"All I need is a 72 hour hit with a flashlight, first aid kit, some food and water, and a radio"
The 72 hour figure is a good minimum but in some situations may not be realistic. A more practical goal is to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 2 weeks. Why 2 weeks? As bad a Katrina was, there are numerous disaster and terrorism scenarios that could see substantially more damage and a disruption of local service for several weeks. Also, many biological scenarios may see a 2-week quarantine. Regarding supplies and equipment, be sure to customize your kit to your family's uniques needs.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Top Twelve Myths of Disaster Preparedness
Myth Number 1:
If something happens all I have to do is call 911
Help can only go so far, or be there so quickly. Security, like charity, begins at home and the responsibility for your family's safety rests on your shoulders. This isn't to say that you shouldn't call for help when it's truly needed, it's to remind you that you may be on your own for awhile, especially if the situation is an expansive, or severe one.
Myth Number 2 - tomorrow
If something happens all I have to do is call 911
Help can only go so far, or be there so quickly. Security, like charity, begins at home and the responsibility for your family's safety rests on your shoulders. This isn't to say that you shouldn't call for help when it's truly needed, it's to remind you that you may be on your own for awhile, especially if the situation is an expansive, or severe one.
Myth Number 2 - tomorrow
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Cost of being unprepared
I'm finding it difficult to convince individuals and families of the importance of being prepared in advance for a disaster. This is especially difficult during the summer months when the weather is nice, school is out and vacations are planned.
Oregon has been fortunate that we haven't had many terrible disasters, but that is no reason to be apathetic to the dangers and possibilities. Just because you haven't had a house fire doesn't mean you would go without a smoke detector, does it?
I am so passionate about this because I spent six years with FEMA traveling from disaster to disaster all over the country. I have SEEN the unprepared. I have talked to them while they are crying. I spoke to one woman on the phone in Mississippi who was in terrible need but no one could get to her because all road and bridges were destroyed and we were out of helicopters. She wasn't prepared to take care of herself for even a few days.
No matter what you may think of or hear about FEMA as an agency, just remember that those on the ground were doing the best they could with what they were given. The first responders have to prioritize. There are not enough of them to go around. If you can take care of yourself and your family for at least 3 days (72 hours) or more, not only will you be more comfortable, but you will really help your community by not being a burden. The 911 call centers will be overrun, possible down. Power may be out, cell phone too. Please take this small step and get a kit together of the most necessary items and put them in one place.
If you are like me and busy and/or too lazy (me again) to make a kit, order one online. There are many companies out there. Google emergency kits. I have ordered from www.quakedog.com/emergencykits72 and have found their kits to be reasonable and well made.
I could and may tell you many stories about my years with FEMA if it is the only way to get you to understand. There is the possibility here of earthquakes, thunderstorms, floods, chemical spills, terrorist attacks, school shooting, bombings, snow storms, tsunamis, fires, and more. Don't think that just because we haven't had some in the past, we won't have them in the future. Our Katrina is coming. Please be prepared.
Oregon has been fortunate that we haven't had many terrible disasters, but that is no reason to be apathetic to the dangers and possibilities. Just because you haven't had a house fire doesn't mean you would go without a smoke detector, does it?
I am so passionate about this because I spent six years with FEMA traveling from disaster to disaster all over the country. I have SEEN the unprepared. I have talked to them while they are crying. I spoke to one woman on the phone in Mississippi who was in terrible need but no one could get to her because all road and bridges were destroyed and we were out of helicopters. She wasn't prepared to take care of herself for even a few days.
No matter what you may think of or hear about FEMA as an agency, just remember that those on the ground were doing the best they could with what they were given. The first responders have to prioritize. There are not enough of them to go around. If you can take care of yourself and your family for at least 3 days (72 hours) or more, not only will you be more comfortable, but you will really help your community by not being a burden. The 911 call centers will be overrun, possible down. Power may be out, cell phone too. Please take this small step and get a kit together of the most necessary items and put them in one place.
If you are like me and busy and/or too lazy (me again) to make a kit, order one online. There are many companies out there. Google emergency kits. I have ordered from www.quakedog.com/emergencykits72 and have found their kits to be reasonable and well made.
I could and may tell you many stories about my years with FEMA if it is the only way to get you to understand. There is the possibility here of earthquakes, thunderstorms, floods, chemical spills, terrorist attacks, school shooting, bombings, snow storms, tsunamis, fires, and more. Don't think that just because we haven't had some in the past, we won't have them in the future. Our Katrina is coming. Please be prepared.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Red Cross Item for Emergency Kits
Prepare-aphernalia: Pocket Posh Game Books http://readyradio.sprnetwork.com/
If you listened to the first episode of Ready Radio, you know that we talked about how to stay entertained while you shelter in place.
While we mostly focused on card games and board games, we did touch on some activities that are perfect for word (and number) nerds.
To that end, I thought I'd point out these incredibly cute "Pocket Posh" game books, which ensure that you don't forsake style, even in a storm. Crosswords, Sudoku, Word Search, Logic and many more, your $8 investment will be much appreciated when you've got hours to kill.
Check out the Red Cross Blog http://redcrosspdx.blogspot.com/
Great emergency kits at www.quakedog.com/emergencykits72
If you listened to the first episode of Ready Radio, you know that we talked about how to stay entertained while you shelter in place.
While we mostly focused on card games and board games, we did touch on some activities that are perfect for word (and number) nerds.
To that end, I thought I'd point out these incredibly cute "Pocket Posh" game books, which ensure that you don't forsake style, even in a storm. Crosswords, Sudoku, Word Search, Logic and many more, your $8 investment will be much appreciated when you've got hours to kill.
Check out the Red Cross Blog http://redcrosspdx.blogspot.com/
Great emergency kits at www.quakedog.com/emergencykits72
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
FEMA news release - NATIONAL LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK 21-27 JUNE 2009
SEATTLE—Summer is the peak season for one of America’s deadliest weather phenomena—lightning. In 2008, hundreds of people were permanently injured by lightning strikes across the country, and 28 were killed. This year to-date, 11 people have been killed by lightning, and statistically, the Fourth of July is one of the most deadly times of the year. According to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, observed the last full week of June, not only helps get safety messages out in time for the Fourth of July, but also signals summer as lightning season.
“All thunderstorms produce lightning—and no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. When thunder roars? Go indoors!” said Hunsinger. “If you can hear thunder, you are in danger. We all need to incorporate lightning safety into our family disaster planning.”
Lightning safety tips for inside the home include:
• Avoid contact with corded phones
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
Lightning can strike as far as ten miles away from any rainfall, creating hotspots that smolder for days, to erupt when conditions are right. “Summer is also wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest,” cautions Hunsinger. “Those of us who live in urban interface areas, wooded lots, or near heavily-grassed and dry rangeland should create fire-safe perimeters, and update family disaster plans.”
For more information on lightning safety this year, visit: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.
“All thunderstorms produce lightning—and no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. When thunder roars? Go indoors!” said Hunsinger. “If you can hear thunder, you are in danger. We all need to incorporate lightning safety into our family disaster planning.”
Lightning safety tips for inside the home include:
• Avoid contact with corded phones
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
Lightning can strike as far as ten miles away from any rainfall, creating hotspots that smolder for days, to erupt when conditions are right. “Summer is also wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest,” cautions Hunsinger. “Those of us who live in urban interface areas, wooded lots, or near heavily-grassed and dry rangeland should create fire-safe perimeters, and update family disaster plans.”
For more information on lightning safety this year, visit: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Oregonians Can Help - Statesman Journal Column
Wednesday's column on how to help out others in times of disaster.
We haven’t had many serious life-taking disasters here in Oregon even though many of our counties suffer floods, high winds, snowstorms, and fires. Weekly this column talks about being prepared for the next devastating event. Today’s column is a little different. I want to help you to help people in need outside of Oregon.
Other areas of the country are not as lucky as we are. The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season began June1 and many people will suffer loss of property, possessions and even loss of life this year due to hurricanes.
When the hurricanes start to hit land, maybe Florida or Louisiana, many of you will want to help. It is always heartwarming to see, but can also cause problems.
Consider this - roads are closed following most hurricanes, people are scattered, power is out and communications are down. Trying to drive supplies to a disaster area won’t work. Trucks can’t get through, ice melts, food spoils, and there is no system in place to distribute items that just show up to those in need. The givers and the victims both become frustrated.
But there are a few ways you can help out.
Volunteer at your local Red Cross organizing blood drives. Injured people will need blood.
Ask your local emergency management agency if they are sending volunteer groups to work at the site of the disaster.
Give money. Giving money is the best thing you can do to help during a disaster. Donate to the local or national Red Cross who is set up to provide necessary items and services to people in need. They need money to purchase materials and/or replace those that have been used.
You can be a great help to other parts of the country during disasters. Hopefully you will be prepared when disaster strikes here and won’t need help from them.
We haven’t had many serious life-taking disasters here in Oregon even though many of our counties suffer floods, high winds, snowstorms, and fires. Weekly this column talks about being prepared for the next devastating event. Today’s column is a little different. I want to help you to help people in need outside of Oregon.
Other areas of the country are not as lucky as we are. The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season began June1 and many people will suffer loss of property, possessions and even loss of life this year due to hurricanes.
When the hurricanes start to hit land, maybe Florida or Louisiana, many of you will want to help. It is always heartwarming to see, but can also cause problems.
Consider this - roads are closed following most hurricanes, people are scattered, power is out and communications are down. Trying to drive supplies to a disaster area won’t work. Trucks can’t get through, ice melts, food spoils, and there is no system in place to distribute items that just show up to those in need. The givers and the victims both become frustrated.
But there are a few ways you can help out.
Volunteer at your local Red Cross organizing blood drives. Injured people will need blood.
Ask your local emergency management agency if they are sending volunteer groups to work at the site of the disaster.
Give money. Giving money is the best thing you can do to help during a disaster. Donate to the local or national Red Cross who is set up to provide necessary items and services to people in need. They need money to purchase materials and/or replace those that have been used.
You can be a great help to other parts of the country during disasters. Hopefully you will be prepared when disaster strikes here and won’t need help from them.
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