If you get caught in a winter storm at home or outside.

At Home:

• Listen to your radio (battery powered if the lights go out), television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
• Eat regularly and drink ample fluids.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. If you can temporarily close off heat to rooms that are not in use.
• If water pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate). Do not use any flames near the pipes to unfreeze them, the last thing you want is a fire to deal with in freezing conditions.
• Double check for proper ventilation if you are using kerosene heaters, to avoid the build-up of toxic fumes. Be sure to note which heaters can be used indoors. You should consider cooking food in the garage or carport to reduce CO emissions. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Also note that proper food storage and water storage is essential for any type of disaster. We tend to think of large earthquakes and other forms of disaster. What about an transportation problem that stops the flow of food to your local grocery store? You should have at least a months supply of food and water for every member of you family in home storage. Ideally a one years supply of food, water and any other necessities is the best option.

If you are outside

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Better yet hire the neighbor kid to come shovel your walks and drives. A major cause of death in the winter in mature adults is a heart attack due overexertion during snow shoveling. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside, pick a moderate pace and rest if you feel tired.
• Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits body heat rapidly.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
• If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:
1. Get the victim to a warm location, start a fire in a sheilded area.
2. Remove wet clothing.
3. Dress the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in blankets.
4. Warming the core of the body first will help quickly restore heat to the entire body.
5. Give warm, non-alcoholic or non-caffeinated beverages if the victim is conscious
6. Get medical help as soon as possible.

DO NOT PANIC! Use your head, keep your thoughts under control. If you can maintain an optimistic attitude during any type of disater you will prevail. Be sure to take care of those who can not take care of themselves. You must use your head, and keep cool (no pun intended) when surviving a severe winter storm.

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Be Prepared for Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Prepare your home and family

• Prepare for possible extended stay in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Insulate your home to extend the life of your fuel supply. Insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic or heavy drapes.
• Winterize your out buildings that can provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.
• Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
• Don’t forget your food storage in any emergency this is critical.

Prepare your vehicles

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your automobile first aid kit:
• Antifreeze - ensure it is the proper mix to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean. Use baking soda and water to clean terminals.
• Brakes
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes, repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters – help keep water out of your fuel system by using additives and keeping your tank full.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights – replace defective bulbs and elements.
• Oil - check for level and proper winter weight.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment – replace wiper blades every 3 months and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions.
* Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
•  a shovel
•  windshield scraper and small broom
•  flashlight
•  battery powered radio
•  extra batteries
•  water
•  snack food
•  matches
•  extra hats, socks and mittens
•  first aid kit with pocket knife
•  Necessary medications
•  blanket(s)
•  tow chain or rope
•  road salt and sand
•  booster cables
•  emergency flares
•  fluorescent distress flag

Personally prepare yourself

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat.
•  Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

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President Declares Major Disaster For The State Of New York

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the State of New York to supplement state and local recovery efforts struck by severe storms and flooding associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a nor’easter during the period of November 12-14, 2009.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a nor’easter in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk.

President Declares Major Disaster For The State Of New York

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Albert Lewis has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Lewis said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femainfocus and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema

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Potential Flood areas in the United States

Potential United States flood areas. Over the next five days parts of western Washington, northwestern Oregon, and central and northern California are expected to receive 4 to 6 inches of rainfall. In California with the burned brush from fires the potential for mud slides in those areas is increased dramatically. Parts of Arkansas, central and northern Mississippi, central and northern Alabama, southern Tennessee, far western North and South Carolina, and northern Georgia are forecast to receive 3 to 5 inches of rainfall. These potential United States flood areas can be very dangerous.
Flooding is happening in South Dakota, Texas, Kansas, and Georgia. For emergency action steps please follow the advice of your local emergency management agency and your local National Weather Service office.

Potential United States Flood areas

President Declares Major Disaster For Kansas

Release Date: September 30, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-113

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Declares Major Disaster For Kansas. The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Kansas and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding during the period of July 8-14, 2009.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said the Presidents declaration major disaster for Kansas makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the counties of Anderson, Bourbon, Franklin, Linn, and Sedgwick.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Fugate named Michael R. Scott as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the President Declares Major Disaster For Kansas area. Scott said that additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

National Preparedness Month: Build Your Emergency Kit

Here is a quick bullet list for your Emergency Kit:

• Three days supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and non-perishable food. (Remember to change food and water every six months).
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, extra keys.
• First-aid kit, extra prescription medications, copies of prescriptions, other special medical items.
• Special supplies needed for babies or older adults.
• Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence.
• Cash (power outages mean banks and ATMs may be unavailable).
• Battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries.
• Phone numbers of family and friends.
• Road maps, a travel plan, hotel reservations, list of places between your town and your destination where you can stop if the highways are clogged.
• Coolers for food and ice storage, paper plates, plastic utensils.
• Manual can opener, booster cables, tools.
• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and extra clothing.
• Toilet paper, cleanup supplies, personal hygiene products.
• Pet supplies (food, water and medicines).

Search in our blog (EM2K.com) for much more information regarding your kit.

Fire and Wildfire preparedness

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually.

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Before a Fire

Here is a list of things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a fire:

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.
• Place smoke alarms on every level of your home. Place them outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen.
• Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.

Escaping the Fire

• Review escape routes with your family. Practice escaping from each room.
• Make sure outside windows can open and are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security gratings on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside.
• Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level, and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft mechanisms that block outside window entry are easily opened from the inside.
• Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire) when escaping from a fire.
• Clean out storage areas. Do not let trash, such as old newspapers and magazines, accumulate.

Flammable Items

• Never use gasoline, benzine, naptha, or similar flammable liquids indoors.
• Know where your pilot lights are in your appliances, water heater, furnace etc.
• Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated storage areas.
• Never smoke near flammable liquids.
• Discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids after you have used them. Safely discard them outdoors in a metal container.
• Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. The chimney should be at least three feet higher than the roof. Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney.

Heating Sources

• Be careful when using alternative heating sources.
• Check with your local fire department on the use of kerosene heaters in your community. Be sure to fill kerosene heaters outside, and be sure they have cooled.
• Place heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Make sure the floor and nearby walls are properly insulated.
• Use only the type of fuel designated for your unit and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Store ashes in a metal container outside and away from your residence.
• Keep open flames away from walls, furniture, drapery, and flammable items.
• Keep a screen in front of the fireplace.
• Be sure your chimney is clear before using the fireplace.
• Have heating units inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.

Matches and Smoking

• Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children, and, if possible, in a locked cabinet.
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. Provide smokers with deep, sturdy ashtrays. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.

Electrical Wiring

• Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician.
• Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
• Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
• Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances, get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits.
• Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring.

Other

• Sleep with your door closed.
• Install A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family members how to use them.
• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.
• Ask your local fire department to inspect your residence for fire safety and prevention.

What to do During a Fire

If your clothes catch on fire, you should:

• Stop, drop, and roll - until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the fire burn faster.

To escape a fire, you should:

• Check closed doors for heat before you open them. If you are escaping through a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame before you open it. Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat - burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).

• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• Close doors behind you as you escape to delay the spread of the fire.
• Stay out once you are safely out. Do not reenter. Call 9-1-1.

What to do After a Fire

The following are guidelines for different circumstances in the period following a fire:

• If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, call 9-1-1; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.
• If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately.
• If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.
• If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.
• If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.

FEMA Major Disaster Process

The Major Disaster Process

A Major Disaster Declaration usually follows these steps:

• Local Government Responds, supplemented by neighboring communities and volunteer agencies. If overwhelmed, turn to the state for assistance;
• The State Responds with state resources, such as the National Guard and state agencies;
• Damage Assessment by local, state, federal, and volunteer organizations determines losses and recovery needs;
• A Major Disaster Declaration is requested by the governor, based on the damage assessment, and an agreement to commit state funds and resources to the long-term recovery;
• FEMA Evaluates the request and recommends action to the White House based on the disaster, the local community and the state’s ability to recover;
• The President approves the request or FEMA informs the governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks depending on the nature of the disaster.

Complete article: Click Here

2009 Federal Disaster Declarations

I just pulled the top ten 2009 Federal Disaster Declarations. They are as follows:

06/19      Missouri      Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
06/19         Oklahoma     Wildfires
06/16         Arkansas     Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
06/16         South Dakota     Severe Storms and Flooding
06/11         Alaska     Flooding and Ice Jams
06/03         Alabama     Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and Straight-line Winds
05/29         Kentucky     Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and Mudslides
05/27         Florida     Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds
05/15         Tennessee     Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
05/15         West Virginia     Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides
For the complete list click here.

Bioterrorism and Disaster Preparedness

I found a chilling press release today. The article talks about emergency bioterrorism and disaster preparedness. The program is called Mass Casualty and Terror Response in Israel - What Texas Hospitals and First Responders Can Learn.

Link to Article.

It is very brief, but captivating.

This Site is for You!

You found EM2K, now take a second and leave a comment. This blog site will only get better if you take the time to add to a great information source. Please subscribe to the blog and let us know how you are coming with your prepardeness efforts.

Economic Tida Wave

Most people deny the potential of natural disasters to the point that they do not prepare for them. So most of us realize that an earthquake, tornado, or flood would be a bad thing and it makes sense to prepare for those events, yet we still do not prepare.

Here are several potential reasons why we don’t prepare.

1. It will not happen to me.
2. My (insert their name here) has more than enough supplies to help me out.
3. If it does happen I probably won’t survive.
4. If I prepare then I will make something bad happen.
5. It is too costly.
6. It will take too much time.
7. I don’t know how to do it.
8. I don’t want to turn into a “Survivalist”.

If you see a tiny bit of yourself in any of the excuses above take hope, you can do it! It will cost you much, much more if a disaster strikes and you are not prepared. Take a few baby steps and see how you feel once you have a little food put away. Learn how to close off water at your main, and shut down gas and electricity. Simple steps will go a long way to ensure the safety of your family.

Another real monstorous disater is the potential for an economic flood, or earthquake. If your earning abilities were cut for weeks or months what would you do? There is a greater potential for you to be displaced by an economic tidal wave than an earthquake. It makes more sense to be prepared today than it did a few years ago. Do the right thing, get ready.

Gas prices are on the rise.

Gas prices are going up. Is it the summer travel hike costs, or something else? And honestly do you think there is enough acerage in all of the United States to produce fuel from Corn? As farmers sell this new found fuel on the open market prices go up, and the amount of food to eat decreases.

Gas prices are down, are you optimisitc?

It is a common attitude about food storage and preparation that goes like this; in troubled times we prepare. In plentifull times we wait. So now that the price of gas is down is your attitude one of preparation or wait and see?

Hurricane Season

First Aid Kit (Home)

Your first aid kit should be tailored to your families needs. A small cardboard box with a lid works but a hard plastic case similar to a fishing tackle box works best. Keep your kit in an easily accessible place and out of reach of small children. Remember the special needs of people in your family (extra glasses, sugar for diabetics, also diapers and baby supplies for infants).

Photo of personal emergency medical kit

BASICS:
The following items are recommended as basic items for a family first aid kit.

• Sterile gauze squares (2″, 3″, 4″)
• Roller gauze (1″, 2″, 3″)
• Plain absorbent gauze pads
• Eye dressings
• 3-Triangular bandages
• Assorted adhesive dressing(such as bandaids)
• Pair of small scissor
• Pair of tweezers
• Oral thermometer
• Tongue blades and cotton tipped applicators
• Tube of petroleum jelly
• Safety pins in assorted sizes
• Cleansing agent (soap)
• First aid hand book
• NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
• Some non-prescription drugs to be considered are as follows.
• Aspirin or acetaminophen: To reduce fever or pain
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Antacid: For stomach upset
• Emetic: To induce vomiting following poisoning.
• Laxative: High fiber foods are helpful also.
• Eye wash
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antiseptic or Hydrogen peroxide
• Vitamin supplements

BANDAGES
Bandages can be easily made from sheets torn into strips. You can use clean rags, disposable diapers and sanitary pads for dressings. Dressings can be held in place by the torn sheets, men ties or stockings. It’s not a bad idea to purchase some bandages either.

OTHER SUPPLIES

• Plastic bag for waste disposal
• Paper cups
• Spoons
• Needle and thread
• Splinting material
• Disposable diapers (can be used as dressing)
• Sanitary napkins (can be used as dressing)
• Formula (if needed for infant)
• Medicine dropper (to measure bleach for water purifying)
• Cold packs
• Hot packs
• Cotton
• Tissues
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Matches
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Hand lotion
• Pocket knife
• Ace bandage
• Extra eye glasses
• Sunscreen lotion

SPECIAL
Special prescription medicines such as insulin, heart medicine or high blood pressure medicine. Obtain specific information from your doctor or pharmacist on labeling, storage, how much to store and how often to rotate it.

• Taylor to family needs.
• Basic first aid kit items.
• Non-prescription and prescription drugs.
• Bandages and dressings.

Utilities Safety

Your electricity should be turned off at the main switch which is usually found on the outside of your house in the main power box.

Main power box that allows you to cut the power to your home

It is just a matter of flipping a switch or two. (Depending on individual boxes). Find yours and become familiar with it. You also have a power box inside your home, which allows you to turn electricity off in certain parts of your home.

The breaker box inside your home.

You will want to turn off your electricity if you find frayed or damaged wires after a disaster or if there is risk of anyone being electrocuted.

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

Your main gas valve is usually located on the outside of your house, next to the gas meter. It may take a special key to turn it off. The gas company will have to send its own employee to come out and turn it back on. Check with your local gas company. You will need to turn off your gas immediately if you find or smell a gas leak after a disaster. Your main water valve is located inside your home where the main water line comes into your home, usually found in the basement or crawl space. Become familiar with its location and operation. To close the main water line turn the key clockwise. You can check any cold water tap in your home to insure the main water line is closed. You will want to turn your water off if you find damaged pipes when inspecting your home after a disaster or if you need to use water out of your hot water heater for drinking or cooking.

• Know where and how to shut off all utilities in your home.
• You may need a special wrench to turn off your water or fuel.
• The power company will need to turn fuel back on for you.
• Teach other family members how to turn utilities off also.

Home Preparation Checklist

The following is a checklist will help you prepare for almost any disaster.

The breaker box inside your home

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

Main Power Box

1. Do you have a Survival Kit (72 hours, 3 days) including food and water, clothing, first aid supplies, transistor radio and flashlight with extra batteries?
   

   Survival Kit for three days

2. Do you know the location of water, gas and electrical shut off valves in your home? Do you have the necessary wrench handy to turn off the gas main?
3. Do you have a good first aid kit in your home? In your car? Does everyone in your family know where they are located?
   

   Personal emergency medical kit

4. Do you have an ABC type fire extinguisher in your home and car? Are they easily accessible?
   

   ABC type fire extinguisher

5. Do you have a complete inventory of your belongings? Is a copy kept outside of the home in a safe place?
6. Do you store important legal and family documents in a place safe from floods and other disasters?
7. Do you have smoke detectors installed in each sleeping area of your home? Do they work?
   

   Inexpensive smoke detector

8. Do you have an evacuation plan in case of fire? Do you ever practice that plan?
9. Is there a family meeting place chosen in case of evacuation? Does everyone in your family know its location? Have you done anything to reduce the possibility of disaster damage to your home and belongings?
   

   Evacuation plan detailed before an emergency.

10. Have you had a recent inspection of your home to identify and correct safety, fire, poison or other hazards?
11. Do you keep your cars gasoline tanks at least halfway full of gas?
12. Do you have some emergency supplies in your car at all times?
13. Do you have emergency numbers posted near all your phones?

• Be sure to have long term food storage.
• Have an ABC type fire extinguisher in your home.
• Keep you cars gas tank at least halfway full.
• Know where and how to shut of utilities.

Home Preparation

For each type of disaster there are things you can do to prepare your home and prevent damage to an extent. For all disasters you will need first aid kit, a Survival Kit (72 hours, 3 days) for each family member and long term food storage.

Personal emergency medical kit

Survival Kit for three days

It is very important that you have smoke detectors in every sleeping area of your home. Many disasters can cause a fire. Know your best escape routes from every room and practice them with your family. For all disasters you will need to know where you utility (gas, water) shut off valves

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

Main Power Box

are and how to shut them off. Have a family communication plan in case your family is separated. Know the safe rooms in your home if you have a tornado or hurricane risk. Make sure you have material to quickly cover your windows if needed. Make sure pictures and tall furniture are secured to walls. Don’t forget to use a strap on your water heater to prevent it from falling over. Have your home inspected for potential hazards specific to the likely natural disaster in your area. Do everything you can think of to get prepared.

• Have smoke detectors in all sleeping areas of your home.
• Know where your utility shut off valves are and how to use them.
• Make sure you have material needed to quickly cover windows.
• Have your home inspected for potential hazards.

Winter Storms

Major winter storms can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. To prepare, have snow removal equipment and rock salt on hand to melt ice on your walkways. Make sure you have plenty of heating fuel because regular heating sources may be cut off. Winterize your home by insulating walls and attic. Weather strip your doors and windows. Install storm windows or cover them with plastic on the inside. Be sure to have safe heating equipment such as a fireplace, wood, coal or camp stove

Propane stove

or portable kerosene heaters. (If using a kerosene heater, check with your local fire department on legality of using kerosene heaters in your town and remember to only re-fuel outside). Prevent pipes from freezing by wrapping them with insulation and letting faucets drip a little bit to avoid freezing. Know how to shut off water valves. Be sure to have your first aid kit handy.

Personal emergency medical kit

Have an ABC type of fire extinguisher.

ABC type fire extinguisher

Develop an emergency communication plan with your family in case you are separated during the storm and a plan for getting back together.
Stay indoors and dress warmly. Listen to the radio or TV for latest storm information. If you are caught outdoors, cover your mouth and protect your lungs from the cold air. Avoid over exertion because cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Keep dry and change out of wet clothing to prevent body heat loss. When shoveling snow take frequent breaks. A winter watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. After the storm, report any downed power lines. When you go outside, proceed with caution and watch for falling snow and icicles.

• Be prepared for major winter storms.
• Winterize your home.
• Have another heating source and fuel available.
• Have disaster supplies and food storage on hand.

Electrical Storms

Some thunder storms can be seen approaching and some hit without much warning at all. It’s important to learn and recognize the danger signs and to plan ahead. Some danger signs of a thunderstorm are dark towering or threatening clouds and distant lightning and thunder. Have disaster supplies on hand such as flashlights and extra batteries, battery operated radio, first aid kit

Personal emergency medical kit

, a Survival Kit

Survival Kit for three days

(72 hours, 3 days), emergency food and water, non-electric can opener, essential medicines and some cash. Check for hazards in your yard, such as dead or rotting trees and branches that can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury or damage. Teach your family how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

Main power box that allows you to cut the power to your home

Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency and which radio station to tune into for emergency information. A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions of the thunderstorm are likely to develop that have damaging winds (58 mph or more, or hail an inch in diameter or greater). A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or detected by weather radar. When this happens, the danger is serious and you should go to the safest place in your home, listen to the radio or television and wait for an all clear by authorities. In case family members are separated from one another, which is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school, have a plan for getting back together. If you are indoors during the storm, secure outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture and other light things that could blow away. Close shutters if you have them. Listen to battery operated radio if electricity is out for the latest storm information. Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones because lightning could follow the wire. TVs are especially dangerous. Avoid bathtubs and water faucets because metal pipes can transmit electricity. If you are outdoors, try to get into a building or a car. If you cannot, get out in the open and squat down, low to the ground. Never stand underneath a single large tree in the open. Crouch with hands on knees. Avoid tall trees, fences and telephone wires. Stay away from bodies of water. If you are isolated on a level area and you feel your hair stand on end, which indicates that lightning is about to strike, bend forward putting your hands on your knees. A position with feet together and crouching is recommended. Do not lie flat on the ground. If you are in a car, pull to the side of the road and put your flashers on until the rain has subsided. Do not get out of your car. You can estimate the distance of a thunderstorm because light travels much faster than sound. Estimate the number of miles the storm is away from you by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five and you will have the number of miles. Remember that you are in danger of lightning if you can hear thunder. Hail may be produced by severe thunderstorms and they can be small as a blueberry or as large as a grapefruit. Hail can be very destructive to plants and for farmer’s crops. Take cover immediately and bring animals into shelter. After a storm check for injuries if necessary. A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge. Check for breathing and pulse and perform CPR if needed. If the person is burned give first aid and call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Look for burns and damage from entrance and exit sites. Report downed electrical wires and inspect your home for damages.

• Have disaster supplies including long term food storage, first aid kit and Survival Kit (72 hours, 3 days) on hand.
• Know the difference between storm watches and warnings.
• Do not use electrical equipment during a storm.
• Have a designated meeting spot in case your family is separated.

Other Storms

Thunder storms and winter snowstorms can do a certain amount of damage. It a good idea to be prepared, especially if you live in an area where they happen frequently. Thunderstorms can bring heavy rain (which can cause flash flooding), strong winds, hail, lightning and tornadoes. Lightning is a major threat during a thunderstorm. Many people are struck and killed by lightning each year. Some people think that lightning can’t strike twice in the same place. That’s not true, lightning can strike several times in one place in the course of one discharge. The state with the highest number of thunderstorms is Florida.
A major winter storm can be deadly. Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms. Some things to keep in mind are, wind chill is how cold it feels outside when temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature just below freezing can be dangerous. When a winter storm watch is announced, this means that severe winter weather may affect your area. When a winter storm warning is announced, this means that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. A blizzard warning means that large amounts of snow or blowing snow and winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for the next several hours. For details on these storms go to the specific menu.

• Lightning is a major threat during thunderstorms.
• Wind chill can make winter storms deadly.
• Winterize your home ahead of time.

Automobile First Aid Kit

It is important to carry a first aid kit with you in your car in case you come upon an accident or if you get stranded somewhere or even if you are out with your family and someone becomes injured. Your first aid kit for your car is smaller than the first aid kit recommended for your home. But it should have the following vital items in it and then any other you wish to add.

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• 2 inch sterile gauze pads
• 4 inch sterile gauze pads
• Hypo allergenic adhesive tape
• Triangular bandages
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages
• 3 inch sterile roller bandages
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• A needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Safety pins in assorted sizes
• Cleansing soap
• At least 2 pairs of latex gloves
• Small bottle of sunscreen.

You may also include some non-prescription drugs-aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid for stomach upset, syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting if advised by a poison control center, and a laxative.

• Your auto first aid kit should be compact, yet have certain vital items.
• Put in prescription medicine that you must take.

Automobile Preparedness

You may find yourself in your car driving when a disaster strikes. Remember that for an earthquake, you should stay in your car and away from bridges, trees, buildings and utility wires. For a hurricane you should listen to your radio for instructions. Do not drive near the vicinity of the storm. For floods, stay away from flooded roads. Only two feet of moving water can pick your car up and swish it away. For tornadoes, never try to out drive one, they can change direction quickly and can lift up a car and toss it through the air. Get out of the car and take shelter in a nearby building or get in a ravine or ditch. It is important to carry a automobile first aid kit and Survival Kit (72 hours) kit in your car at all times.

• Listen to radio for disaster instructions.
• Stay away from flooded roads.
• Watch for downed power lines.
• Have your automobile first aid kit and Survival Kit in your car.

How to Prepare Food Without Electricity

Obviously, during a power failure, your methods of cooking are going to change and this post will help you get prepared. You need to conserve fuel as much as possible. Consider the amount of cooking time needed for particular foods. If you have limited heat for cooking, choose foods that cook quickly. Prepare casseroles and one-dish meals or serve no-cook foods. Some methods for cooking without electricity are;

• Fireplace
• Camp stoves or charcoal burners
• Dutch ovens.

Fireplace

To cook in the fireplace, you can skewer, grill or wrap food in foil to cook it.

Camp stoves or charcoal burners

Be sure to use camp stoves and charcoal burners outside your home, and not even in your fireplace, because these stoves give off carbon monoxide and the fumes are deadly.

Dutch oven

You probably know what a Dutch oven is already, but incase you don’t, it is a heavy, flat-bottomed cast-iron kettle with a close fitting lid and sturdy handle. This cast-iron oven can be used for frying, baking, boiling, roasting and deep-frying. There are two types; one with legs for outdoor use and the one without legs for use indoors. The indoor version can be used outdoors by placing three stones underneath the oven to raise it off the fireplace coals. The lid can be turned over and used as a frying pan. One way to use it as a frying pan, is to push sticks into the ground, to hold it over coals. Another way is to turn it upside down on top of the oven itself, and put coals on aluminum foil inside the oven. The oven can be used for baking with the inside lined with foil and the oven placed on coals and put some coals on the lid of the oven also. To use it for boiling, simply fill it with water, put it over heat and add the food. For deep-frying in the Dutch oven, fill it with oil and drop either fish, poultry or meat into the oil. A Dutch oven will provide your family with a versatile tool that will come in handy when camping or surviving a disaster.

Remember, you should only cook frozen foods if you have enough heat supply for cooking, because frozen foods take considerably more cooking time and heat than canned goods. Commercial canned foods can be eaten straight from the can. Do not use home canned vegetables unless you can boil them for ten minutes before eating. To conserve water, save the liquids off the canned vegetables and then use it instead of water for cooked dishes. Drain and save juices from canned fruits and substitute it for water in salads and beverages. For your health sake, boil all water used in food preparation for at least 10 minutes. If you are without refrigeration, open only enough food containers for one meal. Some foods can be kept a short time without refrigeration. Recently cooked foods such as vegetables and meat can be kept unrefrigerated from noon until the evening meal if it is covered. If available, packaged survival or camping foods are good to have. Do not serve foods that spoil easily, such are ground meats, creamed foods, hash, custards or meat pies. These end up being a good source for bacteria growth. If necessary, substitute canned and powdered milk for fresh milk. Canned milk will keep safely for many hours after you open the can. But, if you are feeding a baby canned milk, you need to open a new can for each feeding. Only use boiled or disinfected water to mix the powdered milk in. If safe water or water disinfectants are not available, use your canned or bottled fruit juices instead of water. But remember you may have clean water in your water heater. (see water section of this CD). If you can, prepare and eat foods in their original containers so you won’t need to wash so many dishes and use so much water. Before using any dishes, pots, pans or cooking utensils that were in contact with floodwater or contaminated rainwater, wash and disinfect them. Air dry dishes. Do not dry them with a dish towel. If cupboards and food preparation surfaces were in contact with contaminated water, clean and rinse them with chlorine bleach solution before storing dishes and utensils.

• Use camp stoves, fireplace, charcoal burners and Dutch ovens to cook.
• Only use camp stoves and charcoal burners outside because of toxic fumes.
• Dutch ovens can be used in many ways.
• Choose foods that have a shorter cooking time when possible.
• Keep your first aid kit handy in case of accidents while cooking.
  

Food Types

You should be careful when you are planning your food storage that you include all of the four food groups. The following is a list of the four food groups and foods that you can store for each group to ensure you have a healthy storage.

Dairy

The first group is Dairy. Probably the best dairy items to store are instant non-fat milk and dry eggs.

Grains

The next group is grains. There is a much larger selection of foods in this group. Store flour either white or wheat, oatmeal, cracked wheat, granola, macaroni and spaghetti.

Fruits and Vegetables

The fruit and vegetable group is a fun one. You can store gallon containers that are cheaper to buy and cover them with plastic lids after they are opened. Most all fruits are either canned or dried. Peaches, pears, pineapple, applesauce, fruit cocktail, and mandarin oranges are good selections that are canned. Bananas, apples, peaches, pineapple, berries, and raisins are good selections that are dried. Different types of beans are a good canned vegetable because they have a lot of protein. Peas, corn, carrots and potato flakes are also good choices.

Meat

The next group we will consider is meat. You can purchase several different meats in cans such as chicken, beef chunks, tuna and turkey. Dried meats are also good to store. Some people dry venison and elk meat besides the usual beef jerky.

Miscellaneous

Then there is a miscellaneous group of foods that you should store along with the essentials. Some of these foods are puddings, jams, honey and syrup, which are high calorie foods. You will also need baking items such as baking powder and soda, salt, sugar, shortening and oil. Don’t forget vitamins and minerals.

• Store foods from all groups.
• Store foods your family likes from each group.
• Remember to store foods with essential vitamins.

Storing Water

First you should know that the water in water pipes and toilet tanks (NOT THE BOWLS) is safe to drink if you closed the valve on the main water line before the flood or loss of the water system. Now, here is how you can use this water safely. To use the water still in pipes, turn on the faucet located in the highest point in the house usually an upstairs bathroom. This lets air into the system. Then draw water from the lowest faucet in house. Your water heater or water pressure tank could supply 30 to 60 gallons of safe water in an emergency. Before using water from the water heater, switch off the gas or electricity that heats the water. You could cause an explosion or burn out the heating elements of your water heater if you leave the heating part on while the heater is empty of water. After you turn off the gas or electricity, open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Do not turn the water heater on again until the water system is back to normal service. Be sure to shut off the main water valve to protect the clean water already in your system. If possible close the valves on the water lines leaving the house. If you have ice cubes in your freezer, you can thaw them for water. Always purify your water unless you are absolutely certain your home water supply is not contaminated by flood or sewage backup. Purify all water before using it for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth or dish washing. If the water contains sediment or floating material strain it through a cloth before treating it. There are a couple ways to purify water. You can boil it or chemically treat it. To treat it by boiling, bring the water to a rolling boil for 10 minutes to kill any disease causing bacteria in the water. Then, add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water to improve the taste. To chemically treat the water, use Chlorine Bleach such as Clorox or Purex. Household bleach is a good disinfectant for water, but you need to check the label to be sure that the active ingredient is sodium hypo chlorite at 5.25%. Do not use bleach, which contains detergents. Only treat the water chemically if you cannot boil it. Use 8 drops of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. Double this dose if the water is cloudy. Mix bleach thoroughly into the water. Let it stand for 30 minutes. The water should have a slightly chlorine odor. Household iodine from the medicine chest or first aid kit will purify water. The iodine should be 2% United States Pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) strength. Add 20 drops per gallon of clear water, and 40 drops per gallon of cloudy water. Seal the container and let stand for 30 minutes. The water supply will be safe for an indefinite period. Water Purification Tablets will also purify water. Follow manufacturer’s directions. Water purification tablets are available at drug stores and camping supply departments of your local stores. You can store water ahead of time, which is recommended. You can buy jugs of water or use sterilized milk jugs with the added bleach. You will need 1 gallon of water per day, per person.

• You can use the water in your pipes and hot water heater.
• You can thaw ice cubes from your freezer for water.
• Always purify water before drinking it.
• You can chemically treat water with chlorine bleach.

Food Storage Tips

Recommended foods to store are dry milk, protein rich foods, fruit and vegetables, wheat and grains and macaroni or spaghetti, calorie foods such as pudding, sugar, jams, honey, vitamins and minerals, yeast, baking powder, oils and shortening and canned meats. By including fruit, vegetable, protein rich foods, dairy and grain products, you can be assured of a nutritionally balanced diet for your family.
You can increase storage life by providing the best storage conditions. A basement or other cool area is best, especially if it is dry. Don’t store food directly on the floor in case your basement becomes flooded. If your storage conditions are not cool and dry, you will need to check your stocks more often to determine their current condition. If a product looks, smells and tastes normal, it should be useable and have most of its food value. Low-moisture products such as those listed in the Food Storage section of this CD, stay in good condition up to four or six years, but rotation and replacement every few years is recommended and a wise practice.

• Include fruits, veggies, grains, dairy and protein in your food storage.
• You will also need calorie foods such as pudding, jams and honey.
• Store it in a cool dry place.
• Do not store food directly on the floor.



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Food Storage Techniques

There are several different types of food that you can use in your food storage. Some of these methods are;

• Pressure canning
• Water-bath canning
• Salting
• Smoking
• Drying

To use the pressure canning method, you will need a pressure canner. Use clean mason jars only, making sure there are no nicks or cracks in the rim of the jars. Before using your pressure canner, inspect the petcock safety valve and rims. Have the pressure gauge tested annually according to the manufacturer directions. If the canner or lid has been dropped, don’t use it because hairline cracks may not be visible and when under pressure it could cause it to explode. Use the pressure canner according to its instructions.

The water-bath canning method is used to can high acids foods such as pickles, fruits, jams and tomatoes. Fruits should be peeled, pitted and cut into slices or serving-size chunks. They can be treated to prevent darkening with Ascorbic acid, or by soaking for a few minutes in a solution of two tablespoons each of vinegar and salt in one gallon of water. Jams are made from crushed fruits and sweetener. Foods to be pickled, except cucumbers are briefly boiled then heated in a vinegar solution which may contain spices or sweetener. Tomatoes should be peeled and then cut in half. The easy way to do this is to pour boiling water over the tomatoes and then the peels just slip off. Tomatoes are fairly acidic but a teaspoon of salt should be added to each jar.

Dry salting for storage is different than curing meats. First, you steam or boil the vegetables for ten minutes, Mix four cups of food with one cup of salt. Then pack it into crocks or containers and cover with cheese cloth. Brine should form within 4 hours. Store in a cool place and it should be finished in 3 to 5 weeks. Scrape off any foam that may form on top.

Hot smoking, 10 degrees or higher, is used to prepare foods for immediate rather than long term storage. Cold smoking, keeping the food in 70 to 120 degree smoke is used for preparing storage. The food is dried and flavored in the process. Afterwards it should be stored in a cool dry place. Making quality smoked foods needs to be learned. You can buy smokers or learn to build your own homemade smoker.

Drying is one of the easiest methods of preserving food. All vegetables should be blanched in boiling water or in stem for 3 to 7 minutes to inactivate enzymes to prevent changes in the food after it is dried. Fruits should be halved or sliced, then treated with citric acid to prevent darkening. You can also soak fruits for 10 minutes in a gallon of cold water with a tablespoon of salt and of vinegar to prevent darkening.

Food Storage Groups

The most satisfactory way to establish a food storage reserve is to store those foods that permit normal menus with long storage life. Some people use a combination of wet-pack and low-moisture foods. It is probably easiest to use a list for one person and then multiply that by the number of people you have in your family.

Consider any special needs your individual family members may have, such as an infant who would needs formula or others who have unique medical needs.

The following is a suggested 12 month supply for one person using low-moisture and wet-pack items.

Group #1

• Milk (2 servings daily) Approximately 38 lbs. Of non-fat dry milk.

Group #2

• Protein (2 servings daily)
• 9 to 12 1 gallon cans of textured vegetable protein (meat like product). Part or all of this can be multipurpose food, 1 to 3 1 gallon cans of whole egg solids (8dozen eggs per can).
• Bouillon and gravy for flavoring.

Group #3

• Fruit and vegetable (4 daily servings)
• 6 to 8 1 gallon cans of fruit (your choice).
• 2 to 3 1 gallon cans granulated potatoes (12 to 18 lbs.) or an equivalent weight of potato flakes.
• 12 1 gallon can of vegetables (your choice).

Group #4

• Bread and cereal (4 daily servings)
• 140 to 200lbs. Of wheat .
• 4 to 6 one gallon cans of other grain foods such as rice, corn meal, oats macaroni or spaghetti.

Group #5 Miscellaneous

• Store approximately 12 lbs. of oils and 50 lbs. of sugar items such as pudding, gelatin desserts, sugar, jam, honey, syrups and other calorie items.
• Vitamins and minerals.
• Breakfast drinks.
• Yeast, baking powder for baking.
• Meat, fish and poultry canned or freeze dried.
• Salt and seasonings.
• Plastic lids to re-close opened, partially used cans.
• Margarine and shortening.
• Water and water purification tablets.

This reference contains enough food for one person for 12 months or of course it would feed two people for 6 months or three people for 4 months etc.