Tag Archives: prepare

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A TIME TO REMEMBER; A TIME TO PREPARE

September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s theme is “A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare.”  Sunday, September 11, was a very sad day, a reminder of the tragedy caused by terrorists who cold-heartedly took the lives of thousands of hard-working people.  It certainly was an event we will always remember with compassion.  This year’s theme of National Preparedness Month not only asks us to remember, but be prepared. 

Editor’s Note: I found this article, written by John Mintz, published in the Washington Post, July 29, 2004, regarding Family Emergency Preparedness.  As you continue, bear in mind the date this was written, and see if you don’t agree that public apathy toward being prepared continues today?

Are you prepared?

If you’re not prepared, which one of the following categories – defined by the American Red Cross – fits you?

  • Head scratcher – Doesn’t know where to find preparedness advice
  • Head in the sand – Believes preparation is unimportant
  • Head in the clouds – Mistakenly believes they are ready
  • Headset crowd – Too busy and can’t find time to prepare
  • Heady unawareness – People who “simply haven’t thought about preparedness”

Planning for your basic needs

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, www.dhs.gov  or www.ready.gov  lists six general categories of readiness for disaster. Begin your planning with:

  • Water and food
  • Portable kit
  • Supply checklists
  • Special needs items
  • Safe Indoor Air

To get preparedness information locally, pick up planning guides at local fire stations or American Red Cross.

The percentage of Americans who have created an emergency plan for a terrorist attack has dropped in the last year, along with the proportion of Americans who believe terrorists may strike near their home or workplace, according to two new studies released July 20, 2004.

Civil preparedness experts said these and other numbers are going in precisely the wrong direction, with U.S. authorities warning that al-Qaeda is determined to strike the United States this fall (2004) . The information was released at a conference at George Washington University.

“We need to narrow the universe of the unprepared, of those we need to worry about in a catastrophic situation, and it is not going to be easy,” Red Cross President Marsha Evans said in a speech outlining her group’s survey on emergency preparedness. “Every one of those unprepared Americans is a potential barrier to the effectiveness of our response to any disaster.”

The Red Cross survey, conducted last month by Wirthlin Worldwide, found that the percentage of Americans who have created a family emergency plan on where to meet after a terror strike has dropped from 40 percent in August 2003 to 32 percent today (2004).

The percentage of people who expressed concern that terrorists might strike near their home or workplace has declined more dramatically, from 71 percent immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to about half today, according to a separate poll also released July 20 by the non-profit Council for Excellence in Government.

Preparedness specialists believe that the number of people readying themselves for the aftermath of a terrorist attack has dropped as time has passed since the Sept. 11 strike without another attack on the United States.

U.S. officials and counter-terrorism specialists say encouraging Americans to stockpile supplies for an attack, prepare themselves emotionally and take action to ready their families is vital to both self-protection and bouncing back from any strike that does occur.The Red Cross poll also found that the percentage of people who had assembled home emergency kits remained stable between 2003 and this year (2004), at 42 percent. But only one in 10 families have taken all three steps considered crucial for preparation: creating emergency kits and family plans for reuniting after a disaster, as well as getting training in first aid, the Red Cross study said.

Some public-relations experts said stepped-up marketing efforts for such citizen involvement could ingrain terror preparedness into the popular consciousness just as the ad campaigns to buckle seatbelts in the 1980s had children reminding their parents to secure their safety restraints. Those ads are credited with increasing seatbelt use from 10 percent in 1981 to 79 percent in 2003.

 A recent poll (2004), found that about 90% of Americans doubt that they would leave their homes during a terrorist attack, even if asked by government officials to do so.

Do you think these figures are the same, better, or worse today?  Where do you stand?

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WEEKEND OF DEADLY TORNADOES IN THE UNITED STATES

The “family of tornadoes” actually began their deadly trip across the southeastern U.S. last Thursday night.  This storm system struck parts of Oklahoma that night, and eventually traveled through 13 states, leaving 45 persons dead, and several others injured.  The tragedy was compounded by the destruction of homes and businesses.  A total of 241 tornadoes were reported, with 50 tornadoes confirmed.  These twisters were various sizes, with some as wide as a football field.  Communities that were hit are now facing the reality of what has happened, beginning with the huge task of cleanup. 

Because the National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios, it is recommended that persons who live in vulnerable parts of the country purchase one of them.  Having a battery-operated weather radio would be invaluable in the event of a dangerous thunderstorm or other natural weather occurrence.  You probably already understand these warnings, but we will review them, just in case: 

  • Tornado WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
  • Tornado WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
  • Severe Thunderstorm WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
  • Severe Thunderstorm WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are happening. 

Tornadoes occasionally develop in areas where a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect.  Stay alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist.  Sometimes, tornadoes develop so quickly that advance warning is not possible.  Watch for signs of an approaching tornado, such as dark, often greenish sky; wall cloud; large hail; and loud roar – similar to a freight train. 

 It’s up to you!  Many people are killed or seriously injured each year by tornadoes despite advance warning.  Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them.  Being prepared and having timely severe weather watches and warnings could save your life if a tornado threatens your area.  You must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives.  It could be the most important decision you ever make! 

Certain citizens are more at risk than others.  This includes:

  1. Persons in automobiles;
  2. The elderly, very young, and the mentally or physically impaired;
  3. People in mobile homes;
  4. People who may not understand the warning due to a language barrier. 

In our next article, we will go over disaster plans for all scenarios: home, school, work, and other facilities, such as hospitals or nursing homes.  Start thinking of things you need purchase to build your supply kit.  It pays to be prepared!  Put the safety of you and your family first!

Source: NOAA

General Safety Issues

SUMMER’S HERE!

As the month of June is closing, our final installment for National Safety Month is “Summer Safety.”  What better time to pass on to you many safety issues that this time of the year brings.  We hope you will have a great summer, and maybe some of these ideas will help you avoid some of the pitfalls that hot weather brings.
v First, the sun:  most of us spend more time outdoors during summer months.  Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, especially for those who have fair skin and freckles.  Be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and apply it often.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
v Heat: You need to gradually become used to being in the heat, especially those who must work outdoors.  Drink lots of water or sports drinks, and stay hydrated.  Take breaks as often as possible.
v Another heat issue: summer athletics.  This is the time of year when baseball and other sports are taking place.  Those who are working out for football are also exposed to conditions they are not used to.  Be sure that your summer athlete stays hydrated and is allowed to take breaks.
v Fireworks: even sparklers can cause burns.  Don’t allow children to use fireworks unattended.  The best idea would be to watch a fireworks display and let the professionals handle it.
v Water: many boating and swimming accidents happen because of alcohol or drugs.
v Summer is a high-risk time for child drownings, the 2nd leading cause of unintentional deaths in children ages 1-14.  Remember, no one watches your child as closely as you.  A child can drown in 20-30 seconds.  Don’t be distracted by cell phone calls or reading a magazine while supervising young swimmers.
v The driver of a boat should be as responsible as when he/she is driving a car.  Be sure                all children wear life jackets in a boat, and adults should wear them, as well, to set the example for the kids.  Swimmers should not go out alone, but use the “buddy system.”
v ATV’s:  Those who are not licensed to drive a car or under age 16 should not operate off-road vehicles.  It’s safer to not carry a passenger, and always wear eye protection and reflective clothing.
v Camping: always tell somewhere where you plan to camp.  Take along insect repellant, a first-aid kit, cell phone, and plenty of water.
v Picnics: keep cold foods cold.  Avoid dairy products; mayonnaise spoils quickly.  Throw out foods that are left out for more than one hour.  Remember: “if in doubt, throw it out!”
v Traveling: if you are driving, watch for motorcycle and bicycle riders. They are entitled to their place on the road, too.  If you are on a motorcycle or bike, watch for cars, and don’t get too close.
v Traveling, again: if you are traveling by plane or ship, be sure to wash your hands frequently and have hand sanitizer with you.  You are exposed to more “bugs” when you travel and you don’t want to take them home with you.
v Weather: always be aware of approaching changes in the weather.  Pay attention to forecasts, and find a safe place to retreat if the need arises.
v Pets:  your pets are family members, too.  Be sure they have plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and a shady place if they are outside.  Never leave an animal in a car.  It only takes a short time for them to be overcome by heat.
v It goes without saying: never leave children in a car!
Hopefully we have covered some of the hazards of summer.  For kids, it’s the best time of the year – no school, no waking up early, and just having fun in general.  For adults, it’s carrying on as usual.  But when vacation or week-end outings roll around, always keep safety in mind.
As the month of June is closing, our final installment for National Safety Month is “Summer Safety.”  What better time to pass on to you many safety issues that this time of the year brings.  We hope you will have a great summer, and maybe some of these ideas will help you avoid some of the pitfalls that hot weather brings.
  • First, the sun:  most of us spend more time outdoors during summer months.  Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, especially for those who have fair skin and freckles.  Be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and apply it often.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • Heat: You need to gradually become used to being in the heat, especially those who must work outdoors.  Drink lots of water or sports drinks, and stay hydrated.  Take breaks as often as possible.
  • Another heat issue: summer athletics.  This is the time of year when baseball and other sports are taking place.  Those who are working out for football are also exposed to conditions they are not used to.  Be sure that your summer athlete stays hydrated and is allowed to take breaks.
  • Fireworks: even sparklers can cause burns.  Don’t allow children to use fireworks unattended.  The best idea would be to watch a fireworks display and let the professionals handle it.
  • Water: many boating and swimming accidents happen because of alcohol or drugs.
  • Summer is a high-risk time for child drownings, the 2nd leading cause of unintentional deaths in children ages 1-14.  Remember, no one watches your child as closely as you.  A child can drown in 20-30 seconds.  Don’t be distracted by cell phone calls or reading a magazine while supervising young swimmers.
  • The driver of a boat should be as responsible as when he/she is driving a car.  Be sure                all children wear life jackets in a boat, and adults should wear them, as well, to set the example for the kids.  Swimmers should not go out alone, but use the “buddy system.”
  • ATV’s:  Those who are not licensed to drive a car or under age 16 should not operate off-road vehicles.  It’s safer to not carry a passenger, and always wear eye protection and reflective clothing.
  • Camping: always tell somewhere where you plan to camp.  Take along insect repellant, a first-aid kit, cell phone, and plenty of water.
  • Picnics: keep cold foods cold.  Avoid dairy products; mayonnaise spoils quickly.  Throw out foods that are left out for more than one hour.  Remember: “if in doubt, throw it out!”
  • Traveling: if you are driving, watch for motorcycle and bicycle riders. They are entitled to their place on the road, too.  If you are on a motorcycle or bike, watch for cars, and don’t get too close.
  • Traveling, again: if you are traveling by plane or ship, be sure to wash your hands frequently and have hand sanitizer with you.  You are exposed to more “bugs” when you travel and you don’t want to take them home with you.
  • Weather: always be aware of approaching changes in the weather.  Pay attention to forecasts, and find a safe place to retreat if the need arises.
  • Pets:  your pets are family members, too.  Be sure they have plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and a shady place if they are outside.  Never leave an animal in a car.  It only takes a short time for them to be overcome by heat.
  • It goes without saying: never leave children in a car!
Hopefully we have covered some of the hazards of summer.  For kids, it’s the best time of the year – no school, no waking up early, and just having fun in general.  For adults, it’s carrying on as usual.  But when vacation or week-end outings roll around, always keep safety in mind.
General Safety Issues

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES!

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As if there’s not enough to worry about for folks on the Gulf of Mexico coastlines and off-shore drilling rigs, hurricane season began June 1st.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and many other reputable weather forecasters are predicting the worst hurricane season since Katrina hit in 2005.  They are predicting there will be between fourteen to twenty-three named storms, with eight to fourteen developing into hurricanes.  There were fifteen in 2005.  Katrina was the costliest natural disaster taking 1,500 peoples’ lives, and an $80 billion worth of damage.

Persons living in Eastern states to the Gulf of Mexico to North England will be watching all summer.  The water in the eastern Atlantic is warmer than usual, and warm surface temperatures bring more, and more powerful hurricanes.  If a hurricane forms before the spill in the Gulf of Mexico is stopped, it could add to an already devastating event.

People who live in hurricane vulnerable states have become complacent following milder seasons of the past few years, and are not prepared for a future occurrence.  Ron Sachs is executive director of National Hurricane Survival Initiative, a public education and safety outreach partnership with government organizations, relief agencies, as well as National Hurricane Center, FEMA, Salvation Army, State of North Carolina, National Emergency Management, and businesses such as Travelers, Plylox, and AT&T.  The NHSI launched an interactive website “The National Hurricane Survival Test”, which airs on more than 50 television and cable network affiliates.

Mr. Sachs feels that people wait until the last minute to leave their homes, even with advanced warnings.  It is advised to either get ready now or wait until disaster strikes, when it will be too late.  Failure to take the many options in being prepared can cost your home, livelihood, and possibly, your family.  It would be wise to follow these instructions:

  • Plan ahead;
  • Secure your home;
  • Have a plan that includes your family, elderly, and pets;
  • Be sure your insurance papers are in order;
  • You need to have a 3-day supply of food and water for each individual;
  • Have a first aid kit and flashlight;
  • Be sure you have all medicines;
  • Notify next of kin or friends that you may be needing to stay with them until the all-clear;
  • In the event of a hurricane hitting your town, do not go back until the authorities give permission.  Many times, downed power lines or other hazards cause injuries.

Hopefully, the forecasters will miss their mark and there won’t be as many hurricanes as anticipated.  Until then, be ready to batten down the hatches.  This saying has a nautical origin – battening down was done on ships getting ready for bad weather.  A batten is a strip of wood. (Just a little trivia for today.)

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

The United States Department of Homeland Security’s READY campaign, along with AD Council, and Citizen Corps, announced their sixth annual National Preparedness Month on September 1st.  Their purpose is to encourage Americans to be prepared for emergencies in their communities, homes, and businesses.  Americans must understand what being ready really means.  This month, this National Public Service advertising campaign will promote individual emergency preparedness to respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

Others who actively participate in this endeavor are the Better Business Bureau, Boy Scouts of America, National Volunteer Fire Council, Home Depot, ASPCA, and the American Red Cross.

This is a true story, from my little home town:
Shortly after 9-11, one of the schools got a suspicious package in the mail. The postmark showed it was from a foreign country, and seemed to have a powdery material seeping out of it, so the secretary immediately reported it to the proper authorities.  All types of activities proceeded, as planned, with a HazMat team coming from 90 miles away, emergency responders setting up areas to wash down anyone who was possibly contaminated, hospital locked down, etc.  As it turned out, it contained some educational tapes and the packing material had become crushed in the process of being mailed.  She was very embarrassed, but she did the right thing, as the materials had not been ordered, and at that particular time, we were all nervous about the unexpected.  What we found out was, though, we were really not prepared.  Many things were done that should have been done, but not necessarily in the correct order.

In earlier articles we have presented, Being Prepared, and Dog Rescuers in Times of Disaster, we have listed tips on basic safety kits that families should have, as well as ideas for those who rescue animals in emergency situations, so you may want to review them.

It would take time to gather up all the things needed to for an emergency disaster kit, but we want to point out many basic necessities:

  • Water: 1 gallon per day, per person, for up to 3 days
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Can opener
  • Battery powered NOAA weather radio, and extra batteries
  • Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Blankets
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust Masks
  • Tools
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties
  • Prescription medications
  • Pet food, water
  • Paper products, towels, plates, etc.
  • Cell phone

Natonal Preparedness Month membership is open to the public and private sector organizations.  For information, go to www.ready.gov.  Businesses, families, school administrators, and individuals should all get involved and spread the word that we must be better prepared.