Beware of Hiring Emergency Damage Contractors

It doesn't matter where you go today, emergency situations cost more money and I don't think things are going to change in the future. If you have water leaking all over your kitchen floor and it's ruining your carpeting, you've got an emergency.

Just because home emergencies cost more money, doesn't mean that you can't eliminate some of the problems with a little preparation. Everyone knows the phone number to call if there is a medical emergency or a buildings on fire, but would you use that phone number, if you had another alternative.

It costs more money to call 911, than it does for someone to drive themselves down to the local hospital. If there truly is a medical emergency, you should call 911. However, if one of your children gets bitten by a dog or has a fever and you feel safe driving them down to the hospital, why wouldn't you.

I'm talking about saving some money and being prepared, just in case there is an emergency, within your house. Forget about all of the medical stuff, that was just an example to get your mind ready to listen to the information that I'm about to share with you.

If you're not prepared for a home damage emergency, you're also not going to be prepared for the home repair bill that the contractor hands you. Be prepared to get taken advantage of by an emergency damage contractor. I'm not kidding around here, some of these people, charge large sums of money, simply to shut the water off to your home.

If you don't want this to happen to you, you're going to need to find a couple of contractors in your area that you can work with, just in case there is an emergency. You can do this, by getting a couple of phone numbers of contractors in your area and asking them what their hourly rates are and how they handle home damage emergencies.

You need to be prepared and this is a simple way to prepare your family for one type of home emergency. The question that I'm wondering about right now, after you've read this article is whether or not you're going to do it.

Home Emergency Questions You Need To Know About

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Survival Food: Get Prepared for Emergencies

There will come a time when the worst thing you expect to happen, will happen. It is best to be prepared for natural calamities or sudden emergencies. The best way to prepare for such events is to purchase survival food. Survival food will help you prepare for sudden emergencies and natural disasters when you can't purchase food anywhere. Survival food has come a long way from its days of just sour bread, crackers, and hard rice. You can get full, ready-to-eat meals when you purchase food for emergencies.

You can choose from a variety of meals when you purchase survival food in specialty stores or local supermarkets. The survival food that you purchases is sealed to avoid spoilage and it uses advanced methods to keep the food fresh and ready to eat with minimal cooking when you open it. You can choose chicken, beef, fish, or other kinds of meals when you buy it.

The food you purchase remains moist so that the food you eat retains its original taste and liquids when you eat it. You can also use it as camping food when you have outdoor activities. You can bring the survival food that you have bought so that you will not have a hard time preparing and looking for food when you go outdoors.

Survival Food Is Essential To Your Survival Kit

It is essential that you have food in your survival kit because it has all the nutrients and protein you will need when you go camping or when an emergency arises. Survival food will help sustain your body in times of trouble and emergency. Emergency food will be needed especially when a typhoon or storm devastates your town or house leaving you with no chance of purchasing other food from stores. Meals ready to eat will help you tide a black out, power outage, hurricane or earthquake.

The best thing you can do when an emergency arises is be prepared. Be prepared for anything and everything that can happen. You can increase your preparedness by including it in your shopping list. This food is easy to store and will last a long time in storage until it is needed. You can be sure that the contents of your pack will remain fresh and ready to eat when the time of an emergency arises.

It is better to be prepared than to be caught panicking in times of emergency and disaster. You can prevent panic and other accidents or shortages from happening if you have food that contains things that you will need when disaster strikes. You can prepare yourself by purchasing necessary items such as flashlights, batteries, matches, and lighters as well. These items will help you get through emergencies without panicking and will help keep your body sustained the whole time. Once a disaster strikes you should look for the nearest evacuation center. The evacuation center will keep you updated about the emergency or disaster that you are facing. You can minimize the perils of emergencies or disasters if you are prepared with the proper survival food.

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Natural Disasters and Emergencies - Is Your Family Ready? Top 4 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare!

Thanks - or No thanks - to the 24-hour News Channels, we are constantly bombarded with tragic events occurring around the world. Natural disasters - tsunamis, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, floods - or man-made disasters - such as home invasions, accidents or terroristic activity - are front and center on the news everyday. It is not a question of "if," but more likely, "when" an accident or emergency is going to strike you or your loved ones. Will your family be prepared in the event of a worst-case scenario? There are four things that you can do right now to begin the journey to emergency preparedness.

There is an old adage, "Hope for the best and prepare for the worst"- this is a wise motto to embrace. If we can be ready for worst case scenario disasters, then a week long power outage due to an ice storm will be a piece of cake! But are we prepared? A recent survey showed that a majority of American homes do not even have a bandaid, much less a first aid kit in case of emergencies - not only are they not ready for a natural disaster, they can't even bandage a child's scrapped knee!

There are thousands of books on Disaster -proofing your family, but the odds that a family that does not own a bandaid would read one of them, are slim! Therefore, here are the top four things you can do to prepare your family for natural or man- made disasters:

1. Have a well stocked First Aid Kit: When an injury occurs, the last thing you want to do is wish you had the proper equipment to give medical care to your loved ones. We all need a first line of defense in our homes to be prepared for an emergency situation - a well stocked First Aid Kit is the answer. At a minimum, it should include assorted bandages, gauze, rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, thermometer, cotton balls and adhesive tape. The size of your first aid kit and its contents will depend on the size of your family, their needs and their lifestyle. Pre-packaged first aid kits are economical and will contain the essential items that you need - you can then customize it by adding things that are tailored to suit your family's individual needs.(If Dad is a diabetic, include some hard candy in the event of diabetic shock, and don't forget your prescription medications and an extra pair of eyeglasses). Now that you have a well-stocked kit, you should familiarize yourself with all the items in it and know when and how to use them properly. It would be a good idea to have a complete kit for your home and smaller kits for your cars, purses or your child's locker at school - you should always have the proper first aid essentials on hand.

2. Have batteries, flashlights and weather radios readily accessible: Unfortunately, power outages usually go hand in hand with weather related emergencies, so be sure you have an adequate supply of fresh batteries at home. Keep a working flashlight on every nightstand (you don't want to be fumbling around in the dark- that's an accident waiting to happen!) and have a weather radio nearby to keep your family informed of any watches or warnings in your area so you can take shelter accordingly. Having a radio, flashlights or battery-powered lanterns ready ahead of time (we don't recommend candles because of the obvious fire hazard) and your family can remain safe, informed and relatively calm during any storm.

3. Have a supply of ready to eat food and water on hand: This is just good old common sense - our grandparents use to call it "putting away" for winter. I'm afraid many families today only buy enough groceries to last until the next week's shopping trip - there is no back up provisions in case of emergency. Well, there are all kinds of emergencies - a trucker strike as well as weather emergencies could shut down grocery stores, halting the food supply. As we saw with Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, because of the nature of the storms and their aftermath, help was impeded and people were without food and water for days. Be prepared in advance. We should all have enough rations on hand to get us comfortably by until help arrives - plan on at least 14 days worth (some experts will tell you 72 hours, but in most cases, it takes on average about 5 to 7 days to get back to 'normal'. Do your part and be prepared so you don't get in the way of first responders or those who were not prepared and must run to an under stocked grocery store) To accomplish this, just add a few more cans of soup, some familiar foods( not army dehydrated food) and some bottles of water every time you go shopping, and you will build up a nice emergency food supply. Store your food and water in a cool dark place, rotating the food every six months - keep an eye on those expiration dates.

4. Have copies of important documents in one place: Where are all of your important documents? Could you recreate your life in the case of a fire? You should have all original documents in a safe deposit box in an out of town bank or fire resistant safe. Make copies of vital papers - all title deeds, insurance policies, warranties, driver's license, Social Security cards, bank statements, investment papers, passport and any other papers that would be key in re- building your life after a disaster. It might also help if you send a second package of your copies to an out of town family member (also send along copies of any irreplaceable photos). Once you have made copies of all of these, keep them in a water and fireproof container that you can easily grab and go in a worst-case scenario (fire or flood). These papers will be essential in establishing any insurance claim in the aftermath of any catastrophic event.

Keep in mind, the government is not your Mom; they do not keep all of your vital information stored in one place!

This article is not intended to scare anyone - but with a little advance preparation, our families can have a greater sense of security and peace of mind. Make sure to follow the government and the first responder's directions so you do not become part of the problem. Again, "hope for the best, and be prepared for the worst" - Be smart! Be prepared!

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Emergency Food Storage Is Essential For Disaster Survival

Natural calamities. Severe weather changes. Volatile economic conditions. We are often bombarded with news about these disasters, constantly reminding us that unfortunate events can happen. Are we prepared to handle this kind of situation?

Most of the families are unprepared when it comes to handling emergency situations. Emergency preparedness is something that families and individuals need to have since this will ensure their survival when disaster or crises hit. Having a good emergency plan will ensure that you and your family will not be chewing your nails because of worry and fear.

Whenever disaster happens, you should expect that it would at least take three (3) days before help reaches you and your family. It is important to prepare for these three important days, like how to feed you family.

Emergency food storage are usually foods that would last for a long period of time and do not require preparation. It would only differ based on the needs of your family.

What Should Be In Your Food Storage Stockpile?

The classic Dragon Ball Z animation showcases a pill that instantly transforms into a complete meal. Unfortunately, we don't have that kind of technology right now which means that we have to learn how to properly stockpile food in order to keep our bodies and health intact during emergencies and long-term crises.

Non-preparation foods are usually food bars which are high in calories and does not provoke thirst that much, MREs (meals ready to eat) and light-weight food often referred to as camping meals. Camping meals can be stocked for long periods of time, most of these meals can last for 2 years in the shelf.

If you plan to prepare your own food, then canning and preserving is an option. If you have a garden, canning and stockpiling your vegetable gardens produce is more cost-efficient.

The canning process is actually very easy to learn and perform, as long as you have right supplies or equipment. Pressure canners are important for home-canning. Pressure canning are usually done on vegetables with low-acid content. High-acid vegetables are prepared using the boiling water canning process. A boiling water canner is a cooking pot where jars can conveniently fit into with enough water covering them.

Another must-have for emergency food storage is a food dehydrator. Food dehydrators draw moisture out of the food, thus preventing spoilage even if you do not refrigerate the food. The difference with food dehydration and canning is the use of sugars. Canning uses sugars but with food dehydration, you are emphasizing the foods natural sweetness.

Stockpiling your own food storage does not only include actual food items. There is also a need for you to have your own non-hybrid or heirloom seeds. Unlike typical seeds, heirloom seeds can be planted and harvest every year. Proper seed storage, however, is needed to ensure that your seeds would still generate the produce that you want.

How Do You Purchase Your Emergency Food?

There are a lot emergency food items and food kits available in the market. The 72- hour food kits contain items which your body will need for surviving three days. As a kit, it needs to be portable and easy to grab. Disaster management institutions have recommendations on what should be included in 72-hour food kits.

A 72-hour food kits usually have MREs, freeze-dried foods, and dehydrated foods included. In addition, there are food kits that include vitamins and supplements. Whenever you are purchasing MREs or other dehydrated food items, it is important to purchase from a reputable source.

There can be a lot of things holding you back on preparing for emergency situations, it can be budget restrictions or lack of time. But facing disasters and emergency situations unprepared can cost more money, time, and even you and your loved one's life.

Are you emergency prepared?

Being prepared for an emergency situation is essential for every household and does not have to be difficult. Emergency disaster plans generally call for survival kits along with enough food and water for at least 72 hours.

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Preparation For Sudden Earthquakes

One of the most overwhelming natural disasters of nature is the earthquake. It is a very devastating phenomenon that can cause a lot of destruction not just in building structures but it can also kill lots of lives in just a moment.

The bad thing about an earthquake is that it happens unexpectedly. One effective way to lessen its effects is to have enough emergency preparations.

If you have experienced earthquake, you've probably feel something unusual in the ground. It begins to shake and rumbling sounds start to roar. What you're hearing is the tectonic plates colliding.

This makes you panic and if the earthquake is worst, there may be a little chance for your survival. Although such strong earthquakes happen seldom even in the Earth's Rim Of Fire, precautionary measures must be planned out.

Earthquake Drill Practices

Schools, government firms and many other corporations and Internet websites provide earthquake drills, seminars and tips. This is to practice everyone as if they're really in an earthquake situation. This is one effective means of planning out a real earthquake once it happens suddenly.

It is also important that your whole family and colleagues are trained out of the earthquake preparation drills and tips. This is very beneficial for everyone once such incident occur. It will put out everything into coordination making it easier for you to respond during an earthquake.

Planning Out Your Home Structure

It is important to take note of planning out your home structure. If you're living in the vicinities of earthquake, make sure that your house is made up of light materials and the exit ways should be easily determined.

On the other hand, you have to make sure that your door frames, post and doorways are strong enough to support your house. These areas can commonly withstand earthquakes.

Make sure that heavy and tall equipments are fixed and fastened to the wall. Cabinets should have latches to prevent things inside from falling once an earthquake happens.

Knowing Where to Run

Be sure that you know where to go during an earthquake scenario. It is important that you know the secured and hiding places. One safe place to hide during an earthquake is a sturdy table. It will protect you from heavy and concrete things that are falling.

While running, cover your head with your hand to avoid internal head hemorrhage caused by falling debris.

Assigning Duties

Everyone in your family or office mates must know their responsibilities during an earthquake event. Only one or two persons should not own the duties themselves. Everybody's participation is barely important. This is for everyone to respond immediately in an earthquake even if you're not around.

Emergency Kits On-Board

Lastly, you should have emergency and first aid kits in your home and office. These kits should comprise of important things needed in the earthquake aftermath like medicinal treatment stuffs, candle and matches, canned goods etc. Make sure that everyone in the house knows where to find these kits.

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Be Ready, Be Prepared

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. National Preparedness Month 2008 is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.

Here are a few steps that you can take right now to get prepared in case of an emergency:

Get a Kit - Get a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days in the event an emergency happens. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit.

Make a Plan - Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include a communications plan and address sheltering-in-place and evacuation.

Be Informed - Learn more about different threats that could affect your community and appropriate responses to them.

Get Involved - After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step: get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing your community. Citizen Corps provides residents with opportunities to prepare, train and support local emergency responders. For more information or to get involved visit CitizenCorps.gov to find your local Citizen Corps council.

For a list of recommended supplies, plan templates, and additional information about preparing for disasters, visit Ready.gov. At this site, you can also learn about the emergency plans that have already been established in your area. Take some time to stay informed about how to react to even unlikely scenarios. You should be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene

The very worst emergency plan is no plan. The next worse is two plans. ~Author Unknown

Kathy Jenkins is a Professional Organizer based in Richmond, VA. Through her business, Come To Order, she offers residential professional organizing services tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients, and operates a retail website for organizing products, Organized A To Z.com. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), Faithful Organizers, and Women Entrepreneurs of Virginia, and serves as marketing director of NAPO Richmond. You may contact her through her websites at www.cometoorderva.com and www.organizedatoz.com.

2012 Cataclysm Disaster Plans and Preparedness For Global Industrial Emergency

Take the action. First things first, the fact of the matter is that there are great benefits to be had when there is guidance and ample preparation in cases of an emergency.

In doing the advance preparation and planning for the year 2012 helps industries and corporation discover any hazardous problems or conditions that could be unrecognized and if not paid attention to could possibly aggravate a situation.

When there is preparation, deficiencies are immediately brought to light.

By 2012 some of these deficiencies could include resource-lack (e.g. lack of personnel that are adequately trained, lack of supplies, and lack of equipment, to name a few). Knowing these details beforehand helps correct any lack in the soonest possible time.

It also prevents major losses and casualties as well as financial organizational collapse.

Another advantage of preparing for 2012 Cataclysm disaster an industrial emergency plan is that it helps promote appropriate safety and awareness among the workers as well as present a company that is concerned with the welfare of its entire staff.

The following are some of the needed steps designed to assist the 2012 Cataclysm disaster industrial plants as well as businesses in preparing for any type of cataclysm emergency event.

Establish a cataclysm emergency event team

Does it more possible fast, set up a good cataclysm emergency event planning team? A leader as well as a staff must be chosen as based on their appropriate capabilities and professional skills.

Particular tasks should also be assigned to a disaster teams or individuals.

Analyze hazards and capabilities

It is also important to assess the preparations the industrial emergency plant or the organization cataclysm emergency event planning team that currently has against risks such as power failure, damage in structures, among others.

In an emergency catastrophic such as flooding, contacting the manager or director of the local floodplain as well as other flood officials that helps the organization and industries learn the risks involved.

Using building materials that are flood resistant, erecting a physical barrier as well as anchoring structures and tanks is one of the ways to prepare in advance for flood emergencies.

Meanwhile, preparing against high winds is by reinforcing the building as well as the drinking water and food supplier. Covering & Seal windows is also important, covering the doors and removing any objects that are loose from the industrial plant is a must.

Have a backup emergency plan supplier

As much as possible, have a backup emergency power such as battery storage, power and heat system combined. It is also vital that contact utility information and dealer suppliers be obtained in case of a power outage.

The cataclysm emergency plan should be developed

It is important that there is a plan developed during, before as well as after a particular emergency. Protocols should be established for the welfare of the employees, especially their safety and similarly the readiness of the site.

Emergency power should also be updated as well as the options for power supply. Communication emergency systems must also be established.

Responsibilities for each staff with regards to the recovery, shutdown and restart procedure should be outlined.

An evacuation plan should also be developed including employee support. Procedures on shutting down the utility and the safe processing of operations are a necessity.

Methods in protecting records, inventory and materials must also be developed.

Cataclysm emergency Plan implementation

Staying in touch with the operations emergency center on your own state is important.

In this stage, the appropriate preparation, shutdown, emergency backup and evacuation should be started.

The year 2012 preparation, the final stage is the recovery process and the assessment of the damages brought by the emergency as well as in prioritizing needed repairs by the year 2012. Hopefully, the procedures above help in the adequate preparation of industries and organization.

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Are You and Your Family Prepared For the First 72 Hours?

Experience gained from past disasters has shown that it can take up to 72 hours or more to mobilize a significant relief effort during an emergency. Therefore everyone needs to be preparing to cope on his or her own for at least the first 72 hours - that's 3 days - of an emergency. Of course common sense dictates that we should be prepared for any emergency situation, however the fact is that only a few of us are ready for even the smallest crisis, let alone one of larger significance.

One obvious advantage of being prepared - it allows emergency workers to focus on people in very urgent need of their help. To support their efforts, the rest of us must to be prepared to look after ourselves for at least 72 hours.

The San Francisco area is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. The path of destruction that Hurricane Katrina left in its wake across the southern U.S. in August 2005 and the widespread flooding of 2007 - 2008 have provided a horrific reminder of the importance of being prepared for disasters. Unfortunately no part of our country, or North America for that matter is immune to a natural or a man-made disaster.

Earthquakes, power outages, floods, fires, severe storms and acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies. Many of these emergencies have been deadly in the past. Being prepared can save lives and can help to reduce the impact of a disaster on you and your family.

Why prepare your family?

Imagine for a moment that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you are without any kind of emergency services. What will you do until help arrives? What will you do if your local authorities issue and emergency evacuation order? Remember, in such a circumstance there will be no stores open for you to acquire anything, the store personal will be evacuating also!

If you have not prepared beforehand for either of these events, both you and your family may have a very difficult time when a disaster strikes your hometown. While governments are working hard to keep citizens safe, we all have an important role to play in emergency preparedness and response. By being prepared to take care of yourself, you allow community resources to be used more effectively during an emergency and you help keep your own family safe at the same time. Very simply put, emergency preparedness must begin at home.

Start to plan today!

As neither man-made nor natural emergencies can be predicted; therefore it is imperative that we are all prepared well in advance of the disaster.

I cannot over stress this point.

Prepare your emergency kit and your family - so in the case of a major emergency like a flood or blackout - you are ready to take care of yourself and your loved ones for at least 72 hours. You should be prepared to live without running water, electricity, gas, telephones and assistance from safety services for at least three days following a disaster.

What do you need?

You need to have an "Emergency Kit" in your home, ready to go at a moments notice.

Your family Emergency Kit is comprised of two separate parts, a First Aid Kit and a Go Bag.

Your own 72-Hour Emergency Kit should be tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family. Store your emergency supplies in an easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trashcan, suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, footlocker or individual pack.

Your First Aid Kit

In any emergency situation, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. It is imperative that you keep basic first aid supplies handy so you are prepared to assist when someone is hurt. Medical help may not be available during or immediately after a large-scale disaster.

My personal list of items that should be in your First Aid Kit:

· Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

· Gauze pads and bandages

· Butterfly Closure bandages

· Sterile dressings to stop bleeding (Blood stopper)

· Elastic Wrap

· Instant cold pack

· Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect

· Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection

· Burn ointment

· Sting Relief Pads (for insect bites)

· Sunscreen packets

· Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant

· Cotton tips

· Scissors

· Tweezers

· At least two pairs of disposable gloves

· A First Aid Instruction Guide

· Hygiene kits

· Flashlight or brightstick

· Medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication

Your Go Bag:

A major component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Every household should pack a Go Bag - a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation order.

Your Go Bag may be assembled or purchased as a ready-made kit for convenience. Your Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy backpack or suitcase on wheels.

The Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year as an emergency evacuation order can occur at any time of the year.

Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each is tagged with the name of the person it was packed for. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work.

Items that should be in your Go Bag:

· The prescription medications you take every day such as insulin or heart medication.

· All prescribed medical supplies such as glucose or blood pressure monitors

· Drinking Water

· Non-perishable food such as food ration bars or Meal-in-a-Box

· Manual can opener

· Plates, utensils and other cooking supplies

· Flashlight and extra batteries or Hand-charged Flashlight

· Pocketknife or Multifunctional Tool

· Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries

· Whistle

· Waterproof Matches

· Water filtration bottle

· Duct Tape, permanent marker, and paper

· Cable Ties

· Light Stick

· Rope or twine

· Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls

· Heavy work gloves

· Disposable lighters

· Phillips Screw Driver

· Standard Screw Driver

· Folding Shovel w/Sheath

· Trash Bags

· Toothbrush and toothpaste

· Personal Hygiene kit

· Shave Kit

· Maps

· Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, gloves and a warm hat

· Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag

· Rain Ponchos

· Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes

· List of emergency contact phone numbers

· List of allergies to any drug or food

· Copy of health insurance and identification cards

· Extra prescription eyeglasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items

· Prescription medications

· Extra keys to your house and vehicle

· Disposable camera

· Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.

Don't forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.

Remember that if you have to leave your house due to an evacuation order, you will be living and sleeping somewhere else for a while. It is therefore a good idea to add some activity items to the kids Go Bag.

Some suggestions may be a couple of favorite books

· Crayons, pencils and plenty of paper

· A puzzle

· A favorite toy such as a doll or action figure

· One or two board games

· A deck of cards

· A Favorite stuffed animal or puppet

· Favorite blanket or pillow

I sincerely hope that this article will provide the incentive for you to get prepared for an emergency now. Don't put if off for another day. The safety and well being of your family is at stake.

Allan Wright
First Aid Kit Products
http://www.FirstAidKitProducts.com

Shelter-In-Place VS Evacuation for Personal Emergency Planning

When preparing an emergency plan you must consider the differences and merits to both sheltering-in-place and evacuation. Being prepared for both of these scenarios will greatly increase your chance of survival.

What is SIP?

Shelter-in-place is the concepts of taking refuge were you are to weather an emergency situation. There are several schools of thought on SIP planning depending on what the particular emergency is but the most common definition is contingent on the practice of preparing supplies and fortifying your home so it serves as shelter.

What emergencies call for SIP?

Some emergencies like tornados, pandemics minor hurricanes, severe blizzards, and even certain terrorist attacks could require you to take refuge in your home. The list of emergencies that would require you to take shelter in your home is nearly endless but it is important to remember that if your local government or emergency agency asks that you evacuate your home, DO SO!

Evacuation orders are planned and examined over and over by highly trained and qualified safety professionals and these orders are not given out lightly. It is very hard to stress this enough.

What to consider about SIP

Preparing for SIP scenarios is an extremely important practice and must be taken very seriously. Most emergency aid agencies suggest that you stockpile food, water, and medical supplies to last you at least three or four days; this is to tide you over until emergency crews can get to you.

Preparing your supplies is important but do not bind yourself to the three day suggestion. You will be much better served to prepare at least weeks worth of emergency supplies as some disasters, like Hurricane Katrina, can leave you stranded in your home for several days.

What is EVAC?

When your local government or public safety entity calls for an evacuation of an area, as mentioned before, it is important that you head their call. Evacuating, however, is often even more daunting of a challenge that SIP.

What emergencies call for EVAC

Any emergency that would make your home unsafe for occupancy will call for you to evacuate. The list is nearly endless but a few examples are major hurricanes, flooding, and even gas main leaks. Your local government will advise you on what to do.

What you need consider about EVAC?

You should plan on bringing some emergency supplies with you even if you are headed to a shelter. Emergency shelters are often neglected by city planners and government agencies and the resources available at these facilities can be quickly exhausted by a sudden demand. It is important that you bring some supplies, like food, water, and medicine, to sustain yourself.

You also need to make sure that whatever you bring with you can be easily transported on foot and without anyone's assistance. Many evacuations are directed by the local government and require that people are transported on government vehicles so as to not inundate the roadways with evacuees; being able to bring your supplies on a bus or truck will require a very mobile kit.

Don't forget about your pets when evacuating. Many cities are now taking steps to evacuate pets during an emergency, but not all do and you will most likely not be able to bring your pet with you during an evacuation via public transportation. If you have to leave your pets at home, be sure to leave them in a safe place in your home with enough food and water for several days.

Which is better?

Asking whether SIP or EVAC is a better course of action is really dictated by the situation you are facing. You should prepare for either contingency when preparing your emergency supplies and plan for both as each has its own merits.

You should relay on the wisdom of your local government when deciding which course of action to take during an emergency. The government employs professional public safety specialists that have training and experience that will allow them to make the right choice follow their instructions.

When you are preparing for both EVAC and SIP, it is important to remember that you will never be able to prepare for every emergency and trying to do so is not only inefficient but could prove dangerous. Preparing a basic emergency kit is your best course of action and it may, one day, save your life.

Mark R. Seme studied political science in college, is a veteran of several campaigns, and is a life long student of politics. In 2011 Mark founded the website Saturday Night Politics, a political commentary site that takes the spin out of politics by focusing on pragmatism instead of partisanship.

SNP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saturday-Night-Politics/194650163906116

SNP homepage: http://saturdaynightpolitics.com/blog/

Emergency Preparedness - A Quick Beginners Guide

In today's society it is easy to forget how fragile we are when disaster strikes. Even so, there are very few people who are concerned with the importance of emergency preparedness. Even though a little time spent in preparing for an emergency can go a long way.

If this is your first time looking into preparing for an emergency then what I lay out here will aid you in that first step.

Because as you are probably well aware, natural disasters are occurring more frequently than usual, even the experts know this. So please take action on the information you will soon read here. However, if you're still unconvinced of how important a little preparation is, then consider this.

Most countries are simply not capable of recovering from a wide spread disaster by themselves. That's why emergency aid always comes in from other countries during these emergency situations.

So if the country can barely help itself, is it feasible to believe they can easily help you?

Few people are aware of this fact which is why you should take matters into your own hands and prepare yourself and your loved ones today.

As you can see, the importance of emergency preparedness is paramount in an emergency if you are to have a greater chance at survival. So let's take a look at how we can achieve that.

There are various ways to go about preparing but essentially you should ensure that you have at least a sufficient amount of food and water for 3 days, and a first aid kit.

Keeping a 3 days supply will give you enough supplies to keep you safe until government aid can provide assistance.

Once you have your supplies keep them inside a comfortable mid to large hikers backpack.

You may be tempted to store your supplies on your shelf - don't! Rather, keep them in the pack because you never know not only when, but where a disaster may occur. And if it occurs at home you must leave as quickly as possible, without a moments thought as to where you put what. By having an emergency pack, you can evacuate quickly and easily.

An emergency pack is not the only option to prepare for a disaster, even though it is the most common. Some self reliant people prefer instead to keep a larger supply of emergency goods at home - lasting into the months. Although i strongly advise everyone to maintain an emergency pack, it is actually a better strategy to have a pack as well as a reliable home supply. The pack will assist you when you need to evacuate your home or office. And the home supply will support you when you need to stay indoors during the disaster.

Now that you have the emergency supplies you can count on during an emergency, let's consider the other crucial element to preparing for an emergency - an evacuation plan.

This plan will be your ticket out of the danger zone!

To prepare your evacuation plan you must consider various options, as any one path can be cut off during an emergency. Such is the case during an earthquake and flood. You will also need an awareness of your location so you can plan effectively. With these 2 pieces of advice you can begin to prepare your evacuation plan.

In conclusion, take action on what i have shared with you today - right now! My non profit organization makes every effort to prepare as many people as possible for an emergency, and as we can all see, natural disasters are on the rise. So take action on this today.

The last thing you want to do is have this knowledge and wish you had used it - only to discover it is too late.

If you would like more information and step by step plans you can use to become emergency prepared, visit our emergency preparedness website. You can also get a free mini first aid kit - for more details visit our emergency packs website.

Emergency Survival Tips - Be Ready Now for Any Emergency

What are you going to do if disaster strikes? Unfortunately most of us are not prepared and don't have a disaster preparation plan in place. Many people have a false sense of security and think that they are immune to the aftermath of a disaster. All the money in the world won't help in most emergency situations.

The simplest way to make sure that you, your family and your pets can stay safe in emergency situations like floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes is to prepare now and come up with a disaster preparation plan. The bare minimum is to have emergency food supplies and a water supply that last at least 72 hours.

Even if emergency rescue workers are able to reach your house or area immediately, don't count on it. You must prepare now so that everyone in your family is safe and has enough food and water for the duration of the crisis. When putting your kit together for emergency food and water, take into consideration the needs of each family member. If you have a child or a senior in your house, you have to consider their special needs while preparing your emergency food. If you have an infant, include cans of formula and diapers for example.

Next, you want to prepare an emergency water storage plan that will provide fresh water for drinking and also for personal hygiene and sanitation purposes. Always have a gallon of unscented bleach on hand to disinfect water for drinking. About 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water will make it safe for drinking. Another alternative could be, a lightweight water filtering system so that you can safely use different sources, for example rainwater and even water stored in your hot-water tank or pool.

Select food that has long shelf life, like canned and dried fruit, vegetables and meat. It would also make sense to store plenty of granola, energy and protein bars or ready-to-eat dehydrated and freeze dried meals. These don't only have a much longer shelf life, but also are lighter and more portable to carry if you need to leave your house.

Other supplies you should add to your emergency food for emergency situations and water supplies are flashlights, batteries, hand crank or battery powered radio, can opener, camping/cooking utensils, disposable paper products and garbage bags. Since power and gas might not be available, have a camping stove or grill available. You can then boil water or cook food thoroughly.

Food and water are obviously the two most important things to carry your family through this difficult time. It is easy, so prepare your emergency food supply kit today!

To be prepared in any emergency, check out http://www.survivalfoodpro.com for quality, affordable gourmet food for emergency situations.

Emergency Exits and Bus Accidents

Buses travel thousands of miles each year on US roads and highways. Whether carrying sports teams, school children, travelers, or providing everyday transportation, buses are responsible for huge numbers of passengers in their time of operation. Just like any other vehicle on the road, buses can be involved in harmful accidents. A bus accident is often magnified by the number of people involved and the large size of the vehicle. These two factors can contribute to frightening situations and a need for emergency preparations. Emergency exits, which are required by the US Department of Transportation, can allow people to quickly escape dangerous situations when they arise.

Emergency situations generally occur without much warning. Bus passengers are especially vulnerable in these instances because, unlike in smaller vehicles, most seats do not have seat belts to keep a passenger safely in place during a collision. Many injuries occur in bus accidents from people being flung from their seats. In the midst of a chaotic accident scenario, knowing how to get away from a dangerous situation quickly can be crucial to a person's well-being. Also, being able to access people and quickly getting them proper care can be a matter of life or death.

Because of these reasons, emergency exits are a necessary attribute to any bus. The Department of Transportation requires that laminated safety glass that is designed to resist shattering is used in buses. Emergency exit windows made of safety glass provide large spaces through which passengers can exit in the event of an emergency. These exits must be clearly marked so that they can be recognized in any situation. Also, there may be no more than two mechanical operations required to remove the safety glass.

It is crucial that emergency exits are in place and properly maintained on any bus, because there is always the potential for a dangerous accident to occur. Some bus companies are not always in compliance with these regulations. Ensure that you can identify emergency exits on any bus you occupy and hold the bus company accountable for ensuring their proper operation.

Please visit the website of the Iowa bus defect lawyers at LaMarca & Landry, P.C. for more information on bus accidents.

James Witherspoon

Preparation Tips Against Volcanic Eruptions

One of the most catastrophic natural disasters is the volcanic eruption. It is very violent in nature and can kill thousands of human and animals' lives in few hours. It is not just to spread death but it can also annihilate several towns and it can cause changes in the earth's climate temporarily.

Volcanic eruptions are sometimes unpredictable to happen although volcanologists and scientists who study volcanoes, have gadgets and graphs that can detect volcanic eruption.

They will bring info regarding any signs of volcanic eruption but the specific time and the next place will not always be exactly forecasted. Below are several tips that can help you on how to respond in volcanic eruptions especially for those who live next to an active volcano:

1. There are some volcanic terminologies that at least you must understand for you to be able to catch up in case any news regarding volcanic eruption is forecasted. Some of these terms are:

- Volcanic Ashes - it is the small dust particles and any large rock pieces from the volcano, which are carried down along with volcanic gases. These ashes are very harmful as they can block machineries, clog water supplies, crumble fabrics, oxidize metals and can kill crops and vegetation.

- Pyroclastic flows - streams of lava and molten rocks. These flows can burn up a large-scale area especially if forests surround the volcano.

2. Consult any emergency firms within your local district to check if there are areas near you, which are prone to volcanic ashes and pyroclastic flows.

3. Be sure not to go to areas near the volcano when the volcano starts to show signs of eruption. Evacuate to places far from the volcanoes vicinity. The government will warn you to evacuate as early as possible. Avoid lower areas and areas downwind.

4. Once the volcano erupted, stay inside the house and close any house openings like doors and windows. Wait until the ashes are settled.

5. Volcanic ashes are very dangerous for human health. They can cause several lung diseases and can trigger asthma for asthmatic patients. Hence once the ashes are settled already, clean and remove immediately thick masses of ash around your house.

6. When you caught up driving a vehicle, be sure not to go to places, which are covered with dust. Driving slowly can minimize dust from spreading.

7. It might take time for the volcanic eruption aftermath to get clearer that's why you should have enough supply of food and water and emergency kits like dust masks and batteries.

Volcanic eruption may seem disastrous but a careful planning and preparation is better enough to be on safer zone. It is important to have the knowledge and understanding about volcanic eruptions and emergency preparation once it occurs.

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Be Prepared at Every Moment - First Aid Kits and Emergency Preparedness

It is no secret that first aid and emergency preparedness is something we all need, but don't always go out of our way to be ready for. In preparing for any emergency or natural disaster, look ahead and determine what life will be like after it occurs. Look around your house or office and imagine what can be turned over, broken, or in just plain shambles. Picturing the aftermath a disaster leaves behind may be the very motivation you need to take action, be smart, and get prepared!

Although most disasters are beyond our control, taking action to be prepared can reduce the risk of injury or death at home and work. There are many things you can do and buy to get prepared, but here are some general key actions that can be helpful in any general disaster situation:

o Conduct a thorough "hazard hunt" to identify items that can be potentially harmful to you or your family. Wall hangings, heavy bookshelves, filing cabinets, TV/electronics, computers, lockers, storage units, water heaters, and appliances should be secured and/or strapped down to ensure safety for all. Secure these items now to protect you for the future!

o Create an emergency disaster preparedness plan. Planning for any natural disaster or emergency is not much different from planning a party, vacation or special event. Be thorough and plan for your family's specific needs (children, seniors, disabled, pets, etc.). Make sure your plan includes an evacuation route and a meeting place to reunite in the event anyone gets lost. It would also be worthwhile to teach everyone in the household how to use a fire extinguisher. In the event that a fire breaks out, they will know how to handle the situation. Also, get everyone involved by assigning each able family member a task. Each person should play an important role in the before, during, and after plans. Run a practice drill at home!

o Enroll in a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course to learn how to take care of yourself and your family after a disaster occurs. The CERT program trains people in basic disaster response skills and educates them on how to prepare for hazards that may impact their areas. Using the training learned in the courses, CERT members may be able to assist others in their neighborhood or workplace until professional responders arrive at the scene. Play an active role in your community and become a CERT member now!

o Have emergency disaster and first aid kits handy. Keep them easily accessible and store them in places you spend the most time -- such as your home, car, and office. Basic items that should be included in your kits are:

- First aid kit (bandages, non--latex gloves, towelettes, etc.)

- Bottled water (1 gallon per day, per person is recommended. Stock up enough for at least 3 days)

- Non-perishable snacks and food

- Flashlight w/ batteries

- Portable AM/FM radio w/ batteries

- Whistle

- Emergency ponchos or thermal blankets

- Candles

- Dust masks

- Toiletries (tooth brushes, toilet paper, etc.)

- Plastic bags/trash bags

- Personal medication

- Emergency out-of-state contacts

Emergency response systems may be overwhelmed and unable to provide the community with immediate assistance when disaster strikes. Taking all the necessary steps mentioned above and being prepared with first aid and emergency disaster kits, will keep you and your family comfortable and safe in any unfortunate event. "To be prepared for unexpected moments, we need to be prepared at every moment. So be smart, get prepared!" states George Rivera, CEO of Total Resources International.

For more information on Total Resources International, visit their website http://www.totalresourcesintl.com.

Emergency Kit for College Students: How to Prepare for the Unexpected

Unfortunately, history has shown us that a disaster can occur on your college campus when you least expect it. No matter where you may happen to be at a given time, floods, fire, fallen ceilings, gang violence, an infectious outbreak, bomb scares, and in the worst case scenario, mass murders can take place right in the middle of your classroom. Bad things can happen. The good news is that many colleges and universities are taking a more proactive approach in designing emergency plans to help students and faculty escape the crisis situations that could come their way.

Don't rely only on your school's administration when it comes to protecting your health and life during your college years. Campus security can't be everywhere; the health clinic may be a long difficult trek away; and you may be among the first to know when something goes down. In conjunction with common sense and uncommon grace, you may save yourself and some of your peers by taking some basic steps to prepare for the unexpected.

There are three critical kinds of ingredients when it comes to developing an emergency kit for a potential tragedy, crisis, or disaster. Those ingredients fall into the categories of physical supplies, emergency response information, and spiritual resources. Having these ingredients at your fingertips can save valuable time--and priceless lives, including your own. Let's look at the essentials in physical supplies and preparation first.

Be Prepared--With Physical Supplies

ESSENTIALS

Water. If you can, store a three-day supply of bottled water in your room or storage area. At the recommended 8 cups of water daily, that translates into 1.5 gallons. In addition, purchase a box of 50 water purification tablets and store them in a safe dry place. You may need them in the event your water supply becomes contaminated. A standard source for these tablets is a company called Aquatabs (www.aquatabs.ca).

First-aid kit. Be sure that it includes pain reliever, burn ointment, sterile gauze pads, antibiotic ointment among other essential supplies.

Prescription medications. Keep all your prescription medications in a safe place. Write down any allergy related issues you may have and place that information in your wallet or purse where emergency personnel or Good Samaritans might find it.

Corrective lenses. If you wear contacts or eyeglasses make sure you have a spare pair

someplace close to you, as well as supplies for your contacts.

Transportation. If you have a car, keep an extra set of car keys somewhere safe. Tell your family members and a trusted friend where the keys are. You may need their assistance one day--even if the emergency is as commonplace as you locking your keys in the car!

Fire extinguisher. Dormitories and apartment buildings typically have one in the hallway for public use, but purchase one for your own room or rental unit. Having it handy may save precious seconds in case of a fire.

Survival supplies. A utility knife, flashlight, box of matches, and a pair of strong scissors will never fail you in a crisis moment. Put these items away and keep them safe. Check the flashlight batteries to ensure they haven't expired, and ensure the matches are waterproof. (StanSport Waterproof Matches are a good choice; you can order them online at http://www.quakekare.com). Be sure you have candles to go with the matches!

Food. Purchase canned goods and a variety of nonperishable dry foods. Be sure that such

items have a long shelf life and that they are edible without preliminary preparation. And don't forget that manual can opener.

SAFETY

Protective footwear. Strong and sturdy shoes are a must. You may think I'm a bit over the top, but I always keep a pair of steel-toed shoes and knee-high gumboots in my closet.

Gloves. Heavy-duty gloves are invaluable should you need to clear broken glass and other types of debris.

Extra clothes. Store a spare set of heavy-duty clothing somewhere safe. Place the items in a vacuum-tight bag if you can. In the event of a flood, such a bag could come in handy.

Cell phone. Never lose sight of your mobile phone. Keep it close by (and fully charged, and grabbing your phone's charger wouldn't be a bad idea, either) at all times. And remember to enter your emergency contact name and number in the phone's memory under "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in the address book.

Map. A current roadmap of the area will help you avoid disorientation when detours block your normal route of travel.

Storage containers. Purchase at least one water-safe container of some sort in which to store essential documents, cherished belongings, and valuable electronics.

Writing implements. Pens, pencils, and permanent markers are good items to have on hand in an emergency. Place them along with writing paper in a Ziploc bag.

Miscellaneous. What is your favorite book? How about that favorite puzzle book? Buy an extra copy and store it with your emergency supplies. Like to play cards? Keep a spare deck with your survival kit. A portable radio will be useful for information as well as entertainment.

You will be thankful to have something to while away your time should you ever be stranded in a crisis situation.

SANITATION SUPPLIES

o Antibacterial hand sanitizer

o Soap, both bar and liquid

o Toothpaste and toothbrush

o Shampoo

o Medicated power

o Feminine hygiene products

o Bath towels

o Paper towels

o Box of tissues

o Toilet tissue

o Trash bags

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

o Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)

o Adjustable wrench

o Hammer

o Rope

o Duct tape

o Chalk

REMINDERS

o Take a course in first aid and CPR. You never know when the information will come in handy!

o Learn how to turn off electricity, water, gas, and heating and cooling systems in the building where you live. If you live in a dormitory, ask your resident assistant (RA) or dorm director about emergency measures related to those systems.

o Make a habit of looking out for hazardous materials that might affect your area of residence, especially if you live off campus. Different types of acids and alkaline substances can sometimes be found in old batteries or poorly marked commercial products. Make sure you know how to handle such substances.

o Plan an emergency-response session with your family, roommates, and RA to discuss exit routes, emergency numbers, and meeting places in case of an evacuation.

o Make sure that a trusted friend or roommate and your RA have your contact information, as well as the emergency contact information for your closest family members. Also give your family the names and contact information of your roommates or other close campus friends. Equipped with such information, they can ensure that you are found in the event of an emergency--on campus or at home.

o Develop and discuss with your family alternative ways of contacting you in the event of an emergency. How might your family members locate and communicate with you? Where can loved ones expect to find you--and with whom?

o Establish several different meeting places that are most familiar to you. Make one meeting place directly outside your apartment, dorm, or rental unit. Identify an alternative rendezvous point away from your campus in the event you cannot return to your dorm or apartment. Then be sure your important contact persons (family as well as friends on campus) have that information at their disposal.

o Determine how you will exit your apartment, dormitory or off-campus rental unit in case of an evacuation. Where are the exits in your building? Locate at least two ways to exit the premises where you reside, and then execute an emergency drill. You want to be confident that you can actually navigate the emergency exit you have planned.

o Identify a long-distance emergency contact person. Does that advice sound strange? The Department of Homeland Security and the Red Cross tell us that it is often easier to call long distance than locally during an emergency situation. What out-of-state friend or family member can you call in the event of an emergency? Again, be sure to share this person's information with your immediate family and campus friends or roommate.

o Make sure you are familiar with your college or university's methods of communication. Watch the daily postings on the bulletin board in your dormitory or the student center. Keep an eye on the video monitor in the student lounge. Know where to look online or what numbers to call to get emergency notifications. These locations serve as pivotal points of reference by which information is shared on a daily basis. Monitor these locations carefully, and should an emergency notification be broadcast, take it seriously!

o Become familiar with your state's information and referral hotline. Depending where you are located, 211 or another substitute number can be dialed from any landline telephone and most cell phones. Such numbers offer emergency information regarding the nearest evacuation routes and access to water, food, and shelter.

o Visit the following websites for more information about developing an emergency plan and building a disaster supply kit: http://www.ready.gov and http://www.redcross.org. To order a readymade, emergency-preparedness kit, go to http://www.redcrossstore.org.

Be Prepared--With Information Resources

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

o The BACCHUS Network (www.bacchusgamma.org)

o College Drinking Prevention (www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov)

o Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (www.samhsa.org)

o Tobacco Free U (www.tobaccofreeu.org)

Additional Online Resources

o Alcohol Poisoning -- This is a fact sheet from the College Drinking Prevention site (www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/OtherAlcoholInformation/factsAboutAlcoholPoisoning.aspx).

o Alcohol Screening -- This site helps college students assess drinking patterns and learn about alcohol consumption and health (www.alcoholscreening.org).

o Wasting the Best & the Brightest: Substance Abuse at America's Colleges & Universities--The 2007 report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University may be downloaded for free or ordered for $25.00 at this website (www.casacolumbia.org/supportcasa/item.asp?cID=12&PID=155).

DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

o National Center for Victims of Crime (www.ncvc.org)

o National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence (www.ncdsv.org)

o National Sexual Violence Resource Center (www.nsvrc.org)

o Network of Victim Assistance (www.novabucks.org)

o New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault (www.nycagainstrape.org)

o Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (www.rainn.org)

o Security On Campus, Inc. (www.securityoncampus.org)

o Women's Justice Center (www.justicewomen.com)

Additional Online Resources

o Drug-Facilitated Rape: Looking for the Missing Pieces (NCJRS) -- This free download is a reprint from the National Institute of Justice's NIJ Journal (April 2000) and describes the phenomenon of drug-facilitated rape, including brief summaries on the most common daterape drugs, GHB and Rohypnol (www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/jr000243c.pdf).

o Stalking Resource Center -- This data, provided by the National Center for Victims of Crime, offers information, legislation, statistics, and resources in both English and Spanish (www.ncvc.org/src/main.aspx?dbID=dash_Home).

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

o American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org)

o Campus Blues (www.campusblues.com)

o National Eating Disorders Association (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org)

o National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org)

Additional Online Resources

o Depression Screening -- This site offers college students information about depression and its treatment. In addition, college students can take an online screening test (www.depression-screening.org).

o The Truth about Suicide: Real Stories of Depression in College --This film was produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Descriptions, factsheets, and videoexcerpts are available on the foundation's website (www.afsp.org).

o "What Do These Students Have in Common?" Booklet -- This online booklet from the National Institute of Mental Health helps college students to recognize and deal with depression (www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/students.cfm).

GENERAL INFORMATION RESOURCE SITES

o Go Ask Alice! (www.goaskalice.columbia.edu)

o Phoenix House (www.factsontap.org)

Additional Online Resources

o Internet Addiction Self Tests -- Free online tests for individuals to test their own addictions (www.netaddiction.com/resources), including an assessment called "Surfing, Not Studying," which deals with student Internet addictions.

Be Prepared--With the Word of God

TO COMBAT FEAR

o It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

o Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff--they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

o The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

o But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)

o But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

o There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. . . . (1 John 4:18)

WHEN FACING DISASTER

o [The LORD] said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)

o The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. (Deuteronomy 33:27, KJV)

o As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time on and forevermore. (Psalm 125:2)

o For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 52:12)

o ". . . And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)

FOR GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION IN A CRISIS

o You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

o I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)

o You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me with honor. (Psalm 73:24a)

o The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. (Psalm 121:8)

o Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

o I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. . . . (Isaiah 45:2)

o "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:13a)

NOTE: This kit seeks only to serve as a clearinghouse of useful information. The author does not claim to endorse the sites listed.

Christopher Michael Jones is the author of What to Expect When You're Accepted: An African American Christian's Guide to College (http://www.judsonpress.com/product.cfm?product_id=11980). A Graduate Fellow and Research Assistant for the State of New Jersey Amistad Commission, Rev. Jones is a PhD Candidate in Speech Communications at The University of Memphis He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. In 2006 he was selected as one of America's emerging Young-Adult Leaders by the NAACP Leadership 500 Summit. Jones is the associate pastor at the historic Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, TN.

Get Involved - September is Emergency Preparedness Month

Why is the only time we think about getting prepared when disaster has already struck? So often, we hear about disasters and think "I really should get a plan and things together in case of an emergency," but most of us never get around to doing anything about it. September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. On their website, http://www.ready.gov, they list the simple steps to take to get your family prepared for an emergency.

Alicia on "The Peace of Mind of Being Prepared for the Unexpected"

'Just thinking about disaster striking is enough to raise our anxiety levels ten times. Many people simply decide not to think about emergencies until they strike. This stress-relieving tactic works most of the time, but the subconscious fears you have cannot stay hidden forever. To achieve true piece of mind, get prepared for the unexpected. There are three simple steps that I used to prepare my family for an emergency that I found on http://www.ready.gov that helped me organize my family to ensure we are prepared in the event of an emergency. The steps are Get A Kit, Make A Plan, and Be Informed. It is simple to do, takes only a few hours and once you get rolling, you will feel so much better.'

Sarah on " What's the Plan, Stan?"

"Step two of the three step process to getting prepared is making a family plan. No one knows where they will be when an emergency strikes, and if the power and phone lines fail, it is impossible to organize everyone's whereabouts without a predetermined plan. Pick a location close to home and one out-of-town to meet in case of an emergency. My family's location that is close to home is my office. It is a two-floor structurally sound building that is inland and only 3 minutes from home. Our out-of-town location is at Aunt Betty's house. Everyone in the family knows to call Betty first in the case of an emergency. Also, we all have her phone number memorized because you never know where you will be and what you will have when disaster strikes."

Here is the three step plan for getting prepared for the unexpected:

#1: Get a Kit

When preparing for an emergency, it is important to think about the basics for survival. The "big 4" that we suggest are water, cash, food, and a first aid kit. Make sure that your kit has enough supplies for each family member for five days. Imagine how much suffering could have been avoided after the hurricanes last year if every family had an emergency kit stocked with these basic four essentials.

#2: Make a Plan

As Sarah talked about, make sure that your family has a meeting place close to home and out-of-town in case of an emergency. It is also important to have a family contact that is out-of-state who can separately communicate with all family members. In case of an emergency that does not require an evacuation, talk to your neighbors about how everyone can work together during an emergency. Make sure everyone knows the plan and stick to it! Once you have a plan, set aside a family dinner every six months to review together.

#3: Be Informed

The more you know about what to do when the unexpected occurs, the better your decisions will be if disaster strikes. Find out what disasters your area is the most at risk for and what the appropriate way is to respond to them. Also, once you have organized the basics, spend some time thinking about the extra things that your family may need such as prescriptions and glasses. Just remember, you can never be too prepared! For complete emergency preparedness information, visit http://www.ready.gov.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized (along with everybody else they?re responsible for too!). We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at http://www.getbuttonedup.com

How To Make A 72 Hour Survival Kit For Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies happen almost in the most unexpected time; which is why having a 72 hour emergency survival kit is crucial. Emergencies and disasters can come to you in a surprise and might even catch you off-guard. There have been lots of people reported to have died during disasters because they were not prepared.

During disasters, there are organizations and government agencies that are there to attend to those people hit by different disasters and emergencies.These might be able to show right away. This is why it is encouraged that a 72 hour backpack be always handed to every person or family.

During or after a disaster, help might not come to people that quick for some reasons. Having a survival kit which is meant for 3 days is going to be very essential during those situations. This 72 hour emergency survival kit is one of the key element in surviving a disaster while waiting for help from other agencies and groups.

Being always prepared for whatever emergencies that could happen is very crucial in saving lives. This is why, people must have 1 person kit in their homes, in their car's trunk, their offices, and one they could bring with them when they travel. It is always wise to be always prepared so you won't have to worry about anything bad that might happen to you.

When it comes to a 72 emergency kit, among the most popular are home survival kits, car kits, school safety kits, office emergency and traveling kits.

A Home 72 hour emergency survival kit is popular because it is important that safety should always be observed most especially at home. It is at home where your families are and the very first people you would want to be saved during calamities and emergencies are your families. The survival kits found at home are usually weatherproof and in durable containers. This has to be also portable so it can readily be carried to any parts of the house.

Car kits, on the other hand, is always a good idea even if you are just doing short commutes. It is advisable that your car always have this 72 hour emergency survival kit handy. Accidents like snowstorm, minor car crashes, loss of gas and other emergencies can come to the person driving just anytime. Survival kits in the car usually contain backpack that is easy to store, food and water, those first aid kits, flashlights and other necessities.

It is also important that schools have 72 hour emergency survival kits. In cases of emergencies, you would always want your children to be safe even when they are in schools. During emergencies, schools can go on a lock down, which is why, it is important that the school is equipped with the proper 72 hour bag contents.

Most people would go to their jobs and be in the office almost everyday. If emergencies happen, there are great chances that people can find themselves in their office. Accidents and unfateful events have happened and caused a lot of lives in offices. Regretful events can be avoided if there is enough preparation with the help of survival kits.

As emergencies and disasters happen anytime and anywhere, it is also advisable that travels should also be done not without 72 hour emergency survival kit.

How to Prepare Your 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit

Now that you have seen the importance of a 72 emergency kit, it is time to know how to prepare the right 72 hour survival kit. This kit may include different essential things but the main idea is that you are prepared. There are key components that should be present in a 72 hour emergency kit like medical items, food stocks, clothing and other essential items in a 72 hour backpack.

But here are some of the items that you would want your 1 person kit to have.

1. You need to have an easy-to-store backpack.

2. Water is essential so you would want to have at least 1 litre of it that you can easily carry.

3. Food is important for survival so you must not forget having canned food in your kit. And bring a can opener.

4. You can also have emergency snack bars which are high in calories. This will help you sustain yourself and your family.

5. Try to also have a multi-purpose tool like a knife.

6. If you can get waterproof matches then that would be better. Or if you prefer a lighter then you can also do so.

7. Some people would also want to have glow sticks with them.

8. Clothes are also necessary so have some set aside for your kit.

9. First aid kit should not be dismissed. Have some bandages and some common medicines handy.

There many other necessities that you can include in a 72 hour emergency kit to ensure that you have the right 72 hour bag contents.

Rey Baguio is an excellent article writer and researcher. He writes about different niches.