture in them and the sun will sweat the moisture from them. The water will then run toward the center. It is safe to drink because it is essentially distilled by the sun. Collect morning dew using the plastic. Drape it over some low bushes and create small depressions for the dew to collect.

Never drink water from a still pool. Drink or collect water from a fast moving stream, or find seepage from an underground spring. Nature is one of the best at purifying water. Bacteria grows in stagnate pools. Moving water collects dissolved oxygen. Typically, it will not contain as much bacteria. Water that seeps from underground has been filtered and is generally safe to drink. However, do not drink it if it has collected on the ground or in rock crevices. Drink directly from the source.

  • Have a First Kit in Everyone’s Pack
  • Alcohol Wipes
  • Compression Bandages
  • Aspirin
  • Vitamin C Tablets. (You Can Also Add Vitamin C Tablets To Boiled Or Purified water To Improve Its taste)
  • Scissors
  • Bandages
  • Two Percent Liquid Tincture Of Iodine
  • Eye Dropper

Ensure everyone carries a first aid kit. The rule of thumb is to use the injured person’s kit to treat them. This ensures there is a kit for you if you are injured. Follow this rule because it is important. Other first aid items you should have are splints for broken bones, heavy surgical tape, rubbing alcohol and hot and cold packs.

Any wounds must be treated quickly. Stop the blood flow using a compression bandage. Once the flow is stopped, it must be cleaned to prevent infections. Iodine and alcohol are the best ways to kill bacteria around the wound. Bandage the wound well. When splinting broken bones you must allow for swelling. Besides the loss of blood, infection is the main concern with any open wound.

The list of things a person may need could fill a book. However, some things should be in everyone’s pack. The list is by no means comprehensive. Use your own judgment but begin assembling items now.

  • All Purpose Knife With Needle Nose Pliers Cutting Blade and Various Other Handy Items
  • Small Sheet Of Plastic
  • Compass
  • Magnesium Stick And Flint To Start Fires
  • Rain Gear
  • Needle And Thread Include Heavy Needles Similar To The Ones That Can Thread Leather
  • Heavy Fish Line On  A Spool
  • Coffee Filters Cheese Cloth Or Some Other Suitable Material To Filter Water With
  • Small Folding Shovel
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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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General Preparedness

Resolve to be better Prepared in 2012

As the new year approaches and you make a list of all your resolutions…its a good time to make the commitment to get better prepared in 2012. As we saw in 2011…it doesn’t matter where you live…emergencies/disasters happen. From earthquakes to massive storms,  flooding to tornadoes, blackouts to hurricanes….almost every community faced some type of event.

Being better prepared doesn’t mean panicking or changing your entire lifestyle. It can simply mean talking to your family about an emergency plan, stocking up on some basic emergencies supplies or learning basic first aid or CPR. None of these actions will take much time but they will put you on the right path. I can virtually assure you that you will feel better after you have taken one of these steps.

For myself…I happen to like being better prepared. I like that I can help myself, my family and also random people who may be in need of assistance. Whether it be an injury on the ball field, a fender bender or something worse…situations arise and if you are the first person on the scene…it is nice to be able to take action.

FEMA, The Red Cross and all other Disaster Response organizations say the same message: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.

Lets make that a resolution in the New Year.

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Disaster Kits General Preparedness Personal Preparedness Preparedness Planning

Give the Gift of Safety

With the holiday season rapidly approaching most of us are making lists or planning out who we want or need to buy gifts for. Typically these lists include games, clothing, jewelery, sporting goods, liquor and similar items. One suggestion you may want to think about is buying a friend or loved one a preparedness kit or other type safety related item. These items might not be the first things that pop into your mind but they are a unique and important present that will truly show you care.

No matter where you live…you can be affected by storms, blackouts, severe weather, accidents or worse. We all know we need to be better prepared…but to often we procrastinate getting it done. By purchasing a survival kit or product and giving it to someone….you show them you care while making them safer. And…while you are at it…might as well get one for yourself.

It can be a survival kit, a great flashlight, a first aid kit, a car emergency kit and anything else you think is important.

Sometimes thinking out of the box is a good idea.

This holiday season…be safe.

Paul

1800prepare.com

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Disaster Kits Emergency Responders General Preparedness Personal Preparedness Preparedness Planning Survival Kits

Northeast Snow Storm

By now..most people in the Northeast have power back in their homes and have dug out from the freak storm that hit our area. Due to the time of year and the trees being full of leaves….this storm was particularly devastating. There were severe power outages due to the large number of trees and limbs that came down. This caused major breaks in power lines and a large number of transformer fires. All this adds up to a pretty terrible event and one that hopefully taught us all some lessons.

1. Emergencies can and do happen all the time. Even when we don’t expect them to.

2. These events create very dangerous scenarios: live downed power lines, falling debris, loss of power, slippery roads, fires, etc.

3. Emergency response personnel become overwhelmed and can’t get to every emergency immediately

So…this once again should teach us that we all need to be better personally prepared. We need to all learn to become our own “first responders”.

*Did you have the kits and supplies you need?

*Did you have a plan in place of where to go and what to do?

*Did you know what resources were available to you?

My true hope is that each time we face these events…we learn something and more importantly we take action. Take at least one step now towards better preparedness and I can assure you that the next emergency (and their will be one) will be just a little bit easier for you to get through.

In the meantime…be well and be safe.

Paul Faust

1800prepare.com

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Disaster Kits General Preparedness Preparedness Planning Survival Kits

Preparedness Tabling Event

With September being National Preparedness Month I have had the opportunity to spend a few hours at companies in my community talking about preparedness kits and supplies. I think it is great that more and more companies are taking preparedness seriously and holding events where their employees can learn and ask questions. Often it isn’t until we bring the topic right to them….that they consider it. When we remove any barriers it is amazing to see how many people are actually concerned and want to get some more facts.

These simple steps that companies are taking can have a profound impact on our overall readiness level in this country. If even for just a few hours people are talking about the last “event” and how they were or weren’t prepared….we have taken a step in the right direction. At the event I did on Tuesday I was amazed at how many people came by and said they have been planning to buy an emergency kit for years but just never got around to it. Now that it was right in front of them….they took action.

The question becomes…how do we encourage more of this type event if this is what it takes to change the culture in this country. The topic of disaster preparedness isn’t that scary. The more you learn, the more you understand…the better off you will be.

Thank you to the companies that are making this a topic they encourage their employees to learn about.

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General Preparedness Personal Preparedness

Is Preparedness Contagious?

Can you help other people get prepared by being prepared yourself? When you take steps like getting an emergency kit, learning CPR, making a family plan….will your friends and family see what you have done and take notice? If you do take these steps…do you tell people what you have done and try to encourage them to do same?

I personally believe that if those of us who take preparedness seriously encourage others…they will at least take the next steps. We need to help them and show them that it is easy. While the government and other national organizations preach the message….it is often seeing someone else that you relate to that will get you to take action.

What are your thoughts on this? Should you keep your preparedness steps private…or try to motivate others by talking about it?

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Pandemic Personal Preparedness Preparedness Planning Swine Flu (H1N1 or Influenza A)

Contagion

I just came back from watching the movie contagion. A very interesting movie that had many in the audience chatting after about whether or not something like this could happen. Could there be a mass pandemic outbreak of this proportion? If there was….would there be a run on food supplies, medicines, etc?

I am not the kind of person who sees a movie like this and runs out and starts planning for the next big outbreak but…it did make me a little nervous? Could it happen by accident? Could terrorists figure out a way to turn a disease into a weapon? What would the outcome be and are we prepared as a country and world to react to this type event?

For the past few years we have had on our site what the industry calls a “pandemic kit“? It is just some basic supplies that someone can use to help stop the spread of infection. Are there other basic supply options we should all look at having on hand? I for one am going to look into it. As a parent and husband I would hate to thinnk that I didnt take some basic precautionary steps….just in case.

I truly hope a movie like Contagion doesn’t cause people to panic…but that it at least stirs some people to action in terms of their own personal preparedness plans.

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Disaster Kits Earthquake Preparedness Fire Preparedness/Safety First Aid Flood Preparedness Food and Water General Preparedness Hurricane Preparedness Personal Preparedness Preparedness Planning Preparedness tips Survival Kits Tornado Preparedness

Preparedness Procrastination

Every year we see different types of disasters happen across the United States and the rest of the world. Earthquake, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Fires, Acts of Terror and Blackouts just to name a few. We are also constantly reminded of the message: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed. So the question is…If disasters happen and we know the basic things we can do to be better prepared…why do most people wait until the last minute? Why are there massive lines at retail stores for food, water, flashlights, batteries and other types of survival gear?

As the owner of a survival kit and preparedness supply company…I get panicked calls and email asking if people can pick up kits immediately or if I can ship overnight. You would like that at some point people would all stop procrastinating and start to better prepare. If every day or week you take one simple step to being better prepared…in very little time…you would find yourself much better off than where you are  today. Everything doesn’t have to be done now and it certainly isn’t about panic. Just start…take action. I believe that one you do…you will realize that it isn’t much work and you will fell better knowing you have taken steps to make yourself and your family safer. Oh..and by the way….if you do take the first step…while you’re at it…encourage a family member or friend to do the same.

Here are some simple suggestions:

*Learn what sort of emergencies/disasters happen in your area. Learn what they do and how they can affect you. Will they cause blackouts, high winds, etc.

*Check what supplies you have in house and get some simple items every time you are out shopping: flashlights, batteries, emergency food that won’t spoil, water.

*Take to your family about what you would do “if” something happened. Where would you go? What might happen? Where the supplies are. How you would communicate.

*Learn basic first aid and CPR. It can come in happen at anytime and not just during major events

Please let us know if you have other steps you recommend. The more we share and encourage others…the better off we will all be.

Be well and stay safe,

Paul

1800prepare.com