Hurricanes can be dangerous killers. Learning the hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property damage. Before: Plan an evacuation route. Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest [...]
When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado. Before: Conduct tornado drills each tornado season. Designate an area in the home as a shelter, and practice having everyone in the family go there in [...]
Find out if you live in a flood-prone area from your local emergency management office or Red Cross chapter. Ask whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level and learn about the history of flooding for your region. Learn flood warning signs and your community alert signals. Request information on preparing [...]
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. BeforeCheck for hazards in the home: Fasten shelves securely to walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Store breakable items such as bottled [...]
A fire can engulf a structure in a matter of minutes. Understanding the basic characteristics of fire and learning the proper safety practices can be the key to surviving a house or building fire. Before Install smoke detectors. Check them once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. Develop and practice [...]
A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms. Before: familiar with winter storm warning messages. Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction. Make [...]
Although you can purchase pre-made 72-hour Emergency Kits, there is an alternative method if your finances are in a crunch. Here is a monthly installment plan based on 2 people: JANUARY Acquire storage container(s) – back packs, foot locker, suitcase, 5-gallon buckets, etc. FEBRUARY 1. Flashlight (or 2 mini-flashlights) and batteries 2. 4 to 6 [...]
Fireproof safes are a MUST for anyone, especially if you have any firearms or important documents. The cost of the security outweigh the cost of not having the protection. Not only do safes provide protection from theft and fire, but they also provide protection from natural disasters. Liberty Safe has even survived a F4 tornado. [...]
This is an actual photo of the moon as seen over Las Vegas on Saturday August 29, 2009. The red color is caused by the smoke from the wildfires burning in southern California (about 250 miles to the south west). The smoke arrived in Las Vegas around 10:30pm bringing that wildfire smell and causing the [...]
You never know when a calamity might arise that requires your previous preparedness. I like to think of the 5 Ps: Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. That should speak volumes on the need to be prepared. The first line of defense to prepare for the first 72 hours. The reasoning behind this is that it [...]
