Tag Archives: Family Preparedness

How People May React

Posted on by
14

This morning I was pulling into a gas station pump when I witnessed an occurrence that was disturbing after I thought about it.  The gas station was crowded, with every row filled with a customer.  The station also had parking spots facing the convenience store.  A woman, driving this huge Suburban (let’s call her (“Suburban Driver”) with kids in the back seat, was backing out of one of the convenience store spots got very close to hitting the minivan at the pump next to me.  The driver of the miniwan,(we’ll call her “Minivan Lady”) honked her horn as she was afraid the Suburban will surely hit her car.  It got close, but nothing was hit.  I expected Suburban Driver to just shrug and keep going, but instead, she got very furious that she got honked at.  Her face contorted into an angry mask, and instead of just driving away, she actually got out of her Suburban and started yelling and gesticulating that Minivan Lady should relax.  “CALM DOWN I WAS NOT ABOUT TO HIT YOU – YOU f—*** b–*** !!!,” which seemed really ironic given she was the one losing her temper.  Suburban Driver got really aggressive and went up to the window of Minivan Lady who just locked her doors and looked aghast.  Suburban Driver finally went back to her car and sped off, driving aggressively.  Minivan Lady was quite shaken.

After witnessing this encounter, I was perturbed that someone would get so aggressive and exhibit violence over something as trivial as getting honked at, and in front of kids.  I really shouldn’t be shocked–we’ve heard of fights breaking out over parking spots and people coming to blows at Christmas sales.  But actually seeing how people react and get ugly made it more glaring.  Who can say what frame of mind she had to begin with?  She may have been stressed but that is no excuse.  If someone could potentially get violent over a trivial incident, can you imagine how people would react when there is a disaster?

Last week I wrote about obstacles that could keep you from getting home in an emergency.  Witnessing the incident this morning, I realized road rage can become an obstacle when:

  • People are stuck in unending traffic jams and unable to get home
  • Store shelves become empty and people can’t get food and water for their families
  • Depressed or mentally ill patients will no longer have access to mood altering medication
  • Jobs become scarce and livelihoods are threatened
  • Homes are foreclosed or lost

What can you do?

  • Realize and accept that people will not be acting at their best
  • If you are the one starting to feel stressed and agitated, take a step back and take a deep breath.  The cliche about counting to 10 works.
  • Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and empathize with what they may be going through.
  • If you are the target, do not let the matter escalate – you always have a choice to walk away.  Pride and “being in the right” won’t matter much to your family if you get hurt or killed.
  • Pray for patience and strength to overcome any difficulties.
  • Be prepared.

Even in everyday situations, being prepared can help you could avoid many irritants and inconveniences:

  • Leaving early instead of late will avoid the stress of being rushed.
  • Saving money for a rainy day helps you deal with unexpected financial emergencies
  • Preparing your kids’ clean clothes, lunches, paperwork the night before avoids the morning rush
  • Keeping at least a quarter to half a tank of gas at all times avoids having to stop at a gas station when it’s inconvenient.
  • Getting out of debt means less worries.
  • Having food stored at home means not having to run to the store.

Being prepared goes a long way toward giving you peace of mind, whether a disaster happens or not.

 

Mother Earth Food Storage

Mother Earth Products

For beginning preppers

DebtProof Living

Big City Obstacles to Getting Home in a Disaster

Posted on by
5

Traffic_pic

Soon after the Boston Marathon bombing, the city went on lockdown.  A relative who lives a mile or so away from the blast site was visiting a friend at the time.  He texted the family that he could not leave his friend’s house for hours because entire neighborhoods were on lockdown.  This got me thinking about what could potentially keep you from getting home in the event of a disaster.  You can have all your “ducks in a row” such as a well stocked get home bag, emergency texting tree, contingency plans, but these things could provide obstacles to your getting home plans:

News Delays

On typical work days we get our news reports during the morning or afternoon drive while listening to the radio.  But what if something happens in the middle of the day?  It may be a good idea to check the news at certain times during the day via your phone or your computer just to be aware of what’s going on.  I am not recommending surfing the internet as you work, but perhaps checking during your break or lunch would not be a bad idea.  If you don’t know that there’s an emergency going on until later, you may waste precious time.

Malfunctioning Elevators

The first thing you need to do is get out of your building if it is safe to go out.  I have gotten locked in a packed elevator with 10 other people and it was not a good experience.  It only lasted for a few minutes but that was enough that I do not get into an elevator that is overly packed.  I’d rather take the stairs.  In an emergency, elevators may not even work.

  • Get to know your building layout.
  • Find out about stairwells and alternate routes out of your floor.

Blocked Exits

Parking structures may get congested or worse, destroyed and you may be unable to get your car out.

  • Have a plan in case you have to walk out of downtown.
  • Have some emergency cash in case you have to take a cab or bus home.
  • Know where you can get public transportation just in case.
  • Have a “get home” bag.
  • You should always  have comfortable shoes with you.

Traffic Congestion and Accidents

Think about the flow of traffic in your area.  Houston traffic is horrendous at certain hours, but some cities are even worse.  The freeways get really packed during rush hours.  Add a fender bender or two and you can be sitting there for hours.

  • Know the traffic conditions in your area:
  • Keep track of traffic reports and have several alternate routes home.
  • Don’t rely on your GPS – know the routes by heart or have a paper map.
  • Consider taking a defensive driving course – you can improve your driving skills and possibly qualify for a discount off your car insurance.

Flooded, Blocked or Damaged Streets

We live in an area that floods quickly during heavy rains.  Again, know your alternate routes, and stay clear of areas that you know will become choke points.  In an earthquake, riot or weather-related disaster, many streets may be blocked or damaged.   You should have a backup street map in case cell phones are not working and you are unable to access Mapquest or Google Maps.

Lock Downs

Employers and school officials have emergency lockdown procedures.  Get to know the lock down procedures in your office and kids’ schools if you are a parent.  If your building goes on lock down you may be prevented from leaving.

  • Know where to pick up your kids.
  • Schools sometimes close down certain driveways and exits, and you will waste valuable time if you have to take time to search for the open one.
  • Designate who picks up whom in advance to avoid duplication and wasted time.

Crime

Related to road rage described above, desperate people will resort to desperate acts.   Someone who is unable to get a vehicle may try and take yours.  You may be trying to walk out and someone may steal your get home bag – anything can happen.  Have a way to defend yourself if necessary.   I am not suggesting everyone needs to carry a weapon, but just be aware this can happen so you can take precautions.

  • Don’t call attention to yourself if you are walking.
  • Stay away from open doorways and steer clear of blind corners.
  • If you are driving, keep your doors and windows closed.

This post is not meant to scare you but rather get you to think about possible impediments to getting home in an emergency so you can plan ahead.  Take the extra steps of informing your family and test your emergency plan.

 

ReadyMade Resources is a trusted source for your preparedness supplies:

Check out information and products available at SafeGuard Clothing, or click on the link below.

Find products that are equally functional for wilderness survival as well as urban preparedness:

Prepare for the Flu Season

Posted on by

Catching the flu can turn into a minor emergency for any household.  With the news reporting the the flu season came early this year, it is a good time to prepare and stock up on supplies just in case.

Prevention

Prevention is still the ideal situation during the flu season.  With a few precautions, perhaps we can avoid catching the flu altogether.

Avoid crowds   Staying away from people can be difficult this time of year, but try it anyway.  Being among lots of people increases your chances of getting contaminated.   Do your shopping online, or if you like the mall, go shopping on a weekday or at least ahead of the big day before Christmas rush.

Doctors recommend the vaccine for especially for high risk individuals  People with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system are generally considered high risk and therefore are recommended to get vaccinated.  However, this is a personal decision and is different for everyone.  I got the vaccine once when free vaccine was being offered at work, and I felt quite miserable enough to miss work the next day.  I know it will be quickly pointed out that “you cannot catch the flu from the vaccine because the it contains a weak or dead form of the virus,” but everyone reacts differently.  Check with your doctor and do your research before making a decision.

Wash your hands  Get everyone in the family in the habit of washing their hands as they come home from public places and before eating.  If you cannot wash your hands right away, use antibacterial wipes.

Stop touching your eyes and face  Once you touch something with germs, and you touch near your eyes or mouth, you can instantly catch a disease.  Be aware of this and if you cannot wash your hands right away, at least keep your hands away from your face.

Disinfect surfaces around you  Keep a box of antibacterial wipes and clean door knobs, light switches and other commonly touched items around you.  I like to keep a canister of my own Lysol wipes at the office and disinfect my desk, keyboard and phone on a regular basis.  I may sound paranoid about germs but I’d rather not risk catching anything with lots of people hacking and coughing around the office.

Bolster your Immune System

Strengthening your immune system is another good way to avoid catching the flu.

  • Get enough sleep and rest.
  • Relax and avoid stress.
  • Exercise at least three to four days a week.
  • Eat a healthy diet.  Take vitamin supplements if you feel you don’t eat well enough.

Flu Care Kit

Hopefully you will never need it, but keeping a few items in your emergency kit will help you avoid having to go to the store if you were sick and miserable:

  • Over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol, Advil, Nyquil or Dayquil
  • Thermometer
  •  Extra boxes of tissues
  •  Cough drops
  •  Decongestant
  •  Canned juices
  •  Canned chicken soup – I know home made is best, but sometimes you just feel too sick to make anything and canned chicken noodle soup will do in a pinch.

If you do get sick, see a doctor right away, as you might be able to get a prescription for an antiviral flu drug that may shorten your symptoms.  Stay home and rest.  You will avoid spreading it to others and the rest will help you recover quicker than if you kept going.  Can you imagine being in a disaster AND having the flu at the same time?   A few preparations ahead of time would help you avoid the additional misery.

 

Get the real deal. Whether bugging out or sheltering in place, you can never have enough clean water for survival: For your water purifier needs, please visit:

 For beginning preppers

Visit SafeCastle for your preparedness supplies:

Visit SafeCastle for your preparedness supplies
Good ideas for building a food storage plan can be found here:

 

 

 

 

Five Home Remedies that Really Work

Posted on by

Being a preparedness for emergencies, includes knowledge of common home remedies for simple ailments from hiccups to sore throats.   I am not a medical professional, but a mom who knows a few homemade cures that work.  Your results may vary, and if your problem persists, please consult a doctor.

Nose or Chest Congestion

 One of my kids recently had severe congestion and this remedy really helped.

You will need:

  •  Small pot with water
  •  Bath Towel
  •  Eucalyptus oil

Bring the small pot of water to boil.  Using mitts, place the pot of steamy hot water in the sink.

Place three to four drops of eucalyptus oil into the hot water.  To avoid burning, keep your face about a foot above the steamy water.  Drape a towel over your head.  Close your eyes and inhale the fragrant steam slowly.  Keep inhaling the steam for about five minutes until the water cools.

A steamy shower is also known to help congestion, but it does waste a lot more water than the above remedy.

Warts

This remedy actually works better than many over the counter freezing solutions.  You will need the old prepper’s stand-by:  duct tape.

Thoroughly clean the wart area.  Cut a piece of duct tape slightly larger than the wart and tape it over the wart.  Rub it down.  In three days, remove the duct tape.  The wart will soften up.  File down the dead skin with a nail file or emery board.  Repeat the process until it disappears.  What happens is, the duct tape suffocates and eventually kills the wart.

Hiccups

My mom taught me this remedy for hiccups from when I was very young.  It has never failed me.  You will need:

  •  1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 small glass of water

At the first sign of hiccups, pour one teaspoon or packet of sugar into your mouth, then, while pinching your nostrils, drink it down slowly with a glass of water.  Your hiccups will be gone instantly.   Please note, this remedy is not recommended for diabetics.

Sore Throat

Mix the juice of one lemon, 1 teaspoon of honey and a cup of warm water.  Mix well until the honey is dissolved.

Drink the liquid while it’s warm.

The lemon and honey mixture will relieve your sore throat.   Please note, if you have diabetes, this remedy may be inappropriate for you.

Skin Rash

Recently my hands developed a red and itchy rash from some cleaning products.  I tried regular had lotion but it did not work.  I applied coconut oil directly on the rash.  In a few minutes the itching disappeared.  I kept applying it for two days until the redness was completely gone.

What are your favorite home remedies?  Please share in the comments below.

 

 For beginning preppers

 

ReadyMade Resources is a trusted source for your preparedness supplies:

Check out information and products available at SafeGuard Clothing, or click on the link below.

Find products that are equally functional for wilderness survival as well as urban preparedness:

Explaining Emergency Preparedness to Kids

Posted on by

Being prepared for emergencies involves both buying supplies and gear, as well as developing new skills.  Young children may notice differences in routines, behavior, as well as a new influx of unfamiliar supplies and activities.  They may get curious about what’s going on, or if there is an impending emergency such as an ice storm or hurricane, may become fearful.

Here are a few tips on explaining preparedness to kids:

  • Take the time to discuss emergency preparedness when you are not rushed or stressed out.  Rushing to the grocery store right before a hurricane would not be the ideal time to do it.  A better time would be during a car ride on the way to go shopping at the market, or while you a picking up extra water or canned foods.
  • Explain it in a level they can understand, and ask them for feedback about what they think could happen if there is no electricity or no water.   This way you can adjust your conversation to their level of understanding.
  • Without sharing your worries, communicate that you are trying to make sure everyone will be fine and comfortable when the power goes out, or if water does not come out of the tap.
  • Give examples of emergencies such as storms, earthquake that are common in your area that they are most likely to experience.
  • Let them help you stack canned foods, cap up the water bottles etc. to help them feel they are part of the efforts to prepare.
  • Encourage them to share their feelings and accept if they are feeling scared.  Show them how preparing properly helps everyone feel less scared.
  • Answer questions about things they may have heard about.
  • Limit unsupervised TV.  Lately there have been a lot of alarming commercials about apocalypse prophesies, doomsday etc.  Even though the shows are in a different channel or time slot, the commercials are scary enough.
  • Teach them about 9-1-1:  when to call for help, and types of situations such as when there is no one around to help, and someone is in danger or injured.
  • Visit http://www.ready.gov/kids  for activities that can help kids understand emergency readiness.
  • For older children who are home alone, post emergency numbers in a visible spot such as the refrigerator door and show them where it is.
  • Do some role-playing and hold family drills in dealing with various situations such as fire, sudden evacuation, tornado warnings etc.  Take the time to communicate each step of what you are trying to do.
  • Include children in the fun activities associated with being prepared, including acquiring new skills – gardening, fishing, etc.

Once kids see you doing preparedness activities on a regular basis, they will start to associate them with normal, everyday routines.  If you include them in creative and fun projects they will adapt and accept preparedness as part of daily life.  Growing up with valuable skills and the ability to be resilient are priceless gifts you can give them.

 

Check out the Legacy Premium line of storage foods carried by one of our sponsors, PrepareWise.

Get the real deal. Whether bugging out or sheltering in place, you can never have enough clean water for survival: For your water purifier needs, please visit:

Don’t let those expiration dates get past you.  An inexpensive but helpful tool to keep track of supplies (Iphone or Ipad users):

 For beginning preppers

Clothing for Hard Times

Posted on by

Coats and Jackets at Goodwill

I received a great email from reader Linda who brought up an important aspect of preparedness:  clothing.  If there is some kind of large scale collapse, manufacturing and shipping may be interrupted, and clothes will be come scarce.

During the Great Depression, many people could not afford store bought clothes and therefore had to make their own.  Many had to trade items for materials or cloth, or used burlap sacks that chicken feed came in.  Fortunately for them, they knew how to sew, but how many of us in the present time can make an actual outfit.  I can sew a basic hem or reattach a button, but I can’t say I could make an article of clothing.   The scarcity of clothes continued for many years; even during World War II, clothes and shoes were rationed along with other commodities such as fuel, coffee, tires, cheese, meat, etc.  Clothes could be only during certain days, and by buying through the black market at steep prices.

Clothes will wear out and will need to be replaced, and kids will outgrow their clothes.  Even if nothing happens, if you stock up on inexpensive clothes now, you will be glad to have them when prices are higher.  Of course, fashion conscious folk will have to give up having the latest styles, but at that point, people would just be glad to have something to wear.

What you can do now

  • Shop in your own closet and set aside a few pairs of jeans, sturdy clothing for your “bug-out” bag.  Have a set for different seasons.  Choose comfortable shoes as well.
  • Give away or sell clothes and shoes you no longer use to make room.
  • Go through your kids clothes and do the same thing.  Sell or give away outgrown items.
  • If you know families who have kids who are close in ages, set up a hand-me-down exchange.
  • Visit Goodwill and other thrift stores and shop for clothes of varying sizes in anticipation of kids’ growth spurts.  Take advantage of “buy one get one free” or “buy one get one at half off” days.
  • If you have the room, keep a few clothes for barter.
  • Buy classic styles that are well made and will look good for a long time.
  • Have some repair materials on hand such sewing kit, zipper repair, sewing awl,  (used to repair heavy duty items such as thick jackets, sleeping bags, tents etc) Shoe Goo, heel savers on hand.

Acquire Skills

  • To get started, choose one skill that will help you create clothing in the future:  sewing, crocheting, quilting or knitting are all good to know.  Concentrate
  • Take a free class at a sewing machine seller, or have a friend show you how.
  • Stock up on materials by buying them on sale at discount stores or thrift stores.

Make your clothes and shoes last longer

  • See Basic Shoe Care for tips on how to make your shoes last.
  • Wash colors in cold water and 1/3 cup vinegar rinse.  The vinegar sets the color and does not impart the vinegar smell.
  • Turn clothes inside out before washing.
  • If you have the room, line dry clothes.  Drying in a clothes dryer wears them out faster-this is where lint comes from.
  • Take care of stains right away.  Hydrogen peroxide is a good stain remover for organic stains such as blood.  Rubbing alcohol works well on ink and grass stains.
  • Many items of clothing (except for underwear) really do not need to be washed after every wear.  Unless you sweat heavily or live in a hot, humid climate year round, your clothes stay fairly clean wearing a couple of times between washes.  Just hang them up to smooth out wrinkles.

Storage

  • Stains and body oils attract moths and other bugs.  Store only clean clothes – wash and dry all clothes prior to storing.
  • Fold clothes properly as best you can.
  • Plastic under the bed storage bins are good; space bags also work well for clothing.
  • Toss a used dryer sheet to avoid musty odors.
  • Store in clean, dry places.  Moisture will cause mold and mildew to form and ruin the clothes.
  • Use cedar hangers or cedar chips to repel moths.  Mothballs not only smell bad, but they also contain harmful chemicals.  Other natural moth repellants include lavander, rosemary, eucalyptus.  In a future post, I will cover how to make how to make natural sachets that repel insects.

 

Check out the Legacy Premium line of storage foods carried by one of our sponsors, PrepareWise.

Get the real deal. Whether bugging out or sheltering in place, you can never have enough clean water for survival: For your water purifier needs, please visit:

Don’t let those expiration dates get past you.  An inexpensive but helpful tool to keep track of supplies (Iphone or Ipad users):

 

 

For more preparedness tips, read my book:

Monday Musings 10/1/2012 October Edition

Posted on by

With today being the first day of October,  I thought I’d do a quick post.

New SARS threat bears watching.   The World Health Organization is closely watching out for cases involving a virus in the same family as the one that caused SARS back in the early 2000s.  This new virus starts out as a respiratory type infection but can cause pneumonia and kidney failure.  See New Coronavirus Outbreak: WHO On Alert And Watching New Sars-Like Virus In Saudi Arabia.  No need to worry, best thing to do is stay aware and get informed on SARS, by visiting the CDC website

And, with the regular flu season nearly upon us, it doesn’t hurt to check your First Aid supplies, chicken soup, herb teas and other home remedies.

Everyone needs a fire evacuation plan.   At least once a week we hear about some unfortunate families who are victims of a house or apartment fire.  I think apartment dwellers are vulnerable because the close proximity of homes contributes to fire spreading rapidly.  A few units are affected by the time the fire is contained.  Keeping our loved ones safe is of utmost importance.  Here is an article that helps you create a plan:  Planning a Fire Evacuation Route for Your Home

Fiscal cliff looming.  Even the mainstream early morning news radio that I listen to, while sitting in traffic, was discussing the “global economic slowdown.”  See Faber Warns “Everything Will Collapse”  ; Five Mainstream Economists Sound a Warning  ;   America could be ‘taken over,’ warns Ross Perot   If you have been holding off for a better time to get prepared, don’t wait.   There is no better time than right now to get those emergency supplies and finances in shape.  I hope these dire warnings never come to pass, but signs are hard to miss.   These are worrisome times indeed.

Blog updates

Moved to a new server.  My web hosting service has informed me that the blog just finished moving to a newer. faster server.  The actual moved occurred this past weekend.  I had a few issues logging in on Friday night when I got “server unavailable” error message but nothing too major.  For anyone who wasn’t able to visit the site, sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your patience.  Any issues should be fixed now.

New sponsors are welcome  I receive a lot of requests for banner ad space but I am being selective by limiting sponsors to preparedness and survival companies that fit in with the blog content.   It does help pay the blog expenses such as the aforementioned servers and for testing, ingredients etc, so if you know of anyone interested, please have them drop me an email.

New book giveaway.   I will be announcing a drawing for a new book.  Check back later this week!

Have a safe week everyone!

 

Check out the Legacy Premium line of storage foods carried by one of our sponsors, PrepareWise.

Get the real deal. Whether bugging out or sheltering in place, you can never have enough clean water for survival: For your water purifier needs, please visit:

Don’t let those expiration dates get past you.  An inexpensive but helpful tool to keep track of supplies (Iphone or Ipad users):

Don’t Forget Gloves for your Emergency Kit and Bug Out Bag

Posted on by

I never thought much about gloves until I started preparing.  At the most I had a pair of rubber gloves for washing dishes.  Now I have several types.

Disposable gloves

Disposable gloves can be used for quick and dirty jobs such as cleaning up messes, pet waste, handling contaminated surfaces to avoid infection etc.  However these are generally very flimsy.  Thankfully, they are not very expensive.  I got a 10 pack at the 99 Cents Only store, but a box from the warehouse store would be a better deal.

Heavy rubber gloves

If you do not want to run the risk of the gloves tearing up, you’ll want a pair of heavy duty rubber gloves.  Use these for larger jobs such as hauling trash, digging in the mud etc.  You can purchase these at any grocery or discount store.

Work gloves

The first time we went camping, I didn’t even think about bringing work gloves.  Mr. Apt. Prepper brought his and I saw how the gloves protect your hands from injury when picking up branches and chopping wood.

The next time we went out to the mountains, I came prepared with my own work gloves:

–I never had to worry about getting splinters and minor cuts.
–They give you a better grip
–Keep your hands warm as the day grows colder.
–Protection from heat as you tend the campfire.
–Keep your hands clean and lower the risk of infection

In the aftermath of a natural disaster or emergency, such as a hurricane or earthquake, you may have to pick up fallen branches, gather firewood, sift through broken glass and other heavy duty chores that will require protection from your hands.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a couple of sets for each member of the family. You can keep one pair with the emergency supplies and one in the bug out bag.

Here are a couple of good ones:

For men: Custom Leathercraft P3214L Workright Flex Grip Work Gloves, Large, 3-Pair

For ladies: Wells Lamont 1124S Work Gloves, Grain/Split Palomino Cowhide

Check out these specials at Emergency Essentials
Emergency Essentials/BePreparedEmergency Essentials/BePreparedEmergency Essentials/BePrepared
For more preparedness tips, read my book:

 

Check out information and products available at SafeGuard Clothing, or click on the link below.

 

 

Can You Evacuate Your Home in 90 Minutes?

Posted on by

Listening to the news today about flooding in the wake of Hurricane Isaac, we heard about residents near Lake Tangipahoa Dam in Mississippi being ordered to evacuate, due to damage to the dam and possible flooding.  About 60,000 people were affected.  Fortunately, as of this writing, the dam has not failed as emergency management personnel are trying to patch it.

Mr. Apt Prepper and I had a long discussion about what we would do if were in that situation.  I was getting stressed out just thinking about it.

We came up with a plan on what we would do.  Here are some thoughts and ideas:

  • If you live in the ground floor or even the lower floors of the apartment building, in a low lying area, your home is at a high risk of flooding.  If you lived in a higher floor, your belongings may be spared getting soaked, but you’d still have to evacuate to avoid getting stranded.
  • Even if the home is spared from flooding, there is always a possibility of looters taking advantage of empty houses.  You’ll want to lock up your home as well as you can.
  • Make as list of anything you would not want to lose so you know what to grab in an emergency.
  • To avoid panic, each family member should have a designated task.  One can grab the computer and any small electronics, someone else can grab the safe that has important documents, smaller kids can go to their room and take their favorite stuffed animal etc.
  • Having a bug out bag or go bag ready for each family member will also save time, instead of having to pack clothes, shoes, first aid kit etc.
  • Most emergency shelters do not allow pets.  Make arrangements with relatives now, just in case.  Or, look up hotels or motels that are pet friendly, so your family and pets will have someplace to stay until it’s safe to return.
  • If you had to leave your pet behind, leave plenty of food and water.  Window stickers indicating the presence of pets can be left for emergency personnel.
  • A cash stash would really come in handy for a hotel stay.     Don’t leave home without it.
  • Most renter’s insurance does not cover flood damage – review your policy on what is actually covered; if you live in a flood prone area, you may have to consider flood insurance.
  • Don’t forget to notify family and friends regarding your whereabouts.

Hurricane and flood prone areas are not the only ones at risk for evacuation.  Brush fires, hazardous chemical leaks can also cause a sudden evacuation.  Everyone has different circumstances:  it is up to each of us to come up with a plan.  Give this some thought now, before anything happens.

 

 

Please visit LECOR by clicking here:

Help your College Student Prepare for Emergencies

Posted on by

Back to school season is in full swing, and these last few weeks were spent preparing kids for the first day of school.

We have a couple of nieces and nephews who are going away to college in a few weeks.  This got me thinking what can be done to at least get them prepared for emergencies.   I’ve listed a three layered approach, with the third choice is the most extensive but also the most encompassing.  It all depends on your relationship with the teen, the extent of their involvement with prepping, what you want to prepare for and how much you wish to spend.

I.  Give a prepping themed “going off to college” gift that will be useful in an emergency or at least get them started to think about being prepared:

  • solar cell phone charger
  • multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife
  • paracord bracelet

II.  Assemble a Power Outage/Earthquake/Hurricane Emergency Kit

Include in a small decorative box or basket, items that they will be able to use for a variety of emergencies such as power outage, earthquake or hurricane.  Include the following:  at least three days worth of water bottles, water purifier, easy to prepare foods (canned foods with can opener) or food bars such as Mainstay Energy Bar, high energy snacks such as peanuts, flashlight/radio/charger and batteries, and pocket sized First Aid kit.  Remember most dorm rooms or off campus apartments are small:  everything has to be reasonably sized and efficiently packed. The items have to be simple to use and do not require special preparations.  They may be in a panic when the emergency happens, so include a note with some instructions.

III.  Assemble a Get Home Bag

In the movie Zombieland, the beginning scene showed one of the main characters getting attacked by a zombie in his dorm room.  After this horrible experience, his first instinct initially was to just get home.  This is fiction, but in a real emergency, anyone would want to get home as quickly as possible.  I think the most efficient way to prepare in a dorm would be to assemble a Get Home bag.

In a backpack, include the following items:

  • personal water filter or set of Hydropacks
  • food bars
  • cash (to be used for transportation)
  • First Aid kit
  • a change of clothes and underwear (weather appropriate)
  • good wool socks
  • comfortable shoes
  • rain gear (umbrella and rain poncho)
  • flashlight/weather radio
  • solar charger
  • utility knife (check campus guidelines) or multi-tool
  • signal mirror
  • whistle
  • lighter or matches
  • tarp
  • self protection such as pepper spray
  • small hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, floss, toilet paper (with cardboard removed), liquid hand sanitizer or wipes, contact lens solution etc.

Adjust the items according to the student’s needs and situation. Have a conversation about what is included in the backpack and situations where it may come in handy.  Include them in your texting tree and explain how it works as well as plans where the family can meet in case of extreme emergency.  As with any emergency preparations, we hope to never have to use them, but  good to have just in case.

 

 

Please visit LECOR by clicking here: