Preparedness Gardening

    Whenever the economy does a downturn the seed companies experience an upturn.  Planting a vegetable garden is viewed by many as one way to push back against high food prices and an uncertain economy.  Many preppers consider a garden as a hedge against not only high prices but the inability of the grocery supply line to come through in the event of a disaster other interruption.  
    Obviously gardening is a long-term project not to be rolled out the day after an earthquake with the expectation of a ready food supply.  But with Spring just around the corner, now would be a good time to start thinking about adding gardening to your disaster preparedness plan.  If you’ve never tried growing your own vegetables it can be not only a rewarding hobby but could potentially feed your family if needed.   

By way of disclaimer, I am certainly not a Master Gardener by anyone’s definition, barely an amateur gardener.  But if this interests you, contact the OSU Extension Office in Myrtle Point and inquire about their next Master Gardener Training Classes.  According to the Extension Office website the program offers a basic, practical  course in plant science and horticulture. Classes usually include basic botany and plant psychology, pest identification and control methods, soil management and plant nutrition and diagnosis and control of plant problems.  You may call the Extension Office at 541-572-5263, Ext 295 for full details.  

Something to consider before you plow up your backyard is the raised-bed concept of gardening.  Build a raised-bed enables you to confine your garden space to a specific area controlled by the framework of the raised bed.  Other benefits include the ability to control the soil or planting medium you prefer, enhanced draining ability, and raised beds tend to warm up faster, possibly giving you a jump on the planting season.  There are plenty of books and on-line resources to glean for information about raised-bed gardening.

Another item to consider is a sprout kit.  A sprout kit usually contains a variety of seeds suitable for raising edible sprouts.  There are several versions available and most come with the hydroponic growing apparatus needed to raise healthy, nutritious, organic sprouts.  Sprouts can be grown in just a few days and are rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and fiber.  They provide a quick supply of vegetables for use in salads, sandwiches and stir-fry.  They may be steamed and even used in some baked goods.  Prices for a sprout kit run in the $50-$80 range, depending on which model you prefer.

    So while you’re laying in supplies, don’t forget that vegetable gardening can take you just one more step closer to the independence necessary for surviving calamity.  As always,send your comments and questions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

Classroom Lockdown Kits

School officials are understandably jumpy these days.  School shootings are unspeakably tragic, they get nationwide attention and no school administrator wants to be caught unprepared in the event the unthinkable happens in their school.  Consequently most schools have developed a lockdown procedure which secures each classroom and isolates safe zones in the building.  Some states have even enacted legislation mandating that schools develop a viable lockdown policy and conduct periodic drills, much the same as the fire drills with which we are all familiar.
Schools activate their lockdown plan for a variety of reasons.  The primary reason is when the safety of the students is at stake.  Another reason is when the police are conducting a drug search, usually with a specially trained dog and they don’t want several hundred kids milling about. Also if an event is occurring nearby the school, such as some kind of “person with a gun” situation, bank robbery or other incident which could be potentially hazardous to the students, the school will lockdown.   Different schools do lockdowns differently.  The first step is to secure the students in their classrooms, secure all entrances to the building and block visual access to the rooms.  Students are directed to position themselves in an area of the room away from the door.  Often the classroom lights are turned off.  Students are usually required to remain quiet for the duration of the lockdown.  
Lockdowns can last from a few minutes to several hours. Not all classrooms are directly connected to a restroom.  Can you see where I’m going with this?  Human nature being what it is, there will always be the kid who just finished off a 44 ounce Big Gulp moments before the lockdown was ordered.  Other students may have skipped breakfast, then sometime during first period the school building locked down and now it’s two periods after lunch.  
To plan for just such a contingency, some schools have purchased lockdown kits.  The kit is usually stored in a five-gallon bucket and contains water pouches, food bars, first aid supplies and many other items considered useful to weather such an incident.  Some even include a snap-on toilet seat/lid and toilet bags to provide for the sanitary needs that would inevitably arise. (Yes, a roll of tissue is also included.)  Ideally each classroom has a kit with enough supplies to meet the needs of several students.  One kit I checked out sold for $70.00 and contained 30 water pouches.  It also was equipped with a battery powered radio, a flashlight, and several light sticks, among many other items.  
Disaster preparedness doesn’t always mean stocking your own pantry.  It is regrettable that we find ourselves turning schools into fortresses, but with the right amount of planning and supplies on hand, we can make our schools safer for our kids.
  Comments?  Questions?  Email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com

Earthquakes

Several earthquakes in the South Pacific this past week, including one initially rated at 8.0, prompted comments by the Portland news media of the necessity for disaster preparedness.   One commentator noted that in the event of a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake, Portlanders and others in the Willamette Valley should prepare to survive on their own for at least three weeks.  He went on to recommend that those living along the Oregon Coast should prepare for four weeks, or more, of disruption.
Experts believe if an earthquake strikes the northwest, depending, of course, on the location and intensity, all travel in to and out of the area could be cut off.  Bridges quite likely will be damaged.  Landslides could block roads due to liquefaction and downed trees and other debris will further contribute to the chaos. Electrical power distribution will be interrupted for a lengthy period and grocery supply networks will be at a standstill.  The only channels for delivering supplies to the area will likely be by helicopter or by sea.  Either mode of supply replenishment will take time to organize and deliver to our area.  If the entire Northwest is involved, then the airlift would likely among the largest we’ve seen in recent history.
It is a safe bet telephone communication would be fractured and cellular phone technology would likely be undependable at best. Remember in the event of a disaster; use the texting function on your cell phone to communicate with your loved ones.  The system will be overloaded with calls, and a text message takes up less “space” in the system.  Your text is much more likely to get through than a phone call.  If you don’t know how to send a text message, just ask any kid.  They love to show off their technology skills to us “grown-ups”.
In the meantime, we are left to our own devices.  We will be dependent on what we have set aside.  We will need to rely on our skills, our stores and each other.  Now is a good time to develop a network in your neighborhood.  “Mapping your neighborhood” involves getting to know your neighbors and finding out who has skills.  Who owns a backhoe, who knows how to run a chainsaw, and does anyone have medical training? Is there anyone in your neighborhood with special needs?  Maybe an elderly person lives alone and depends on an electronic alerting system. They will need to be looked after in person. The list runs longer, but when neither police nor fire department can respond, having this information may save someone’s life.  There are Mapping Your Neighborhood groups all over our area.  It only takes one person to pull his neighborhood together and get started.  If this interests you, contact Coos County Emergency Management and get information on Mapping Your Neighborhood.
Remember, the best time to prepare is before a disaster happens.  That time is NOW!  Send me your comments and questions at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

Kids Prep

A few weeks back our electricity failed one evening in the midst of a wind storm.  There were a couple of blinks and then total darkness.  Flashlights in hand we fired up our Coleman lantern then settled down for an evening of “camping in”.  After a couple of hours of primitive living, my six year old grandson asked when the power was coming back on.  I took some time to tell him about what might have happened to cause the outage and that right this minute there were crews out there working in the dark and the wind and rain to bring the electricity back.  I assured him that by morning we would probably have our lights again.  Sure enough, by the time we got up, electrical power was restored.  There were no episodes of fear or overt insecurity, just frustration of trying to adjust to life without TV for the evening.

Children learn to take their cues from from the adults in their lives.  If the grownups are panicked, then children will likewise be undone.  When the adults have made some simple preparations and are ready to handle the unexpected, it can serve well to bring stability and avoid all the drama associated with their fears.  Secondly, it is time well spent to explain what has happened, what is being done to fix things and how soon things might be expected to return to normal.  You might ask if they are afraid.  What are you afraid of?  Reassure them that you are there with them and nothing bad is going to happen.  Tell them you have plenty of food and supplies and remind them that they are warm and because you are a wise and caring parent you have already prepared for just such an emergency.  No worries!

Disaster preparedness for kids can be a fun and exciting activity. Getting their own backpack and emergency gear can become a game.  Picking out the perfect flashlight (don’t forget extra batteries), gathering extra clothing and a spare toothbrush makes your kids feel like they’re a part of the grand solution.  The internet is loaded with resources for kids.  FEMA has games, puzzles, cartoons and something called “Readiness U”.  Your children can even earn a certificate of graduation when they master Knowing the Facts, Making a Plan, Building a Kit, then they earn the right to graduate from Readiness U.  This can all be found at www.ready.gov. How can you go wrong when you have help from Flat Stanley and Flat Stella to help your kids navigate their way to preparedness?  Even NASA has a website designed especially for kids that offers tips on surviving hurricanes and other hazards.

So when you’re making your plan and getting your kit together, involve the kids.  They’re always part of the plan anyway and they love to be involved in preparedness.  As always send your comments and questions to  disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

More Lessons From Sandy

Last November, Hurricane Sandy dominated the news with stories of destruction and survival from the east coast.  Shortly after the winds died down, an email came my way from someone who had learned first-hand lessons from the storm.  Knowledge that can only be gained by someone who had truly “been there”.  Following are highlights of his observations:
1. The excitement and “coolness” wears off after day three.
2. You are never really prepared to go weeks without electricity, water, or heat. Never!
3. Just because your generator is running like a top does NOT mean it is producing electricity.
4. If you do not have water stored up, you are in trouble!  A couple of cases of bottled water is NOT water storage.
5. Even the smallest little thing you get from the store should be stocked up.  Things like an extra spark plug for the generator, barbeque lighter, batteries or matches.
6. It is surprising how quickly normal social behavior goes out the window.  Three people were killed at gas stations within 50 miles of here.  I didn’t say three fights broke out, three people were killed!
7. Cash is king.  All the money in your savings does you absolutely no good.
8. You eat a lot  more food when you are cold.  You also need more food than you think when your kids are out of school for two weeks.  
9. The electrical grid is way more fragile than I thought.
10. You quickly become the guy in the neighborhood who knows how to wire a generator to an electrical panel or you are the guy whose Masters degree in accounting suddenly means nothing.
11. A woman who can cook a fine meal by candlelight over the barbeque or an open fire is worth her weight in gold.  
12.  All the stored food in the world is worthless if your kids won’t eat it.
13.  You might be prepared to take care of your children and their needs, but what about when the neighborhood children start showing up at your door?
14. You really do not want to be the “unprepared parents,” the kids turn on you pretty quick.
15. There was a strange peace to knowing all I had to do each day was keep my family safe, warm and fed, but my peace was someone else’s panic.
16. Some people totally shut down in an emergency, there’s nothing you can do about that.
17. Your town, no matter how small, is entirely dependent on outside sources of everything.  If supply trucks stop rolling due to road damage, fuel shortages or for any reason, you could be without for a very long time.


Food for thought.  Your comments are always welcome at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

Bit By Bit Building Your Kit

Part 7

        For the past several weeks I have been listing items to purchase to complete a 72 hour disaster preparedness kit.  As I have mentioned a 72 hour kit is only a good start.  Fourteen days is much better and more if you can manage it.  Building an emergency kit does not need to break the bank.  Picking up a few extra items now and then will build up over a period of time and before long your pantry is filled with supplies that will carry you through a disaster. But for now the primary plan is to “just do it” and a 72 hour kit is a great start.
        Week 7 Shopping List:
1.      Small tool kit.  Include a wrench (slip-joint wrench like “Channellocks” or water pump pliers) for shutting off utilities, hammer, nails, screwdrivers, screws, duct tape, zip ties and on and on and on...I  This is one aspect of the kit that can grow, swell and improve with every trip to the hardware store.
2.     Signal flares.
3.     Insect repellent.  While we’re on this topic, I have recently read about people using wasp/hornet spray for personal defense.  It’s less expensive than pepper spray, reaches out at least 20 feet and temporarily incapacitates anyone intent on causing you harm.
4.     Sunscreen.
5.     Granola or dry cereal.  
6.     Extra pet food.  Also if your pet requires medication, get some extra for them as well.  Also don’t forget, your pet requires water.
7.     Fire extinguisher.  Be sure it carries the ABC rating.  If you need training in its use, contact your local fire department.

Tips:
Be sure to include pets in your plan.
When you leave town, take your go-bag along.  Disasters don’t always happen while you’re at home.
Keep your car’s gas tank above ½ tank.  You never know when you get that call in the middle of the night to go visit your ailing, wealthy aunt in the hospital.  Not a time to be out of gas and none available.
As I have mentioned before survival is not a kit.  Survival is a plan and the kit should be a part of your plan.  It is best to keep your kit in a single location, not strewn about the house, some things in one closet, other items in the basement and  yet other things stacked in the garage.  Try to set aside an area for all your gear and supplies.  When the power goes out and things are mildly chaotic at your house, you don’t want to be searching in the dark for your stuff.  Make sure the battery powered lantern is the most easily-located item in your inventory.  The power seldom goes out during daylight hours.  Flashlights, lanterns and other lighting devices are the first things you will want to get operational.

For comments, arguments, questions or suggestions you can email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com

Building Your Kit

Week 6

        Funny thing about Disaster Preparedness, our parents and grandparents simply ‘put up’ their garden produce, butchered a half a beef and froze it and otherwise laid up stores for the winter months.  The current generation goes to the store nearly every day to decide what to have for dinner, has no idea what to do with real flour and is nearly crippled without electricity.
With all the microwaveable conveniences and our fast-food on-demand mentality, the thought of actually preparing in case something goes wrong is often times a foreign concept.
        Nevertheless, there are some of us who remember life without microwave ovens and Hamburger Helper.  Some who have lived through events that knocked out power and weather which precluded safe travel.  Improving conditions during times of difficulty can be as simple as having some extra food on hand, or a camping stove or alternative lighting or maybe just fresh batteries for the flashlight.
        Each week for the past few weeks I have presented a list of things to buy to build a 72 hour survival kit.  This is a seven week plan, and at the end of seven weeks you should have a well-equipped and nicely stocked kit with which to survive most short-term disasters.  Keep in mind this is only a start, and that a 14 day supply is much more desirable.
Things to buy for Week Six:
1.      Blankets and small pillows.  A good quality sleeping bag is a good substitute.
2.     Towels.  Set aside some extra towels and if you are preparing a go-bag for each family member, a towel is a must-have.
3.     Extra clothing and outerwear, and sturdy, comfortable footwear.
4.     Small photo album with current photos of family members and pets
5.     Assorted crackers and nuts (low salt or salt-free are best to reduce thirst).

Tips for Week Six:
        Do you have home fire extinguishers?  Are they rated ABC?  If so check with your local fire department to have them inspected and when they should be replaced.  Residential fires are the most frequent disasters and having a working fire extinguisher can mean the difference between minor damage and losing your home.
        Consider using five gallon plastic buckets with lids for storing your supplies.  They are light, strong, and dust, water and bug-proof, and relatively inexpensive.  Remember to pick up a “lid lifter” at your hardware store. You can also ask the hardware store lady (or man) if they are “food grade” plastic.  Markings on the bottom of the bucket tell the tale.
        Mark your storage containers with a permanent marker.  Also mark expiration dates and plan to rotate supplies every six months.  Some folks use the change to Daylight Savings Time to remind them it’s time to change out the old stuff for new.
        Comments or questions? Email me at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.