Disaster Readiness Basics
When the thought of an emergency comes in what's first on your mind? Is it a fire drill or a bulk of foods squirreled away? Is it guns and ammo and a Fort Knox attitude about your home? These are true for the most part in full-scale planning but start at the beginning. Planning needs to be set on paper and in our minds to make it work. What actions do we need to take? Which items do we need to have with us? Can we stay in our home or do we have to evacuate? Before the emergency call a team meeting with your family. Discuss different ways for disaster readiness so that when an event occurs there is no thinking involved and the actions cover your needs in safety.
Mental and emotional preparedness is as important as material and nutritional readiness. Place events played out in front of those you need to practice these techniques with. Simple steps to alleviate hazards or troubles later protect your family in more ways than arming them. The bullets run out where information stays true.
Mental and emotional preparedness is as important as material and nutritional readiness. Place events played out in front of those you need to practice these techniques with. Simple steps to alleviate hazards or troubles later protect your family in more ways than arming them. The bullets run out where information stays true.
Children in Emergencies
When presenting these ideas to your family be selective of who you would share this information with. If little Susie is easily given to nightmares she is not a family member to discuss emergency plans with. While son, Billy, a teenager, is a rock and won't be affected by serious conversations. Appoint older kids as captains to shepherd younger siblings and / or pets to the safe area you have designated for these events.
Think about the equipment you have for emergencies. Does your youngest member of the family have the capability to understand how start up a generator or are they too young for this lesson? Can they use a two-way radio or a CB? Arm them with valuable information for the age group they are in. They need to be able to safely tend to their needs on their own in the worst case scenario. Gently show them different ideas for preparedness teaching and let them view it as a serious game. They need to understand how to feed, hydrate, and shelter without assistance. Target the basic human necessities. The more info you give them on a delicate level the safer they are going to be. We don't want them dealing with hazards that are harmful to them but we do want them to know what dangers may lurk in the event you cannot be there for them. Seriously consider that there may be an event of this occurance.
Think about the equipment you have for emergencies. Does your youngest member of the family have the capability to understand how start up a generator or are they too young for this lesson? Can they use a two-way radio or a CB? Arm them with valuable information for the age group they are in. They need to be able to safely tend to their needs on their own in the worst case scenario. Gently show them different ideas for preparedness teaching and let them view it as a serious game. They need to understand how to feed, hydrate, and shelter without assistance. Target the basic human necessities. The more info you give them on a delicate level the safer they are going to be. We don't want them dealing with hazards that are harmful to them but we do want them to know what dangers may lurk in the event you cannot be there for them. Seriously consider that there may be an event of this occurance.
Drills for Safety
Fire Drills 101
Survey your home. Take a look at the electrical outlets and test your power cords. Frequent causes of fires in a home is a fried outlet or exposed wires on an appliance. The most common fire is caused by carelessness in a kitchen or with a flammable liquid.
Fire Safety VideoFire ExitsSet up a map of your family home with the exits marked clearly. Rehearse a safe exit strategy with your family members. Designate an area outside the home to gather if this occurs. It could be the neighbor's drive-way across the street (ask permission first!) or maybe a stop sign near the home. Where ever you choose to meet, be sure it is far enough away from the home and you would not be in danger if a serious fire or catastrophe should be the case.
If you live in a home that has rooms with windows above the first floor you should make sure there are emergency ladders within reach of this exit point. Check your windows. See that they can be unlocked and opened safely even by smaller children or aged adults. Make necessary repairs where needed to insure a safe exit if ever needed. Oil hinges and clear away anything that might make the window difficult to unlatch or open. 
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Fire Tips:
If you do have a small fire on the stove top or in your cooking area one of the best ways to put it out is tossing some salt or flour on it to smother the flames. Cover it with a lid if it's in a cooking dish. NEVER pour water on a grease fire. It will spread the flames and it will catch rapidly to anything in it's path. Do not leave food cooking or open flame unattended. Play it safe!
Burn First Aid Tip:NEVER put butter or a greasy product on a burn. Use a good medicated burn ointment. The burn has to allow oxygen in to let it breathe and heal. Cool area with water if needed and avoid breaking the skin. If there is a burn worse than a blistering area seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY!
3rd degree burns are serious and can lead to harmful infections. Fires - Safe Survival AwarenessThe subject of fires is a source of unnecessary trouble. With the survival supplies, products like matches, candles, lanterns, and fuel tablets handled incorrectly can cause serious injuries and deadly consequences.
Practice safe handling and prevent added damage. Candles and fuel source lanterns should not be used in a tent or a sealed room. Do not use a gas or charcoal grill indoors EVER! In addition, candles emit fumes and open flames burn up needed oxygen causing risks of asphyxiation and carbon monoxide poisoning. If it has a live fire source it is NOT safe to use inside. Battery powered lighting is best in any interior space. Bug out - EvacuationWhich brings us to this. Practicing fire drills is a precursor to an evacuation if you ever have to leave your home. Set the same plan in force for flood or earthquake. Meet at your designated area if the family cannot remain sheltered at home.
Run a fire drill carrying your survival kits with you. See that the family can easily grab and go with their supply bags with in a set time goal.
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