Timely Tips

Timely Tips

Of the many (mostly lame) excuses I hear for not prepping, one of the most common is that it takes too much time.  Now I won’t mislead you. There is some time involved.  It also takes some thought, some effort, some planning and some expense. But there are plenty of things you can do that will get you going in your preparations, that won’t take up much time.  This week’s column will give you some simple tips that take little time but are invaluable in the event of a disaster.

Tip #1  Purchase a notebook for accumulating information, phone numbers, insurance policies, and the like for reference in case of an emergency.

Tip #2  Wash out some empty juice jugs.  Swish a bit of bleach, rinse and fill with water for an emergency.  Be sure to date them and refill after a year.  Another idea is to put some of these (not quite full) in your freezer so when you lose power you can transfer certain items to an ice chest and the frozen jugs will keep things cool for a few days.  Then when the ice melts, you can still drink the water.

Tip #3  Place a plastic garbage bag under your bed containing, shoes, socks, work  gloves, and a flashlight with batteries (or light sticks).  If you wish to include a pair of jeans and sweatshirt, that’s always a good idea in case you have to leave your house quickly.  Some folks tie them to the leg of their bed so it doesn’t get misplaced.

Tip #4  Discuss with the rest of the family where you will meet up after a disaster.  Pick  three or four locations and play “what if.”  Cell phones may not be working and communication can be limited and getting re-connected with loved ones is vital after a disaster.  

Tip #5  Choose an out-of-state relative with whom you can relay messages if necessary.  Often it is easier to get a message out-of-state than it is to get connected locally.

Tip #6  Introduce yourself to a neighbor you have not met.  Exchange phone numbers.  Don’t worry about what he might think.  He’s probably been wanting to meet you anyway.

Tip #7  Purchase a manual can opener on your next visit to the store.

Tip #8  Check out the website at FoodSafety.gov.  Print off the food safety charts and attach them to the inside of a cupboard door.  They will tell you how long you can safely store certain foods without refrigeration.  

Tip #9  Mark your canned goods as you purchase to remind you to rotate them out one year from now.  

Tip #10  Pick up a few extra canned goods each time you visit the grocery store.

Tip #11  Locate your utility shut-off valves and review the instructions for turning them off.  Affix a shut-off tool nearby.

Tip #12  Test your smoke alarms.  

Individually these tips take very little time.  So set aside five minutes each day and start checking off items on your list.  The list will continue next week but if you have any suggestions or questions you may email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

Asset or Liability

    One of the problems with disasters is they have no soul. They don’t discriminate and they don’t care who they hurt.  As evidenced by the recent monster tornado in Oklahoma, the only advantage you have in some instances, is your level of preparedness.  

    After a disaster, there are two kinds of people, those who have been injured (or worse) and those who have not.  The casualties are out of the game, so to speak, and the rest of us (the uninjured) fall into two categories.  There are those who are equipped to handle a disaster and there are those who, for one reason or another, never thought this could happen to them and have failed to prepare.  

Of the survivors, there are assets and liabilities.  Those who have sought out training or set about storing up supplies, have just become assets.  The survivors who have neither training nor supplies, are now liabilities. They, in many cases, are a drain on the resources, much like the injured.

    The military knows when the shooting starts, soldiers don’t necessarily panic, rather they perform to the level of their training.  When the bullets start flying, their programming takes over and what they have memorized in training becomes their pattern of behavior.  The more intense the training, the more “routine” the activity seems.  Instead of running wildly in a circle, a trained combat soldier will get down, seek cover and concealment and hopefully live to see another day.  

    For those trained in First Aid, coming across a traffic accident is simply another exercise except now the blood is real and so is the pain.  These are the ones who become assets in time of disaster.  Humans tend to rise to the level of their training in a crisis.  Maybe its time to ask yourself:  What am I trained for?  When’s the last time I was pushed into a crisis?  How would I respond in a REAL disaster?  Would I be an asset or a liability?

    Why not seek out a First Aid class this summer?  Even if you don’t think you could ever be used in a disaster, maybe you could be the family hero when your charge needs something  slightly more than a Band-Aid.  At least your training in triage gives you an understanding of what needs to go to the emergency room and what can be treated at home.  

Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is held periodically and is a weekend well-spent that will equip you to be a huge asset to your community in the event of a disaster.  In fact many jurisdictions won’t even let would-be volunteers into the disaster area without CERT validation.  The attitude of the on-scene commanders is that someone without proper credentials is simply one more liability, but a CERT member can help lessen the load of the full-time emergency responders.  

    So what will it be?  Asset or liability?  The choice is yours.

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

Ham Radio

Chapter 2

    A few weeks back I wrote a column on the relevance of amateur radio as it relates to disaster preparedness.  Researching for the column sparked an interest in the topic and since then I have taken the training, studied, tested and earned my technician level ham radio license.  Call sign: KG7CZK.  I haven’t sprung for any gear just yet, so it would be fruitless to try to contact me on the airwaves. But keep your fingers crossed.

    Following is an email sent by a reader, Bob Weed, regarding an incident some years back in which amateur radio played an active role in a disaster right here in Coos County:  My Dad, Chet Weed, W7TLQ and I, W7SCY were the only communications between Myrtle Point and the outside world in December 1955 during the West Coast floods.  Myrtle Point was isolated by floods toward Coquille and slides between the Powers Junction and Roseburg, and the phone lines were out too.  During that time, John Cawrse in Remote managed to get a short phone call through to tell me that a slide had covered a home just east of Remote.  Since the Oregon Emergency Net (an Oregon network of Ham Radio operators) was mobilized during the emergency, I was able to contact a fellow ham in Roseburg and he put together a caravan of an ambulance and a bulldozer on a truck, as well as the ham, (Don, W7SHA),  to try to get to Remote for a rescue.  Don had a “mobile rig” in his car and he accompanied them and kept in touch with us to report their progress.  As I recall, it took them most of the night to get there, unloading the bulldozer at several slides and clearing the road to get to the scene of the accident.  Sadly, all the residents of the home were deceased. (Editorial research discovered there were actually two survivors in the house.)

Dad and I both received a “Public Service” award from the American Radio Relay League for our communications during that time and I still have mine in my records.  I am still a licensed ham and still active on the Oregon Emergency Net when we are in the Oregon area, to maintain that emergency preparedness.

Again, thanks for the memories!

Thanks for the story, Bob.

Even in this day of internet and cell phone high tech communications, ham radio is every bit as relevant as it was in 1955.  If the power grid were to collapse in time of earthquake, it is likely the cell phone system would be rendered inoperable as well.  Ham radio does require electricity, but many hams are set up to run off alternate power sources such as solar, generators and vehicle electrical systems.  For this reason many first responder agencies have forged partnerships with the amateur radio community.  Hams will be pressed into service to provide communications with other agencies and with the outside world.  A well-equipped amateur radio operator can bounce signals off the moon and communicate with hams on the other side of the planet.  To combine a hobby with a needed service during times of disaster is rewarding indeed.

As always, if you have questions, comments or know where I can get a killer deal on ham radio gear, email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

Disaster Preparedness

The Bible Version

Sometimes around our church, the topic of preparedness comes up in casual conversation.  Among church folk, as in any other group,  you will find a wide range of opinions.  Some are die-hard preppers planning for the worst and others are mixing faith with foolishness and believe somehow they will be miraculously protected and provided for in the event of a disaster.   In light of that I researched the Bible and surprisingly I find there are quite a few references on the topic.  

Beginning with the story of Joseph in Genesis (the coat-of-many-colors guy), it seems King Pharoah had a puzzling dream.  The dream was about seven fat cows and seven skinny cows with the skinny cows eating up the fat cows.  Joseph interpreted the dream to mean that there would be seven years of agricultural and economic plenty followed by seven years of famine.  The overall message was to stock up during the good years so there would be no shortage when hard times came. (Genesis 41)  Sure enough, Joseph advised Pharoah to stock up and when hard times came, there was plenty, not only for their own country, but enough to share.  But it was only because they had heeded the warning and laid in supplies ahead of time.

Then there is the Proverb I have posted on my blog that says, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 22:3 (New Living Translation) The message there is that fool gets warned and does nothing, while the wise person makes preparation against dangers.

Consider now the story of the ten virgins in the New Testament. (Matthew 25)  They were waiting for a wedding.  Half were ready, half were not.  They are described as “five were wise, five were foolish.” The five “preppers” were allowed access to the wedding and the other five were excluded.  Although there are several interpretations of that story, I’m sure there’s a lesson on preparedness in there somewhere.  If failure to prepare equates to foolishness, then it would be wise to be ready.

And finally, Jesus held a powwow with the disciples the night he was arrested.  (Luke 22)  In essence He said, “Remember when I sent you out the last time, I told you not to take any money or supplies?”  They all nodded in agreement. He continued, “Now this time when you go, make sure to take your knapsack, your money and some supplies.  And also take a sword, if you don’t have one, sell your coat and buy one.”  

If your interpretation of these passages of the Bible differs from mine or you have a comment or question you may email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

Water Purification

    I have already confessed to being a gadget lover.  Some gadgets are just that, gadgets.  But I have just acquired a new “essential item” that you may want to add to your kit.  I still get requests regarding storing sufficient quantities of water.  I don’t need to tell you of the necessity of having enough water on hand.  I can also tell you that logistically speaking, it is usually not very practical to store that much water in your closet. The Red Cross (www.redcross.org) and FEMA (www.ready.gov) suggest that you make storing water a priority.  The amounts seem to be a bit of overkill until you actually have to dip into your supply.  If you are reduced to gathering rainwater off your roof or dipping water from a creek, then it must be purified.  Boiling or adding bleach will do the trick.  Boiling is considered the best method.  Bring the water to a rolling boil for one minute then allow to cool.  Unscented household bleach is typically between 5 and 6 percent chlorine.  Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling or “bleached”.  Use ⅛ teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water and up to ¼ teaspoon if the water is cloudy or very cold.  

      I have noticed that several folks who depend on rain water, wells or springs, use an in-line, ultra-violet filter for purifying their household water.  I won’t try to go into the technical description of how UV rays work, but they have been in use for purifying water for nearly 100 years.  Ultraviolet filters are simple and effective, capable of killing 99.99% of germs, parasites and other illness-causing organisms.  

Now for the gadget.  This item is called a steriPEN.  It is about the same size and shape as a regular screwdriver.  There are batteries in the handle and the “blade” portion of the thing is actually an ultra-violet wand.  The one I have came with a water bottle and a built-in filter for use on cloudy water.  Fill a container with water, then simply insert the wand portion into the water, push the button on the handle and use a stirring motion while you wait.  In less than a minute, the green light comes on, indicating your water is now safe to drink. Watertight seals keep moisture away from the electronics.  The company claims to be able to purify 16 oz of water in approximately 48 seconds, while a 32 oz. container takes roughly 90 seconds.  Cost varies from $50.00 up to the $200.00 range, depending on the model you choose.  When’s the last time you visited a foreign country and felt comfortable drinking their water?  Has your municipality issued a “boil your water” order lately?  This item would be handy for any foreign travel and also whenever you had a question about your water.  I carry mine in my get home bag in the event something happens and I have to spend unexpected time away from home.  Check it out and see if this is something in which you might want to invest.

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

10 Principles of Disaster Preparedness

Part 3

    This is third in a series on my Principles of Disaster Preparedness.  I believe your preparations should be guided by certain principles that provide boundaries and direct your plans. Growing your pantry and gaining supplies is all good, but without definable, workable parameters, your efforts may be for naught.  If you missed the last two weeks, check out my blog for the installments you missed.

Principle #7.  Develop useful skills. Learn to cook without relying on prepared, pre-packaged, “high in everything that’s bad for you” fare.  Practice getting by without a daily trip to the grocery store.  Learn to fix things without calling a professional or buying new.  I remember my dad building the most ingenious gate latches or other gizmo out of what he had on hand.  The lessons learned in the Great Depression years stayed with him all his life.  The “make do” philosophy has served our family well.

Principle #8.  Get first aid training.  Similar to #7 above, but so vital, it deserves its own category.  Take a class in first aid.  Build skills that will be invaluable if there are injuries in your neighborhood.  Put together a first aid kit that includes such things as a suture kit, (available online), blood pressure cuff, and inflatable splints.  There are video classes at www.redcross.com to teach skills in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  Learn about triage and why hard decisions have to be made in times of disaster.  When the time comes, you will be an asset rather than a liability.  YouTube videos are a great source of information.  For example if you need to learn to use that suture kit, there are YouTube videos covering the topic.  Also check out the Patriot Nurse, a straight-talking prepper who pulls no punches when it comes to medical readiness.

Principle #9.  Build relationships with your neighbors.  Mapping Your Neighborhood is a program which gets you acquainted with your REAL first responders.  When disasters strike, the Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Responders are all going to have their hands full with someone else’s emergency. Having an inventory of your neighborhood skills is vitally important when it comes to response on a down home level.   It is imperative you know who in your neighborhood may need your help and who has the skills to be of assistance. Are any of your neighbors elderly and may need assistance?  How about propane tanks or natural gas shut-offs?  All these questions are covered when neighbors get together and inventory their assets.

Principle #10.  Spiritual  preparedness.  I may have saved the most important for last.  Your core values and belief system will always be your first line of defense, and will be the first point of challenge in an emergency.  How you are guided by your beliefs and values will dictate how well you respond and whether or not you will be successful.  Time after time survivors interviewed after a disaster proclaim their strength to survive came from their faith.  

Will you be a source of strength and stability for others or will you be yet another basket case demanding attention?

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

Dave’s 10 Principles of Disaster Preparedness

Part 2

    Last week I started a series on my 10 Principles of Disaster Preparedness.  It is my sincere belief that your preparedness should have a plan.  Being prepared is more than a full pantry of Spam, rice and beans.  Preparedness begins with a mindset that says, “No matter what happens, we’re going to get through any disaster thrown at us!”  Accumulating extra stores and planning ahead is all part of the overall picture, but there should be some guiding principles behind how you prepare and for what reasons.  In case you missed the first three principles, see last week’s column or check it out on my blog.  

4.  There is value in redundancy.  An old joke among government employees is that somewhere deep in the bureaucracy swamp known as Washington, there is an agency known as the Department of Redundancy Department.  This principle sounds a bit like #3, “Always Have A Plan B,” but if you only have one way of purifying water, then two ways is even better.  If you have one case of toilet paper, two is better.  The more you have stored, the more you have available for barter or charity.  Equally as important are the qualities of versatility and flexibility. Disasters don’t follow a rigid design, so it’s best if you design your plan with a certain adaptability factor as well.

5. Don’t make preparations out of fear.  Several months ago we held a class at our church on Disaster Preparedness.  There were about 25 people in attendance.  We discussed some of the reasons for prepping including the possibility of a mega-earthquake.  After the class one of the attendees went home, gathered her children and pitched a tent out in the middle of a field in fear of an earthquake destroying her house.  I carry a spare tire in my car, not out of fear of a flat tire, but just in case.  I have Band-aids in my wallet, just in case.  The story is told of an 80 year old woman confronted by police.  It was found she had two handguns in her purse, one in her glovebox and a shotgun under the seat.  The officer asked, “Ma’am, just what is it you are  afraid of?”

Her reply, “Nothing!”  When you lay in extra stores, do so with the posture of “just in case.”  Not because you’re afraid of what might happen.

6.  Beware of “Style Over Substance!”  Politicians are fond of making laws, usually with great pomp and volume, that are long on publicity and short on actual effectiveness.  We all know of products that don’t live up to their billing.  Not everything labelled “Survival” will be of benefit when actually put to the test.  I am convinced that much so-called “survival” gear was designed by the P.T. Barnum School of Marketing.  You’ll recall their motto, I’m sure:  “There’s a sucker born every minute!”  When making a purchase for your preparations, do your research and think it through. First ask yourself if you know how to use it.  Then try to determine the probability of necessity if there is a disaster.  Make smart, well-informed purchases before you invest.  It’s not only your money at stake, your life may depend on this thing.

Next week we’ll continue with more of my Ten Principles.  As always send your questions,  comments and suggestions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.