Batteries

    One of the funny memories I have of my son is when he was in the first grade he had accumulated (of all things) a collection of dead batteries!  Every kid always packs their dearest treasures to school for “Show and Tell.”  No matter how we coerced or cajoled, he insisted on taking his entire collection to school.  (I guess he thought the other kids would get a charge out of his battery collection.)  At the end of the day, his mother was prepared to offer encouragement and comfort as she was certain he would endure the worst manner of ridicule at the hands of his classmates.  “You were wrong!” he exclaimed, “They loved it!”

    Every disaster preparedness list shows the need to stock up on batteries.  Whether it’s a tree down across a power line, or widespread regional destruction, the first thing to go is usually the electricity. Then your priority is to re-establish lighting.  Batteries are like duct tape and nylon zip ties, you can never have too many.  

    Raising two grandsons puts a constant drain on my battery supply, but I know what to keep in stock and I make sure my battery inventory stays charged up.  (Sorry.)  While some folks still rely on candles, hurricane lanterns and the occasional Aladdin lantern, F.E.M.A. and the Red Cross both urge the use of battery powered lighting to avoid the problem of fire danger.  

    Check your battery inventory, whether AAAs, AAs, Cs, Ds or 9-volt, you should have a good stock of the various sizes on hand.  Especially if you have kids in the house and they need to resupply the remote control unit on their radio controlled dune buggy.

    Somewhere I heard that you can slow the discharge rate of stored batteries by placing them in the freezer.  The following is reportedly the results of a study conducted by Consumer Report:  “Consumers Report magazine took exactly 432 AA, C and D batteries. They stored some in the refrigerator, and some at room temperatures. At the end of five years they found that indeed the refrigerated batteries had more charge, but not by much. The room temperature batteries still had 96 percent of the charge of the refrigerated ones.”

    Duracell says:  "Do not refrigerate DURACELL Batteries. This will not make them last longer. Most DURACELL Batteries will provide dependable long life even after 5 years of storage in these conditions."

    And finally Energizer says: "Storing batteries in refrigerators or freezers is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. In fact, cold temperature storage can harm batteries. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures with moderate humidity levels."

    Lots of folks are turning to rechargeable batteries. While they are a bit more expensive to start with, you can extend your investment by adding a solar charger and then if the power is out for a lengthy period, you’re set.

    So before there’s a power outage, pick up a few new batteries, maybe a rechargeable lantern if you find one on sale and you’re set for that winter storm.

   

Storage Solutions

Every self-respecting prepper has the same problem.  Storage.  Preppers, by nature have stocked up on all manner of usable goods.  Whether it’s First Aid supplies or food or gasoline or medication, storage solutions must be found for all of your supplies.  Some food items can be canned, frozen or dehydrated.  Food must be kept safe from freezing, (unless, of course you want it frozen), dry, free from mice, bugs and other vermin.  One of the best things I have discovered for general purpose storage is a five-gallon bucket (food-grade plastic, of course) with a gamma-seal lid.  A gamma-seal lid is one that snaps onto the bucket, then the center of the lid is removed by unscrewing.  The whole affair creates an airtight, waterproof seal capable of protecting your stored supplies.  Gamma-seal lids can be ordered through several outlets online.  Standard lids are fine, but they create a problem when you try to open them (especially without tools) and then reseal the container.  Buckets stack neatly and are easily portable.  For more  ideas check out www.fivegallonideas.com.

    Another tool that comes in handy is a food vacuum sealer.  You know that thing that sucks out all the air and moisture from your salmon, elk and venison steaks.  When you’re putting together your get-home bag, use the vacuum sealer to store items you don’t want to get wet and also to save space.  Not only are food items protected, but so are matches, batteries, ammo and various other items.  Vacuum sealers can be expensive, costing as much as $500, but I actually picked one up  for $15.00 at a garage sale recently.  They usually require special bags, but are really quite handy for storing some of your essentials.  

    Then there is first aid gear.  First aid kits are self-contained and usually are designed more for successful marketing than for actual use.  (Sorry, it’s the cynic in me!)  Imagine showing up at an accident scene and jumping out of your car to help with first aid kit in hand.  Popping open the lid you find various band-aids, some gauze pads and a small roll of bandage tape.  Oh, and maybe a mini-packet of Tylenol.  It’s then you discover the accident victims have injuries of the life-threatening kind and even if you combined all the stuff in your kit, it wouldn’t begin to help.  I carry a kit in the tool box on my ATV.  It is marketed as an “Off Road” kit.  I was pretty proud of it until I realized that any accident involving an ATV or hunting accident was going to be way above the pay-grade of that little first aid kit.  Having said that, I began accumulating bandages, suture kits and various other over-the-counter remedies to the point I needed a storage solution. I finally wound up with a tool box that seems to fill the bill. It’s a plastic one made by Husky with a cantilever-style top and carries a massive amount of gear.  Trouble is, now it’s full.

    As always, send your comments, questions and storage solution ideas to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

Wilderness Survival

    I don’t know about you, but I just love a good survival story.  When I read of someone who has been given an opportunity to lose a battle against nature, but then comes out on top, I want to find out how he did it.  What did he do?  What did he have with him that was useful in his battle against the elements?  What little tidbit can I learn that I may be able to use if I’m ever in that situation?

A few weeks ago, most of the major news networks carried the story of 72 year old Gene Penaflor who had gone deer hunting in Northern California. Nineteen days earlier, Penaflor and his hunting partner split up to try to flush out a deer.  A search was launched after Penaflor failed to meet up with his companion a few hours later.  Unknown to his hunting partner, Penaflor had fallen and was knocked unconscious for several hours.  When he woke, it was foggy and he was disoriented.  According to news reports, he kept his wits about him and managed to get a small fire going and find shelter.  Among the items he carried were a rifle and some ammo, two garbage bags, a knife, a lighter and a water bottle.  The knife and water bottle were lost in the fall.  

Although the temperature at times fell to 25 degrees, he built a small fire and sought shelter from rain and snow under a fallen tree.  He also stuffed dry leaves and grass under his clothing for insulation and used the garbage bags as makeshift rain gear.  His Gore-Tex boots were another key item credited with his survival.  

Penaflor reported he survived by eating three squirrels, one snake, two frogs and two lizards.  He simply threw them on the embers of his fire and made sure they were thoroughly cooked before he ate them.  

He was rescued 19 days later by a group of hunters who heard him yelling for help.  After a short stay in the hospital for observation, he was released and is reportedly doing fine.

So lets take a look at what he did that helped keep him alive.  First, although he was injured and disoriented, he did not panic.  He simply took stock of his situation and calmly did all the right things.  

Secondly he had some things with him that were of value.  A cigarette lighter probably contributed greatly in that it was a great fire starter.  Not only was the fire used for warmth and companionship, but he now had a means by which to cook his food.  And speaking of food, you and I might think it odd (or downright icky) to eat squirrel, snake or lizard, but we only say that because we aren’t real hungry at the moment!  Never look down your well-fed nose and say you wouldn’t eat something like that just because at the moment it seems gross!  Your opinion may change if you haven’t eaten for a few days.  

Lastly, we get a hint of the value he places on quality equipment when we learn he was wearing Gore-Tex boots. Some life-saving decisions are made before you ever leave home!

So the next time you prepare to venture out, pause for a moment to consider what you may want to add to your pockets (or backpack) that just may increase your chances if something goes wrong.

As always, send your comments, questions or survival stories to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

Fire Season

    Already this weekend,I have heard the fire siren go off at least three times summoning our volunteer department to respond to someone’s personal disaster.  Personally I chalk it up to wood burning stoves, excessive creosote buildup and possibly a lack of proper maintenance.  According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the biggest disaster threat in the United States.  The Red Cross responds to a fire in someone’s home about every eight minutes.  Home fires are more prevalent than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes.  Simply by following a few simple safety rules you can drastically reduce the danger of fire in your home.  

    Before I start with safety rules, I want to mention a couple of pieces of equipment.  First are your smoke detectors.  The Red Cross recommends having a working smoke detector on every level of your home and in every bedroom.  Test them each month by pushing the little button and while you’re at it, get the kids in on the act to teach them what the alarm sounds like and what means if they hear it go off.  Then pick one special day each year to replace the batteries.  Or at least listen for the little chirp that signals an almost dead battery and swap out the battery right away.

    Secondly, how many of you actually have a fire extinguisher in your home?  Before you run out and buy a supply of fire extinguishers for home use, stop by the local fire department for suggestions on the right type (usually a Class A,B,C) and instructions for proper use.  And for those of you non-NRA types who are opposed to using guns for home defense, if the occasion arises and you need to defend yourself and your family, just hose the perp down with your fire extinguisher.  Besides being 100% legal to have in your home, you can purchase one without a permit, (or a background check) and it will incapacitate an attacker by making him unable to breathe, see or even hear anything.  

Electric heaters; get the kind that turn off automatically when they tip over.  Also never leave them running when you leave the house or go to sleep.  Talk to your kids regularly about the dangers of fire and the misuse of matches and lighters.  Keep them out of reach of small children.  And here’s one for the “duh” category; Never smoke in bed!  For a more complete list, go to www.redcross.org.  There is a printable checklist on their website.

Don’t forget to have a fire escape plan.  Not only should your plan include alternate routes to get out of the house but a common gathering point needs to be established as well.  And finally if your power goes out and the temperature in your home is dropping, DO NOT use a charcoal grill for warmth.  Every year I read of some bonehead who brought the charcoal grill in the house and tragedy ensued.  Carbon monoxide kills!  

If you burn wood for heat, have your chimney inspected and cleaned, if necessary.  Don’t cut corners when so much is at stake.

    As always, send your comments and questions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

Winter Travel

    “Over the river and through the wood, to Grandmother’s house we go.  The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow.” And so goes the old song about holiday travel to visit the relatives.  Now I’ll admit I have never actually travelled by sleigh to visit relatives, but plenty of us hit the road during winter months to spend the holidays with loved ones.   Winter travel requires some extra planning to make your trip a safe one.

First, factor in a little extra time for your journey.  Safe driving in nasty weather requires slowing down.  In fact, snowy and icy roads require a whole different skill set.  If your route takes you over any mountain passes, the possibility of snow and icy roads may affect your trip.  Making sure your car is ready for the trip is just smart planning.  Are your tires up for the trip?  Do you have a set of tire chains that actually fit your car?  Do you know how to install your chains?  Studded tires are always an option, although here on the South Coast of Oregon few motorists make that investment as we rarely have a need for them.  And you can file this one in the “Duh” category, is your gas tank full? More than one motorist has been stranded along the interstate for several hours because of nasty weather.  Running out of gas is unacceptable, as is being without a couple of blankets in the trunk or some snacks for the kids.

So when you get ready to head out, go to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) website and check their webcams at www.tripcheck.com.  Every known hazardous spot (and some that aren’t so hazardous) has a webcam set up monitoring the road conditions.  Accompanying the video display is a list of up-to-the-minute weather conditions listing the temperature, wind information and precipitation. The wise traveler will adjust his travel plans according to what he learns about the weather conditions enroute.  Every pilot has had to either cancel a trip or change his flight plans because of weather.  There is an old saying, “there are old pilots and bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots!”  The same may be true for the winter traveler.  Making changes in your road trip shows wisdom and maturity of thought for the safe consideration of your loved ones.   

Before you head out, grab your “go” bag, top off your gas tank and your coffee thermos.  A few food items can’t hurt, along with your tire chains, tow strap, jumper cables (for someone else, you understand) and maybe one of those folding shovels.  Be sure to get an early start, because those slick roads demand slower speeds, and a willingness to abort the mission if it gets a little too risky out there.  This trip isn’t worth anyone getting injured just because your bone-headed macho-man attitude wasn’t about to be pushed around by some little ol’ snow storm.  Be a real hero to your family and make the hard decision if you need to.  Ultimately being prepared will bring a whole element of safety to your journey.

“Over the river and through the wood, now Grandmother’s cap I spy.  Hurrah for the fun.  Is the pudding done?  Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!”

As always, send your comments, questions and winter driving stories to www.disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

Do You Know Where Your Flashlight Is?

    As I write this, the first notable storm of the season is blowing in off the Pacific.  A moderate amount of rain coupled with predicted wind gusts of 70 mph makes for that howling, drumming sound we have all learned to recognize as our regional storms.  Reports of electrical power outages in the area have already been reported, along with some flooding caused by increased runoff.  

    Considering this, it’s time already to make sure you know where your flashlight is.  Do you have extra batteries?  Batteries are like duct tape, you can never have too many.  Is your cordless drill charged up so you can screw plywood across that broken window (for your neighbor, of course)?  And naturally you have a box of screws for just that purpose.

    My wife and I are privileged to have our two grandsons live with us.  For those of us who have children in the house, there are some simple things you can do to set their minds at ease in case the electricity goes out, or worse.  Storms are naturally scary for kids because of all the racket outside.  Then when a tree goes down across a power line amidst all that noise, suddenly the house goes dark, the TV dies and the playstation quits at the worst possible time.  The sudden darkness can be upsetting to kids and if you’re prepared with emergency lighting and other readiness items, you can go a long ways toward making this a “camping in” experience rather than one that causes needless drama.  

    You could even gather the kids around the table some evening and talk to them about disaster preparedness and how important it is to know where things are.  Then turn off the lights  and tell them “we’re having a drill.”  See who can find a flashlight first.  You could possibly assign other tasks such as selecting someone to stay with the baby, or have them pair up as in the Boy Scout days of using the buddy-system.  Only one rule, no turning on any lights.

We tried this at my house recently.  My adult daughter and two grandsons participated.  The 14 year old grandson found a flashlight within 60 seconds.  One thing I hadn’t counted on was handheld mobile devices provide a sufficient amount to find your way in the dark.  Also the outside yard light provided some light with which to find our way about.

When your electricity fails, be sure to reassure the kids there really is nothing to worry about.  Talk to them about what may have caused the outage, and that there are crews out in the storm right this minute working to restore service.  In most cases the lights come back on in a few hours and life returns to normal.

Children learn to take their cues from the adults in their lives.  If the grownups are panicked, then children will likewise be undone.  But when your attitude is, “I’ve got this,” then the kids are comforted in the understanding their parents really do have the situation under control.  When you have made some simple preparations and are ready to handle the unexpected, it will serve well to bring stability and avoid all the drama associated with fears.  Be sure to ask the kids if they’re afraid, and what are they afraid of?  Reassure them you are there with them and nothing bad is going to happen.  Tell them you have plenty of food and supplies and remind them they are warm and dry and because you are a wise and caring parent you have already prepared for just such an emergency.  No worries!

As always send your questions, comments and suggestions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.     

Building Skills For Disaster Prep

    Some folks have the misconception that being prepared is all about having your pantry full.  No doubt about it, that’s important, but other things are equally vital.  Any prepper website can give you a checklist of equipment you’re going to “need” in a disaster.  And while equipment can be useful, if you don’t have the skills to use your gear, it is of no value.  No off-the-shelf kit will contain everything you need to survive, in fact most of the tools you need for survival are between your ears.

    In this week’s column we’re going to look at some skills that you may need in the event of a major earthquake, a big wind storm or a prolonged period of below-freezing weather.  First, a working knowledge of carpentry skills is basic.  When a major earthquake strikes, structural damage to your home will be a given.  Whether the roof caves in or just a few windows are broken, plan on being on your own for repairs.  Basic tools, some plywood and maybe a few 2 x 4s are going to come in handy when you need to make quick repairs.  Following that, some PVC fittings, glue and an extra piece or two of pipe will make for a quick plumbing fix.  Pipes usually burst at the most awkward times and never when the hardware store is open nor the plumber available.    

    Our most frequent disaster here on the South Coast is the winter wind storm.  Trees are blown down, sometimes across power lines, sometimes across our driveway and sometimes even across our houses. If you own a chainsaw, then keep it sharp, fueled and ready to go at a moment’s notice.  If you’re not familiar with its use, go practice with it.  You’d be surprised at how many people own equipment but have never gotten familiar with it.

    First aid skills are always in need during a disaster.  What you know may save a life, maybe even your own or that of a family member.  Now’s a great time to upgrade your knowledge.  Check out the training available on www.redcross.org.  Take a look at your first aid kit, make sure it’s well-stocked.  

    If you lack skills, then it is important you connect with your neighbors and combine your energies.  I’m willing to bet there’s someone in your neighborhood that has the skills you may lack.  Mapping your neighborhood will not only help you get acquainted, but will combine the skills and knowledge of your neighbors in the event of a disaster. If you want more information on Mapping Your Neighborhood, contact me by email and I will forward information to you helpful in getting organized.

    Finally, a product review.  I recently “bit” on an advertisement called “Family Survival System.”  A very slick video presentation offered a book promising to be the ultimate in disaster preparedness information and survival information.  The video presentation claims the author is a military man (Army) and he purports to be an expert on the topic.  I clicked on the “purchase” button and invested $37.00, hoping to expand my library for research and information.  What I received is an electronic book downloaded to my computer.  Printing it off, I have a 41 page booklet of basic prepper/survival topics.  I find the booklet to be poorly written, shallow and lacking in the “meat” for which I was hoping.  Furthermore, there were two free publications offered, but when I downloaded the book, those links disappeared and I have been unable to locate them again.  So save your money and simply research this blog instead. Besides, its free.   As always, send your comments and questions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

   

Changing Seasons

    Summer is grinding to a close and fall is on the way whether we like it or not. With the change of seasons, a lot of folks turn their energies toward the gathering, accumulating, preparing and storage of food. Items foremost in every prepper’s mind.  Some of the old-timers have always been preppers after a fashion, after all they’ve been canning, preserving and laying in food for lean times long before the concept “occurred” to the current generation.  

    When I was a child, my mother read the entire series of “Little House” books to my brother and me as well as to the students in her one-room country school in Nebraska.  I have, in turn, read the series to my children and most of my grandchildren.  The skills and techniques detailed in those books have served the needs of countless generations who have managed without electricity or refrigeration.  I find it mildly amusing that the art of food preservation has come into vogue as almost an alternative lifestyle. I shouldn’t be so surprised given our conveniences and what’s available on the grocery shelves.

    As I write this, I’m tending two pressure cookers which are processing the fresh tuna we picked up at the docks today.  I need to warn you, once you’ve tasted home-canned tuna, you’ll never be satisfied with store-bought fare again.  The down-side is your house smells “fishy” for a few days, although we have learned to do the pressure cooking aspect out on the deck utilizing a crab cooker, thus minimizing the in-house odor factor. There is a nice feeling of satisfaction seeing the pantry shelves full of food, including the canned tuna, peaches and other food set aside.

    On another note, we recently received an email from Pacific Power informing of a service they now provide.  They have developed an app that sends power outage updates to your smartphone.  You can directly report an outage at your home, and also receive information on the cause and expected duration of your outage.  Other features of this site give you a list of items to put together for a 72 hour kit, building a plan for your family and even how to override your electric garage door opener.  Even if you’re not a Pacific Power customer I don’t think they’d mind if you checked out their website at www.pacificpower.net.

        As always send your questions and comments to me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com. 

Hunting Trip

    Fall hunting season 2013 has begun in Southern Oregon.  Every year the news media carries stories of lost hunters, overdue hunters and sometimes a dramatic rescue thrown in for good measure.  I recently read the story of a 46 year old Canadian deer hunter who had taken a wrong turn, then got stuck in an unfamiliar area of backwoods Manitoba.  He had no cell phone service, no food and survived by melting snow water.  Twenty-one days later he walked out to a main road where he was picked up and given a ride back to town.  

    Obviously he did several things right because he lived to tell the story.  But even a novice can see a few mistakes he made.  First of all, he was out in unfamiliar territory (or he probably wouldn’t have taken a wrong turn) all by himself.  A hunting partner would probably have been a good choice in this instance.  Secondly, the article didn’t mention one way or another, but since he got stuck, let’s assume he was driving a two-wheel drive rig.  It is always a bad idea to go four-wheeling in a two-wheel drive.  

I recall some years back an elk hunter was reported overdue from a hunting trip in the Elliott State Forest..  As information became available, we learned we were going to be searching for a woman with two small children, driving a (get this) blue Oldsmobile.  Seriously?  After searching the mountain roads all night, we finally located her slid off the road in that Oldsmobile.  No one was injured as they had the good sense to stay in the vehicle.  To this day I still wonder where she thought she was going to stow that animal for the trip home.  

Our Canadian hunter had no food along as he obviously wasn’t planning to spend the night.  I recommend packing at least some minimal gear as though you just might be overnighting out in the woods.  I posed that suggestion to a young man just recently and he deftly produced his cell phone, commenting that if he had a problem, help was just a phone call away.  Hundreds of square miles of our prime hunting grounds have no service.  A can of Spam, a jar of peanut butter and maybe an MRE or two would be good to have along.  Just in case.  Fire-starting implements, a hatchet, a GPS receiver and maybe even a small tarp could ease an otherwise uncomfortable night in the out-of-doors.  

Take a tip from pilots who file a flight plan.  Always let someone know where you’re going, who you’re going with and when you plan to return.  Then be responsible and courteous enough to stick with your plan.  

Following a few common-sense rules will go a long way toward making your hunting trip safe, successful and freezer-filling.  As always, send your hunting-mishap stories or comments to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

Tune-Up Time

Every now and then it’s a great idea to “tune-up” your supplies.  A few weeks back I wrote about building a “Get Home Bag.”  Many preppers have a “Bug Out Bag” they keep stocked and ready to grab in the event they have to evacuate.  Mine is a “Get Home Bag” in case something happens when I’m away from home and need a few things with which to survive so I can get home.  In my case I usually have one or more of my grandkids along wherever I am and sooner or later one of them needs a Band-Aid, or a Tylenol (or similar pill) or I find myself using my flashlight or someone needs a knife.  You get the picture.  

Now would be a good time to bring your bag to the kitchen table, (tell your wife I said it was ok and that you’ll clean it all up right away) empty it out and go through your stuff.  Be on the lookout for jerky that’s way past it’s “best by” date, or stale crackers and any other food that is no longer edible for whatever reason.  Make a note to replenish and add to the food items you carry with you.  Check out those little packages of tuna and crackers the next time you’re at the store.  Some contain mayonnaise and even relish to mix and put on the crackers.  They’re a great snack and come in handy when the grandkids need a snack even when there’s no emergency.  Hey when a kid is hungry and you’re out somewhere, that IS an emergency!  I personally carry a couple cans of Spam in my bag.  Most of the American population goes into “Yuck!” mode when Spam is mentioned, but when sliced and fried, I convinced my kids it was “camping bacon”.   Some folks I met from New Zealand had purchased two cases of this delicacy and were shipping it home (at considerable expense) because they couldn’t get Spam at home. Don’t turn up your nose too quickly, it is protein and stores handily for a reasonable period of time.  

Then pick up a few extra Band-Aids and re-supply your First Aid kit. You DO have a First Aid kit don’t you?  Research shows that 44% of households in the U.S. don’t own a First Aid kit.   Make sure those little bags of gauze pads and other items are still sealed and not torn open or have otherwise lost their sterile integrity.  If your insect repellent is of the aerosol variety, check to insure it hasn’t all leaked out for some reason.  Consider buying the little pads that are just wiped on the skin.  They don’t take up as much room and aren’t as messy in the event something has accidentally pushed the button on the spray can.

Check your flashlight to make sure the batteries are good.  Consider carrying extras in your bag.  Seems like my flashlight gets used more often than any other item in my bag.  So I keep it handy and replace the batteries often.

Now check out your supplies inventory in the house.  Same thing goes, if you’ve “borrowed” from your toilet paper supply, restock. Make sure your supplies are bug-free, rodent-free, moisture-free and otherwise intact.  Your emergency lighting, cooking implements, and other equipment should be tested, cleaned and stored away in that special location until needed.  Sometimes peace of mind is as simple as a quick tune-up.

As always send your questions or comments to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com. 

Tsunami Tsafety

    Every city on the Oregon Coast has a tsunami warning system in place.    Officials in coastal communities have taken the threat of earthquake/tsunami seriously enough to create evacuation routes and a warning system designed to minimize casualties. Those little signs point the way to higher ground and safety from an incoming tsunami.  I’m always mildly amused by the sign that says, “Leaving Tsunami Zone.”  How do they know?  What if that sucker is two feet higher, or ten feet higher than their signpost?  Now I’m not privy to all of the scientific planning that went in to marking the zone, but I’m assuming that their data is solid and was attained through sound processes.  Just to be on the safe side, if I’m on the way out, running from a tsunami, I’m not stopping at that sign!

    Another thing not mentioned on the “evacuation route” signs is that if the anticipated earthquake is as severe as many think it will be, there is no way we can jump in our cars and simply drive our way to high ground.  Streets will be broken, bridges impassable, building debris is likely to cover the road, power poles and power lines will block streets and trees are apt to have fallen in inconvenient places.  More and more I’m hearing that folks are being instructed to “walk” to higher ground.  I’m thinking “run” is more like it, but some of us don’t run much anymore.  Not for very far anyway.  

    Also if you’re on the beach or at sea level and you feel the shaking of a quake, don’t wait for the siren.  That shaking is likely the only warning you will get.  Computer simulations have demonstrated that on January 26, 1700, when the last Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake stuck our coast, it is estimated that there was a 20 to 30 minute time period before the initial tsunami wave hit.  Geologic history has showed waves were at least as high as 30 feet and some believe much higher in places.  

    Another evacuation tactic is also being suggested: The concept of vertical evacuation.  That is, finding a sturdy building at least three stories high and climbing to at least the third story.  Again, if the building is higher, don't stop at the third floor.

     Whatever you do, DO NOT head for the beach to watch the action.  My friend Mongo, has an amazing webcam setup capable of capturing all the drama of  a tsunami.  Check out his website at www.bandon.tv.  He updates the site daily, and there is always a webcam pointed toward the ocean.  If you've ever had any inclination to ignore the above advice, just check out the videos on YouTube of the 2011 Japanese Tsunami.  Hopefully you will be convinced to act accordingly.

As always, if you have questions or comments, you may email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com. 

Wildfire Evacuation

    When it is no longer safe to live in your home, then it’s time to evacuate.  Some evacuations are middle-of-the-night, grab what you can and run because the water heater just set the house on fire.  But more often we think of evacuating in the face of a hurricane, tornado, or other cataclysmic event.  Then there are the times that you have a little more warning.  In past columns, I haven’t dwelt too much on evacuation because in our region, hurricanes and tornadoes are just not that common.  

    All that changed for several residents of Southern Oregon these past few weeks.  On Friday, July 26, some 311 lightning strikes ignited fires in Coos, Douglas and Josephine Counties. Within three days 3600 firefighters, 17 helicopters, 142 wildland fire engines, 22 bulldozers and 6 air tankers were on the scene, battling the scores of fires which have now grown to cover nearly 45,000 acres.

    According to officials, 470 homes were threatened and hundreds were ordered to evacuate their homes.  In Oregon, evacuation orders are issued by the County Sheriff, although the actual door-to-door work can be with the cooperation of the various agencies battling the fire.  

    Paul Ries, Public Information Officer with the Oregon Department of Forestry, gave me a rundown on how evacuations are handled.  When it comes to wildland fires, there are three levels of evacuation notices with which folks should be familiar.  Level 1 is to be ready.  Residents are encouraged to move livestock and pets out of the area.  Evacuation is voluntary at this point.  Level 2 Residents are ordered to leave soon!  Roads are usually closed and entry to evacuated areas may be denied.  Residents may have time to gather necessary items, but will do so at their own risk. A Level 3 notice is an order to leave immediately, that imminent danger exists and there is no time to gather personal belongings.

    According to Ries some were more “disaster-ready” than others.  Each family was told to consider the 5 “P’s” when making plans to evacuate.  The 5 “P’s” include People and Pets (and other livestock too), Papers (important documents), Prescriptions, including hearing aids, eyeglasses and your medications, Photographs, so your memories are preserved and last is your Personal Computer.  There is often invaluable, irreplaceable data on your hard drive.

    Of course, having a complete 72 hour kit at the ready is going to ease the task of what to take, but as always having a plan in place will eliminate a whole lot of confusion when the time comes to evacuate.  When you have a plan, the panic factor, not to mention the stress on the marriage, is greatly diminished.

    Miraculously, at this writing, there have been no homes lost and some families are being allowed back into their houses.  Residents were quick to praise the high level of professionalism of the various agencies and the manner in which each facet of the evacuations were carried out.  

    Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed is still the theme for every disaster.  The best time to make ready is now, before the event.

    As always, send your comments and questions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com. 

Go Camping

    One of the more popular summer activities in our area is always camping.  We live in the middle of one of the most beautiful outdoor recreation areas in the world.  No matter where you live in the South Coast region of Oregon, you are only a short drive from an amazing camping location.  Whether you need full hookups for your home on wheels or simply a flat spot to pitch your tent, Southwestern Oregon has a camping experience to meet your need.

    While I have always loved to go camping, not everyone is in love with a back-to-nature weekend.  “Why would you want to pretend you’re homeless?”  “We have a nice house, why go live in a tent with no shower, no toilet and rough it?”  It is a lot of extra work, and when you get home, you have to clean up your stuff and put it away while you’re feeling grimy, tired and a little weird from eating too much junk food!  On the “plus” side, you have just made an amazing memory with your kids!

    But with all this being true, a family camping trip is a great way to test your disaster preparedness skills.  How organized are you?  I don’t think I have ever gone camping when I didn’t forget something I needed.  A few years back I took my grandson up in the Siskiyou National Forest for a three-day trip.  When we arrived at the Forest Service campground we set up the tent, arranged our ice chest full of food and it was then I discovered I had forgotten the Coleman stove.  I took stock of my situation and decided to go it without the stove.  It was too far to go back home and retrieve the thing, it was also too far to go to town and buy another one.  Besides I looked at my menu and decided I could cook everything on my list over an open campfire.  So we did.  It wasn’t as handy as the stove would have been, but other than blackening some of my cooking utensils, we made do with no serious consequences.

    Maybe a camping trip would be a good shake-down cruise for your disaster preps. Make a list, check off the items and spend a weekend in the wild.  You will invariably learn what you should have brought along.  You will even learn what you could have left behind.   If the power grid fails, or a major earthquake strikes, your camping gear will be your key to maintaining some kind of normalcy.  If you have it arranged in a general location, you’ll be able to lay your hands on what you need quickly. Maybe even in the dark.  Your lantern, your cook stove, and other gear will get you through while your neighbors are still trying to hunt up their flashlight.  While we’re on the topic of your neighbors; once your home is stabilized, make sure your neighbors are ok.  It’s possible they are completely unprepared and are sitting in the dark hoping the lights come back on soon.  

    If you’ve ever gone camping and forgotten something important, I’d like to hear about it. As always, your comments and questions may be sent to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

C.E.R.T.

    Community Emergency Response Team, commonly referred to as C.E.R.T, refers to a cadre of volunteers who have spent time equipping themselves to respond in a disaster.  The professional emergency responders know they will be completely overwhelmed when an earthquake or other disaster strikes the region.  Having a volunteer group on call who has already been through “basic training” and possesses certain basic equipment will be a lifesaver during the time of crisis.  

    If this interests you, and you want to be listed in the asset column in your community then now’s your chance.  Signing up for C.E.R.T. training includes classes on First Aid, Triage,

Light Search and Rescue, the proper use of a fire extinguisher among other related topics.  In most communities, only C.E.R.T. personnel are allowed in the operational areas to assist in time of disaster.  Well-meaning, untrained volunteers are often considered obstacles to the mission at hand, in other words, liabilities.  

    Mark your calendar now.  C.E.R.T. training will begin on October 1, 2013, at the Bandon Fire Department.  Classes will be held every Tuesday evening for eight weeks, until November 19.  For registration information and more details go to: http://www.banprep.org/contact-us.php

    Most C.E.R.T. training sessions involve a long, intensive marathon weekend which is a little like trying to drink from a firehose.  The way this class is structured the student gets a chance to absorb and process each topic from week to week, and still keep all your weekends free.

    Additionally a new app for your smartphone is on the way.  Called CERTify, the app enables CERT coordinators to send messages and assignments to team members during an emergency situation.  It also enables decision-makers to keep a closer eye on volunteers’ safety and rescue credentials.  The app was developed as part of a contest to create applications for various public safety issues.  Available later this year, the app will allow C.E.R.T. members to be to able update their training profile and also notify the disaster coordinator or Incident Command personnel upon completion of assigned tasks.

One future enhancement in the works is the app will allow users access to an emergency communications channel that could be utilized if the cellular network was down.  

The subjects covered in C.E.R.T. classes are topics with which everyone should be familiar. You really should have some knowledge of basic first aid.  You should know how to conduct a search in your neighborhood.  The first time you look at your fire extinguisher should not be when the flames are licking at your neighbor’s curtains.  

As always send your comments and questions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

Get Home Bag

    If you’ve been reading this column over the past several months, you’re already on board with the theme, “Get A Kit, Make A Plan, Be Informed.”  Lets face it, most people know that they need to have some things set aside at home just in case the power goes out, but lets discuss what happens when you’re not home and a disaster happens.  

    Several months back I shared a story about how I was unable to get home from work on one occasion.  Although I didn’t have to sleep on the floor of my office, I did have a toothbrush, razor and other items that helped me get by until I could get home.

I live in Myrtle Point and commute to work in Bandon every day.  My wife works in Coos Bay, so both of us are away from home a large share of time.  The odds are very good of something happening while we are away from home.  Some time ago, our son challenged us; “If a disaster were to occur while you were at work, would you have what you needed to survive long enough to get home?”  Now, a few years have passed and my bag has grown.    Since then I am rarely without it.  It goes to work with me, if I leave town for a few days I’ve got it with me.  Like many folks my age, I take certain medications that keep my system on an even keel. In the event I’m stranded somewhere, then I would need my pills and have included a few days’ supply of my meds in the kit.  

You may have guessed there are kits available to purchase. Someone gave me a three-day kit about the size of a kid’s lunch box.  It is very tidy, compact and actually has enough to get by in a pinch.  It contains a little first aid kit, some food bars, a couple of water pouches and some odds and ends.  I don’t carry it with me, rather I use it for demonstration purposes. Everyone’s kit will look differently based on your individual needs.  

As usual I recommend building your own kit.  That way you will become ‘invested’ in this project, rather than let someone decide for you what you’re going to need.  I suggest you go online and check out the kits that catch your eye and get ideas to put in your own kit.  Those ready-made kits are going to contain items you will never use.  When you assemble your own you will have given some thought to every single item.  

You can begin with a medium-sized backpack, some extra clothing items, some toiletries and a few food items.  From there use your imagination.  Play the “what-if” game.  How about an extra pair of eyeglasses or an eyeglass repair kit?  A sewing kit?  Always include a first aid kit with easy-to-access Band-Aids and Tylenol.  Those will be the items you reach for most often. Don’t forget a good quality, compact flashlight, maybe a small box of candles (and matches or disposable lighter).  You’re starting to get the idea.  Be careful, this thing will grow.  Mine did.

If you have a unique item in your kit or a story to share, email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.