Are You Prepared - Really?

The catastrophic events that began a week ago in Japan; an earthquake followed by a tsunami, and now a potential nuclear meltdown spreading radioactive gases, have left many people glued to various forms of the news media as they try to comprehend the magnitude of it all. The disaster has impacted not just those living in the areas hardest hit, but it has rippled throughout the entire country, and even the world. We don't yet know the death toll, but hundreds of thousands are said to be living in shelters, and the emotional and physical effects will unfold for years to come.

These events impact the global supply chain as well, since Japan manufactures components used in consumer electronics and automotive products (to name a few) used across the world. Companies are now assessing the impact to their manufacturing processes and short term sales, and taking steps to mitigate potential financial losses.

As I watch the events unfold day by day, my mind keeps going to the issue of being prepared. The Japanese have reportedly been diligent about taking precautions in the event of an earthquake. But it's improbable that they would have anticipated a triple disaster, or could have done enough to adequately prepare for it.

Disaster planning occurs in every area of our lives. Companies develop emergency plans for restoring business operations, retaining and accessing data, and continuing to service customers. Governments prepare secure war rooms and develop strategic military plans. Municipalities prepare to provide basic services to residents like food, water and shelter in the event of a crisis. But what about economic crises, financial crises, military crises, or environmental crises? We've had all of these in the past five years, at levels that exceeded our expectations of how critical the impact of these situations could be.

So how should we effectively prepare for a potential crisis or disaster? Preparedness is a result of appropriately:

1. Assessing the risks - Almost everyone impacted by recent disasters thought that it might be possible, but it wasn't probable. So assume that it can happen. What are the risks if you're not prepared?

2. Assuming the resources - Most disaster recovery plans assume the availability of electrical power at some point, or clean water and air, or that transportation is available, or that people will act rationally. What are your assumptions and what if they aren't realistic?

3. Accumulating the reserves - Start now to develop plans to gather provisions to make it through the crisis. That might mean accumulating financial reserves, developing emergency plans, identifying operating alternatives, or gathering provisions. What materials should you prepare now to have on hand?

4. Acting responsibly - Your behavior at the time of a crisis can have a positive impact on others as you exhibit faith in God, and allow His peace to rule your spirit. Can you give your fears to Him?

5. Acknowledging reality - Denial of the magnitude and impact will exacerbate the problem. Often people delay in responding because they fear overreacting. It's generally important to be ready to take action quickly. Can you take every event seriously?

But the most important area of our lives where we need to be prepared is in our spirit. We're in the days that Jesus spoke of where we'll experience wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and nations fighting against one another (Matt 24:6-7, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:9-11). Whether we're directly impacted by crises, or asked to help others in crises, we all will face the moment of understanding where we will spend eternity. The best thing we can do is settle that matter in advance by committing our lives to Christ. Unfortunately, many people live for today, and don't plan for their eternal future, or they don't believe in Jesus Christ. They fail to assess the risks correctly.

Others assume they will have time to commit their lives to Him when they're finished doing what they want to do. They'll make a "just in time" decision. These people fail to properly assume the resources that will be available to them.

Still others fail to strengthen themselves spiritually by accumulating the proper reserves, such as knowledge, wisdom, and developing a closer relationship with Christ, to make it through the times of crises. Instead they fall away from Christ when challenges come into their personal lives, not realizing that this is the time to press in closer to Him.

Those who act responsibly and draw near to Christ will indeed find that He's a present help in a time of trouble. As they act responsibly, they allow the peace of God to rule their hearts, they find rest in Him.

And finally, individuals who acknowledge reality understand the context of such disasters, and the perilous times of these last days (II Timothy 3:1). They understand the seriousness of their behavior and press in to Him, to hear and obey all that He has called them to do.

So each of us must assess our level of preparedness. Are we really ready for what may lie ahead?

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Be Emergency Ready 24-7

A storm is expected to hit your place. Electricity may go out and your neighbors are all freaked out. What do you need to do? Calm down and do not panic because you still have all the time to get everything covered.

In times when a certain calamity is about to hit your place, the best thing to do is to be prepared. Usually, after we think we have gotten prepared the best we know how we then find out that we missed out on those small things which become important by their omission. Read on and be reminded of the simple yet very useful and important facts to remember for emergency preparedness.

Flashlights

Without the electricity, everything will be dark, and thus your eyes will be of minimal help alone. How will you safely see your way around your home in the dark? How will you cook (assuming you have a gas stove) if you can not even see what you are doing? Since we use our eyes in almost all activities that we do, it is best to have flashlights to aid us.

Also, make sure that you check that your flashlight bulbs are in good condition. You would not want to depend on a broken flashlight, right? You should also take time to stock extra batteries in case the power will be out for several days.

Water

They say a man can live with no food but not without water; and this is an undeniable fact. It is advisable that you should stock gallons of drinking water for you and your family. This is because the water supply will surely be affected by the calamity. When you do this, you can also make sure that the water that you will be drinking is safe.

If there are still storage spaces left, a few gallons of water which will be used for activities such as bathing, washing the dishes and clothing, and brushing the teeth would be a good help too. Remember, a calamity is already enough. Acquiring diseases because of it is too much. You must do all the things you can to clean yourself and kill those germs.

Canned goods

It is impractical to cook in the middle of a calamity. Thus, you must take time before a disaster to gather canned goods since they are easy to open and eat. Be certain to have a non-powered can opener for when the power is out.

Jackets and other appropriate garments

Whether the weather is cold or not, it is best to have adequate clothing and blankets for the situation. This is one way to save you from unexpected injuries, sunburn or exposure. It may not be a one hundred percent assurance of being safe, but at least the damage will be lessened and you will be more comfortable.

These things may be very simple, but most of the time, these are also the things that are neglected. When you try to plan to be without your accustomed comforts, try to be prepared for at least a seventy-two hour period without visiting a store. Longer is better if you do not want to be dependent on government agencies for help in the aftermath of a disaster. When you pair these things up with prayers and faith in the Lord, with no doubt, you will ready for any emergency.

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Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit For Your Home

If you live in an area that has hurricanes, earthquakes, big snowstorms or tornadoes; you should be prepared to take care of your family by putting aside supplies to keep you going. You do not want to wait for FEMA to show up and take care of you, take your own responsibility to do so and you will be much happier.

With hurricanes you could be without power for days or weeks. We live in a hurricane zone and got hit with two storms within a couple weeks of each other. Our power was out for four weeks total between the two. Fortunately we had enough food stocked up to help and we could buy stuff from a store in another area that had power. Our generator got a good workout during that time keeping the refrigerator going.

If you live were you can expect blizzards or ice storms, I know you could loose your power and be snowed in at the same time. Not only would you need a supply of food and water on hand, you would also need to keep warm. Extra fuel sources for whatever heating methods you use would be a must.

If you live in earthquake areas and you put away emergency supplies in your home. What do you do if you have an earthquake big enough to cause your home to collapse, hopefully when no one is in it? How could you get to your supplies buried in the rubble? Would you have an alternate locating to store extra items to get you by in this situation? Just something to consider as you do your planning.

Do your planning now so you are prepared for the possibility of an emergency. You do not want something to happen, but you will have peace of mind that you are prepared.

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Saving Yourself When War Starts - How Will You Prepare?

The world has witnessed and experienced many wars. Wars from the ancient times, World Wars 1, 2 and 3 - these wars have placed history on the earth. And even in our existing times, wars still take place. We have heard some testimonies of persons who have withstand wars and as they conclude, wars are apparently not a good event that comes to pass.

War footage are usually seen on televisions and newspapers and heard on radios. Wars aftermath would probably leave dead bodies and chaos. Even broken building structures and the like cannot escape from the war's venom.

If you're familiar with this line, "If we want peace, we have to prepare ourselves for war", you would probably think that going to war is a heroic act.

We can grant peace from our country and ourselves in many different ways and as civilians, going to war is not an ideal way to prove our heroic response.

Instead of preparing yourself to go to war, why don't you prepare yourself for a more important thing: emergency preparation when war breaks out unexpectedly.

Planning out war emergency preparation is just like preparing for natural calamities. Clothing, foods especially water and things that can cover our eyes, nose and mouth from dust particles, smokes and fragments caused by bombings and so on are some of the things needed to consider in war preparation.

Government has the biggest role in preparing for wars. They should plan out for underground facilities where war gears, foods and medical supplies are stored. These facilities should also have an enough room for soldiers and civilians that get wounded and injured caused by the war.

In United States especially on larger cities, there are various underground facilities that are commonly found next to major railroads.

Government must also consider other war emergency things and machineries like mobile refinement services, transportable bridges, water decontamination systems, petroleum supplies and the likes.

They should also have to coordinate with civil service firms like fire stations, police stations, hospitals and other public utility services. Trainings for these amenities should be provided so that in case war outbreaks, they can easily respond on the situation.

War emergency preparation in a larger scale relies in the government. What we can effectively contribute to them is for us to follow their rules during these tragic times.

Our cooperation and effort are important characters we should have for our survival when war arises.

Another effective way in preparing for war is to spread information in public swiftly and efficiently. As early as possible, authorities should discharge information regarding upcoming wars to the public to conduct preparations and precautionary measures.

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Are You Prepared Or Just Worried?

You have a choice. Which will it be? I'm not talking about being perfectly prepared for any incident. I'm talking about taking simple steps to become more self reliant.

What can you do? Try some of these ideas:

* Join the neighborhood watch group.

* Install area lighting on your property. Solar lights with motion detectors work great and don't drain the budget.

* Install a security alarm. There are many choices. Look at what will work for your home and budget. There are alarm systems for apartments that sense someone moving the door and there are whole home units that have sensors on every door and window. Somewhere in between are items that you can use and build upon as time and resources permit.

* Observe the normal traffic in your area. What is normal? Be sure that a trusted neighbor knows when you are away.

* Get some extra canned goods and water for an emergency.

* Take a first aid and CPR class.

* Build a first aid kit for the home and for the shop.

* Put at least one interior light on a timer.

* Consider leaving a radio on when you are away.

* NEVER open your door to strangers.

* Observe your surroundings.

* Develop a Family Action Plan

Each of these steps can make a big difference to you and to your family. I'm not talking about building an underground mountain retreat and getting away from society (sometimes that doesn't like such a bad idea). I'm talking about small things that will support your family when power goes out or when property crime goes up. Buy a case of bottled water the next time you are at one of the big warehouse stores. Having extra water stored in the garage works well throughout the year. Each of these steps takes very little time and recourses.

Remember: Thinking that you are helpless is wrong and foolish.

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Trust Your Cell For Emergencies? That May Be A Bad Idea

Last year, two drivers were killed on a stretch of Interstate 87 in northern New York. In one case, the elderly driver, Alfred Langer, froze to death. The vehicle he and his wife were traveling in slid off the road, and he died with his fingers on his cell phone attempting to call for help. In the other, Stewart Crookes and his wife slid off the snowy interstate. Stewart got out to get help and had a heart attack. His wife attempted to call for help to no avail.

In many areas of northern New York, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, cell service is impossible, even along the interstates. Environmental regulations restrict cell towers from going up, and satellites just cannot reach these rural areas. Traveling in these areas can be extremely dangerous if you rely solely on your cell phone for emergencies.

How many times have you heard someone say they carry a cell phone in case of an emergency? Sadly, cell phones in rural areas may not be enough. Even carriers with excellent cell tower placement find service breaks up in certain areas near the mountains and in less populated areas. Interstate 91 in Vermont heading north towards Bradford Saint Johnsbury and the Northeast Kingdom is another area where cell coverage is hard to find.

There are ways to travel safely in rural areas:

Avoid the interstate: If you are in an area where there is limited or no cell phone coverage, consider getting off the interstate and driving along a highway where there will be more homes and stores with reliable phone service. If an emergency occurs, you can at least knock on a door and ask if the home or store owner will call for help for you.

Carry Emergency Supplies: In the case of Alfred Langer, he might have survived had they had blankets to keep warm. Always keep flares, extra blankets, dry clothing, a shovel, and non-perishable food in the trunk in case your car goes off the road.

Drive during the day: Avoid driving at night when there is less likely to be traffic. Others may not be able to help you call for help, but they can drive you to the nearest call box or telephone to get help.

Signs are now being erected in New York to warn drivers of the lack of cell phone coverage. There are also plans to erect cell phone towers along this stretch of interstate. Meanwhile, knowing your surroundings and watching for dead zones is critical to your survival in many remote areas of the United States. Carrying a cell phone is a great idea, but you must be proactive in making sure coverage is available.

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How To Prepare For A Pet Emergency

Introduction

There are 163,000,000 dogs and cats in the US, yet 65% of their owners have no plan to keep their pets safe in an emergency. More people die in fires than in hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and all other natural disasters combined, yet 85% of parents in a recent poll said they do not discuss fire safety with their children. 72% of Americans think they have a 3-day supply of water, but only 23% know that each person needs one gallon of water per day in an emergency situation.

Begin to get the picture? Okay. Most of us are not really prepared for an emergency. Let's get down to what it takes to survive an emergency: preparation, preparation, preparation. Last time I talked about how to prepare for fire. This time I want to talk about how to prepare for a pet emergency.

Pets

In the U.S., pets outnumber humans by about 60 million. 63% of all households own a pet, 45% own more than one. We own an estimated 73 million dogs, 90 million cats. We spend over $1500 per year on a dog, over $900 on a cat, including the vet, food, boarding, grooming, vitamins, treats and toys. There are no estimates for emergency supplies.

Hurricane Katrina was a wake-up call for emergency preparation, not only for ourselves but also for our pets.

Of an estimated 250,000 pets left behind in New Orleans, only about 15,000 were rescued. These suffered from heartworm disease, internal and external parasites, dehydration, trauma, wounds from debris and standing water, malnutrition, lethargy and exhaustion, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Don't leave your pets behind if you have any choice.

What to do:

Include your pet(s) in your emergency plan. I always talk about the importance of having a plan, writing it down, making sure everyone in the household understands it, and rehearsing it. The plan should include your pets.

Keep pet license and shots up to date. Make sure that collar ID and Rabies tags are worn at all times. ID should include cell phone number, as well as any temporary shelter address you might have. Can apply tape to back of ID tag and write with permanent marker.

Have a list handy of all boarding possibilities (including friends/relatives) out of the immediate hazard area. Most emergency shelters will not allow pets other than service animals that assist people with disabilities.

Bring pets indoors well ahead of a natural disaster. Prepare an indoor area in which pets can stay. Should be an area easy to clean; away from breaking glass, wind, noise; and have adequate food and water. If danger of flooding, area should be as high as possible and/or allow access to a high place.
Keep a sturdy leash available for each pet. If possible, keep cats and dogs separate. They may get along with each other in normal times, but emergencies are not normal times.

Keep pets securely leashed when outside home and car. Emergencies are stressful times, and frightened pets may panic and attempt to escape.





Have pet emergency supplies ready to take along on short notice.

What you need:

Food. Dry, preferably vacuum packed. If wet food, be sure to have a can opener. Enough for at least 72 hours.

Water. In sealed pouches or sealed gallon jugs. Enough for 72 hours.

Food/water bowl(s). Medications. If your pet is on medication(s), have a 2-week supply.

Toys. One or two favorites.

Crate(s). A sturdy pet carrier.

Plastic bags for waste. Litter box and litter for cat(s). Photo for identification if pet is lost.
Pet First Aid Kit.
Backpack or 5 gallon covered pail to hold the above.

Conclusion

The key to surviving any emergency is preparation. If you have to be an emergency statistic, be one of the good ones...survivors. Remember...have a Plan for what to do, write it down, make sure everyone knows the Plan, rehearse it. No Plan will cover every possible contingency, but we'll do our best to cover most of them with tips and suggestions for what to do and what you might need in order for you, your loved ones, and your pets to survive an emergency. Good luck, and stay safe!

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Rocky McCloud is a partner of Rock Bottom Company of Tonasket Washington. He writes on the subject of emergency survival preparation and authors the "Free Emergency Prep Guide" found on both of the company's web sites: http://www.RockBottomCompany.com http://www.HomeEmergencyUSA.com

Important Papers to Pack in Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

When we pack a "bug out bag" or emergency preparedness kit we first think of food, water and other critical supplies. We don't always think about the papers and documents we'll need if we can't get home again quickly.

If you're living away from home or staying in an emergency shelter, your basic safety and essential needs will be somewhat guaranteed. In order to start getting your life back on track you may face insurmountable obstacles if you can't prove who you are, that you have available financial resources, and that you have insurance to cover your losses.

When you're packing your emergency kit it pays to also pack copies of your most important financial and legal documents. When the sirens sound you won't have time to locate your important papers and make copies, so do this now while things are quiet. The little space these items will take in your go-pack will be well worth it.

Wrap copies of the following documents in a waterproof bag and stash them in a small pack you can remove from your bug-out bag and wear around your waist during an actual emergency. You will want these with you at all times. Never leave them unattended in your emergency kit. You don't want your identity stolen when you aren't looking:

1. Your identification documents: Driver's license, birth certificates, passports and Social Security cards

2. Health insurance cards, front and back so you have all contact numbers

3. Credit cards

4. Bank contact information, including account numbers and passcodes

5. Prescriptions for any medical supplies or medications that are critical

6. Title documents for all vehicles and real estate

7. Insurance documents for all real estate and vehicles

8. Custody documents for any children

9. Emergency contact numbers for family members, all insurance carriers (with policy numbers), and primary care doctors and pharmacies.

If you have space there are other documents that will be handy to have in case your relocation is lengthy. If you don't have the space to carry all this information in your bug out bag, make copies and mail them in one large package to someone trustworthy who does not live in the same geographic area you do. You don't want the person holding these documents to be evacuated, too.

1. Medical record summaries for anyone in your family with a health issue

2. School records, in case your evacuation is lengthy

3. Marriage certificates and military discharge document (DD214)

For additional convenience, scan all these documents onto a small flash drive to carry with you. You will then be able to easily transmit them from anywhere you can find an internet connection without having to make more photocopies.

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How to Prepare For Thunderstorm Season

Every year many parts of the country have severe thunderstorms. These are a regular part of the spring and summer for many. Before the season of thunderstorms comes, you need to prepare for them. Find out what you can be doing to prepare for these types of storms.

Before they come, you need to go out in your yard and look at your trees and limbs. Some of these might have died over the winter. They need to be cut down else the high winds of the storm can knock them down throwing them into your house causing damage. Get rid of these making sure everything is trimmed back from your home to prevent this type of damage.

Get your family to understand the thunderstorm or severe weather plans that you have for them. Everyone need to know what to do, where to go, what to grab, and everything else associated with your plans.

Prepare a disaster bag for these types of storms. This needs to a simple bag with a flash light, some food, water, blankets, a first aid kid, back ups of important files or paper work, and a self powered radio to hear about the storms. You can grab this and have it during any thunderstorm or disaster that you might be facing. It's also useful for other emergencies if you ever have to leave suddenly.

Secure anything on your home that might move. This might be things like shutters that might slam against your windows in high winds. Make sure that nothing can be moving like this to prevent damage.

Know your basic storm safety. Stay inside during these storms as lightning is a problem. Don't take baths or showers. Don't use corded phones. Stay away from windows as much as you possibly can.

Have your radio or television on hand so that you can check what the storm is doing. This will help you know when to take cover or not when the storm gets even more severe.

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The Next Terrorist Attack: Are You Prepared?

What you are about to read may save your life, and the lives of your family.

A terrorist attack can happen anywhere, at any time.

Your chances of surviving a terrorist attack increase if you prepare yourself ahead of time.

Here are some pointers to help you prepare to survive.

Recognize the threat is real.

One of the greatest obstacles to surviving a terrorist attack is that people do not prepare ahead of time.

They believe that the next terrorist attack will happen to somebody else.

Your first step is to take the danger seriously.

Terrorists can attack at any time, at any place.

That includes where you live.

Accept the fact that you and your family could very well be affected the next time terrorists attack.

Realize you may be on your own for a week or more.

Authorities knew days in advance that hurricane Katrina was going to hit New Orleans.

After it hit, some people were still on their own over a week later.

When the next terrorist attack happens, it will be unexpected and disruptive.

You and your family could very easily be on your own for a week or more before help arrives.

Prepare to survive on your own for at least that long.

Take stock of the resources you already have.

You already have a number of resources at your disposal which could help you survive a terrorist attack.

Brainstorm a list of everything you own and every resource you have that you could use in an emergency situation.

You might find that you are already better prepared for an emergency than you thought.

Plan for all contingencies.

There are a number of different types of terrorist attacks.

Each type of attack calls for different survival tactics.

Make a list of the most likely types of attacks where you live, such as Biological, Nuclear, etc.

Then come up with the best plan for surviving each type of attack.

Make a list of what you need and start acquiring the resources you do not already have.

Write down the different resources you need for each survival plan you come up with, based on the most likely types of terrorist attacks you will have to deal with.

Now compare those lists, with the list you brainstormed earlier of resources you already have.

This will let you know what resources you still need to acquire.

Take action right now.

Begin to collect all the resources you need and do not yet have.

The better prepared you are, the better your chances of survival.

Today is the best day for you to start by educating yourself and taking action.

The very next terrorist attack could happen tonight.

It could happen where you live.

It could affect you and your family.

Take action before the next terrorist attack, because after the next attack will be too late.

Educate yourself on the different types of terrorist attacks.

Learn the best ways to protect yourself against each type of attack.

Take action today to protect yourself and your family.

You will feel more secure, and your family will thank you for it.

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Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 1 - Forward Planning Makes The Difference

Introduction

At some time in our lives, many of us will face an emergency. Most will involve personal illness or injury, but severe weather, including hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and heat waves, is a very common threat.

Severe weather and its after effects, such as flooding, results in numerous deaths and injuries every year, together with major property damage and loss.

But we are not entirely powerless in the face of these disasters - a little time and effort now will significantly reduce the risks of death, injury and property damage. It will also help you recover much faster.

Planning for emergencies is complex subject, too big for a single article.

Part 1 covers identification of the threats to you and your family, how to make sure your safety is protected, and making sure everyone knows what to do, even if you are separated.

The second part considers those precious few hours before the the weather becomes really threatening. Preparation is crucial to make sure your family is safe, and your home and belongings are as secure as possible.

Advance Planning - It's A Drag But It Pays Off

One of the hardest things about preparing for emergencies is finding the time.

But if you live in North America, your weather is arguably the wildest on the planet. Your chances of being threatened by severe weather are very real.

So at some stage (soon!) why not set aside an hour or so to do a little groundwork and prepare for when things get nasty.

Involve your family - the more heads the better, and it is possible that one of you may be incapacitated in a serious emergency.

Four big questions need to be answered before you can regard yourself as reasonably well prepared.

What are the threats, and how can you minimize them?


If you have to leave in a hurry, where will you go and how will you get there?


How will the family get together or keep in contact if they are scattered between hone, work and school?


What can you do now to help you handle the emergency competently, and then return to normal life quickly?

What Are The Biggest Risks?

This sounds pretty easy, because you know where you live, and what sort of weather to expect as the seasons change.

But when you get down to it, severe weather is often just normal weather become stronger, or bigger, or longer lasting.

When considering your home, a great shortcut is to contact your local emergency management office or the Red Cross to see what information they have on your area. You should be able to find FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) hazard maps and other relevant material to help with your planning.

It's also worth thinking about other places you regularly visit - the beach, the lake, relatives - and even where you go on vacation.

Shelter and Evacuation

Most severe weather emergencies arrive without much warning. You may need to leave your home and move to a safer area.

Early warning and sound planning will reduce the stress of any emergency, and the first step is to be well informed.

And there is no better way than to use the Weather Radio Service provided by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the EAS (Emergency Alert Service).

Advisories of threats and hazards are broadcast over dedicated radio frequencies (to avoid interference from commercial broadcasts) and can be received on specially modified weather radios.

More information on the Weather Radio Service and equipment can be found at http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/weather-radio.html

Evacuations can be a matter of choice or they may be mandatory. Becoming familiar with exit routes will reduce much of the stress of having to move out fast.

In some cases, such as tornadoes, you may need to use a nearby shelter. Again prior knowledge of its location and easiest access will be invaluable.

Communication Between Family Members

Emergencies often happen at the most inconvenient times. Your family may be scattered between home, work and school when the weather becomes threatening, and you may remain separated for some time until things return to normal.

Work out in advance what procedures are likely to be followed - does the school have an emergency plan and shelter? How about the work place? It will help if each family member knows what to do, and what others will be doing and where they are likely to be during an emergency.

Prepare wallet sized summaries of locations and phone numbers for each family member, while cell phones should help you to keep in touch.

Long Term Plans

So far everything I've suggested assumes that you will, some day, need to act fast to protect yourself against a developing emergency.

This section covers preparations which should benefit you regardless of whether an emergency arises.

These include
Checking your house and property insurance. Get the best you can afford, and remember that even if you live on a floodplain you can still get flood insurance. At the same time, make an inventory of your possessions.


Arrange secure storage of small valuable items and documents, preferably away from your house. Include copies of credit and ID cards.


Learn first aid and how to administer CPR.


Make sure you know how to operate a fire extinguisher


And consider joining one of the volunteer emergency organizations - the better you understand what may happen, the easier it will be to handle it if and when it does


Make advance arrangements for your pets - possibly a pet carrier for small animals, and safe accommodation for larger animals.

OK. Now you're prepared for the worst, and you have significantly reduced the effects a major emergency will have on you. Part 2 of this article reviews what to do as the weather becomes threatening.

©2005, Graham McClung. This article is adapted from a free special report on weather emergencies. It can be downloaded from http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/tyvm.html

While you're there, check out the rest of the site for more information on dangerous and spectacular weather.

Emergency Preparedness and Survival

We are all asking ourselves whats happening to our climate. We have heard a lot about global warming in the past few years yet no specific occurrence can be directly attributed to climate change. The frequencies of catastrophic events does strongly suggest that climate change or global warming is playing a role.

Global warming facts do suggest that climate change may:

• Cause changes in precipitation (a greater incidence of flooding)

• See a higher incidence of forest fires

• Have more frequent and intense storms and tornadoes

We are indeed seeing a pattern of increasing weather patterns around the globe. Within the past year Australia has a record drought, India had horrific monsoon rains and Greece had forest fires. During the winter of 2010, the Washington, DC area had the worse snow storm to hit the city in 90 years. Washington Reagan National Airport received 17.8 inches of snow. Many other cities on the east coast received record amounts of snow.

Floods have been occurring all over the united states, Nashville Tennessee, in May 2020 Experienced historic flooding that took the lives of several people. Tornados are occurring at an alarming rate and so many people are left homeless and defenseless.

A major earthquake is one of the greatest forms of disaster, in some cases cities are entirely wiped out and thousands of people or injured or worse killed. A prime example of such a catastrophic earthquake is the one that occurred in Haiti in 2010. This type of disaster could potentially happen in the US, because the New Madrid fault system between St. Louis and Memphis, has a history of shaking violently, and has a series of faults several miles below the surface. Experts are saying that there is a strong possibility of a sizeable earthquake similar those in the 1800's. It is reported that the biggest quake occurred in 1812 that caused 60 miles of the New Madrid Fault to rupture. This caused waterfalls on the Mississippi, and the river to run backwards for several hours, in the river bends just northeast of New Madrid. This quake also created Reel foot Lake in Northwest Tennessee.

Disasters of economic proportion are indeed occurring more frequently, although we cannot stop the occurrences, we all need to have an emergency preparedness kit readily available. When disaster strikes its too late and we are depending upon someone else for our vital necessitates. This type of kit is becoming a necessity because in the event you are cutoff from emergency help, you will have some means of survival until help arrives.

Consider having on hand items such as:

• Emergency Food Units

• Dehydrated & survival Foods

• Walter filters

• Walter purifier

• Salt water Filter

• Preparedness Books

• Water tablets and treatment

• Water purification

• Freeze dried foods

• Earthquake Survival Kit

• Dehydrated and survival foods

I have not personally suffered the direct effects of a natural disaster but '3' of my siblings and their families went through the horrific effects of a tornado in 2003 and escaped with only with the clothes on their backs, therefore, I am a strong advocate of emergency preparedness.

I am a professional business owner and entrepreneur

http://emergency-preparedness-awareness.blogspot.com

Being Prepared to Be Prepared

Emergency preparedness is receiving a lot of attention these days, and with good reason.  There is a need for it. Government officials and other experts are certainly stressing the advisability of preparing for emergencies. The news itself is filled with stories of disasters taking place somewhere in the world. With all of this happening, it is no wonder so many people are wisely and actively engaged in food storage programs, making sure every family member has access to a 72 hour kit, preparing for power outages, and doing their best to get ready to cope with storms, floods and all sorts of other natural disasters. You may be doing it yourself.

 

An important question needs to be posed, however.  Are you ready to act upon those preparations?

For instance, consider that brand new chain saw you've placed in the garage. Part of your reasoning might be based upon the fact that you realize that you may need it for clean-up purposes after one of those severe storms that occasionally strike.  Perhaps you know how to gas it up and get it running, but do you also know how to safely remove a tree that may have ended up leaning precariously against your house? How about felling a dangerously damaged tree?  Do you know how to make certain that it falls exactly where you want it to fall?

 

The possibilities may be good that you either have purchased or are intending to purchase a gas generator to help in the event of power failures.  Where is a safe place to store the gas for it?  How much gas should be stored?  Is the generator itself going to be securely locked down?  Unfortunately, a generator can provide a tempting target for thieves during an emergency.

 

Speaking of emergencies, how about those emergency survival kits, the 72 hour kits?  Have you personalized them?  Have you made important medications a part of them?  Have you checked with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you know how long those medications can safely be stored?

Do you know how to use some of those other components?  How do you put together that emergency shovel?  Do you know how to pitch the tent that's in the backpack?  If you've got a fire starter, how does it work?

 

You may have stored some important documents on a flash drive.  That's a great idea.  Have you made certain, though, that it is password protected?  Does it need to be password protected?  Do you need to worry about identity theft should that flash drive somehow fall into the wrong hands?  Do you know how to implement password protection?

 

If you have started a food storage program, are you actually storing foods that you are truly going to eat? In other words, do you like the food you are storing?  Have you avoided foods to which family members are allergic?  Do you know how to cook using all of those delicacies that you have so carefully dehydrated?  If you are planning on grinding wheat to produce flour, do you have the wheat?  Do you have the grinder?  If you have a grinder, do you know how to use it?  You're expecting to bake your own bread, but have you actually baked bread before?

 

The list of questions could go on and on.  The point being made, of course, is that it is wise to be prepared, but it is even wiser to both be prepared and to know how to use what you have prepared.  During an ongoing emergency is really not the best time to start the learning process.

 

So how do you start the learning?  Well, there are probably all sorts of sources available to you.  You may know a fellow from your church or in an organization to which you belong who is well versed in emergency preparations.  Someone you work with may be a true outdoorsman who is handy with the use of chain saws as well as being the possessor of many outdoor skills.  A neighbor down the street may be a good friend who has been canning for years, or may bake bread on a regular basis, talents that you want to develop.  The chances are that most such people would probably be quite willing to share some of their expertise with you.

 

You may also want to consult with somebody from your community's emergency measures organization.  Beyond that, there are lots of guides and guidance available on-line.  There are also likely to be lots of tips and "how to's" in the manuals that came with your grain mill, chain saw or gasoline generator.  What's at the local library?  What can you find at the book store?

 

You'll need to analyze your own situation.  You are aware of how much you already know.  You likely have some idea as to who the local experts might be.

 

Just take the time to do it.  Be prepared to be prepared

The author of this article is the webmaster for http://www.storeitfoods.com, a site providing tools and tips for those interested in a home, food storage program, as well as for those interested in emergency preparedness for themselves and their families.

Earthquake Emergencies - 21 Tips To Keep In Mind

Earthquakes are one of the most devastating among all natural disasters. A rather disturbing yet unavoidable fact for the mankind is that none of the equipments, science or measurement scales is able to predict the precise way & time of the earthquake.

The only and hence the most effective means to minimize the severe effects of earthquakes amidst the human lives is making adequate preparations for the earthquake emergencies.

In the situation of an earthquake, one feels that the ground is shaking or rolling. In case the earthquake is a very sever one, that is the movements of earth's crust are really violent, one might also hear the ground roaring or rumbling.

These characteristics of an earthquake cause sheer panic among the people. Eventually this jeopardizes one's chance of the survival. Luckily strong & devastating earthquakes do not happen that usually. Even in the locations where there is a minimal chance of earthquakes that is the places & nations that are located near the ring of fire of the earth, it is imperative to have some emergency plans to keep yourself and your family safe.

Here are some tips that might help you getting prepared for the emergencies:

1. Prepare the emergency kits

a. It is very hard to know as to what remains after the earthquakes, so in case you live in an area really prone to the earthquakes, you must keep the emergency kits ready.

b. There must be one kit for everyone in the house.

c. Each emergency kit is your lifeline ensuring your survival after the earthquake.

d. It should contain:

i. One gallon water

ii. Food supply for at least 3 days

iii. Select only non-perishable food

iv. The first aid kit

e. Make sure that you regularly change the contents of the kit like food & water.

f. Make sure that the food & water in the kit are of good edible quality else they would be of little use only.

2. Know All the Mains of All Your Utilities

a. Earthquakes often lead to fire due to gas leaks & electricity.

b. You must know the main switches of all your utilities, so that you may turn them off as & when needed.

3. Inspect the House for Cracks & Fissures

a. Make sure to check your house's condition regularly in order to ensure that it can withstand even all the strong earthquakes.

b. Make sure that there are no cracks on the walls & chimney.

c. The door frames must be fixed.

d. In case you live in some apartment, instantly report the cracks & fissures to the landlord.

4. Have the Evacuation Plan

a. Make sure that you & your family or the office mates have an emergency plan to face the disasters, like fire, earthquakes & floods.

b. Every member must be aware of their duties and safety measures in such situations.

c. Early preparation would ensure rather more safety of the family.

d. Panic & confusion often lead to accidents & injuries.

Tips to face the Earthquake Emergency while it is Overhead

1. Make sure to stay away from the objects that may fall off.

2. Make sure to stay away from the book cases, hanging objects, cabinets, like chandeliers, ceiling fans, etc.

3. It is always advisable to stay laying down under some sturdy tables and / or door frames.

4. Just don't run around.

5. Do not make an attempt to leave the house.

6. Outside the house there are rather dangerous things waiting to injure you, like lamp posts and cars.

7. The emergency kit must be very accessible and ready all the time.

8. If possible, place the emergency kit in some place where everyone in the house or the office would run in to during a quake.

9. Make sure to stay away from your kitchen. This can be the most dangerous spot of the house in case of earthquakes, with the various pots & pans hanging around & drawers full of cutlery & knives.

10. Furthermore, gas leakage in the kitchen can be quite dangerous owing to the fire involved.

After the earthquake

1. Make sure not to light a match and / or the candle immediately after the earth quake. In case the gas there is leaking, it might catch the flame.

2. Switch off the main gas valve before lighting the match or candle.

3. In case you are suspecting gas leakage, open all the windows & evacuate the house immediately.

4. Now, call your gas company, after you have moved away from the spot of gas leakage.

5. Make the call, only when you are out of that spot as the mobile phone usage in the gas can also lead to a flame.

6. Often earthquakes are followed by some aftershocks. Do not put your guards down even though you, your house and the family are all safe.

7. Check the news to get information on the earthquake & other important updates.

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Preparedness - Have an Emergency Plan

Everybody should have an emergency plan. After all we do have house insurance, health insurance, car insurance even death plan insurance, but how many of us have an emergency plan in case of a disaster? How many people could survive if there is a major catastrophe such as we have seen in recent years with hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in the pacific or the various floods and severe weather we have been experiencing?

Do not be deluded in thinking that emergency services will be there immediately to rescue you and provide food, shelter and medical help. Those services can themselves be severely disrupted and help may not arrive for days. This last winter we saw Europe in the grips of one of the harshest winters and it didn't seem to take too much to cut roads and train services.

The worst effects were from the power cuts as lines came down, some of those services took weeks to restore. Now consider this: how long would you survive in the middle of a harsh winter with no food, no power, therefore no heat and possibly no way to communicate?

Every household must have an emergency plan to survive 3 days to a week if need be, if you could stretch this to 2 weeks so much the better. This would not be too hard to implement with just a little foresight and some careful planning.

Should yo think that being prepared for an eventual disaster is being paranoid, think again. Being prepared could save your life and the lives of your family and friends. A good stock of food, fresh water and medicines can also save you money in the long run by buying in bulk and rotating the usage of the more perishable goods such as cans and dried food.

This preparedness not only applies to house owners, you could be well set up in a city even while renting by adapting slightly to the different circumstances. Two weeks of food and water does not take that much room and why not get a group of neighbours together on this?

Many older folks still do this, just recently while visiting my mother I noticed the ample supplies she kept in her garage {she lives in an apartment building], enough to feed a family for at least 2 weeks. Her answer to my comment was: "well you never know, I can't go out as much as I would like to and so I like to have every eventuality covered". Good on you Mum!

To find out more on how to prepare for an emergency go to: http://www.squidoo.com/guide-to-surviving-2012.

Are You Ready For the Next Big Emergency?

A colleague of mine is the volunteer Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for a large geographic area in our County. He is responsible to provide hundreds of area families with emergency preparedness warnings, specific how-to-be-prepared instructions for any emergency, and other helpful suggestions and communications assistance. It's a complex and difficult assignment. He reports to an regional supervisor and has contacts with County and State Health Departments.

The most recent impending emergency could become among the worst in our history--the bird flu pandemic that many epidemiologists and government agencies believe is certain to arrive. In 1918-19, the US and the world suffered an estimated 60 million deaths from the Spanish Flu pandemic. It was an absolute disaster worldwide and had many long-term economic impacts that are still apparent. Experts today believe that a bird flu pandemic would be far worse in terms of potential deaths and economic impacts.

Epidemiologists have written that a rather simple mutation of the existing bird flu virus into a virulent and very dangerous form that could be transmitted by air and spread rapidly from human to human. They say it is not only possible, but their only question is not whether it can happen, but when it will happen. The Federal Government is so concerned about the mutated bird flu virus, they have provided millions of doses of Tamiflu, a medication that they hope will help control the disease and help people who get the flu will have access to the medicine in time and hopefully will survive the disease. Tamiflu is not a vaccine, however, as a vaccine can only be prepared when scientists have isolated the bird flu virus after it has mutated. Only then can they make a vaccine and that would take time and great investment. In the meantime, millions of Americans might perish.

More about preparedness: Among the strongest preparedness suggestions that have been made to date refer to storage items that families should have on hand, items that might prove crucial to your survival in case a big emergency occurs in your area. FEMA, The State, the County and many city emergency agencies all suggest that every family have 72-hour emergency kits readily available in case of emergencies, especially if evacuations are declared. The listing below is the basic, 72 hour emergency kit that should include such items as:

· Enough portable and easily prepared food for three days for each family member

· Enough potable water, at one gallon per day per person

· Sanitary supplies, prescription and OTC medications

· Clothing for each family member for three days

· Bedding, such as sleeping bags and blankets

· Comfort items for children, special foods, books and toys etc.

· Emergency lighting and camp stoves plus fuel

· Personal documents and $200 in cash in small bills

· Portable coolers for items that need to be kept cold

· Emergency radios/cell phones

· Vitamins and minerals for all

As a firm believer in being prepared, I suggest that families rapidly get your 72-hour emergency kits together in a safe, readily accessible place. Since we always need vitamins and minerals, you might consider storing and using our Acai Juice as a healthy super food. Packed with vitamins and minerals and three essential fatty acids, it also contains proteins and fiber. Acai Juice and is widely known as a truly healthy liquid food source that would help preserve your family's health during any emergency. Each ounce contains the equivalent of five servings of fresh fruit, and is high in anti-oxidants an proteins.

Store a case of Acai Juice and number the bottles from #1 to #12. When # 1 is empty, buy one more bottle, number it #13 and then rotate the bottles in numerical order as you use them. Rotating and replacing a bottle at a time assures freshness. A case of unopened Acai can be safely stored for two years, but don't forget to refrigerate opened bottles. Using Acai Juice as a super food in this way, all family members will benefit from the natural healthy goodness in the juice.

Christian Wilson - Born in North Hollywood and raised in Mexico, Brazil, New York, Idaho, Utah and the beautiful islands of Tahiti and Hawaii. Graduated from BYU Idaho and BYU Hawaii where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Christian spent the last 25 years in business, computers and marketing - primarily as a computer programmer, retail manager, nutritional supplement manufacturing consultant and as a marketing and SEO consultant.

Is Your Business Prepared For a Personal Emergency?

As a small business owner, your clients are precious to you. Even more so in the current state of our economy. You do what you can to make sure that your clients' needs are met and that they continue to patronize your company.

You do your best to make sure your clients' needs are met when you are providing your services but what happens should an emergency occur that you must attend to? Are your clients taken care of? Do they know what to do should you not be able to provide services to them for a period of time? Chances are you haven't even thought about it. After all, isn't the saying, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it? If that is your mentality, you may just have some dissatisfied clients should an emergency arise that you can not tend to your clients' needs. Believe it or not, this can be prevented.

There are a few things that you could do to handle an emergency situation so that your clients are not left out in the cold.

Keep an organized client list-if you keep your client list organized you will easily be able to access the list when you do get the time to contact each one and explain the situation

Designate somebody to contact your clients-This could be a friend, colleague or family member who has the time and is willing to contact each one of your clients should the need arise.

Set-up a back-up service provider-Whatever your service is, chances are there is somebody that you know that can handle your work should an emergency arise. This should be a person that is trustworthy that you know will not steal your clients once the emergency situation has gotten under control.

Hire somebody to execute your contingency plan-When dealing with a crises or an emergency chances are you are stretched to your maximum and don't know if you can handle one more little detail that needs to be taken care of. That's where paying somebody to execute your contingency plan can come in handy. You just need to contact the one person and they will take care of the rest. From contacting existing clients all the way to making sure that the necessities you need in running your business are being paid for.

These tips may seem like overkill and time-consuming to start implementing but just by taking a few preventative measures, your business can be covered in the event there is an emergency. Your business can weather the storm that has presented itself unexpectedly.

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How to Stock Emergency Supplies at Home

For centuries Christians have spoken of wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes occurring in much greater extremes than ever before until it gets so bad that, without divine intervention, no one would live through it. And many believe that it is almost upon us now. If you search the Internet, you will discover that Christians are not the only ones that believe this.

Even statistics show that the world is less safe these days. Between 2000--2005 the world has averaged nine significant disasters every week: especially hurricanes, floods and earthquakes greater than 7 on the Richter Scale.

In March 2007, the head of the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, stated that in Russia the number of damaging weather incidents now average more than one a day and are increasing about 6% each year.

With this many disasters, regularly increasing in number, don't you think it's about time to stock up?

Stocking water and food:

1) Stock a minimum of three days' supply, two weeks or more is preferable.

2) Be sure to stock one (1) gallon of clean water per day, per person, and also stock extra water for pets.

3) Stock foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking. Foods for special needs family members: infants, elderly, special diets, the ill.

Replace food as needed:

1. Every six months: Powdered milk, dried fruit, boxed potatoes, crisp crackers

2. Every twelve months: Canned foods, cereals (both ready-to-eat and uncooked)

3. Almost forever: Whole dried beans, grains, rice, corn; dry pasta; bouillon (except canned); coffee, tea, cocoa, soft drinks; salt, sugar. Be sure, however, that these are kept in air-tight containers such as screw-top jars.

4. It is best to have the food all in one place: a pantry, a spare room, or a root cellar---any cool place. Then use the food at the front of the shelf and replace it with the foods at the back. This will insure a constant replacement. This won't work if you stock it with foods you don't normally use.

Other Items to Stock:

A. Necessities:

1. First Aid Kit

2. A good stock of batteries of various sizes, check them periodically to make sure they still work.

3. A prepaid cell phone with minutes and a battery operated charger, with extra batteries.

4. Lights, flashlights, and radios: Battery operated or crank style.

5. Entertainment: For the children favorite toys, games, and books. For the adults favorite games, and books.

6. The obvious: blankets or sleeping bags for each person, sanitation supplies (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, detergent, bleach, shampoo, feminine supplies, etc.), mending supplies, changes of clothing and shoes for everyone.

7. Matches in a waterproof container.

8. A compass.

9. Extra sets/copies of IDs (driver's license, Social Security card, passport, work ID badges)

10. Money

11. Credit Cards: Don't bother with stocking a credit card because more likely in an emergency situation, banks will be closed and ATMs will NOT work!

B. Desirable items to stock:

1. A whistle for each person.

2. A generator. You can make solar powered generators---small ones for your electronics, and even one on your roof to power your whole house.

3. A tent.

Making these preparations is not a guarantee that you will be completely prepared for any disaster, but not making them is a guarantee that you will be totally vulnerable in these disastrous situations.

For valuable information and tips on surviving natural disasters and emergency situtations, please visit Emergency Preparation and Survival Tips Website today. You can't afford to wait. Don't be caught off guard. For Hiking and Camping Tips, please Hiking and Camping Tips.

Preparing For Alternative And Emergency Water Supplies

There are many emergencies where drinking supplies might be threatened. These include events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Severe winter weather can also cause a need for an alternative supply. Also, persons preparing for certain emergencies such as war, food shortages, and a grid system breakdown are concerned with pure drinking supplies. Humans can live for some time without a food source, but need hydration within a few days.

Purified water means chemicals have been removed by some method. There are several ways to do this. Radiation is one way, as is distillation. Deionization is another method sometimes used. Different methods of filtration can also remove minerals, sometimes only certain ones. The result is then bottled and sold to consumers. It may be stored for some time for emergency use, or used as a source safe for drinking.

Some manufacturers add certain minerals back in to improve both taste and nutritional value. There is some debate as to the benefits of the lack of minerals. The naturally occurring minerals have many benefits that are lost when they are removed. Thus, complete purification may not be advisable for drinking uses. Though purification can remove unwanted substances, the necessary minerals may need to be added back.

The low electric conductivity of this altered product makes it perfect for use in certain machinery. The absence of minerals makes it less able to conduct electricity, which is preferred for certain uses. The lack of mineral salts means it doesn't clog things such as irons, coffee pots, filters, and other products.

The method of filtration determines the purity of the end product. Different uses require different degrees of purity. For example, for lab work and mixing medicines, it is imperative that purity be excellent. However, for other uses, such as drinking, using in machines and appliances, small amounts of trace elements left behind are appropriate, and even sometimes desired.

Nursery water is another use for purification. It has been treated to remove all minerals, then certain beneficial ones are added back. This is then used to mix baby formula, dilute juices for babies and toddlers, and to mix with baby cereals and other dehydrated products. Its greatest benefit may well be for travel, as there is no worry about impurity of available sources, or the stomach upset that can be caused by a change in what is used for the baby or small child. With the availability of the same product used at home, there is less worry and more enjoyment when traveling.

Find a detailed summary of the advantages you get when you drink purified water and information about a leading supplier of bottled water at http://menehunewater.net right now.

How To Prepare For 2012

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last year or so, you've no doubt noticed the media frenzy over predictions for the end of the world in December 2012. It seems like every night there is a new show on cable TV talking about the various ways the world could end. On top of that, various government agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have made it a priority to inform citizens on how to prepare for emergencies and encourage them to take steps to provide for their own needs during disasters.

Whether you buy into the disaster prophecies or not, make 2012 the year you finally get around to completing your own emergency preparations.

Learn what goes into a bug out bag and make one for each member of your family. Make plans as to where you will go if you need to evacuate and how you will get there. Plan multiple routes just in case some of the roads are impassable.

Research ways of filtering and purifying local water sources. Set up rain barrels and other catchment systems. Remember, there is likely water already stored in your home in your water heater, so learn how to access it. Begin storing additional water as well using empty soda and juice bottles. Wash them out well and fill them to the top with tap water. Add a couple drops of non-scented chlorine bleach and twist the caps on tight. Store in a cool, dark place. Rotate them every six months or so.

Set up a garden and begin growing your own food, at least as a supplement to store-bought groceries. Add to your stored food on a regular basis, striving for enough food on hand to last your family a week, then two weeks, then a month. Doing this in stages or steps will make it easier on your wallet.

Give serious thought to acquiring one or more firearms and become proficient in their use. While we'd all like to think our neighbors will come together and work as a team to keep everyone safe, that might not be the case in reality. Desperation can make people do nasty stuff they might not even consider otherwise.

If you have a fireplace or wood stove, gather together several cords of wood. Depending upon the nature of the disaster, your utility services might become unreliable or non-existent. Invest in a propane or charcoal grill and learn how to use it to cook a variety of foods. Practice cooking over a campfire as well.

Last but certainly not least, plan for your toilets and taps to stop running. Figure out now where you're going to, well, "go" when nature calls. A five gallon pail with some sand or cat litter in the bottom may work for the short term. When it comes time to empty the pail, bury the contents deep and well away from natural water sources.

The end of the world may not happen at the end of 2012 but there are any number of disaster that may occur before or after that magic date. Be prepared, just in case. Survival-Gear.com has what you need to get ready for whatever 2012 brings us. From kits and gear to long term food storage, you'll find it here.

Climate Change - Preparation Tips In Case Of Emergency

The earth we are living in has become our enemy along these years. Different news of awful scenarios brought by catastrophic events, sudden disasters and many other terrible incidents - all these are caused by human's carelessness.

Our own visions and dreams of having great inventions and seeking for the latest advancements become the most painful reason why climate change is happening. We may enjoy the trend - yes! But it will not be enjoyable to see casualties and broken structures around brought by our nature's revenge.

Climate change drastically resulted from floods; global warming, great typhoons, forest fires and a whole lot more. Even the gradual melting of ice in Antarctic, which will lead to worst outcome if not treated early, is also a result of climate change.

We cannot revert the old and tame planet we're living before, and we must admit we can never control what this nature will bring to us in the future. All we must expect is that we're facing a worse future ahead.

The only ideal thing we can do is to have precautionary measures so that as much as possible we can avoid worst scenarios and high number of casualties.

Hurricanes and storms are two most common natural disasters attacking some countries every year. Worst it will be as it was already stated that upcoming typhoons would have more destruction intensity.

Emergency Preparation For Upcoming Storm and Hurricanes

Checking Your Home

Since the only refuge we have during typhoon is our house, making sure everything is fixed is very vital. Consider the roofs, ceilings, windows and doors if they are strong enough to withstand heavy rains and winds.

Cut off any electrical supply so that there will be no electrical injury once the typhoon strikes.

Check the water drainage system if it has no clog to avoid any problems when rain comes. Also outdoor accessories should be kept inside the house so that heavy wind will not carry them away.

Necessities Aboard

Supermarkets and grocery stores may not continue their operations right after the typhoon. They will settle an operation if everything is cleared up. Make sure you have with you an adequate amount of food and water supply. Medicines are important as well.

Consider batteries, radio transistors, candles and matches, flashlights and anything that can be used as important tool during blackouts. Consider having umbrella and thick clothing during typhoons.

Follow The Authority

Listen to any updates given by the government. Any single changes in their news should be considered.

Emergency Preparation For Heat Waves

Tremendous hot climate is very dangerous especially for younger individuals, elderly people and those with certain health conditions. Below are some helpful tips for heat wave preparation:

Collect News

We should checked news from the government about heat wave events. It is important to seek updates and even single detail is barely important to consider. Some people die because they didn't get themselves updated about heat wave information.

Get Intact With Water

Refreshed yourself up by taking a shower. Also drink a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Protect Yourself From the Sunlight

You should warn everybody in your family to stay inside the house especially during the midst of the day. Exposure to sunlight can cause skin disorders and even death. If you have to go outside, use umbrella, hats and wear clothes that will protect you against the sun.

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MRE Meal - The Perfect Emergency Disaster Food

Have you ever been in a natural disaster? If you haven't, you can count yourself lucky. For those who have, they can tell you what a harrowing experience it is to be holed up in your home or shelter while waiting for the emergency crews to arrive. The experts say that you should have a 72 hour kit prepared as that is how long it could take the clean up crew to clear the area. Can you really wait it out that long? Do you have enough food and water available? What happens if the power goes out? Will you be able to prepare the food otherwise? That is a feeling of helplessness that no one should feel.

One of the most ideal food rations in emergency situations is the MRE or meals ready to eat. Originally, they were military issued but now you can also purchase civilian MREs as well. There are little differences seeing as the manufacturers are mostly doing the same kind of business providing for the military and the public.

Meals ready to eat have a shelf life of 3-5 years if stored in the right conditions: dry and at cool temperatures. Each package of an MRE is a complete meal including a main dish, side dish, dessert, bread or crackers and a spread. You also get a beverage mix, coffee and other accessory items. All food items included, an MRE meal has on average more than a 1200 calories. To put it in perspective, the average woman should have a daily food intake of 1500 calories while the average man should consume 2500 calories. So if you're a woman eating an MRE, that meal alone represents almost your daily caloric intake. If you're a man, two MRE meals will do.

Perhaps what is literally warming in an emergency situation is that the MRE package also includes a flameless ration heater. Even if you're without a source to heat your food, you'll still be able to enjoy a hot meal with an MRE because it has a flameless heat source that is activated by water. Just make sure you have a prepared water supply in your emergency kit as well.

With all the talk of global warming and climate change, it should be warning enough for everyone to prepare for natural disasters by keeping their emergency supplies well stocked. Having a couple of cases of MRE and water jugs on hand will sustain until help arrives.

Timothy Dalton is a freelance writer who is also an outdoor enthusiast. Prepare for emergency situations by visiting the website MREs for Sale and stock up on some MRE meals.

Preparing Your Emergency Food Supply

Setting aside emergency food is an essential part of preparing for emergencies and disasters. Americans tend to take food availability for granted. A few simple items could make all the difference in your ability to survive in an emergency. Making a mad dash for the refrigerator while evacuating your home is not considered an effective way to deal with an emergency food situation. Like other emergency preparations, it's best to have food set aside in advance. What Kind of Emergency Food Supplies Do You Need?

First and foremost, your emergency kit needs to contain water. Though actual needs can vary based on several factors, the average adult will require at least a half-gallon of drinking water per day. Make sure to include enough for every member of your family for several days.

As far as emergency food supplies go, focus on non-perishable items that will not make you thirsty. Stay away from salty snacks and foods, as salt increases thirst. Go for healthy, filling items that don't spoil quickly. Canned foods, whole grain cereals and snacks, and special dietary items are recommended. Try to avoid foods that require refrigeration, water or cooking if possible, as these will be of most use to you in the event of a real emergency.

In addition to food and water, you'll also need various items to use them. Cups, plates, kitchen utensils, a large mixing bowl, a manual can opener, dish towels and other similar items for preparing your food should not be overlooked. Stocking Emergency Food kits for each member of your family is suggested. You should allocate at least a half-gallon of water for drinking per day, per person. Remember to keep additional water on hand. Keep in mind that additional water may be required for other needs, such as cooking, washing and medical emergencies.

It's recommended to use regular store-bought bottled water for drinking, but you can keep refilled jugs of tap or filtered water for non-drinking uses. As a general rule, it's smart to assume you will need 1 gallon of water per family member per day. Don't forget to include your pets in this equation! Your emergency kit should include at least a 3-day supply of water for each family member.

Your emergency kit should also include a 3-day supply of food for each family member. Remember to include items for your family's special needs. For example, if there is a diabetic in your household, keep items in your kit which can help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Don't forget to also stock any backup emergency kits you may have, such as a first aid kit in your car or at the workplace. Though these will require less food and water, they are still smart items to keep on hand. Having a jug of water and a few bottles for drinking is recommended, as well as some salt-free crackers for emergency situations or to relieve nausea.

Be sure to also include other vital supplies in your emergency kit, such as first aid items and blankets. Preparing your emergency food and water supply is only one component of emergency disaster preparedness.

Author K. Nedley is the owner of http://www.emergencypowersupply.org a website dedicated to providing options and information in the event of calamity.

For more information on Emergency Preparation Click Here and receive valuable information for yourself and your family.

Car Emergency Preparedness - When the Going Gets Tough!

If you own a vehicle, as most of us do these days, it is important to keep an emergency survival kit in it at all times. It should be kept someplace where it can be easily accessed (perhaps under the front passenger seat). Since you are usually located within close proximity of your vehicle, you can easily gain immediate access to your emergency supplies in a disaster situation.

Many types of disasters can strike while you are in your car - snow or ice storms in winter, floods in spring, and hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning storms in summer and fall. Your survival will depend on how well you have prepared ahead.

Just like a home emergency survival kit, every car emergency kit should contain the basics - water, food, shelter, warmth and first aid for one person (or family) to survive for 72 hours.  Basic tools for car repair and maintenance should also be included. When you create your emergency car kit, you can personalize it to your own needs. You may need to add an extra pair of glasses, baby or pet items or prescription medications.

Your car survival kit should be in a backpack or bag small enough to fit in your car.  It should include:

o Food (granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, etc. - avoid items that will melt or spoil quickly) and water for 72 hours - keep all items well sealed

o Blankets (wool is best but if it is too itchy try a solar blanket) or a down sleeping bag

o Hat (most heat is lost through the head), scarf, mittens (best) or gloves, boots (extra clothing}

o First-aid kit - including personal medications

o AM/FM radio and extra batteries or hand crank type (no batteries required)

o Candles and waterproof matches or a lighter

o Flashlight and spare batteries or hand crank type

o Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper

o Soap and/or hand sanitizer

o Pet supplies and proper documentation (license, immunization records)

o Antifreeze to keep the gas from freezing - can also be used in place of windshield wiper fluid 

o Axe or hatchet (a hammer might also be useful)

o Compass and maps

o Type ABC fire extinguisher 

o Ice scraper, shovel, brush

o Booster or jumper cables, tow chain, traction mats

o Basic car repair kit

o Sand or salt for tire traction - kitty litter also works well

o Duct tape and knife or multi-purpose tool

o Warning lights, road flares or a strip of red cloth to tie on to the car antenna

o Cell phone

o Whistle

o Playing cards, books, games or other items that do not require batteries

You may want to add a few items to be used in case of an accident. Some extra items may include a disposable camera, and a pad of paper and pencil or pen to record the scene and any witness information.

Some personal items might also come in handy.  You might want to consider the following:

o Blush, lipstick and mascara

o Razor and shaving cream

o Sanitary napkins and/or tampons

o Hairbrush or comb

These items are not necessarily essential to your survival but they can go a long way to improving your emotional balance thus helping you to cope with a little more optimism.  Let's face it.  The better you feel the more likely you will be able to deal with the situation.

Although it can seem like a daunting task to put a survival kit together, it can actually be a very easy and interesting project. The greatest challenge can be organizing your kit with the least amount of layout of cash.  Start by looking around your home for those items you already have.  Add a few items each week if you need to buy things.  Food and water are the most important items, followed by a blanket or sleeping bag for keeping warm.  If you are not interested in organizing your own kit, you can purchase one already made and just add any extra items you want included in your pack.

One important tip: Remember to always let someone know what time you left and what time you expect to arrive at your destination. By taking these precautions, you can prepare your family for an emergency and feel more confident as you travel.

Be Prepared - Before Disaster Strikes!

At Survival Street our goal is to help you prepare for possible disasters. We aim to take the stress out of your emergency situation.

We sell a wide range of high quality 72-hour Emergency Survival Kits, FIrst Aid Kits and Emergency Survival Gear. We invite you to visit us to see our high quality products and information http://www.survivalstreet.com/products.html

Earthquake Emergency - What To Do In Such A Situation?

In 1906, the residents of San Francisco, California, had an abrupt change of lifestyle. They learned that almost anything can happen without warning. An earthquake killed about 3,000 people and caused over $400 million in property damages. In 1920, the Gansu earthquake in China took about 200,000 lives. Then in 1948, the region around Ashgabat in the Soviet Union suffered a powerful quake that claimed over two-thirds of that city's population (110,000 people died).

About Earthquakes

The most powerful earthquake ever recorded happened in 1960 in Chile. Registering 9.5 on the Moment magnitude scale, it created a tsunami that swept the entire Pacific Ocean. In 1972, 90% of the city of Managua, Nicaragua, was destroyed by a midnight earthquake that killed over 10,000 people. Then in 1985, the Great Mexican Earthquake struck, killing as many as 30,000 people, most of whom were never found. In 1989, San Francisco and surrounding areas experienced the "World Series Quake."

In 2003, the Bam Citadel, the largest adobe structure in the world and built before 500 B.C. was almost completely destroyed, together with 70% of the city of Bam and 70,000 residents.

Most of them happen along what is known as the circum-Pacific seismic belt or the "Pacific Ring of Fire" bounding the Pacific tectonic plate. With high-population cities like Mexico City, Tehran, and Tokyo growing in areas of high risk, it is possible that a future earthquake could take as many as 3 million lives.

It's hard to understand why people insist on living in earthquake-prone areas like San Francisco and the mountains of central and South America. But in fact, earthquakes are a common phenomenon, small ones happening somewhere in the world every day. Characterized by shaking and ruptures in the land, earthquakes also cause dangerous avalanches and landslides, fires like the terrible 1906 San Francisco experience, soil liquefaction where buildings literally sink into the earth, and massive tsunamis. Because the damage they do is enduring, they also leave high risks for disease in their wake as people try to find potable water to drink and dry, safe places to sleep and live.

People who live in high-probability earthquake zones must live each day as it comes, knowing that their fragile lives could be over in an instant. Knowing that tragedy can strike at any time, they prepare for it.

Technology specialist Jason lives near the Marina, the most high-risk area in his city. He accepts graciously the fact that living there is a risk, but he always stores basic supplies for that inevitable crisis. He keeps several gallons of fresh water, portable food packs, extra flashlights and batteries, and several thing-a-magics that would overwhelm the technologically-challenged.

Earthquake Safety Tips

* Duck. Stay off heavy objects that may fall. Find an open area or stand in a doorway.

* If you can't get out of the building, seek protection under a heavy table.

* If you're driving when the earthquake strikes, stay inside your car.

* If you're in a mall or store, move away from shelving and other movable objects.

* In theaters and stadiums, duck under your seat and wait until the mob has largely left the area. Don't get caught up in the panic-filled crowds.

Another Word of Advice

Being well-prepared, having a plan of action, is the best way to prepare to survive an earthquake. Lacking this comfortable knowledge, you are more likely to panic and make deadly mistakes.

Know where strong, stable structures are that may provide shelter. Avoid areas of poor construction or materials. Stay calm. Stay alert. Things change very quickly, and you should be ready to respond.

Abhishek has got some great Disaster Management Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 68 Page Ebook, "How To Survive Any Natural Calamity!" from his website http://www.Survival-Today.com/606/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.