Put Out the Fire January 29, 2009

As we get to the end of January, and the final days of National Preparedness month,  it is the perfect time to check on your fire extinguishers.  Fire extinguishers can be used at the very early stages of a fire to make sure it does not become out of control.  Be sure you read and understand the directions on the extinguisher so that it will be as effective as possible.  Make sure that:

1.  They are within easy reach.  Fire extinguishers that are difficult to get to, or buried in a closet will do you no good at getting a quick, upper hand on a small fire.

2.  You have enough for the areas of your home.  Make sure you have at least  one for each floor, a separate one for the kitchen.

3.  They are all current.  If they are not, take them to a hardware store to be recharged, or purchase new ones.

There are even models available that are part of your decor.  Don’t forget to check the extinguisher in your car as well!  If you don’t have one, now is the time to purchase one.  They help you stop a small car fire from being a huge roadside inferno.

Fire Escape January 27, 2009

It is important to make sure your family knows how to get out of the house in case of fire.  Make a fire evacuation plan for each room in your home, especially the bedrooms.  Make sure you and your kids practice it enough to do it without much thought.  Create a meeting spot outside your home where you will wait for help to arrive.  Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside, and how to get out/open their doors and windows if the normal path out is blocked.  If you have second story bedrooms, it is important to have a fire ladder ready to use.  It is equally as important to practice how to use it.  Doing so could save your life in a fire emergency.

Fire Prevention January 25, 2009

This is a great time of year to test your smoke detectors.  Write these dates on your calendar so you remember to check them again in six months.

Smoke detectors are an invaluable tool in helping you get out of a fire alive.  Especially for night time fires.  Make sure that your batteries are up to date.  Many newer homes come with the smoke detectors wired in to the electrical system.  However, they still need to have fresh batteries in the event the power goes out.

Also consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector for your home.  Some states have begun to require residences to have them.  Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that is generated from burning fossil fuels.  So if you have any type if heat besides electric, you are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.  Place them close to the furnace, boiler, gas stove, wood burning stove, and close to your bedrooms.

Protect your Valuables January 25, 2009

In case of fire in your home, you won’t have time to grab the things you treasure.  Things like your photos, stock certificates, and wedding certificates are irreplaceable.  Give yourself a safeguard and rent a safe deposit box.  If you take digital photos, back up you photos to CDs or DVDs and place the discs in the box. (make sure you back up photos and drop them off about once a month).  This will also assist you if you have a computer crash, as these photos can be loaded back on to your computer.

Lights, Emergency, Action January 22, 2009

When preparing for an emergency, the most important thing to remember is that you will be upset, and possibly panicked.  You must store your emergency light sources within easy reach.  Consider placing one emergency light source on each floor, and possibly in each room.  This will also help you for thunderstorms, or other possible power outages.

If you go camping and have battery powered lanterns and headlamps, keep them on “emergency standby” throughout the year and simply collect them for your trip.  Store extra batteries in a cool, dry place.

When purchasing flashlights, and lanterns try to purchase the smallest, most powerful led lights.  Newer lanterns are very small, and throw enough light to illuminate an entire room.

If you don’t have them already, consider purchasing LED headlamps.  These allow you to walk, prepare food, or anything you would like without having to hold your light source with your hands.

Make a plan January 20, 2009

The most important part of being prepared is to sit down with your family and make an emergency plan.  Being prepared can save you time, and limit chaos should disaster strike.

Visit http://www.ready.gov/ to assist you in doing so.

Having a plan could save your life, take the time to do it.

Emergency Water Supplies January 18, 2009

A person can live much longer without food than they can without water.  Having an adequate water supply on hand for emergency purposes is as essential as having a food supply.  Most bottled water comes with a two year “expiration date”  This gives a timeframe pre-stamped on the bottle letting you know when to drink it and replace your supply.

So, how much water do you need to store?  Generally plan on a 1:1:1 rule.  The average person will need One gallon, per person, per day.  Plan what you think is appropriate based upon those guidelines.

Emergency Food Suggestions January 15, 2009

• Freeze dried meals (available at your local sporting goods store and online)
• Canned items such as vegetables, meats (fish, chicken, tuna), and fruit.
• Canned juices, broths and soups
• Non perishable milk and or juice
• Crackers (make sure to replace out every six months or so)
• Peanut butter, jelly
• Dry, ready-to-eat cereals and granola
• Dried fruits, nuts and trail mixes
• Jerky
• Granola bars
• Hard candy
• Gum
• Mixes such as rice and stuffing

Thank you to the http://www.fcs.uga.edu for providing information.

Emergency Food January 13, 2009

The American Red Cross suggests that you have two week’s supply of food on hand.  Make a list of meals to make sure you have enough for each person and meal.  Also, make sure to note any special dietary guidelines your family members have.

This stored food can be freeze dried meals meant for camping, canned goods (make sure you have a can opener as well), and other non perishable food items.  For more food suggestions, check back for a later post!

If this is too much to handle for you, consider purchasing a ready made bucket such as this one from Costco:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11219554

In Case of Emergency…. January 11, 2009

If you were put in an emergency situation in your home with your family, how well are you prepared?

Answer the following questions:

Do you have enough food?

Do you have flashlights, spare batteries, lanterns, and or headlamps?

Do you have blankets, sleeping bags, and rain coats?

Duct tape?

A current first-aid kit?

Water?

An extra cell phone battery?

A generator?

If you have answered no to any of the above questions, start thinking about obtaining these items.  Keep reading in the posts to come as we will discuss some of these further.