Emergency Preparedness: Pill Bottle Emergency Kit

You never know when you may experience an emergency.  Here is a great idea for an emergency kit small enough to fit into your backpack, purse or glove compartment. It may have just what you need to survive in an emergency. 

http://pillbottle.littlethings.com/pill-bottle-survival-kit/?utm_source=hmc&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=lifehacks

Disaster Preparedness: How to Prepare for and Respond to a Tornado Warning

On Monday night, our family hunkered down in our basement storage room during an extremely rare tornado warning in our area.  After the devastating tornadoes that have been pummeling the U.S. this spring, we made sure to follow the directions of the weather service and seek shelter.  Thankfully, although a funnel cloud was spotted nearby, a tornado didn't touch down in our area and we experienced no damage but we did realize we should be better prepared for the next time.  The kids had a great time building a "base camp" out of blankets and eating crunchy chow mein noodles from food storage so hopefully they'll have a positive memory of our experience.  This event did make us realize that everyone everywhere should be prepared for a tornado.  With that in mind, I found this information on the FEMA website and thought I'd share it with you. 

 
What are Tornadoes?

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard.
Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible.
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
The following are facts about tornadoes:
•They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

•They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.

•The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.

•The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.

•Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

•Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

•Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.

•Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

•Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

What to do Before a Tornado


Be alert to changing weather conditions.

•Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.

•Look for approaching storms

•Look for the following danger signs:

◦Dark, often greenish sky

◦Large hail

◦A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)

◦Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

What to do during a tornado warning

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!  Do the following depending upon where you are: 
In a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building):   

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home:

Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter:

Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Source:  http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/index.shtm

Lessons from the Earthquake and Tsunami

The images of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan have sobered me and reminded me once again how important it is to be prepared for major disasters. I was happy to see an excellent article written on Everyday Food Storage entitled "Lessons You Can Learn from Japan's Earthquake."  Please take a few minutes to watch the clip and read the article then do something to prepare for a disaster in your area. 

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2011/03/12/lessons-to-learn-from-japans-earthquake/food-storage-recipes#

Also, here is a post from this blog which tells you what to do before and after an earthquake:
http://preparednessmatters.blogspot.com/2007/09/emergency-disaster-preparedness.html

Sources:  Image:  Fox News; Article:  everydayfoodstorage.net

Emergency Preparedness: Start a Fire without Matches

I remember spending a couple of frustrating hours at girl's camp trying to light a fire with flint and steel and wet tinder (it was a rainy week) to complete my certification. Afterwards, my was face covered in soot and my eyes watered from the smoke, but I was pleased that I had accomplished my goal. Hopefully, you'll never have to start a fire without matches but just in case of a real emergency, here are a few tried and true methods that will provide a warm fire if you're ever in need of one.

BEFORE YOU EVEN START A FIRE, YOU MUST HAVE TINDER READY

Get a variety of tinder--wood shavings, dried grass, lint and small twigs. No matter what method you choose for making a fire, you will always need to start with tinder. Ball the tinder up loosely to allow plenty of air flow and shape it into a bird's nest. Have plenty of bigger sticks to add once the fire starts.

USING SPARKS

Use a little magnesium and flint block: Scrape a pile of magnesium shavings on your tinder and strike a spark off the flint. The magnesium will ignite and hopefully start flame in your tinder. Once it begins to smoke, hold the tinder in your hands to allow oxygen in through the bottom and blow gently from underneath.

USING SOLAR ENERGY

Use a magnifying glass on a sunny day Angle the magnifying glass in the sun over the tinder so that the focal point is directly on the pile. Once it begins to smoke, you can encourage the flame by blowing gently on the tinder from the bottom. Broken glass, bottles or eyeglasses can also work if their focal point is bright enough.

USING CHEMICAL ENERGY

Use a 6 volt battery and steel wool Tear the wool into a loose mass and touch it to both charges on the battery. Doing so will connect the circuit, cause a spark and cause the steel wool to glow. Once it's hot enough, you can place it on the tinder until it catches.

USING BULLETS

Remove a bullet from its cartridge and pour half the powder on your tinder. Put the half-empty cartridge back in the gun (without a bullet) and fire it at the tinder. Be certain that your tinder is at the base of a tree or in an enclosed area because the gunfire will likely blow the tinder away and might put out the same flame it creates.

USING FRICTION

Place the point of a straight stick into a groove in a piece of bark or flat wood. Ideally, both of these pieces contain no sap or moisture. Rub the stick vigorously between your hands, while the point creates friction against the other piece of wood. Eventually the wood will heat until it creates a small ember which you can drop into the tinder nest.

Emergency Preparedness: Family Emergency Health Information Sheet

Below is a link to a Family Emergency Health Information Sheet created by the CDC. This was designed to help in the event of a pandemic but would be helpful in any health-related emergency. The information includes blood type; past/current medical conditions; current medications and dosages; emergency contacts; hospitals near work, school and home; family physician; pharmacy; employer contact; school contact; religious afiliation; veternarian.

It would be helpful to have this sheet completed for every member in your family placed in your Important Document Book (compiling directions included here: http://preparednessmatters.blogspot.com/search/label/Legal%20Information) and keep a copy in your 72 hour kit.

http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/informationsheet.pdf

Emergency Preparedness: Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims more than 500 lives and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISK

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, cO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly form person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

WHERE DOES CARBON MONOXIDE COME FROM?
CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnances or fireplaces and motor vehicles.

WHO IS AT RISK?
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

WHAT ACTIONS DO I TAKE IF MY CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM GOES OFF?
What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.

IF NO ONE IS FEELING ILL:

1. Silence the alarm.
2. Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion. (i.e. furnace and fireplace)
3. Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.
4. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO build-up.

IF ILLNESS IS A FACTOR:

1. Evacuate all occupants immediately.
2. Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.
3. Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.
4. Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
5. Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM CO POISONING

• Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alaram before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This doesn't mean that CO is not present.
• Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.
• Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
• Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.
• When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.

Source: The U.S. Fire Administration, Department of Homeland Security

Emergency Preparedness: Avoid Portable Generator Hazards

Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using them are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.

Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting form improper use of portable generators:

TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS:

• Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery back-up) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer's instructions.
• Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:

• Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
• Dry your hands before touching the generator.
• Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• Never plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.
• If necessary to connect generator to house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Or, your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.

TO AVOID FIRE HAZARDS:

• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled non-glass containers.
• Store fuel away from any fuel burning appliance.

Source: The U.S. Fire Administration, Dept. of Homeland Security

Emergency Preparedness: video

Here is a great video from the U.S. government that explains how to prepare for an emergency:

http://www.ready.gov/america/about/_flash/movie15.html

Emergency Preparedness: Unit Emergency Response Plans

1. In case of emergency, the unit leader keeps in touch with the stake presidency. The following information will need to be provided to the stake leadership:

• Name, title and unit of the reporting officer
• How the presiding officer can be reached
• Description, location and magnitude of emergency
• Numbers of injured missing or dead
• Location and extent of damage done to Church or member property
• Actions being taken to help those in distress
• Needed assistance that is unavailable locally

2. Have current membership lists and an area or street map with all families marked, if possible.

3. Make sure that all families have home and visiting teachers assigned. Organize a telephone tree so that emergency instructions and other messages can go out in an orderly fashion.

4. List of unit members with special needs who may need help, e.g., those with medical or transport problems as well as those with family members in leadership callings who may be away from home.

5. List all members with especially useful skills or professions: medical personnel, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, engineers, etc.

6. List of members with extra room in case of need to lodge others, as well as members with room for tents, campers, etc.

7. List of members with useful equipment or implements, e.g., chain saws, pickup trucks, generators, etc.

8. Look after the missionaries.

9. Who will make decisions if unit leader is not available?

10. Someone needs to be assigned to help with communications, perhaps one of the clerks.

11. How will communications be handled if there is no telephone service?

12. Convene welfare committee to assess needs: injured, deceased, homes damaged or destroyed, families separated.

13. Know what kind of civil emergency plans are in place in communities where members live.

14. Have a plan on how space in the ward/branch building can be used as a shelter.

15. Basic instructions for different kind of emergencies: earthquakes, floods, house fires, social unrest, etc. (Ensure that information is obtained from reliable source.) This should not be part of the body of the plan but can be an appendix.

16. Organize a plan to make contact with those who work out of the area in the event of a terrorist attack. These individuals have a responsibility to attempt to contact family and/o friends.

Other things to consider:

1. Sacrament meeting talks about preparedness

2. First or fifth Sunday Priesthood/Relief Society Lessons about preparedness

3. Relief Society enrichment meetings/activities about preparedness

4. Young Women/Young Men activities about preparedness

5. Encourage use of dry-pack canner

6. Encourage families and individuals to have personal/family emergency response plans

Source: LynnKay Brown

Emergency Preparedness: Family Home Evening Idea

This is a great family home evening activity. I especially like the Family Disaster Kit Scavenger Hunt at the end.

Family discussion about emergency preparedness:

• What types of disasters might happen
• What you should do to prepare (like creating your family disaster kit)
• What to do if you are asked to evacuate (which means to leave your home)
• Where to meet away from your home in case of a fire (like a neighbor’s house or the corner of the street);
• Where to meet outside your neighborhood if you must evacuate. You should pick a friend or relative’s house;
• Where to call to "check in" if you become separated from your family during a disaster. You should memorize the phone number of a favorite aunt or family member who lives in another state. You would call there to report where you are so your family can find you.
• You can also talk with your whole neighborhood about disaster plans. Find out if someone in your neighborhood has a special skill -- like being a doctor.
• Also, be sure your house has a smoke detector and remember to change the batteries twice a year. It’s also a good idea to take a first aid class so you will be prepared to help others.
  

Scavenger Hunt

How many items in a Family Disaster Kit do you already have on hand? Put a check next to each item that you find:

Stored water (10 points)
10 cans of food for each person in your house (10 points)
High energy foods like peanut butter, crackers and trail mix (5 points)
At least half of the items listed for a first aid kit (ask your Mom or Dad for help) (10 points)
Clothes set aside for everyone in the house, including shoes or boots (5 points)
A family disaster plan (15 points)You get one point for each of these items you have in your house (or garage):
Mess kits or paper/plastic plates and cups (1 point)
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries (1 point)
Flashlight and extra batteries (1 point)
Non-electric can opener and utility knife (like a Swiss Army knife) (1 point)
Fire extinguisher (ABC type) (1 point)
Pliers (1 point)
Tape (1 point)
Compass (1 point)
Matches in a waterproof container (1 point)
Aluminum foil (1 point)
Signal flares (1 point)
Paper and pencils (1 point)
Needle and thread (1 point)
Shut-off wrench to turn off the gas and water to your house (1 point)
Plastic sheeting (1 point)
Whistle (1 point)
Toilet paper (1 point)
Soap (1 point)
Household chlorine bleach (1 point)
Plastic bucket with a tight lid (1 point)
Plastic garbage bags (1 point)

Source: The Idea Door

Emergency Preparedness: Preparedness Survey

Here's a quick survey you can answer to see how prepared you are for an emergency.

Can you answer YES to each of these questions or do you need to work on them for your home?

1. Has your family rehearsed fire escape routes from your home?
2. Does your family know what to do before, during and after an earthquake or other emergency situation?
3. Do you have heavy objects hanging over beds that can fall during an earthquake?
4. Do you have access to an operational flashlight in every occupied bedroom? (use of candles is not recommended unless you are sure there is no leaking gas)
5. Do you keep shoes near your bed to protect your feet against broken glass?
6. If a water line was ruptures during an earthquake, do you know how to shut off the main water line to your house?
7. Can this water valve be turned off by hand wit out the use of a tool? Do you have a tool if one is needed?
8. Do you know where the main gas shut-off valve to your house is located?
9. It you smell gas, do you know how and would you be able to shut off this valve?
10. Gas valves usually cannot be turned off by hand. Is there a tool near your valve?
11. Would you be able to safely restart your furnace when gas is safely available?
12. Do you have working smoke alarms in the proper places to warn you of fire? Carbon Monoxide alarms?
13. In case of a minor fire, do you have a fire extinguisher that you know how to operate? (The fire department will test yours for free)
14. Do you have duplicate keys and copies of important insurance and other papers stored outside your home?
15. Do you have a functional emergency radio to receive emergency information?
16. If you and your family had to evacuate your home, have you identified an outside meeting place? If an emergency lasted for 3 days (72 hours) before help was available to you and your family
17. Would you have sufficient food?
18. Would you have the means to cook food without gas and electricity?
19. Would you have sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and sanitary needs?
20. Do you have access to a 72-hour evacuation kit?
21. Would you be able to carry or transport these kits?
22. Have you established an out-of-state contact?
23. Do you have a first aid kit in your home and in each car?
24. Do you have work gloves and some tools for minor rescue and cleanup?
25. Do you have emergency cash on hand? (During emergencies banks and ATM machines are closed.)
26. Without electricity and gas do you have means to heat at least part of your house? (Think of how to cover broken windows)
27. If you need medications, do you have a month's supply on hand?
28. Do you have a plan for toilet facilities if there is an extended water shortage?
29. Do you have a supply of food, clothing, and fuel where appropriate: For 6 months? For a Year?

Source: The Idea Door

72 Hour Kits with nutritional and energy requirements in mind

Although it is not official church counsel to maintain a 72 hour kit, it is a good idea to have one in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency states on their website:

"You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days.

"Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.

"A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.The U.S. government recommends every person have one as emergency officials are often unable to respond to catastrophes immediately."

I found this article on a website called MormonShare.com and feel it has great information about the nutrional needs of someone during a disaster and how to meet them with a 72-hour kit. If you click on the links, you can get this in a printable or spreadsheet form.

I've become increasingly concerned with the 72-hour kit menus made up of beef jerky, oatmeal, and chewing gum. After reading that the US military creates 3,600 calorie daily MRE kits for soldiers in the field (recently cut to 2,400 calories for so-called First Strike Rations), I knew these 600 calorie Enrichment Night chewing gum menus simply weren't adequate.

The argument, "My 72 hour kit just has to keep me alive for 3 days," is patently false. During a crisis, if you're not injured, you'll probably be fleeing a disaster, setting up camp, performing rescue operations, contacting and locating family members, removing debris, making repairs, calming children, or performing first aid. 600 calories a day just isn't going to cut it. But don't take my word for it -- here's what one military dietician says about dietary needs during extreme conditions: "During field operations you may burn as much energy as a competitive endurance athlete. Eating right can help decrease fatigue, increase endurance, prevent dehydration, maintain mental alertness, reduce diarrhea and constipation, reduce risk of injury, help maintain emotional stability, maintain morale and strength, and prevent muscle loss. Remember vitamin[s] and mineral[s] can't make up for a poor diet. What and how much you eat and drink can mean the difference between top performance and struggling to complete the mission. In extreme conditions, it could be the difference between life and death." (CPT Lisa M. Giese, RD, LN; High Caliber Nutrition in the Field)You'll also need to store 64 ounces (4 lbs) of water per day per person. 64 ounces equals 1/2 gallon or about 2 Liters.The following menus are available in printable form or spreadsheet form, or in brief text form below:

MALE AGE 12-40 – 2,500 CALORIES – POUCH ONLY MENU
Kashi TLC Trail Mix Bar
Kashi TLC Trail Mix Bar
Sam's Choice Mountain Trail Mix Individual Size
Rice-A-Roni Express Asian Fried
Austin Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter
StarKist Tuna Creations Garlic and Herb
Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes (prepared)
Planters Nutrition Heart Healthy Mix 1.5 oz
Great Value Tropical Trail Mix 6 OZ
Price: $6.38/dayWeight: 1 lb 15.8 ounces

MALE AGE 12-40 – 2,500 CALORIES
Quaker Instant Grits Red Eye Gravy and Country Ham
– 1 packet Quaker Instant Grits Red Eye Gravy and Country Ham
– 1 packet Del Monte Tropical Fruit Salad 8.25 oz
Sam's Choice Mountain Trail Mix Individual Size
Sam's Choice Mountain Trail Mix Individual Size
Tyson Chicken Breast Salad Kit
Hunt's Snack Pack Pudding Cup Chocolate
Daredevil Planters Nutrition Heart Healthy Mix 1.5 oz
Dinty Moore Chicken and Dumplings 7.5 oz
Great Value Tropical Trail Mix 6 OZ
Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs Chips Ahoy
Price: $7.33/day
Weight: 2 lbs 12.2 ounces

FEMALE AGE 6-30/MALE AGE 6-12 – 2,000 CALORIES – POUCH ONLY MENU
Kashi TLC Trail Mix Bar
Kashi TLC Trail Mix Bar
Sam's Choice Mountain Trail Mix Individual Size
Rice-A-Roni Express Asian
Fried Austin Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter
StarKist Tuna Creations Garlic and Herb
Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes (prepared)
Planters Nutrition Heart Healthy Mix
1.5 oz Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs Chips Ahoy
Price: $6.83/day
Weight: 1 lbs 10.4 ounces

FEMALE AGE 6-30/MALE AGE 6-12 – 2,000 CALORIES
Quaker Oatmeal Express Baked Apple Raisins 1.5 oz box
Sam's Choice Mountain Trail Mix Individual Size
Del Monte Tropical Fruit Salad 8.25 oz
Bumble Bee Tuna Salad with Crackers
Great Value Tropical Trail Mix
6 OZ Hormel Roast Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Hunt's Snack Pack Pudding Cup
Chocolate Daredevil
Price: $6.29/day
Weight: 2 lbs 0.2 ounces

CHILD YOUNGER THAN AGE 6 – 1.500 CALORIES – POUCH ONLY MENU
Kashi TLC Trail Mix Bar
Sam's Choice Mountain Trail Mix Individual Size
Austin Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter
Sam's Choice Mountain Trail Mix Individual Size
Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes (prepared)
Raisins 1.5 oz box
Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs Chips Ahoy
Price: $2.73/day
Weight: 0 lbs 15.6 ounces

CHILD YOUNGER THAN AGE 6 -1,500 CALORIES
Kellogg's Apple Jacks .95 oz
Austin Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter
Hormel Cheezy Mac N Cheese
Planters Nutrition Heart Healthy Mix 1.5 oz
Raisins 1.5 oz box
Hormel Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Barum's Animal Crackers
Price: $4.77/day
Weight: 1 lb 13.8 ounces

POOR MAN'S 72 HOUR KIT MENU – (Meets Caloric, protein, and carb needs for 1 male or female adult for 3 days w/o exceeding sodium daily values)
Jif Reduced Fat Creamy/Crunchy 18oz
Great Value Unsalted Tops Crackers
Great Value Tropical Trail Mix 6 OZ
Great Value Tropical Trail Mix 6 OZ
Great Value Tropical Trail Mix 6 OZ
Great Value Tropical Trail Mix 6 OZ
Price: $7.30/person for 3 days
Weight: 5 lbs 14 ounces

NOTES:
None of these menus require any cooking, hot water, or refrigeration. I had my friend, a doctor, take a look at these menus (especially the Poor Man's Menu) and he said they were safe. Instant grits come in a pouch that's coated on the inside, so all you have to do is pour water in the pouch and let them sit to prepare them. Water temperature doesn't matter. Same for oatmeal, but grits taste a lot better than oatmeal when cold. If you substitute menu items be sure to compare with the full chart to ensure you're getting similar amounts of calories, sodium, protein and carbs.What to look for in choosing items for a 72 hour kit menu:
1) adequate calories
2) adequate protein and carbohydrates
3) keep sodium as low as possible
4) plenty of water - 2 L or 1/2 gallon per day per person
5) ease of storage
6) ease of food preparation
7) weight (include water needed to prepare food)

Food needs under extreme conditions"Remember the rules of thumb of performance eating.
1) Eat the right amount of food. Energy in equals energy out. Not enough food = fatigue. Too much = unwanted pounds.
2) Lots of carbohydrates. Now I know carbs may have a bad rep right now, but they are a MUST in the field and in the rear. Carbohydrates (55-70% of your calories) give you a quick start and provide nutrients for the long haul. They prevent fatigue by keeping your blood sugars up and filling energy-giving glycogen stores.
3) Adequate protein. Protein (12-15% of your calories) helps build and repair those muscles and tissues plus heal wounds and fight infections.
4) Lots of fluids. Fluids help prevent dehydration. The best choice is water, but if you don’t like the taste include juice, sport drinks, and UHT boxed milk. Remember unlike water these have calories.
5) Not too much fat. Fat can be used for energy, but carbs are your body’s first choice. About 30-35% of your calories should come from fat.
6) Vitamins and minerals. Think of these as your spark plugs to keep your body running. Vitamins and minerals from food sources are better absorbed so eat a variety of foods...."Some of [the] better choices are high carbohydrate, low-fat snacks. Examples include cookie bars, canned fruit, bread, crackers, granola bars, juice, bagels, fruit newtons, and instant noodles. Snack foods that are higher in fat are harder to digest and might decrease your appetite. The following snacks can lead to quick weight gain and affect your performance: sunflower seeds, nuts, pumpkin seeds, candy bars, snack cakes, sausage, canned Smokey’s, cheese, and jerky."
(High Caliber Nutrition in the Field; CPT Lisa M. Giese, RD, LN) Need for Carbs: Carbohydrates or "carbs" (pasta, bread, cereal, rice, fruits, milk, yogurt, potatoes, etc.) are especially important for athletes because they supply the body with glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Extra glucose is stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen, your energy reserve. During short bursts of exercise such as sprinting, basketball, gymnastics, or soccer, your body primarily uses glycogen for energy. If you don't have enough glycogen you can feel very tired, which will affect your athletic performance. During longer exercise, your body uses the glycogen stores first and then uses fats stored in your body to fuel performance. (Center for Young Women's Health, Children's Hospital Boston)Need for Protein:Your body needs protein every day to build and repair muscles and other body tissues, to make hormones, and to make enzymes that it needs to function normally (enzymes speed up and help certain chemical reactions to occur in your body). If you don’t eat enough protein, your body may start to break down your muscle. (Center for Young Women's Health, Children's Hospital Boston) If [y]our diet is too low in calories (from all food sources) the body will begin to use protein as an energy source. It will take the protein in our muscles to convert into calories. This is not good because when this happens important muscle mass is lost and our bodies become weaker and flabbier. People who are dieting and severely restricting their calorie intake run this risk. (Proteins) High protein intake can result in over-working your kidneys and more frequent urination, which potentially could lead to kidney problems, dehydration, loss of water-soluble vitamins and nutrients and build up of waste products (gout, kidney stones and uremic poisoning). (Become a PRO on Protein) Muscles rely on glycogen (the energy they use for fuel) to perform work. When bodybuilders replace carbohydrate with protein in their diet, they have lower muscle stores of glycogen. For that reason, a high protein/low carbohydrate diet cannot provide enough glycogen for our muscles, so they feel weak, tired, and fatigue quickly. (FYI, three grams of water are needed for each gram of glycogen we store in our muscles.) -- So on Poor Man's 72 hour kit menu, be sure to include dried fruit to up the carbs you take in. (Do bodybuilders and other weightlifters need more protein?)

Questions: Here are some questions that were emailed to me about these kits:

Q) Your 72 hour kit menus were very interesting to me as I have been on the same quest lately to improve the health and nutritive qualities of my family's 72 hour kits. I have a couple of questions regarding your menus. In your pouch only menus are you putting them in the foil pouches from the storehouse or do you just mean each item is self contained in it's own pouch? A) I mean each item is self contained in its own pouch. You can think of my pouch menus as the poor man's MRE kit. These items could, of course, be sealed with a storehouse or stake sealer to keep them safe from water damage, but a ziploc bag would suffice since they'll need to be rotated fairly often.
Q) Also I noticed you didn't make any mention of expiration dates. I looked at some of the same items you have listed, but had found that they didn't last even a year, such as the austin peanut butter crackers. What is your rotation schedule? Preprepared food items are just like the ones in your pantry, and should be rotated every 6-12 months. A common way to remember to rotate items in a 72-hour kit is to eat the food in the kit during General Conference. That helps you keep your kit current with fresh food, helps you determine what your family will or won't eat, and makes you open up your kit to update it (prescriptions, dietary needs, clothing sizes, caloric requirements, etc. may have changed).
Q) Did you find all of the items you have listed in one place? Thanks for the info.
A) Yes. I bought them all at a Super Wal-Mart. If you choose different brands than I listed, be sure to check that the sodium, carb, and protein values are similar. For example, the Kashi brand of granola bars was a lot healthier than some other brands.
Date Submitted: 2006-02-23

Source: http://www.mormonshare.com/search-lds-activities.php?ActivityID=421

Ordinary Items for Extraordinary Survival

A member of my ward sent this article to me. I thought you might find it useful. It was written by Carolyn Nicolaysen and published in Meridian Magazine on 1/23/08

A few years ago, my niece and her husband went for a mountain drive on a winter's day. Their car broke down on a remote snow-covered road, and it was two days until they were found. Under this scenario, the ordinary things they found in their car became things of extraordinary value.

Sometimes it's the everyday things that save lives or help us avoid tragedy during a crisis. Whether stranded in the snow, by a heat wave, power outage, hurricane, or by the simple cancellation of our return flight from abroad — we need to take a new look at the items we commonly have in our possession for their possible value in our emergency.

As an example, let's talk about some items we could use if we were stuck like my niece on a cold winter's day. The first thing to do is to assess the items you have in your possession that will help in your battle to survive. Search the trunk, your purse, luggage, pockets, under the hood, storage compartments and even the parts of the car itself, for things that will help.

Let's begin by emptying pockets, purses, backpacks, briefcases. Have we got a cell phone that works? Do we know our true location? Have we got a map? Can we see a populated area from where we are? Is there any traffic in the area that can be seen or heard? If we can answer “Yes” to any of these questions, help may be not far away. If “No” to all these questions, then you may need to prepare for a long wait.

Lipstick
Great for writing a message on the window of a car if you are leaving the car. However, leaving the car is not a good idea unless you know exactly where you are going and are sure of the walking distance, or the car is in danger because of a gas leak. Because of the wax and oils in lipstick, it is also good to help start a fire. Just rub some on a flammable material, and light.

Petroleum Jelly
Often used as a lip balm, and can be used to start a fire. Rub on another flammable material and light it with a match or the car's cigarette lighter. It can also be rubbed on the door gaskets to help stop drafts.

Mirror
A great signaling device. Not only your makeup mirror but also the rear-view or side mirrors on your car. Rip one off and use it to signal when you hear aircraft (obviously, you need direct sunlight in this situation). If you are leaving your car, take a mirror with you.

Hard Candy, Gum and Mints
These should be grouped together and used sparingly, especially if you have no other food. All of these will help to keep you feeling hydrated as they encourage production of saliva. I read a few years ago about an elderly woman whose car went off an embankment and was unnoticed for several days. She stayed hydrated by sucking on a button. Gum can also be chewed and use to attach a Mylar blanket to the top of the car as a signal, or to the inside of a door to cut down drafts.

Keys
Keys can be used to pry bark from a tree to start a fire, cut the upholstery on your car seats if you don't have a knife (see below), and to carve a mark on a tree to mark your path as a guide to return to your car. Everyone in our family carries a small Swiss knife on our key chains. Just remember to remove the knife before you fly, or TSA will confiscate it.

Checks
Checks, store receipts, gas station receipts and all the other miscellaneous papers we carry around are great to crumple up to start a fire. Make sure you apply the lipstick or petroleum jelly to crumpled paper and it will burn longer, giving you time to add other kindling to get a real fire going. See the Boy Scout Handbook for more fire starting ideas.

Feminine Products
These are a great item to add to that small fire you have started. Remember adding the lipstick and petroleum jelly will increase the time they will burn. Feminine pads can be burned, but are also valuable first aid compresses for an injury.

Other Fire Starters
If you happen to have these items, they are also great to help start a fire: cotton balls, cotton swabs, paper towels, newspapers, cardboard.

Pencils, Rulers, Wooden Toys, and Everything Wooden
These make great kindling once you have a small fire started. Search outside the vehicle too for dry wood scraps and any flammable material that can be used to build a fire.

Hair Spray and Perfume
Both of these products contain alcohol and will aid in fueling a small fire.

Prescription Glasses
Do you remember as a kid starting a leaf on fire with a magnifying glass? Prescription eye glasses will accomplish the same thing.

Credit Cards
These make great ice scrapers. Be sure to wear gloves or a plastic bag on your hands to minimize getting wet.

Purse
If you are caught without a hat, find something else to wear on your head. Even your purse — really. Forty to fifty percent of your body heat is lost through your uncovered head. Keep it covered in cold weather survival situations. If you are in your car and your feet are cold, slip them into your purse or tote bag. It will help to contain and maintain the temperature, and after a few minutes the temperature inside the bag will increase. You may feel silly but you will stay warmer.

This can be a great “game” if you have kids with you — who can look the silliest. If you have a very brightly colored purse and no other materials to do the job, hang your purse on the radio antenna or door handle or place in the rear window. Bright colors can be seen for long distances by rescuers. Backpacks also work great!

Now for the car ...

Floor Mats
Floor mats are great insulators. You can wear a floor mat under your clothing for added warmth. Prop it against the bottom of a door to help eliminate drafts. Put it under you if you need to change a tire. Remember, we want to avoid getting wet at all costs to survive a winter emergency. You can also use a floor mat under your tires to create traction, if being stuck is the cause of your problem.

Wheel Covers
A “hub cap,” or wheel cover as they are called now, can be an important tool. Use it as a shovel to make a path for a car that is stuck, clear the snow from behind the exhaust pipe, or to build a snow cave. Use it as a fire ring to hold a small fire. Wash it out well with some snow and use it to melt snow to drink. If your engine runs, you will want to run your car for ten minutes every hour to warm up the car. Fill a hub cap with snow and place on the engine as you run your car. It will melt and heat the snow. Be careful when removing it as it will be hot. Remember you have four of these!

Sun Visors
These are great for use as a signaling device but also as a scraper to remove the snow from your car. Removing the snow from your car will make it more visible to rescuers, even if you have a white car. Remove the snow regularly, because the car will reflect search lights and snow on the car may look like just more snow.

CDs and DVDs
Take them out of the players and use them to signal, like a mirror. They also make great reflectors if you are pulled to the side of the road and want to be seen by oncoming traffic.

Seats
Upholstery foam can be used as an insulator. Use your knife or key to cut a hole in the seat and remove what is needed.

Oil, Antifreeze and Gasoline
If you have engine oil in the trunk, be prepared to help search aircraft find you. Place some oil in one of your hub caps. Use a small amount of gasoline and ignite. The smoke will be seen for miles.

To remove gasoline from your tank, tie a rag to a coat hanger or dip stick and carefully lower into the gas tank. Even the small amount of gasoline on the sides of the pipe will be enough to ignite and help start a fire. Naturally, you will want to use all these materials away from your car.

The coolant in your radiator cannot, repeat, CANNOT, be used for drinking. Antifreeze will kill you! Antifreeze is ethylene glycol. If you have a jug of 100% antifreeze, it can be a fuel for a signal fire; it has a much higher flash point than gasoline, and a much lower flash point (minimum ignition temperature) than engine oil.

The Horn
Don't forget your best signaling device. The universal signal for help is a long blast either from a whistle, horn or as a last resort, your voice. Sound it long, follow by a short pause and then another long blast, and then a third.

Newspapers and Magazines
These are not only great for fuel, but also for insulation. When my children were young I was asked to train as a counselor for girls' camp. At the time this involved a two-day hike and night in the great outdoors. Boy, did we pick the wrong week. As we got our little two-man tents up, down came the rain and up came the wind — and then there was lightning and thunder. It was a really frightening night.

As we lay awake in our tent watching it sway, we got little sleep. When we ventured out in the morning, we discovered some of the women had taken refuge in a car. They froze — while we were nice and warm. The difference? We were on the ground, and they were in a car with the cold winds blowing not only around them but also under them.

I learned the lesson. When you are in a car, you need to keep in as much heat as possible and prevent cold air from coming in. That means insulating the floor. Newspapers and magazines are a great insulator. Layer them on the floor and then cover with any extra clothing, rags or blankets. Search out all the empty backpacks, clothing, or paper grocery bags you may have in the car.

Umbrellas
Most of us have an umbrella in the trunk. If not, get one. If you are stranded in your car, it is important to keep a window open slightly, especially when the engine is running. This window should always be one that is downwind. This may not always be possible because during a storm the winds may be blowing. If this is the case, open the window slightly, slip the handle of the umbrella out the window, and open the umbrella. Pull the umbrella tightly against the car and close the window. The small space that remains will support the umbrella and will also provide air circulation. The umbrella will prevent cold gusts and snow from being blown into the car while allowing air to circulate, thus preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Try to choose a window that is upwind from the path of the exhaust when the engine is running.

Umbrellas can also be used to shield a fire from wind gusts until it can become established.

When building a snow cave or other shelter, an umbrella can be used to “seal” the doorway. In the case of a leaky roof in your snow cave, an umbrella opened inside may protect you from getting wet. Again, don't leave the shelter of your car if it is possible to stay safely there. If you do leave, leave a message on the car with your location or direction of travel. But generally, do as Scouts do. They are taught to hug a tree if they become lost. The same wisdom applies here — stay in your car or you may not be found by your rescuers.

Luggage
What's in the luggage? If you have been headed out on vacation, you will have luggage in the trunk. Carefully plan what you will need to retrieve from that luggage so you only have to leave the vehicle once to fetch it.
Hard-sided luggage can be used to provide shelter or a windbreak. Soft-sided luggage can be placed on the floor to provide insulation.

Food and Drink
Food and drinks should all be brought into the passenger space because they will be valuable and needed. In the trunk, drinks may freeze.

Clothing
Clothing should be a top priority, but only the right clothing. Any sweater, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, coats, scarves and mittens are absolute necessities. Remember you will remain warmer in loose fitting layers because the air trapped between layers will warm up and thus keep you warmer.

In addition to these items, be sure to get all the socks. If your socks become wet, they should be changed immediately. Socks should also be layered for warmth and they make great mittens. You may feel you won't need all that clothing and couldn't possibly wear it all, but it can be used as a blanket, pillow, or to place on the floor over the newspaper you have put down to provide more insulation from drafts. Try rolling some clothing and placing it at the base of the windshield and rear window to cut down drafts.

Summary
My niece and her husband were found safe and in time. It was a humbling experience for the whole family, but a close call.

The first step if stranded in snow on a lonely road is to assess what things are available, then to plan for ways to protect ourselves and family from the elements, provide something to drink and eat if possible, clothe ourselves to stay dry and warm, maintain clean air to breathe, find a way to signal our location to searchers, and never to go anywhere without leaving a message for rescuers with details of our plan. Better yet, stay put until help arrives.

Hopefully, we are working to be prepared for emergencies. Prepared in our homes, prepared in our cars, prepared at work, and while traveling by air. But there are lots of exceptions when all our best plans and intentions are out of reach, or when we may have trusted our safety to others. In such situations, we have to look around us at what is available, and apply those things to solving our situation.

Remember the adventure series “MacGyver”? There was no situation he could not resolve with the ordinary stuff at hand.

For more ideas on this topic, see our Meridian article “Surviving the Hazards of Winter Travel” and “Survival in your Pocket” at blog.totallyready.com. It's time to get ready for whatever comes!

Wilderness Survival and Emergency Shelters

The most critical item for any emergency is a POSITIVE ATTITUDE--self-confidence, knowing you can and will survive--no matter how tough it gets. This will get you through the emergency.

Ten Outdoor Essentials for any trip:

1. Pocketknife
2. First-Aid Kit
3. Extra Clothing
4. Rain Gear
5. Water Bottle
6. Flashlight
7. Trail Food
8. Matches and Fire Starters
9. Sunscreen
10. Map & Compass

Additional items to make a survival situation more bearable:

• Duct tape: repairs, patching, bandage tape, etc.
• Signal: Metal mirror, bright clothing, something to attract attention
• 2 - 3 bouillon cubes
• 2 - 3 flavored drink mix packets
• Money--coins for a call
• 50 feet of fishing line with hooks
• 24 feet of thin (18 gauge) wire
• Cell phone with phone numbers of area emergency responders
• Prescription medications

Two Basic Survival Items that should be carried on your person:

1. A large heavy-duty plastic bag (30-39 gallon size and bright color): This can be an instant shelter--cutting a small hole for your face/breathing
2. A whistle: 3 short blasts help signal your emergency

Managing a Survival or Emergency Situation

Phase I - Immediate Actions to Take

1. Keep a positive attitude
2. Stay put if your are lost
3. Protect and maintain life (immediate actions to stay alive and well, immediate shelter for protection against the elements and other threats)
4. Administer first aid.
5. Inventory the equipment and resources available and improvise as needed.
6. Signal to others that you need help.
7. Conserve internal body resources (body temperature, water, energy, etc.)

Phase II - Manage Risk and Maintain Life

1. Determine and fulfill the body's physiological needs.
2. Maintain a positive attitude.
3. Apply survival skills as needed:

• Building a fire
• Improving your shelter
• Finding and treating water
• Improving signaling methods
• Looking for food

4. Reassess the environment for existing and potential threats and take protective measures.

Phase III - Rescue

1. Continue to improve signaling methods and introduce new ones.
2. Devise a plan

• How to maintain life.
• How to assist the search and rescue effort.

Source: Curtis Vielstich

Home Generator Information

You should first consider those things that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has suggested. Storage of food, water and financial reserves are likely important to consider BEFORE getting an emergency home generator. However, if you need to have electric service to heat your house, or perhaps to run an oxygen machine, consider a generator set-up.

A Home Generator:

• Is Expensive
• Requires a fair amount of maintenance
• Might be dangerous if not used properly
• Can be very noisy
• Can be a real blessing at times (during long power outages can provide well water, heat, lights and the microwave oven, TV and even the Internet)

Do Not Buy a Generator if:

• You have not stored food and water for all of your family members.
• You don't have at least $1000.00 or more to spend.
• You don't have a place to run it outside, or if you don't want to do the maintenance.

I Bought a Generator Because:

• We seem to lose power frequently.
• We have no neighbors to complain; the noise only bothers us. (I did install a quieter muffler)
• I could install it myself with the transfer panel.
• We felt we had the money for it; I do the maintenance myself.

If I Had to Do it Again, I would:

• Buy a better generator with a quieter muffler, maybe better voltage regulation.
• Run wiring from the outside of the house so the cable did not have to go under the garage door.

Different Types of Generators are:

• Small portable units: Typical use for camping--may be too small for home emergency use.
• Low cost units (with wheels): Light duty, 4000 to 7500 watts
• Heavy duty units (with or without wheels): More expensive, greater life.
• Permanently installed automatic operation units: Expensive, outside location.

Where would you buy a generator and the transfer switch panel?

• Home Depot or Lowe's
• Lots of other places (see web links)

A Generator Runs on:

• Gasoline: Expensive
• Propane: Nice if you have that available anyway
• Heating oil/diesel: Same as above

Types of Home Generators:

• Portable 5000 VA with wheels--use outside of the house
• Portable small units--use outside for camping
• Permanently installed--automatic operation 8000 VA or larger--normally located outside your house.

How to use a generator:

• Install a generator transfer switch panel connected to your house electrical circuit breaker panel.
• OR just plug in necessary equipment with extension cords.
• DO NOT back feed the generator. This is dangerous to you and possibly someone working on the power lines.

Here are some generator websites and how to use them:

• NE MARA: Church related amateur radio website, thanks to Dave Marling in Nova Scotia http://ne.mara.net/generator/gen.pdf
• POPULAR MECHANICS ARTICLE http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_to_central/home_clinic/1275631.html?page=1
• CENTRAL MAINE DIESEL SITE http://01856bc.netolhost.com/demo_units11.asp?page=1
• GENERATORJOE SITE is okay--lots of stuff there http://generatorjoe.net/store.asp
• HONDA GENERATORS http://hondapowerequipment.com/gen.asp
• KOHLER http://kohlerpowersystems.com/residential.html
• HOME DEPOT http://www.homedepot.com/
• GEN TRAN http://www.gen-tran.com/

Source: Jeff Porter, 28 April 2007

Family Disaster Plan

Every Family needs to plan for what might happen.

You should sit down with your family and talk about:

• What types of disasters might happen
• What you should do to prepare (like creating a family disaster kit, i.e. 72 hour kit)
• What to do if you are asked to evacuate

You should talk to your family about:

• Where to meet away from your home in case of a fire (like a neighbor's house or the corner of the street);
• Where to meet outside your neighborhood if you must evacuate. You should pick a friend or relative's house.
• Where to call to "check in" if you become separated from your family during a disaster. You should memorize the phone number of a family member who lives out of state. You call there to report where you are so your family can find you.

You can also talk to your whole neighborhood about disaster plans Find out if someone in your neighborhood has a special skill--like being a doctor.

Be sure your home has a smoke detector and remember to change the batteries twice a year. It's also a good idea totake a first aid class so you will be prepared to help others.

EMERGENCY PLAN

Out of State Contact

Name:______________________________________

City: _______________________________________

Telephone (Day)______________

(Evening) ___________________

(Cell) ______________________

Local Contact

Name: _____________________________________

City: ______________________________________

Telephone (Day)_______________

(Evening) ____________________

(Cell) _______________________

Nearest Relative

Name: ______________________________________

City:________________________________________

Telephone (Day)_______________

(Evening) ____________________

(Cell) _______________________

Family Work Numbers

Father_______________________

Mother ______________________

Other _______________________

Emergency Telephone Numbers

In a life threatening emergency, dial 911 or the local emergency medical services system number

Police Dept_________________________

Fire Dept__________________________

Hospital___________________________

Family Physicians

Name_____________________________

Phone_____________________________

Name_____________________________

Phone_____________________________

Name_____________________________

Phone_____________________________

Reunion Locations

1. Right outside your home_______________

__________________________________

2. Away from neighborhood, in case you cannot return home

__________________________________

__________________________________

Escape Plan

In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate your home on a moment's notice. You should be ready to get out fast.

Develop an escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your residence. Using a black or blue pen, show the location of doors, windows, stairways,a dn large furniture. Indicatethe location of emergency supplies (Disaster Supplies Kit), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors,collapsible ladders, first aid kits, and utility shut off points. Next, use a colored pen to draw a broken line charting at least two excape routes from each room. Finally, mark a place outside of the home where household members should meet in case of fire.

Be sure to include important points outside such as garages, patios, stiarways, elevators, driveways and porches. If your home has more than two floors, use an additional sheet of paper. Practice emergency evacuation drills with all household members at least two times each year.

Source: Becky Potts

Information Page for Each Emergency Pack (72 hour kit)

Name: ____________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________

Phone number: _____________________________________

Family members:____________________________________

_________________________________________________

Medical Problems: ___________________________________

Allergies: _________________________________________

Medications: _______________________________________

Local person to call in case of emergency: ___________________

Non-local person to call: _______________________________

Disaster Preparedness: Protecting Valuable Records

Many people assume that floods, storms, hurricanes and other disasters happen to someone else and postpone taking care of family papers. But protecting family papers prepares you to deal with natural disasters.

An up to date household inventory is very valuable. When making the inventory, do not overlook tools stored in the garage, lawn furniture or food in the freezer. You may want to include a video or photographs of your inventory. An accurate inventory will help you determine if you have enough insurance to cover the contents of your home. Keep the inventory current.

Give additional copies of lists of valuables to your lawyer, the administrator of your will, a business associate, or trusted family member who doesn't live in your home.

Here's a list of the valuable papers you should keep in your safe deposit box:

• Stocks, financial records, and bond certificates
• Important receipts and bills of sale
• Property records, deeds, titles, and/or leases
• List of insurance policies
• Automobile bill of sale
• Household inventory
• Military service records
• Contracts (including promissory notes)
• Copyrights and patents
• Adoption papers
• A copy of your will (his and hers)
• Passports
• Custody papers
• Auto title
• Citizenship papers
• Birth certificates
• Religious records
• Death certificates
• Income tax returns that document large transactions, unusual losses, or deductions
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Social Security Cards
• Retirement Papers

These valuable papers may be kept at home in a fireproof, locked box:

• Advisers' names and addresses
• Copies of birth and marriage certificates
• Guarantees and warranties
• Driver's license numbers
• Educational records
• Income tax returns for past 3 years
• Employee benefits
• Appliance manuals
• Health Records
• Current bank statements
• Insurance policies
• Rental property records
• Loan payment books
• Safe deposit records and inventory of items
• Credit card numbers
• Bank account numbers

Source: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Specialists, NC State University

Emergency & Financial Preparedness: Insurance is Vital

Will your insurance coverage be up to the job if disasters destroy your home? Ask yourself three questions now:

• Do I have enough insurance to rebuild my home?
• Do I have enough insurance to replace all of my possessions?
• Do I have enough insurance to protect my assets in case of a lawsuit?"

Part of being prepared is to be able to answer that question with a resounding "yes!"

Homeowner's Insurance is designed to pay for damage to your home, its contents, protect you from financial liability if someone is injured on your property, and protects your possessions when you are away from home (i.e. stolen luggage, etc.)

Most homeowner's policies cover damage to the structure of your home, as well as personal property caused by many disasters. Fire and smoke damage, lightning, hail, explosion and theft are almost always covered. Although most homeowner insurance policies are standardized, you should examine all policies carefully and ask lots of questions before feeling comfortable with your coverage.

Flood, earthquake and sinkhole damage are almost never covered in a standard policy and need to be insured separately. Home offices, collectibles, jewelry and antiques may also need separate coverage. Homeowner's insurance only covers the structure of your home, not the land.

Two Methods of Determining Loss
Insurance companies employ two methods to determine the value of a loss--actual cash value and replacement cost.

Actual cash value is the cost of replacing damaged or destroyed property with comparable new property minus depreciation.

Replacement coverage is the cost of replacing an item with an item of the same kind and quality, with no consideration for depreciation.

Replacement value is the better of the two types of coverage because it will guarantee replacement. If your property is several years old and you have a cash value policy, your possessions may be worth nothing due to depreciation, and therefore, you are left without. If your policy does not already include replacement coverage, you can add this to your policy for an increase in premium. It may be well worth the additional premium to include this coverage.

If you are not yet a homeowner, make sure to purchase renters' insurance. This type of insurance can also protect you in case of theft, vandalism, natural disaster and liability for injury in your home or apartment. Rental properties often become victim to looting and vandalism after a disaster.

Ask Lots of Questions
An insurance policy is a legal contract that may be loaded with technical terms and hard to understand. Read it before you sign and ask if you have a question. Be very specific in the questions you ask and try to get all answers in writing. For example:

1. Who is covered? If a volunteer is injured while helping to clean up after a hurricane, is he covered? How much of his medical bill would be covered?
2. What is covered? Is my car covered if a tree falls on it when it is parked in the driveway? Is it covered if it is in the garage? Is the cost of tree removal covered if the tree does no damage?
3. Am I covered for direct losses due to fire, lightning, tornadoes, windstorms, ice storms, hail, explosions, smoke, terrorism, vandalism and theft?
4. Are my jewelry and antiques covered?
5. What happens if I decide not to rebuild my home? Can I rebuild a different house plan--larger or smaller than my present home?
6. If a pipe bursts and water flows all over my floors, am I covered? What if the dishwasher leaks and ruins the floor? Am I covered?
7. What if water seeps into my basement from the ground due to flooding or sprinklers? Am I covered?
8. If a storm causes a power outage and all the food in my refrigerator or freezer is spoiled and must be thrown out, can I make a claim?
9. Are children and their possessions covered when they are away at college?
10. Does my homeowner policy cover the loss if something is stolen out of my car?
11. Is my boat covered if it is stolen? Am I covered if there is a boating accident and I am sued?
12. Am I covered if I need to rebuild my home to a new, stricter building code?
13. Exactly what is not covered? Have you ever heard that an "act of God" is not covered? What is an "act of God?"
14. What personal expenses are covered after a disaster? If I can't inhabit my home because of a fire, will the insurance policy pay the hotel bills? For how long? Car rentals? For how long? Meals? For how long? Medications, clothing replacement, school supplies?
15. When can you begin collecting the settlement money after a loss? Do you have to pay first and then submit receipts for reimbursement?
16. Will they charge for inspector to come out and inspect the damage?
17. How do you report a claim? Does your insurance company have a 24-hour hotline? In the case of a disaster, always call immediately after a disaster strikes. In the case of a widespread disaster, claims will be handled in the order they are received. If no one answers, leave a message. Always keep several phone numbers for your insurance company and agent in your 72-hour kit.
18. What is the premium? How often is it due? Is there are a grace period? When will it increase? Will it increase every time I make a claim--to the point that I won't want to make a claim because of penalization?
19. How much is my deductible?
20. Does the policy cover actual cash value or replacement cost?

Obviously, these aren't all the questions you will need to ask, but they should help get you thinking about concerns specific to your situation.

Source: Adapted from "Insurance: Part of Being Prepared" by Carolyn Nicolaysen, Meridian Magazine

Prepare your Car for Winter

Winter storms can hit suddenly and severely. Keeping safe in the car is a necessity. Preparing your car for the winter can be as easy as adding a few supplies and taking a few necessary steps which will keep your family safe and warm on the road.

WINTER ITEMS FOR THE CAR TRUNK:

1) Tool kit: Equipped to handle basic repairs on the road. It should contain jumper cables, fix-a-flat, duct or electrical tape, adjustable crescent wrench, Philips and flat head screwdrivers and pliers.

2) Shovel (preferably collapsible)

3) Extra gas container

4) Tow rope

5) Flashlight with extra batteries

6) Windshield Scraper

7) Tire jack

8) Compass

9) Road maps

10) Box of kitty litter or sand for traction in the snow

11) Extra set of clothing for every member of your family: Socks, sweaters, pants and hats are most essential. Wool is the best insulator as it keeps you warm even when wet. Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene are also good especially if your skin is sensitive to wool. Cotton is a a poor choice as it is non-insulating and absorbs water. Make sure your jackets or coats are waterproof.

12) Bright red cloth: Recognized as a distress call when tied to your antenna.

13) Enough food and water for two or three days: Light weight and shelf stable items such as food bars pack a lot of energy without taking up much space. Water is available in foil packs or water boxes.

14) A few light sticks or candles: Dusk comes early and it's comforting to have a little light if batteries run low in the flashlights.

15) First Aid Kit

16) Knife

17) Large empty can with cover and toilet paper (for sanitation needs)

18) Portable radio

Source: Emergency Essentials, http://beprepared.com/Articles/Winterizecar.html