Hurricane Matthew

As of this writing, Hurricane Matthew is headed back out into the Atlantic to vent its energy at sea as it moves up the eastern seaboard.  News accounts have the death toll at 17 on U.S. soil and somewhere between 300-900 in Haiti.  Damage reports are still being tallied as the post-hurricane flood waters are still rising.  

Millions were evacuated from their homes and businesses were closed as the winds and rain bore down on the region.  Some of the video showed people stocking up on supplies, groceries and one shopper had a cart full of gasoline cans, obviously for stocking up.  Other pictures showed bare shelves in stores indicating that last minute preppers were making a run on necessities.  We see similar pictures every time a hurricane or major storm threatens the populace.  

I’m a bit puzzled by a couple of things.  First, for several days ahead of a major storm making landfall, the news media is all over it.  Meteorologists are experts at gauging estimated wind speeds, the intensity (Category 4 or whatever) and if and where the monster is expected to make landfall.  With all of this prediction, and fairly accurate prediction I might add, why do people wait?  Wouldn’t a reasonable person hear the news and call home?  “Honey, the newsman just said we’re going to get hit by a hurricane in two days.  Round up the kids and I’ll be home in a half hour, we’ll get our kit and head for your mother’s in Ohio.”  Seems like most folks would rather than wait until the last minute and be forced to compete for gasoline and groceries then fight gridlock as everyone else is leaving town with you.  During Hurricane Katrina, the officials actually reversed the traffic flow so that all lanes led out of town.  Still there were so many things wrong on so many levels during the Katrina that over 2000 lives were lost, mostly due to procrastination.  

Secondly, why are the store shelves bare?  If everyone would stock up, even just a little bit, it would save on that last minute “hopefully they still have some peanut butter” shopping rush that we see on all the news channels.  It’s really not expensive to put some extra groceries aside.  Shop the sales or try the warehouse stores for the best deals.  Get in on the “buy one, get one” offers and learn to use coupons.  

Prior planning can save your life.  At the very least it can get you ahead of the crowd when everyone else is scrambling for their supplies and trying to get out of town.  

Winter weather is coming.  There will be blizzards throughout the land, and for those of us in the Pacific Northwest we will see wind storms come in off the ocean with accompanying heavy rain.  This is the season for which we prepare.  Gasoline for the generator.  Extra groceries when the road to town is flooded.  And for those in blizzard country, an extra blanket or two in the car, some water and even a couple of cans of Spam for that time when you slide off the road and have to spend the night in your car.  Remember it is just as expensive to run your car on the upper half of the gas tank as it is on the bottom half.

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

Flood Evacuation

I woke recently to a flood evacuation announcement for Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  I don’t live anywhere near Iowa so I wasn’t alarmed, but I could empathize with those folks who are packing their stuff and heading for safety.  Eight years ago Cedar Rapids suffered billions in damage from a flood that caught everyone off guard.  This time I read stories of folks dismantling their basement furnace and loading it into a trailer.  Also a group of volunteers removed the seats in a theater and moved them to higher ground to avoid damage.  

With all the flooding in the news these past few weeks it’s time for folks to think about what to do in the event they are required to evacuate.  

In my corner of Oregon, we often get flooding with our winter rains, but since the planning folks don’t allow building in the flood zone, it usually doesn’t require evacuation.  Ranchers however,  graze their livestock on the fertile bottom land and they routinely have a plan to get their critters to safety.  

However, if you live in a flood-prone region, it is only wise to have a plan in place for evacuation.  The mantra of all preppers is this:  Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Prepared.  A kit is important.  Extra supplies and all manner of pantry items are invaluable.  But as important as it is to have a well-stocked kit, it is even more important to have a plan in place.  Plans avoid confusion, stress on the family and set the expectation for what everyone will be doing when the time comes.  The first order of business is to determine your flood risk.  The best resource is your local Department of Emergency Management, usually affiliated with your local Sheriff’s Department or other local governmental authority.  You could also ask long-time residents, “Does it ever flood here?”  Listen to advice of the old-timers.  It’s also a great way to build relationships with your neighbors.  

Make an actual plan for each member of the family for every possible scenario.  Having the entire family together, at home, when disaster strikes is almost too much to ask for.  Make a list of all the “What if?” questions.  Where will you meet, how will you get there?  What method of communication does everyone have?  Do you have an out-of-state contact and does each family member have that information?  What if cell phone, internet and landline systems are down?  All these questions should be addressed if your plan is going to cover all possible events.  For more information, go to www.ready.gov.  There are templates to print off for each family member and for a variety of situations.  

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

Hunting Season 2016

Crisp autumn mornings.  Guns and ammo on sale in the sporting goods stores.  This can only mean one thing; hunting season is upon us.  That time of year when every guy  becomes an outdoorsman, tunes up their 4 X 4, buys new orange camo and stocks up on new, (and very necessary) expensive gear.  All for the opportunity to get up early, tromp through damp underbrush (uphill and down) and hopefully get a clear shot at a trophy buck.  Then comes the not-fun part.  Cleaning the animal, packing it out (always from the bottom of a canyon at least two miles from the road), then skinning, cutting up, wrapping and getting the meat in the freezer.  Now comes the best part of all; telling the story.  “There I was, 475 yards away, he was running away from me at an angle…uphill, through dense underbrush...”  You get the idea.  

Now don’t get me wrong, I love the outdoors as much as the next guy.  I quit hunting deer and elk a few years back when I realized that, “when the animal drops, the fun stops!”  These days I confine my hunting to varmints, sage rats (Central Oregon ground squirrels that tear up the alfalfa fields) and other non-game animals.  That keeps my shooting skills sharp and gets me in the great out of doors with my son and grandsons.  

Here comes the good part:  Just because someone can afford a hunting rifle, a four-wheel drive pickup and all the gear doesn’t mean he (or she) has any business in the wild aiming a high-powered rifle at a deer.  It is possible to get all the equipment, the license, the tag, and never have an ounce of training.  

Venturing into the wild bears little resemblance to a quick trip to the mall for a latte’.  Yet some hunters exercise the same level of planning and thought as they would if they were simply making a quick run for groceries.  We read their stories every year in the newspapers.  Sometimes they simply spend a chilly night under a tree and suffer no more than hunger pangs.  Other times the outcome is much more serious.  And then there is the guy who is missing for three weeks then shows up with an amazing story to tell.  It's usually that guy who put some thought into his outing and took along a few basics, just in case.  

If you’re venturing out this year, consider the following:  Don’t go alone.  Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.  Take a few items you can use for your survival, fire starter, flashlight, a few packages of Mountain House (or similar product), a tarp, a blanket and if it’s not too much trouble, throw in your chainsaw.  Don’t forget your first-aid kit, but then you should already have one in your vehicle.   Even a few items can make the difference between death and living to tell your grandkids the story.  

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

inReach

Responsible disaster plans always include an arrangement to get in touch with a friend or relative outside your local area.  Whenever there is a natural disaster, one of the first things to break down is our system of communications. I have participated in several debriefing sessions following disaster exercises and the one problem always discussed is that of communication. If the Incident Commanders can’t get their messages out, then the entire mission is hampered.  Getting messages out of your local area is often easier to do than calling across the street.  Power outages affect the commercial radio stations and cell phone systems usually get jammed up with an overload of calls.  Ham radios can work when all other communication equipment is down, but that option requires licensing, training and a fair investment in specialized equipment.  Fortunately technology keeps developing and searching for the perfect solution.

Enter the DeLorme inReach.  Described as a satellite communicator using the Iridium satellite system it will send messages via text.  The inReach SE will operate either on its own or paired with a mobile device.  (Yes there’s an app available: Earthmate.)  There are different versions but the SE (screen edition) includes a dedicated SOS button to send an emergency message to DeLorme’s 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center.  Other features include a rechargeable 100 hour battery and an impact-resistant, waterproof case.

There are several devices on the market that provide grid-down communication, but none with this kind of two-way satellite communication.  The goTenna is an excellent product, as is FMRS radio technology, but both are limited in effective distance capability.  Ham radio operators are quick to point out, and correctly so, that their systems are capable of worldwide voice communication and can operate independent of the electrical grid.  As a licensed ham myself, I can tell you there is a substantial investment required to come up to that level of capability.  All these systems have benefits but all are limited in scope in at least one important aspect..

The inReach technology does carry a price.  The SE version retails for $300.00 (that’s a single unit, two may be required) then there is a maintenance/service fee.  Maintenance fees vary widely depending on your choice of service options but can be as much as $99.00 per month.  The fee programs are flexible, thus bringing the costs down considerably, depending on how much you plan to use the system.  (Remember how outrageous cell phone fees were for 60 minutes per month?)  I would expect that as the system grows and technology increases, those fees will become more reasonable.  

So as you perfect your disaster preparedness planning, consider how you will establish a solid means of  communication with your out-of-state contacts.  Texting with your cell phone is usually more reliable than voice calls during a crisis because of system overload, but the inReach satellite communicator may just be your best option.  

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

This what it looks like.  If you'd like me to build you one, the cost is $299.00.  More pics to follow:

Solar Generator

Several months back Ted Koppel released the book, “Lights Out”.  His book explores what it would be like to have a nationwide electrical blackout for a lengthy period and the result of an in-depth look into the vulnerabilities of the nation’s power grid.  More than one reviewer called the book “scary”!  

I have written a few times on the loss of electricity and how to survive a grid-down, experience.  I own a backup generator, but they require fuel.  It is neither practical nor safe to store the amount of fuel needed to see one through a lengthy power failure.  I have calculated I have enough fuel on hand to keep my refrigerator and freezer running until the food contained therein is depleted.  

I have always thought solar energy was cool, but here on the Southern Oregon Coast, sometimes our days are “sunlight hindered” if you get the hint.  I have had some free time on my hands recently and stumbled across a set of online plans for a solar generator I thought was not only practical, but affordable.  This unit is portable, self-contained and capable of light duty usage.  

I based my unit on a Plano toolbox, available at most hardware stores.  The toolbox is built from heavy-duty plastic and seemed big enough to duplicate the plans I had seen online.  I ordered all the components from Amazon.com and in a few days the parts began to arrive.  In true “Tim Taylor” fashion I didn’t precisely follow the online example in that, instead of a 10 watt solar panel, I ordered a 20 watt unit.  After all it wasn’t that much more expensive and we all can use more horsepower. Right?  Instead of one, 12 volt, 18 amp, sealed lead acid battery, I ordered two.  Increased storage capacity you understand.  Then I added a 500 watt inverter and a solar charge controller.  I also added a 12 volt plug-in that looks like a cigarette lighter receptacle and a USB receptacle.  Those I mounted in the lid of the toolbox for ease of access.

After spending a few hours in my shop and three days sitting cross-legged on my living room floor, I have all the pieces assembled and wonder of wonders:  It works!!  Lights light up and when I plug my cell phone into a USB port, the phone goes “ding” and it charges.

As an interesting side note, I plugged a 60 watt floor lamp into the inverter.   The inverter has a readout that lets you know how many watts you are pulling.  The readout boldly proclaimed, “60 watts”.  I unscrewed the incandescent bulb and screwed in an LED bulb, the display:  3 watts. Besides the light is brighter than the regular bulb.  So if you’re agonizing over spending the extra for LEDs, go for it.  They will easily pay for themselves in time and (I haven’t tested this yet) but they seem to last longer than either the compact (spiral) fluorescents or the old school incandescent bulbs.

Please know, this won’t power up your microwave, blow dryer or any major appliance.  It will keep your phones charged, your laptop, tablet, toothbrush, bluetooth speaker, goTenna, battery operated power tools and nearly any other rechargeable device in your inventory.  

My total cost was in the neighborhood of $200.00.  I picked up all my wire and connectors at the local hardware store.  For now this is a work in progress so I will undoubtedly keep fine-tuning for a bit longer.  Also understand, I am not an electrician, but if you have questions about how I did it and where I got the plans, send me an email at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

Listening to Venezuela

Ask any prepper why they prepare and you’ll get a variety of answers:  Societal collapse, major natural disaster, zombie apocalypse (whatever that is), or nationwide economic breakdown.  If you’ve been following international news, you are probably aware the (socialist) economy in Venezuela is in free-fall.  According to the Associated Press, shortages now top the nation’s list of concerns, even more than safety.  ATM limits of $8.00 per day have not kept pace with triple-digit inflation.  Long lines at pharmacies, banks, gas stations and even the mortuary don’t compare to the lines at grocery stores.  When the grocery supply trucks fling open their doors, no one knows if they will contain pantry staples or dog food.  Identification cards with fingerprint verification are used to monitor grocery purchases and shoppers are restricted to one shopping trip every eight days.  Are you getting the picture?

So what are they really short of?  Everything actually, but primarily, food.  On one hand the Venezuelan government is telling people that it’s illegal to hoard food, and at the same time they tell the citizenry they need to grow their own food. There was no exception or provision for those living in urban apartments.  (Check out my blog entries on growing sprouts in a quart jar.)  Then there’s the shortage of hygiene items.  Laundry soap, toilet tissue, toothpaste, feminine items and paper towels.  The list goes on and on.

How do you prepare against a nationwide shutdown?  Almost the same way you would prepare for any other disaster. With an economic meltdown, there will be little damage to the physical infrastructure.  But every other system, service and supply line will be crippled. Think of what’s on your shopping list and consider what all you would run short of if you couldn’t go to the store for a month, or longer.  Some of us go to the store every day to buy groceries for dinner.  Few people think ahead with no concern for anything ever going wrong.  I wonder if those folks in Venezuela thought their government would somehow make it all okay and ensure their needs were met as always? Many of us in the U.S. are exactly of that opinion.  We relax in the comfy hammock of government oversight and so-called consumer protection, not suspecting how fragile that entire house of cards may be.  Check your pantry, storage closet and supplies to see if you have on hand what what you’d need to survive a protracted period.  If you’re an urban apartment dweller, your needs and plans will differ from those of us in a rural setting.  Urban folks, need to decide to either “shelter-in” or to bug out.  Make your plans now!  City folk need to understand when there are shortages, there will always be those who are not shy about crossing the line to forcibly take what they need.

The phrase, “May you live in interesting times,” seems to be seeking fulfillment these past months.  Increased racial tensions, attacks on police officers, attempted coups, and terrorist activity across the globe make for a pandemic of global instability.  If you think this doesn’t affect you and the security of your loved ones, then snuggle down into your little hammock of denial and trust the government to meet your needs.  

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

Jump Starting Your Food Supply

    Whenever a person thinks of prepping, the first topic that usually comes to mind is food.  What to store, how much to store, how to store, and which store to go to?  There are all kinds of food packages you can purchase.  You can get a year’s supply of dehydrated or freeze-dried fare for $4,000 or a 72 hour kit for one person at WalMart for $64.00.

    I’m going to give you a list of items you can buy at your local grocery store, things that you would probably have on hand anyway.  The dehydrated kits you buy generally tout a 25-year shelf life.  So the normal things you purchase, should be rotated out every few months or so.  One rule of thumb when it comes to storing up food is;  buy food that your body is accustomed to eating!  During a disaster, your system will be on overload anyway, and there is no benefit to introducing a whole new menu to your gastric system in a time of crisis.  

    Some people lay in backpacking freeze-dried food to be eaten when the time comes.  That is all well and good, unless you have never tried those entrees and you experience a revolt of sorts when you’re already stressed out anyway.  Store food to which your body is already accustomed!   

Here’s the beginning of a shopping list:  (The second half will come next week.)

1.  20 lbs of rice.  Rice seems pretty boring, but it is filling, nutritious and adaptable to a wide variety of entrees.

2.  20 lbs of pinto beans.  Beans are also a valuable part of every storage plan.  Combined with rice they fulfill a protein need in your menu.

3.  20 cans of vegetables.  Green beans, peas, corn and canned tomatoes are a good start.  Buy what you already eat and enjoy.

4.  20 cans of fruit.  Peaches, pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail, all to your taste.  

5.  20 cans of meat.  Chicken, tuna, shrimp, salmon, vienna sausages, beef stew and don’t forget Spam.  Those square cans fit really well on the shelf and if it’s fried, you can make the kids believe it is “camping bacon.”  It worked for my kids anyway.  I even recently found some canned roast beef.

6.  4 lbs of oats.  A warm bowl of oatmeal can be a welcome meal any time of day.  Topped with some canned fruit, it makes a refreshing treat.

7. 2 (or more) large jars of peanut butter.  A good source of protein and surprisingly filling.  Tastes good too!

8.  Pick up a supply of powdered drink mix.  Tang, Crystal Light or similar product.  Make sure it’s loaded with vitamin C.

9.  5 lbs of powdered milk.  It’s great protein and is loaded with other nutrients.  It’s filling and can be used on that oatmeal as well.

10.  5 lbs of salt.  Salt is an essential for survival as well as a food enhancer.  Our bodies need salt to survive.

    You don’t need to fill this shopping list all at once.  Watch for sales.  Pay attention to the “buy one, get one” promotions.  Use coupons.  One reader told me she saved several thousand dollars in just one year by using coupons.  At the same time she built a substantial pantry for use in a disaster.  

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

Jump Start Your Food Supply

Part II

    Last week we began a shopping list of groceries to get started with your food storage plan.  These are everyday items you can buy at any food market.  All the experts recommend storing food with which your body is already familiar.  In the event of a disaster, everyone’s system is under stress and introducing strange food into your diet will only serve to sideline you at a time when you need to be 100%.  

    Don’t try to do this all at once.  Watch the sales, shop the bargains and buy what you know.  You can get the dehydrated meals if you like, and they will keep you alive, and they do look good stacked in your pantry, but I’m willing to wager that you’ve never tasted them.  

    If you missed last week’s column, you can check my blog (see below) in a few weeks for a complete list.

11. 10 lbs of pancake mix.  Buy the “just add water” variety, such as Krusteaz. Simple to make, easy to fix and everybody’s familiar with hotcakes.  Don’t forget a jug of syrup

12.  2 lbs of honey and 2 jars of jam.  Everybody needs a little sweetness.

13.  10 lbs of pasta. Again, easy to fix, familiar to everyone and a great comfort food.

14.  10 cans or jars of spaghetti sauce.  Goes great with the pasta.  Cheap and satisfying. It’s not homemade, but it does dress up the pasta.

15.  20 cans of soup or broth or soup mixes.  The beauty of soup is that they are a budget friendly, all-in-one meal solution and most require only water for preparation.

16.  1 large jug of cooking oil. Olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut or some other cooking oil, but definitely get some.

17.  Spices and condiments.  “Spice” up your pasta and oatmeal with some of the spices you already have in your cupboard and are accustomed to using, but lay in some extra.  Garlic, pepper, tabasco, all your favorites.

18.  5 lbs of coffee and 100 tea bags.  For some of us life just isn’t life without our coffee.  Tea can be therapeutic and soothing as well.

19.  2 large bags of hard candies.  Peppermints, butterscotch and lemon drops can go a long way toward making a hard situation bearable.

20.  Flashlight and extra batteries.  Lots of extra batteries.  Ok, I know, this isn’t edible.  But you can never have enough flashlights and batteries.  

    Now I know what you’re saying.  There are a lot of essentials I forgot.  Remember this is a “starter” list.  Some might say we need flour, wheat, yeast, and other baking necessities.   Quite frankly a whole lot of folks today don’t have a clue what to do with flour, nor do they have an oven that works without electricity.  Those things,  and others,  are important and should be a part of every food plan so don’t pass them up for your comprehensive plan.

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

Grown-Up Skills

    A recent posting on Facebook pointed out that thirty percent of college freshmen didn’t know how to boil an egg, 52% of American teens can’t change a tire, and 70% had no idea how to sew on a button.   

    A quick online search found a 1933 Harper’s magazine article titled “Skills Every Man Should Know.”  Eighty years later the list is a bit out-dated, listing items such as, How to Dance, How to Drink (yep you heard it right), How to Swim, Ride a Horse and the list goes on.  Certain European countries historically required driver’s license applicants to demonstrate their ability to change a tire and clean spark plugs.  Most countries no longer require these skills with the wane of 2-cycle engines and modern tire quality upgrades.

    I have a friend who calls the handyman to hang a picture in his office.  I don’t necessarily advocate that every person be proficient in handyman skills depending on their individual situation.  If you live in the city, you might not need to have chainsaw skills, nor have developed the ability to do your own fix-it jobs around the house, but in the event of a disaster, Y.O.Y.O.  (You’re on your own.)  It will be difficult to hire someone to screw plywood over your busted window, or to repair your fractured plumbing.  You get the picture.  

    I recall some years ago, we were in a caravan headed to Mexico to help some folks.  One of the vehicles lost the lights to their cargo trailer.  I handed my son a screwdriver, knife and a roll of electrical tape.  He got right on it.  The car’s owner asked, “How did you learn to do that?”  I looked at him with a look of, “doesn’t everyone know this?”  No, not everyone does.  Some think these skills are beneath them.  Some think these things are too difficult to learn, and yet some think they will just magically learn this stuff when the time comes.  

So if there’s a chance you might need a chainsaw, get one and learn to use it.  How about a battery powered drill for screwing that plywood over your window?  Some basic PVC plumbing pieces and a can of glue will make you a hero when the pipes break.  

    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 resources.  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.

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

...five smooth stones

No conversation involving Disaster Preparedness is complete without at a mention of the topic of guns.  I usually purposely avoid the subject because of strong feelings on both sides of the issue.  But let me draw a line here;  I am a former police officer (15 years), Air Force veteran (Vietnam) conservative, Republican, Christian, NRA member, and (these days) infrequent hunter.  I am also aware that in the event of disaster the police, fire and other first responders are going to have their hands full with someone else’s emergency.  That, coupled with the lack of restraint  of a certain criminal element during times of distress makes a very good case for gun ownership.  

So now comes the part where you choose a firearm.  I have compiled a list, not of specific brands, but of general types.  If you are entirely opposed to the concept of responsible gun-ownership, then read no farther and remember to call 911 when you need help.

First, a good all-purpose firearm is a shotgun.  A .12 gauge shotgun can handle a wide range of ammo, smaller “shot” for small birds and animals, rifled slug for deer and larger game, and 00 buck for home defense. Few sounds strike terror in the heart of bad guys like the sound of a shell being “racked” into the chamber of a .12 gauge shotgun.   Second, a good quality .22 rifle.  Many good brands are on the market and even though there has been a shortage of ammunition the past couple of years, it still is a great all-purpose firearm for a wide range of needs.  Small game, inexpensive target practice and in many cases, personal defense.  Next, a good hunting rifle.  Most of us get our preferences from our dads, 30-30, .270, 30-06, 308, and 7mm are all popular calibers for hunting deer, elk or even bear.  The bolt-action is the most popular and most reliable. So if your preparedness plan includes hunting for your fresh meat at up to 300 (or more) yards, start doing your research and choose what hunting rifle fits you best.

    Mention of the next two always stir up controversy.  First is a good quality handgun.  Handgun ownership requires training, practice and responsible behavior. Your choice of handgun depends on your purpose for carrying.  Do you intend to buy a handgun for the purpose of concealed carry? (Check on local laws.)  Do you intend to just take it to the range for target practice, or will it rest in a secure location in your home ready to repel a home-invasion?  Be sure to get advice from more than one person as everyone has their own opinion regarding which one to purchase. There are decisions to make like which caliber, which style and whether or not you need a revolver or semi-auto pistol.  Some people actually know what they’re talking about while some only have an opinion based on purchase price and possibly a one-time experience.  

Lastly, when all chaos and lawlessness breaks loose in your neighborhood, there’s nothing that compares with a military-style semi-automatic rifle.  The most popular models are either based on the AR-15 originally designed by Armalite or the AK Russian version designed by Dr/Gen. Kalashnikov.  A man with a rifle has options.  The AR fires an intermediate power cartridge useful for longer range engagements and devastating at close ranges.  Commonality with most law enforcement and U.S. Military.  Easy to obtain parts and accessories.  Lightweight, with low recoil and very accurate.

As always send your comments, arguments and politically correct rationale to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  Dave Robinson is the Postmaster in Bandon, Oregon, and the author of “Disaster Prep For The Rest Of Us,” available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com, and other online booksellers.

C.O.O.P.

Everybody likes to poke fun at the government, especially the post office. I have worked for the Postal Service for over 30 years and have heard all the horror stories, complaints and “suggestions.” And yes, I admit, we do make mistakes, but we also do lots of things right. One of the things we do well is keeping the mail moving when nothing else seems to be.

When Hurricane Katrina simply wiped some post offices off their

foundations and filled others with water and debris, the Postal Service was one of the very first agencies to respond quickly and get the mail moving in areas where other government services were paralyzed for days, and in some cases, weeks.

Each year every postmaster is required to complete a Continuation Of Operations Plan (C.O.O.P.). This plan lists the personnel who are capable of providing leadership in an emergency, establishes an alternate post office in the area if your local office is somehow rendered unusable, and forges a plan to keep the mail flowing as much as possible.

For those of us on the South Coast of Oregon, keeping the mail moving to and from the region will depend on the bridges remaining in service and the roads being open, which in the event of an earthquake may or may not be realistic. The experts tell us a major quake will isolate us for several weeks due to closed roads and bridges. That will affect the trucks which transport our mail as well. Limited mail service could possibly be handled by airplane or helicopter until the roads are again made passable.

While I’m on the topic, your grocer’s trucks won’t be able to get through either. Experience in other areas has taught us that grocery store shelves empty out within hours of a major event. I’m not here to scare you, but you really do need to be putting aside some groceries.

For those who receive medication by mail, this is another matter to consider. Connecting with your doctor to arrange an extra supply of needed prescriptions would be something you may want to discuss on your next visit.

Back to C.O.O.P., if you own a business, do you have a plan to continue operations without power? If an event happens during mid-workday and your employees can’t get home, is your workplace set up to provide for their needs until they can get home? I realize this is taking the conversation to a higher level, but if you’re serious about being ready, these are questions you need to ask yourself. This would be a good topic of discussion for your next staff meeting. Asking, and finding answers for, the hard questions now will lessen some of the hard decisions you may have to make when the time comes.

As always, contact me with questions or comments at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

More Tips For Seniors

    The topic of Disaster Preparedness seems to resonate more with Seniors than with the younger set, partly because of vulnerability due to special age-related issues.  Many Seniors live alone and some are dealing with mobility issues.  Yet most have developed a wisdom that often accompanies gray hair that something bad CAN happen because they have lived through at least one disastrous event in their lives.

    The mantra of “Get A Kit, Make A Plan, and Be Informed” still applies to the mature crowd and there are many low cost-things Seniors can buy and no-cost plans they can make to avoid that feeling of helplessness and despair.

    In my humble opinion, the single most important thing anyone can do to prepare for a disaster is to organize their neighborhood.  And it doesn’t cost a cent!  Contacting your neighbors, especially fellow Seniors can build a sense of community and camaraderie along with an assurance no one need to face adversity alone.  Introduce the topic at the Senior Center, or your church group or the quilting group.  Collaborating on projects can not only bring some peace of mind, but just may bring some new friends into your life.

    According to the American Red Cross it is still your responsibility to know what to do when disaster strikes.  Remember, the first responders are going to be overwhelmed and Y.O.Y.O.  (You’re On Your Own).

First thing to do is gather enough supplies to get by for several days without going to the store.  In the event of an earthquake, the stores will sell out within hours and there will be nothing to buy anyway.  If you live in a location that requires evacuation, you will want to store your supplies in totes that have wheels.  Easier to move that way.  

    If you require a cane, walker or wheelchair, be sure to label it with your name, address and phone number just in case you and your equipment get separated.  

    Remember to rotate your supplies.  Keep an eye on the “best if used by” dates.  Then simply rotate your stored supplies into everyday use.  Also shift your batteries, medications and other perishable items before they expire.  Keep in mind you may want to stock up on certain medications.  Most doctors are sympathetic to your needs regarding planning for disaster and are willing to cooperate by prescribing most maintenance medications in advance.  The difficult thing here is to get your insurance to get on board with that concept. So any advance preparations you make in that regard may have to come out of your own pocket.  Then be sure to take special care to mind the expiration dates on your meds.  I’m told that most medication doesn’t actually “go bad” but it does tend to lose its potency and effectiveness over time.  Also try to see your way clear to pick up an extra pair of eyeglasses.  Some of us have enough trouble keeping track of our glasses even without a disaster, so adding a pair of drugstore “cheaters” to our kit just might not be a bad idea either.

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

Seasoned Preppers

    One of the most vulnerable groups is that of our “seasoned citizens.”  Whether it’s mobility issues, health concerns or just simply the “alone factor,”  our seniors often have different needs than the younger crowd.  

    This week’s column is provided especially for our seniors although the information is just as relevant for the post-boomer generation as well.  As I have mentioned before, when disaster occurs, the first responders are overwhelmed.  Y.O.Y.O then becomes a reality.  (You’re On Your Own).   The American Red Cross recommends you create a Personal Support Network made up of several folks who will check in on you, ensure your wellness and give assistance if needed.  This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors. Ideally, a minimum of three people can be identified at each location where you regularly spend time, for example at work, home, or volunteer site.

    There are seven (7) important items to discuss and implement with a personal support network:

1.  Make arrangements, prior to an emergency, for your support network to immediately check on you after a disaster and, if needed, offer assistance.

2.  Exchange important keys.

3.  Show them where you keep emergency supplies.

4.  Share copies of your relevant emergency documents, evacuation plans and emergency health information card.

5.  Agree on and practice methods of contacting each other in the event of an emergency.  Do not count on the telephones working.  (Dave’s note:  Check out FRS radios or consider sharing the cost of a goTenna with someone.  www.gotenna.com.)

6.  You and your network should always notify each other when you’re going to be out of town and when you will return.

7.  The relationship should be mutual.  You have a lot to contribute!  Learn about each other’s needs and how to help each other in an emergency.  You can even collaborate on making preparations to be ready for a disaster.  

The single most important thing anyone can do to prepare for a disaster is to organize their neighborhood.  And it doesn’t cost a cent!  Contacting your neighbors, especially fellow Seniors can build a sense of community and camaraderie along with an assurance that no one need to face adversity alone.  Introduce the topic at the Senior Center, or your church group or the quilting group.  Collaborating on projects can not only bring some peace of mind, but just may bring some new friends into your life.

Keep in mind you may want to stock up on certain medications.  Most doctors are sympathetic to your needs regarding planning for disaster and are willing to cooperate by prescribing most maintenance medications in advance.  The difficult thing here is to get your insurance to get on board with that concept. So any advance preparations you make in that regard may have to come out of your own pocket.  Then be sure to take special care to mind the expiration dates on your meds.  Also try to see your way clear to pick up an extra pair of eyeglasses.  Finally, some of us have enough trouble keeping track of our glasses even without a disaster, so adding a pair of drugstore “cheaters” to your kit just might not be a bad idea.

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