For those of us far removed from the events of recent weeks surrounding hurricane Katrina and now Rita have brought the average sober individual to the question of what would we do if we were struck with a sudden natural disaster of any sort?
My short answer is do nothing or be panic stricken since I have taken virtually no precautions whatever for any type of emergency beyond a thunder storm. A flashlight and a few candles is the sum total of my emergency kit.
Fortunately there are a number of places on the web to explore proper preparedness and we can begin by taking a look at http://www.ready.gov/ and some of the things that they recommend. The following is the basic emergency kit:
§ Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
§ Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
§ Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
§ Flashlight and extra batteries
§ First Aid kit
§ Whistle to signal for help
§ Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
§ Moist towelettes for sanitation
§ Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
§ Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
§ Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
§ Unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers, and important family documents
§ Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
The water components should look like this;
One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.
The food should consist of the following;
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
Choose foods your family will eat.
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Protein or fruit bars
Dry cereal or granola
Peanut butter
Dried fruit
Nuts
Crackers
Canned juices
Non-perishable pasteurized milk
High energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods
For those of us in the Northeast the most likely natural disaster would be a blizzard of epic proportions. The following are some things to learn like the back of your hand.
Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:
Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule
Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts
If a blizzard traps you in the car, keep these guidelines in mind:
Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.
Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.
The first line of defense against a natural disaster is to at least start thinking about the things you need to be doing to deal with it.
