In 1858, a man named Edwin Holmes, invented the first burglar alarm system. It was a simple device consisting of a spring that was released upon the opening of a window or door, which would then close an electrical circuit. Many more years later, alarm systems have taken a new face and have incredibly features in order to permit a complete protection of one’s home.
Given the increasingly rate of crime, more and more people are willing to install performant alarm systems in order to protect their houses and feel secure. Today’s alarm systems can not only alert the owner or the proper authorities of an intrusion, but they can also notify the police department, fire department and ambulance in case of an emergency.
When you decide to purchase one of the available alarm systems, be sure that you choose to buy from a creditable and reputable company. It is very important to find a company you can trust but you should get quotes from several alarm systems company before you decide. Try to compare benefits, features and costs of different alarm systems in order to be confident you’ve made the right choice.
It is not easy to browse through the multitude of alarm systems available on the market. There are so many options and you can easily find yourself wondering: do I need all that? Well, in a world where people are killed just for the pleasure of doing it, you need all the protection you can get. And you can be certain that alarm systems companies have understood that alarm systems should be designed and utilized to protect people first and property second.
The main protection you need for your home and also for yourself is from burglars. Burglar alarm systems come in different shapes and models, with a lot of features and benefits. There are mainly two types of burglar alarm systems: one that is very noisy and alert the nearby neighbors and one which is called a silent alarm because it alerts only the proper authorities.
One has to be aware that a burglar’s three worst enemies are light, time and noise. Even if he is a professional, he won’t be able to work if there is too much light, if he needs a lot of time to break in and if he can’t work in peace. All these things burglars try to avoid are speculated by the companies who provide burglar alarm systems. They include in these burglar alarm systems exterior lights, mounted out of easy reach to reduce darkness, the proper enviroment for a burglar. You can also choose to mount strobe lights, which repeatedly flash on and off when alarm systems sensors detect an intruder.
Simple security devices are also installed by the professionals who provide burglar alarm systems in order to discourage intruders from entering. You will be amazed by what effect has ordinary equipment such as: nails, screws, padlocks, door and windows locks, grates, bars and bolt. Specialists also recommend to make robbing your house a noisy job. There are many types of burglar alarm systems available with output devices such sirens. These emit a loud piercing signal when triggered by the alarm systems control panel. Sometimes, they are enough to scare off potential burglars or trespassers.
Understanding the functions of the numerous components of burglar alarm systems can be quite confusing. The master control panel is the brain that controls all existent burglar alarm systems. All security alarm sensors are connected to it. This device interprets the signals received from the sensors and in turn alerts the security alarm output devices summoning aid or giving loud sound warnings. All burglar alarm systems have a performant control panel, mounted out of the way, well-hidden for security reasons.
Other functions of burglar alarm systems include: key pads, contacts, glass break detectors, motion detectors, sirens, smoke and heat detectors and much more. They all come together to create high-tech burglar alarm systems and ensure a complete protection. You can even choose wireless burglar alarm systems and then you won’t have to bother because a burglar will never be able to disarm the system by snapping wires.
An English saying goes like this: a man’s home is his castle. And this is definitely true. We want to feel comfort, easiness and relax in our own house. The only way to do that is to feel safe. Safety is the most important thing in the world. Why should one have to be afraid? Alarm systems are easy to install and always there for you.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Alarm-systems---feeling-safe/30808
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
How Police Officers Use Non-Lethal Weapons In Their Jobs
Police departments in the United States must deal with a variety of difficult situations each day; officers never know how a traffic post or call for help might ultimately turn out. Because of this unpredictability, policemen and women have been armed with a variety of weapons that help them deal with the dangers they face on a daily basis. Three of the most common non-lethal weapons that police officers utilize are stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray. All three have proven useful alternatives to pulling out a firearm and thereby escalating an already-hazardous situation.
There are many instances in which a cop may use a weapon other than his firearm. A common circumstance may be when someone is threatening to commit suicide-in the case that the suicidal individual is not holding a gun. For example, if the person has a knife held to his throat, the police will want to keep him calm without approaching him too closely. Being able to daze the suicidal individual with a taser gun from 15 feet away means that the officers needn't place themselves in harm's way. It also means that the subject will be stunned for a long enough period that officers can safely confiscate the knife and handcuff the person.
Officers have found many situations in which pepper spray proved to be the best option, crowd control being a common case. If police officers are faced with containing a rioting mob, pepper spray can be an effective method of dispersing the crowd. The spray impacts more than one person in the area, and can be used as defense against a number of assaulters. Pepper spray may be used in hostage situations as well. If an attacker is holding a hostage and the police wish to disable him, officers may use pepper spray to do so. The pepper spray may also disable the hostage, but it will not cause any long-term harm to its targets. Pepper spray disables both the victim and the attacker, and allows the police to remove the weapon and take the attacker into custody.
Stun guns are best used in close-quarter situations; this is because the gun must make contact with the attacker in order to take effect. This weapon is best used in situations where an officer finds himself wrestling with a subject. Stun guns can also be used after an arrest, to subdue someone in a vehicle or a jail cell. Because these spaces are enclosed, pepper spray would not be an effective choice of weapon-the use of such sprays could impact police as easily as it disables their attackers.
There are a variety of protocols and rules that a police officer must follow before using any weapon. Ultimately, however, it is up to the individual officer to decide which method is the best for use in a particular situation. When a cop deals with an aggressive unarmed person, the officer can turn to one of these weapons as an alternative getting in a fist fight with his aggressor.
The police must also take caution when dealing with pregnant women, the elderly, and children. For example, if a pregnant woman is threatening a police officer with a knife, the officer may want to use pepper spray instead of a taser; the spray is less likely to cause harm to the infant.
No matter which non-lethal method a police officer uses when dealing with a suspect, all are viable alternatives to firearms. Armed with these non-lethal alternatives, an officer is able to avoid the use of lethal force whenever possible. Police agencies that have implemented these alternatives have seen the rate of police shooting suspects decrease dramatically.
Although this article speaks of non-lethal, self-defense tools that police officers use, it must be noted that private individuals can use all of these same tools to protect themselves from harm as well. The fact that police agencies provide these tools to their officers is a testament to the effectiveness of these tools in very specific situations. By examining your own activities and lifestyle, using this article as a guide, you can determine which of thses self-defense tools could best protect you and your family in the event that you are faced with a threat of harm.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/How-Police-Officers-Use-Non-Lethal-Weapons-In-Their-Jobs/31695
There are many instances in which a cop may use a weapon other than his firearm. A common circumstance may be when someone is threatening to commit suicide-in the case that the suicidal individual is not holding a gun. For example, if the person has a knife held to his throat, the police will want to keep him calm without approaching him too closely. Being able to daze the suicidal individual with a taser gun from 15 feet away means that the officers needn't place themselves in harm's way. It also means that the subject will be stunned for a long enough period that officers can safely confiscate the knife and handcuff the person.
Officers have found many situations in which pepper spray proved to be the best option, crowd control being a common case. If police officers are faced with containing a rioting mob, pepper spray can be an effective method of dispersing the crowd. The spray impacts more than one person in the area, and can be used as defense against a number of assaulters. Pepper spray may be used in hostage situations as well. If an attacker is holding a hostage and the police wish to disable him, officers may use pepper spray to do so. The pepper spray may also disable the hostage, but it will not cause any long-term harm to its targets. Pepper spray disables both the victim and the attacker, and allows the police to remove the weapon and take the attacker into custody.
Stun guns are best used in close-quarter situations; this is because the gun must make contact with the attacker in order to take effect. This weapon is best used in situations where an officer finds himself wrestling with a subject. Stun guns can also be used after an arrest, to subdue someone in a vehicle or a jail cell. Because these spaces are enclosed, pepper spray would not be an effective choice of weapon-the use of such sprays could impact police as easily as it disables their attackers.
There are a variety of protocols and rules that a police officer must follow before using any weapon. Ultimately, however, it is up to the individual officer to decide which method is the best for use in a particular situation. When a cop deals with an aggressive unarmed person, the officer can turn to one of these weapons as an alternative getting in a fist fight with his aggressor.
The police must also take caution when dealing with pregnant women, the elderly, and children. For example, if a pregnant woman is threatening a police officer with a knife, the officer may want to use pepper spray instead of a taser; the spray is less likely to cause harm to the infant.
No matter which non-lethal method a police officer uses when dealing with a suspect, all are viable alternatives to firearms. Armed with these non-lethal alternatives, an officer is able to avoid the use of lethal force whenever possible. Police agencies that have implemented these alternatives have seen the rate of police shooting suspects decrease dramatically.
Although this article speaks of non-lethal, self-defense tools that police officers use, it must be noted that private individuals can use all of these same tools to protect themselves from harm as well. The fact that police agencies provide these tools to their officers is a testament to the effectiveness of these tools in very specific situations. By examining your own activities and lifestyle, using this article as a guide, you can determine which of thses self-defense tools could best protect you and your family in the event that you are faced with a threat of harm.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/How-Police-Officers-Use-Non-Lethal-Weapons-In-Their-Jobs/31695
Theft and criminality – how much protection can an auto/home security system grant
The constant increase in the rate of criminality and theft in the last few years made people aware of safety issues. The need for protection took a new turn and many people became interested in learning how to properly protect their family and home from future invasion.
People started to search for creditable and reputable companies in order to buy the ideal home security system. They compared benefits, features and costs among top brands of home security system and equipment.
Before purchasing a home security system it is for the best to enquire about crime statistics in the area. You can easily get this information from a police station because they keep detailed records of crimes commited. Check about break-ins, autotheft or even rapes and then decide which home security system you wish to buy.
If you choose to buy a home security system, you should know that one of its main features are home security cameras which provide safety in many ways. Also, these cameras gradually gain popularity for use in home security with decreasing prices and ease of installation.
The need for protection is not just for one’s home but also for the car. The rate of autotheft has increased on a high scale and simply locking your car is just not enough to stop thieves from stealing. There are many levels of car security starting from steering wheel locks to high-tech alarms or immobilisers.
One of the most common auto security system is the audible and its main function is to alert the general public that someone without authority is trying to get into your vehicle. Many people were disturbed by this type of alarm and that is why recently manufacturers introduced the possibility of setting the sensitivity of the audible auto security system in order to decrease the chance of if going off for no reason.
Another type of auto security system is the one that eliminates the alert sounds by paging the owner electronically. It falls into the category of private alert systems or inaudibles but it has a few bugs mainly that even though it pages the owner he may be too far from the car in order to stop the intruder from stealing it.
Latest technology advancements in the market of auto security system have led to many innovations. The ignition system immobilizer is one of the newest forms of auto security system and it may actually become mandatory in the production of future vehicles. These systems forbid the starting of the vehicle to any one who has unauthorized access.
Many people prefer combinations such as: immobilizer together with an audible auto security system and also a steering wheel lock for increased protection. Nobody should overlook the topic of car security because there are many safety issues involved. When searching for an auto security system, consider the Internet as a good place to start your search. Browse through a variety of websites that offer the perfect auto security system and choose from the number of options at your disposal.
Too many people underevaluate the security aspect of their daily lives. Cars are stolen on a regular basis and have become a natural target for thieves. This is why an auto security system is always a valuable piece of equipment to own in order to protect your car from being stolen.
An unique auto security system is the one with three-channel security and keyless entry system. It also has additional features such as: parking light flash, on-board stinger and double guard shock sensor-revenger. The two-way auto security system/remote start system is another innovation, and it has a remarcable design with special features such as an interactive display on the responder remote that confirms all commands. You can even choose a talking alarm which says: you are too close to the vehicle, please move aways, alarm armed, alarm disarmed, thank you.
We must realise that many cars do not have the necessary utilities installed to prevent car theft. The manufacturers of auto security systems have come up with utitilies that prevent thieves from stealing. It would be a shame not to take advantage of what the market has to offer.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Theft-and-criminality---how-much-protection-can-an-auto-home-security-system-grant-/32083
People started to search for creditable and reputable companies in order to buy the ideal home security system. They compared benefits, features and costs among top brands of home security system and equipment.
Before purchasing a home security system it is for the best to enquire about crime statistics in the area. You can easily get this information from a police station because they keep detailed records of crimes commited. Check about break-ins, autotheft or even rapes and then decide which home security system you wish to buy.
If you choose to buy a home security system, you should know that one of its main features are home security cameras which provide safety in many ways. Also, these cameras gradually gain popularity for use in home security with decreasing prices and ease of installation.
The need for protection is not just for one’s home but also for the car. The rate of autotheft has increased on a high scale and simply locking your car is just not enough to stop thieves from stealing. There are many levels of car security starting from steering wheel locks to high-tech alarms or immobilisers.
One of the most common auto security system is the audible and its main function is to alert the general public that someone without authority is trying to get into your vehicle. Many people were disturbed by this type of alarm and that is why recently manufacturers introduced the possibility of setting the sensitivity of the audible auto security system in order to decrease the chance of if going off for no reason.
Another type of auto security system is the one that eliminates the alert sounds by paging the owner electronically. It falls into the category of private alert systems or inaudibles but it has a few bugs mainly that even though it pages the owner he may be too far from the car in order to stop the intruder from stealing it.
Latest technology advancements in the market of auto security system have led to many innovations. The ignition system immobilizer is one of the newest forms of auto security system and it may actually become mandatory in the production of future vehicles. These systems forbid the starting of the vehicle to any one who has unauthorized access.
Many people prefer combinations such as: immobilizer together with an audible auto security system and also a steering wheel lock for increased protection. Nobody should overlook the topic of car security because there are many safety issues involved. When searching for an auto security system, consider the Internet as a good place to start your search. Browse through a variety of websites that offer the perfect auto security system and choose from the number of options at your disposal.
Too many people underevaluate the security aspect of their daily lives. Cars are stolen on a regular basis and have become a natural target for thieves. This is why an auto security system is always a valuable piece of equipment to own in order to protect your car from being stolen.
An unique auto security system is the one with three-channel security and keyless entry system. It also has additional features such as: parking light flash, on-board stinger and double guard shock sensor-revenger. The two-way auto security system/remote start system is another innovation, and it has a remarcable design with special features such as an interactive display on the responder remote that confirms all commands. You can even choose a talking alarm which says: you are too close to the vehicle, please move aways, alarm armed, alarm disarmed, thank you.
We must realise that many cars do not have the necessary utilities installed to prevent car theft. The manufacturers of auto security systems have come up with utitilies that prevent thieves from stealing. It would be a shame not to take advantage of what the market has to offer.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Theft-and-criminality---how-much-protection-can-an-auto-home-security-system-grant-/32083
Are "Free" Alarm Systems Really Free
Most security companies will either sell or lease the equipment (cpu, keypads, sensors, etc) of the security systems they install. Some companies base profits on the sale and installation of the equipment and require a 3 to 5 year lease/monitoring contract; their profit comes from your ongoing monthly payments. That's why the up-front cost of an installed "sold" system is considerably higher than for an identical leased or "free" system. To attract customers, some companies will offer a "free" or very low priced alarm system. But be careful, these ultra low cost systems are often very basic. By the time you add the items necessary to provide adequate protection, you may pay substantially more than if you had chosen a comparable traditional installation package.
When a company sells you the equipment for a security system outright, you own it forever. Once the warranty expires, you'll have to pay for any service or maintenance required. However, if the system works just fine but you become dissatisfied with the monitoring service, you can easily change companies without replacing the equipment. So if you decide to purchase your security system, insist on equipment that is standard, and not "locked out" to other security companies. "Locked out" simply means that a four or five digit installer's code is required to access the alarm's programming features. Some companies (especially the "free" alarm companies) charge ultra high service fees to unlock your system.
Leased systems remain the property of the security company. Your monthly bill usually combines the fees for lease of the equipment and 24 hour monitoring. If you cancel the service, the security company can come and remove the system from your home. Security lease and monitoring contracts vary widely from company to company. Some allow you to cancel anytime without penalty. Others obligate you to pay the entire remaining balance of the contract immediately if you cancel for any reason. This almost always applies to the "free" alarm system option, as well.
Above all, be sure to read any security contract carefully, and make sure you understand all the terms before you sign.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Are--Free--Alarm-Systems-Really-Free-/35813
When a company sells you the equipment for a security system outright, you own it forever. Once the warranty expires, you'll have to pay for any service or maintenance required. However, if the system works just fine but you become dissatisfied with the monitoring service, you can easily change companies without replacing the equipment. So if you decide to purchase your security system, insist on equipment that is standard, and not "locked out" to other security companies. "Locked out" simply means that a four or five digit installer's code is required to access the alarm's programming features. Some companies (especially the "free" alarm companies) charge ultra high service fees to unlock your system.
Leased systems remain the property of the security company. Your monthly bill usually combines the fees for lease of the equipment and 24 hour monitoring. If you cancel the service, the security company can come and remove the system from your home. Security lease and monitoring contracts vary widely from company to company. Some allow you to cancel anytime without penalty. Others obligate you to pay the entire remaining balance of the contract immediately if you cancel for any reason. This almost always applies to the "free" alarm system option, as well.
Above all, be sure to read any security contract carefully, and make sure you understand all the terms before you sign.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Are--Free--Alarm-Systems-Really-Free-/35813
Purchasing the right home security camera
Security cameras for the home are the best way to increase the security of your house, family and property. These home security cameras offer many advantages and they are more and more preferred by clients. With their help you can use the Internet to remotely monitor your home if you are at work, visiting your friends or enjoying your vacation; they also enable the transfer of images to the police, to get help.
In order to be fully protected, you need indoor and outdoor surveillance. When placing outside cameras, you need to find the best locations, so as to obtain the widest view which will help your security camera system work perfectly. These cameras will enable you to catch a glance on the front door (and see who's ringing at your doorbell), on the backyard and swimming pool (to monitor your children), or on any part of your property that you consider vulnerable. As far as inside security cameras are concerned, it is advisable that you place one on each floor of your house. In this way, all the rooms and locations will be carefully surveyed. And it is also of great importance to place them in the “high traffic” areas of your house and in those rooms where you keep most of your valuable objects.
Home security camera choices
Nowadays high technology offers you the possibility to choose between hard-wired or wireless security cameras , black and white or color security cameras. Thus you will know which functions your security cameras have and you will be able to make your home surveillance system comply with all your safety needs.
The wireless security cameras are very popular because they
• don't attract attention to the wires,
• are cost effective,
• can be placed easily anywhere you want,
• are transportable (can be moved from one room to another or from your old house to your new one),
• are able to transmit signals through floors and walls and
• can rapidly transfer images to your PC, TV or VCR.
Miniature models of the wireless cameras have another great advantage: they can be hidden in various objects: a teddy bear, a vase, a book or even in a pinhole in the wall.
Hard-wired security cameras can be the ideal choice when you have in your house some locations which need to be constantly monitored. They can connect directly to all your devices to send you the information you need.
Advantages and disadvantages of home security cameras
Black and white security cameras are best for monitoring in lower light; but with the help of a color security camera you can better identify the persons (by the color of their clothes) and the activities they are performing. If you can get a high resolution picture with the face of the burglar who has just robbed your house, with the color of his clothes and you also have a recording with his activity inside your house, you can use it as evidence in court. So, you have many reasons to decide to purchase security cameras to protect your house and family.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Purchasing-the-right-home-security-camera/33778
In order to be fully protected, you need indoor and outdoor surveillance. When placing outside cameras, you need to find the best locations, so as to obtain the widest view which will help your security camera system work perfectly. These cameras will enable you to catch a glance on the front door (and see who's ringing at your doorbell), on the backyard and swimming pool (to monitor your children), or on any part of your property that you consider vulnerable. As far as inside security cameras are concerned, it is advisable that you place one on each floor of your house. In this way, all the rooms and locations will be carefully surveyed. And it is also of great importance to place them in the “high traffic” areas of your house and in those rooms where you keep most of your valuable objects.
Home security camera choices
Nowadays high technology offers you the possibility to choose between hard-wired or wireless security cameras , black and white or color security cameras. Thus you will know which functions your security cameras have and you will be able to make your home surveillance system comply with all your safety needs.
The wireless security cameras are very popular because they
• don't attract attention to the wires,
• are cost effective,
• can be placed easily anywhere you want,
• are transportable (can be moved from one room to another or from your old house to your new one),
• are able to transmit signals through floors and walls and
• can rapidly transfer images to your PC, TV or VCR.
Miniature models of the wireless cameras have another great advantage: they can be hidden in various objects: a teddy bear, a vase, a book or even in a pinhole in the wall.
Hard-wired security cameras can be the ideal choice when you have in your house some locations which need to be constantly monitored. They can connect directly to all your devices to send you the information you need.
Advantages and disadvantages of home security cameras
Black and white security cameras are best for monitoring in lower light; but with the help of a color security camera you can better identify the persons (by the color of their clothes) and the activities they are performing. If you can get a high resolution picture with the face of the burglar who has just robbed your house, with the color of his clothes and you also have a recording with his activity inside your house, you can use it as evidence in court. So, you have many reasons to decide to purchase security cameras to protect your house and family.
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Purchasing-the-right-home-security-camera/33778
Be Prepared - The Pros & Cons of Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons
In today's world, there are many means by which people can protect themselves. When thinking about self-defense, many people only consider martial arts or firearms. In truth, these are only two options from an array of self-defense mechanisms available. Through increased use in recent years, the advantages and disadvantages of stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray have become clear. All three items offer non-lethal means of protection, but one of them may be more appropriate than the others in a given situation. It is important to investigate the pros and cons of each product before deciding which may be the most viable option for you.
Stun Guns
Many people confuse stun guns with tasers, but the weapons are quite different. A stun gun is a small, handheld item that must make physical contact with the attacker in order to work. The gun utilizes two small probes that, once in contact with an attacker's skin, release a high voltage, low amperage charge. This charge will temporarily disable an attacker for several minutes, allowing you to escape to safety.
Pros- Stun guns do not rely on pain to stop the attacker, but instead simply stun the attacker, so that their voluntary muscle control ceases temporarily. Both pepper spray and a taser will inflict severe pain upon the attacker; the stun gun does not. Stun guns are inexpensive and small-they can be held in the palm of your hand. The shock will not transmit to you if you are in contact with the attacker, so it is very difficult to accidentally use it on yourself during an attack.
Cons- The biggest downside to a stun gun is that you must be close enough to your attacker to touch him. This will mean, consequently, that he will be close enough to reach out and grab you as well.
Tasers
Again, tasers should not be confused with stun guns; a taser can be effective from up to fifteen feet away. A taser shoots two probes that penetrate the skin of an attacker, anchoring themselves at a depth of about three-eighths of an inch. Once the probes have attached, you can pull the trigger. Electrical charges will be sent from the taser through the body of the attacker, rendering him immobile. It is not essential, however, that the probes penetrate the assailant's skin; a taser current can jump up to 2 inches and still render its target immobile.
Tasers use a timing feature that delivers an initial shock for about 7 seconds; this is followed by shock waves every one-and-a-half seconds afterward. These periodic jolts keep the attacker from regaining his wits and removing the taser probes from his skin.
Pros- With a taser, you can disable an attacker from up to 15 feet away. This means that you do not have to be close enough to touch the attacker, as required with a stun gun. Tasers are commonly used by the police force, and much research has been completed on their efficiency. They are an effective means of self-defense, especially when used against someone who threatens use of a knife or blunt weapon, as you are able to maintain a safe distance from them.
Cons- Some people do not like the idea of using tasers because they deliberately cause pain to the attacker. For many people, the idea of shocking a person to incapacitation is hardly appealing. While quite rare, there has been the occasional report of death from taser shock, increasing the potential liability when using this weapon. These cases of death, however, generally occurred when the attacker had a history of health problems (such as heart trouble). People who use the taser can become additionally harmed, if the assailant regains their senses and removes the probes in order to continue their attack.
Pepper Spray
The technical name for pepper spray is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), and it delivers burning sensation to the attacker when sprayed into his face.
Pros- Pepper spray is effective from 6-8 feet away, giving plenty of distance between victim and attacker. Pepper spray is a non-lethal product that will render the attacker virtually harmless for anywhere from 20-30 minutes. Once an attacker washes his face off with water, the burning sensation will, for the most part, cease. Pepper spray is available in many different containers-small canisters can be attached to key rings. Pepper spray is inexpensive and widely available.
Cons- Unfortunately, problems can arise when using pepper spray, especially when the wind direction does not cooperate. If you are attacked outdoors on a windy day, the spray may blow back into your own face when you aim for your attacker. Also, if your attacker sees the stream of spray coming, he may be able to avoid it. Pepper spray comes with a locking mechanism on the trigger to prevent accidental discharges; as a downside, this mechanism can sometimes be difficult to disengage.
Now that you know the pros and cons of these non-lethal self-defense tools, it is up to you to decide which one would be the best choice for you to use. Much of this depends on what you are comfortable with handling. Be sure to test each product to make sure that you know how to properly operate it once you buy it. The worst thing you could do is to pull out your self-defense tool in a jam, and then not be able to operate it. The assailant might become incensed enough to use your self-defense tools against you, once they have taken advantage of your inability to operate the equipment. This is where that Boy Scouts of America motto really comes into play, "Be prepared."
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Be-Prepared---The-Pros---Cons-of-Non-Lethal-Self-Defense-Weapons/32217
Stun Guns
Many people confuse stun guns with tasers, but the weapons are quite different. A stun gun is a small, handheld item that must make physical contact with the attacker in order to work. The gun utilizes two small probes that, once in contact with an attacker's skin, release a high voltage, low amperage charge. This charge will temporarily disable an attacker for several minutes, allowing you to escape to safety.
Pros- Stun guns do not rely on pain to stop the attacker, but instead simply stun the attacker, so that their voluntary muscle control ceases temporarily. Both pepper spray and a taser will inflict severe pain upon the attacker; the stun gun does not. Stun guns are inexpensive and small-they can be held in the palm of your hand. The shock will not transmit to you if you are in contact with the attacker, so it is very difficult to accidentally use it on yourself during an attack.
Cons- The biggest downside to a stun gun is that you must be close enough to your attacker to touch him. This will mean, consequently, that he will be close enough to reach out and grab you as well.
Tasers
Again, tasers should not be confused with stun guns; a taser can be effective from up to fifteen feet away. A taser shoots two probes that penetrate the skin of an attacker, anchoring themselves at a depth of about three-eighths of an inch. Once the probes have attached, you can pull the trigger. Electrical charges will be sent from the taser through the body of the attacker, rendering him immobile. It is not essential, however, that the probes penetrate the assailant's skin; a taser current can jump up to 2 inches and still render its target immobile.
Tasers use a timing feature that delivers an initial shock for about 7 seconds; this is followed by shock waves every one-and-a-half seconds afterward. These periodic jolts keep the attacker from regaining his wits and removing the taser probes from his skin.
Pros- With a taser, you can disable an attacker from up to 15 feet away. This means that you do not have to be close enough to touch the attacker, as required with a stun gun. Tasers are commonly used by the police force, and much research has been completed on their efficiency. They are an effective means of self-defense, especially when used against someone who threatens use of a knife or blunt weapon, as you are able to maintain a safe distance from them.
Cons- Some people do not like the idea of using tasers because they deliberately cause pain to the attacker. For many people, the idea of shocking a person to incapacitation is hardly appealing. While quite rare, there has been the occasional report of death from taser shock, increasing the potential liability when using this weapon. These cases of death, however, generally occurred when the attacker had a history of health problems (such as heart trouble). People who use the taser can become additionally harmed, if the assailant regains their senses and removes the probes in order to continue their attack.
Pepper Spray
The technical name for pepper spray is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), and it delivers burning sensation to the attacker when sprayed into his face.
Pros- Pepper spray is effective from 6-8 feet away, giving plenty of distance between victim and attacker. Pepper spray is a non-lethal product that will render the attacker virtually harmless for anywhere from 20-30 minutes. Once an attacker washes his face off with water, the burning sensation will, for the most part, cease. Pepper spray is available in many different containers-small canisters can be attached to key rings. Pepper spray is inexpensive and widely available.
Cons- Unfortunately, problems can arise when using pepper spray, especially when the wind direction does not cooperate. If you are attacked outdoors on a windy day, the spray may blow back into your own face when you aim for your attacker. Also, if your attacker sees the stream of spray coming, he may be able to avoid it. Pepper spray comes with a locking mechanism on the trigger to prevent accidental discharges; as a downside, this mechanism can sometimes be difficult to disengage.
Now that you know the pros and cons of these non-lethal self-defense tools, it is up to you to decide which one would be the best choice for you to use. Much of this depends on what you are comfortable with handling. Be sure to test each product to make sure that you know how to properly operate it once you buy it. The worst thing you could do is to pull out your self-defense tool in a jam, and then not be able to operate it. The assailant might become incensed enough to use your self-defense tools against you, once they have taken advantage of your inability to operate the equipment. This is where that Boy Scouts of America motto really comes into play, "Be prepared."
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Be-Prepared---The-Pros---Cons-of-Non-Lethal-Self-Defense-Weapons/32217
The Perfect Christmas Gift…For Identity Thieves
The holidays are in full swing. Like most people you're probably getting your share of cards, gifts, bills (always) and various offers to spend money. And it's all going into your mailbox.
Personal information is delivered to us on a daily basis. The problem is most mailboxes can easily be broken into. Since many of us only think about our home and property when dealing with home security, identity thieves have found the gift that keeps on giving.
Even though there are many mailbox designs in the United States, most of them are outdated in terms of security. They may perform their duties of receiving mail quite well but they normally don't offer the security needed to protect people from identity theft.
Most of us don't think anything about it. We head out to our mailbox, collect the mail, and go back in the house. But all it takes is a thief to beat you to the mailbox by a couple of minutes. Once they collect a few pieces of your mail, identity thieves can easily use your personal information to charge credit cards, go on major spending sprees or worse.
Always include your mailbox in your plans for home security. Remove your mail from your mailbox as soon as it’s delivered. If no one is home when the mailman arrives, consider renting a post office box, which provides a more secure system of delivery. You may find your peace of mind is worth the small rental fee.
If the thought of going to the post office everyday to pick up your mail doesn’t thrill you than replace your traditional mailbox with one that's safe and secure.
The ideal types are those made of solid steel. The top of the box should be accessible to the mailman, allowing him to put the mail in without a problem. The bottom side of the mailbox however, should only be accessed via key. Mailboxes that require a key will protect you from identity theft - as the thief simply won't have access to your mail.
Mailboxes that are constructed from solid steel are nearly impossible to break into, yet they will open easily for you to check your mail with the lock and key system. Keep your mailbox in good repair by using proper installation methods.
You can find secure mailboxes at a local hardware, department store, or online. You should be able to get one at a very affordable price this time of year.
If you do notice someone tampering with your mailbox (or your neighbor's), obtain that person's description. Immediately report them to your local police and postmaster. You can bet that if you catch someone tampering with your mail, this isn’t their first time and it won’t be their last unless you take action. Don’t try to be a hero. Let the proper authorities handle it.
Identity thieves have put your mailbox on their Christmas list. The next time you go out to check your mail, think about your safety and theft proof your mailbox
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/The-Perfect-Christmas-Gift-For-Identity-Thieves/34316
Personal information is delivered to us on a daily basis. The problem is most mailboxes can easily be broken into. Since many of us only think about our home and property when dealing with home security, identity thieves have found the gift that keeps on giving.
Even though there are many mailbox designs in the United States, most of them are outdated in terms of security. They may perform their duties of receiving mail quite well but they normally don't offer the security needed to protect people from identity theft.
Most of us don't think anything about it. We head out to our mailbox, collect the mail, and go back in the house. But all it takes is a thief to beat you to the mailbox by a couple of minutes. Once they collect a few pieces of your mail, identity thieves can easily use your personal information to charge credit cards, go on major spending sprees or worse.
Always include your mailbox in your plans for home security. Remove your mail from your mailbox as soon as it’s delivered. If no one is home when the mailman arrives, consider renting a post office box, which provides a more secure system of delivery. You may find your peace of mind is worth the small rental fee.
If the thought of going to the post office everyday to pick up your mail doesn’t thrill you than replace your traditional mailbox with one that's safe and secure.
The ideal types are those made of solid steel. The top of the box should be accessible to the mailman, allowing him to put the mail in without a problem. The bottom side of the mailbox however, should only be accessed via key. Mailboxes that require a key will protect you from identity theft - as the thief simply won't have access to your mail.
Mailboxes that are constructed from solid steel are nearly impossible to break into, yet they will open easily for you to check your mail with the lock and key system. Keep your mailbox in good repair by using proper installation methods.
You can find secure mailboxes at a local hardware, department store, or online. You should be able to get one at a very affordable price this time of year.
If you do notice someone tampering with your mailbox (or your neighbor's), obtain that person's description. Immediately report them to your local police and postmaster. You can bet that if you catch someone tampering with your mail, this isn’t their first time and it won’t be their last unless you take action. Don’t try to be a hero. Let the proper authorities handle it.
Identity thieves have put your mailbox on their Christmas list. The next time you go out to check your mail, think about your safety and theft proof your mailbox
http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/The-Perfect-Christmas-Gift-For-Identity-Thieves/34316
Sunday, February 18, 2007
How Do I Know If I Am Having a Heart Attack
Most patients have symptoms prior to an actual heart attack – generally a “tightness” behind the breastbone, which generally is caused by an increase in heart rate. The coronary arteries fill in between heart beats therefore anything which increases your heart rate will reduce the time your coronary arteries have to provide blood flow to the heart muscle- the myocardium. Once the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen it becomes irritable leading to palpitations and, if not relieved, death of the muscle.
Surrounding the dead muscle is a variable sized area of heart muscle at risk of dying because of inadequate oxygen supply – this condition is known as myocardial ischaemia.
The heart rate is under the control of the autonomic nervous systems, which, in the case of the heart, is driven by adrenaline the so-called “flight or fight” hormone.
Adrenaline acts at various sites of the body
- On the sinus node in the heart which controls rate to increase heart rate - On the bronchial tubes in the lung to cause them to dilate allowing greater flow of air into the lungs - On the small arteries in the skin and gut to constrict (narrow) reducing blood flow to these areas and making more blood available to the muscles- to fight or fly - Increases the blood sugar by increasing breakdown of glycogen to glucose, important food for the muscles to contract better.
Whilst increased adrenaline production is common with exercise it also occurs in states of shock, fear, or anger producing gooseflesh and sweating (remember the first time you saw the shower scene in the Hitchcock Movie Psycho).
As well as increasing the heart rate adrenaline may cause cardiac irregularity, increased blood pressure, or palpitations. It is this irregularity which may lead the heart to chaotic beats and finally fibrillation and death.
This is the first symptom of a heart attack in about 20% of people – sudden death – the victim just collapses to the ground. Whilst he may gasp a few breaths he has no cardiac output- no blood is leaving his heart- he is pulseless.
This terminal condition (ventricular fibrillation) is very easily treated by first aid measures and cardiac shock- termed defibrillation. Nowadays many areas which have high populations (or as in aeroplanes, confined areas) have people friendly defibrillators available which only shock patients who have rhythms which are treatable by shock. These machines have easy instructions and any bystander who can read can apply the electrodes and save the patient’s life.
Often people wrongly refer to this cause of death as a massive heart attack- it takes some time (often up to an hour) to die from a massive heart attack. In this case the heart attack causes such significant damage to the main ventricle of the heart as to reduce blood pressure to critically low levels and death results.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/17958-1-how-do-i-know-if-i-am-having-a-heart-attack/
Surrounding the dead muscle is a variable sized area of heart muscle at risk of dying because of inadequate oxygen supply – this condition is known as myocardial ischaemia.
The heart rate is under the control of the autonomic nervous systems, which, in the case of the heart, is driven by adrenaline the so-called “flight or fight” hormone.
Adrenaline acts at various sites of the body
- On the sinus node in the heart which controls rate to increase heart rate - On the bronchial tubes in the lung to cause them to dilate allowing greater flow of air into the lungs - On the small arteries in the skin and gut to constrict (narrow) reducing blood flow to these areas and making more blood available to the muscles- to fight or fly - Increases the blood sugar by increasing breakdown of glycogen to glucose, important food for the muscles to contract better.
Whilst increased adrenaline production is common with exercise it also occurs in states of shock, fear, or anger producing gooseflesh and sweating (remember the first time you saw the shower scene in the Hitchcock Movie Psycho).
As well as increasing the heart rate adrenaline may cause cardiac irregularity, increased blood pressure, or palpitations. It is this irregularity which may lead the heart to chaotic beats and finally fibrillation and death.
This is the first symptom of a heart attack in about 20% of people – sudden death – the victim just collapses to the ground. Whilst he may gasp a few breaths he has no cardiac output- no blood is leaving his heart- he is pulseless.
This terminal condition (ventricular fibrillation) is very easily treated by first aid measures and cardiac shock- termed defibrillation. Nowadays many areas which have high populations (or as in aeroplanes, confined areas) have people friendly defibrillators available which only shock patients who have rhythms which are treatable by shock. These machines have easy instructions and any bystander who can read can apply the electrodes and save the patient’s life.
Often people wrongly refer to this cause of death as a massive heart attack- it takes some time (often up to an hour) to die from a massive heart attack. In this case the heart attack causes such significant damage to the main ventricle of the heart as to reduce blood pressure to critically low levels and death results.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/17958-1-how-do-i-know-if-i-am-having-a-heart-attack/
This Is One Thing You Definitely DON'T Want to Find When You Travel
Modern travel often involves movement across several countries or continents to faraway places you see on TV or read about in books. Exotic destinations are as near as the airport.
Unfortunately, the smaller the world becomes with faster flights and more airports, the greater the increase of a common pest that NOBODY wants to encounter: bedbugs! This is not just a plague of third-world nations. Bedbugs can hang onto clothing or crawl into luggage. They then transfer quite easily to other luggage or airplane seats.
Even the cleanest of hotels, chain stores, and hospital emergency wards can fall prey to these tiny blood-sucking vampires. Bedbugs may lay dormant without food for more than a year. A delivery van that has been used to transport contaminated carpeting or bedding provides safe haven. The bedbugs find dark crevices to hide in until they take over their new quarters in the next cargo shipment.
By nature nocturnal, bedbugs are hard to locate during daylight hours. You may find them under pillows, in box-spring seams, behind headboards, in furniture, inside curtain folds, in dark carpeted corners, and under area rugs.
Because of their longevity, even a secluded cabin in the woods can provide a good home for these pests - and species that normally prey on animals such as birds, bats, and squirrels will gladly switch to human flesh if the opportunity presents itself.
Clean accommodations are less likely to be contaminated by bedbug infestations. However, you don't know by casual glance that your hotel is pest-free. Before staying in a room, check pillowcases, sheets, and bedding for rust-colored stains, black or reddish dots, or actual bugs. The staining may be caused by blood-engorged bug bodies - crushed as previous occupants rolled over in bed. The black or reddish dots are bedbug excrement.
If you see anything that appears dubious, demand a new room or move to another hotel. As an extra precaution, you may wish to pack large lawn-leaf garbage bags. When you settle into your room, place your luggage inside the bags. This makes it more difficult for bugs to migrate into your personal belongings.
A trip to Google before you travel will show you what these nasty little creatures look like. Click on the 'Images' search option, type 'bedbug' into the search bar, and you will find over 2000 images.
It is generally accepted that bedbugs are not serious disease carriers - although more research is being done on this point. However, they inject an anesthetizing agent when they bite. Many people are slightly allergic to the substance, and develop itchy red bumps. It would not be unusual to wake up in the morning with dozens of puffy bites.
If you are unfortunate enough to encounter an infestation, take extra care when you return home. Spray all suitcases and contents with a commercial bedbug preparation - there are environmentally-safe, non-toxic enzyme sprays available. Diligently vacuum everything, and then dispose of the used vacuum bags. Launder all clothing after the time-interval specified by the spray. If you carry a couple of bedbugs into your house or apartment, you could cause a massive infestation that costs you hundreds of dollars in extermination fees.
It is important to recognize bedbugs when you see them - but don't be paranoid! Enjoy your vacation, knowing that you will be able to identify an infestation before it becomes a major problem.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/20411-1-this-is-one-thing-you-definitely-dont-want-to-find-when-you-travel/
Unfortunately, the smaller the world becomes with faster flights and more airports, the greater the increase of a common pest that NOBODY wants to encounter: bedbugs! This is not just a plague of third-world nations. Bedbugs can hang onto clothing or crawl into luggage. They then transfer quite easily to other luggage or airplane seats.
Even the cleanest of hotels, chain stores, and hospital emergency wards can fall prey to these tiny blood-sucking vampires. Bedbugs may lay dormant without food for more than a year. A delivery van that has been used to transport contaminated carpeting or bedding provides safe haven. The bedbugs find dark crevices to hide in until they take over their new quarters in the next cargo shipment.
By nature nocturnal, bedbugs are hard to locate during daylight hours. You may find them under pillows, in box-spring seams, behind headboards, in furniture, inside curtain folds, in dark carpeted corners, and under area rugs.
Because of their longevity, even a secluded cabin in the woods can provide a good home for these pests - and species that normally prey on animals such as birds, bats, and squirrels will gladly switch to human flesh if the opportunity presents itself.
Clean accommodations are less likely to be contaminated by bedbug infestations. However, you don't know by casual glance that your hotel is pest-free. Before staying in a room, check pillowcases, sheets, and bedding for rust-colored stains, black or reddish dots, or actual bugs. The staining may be caused by blood-engorged bug bodies - crushed as previous occupants rolled over in bed. The black or reddish dots are bedbug excrement.
If you see anything that appears dubious, demand a new room or move to another hotel. As an extra precaution, you may wish to pack large lawn-leaf garbage bags. When you settle into your room, place your luggage inside the bags. This makes it more difficult for bugs to migrate into your personal belongings.
A trip to Google before you travel will show you what these nasty little creatures look like. Click on the 'Images' search option, type 'bedbug' into the search bar, and you will find over 2000 images.
It is generally accepted that bedbugs are not serious disease carriers - although more research is being done on this point. However, they inject an anesthetizing agent when they bite. Many people are slightly allergic to the substance, and develop itchy red bumps. It would not be unusual to wake up in the morning with dozens of puffy bites.
If you are unfortunate enough to encounter an infestation, take extra care when you return home. Spray all suitcases and contents with a commercial bedbug preparation - there are environmentally-safe, non-toxic enzyme sprays available. Diligently vacuum everything, and then dispose of the used vacuum bags. Launder all clothing after the time-interval specified by the spray. If you carry a couple of bedbugs into your house or apartment, you could cause a massive infestation that costs you hundreds of dollars in extermination fees.
It is important to recognize bedbugs when you see them - but don't be paranoid! Enjoy your vacation, knowing that you will be able to identify an infestation before it becomes a major problem.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/20411-1-this-is-one-thing-you-definitely-dont-want-to-find-when-you-travel/
Creating a Disaster Supply Kit
This Kit will help a lot during natural disasters.
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS
Preparing for natural disaster, whether it's a hurricane, tsunami, flood, or some other event can mean the difference between life and death. Taking the time to assemble a Disaster Supply Kit before a disaster strikes will help cope with the temporary loss of everyday conveniences. What would you do without food, water, and electricity? Your supply kit should be built around basic items that help cope with these and other potential personal hardships.
The time to prepare a disaster supplies kit is now. During an emergency, supplies are in high demand and stores run out of inventory quickly. Once disaster hits, there isn't time to search for supplies.
The American Red Cross recommends six basics to stock at home: water, food, first-aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. A good rule of thumb is to have enough supplies to cover your household for at least three days. Keep items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
For more information, contact your county civil defense agency or local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Below are guidelines to consider for basic disaster supplies.
WATER
Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation). Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your household.
To purify water for safe drinking supply:
* Boil vigorously 1 - 3 minutes; or
* Use purification tablets available at most drug stores. Follow package directions; or
* Use household bleach (must contain 5.24% hypochlorite.) For one gallon of water, add 8 drops if water is clear; if water is cloudy, add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon). For five gallons of water, if water is clear, add ½ teaspoon; if cloudy, 1 teaspoon. Let water stand at least 30 minutes before drinking.
FOOD
Store at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food. Select items that don't require refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, or require little or no water. * Include selections from the food list below in your Disaster Supply Kit.
Ready -to -eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Canned juices, milk, soup. If powdered, store extra water. Staples - sugar, salt, pepper, etc. High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix. Vitamins Foods for infants, elderly or persons on special diets. Do not use left-over baby food if not refrigerated. Comfort foods -cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea, etc. Extra pet food
WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT
Without electricity, food in refrigerators and freezers will spoil. If you know in advance that power will be shut off: Use perishable foods in refrigerator and freezer first. Make extra ice. Freeze extra freeze-pack inserts and keep them frozen for emergencies.
Buy a cooler. Freeze water in plastic containers, do not fill to top before freezing - allow for expansion. Know where to buy dry ice. 25 lbs. of dry ice should hold a 10-cubic-foot freezer cold for 3-4 days. Note: dry ice may be limited on some islands.
FOOD SAFETY
How long food remains frozen in the freezer depends on the amount, type, temperature, and freezer insulation. Keep freezer door closed for as long as possible to prevent loss of cold air. Large cuts of meat or poultry will stay frozen longer than baked goods or small items. In fully-loaded separate freezers, food may remain frozen for 48 to 72 hours. Food thaws quicker in a refrigerator/freezer, but should remain frozen about 12 hours or longer in a side-by-side unit or up to 24 hours in a top or bottom-mount freezer.
Use refrigerated foods as soon as possible. It is difficult to make general recommendations about food safety as this depends on the type of food, its preparation, and handling. Some guidelines:
Butter, margarine, and hard cheese are safe unless it has mold or a rancid odor. Fresh fruits and vegetables are safe as long as they are not mushy or slimy. Eggs will be safe for several days if shells have no cracks. Fresh meat, poultry, luncheon meats, or frankfurters should be discarded if allowed to warm to room temperature for more than two hours. Milk and cream will probably be sour after eight hours without refrigeration. Commercial (purchased) mayonnaise should be kept refrigerated once opened. Discard if left without refrigeration for more than two hours. Vinegar and oil salad dressings, jellies, and jams may be left unrefrigerated unless poultry or meat juices have contaminated them. Discard mustard, catsup, and pickles if moldy.
Previously frozen foods: Meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables can usually be safely refrozen if they still have ice crystals present or are very cold (40 degrees F or lower), but there will be some loss of quality. Refrozen foods should be used as soon as possible. When cooking, remember that refrozen foods have been thawed once. If thawing is necessary, do it in the refrigerator or microwave, not by thawing at room temperature.
Discard any food that has an off color or odor, or food that has warmed to room temperature for an unknown length of time.
Generally, if in question about the food safety, discard it.
FIRST AID KIT
Assemble a First Aid Kit for your home and one for each car. Each kit* should include:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes 4 to 6 two-inch sterile gauze pads 4 to 6 four-inch sterile gauze pads Hypoallergenic adhesive tape Triangular bandages (3) 2-inch sterile roller bandages, 3 rolls 3-inch sterile roller bandages, 3 rolls Scissors Tweezers Needle Moistened towelettes Antiseptic Thermometer Tongue blades (2) Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant Assorted sizes of safety pins Cleansing agent/soap Latex gloves, 2 pairs Sunscreen
Non -prescription drugs
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid for stomach upset. Syrup of Ipecac used to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center. Laxative Activated Charcoal, use if advised by the Poison Control Center.
For prescription advice, see your family physician.
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates & plastic utensils Emergency preparedness manual Battery operated radio and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries Cash or traveler's checks, change Non-electric can opener; utility knife Fire extinguisher, small canister, ABC type Tube tent Pliers Tape Compass Matches in waterproof container Aluminum foil Plastic storage containers Signal flare Paper, pencil Needles, thread Medicine dropper Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water Whistle Plastic sheeting Area map, if needed for locating shelters.
SANITATION
Toilet paper, towels Soap, liquid detergent Feminine supplies Personal hygiene supplies Plastic garbage bags, ties - for personal sanitation uses Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant Household chlorine bleach
CLOTHING AND BEDDING
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes or work boots. Not slippers. Rain gear Blankets or sleeping bags Sunglasses
SPECIAL ITEMS
Remember family members with special needs, such as infants, elderly, or disabled persons.
For Baby
Formula Diapers Bottles Powdered milk Medications
For Adults
Heart and high blood pressure medication Insulin Prescription drugs Denture needs Contact lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses
Entertainment - games and books
Important Family Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container. (Important documents and valuables are best kept in a bank safety deposit box.)
Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, social security cards, immunization records Bank account and credit card numbers, companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records - birth, marriage, death certificates
SUGGESTIONS AND REMINDERS
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supply Kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in air-tight plastic bags. Change stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Rotate stored food every six months. Re-think supply kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothing, etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
YOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
Getting started... NOTE: Most shelters in Hawaii are not equipped to provide meals, beds, or emergency care. You must bring food, clothing, bedding, and special items with you. Pets are not allowed in shelters. Contact your local humane society or vet for information on how to care for pets and livestock in a disaster.
Contact your local civil defense office or American Red Cross chapter for information on preparedness. See the Emergency Information section in the white pages of telephone directories for information and instructions. Meet with family members to discuss what to do in an emergency. Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster. Pick two meeting places: a location a safe distance from your home in case of fire; a place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Choose an off-island or out-of-state friend or relative as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call. Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone. Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at main switches. Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test monthly and change batteries at least twice a year. Contact your local fire department to learn more about fire hazards. Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross for information and training. Hold neighborhood meetings to plan how the neighbors can work together after a disaster. Practice and maintain your family emergency plan regularly
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/25021-1-creating-a-disaster-supply-kit/
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS
Preparing for natural disaster, whether it's a hurricane, tsunami, flood, or some other event can mean the difference between life and death. Taking the time to assemble a Disaster Supply Kit before a disaster strikes will help cope with the temporary loss of everyday conveniences. What would you do without food, water, and electricity? Your supply kit should be built around basic items that help cope with these and other potential personal hardships.
The time to prepare a disaster supplies kit is now. During an emergency, supplies are in high demand and stores run out of inventory quickly. Once disaster hits, there isn't time to search for supplies.
The American Red Cross recommends six basics to stock at home: water, food, first-aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. A good rule of thumb is to have enough supplies to cover your household for at least three days. Keep items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
For more information, contact your county civil defense agency or local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Below are guidelines to consider for basic disaster supplies.
WATER
Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation). Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your household.
To purify water for safe drinking supply:
* Boil vigorously 1 - 3 minutes; or
* Use purification tablets available at most drug stores. Follow package directions; or
* Use household bleach (must contain 5.24% hypochlorite.) For one gallon of water, add 8 drops if water is clear; if water is cloudy, add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon). For five gallons of water, if water is clear, add ½ teaspoon; if cloudy, 1 teaspoon. Let water stand at least 30 minutes before drinking.
FOOD
Store at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food. Select items that don't require refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, or require little or no water. * Include selections from the food list below in your Disaster Supply Kit.
Ready -to -eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Canned juices, milk, soup. If powdered, store extra water. Staples - sugar, salt, pepper, etc. High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix. Vitamins Foods for infants, elderly or persons on special diets. Do not use left-over baby food if not refrigerated. Comfort foods -cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea, etc. Extra pet food
WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT
Without electricity, food in refrigerators and freezers will spoil. If you know in advance that power will be shut off: Use perishable foods in refrigerator and freezer first. Make extra ice. Freeze extra freeze-pack inserts and keep them frozen for emergencies.
Buy a cooler. Freeze water in plastic containers, do not fill to top before freezing - allow for expansion. Know where to buy dry ice. 25 lbs. of dry ice should hold a 10-cubic-foot freezer cold for 3-4 days. Note: dry ice may be limited on some islands.
FOOD SAFETY
How long food remains frozen in the freezer depends on the amount, type, temperature, and freezer insulation. Keep freezer door closed for as long as possible to prevent loss of cold air. Large cuts of meat or poultry will stay frozen longer than baked goods or small items. In fully-loaded separate freezers, food may remain frozen for 48 to 72 hours. Food thaws quicker in a refrigerator/freezer, but should remain frozen about 12 hours or longer in a side-by-side unit or up to 24 hours in a top or bottom-mount freezer.
Use refrigerated foods as soon as possible. It is difficult to make general recommendations about food safety as this depends on the type of food, its preparation, and handling. Some guidelines:
Butter, margarine, and hard cheese are safe unless it has mold or a rancid odor. Fresh fruits and vegetables are safe as long as they are not mushy or slimy. Eggs will be safe for several days if shells have no cracks. Fresh meat, poultry, luncheon meats, or frankfurters should be discarded if allowed to warm to room temperature for more than two hours. Milk and cream will probably be sour after eight hours without refrigeration. Commercial (purchased) mayonnaise should be kept refrigerated once opened. Discard if left without refrigeration for more than two hours. Vinegar and oil salad dressings, jellies, and jams may be left unrefrigerated unless poultry or meat juices have contaminated them. Discard mustard, catsup, and pickles if moldy.
Previously frozen foods: Meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables can usually be safely refrozen if they still have ice crystals present or are very cold (40 degrees F or lower), but there will be some loss of quality. Refrozen foods should be used as soon as possible. When cooking, remember that refrozen foods have been thawed once. If thawing is necessary, do it in the refrigerator or microwave, not by thawing at room temperature.
Discard any food that has an off color or odor, or food that has warmed to room temperature for an unknown length of time.
Generally, if in question about the food safety, discard it.
FIRST AID KIT
Assemble a First Aid Kit for your home and one for each car. Each kit* should include:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes 4 to 6 two-inch sterile gauze pads 4 to 6 four-inch sterile gauze pads Hypoallergenic adhesive tape Triangular bandages (3) 2-inch sterile roller bandages, 3 rolls 3-inch sterile roller bandages, 3 rolls Scissors Tweezers Needle Moistened towelettes Antiseptic Thermometer Tongue blades (2) Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant Assorted sizes of safety pins Cleansing agent/soap Latex gloves, 2 pairs Sunscreen
Non -prescription drugs
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid for stomach upset. Syrup of Ipecac used to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center. Laxative Activated Charcoal, use if advised by the Poison Control Center.
For prescription advice, see your family physician.
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates & plastic utensils Emergency preparedness manual Battery operated radio and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries Cash or traveler's checks, change Non-electric can opener; utility knife Fire extinguisher, small canister, ABC type Tube tent Pliers Tape Compass Matches in waterproof container Aluminum foil Plastic storage containers Signal flare Paper, pencil Needles, thread Medicine dropper Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water Whistle Plastic sheeting Area map, if needed for locating shelters.
SANITATION
Toilet paper, towels Soap, liquid detergent Feminine supplies Personal hygiene supplies Plastic garbage bags, ties - for personal sanitation uses Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant Household chlorine bleach
CLOTHING AND BEDDING
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes or work boots. Not slippers. Rain gear Blankets or sleeping bags Sunglasses
SPECIAL ITEMS
Remember family members with special needs, such as infants, elderly, or disabled persons.
For Baby
Formula Diapers Bottles Powdered milk Medications
For Adults
Heart and high blood pressure medication Insulin Prescription drugs Denture needs Contact lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses
Entertainment - games and books
Important Family Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container. (Important documents and valuables are best kept in a bank safety deposit box.)
Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, social security cards, immunization records Bank account and credit card numbers, companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records - birth, marriage, death certificates
SUGGESTIONS AND REMINDERS
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supply Kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in air-tight plastic bags. Change stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Rotate stored food every six months. Re-think supply kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothing, etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
YOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
Getting started... NOTE: Most shelters in Hawaii are not equipped to provide meals, beds, or emergency care. You must bring food, clothing, bedding, and special items with you. Pets are not allowed in shelters. Contact your local humane society or vet for information on how to care for pets and livestock in a disaster.
Contact your local civil defense office or American Red Cross chapter for information on preparedness. See the Emergency Information section in the white pages of telephone directories for information and instructions. Meet with family members to discuss what to do in an emergency. Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster. Pick two meeting places: a location a safe distance from your home in case of fire; a place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Choose an off-island or out-of-state friend or relative as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call. Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone. Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at main switches. Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test monthly and change batteries at least twice a year. Contact your local fire department to learn more about fire hazards. Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross for information and training. Hold neighborhood meetings to plan how the neighbors can work together after a disaster. Practice and maintain your family emergency plan regularly
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/25021-1-creating-a-disaster-supply-kit/
Life Insurance - How Much Do I Need
Insurance is the means that an individual or a family can use in order to help them prepare against the emergencies of life. Life insurance is the form of this preparation that helps in the worst emergency – the death of a loved one. This could be for anyone in the family, or for the main breadwinner. Because so many things can happen to people, mostly unexpected, we want to be ready in the event that it does happen - but hope, too, that it never does. This article will show you how to determine just how much life insurance you should have in order to be prepared in the best way possible.
When determining just how much coverage you should have, here are some things that you definitely want to take into consideration.
Your Yearly Expenses
In the event that the main earnings winner should pass away, the goal of a life insurance policy is to sustain the family at its present level of living for a while. This means you need to calculate exactly what it costs for the family to live at the present level for one year. In order to help you calculate according to the rising cost of inflation, you should add a percentage increase for each year - possibly as much as 8%.
Educating The Children
To this figure, you need to add just how much it will cost to put each child all the way through college. Of course, this may be a little hard to do, since college costs are rapidly raising. You should add, however, a percentage increase for each year until they graduate. A suggested amount would be 1 or 2% increase of the current tuition per year before college and during.
Current Debts
All of your current debts should also be added to the total amount of life insurance coverage. By adding this amount, it would enable the family to continue its current level of life - debt free. If there is any mortgage balance still owed, credit card debt, your own education bills, and any other bills should all be added into the calculation.
Funeral Costs
The costs of funerals these days have become a lot more expensive than they used to be, along with everything else. Funerals are now an average of about $6,500. Just to be safe, though, you need to add another $4-$5,000 so no debts are left after the funeral.
Inheritance
In your absence, it would be a good idea to leave your children a little extra to get them started and secure in life, if you are able. Calculate how much you want each of them to have, and then add that amount to the total.
Finally, in your calculations, you may want to add a couple of other things - depending on your situation. If you have parents that may need nursing home care before long, or a divorce situation that you have to include, or you may even want to add a donation to either a religious organization or to a charity. It all depends largely on what you can afford. You will not want to buy hastily, without having a rather good understanding of life insurance, and make sure that you do a cost comparison, too.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/25480-1-life-insurance-how-much-do-i-need/
When determining just how much coverage you should have, here are some things that you definitely want to take into consideration.
Your Yearly Expenses
In the event that the main earnings winner should pass away, the goal of a life insurance policy is to sustain the family at its present level of living for a while. This means you need to calculate exactly what it costs for the family to live at the present level for one year. In order to help you calculate according to the rising cost of inflation, you should add a percentage increase for each year - possibly as much as 8%.
Educating The Children
To this figure, you need to add just how much it will cost to put each child all the way through college. Of course, this may be a little hard to do, since college costs are rapidly raising. You should add, however, a percentage increase for each year until they graduate. A suggested amount would be 1 or 2% increase of the current tuition per year before college and during.
Current Debts
All of your current debts should also be added to the total amount of life insurance coverage. By adding this amount, it would enable the family to continue its current level of life - debt free. If there is any mortgage balance still owed, credit card debt, your own education bills, and any other bills should all be added into the calculation.
Funeral Costs
The costs of funerals these days have become a lot more expensive than they used to be, along with everything else. Funerals are now an average of about $6,500. Just to be safe, though, you need to add another $4-$5,000 so no debts are left after the funeral.
Inheritance
In your absence, it would be a good idea to leave your children a little extra to get them started and secure in life, if you are able. Calculate how much you want each of them to have, and then add that amount to the total.
Finally, in your calculations, you may want to add a couple of other things - depending on your situation. If you have parents that may need nursing home care before long, or a divorce situation that you have to include, or you may even want to add a donation to either a religious organization or to a charity. It all depends largely on what you can afford. You will not want to buy hastily, without having a rather good understanding of life insurance, and make sure that you do a cost comparison, too.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/25480-1-life-insurance-how-much-do-i-need/
Event Marketing – How To Plan An Event
Are you in charge of arranging an event, but have no clue of how to go about it? Don’t panic, we are here to help you with the basics of planning an event marketing program. And we bet you will be successful if you consider the following points.
No matter how large or small, every event marketing activity needs to be properly planned. While each event is different, there are some general guidelines for the way you can plan all of them. Follow these tips when you organize that special day.
1. Get a clear understanding of the purpose of the event marketing promotion. An organizational event needs to be clearly defined, in order to focus all efforts towards the desired goal. It’s important to know the significance behind the event and the anticipated outcome. For example, is it meant to create awareness, induce trial or promote sales? Analyze the actual results of the event marketing activity against these objectives.
2. Set the key deliverables for your event. How many people do you expect? What do you wish attendees to gain from the event? If it’s a regular event, are you trying to get a larger turnout than last year? The answers will help you plan things better.
3. Set your event budget. This should be a top priority. Set a strict working budget, plus have some extra money put aside in case something unexpected comes up. Keep in mind how much you are willing to spend and potential revenue generating factors, like a registration fee.
4. Select the date and location of the event. Always keep options open and visit a couple of sites before you take a decision. This will help you plan the entire event depending on the availability of room and other facilities such parking, lighting, computer and internet access etc.
5. Set up a project timeline and work backward from the date of your event marketing program. Decide deadlines for each activity, such as the first announcement of the event, preparation of promotional materials, finalization of seating arrangements, recruitment of vendors for food, entertainment, decorations… and the list goes on…….
6. Some events need special permission or licenses to host them. This could be for anything, such as permission to use recorded music, providing security or maintaining traffic control. All this should be done very much in advance, without pushing it till the last moment.
7. If you are publicizing the event then what is the medium of reaching the targeted audience? This might include distribution of pamphlets, pre-printed invitations, mail, announcements or any other media.
8. Plan for emergencies. Write down all the fire exits, and have an evacuation plan on paper ready, in case of emergency. Accidents rarely warn in advance; hence hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
It’s important to prepare a check list and follow up with vendors on regular intervals. Take time and jot down all the important points and make sure you don’t compromise on the quality in order to hack down your budget. We are sure you now know a lot more on how to plan that event marketing program.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/27963-1-event-marketing-how-to-plan-an-event/
No matter how large or small, every event marketing activity needs to be properly planned. While each event is different, there are some general guidelines for the way you can plan all of them. Follow these tips when you organize that special day.
1. Get a clear understanding of the purpose of the event marketing promotion. An organizational event needs to be clearly defined, in order to focus all efforts towards the desired goal. It’s important to know the significance behind the event and the anticipated outcome. For example, is it meant to create awareness, induce trial or promote sales? Analyze the actual results of the event marketing activity against these objectives.
2. Set the key deliverables for your event. How many people do you expect? What do you wish attendees to gain from the event? If it’s a regular event, are you trying to get a larger turnout than last year? The answers will help you plan things better.
3. Set your event budget. This should be a top priority. Set a strict working budget, plus have some extra money put aside in case something unexpected comes up. Keep in mind how much you are willing to spend and potential revenue generating factors, like a registration fee.
4. Select the date and location of the event. Always keep options open and visit a couple of sites before you take a decision. This will help you plan the entire event depending on the availability of room and other facilities such parking, lighting, computer and internet access etc.
5. Set up a project timeline and work backward from the date of your event marketing program. Decide deadlines for each activity, such as the first announcement of the event, preparation of promotional materials, finalization of seating arrangements, recruitment of vendors for food, entertainment, decorations… and the list goes on…….
6. Some events need special permission or licenses to host them. This could be for anything, such as permission to use recorded music, providing security or maintaining traffic control. All this should be done very much in advance, without pushing it till the last moment.
7. If you are publicizing the event then what is the medium of reaching the targeted audience? This might include distribution of pamphlets, pre-printed invitations, mail, announcements or any other media.
8. Plan for emergencies. Write down all the fire exits, and have an evacuation plan on paper ready, in case of emergency. Accidents rarely warn in advance; hence hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
It’s important to prepare a check list and follow up with vendors on regular intervals. Take time and jot down all the important points and make sure you don’t compromise on the quality in order to hack down your budget. We are sure you now know a lot more on how to plan that event marketing program.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/27963-1-event-marketing-how-to-plan-an-event/
The Importance of Industrial First Aid Kits
Responsible employers and managers must never overlook the need for an office or industrial first aid kit. The federal government mandates that every workplace be equipped with easily accessible first aid kits and that employees should be taught first aid. Proper preparation can prevent unnecessary injury, lose of productivity, or even law suits when a workplace emergency occurs.
An employer must first provide the proper number of commercial first aid kits for its workers. Many kits are available for sale online by industrial first aid kit suppliers. Kits designed for ten workers cost about $15 and kits designed for fifty workers cost about $80. Also available are kits for an entire small office, vehicles, or work sites.
Kits should be stored in a portable, durable, watertight container. Attach the kit to the wall so that it is easily seen and reached in an emergency. Include a list of kit’s contents to ensure it is always fully stocked. Show each worker where the kit is located and what tools it contains. Educate each worker about possible work related injuries and which ones will require immediate medical attention from professionals.
The American Red Cross sells industrial first aid kits that meet or exceed the United State’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s requirements. Several types of kits are available. The Personal Protection Kit contains gloves, gowns, and masks to protect workers from biohazards like blood and bodily fluids. It costs about $15. The Spill Clean Up Kit contains wipes and scoops to contain a small biohazard spill. It costs about $10. The American Red Cross also sells industrial first aid kits for 25 or 50 workers that are both under $30.
When assembling any industrial first aid kit, always include: disposable gloves, bandages of various sizes, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors and tweezers, and antiseptic ointment.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/31916-1-the-importance-of-industrial-first-aid-kits/
An employer must first provide the proper number of commercial first aid kits for its workers. Many kits are available for sale online by industrial first aid kit suppliers. Kits designed for ten workers cost about $15 and kits designed for fifty workers cost about $80. Also available are kits for an entire small office, vehicles, or work sites.
Kits should be stored in a portable, durable, watertight container. Attach the kit to the wall so that it is easily seen and reached in an emergency. Include a list of kit’s contents to ensure it is always fully stocked. Show each worker where the kit is located and what tools it contains. Educate each worker about possible work related injuries and which ones will require immediate medical attention from professionals.
The American Red Cross sells industrial first aid kits that meet or exceed the United State’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s requirements. Several types of kits are available. The Personal Protection Kit contains gloves, gowns, and masks to protect workers from biohazards like blood and bodily fluids. It costs about $15. The Spill Clean Up Kit contains wipes and scoops to contain a small biohazard spill. It costs about $10. The American Red Cross also sells industrial first aid kits for 25 or 50 workers that are both under $30.
When assembling any industrial first aid kit, always include: disposable gloves, bandages of various sizes, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors and tweezers, and antiseptic ointment.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/31916-1-the-importance-of-industrial-first-aid-kits/
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Emergency Preparedness in Vancouver
Emergencies happen anytime, anywhere, without warning. So, it seems an oxymoron to talk about “emergency preparedness”. But there are things we can all do to make emergency situations a little easier to deal with. The City's Emergency Preparedness site offers some basic information about preparing your home, work site, and your family for disaster situations. It also provides a run-down of some of the programs and initiatives the City runs or participates in that aim to provide for the well-being of its citizens
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Making Food Storage Not So Scary
When I was first introduced to the idea of storing food, I heard a lot mentioned about the benefits of storing a one year supply of food for difficult times. It was explained that one year food supplies are meant to help families get through personal emergencies such as unemployment, layoff, or a death in the family. I was also told that stored food supplies are especially helpful during national or local crises such as hurricanes, flooding, droughts, war, etc.
Although the one year food supply idea seemed both sensible and wise, I struggled with the "big purchase." I started feeling guilty every time I would turn on the television and watch the news in the evenings. Even at the movies, it seemed like every movie that came out had something to do with a volcano, tornado, or some other kind of natural disaster. It wasn't that people were trying to instill fear, as much as it was my own mind knowing that emergencies both large and small happen every day--and I started to wonder could my family be next? So why did I continue to put off something I felt was so important?
As I reflected upon the reasons for my deliberate procrastination, I found 5 reasons why purchasing a year supply seemed so scary to me. See if you've struggled with any of these fears:
1. I didn't want to store a bunch of food in my basement and end up throwing it all away in 10 years like my neighbor did down the street. That seemed like such a waste of money.
2. I wasn't sure how to make stuff out of wheat. I realized that certain year supplies were designed to be easier to use than others, but I just wasn't big on preparing foods from scratch.
3. I had no idea how to plan out what I want to eat for a year--Golly, I couldn't even do that for a week--let alone a whole year!
4. I didn't know whether my family would like everything offered in a year supply--especially my picky youngest daughter.
5. When I did have the money to invest in a year supply, something always came up. The car would break down, I would have to pay for my son's tuition, or I would receive an unexpected medical bill. I knew it was a big gamble not to have food stored, but I guess I still wasn't convinced that I needed a year's supply of food?
That's why I was truly relieved when Evriday Foods® were introduced. It gave me the option of buying a few food items per pay check and I've slowly built up a good-sized supply of food storage. I started out with simple foods; ones my family already ate on a regular basis such as soup, rice, refried beans, etc. Evriday Foods® come in smaller quantities, so I don't feel I've wasted a ton of money if I happen not to care for a certain type of food. And, I can eat my food storage normally and not feel like I have to save it for some huge crisis. I really believe that's why certain people allow their year supplies to go to waste--they are truly afraid to open up those #10 cans because they know they have to use them up by a certain time when they're opened.
As I think about the five things that used to scare me about storing food, I realize more and more that an everyday type of food storage makes more sense, in my case, than buying a huge year supply of food all at once. With Evriday Foods® I don't have an overwhelming supply stored in an attic. The foods are easy to prepare (most of them are "just-add-water" mixes). I don't have to plan out a year's supply because I know that I'll get through my current supply without getting tired of eating the same foods over and over. My family likes all the foods they've tried so far. And, it doesn't put a financial strain on my pocket book.
Best of all, I feel good knowing that I'm preparing my family and I don't experience those episodes of guilt that used to haunt me when I wasn't preparing.
http://beprepared.com/article.asp_Q_ai_E_51_A_name_E_Making%20Food%20Storage%20Not%20So%20Scary
Friday, February 9, 2007
Emergency Preparedness Plans
Results of emergency situations can be very frustrating. This is why it is imperative to take a few moments to devise an emergency preparedness plan to relieve you when there are substantial lifestyle disruptions brought upon by emergencies.
Important parts of emergency preparedness plan
Your emergency preparedness plan should include several important aspects. One of these is to select a meeting place when a disaster occurs. In case of fire, you should make a plan to meet in front of your home or at the nearest fire exit. And in case of emergency that requires evacuation, you should meet at a specific place outside the neighborhood like a relative’s house or the neighborhood’s playground.
Another important part is the role that each member of the family should play in an emergency. The children should be well-acquainted with the kinds of danger that the family may face and the types of disasters that may happen. This should be discussed to them in a way that won’t scare them but rather, make them feel prepared and empowered.
Aside from these two, each family member should also know how to shut off utility services such as electricity, gas, and water. This should be a part of the plan since failure to shut these things off can pose greater danger.
And lastly, your emergency preparedness plan should include keeping an emergency preparedness kit on hand. These kits should include batteries, a battery-powered radio, and flashlight. A first aid kit should also be nearby. In case of injuries, this can be used prior to the arrival of a medical team.
Making an emergency preparedness plan will not only prepare you for the possible dangers that an emergency situation may bring but also help save your life or the life of a loved one.
Emergency Preparedness Cartoons
Many people take emergency preparedness for granted. For them, it is enough that they do their daily routines and they perform their obligations and responsibilities either at home, in school, or in the office. And when disasters come, it will be too late for them to realize how important it is to be prepared during emergency situations. In order for people to become more aware of the significance of being prepared at all times, emergency preparedness cartoons are used.
Purpose of emergency preparedness cartoons
Emergency preparedness cartoons are often used in different gatherings. These are to inform the public about the importance of emergency preparedness and the actions that each individual must take in case of emergencies. Cartoons are used because these catch the attention of the audience more than just discussing the topic without any props or visual aids.
Some people act as if they know everything about emergency preparedness so they show no interest during discussions. But with the use of funny and colorful emergency preparedness cartoons, the participants are more eager to listen and learn about the topic at hand.
Aside from this, emergency preparedness cartoons help make discussions livelier during meetings or even classroom discussions. These keep the audience from getting bored. With these cartoons included in the presentations, the audience becomes participative and enthusiastic to gain more knowledge.
Emergency preparedness may be a dull topic to discuss for some people. But through the use of colorful emergency preparedness cartoons, they will certainly look forward to learning more about the topic. Cartoons are not only eye-catching in presentations, but also effective as a means to point out the real significance of emergency preparedness.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Treating The Burn With First Aid Burn Treatment
It remains a commonly held belief that most accidents occur in the home. And none occurs more often than a burn. Ranging from the very minor to the very serious, burns can render their victims debilitated. And even the smallest burn can be intensely painful. Knowing how to attend to burns with first aid burn treatment can mean the difference between a minor mishap and a major calamity.
First and foremost, if the burn is severe; that is it is swelling, blistering severely, or covering a large area of skin; waste no time in getting to a medical facility for proper treatment. Severe burns – those that are second or third degree - can be extremely dangerous so the quicker the first aid burn treatment, the better.
If this is the case, assess the victim’s vitals – breathing, pulse rate, etc. – and call for emergency services immediately. Never remove clothing surrounding a severe burn, as in many cases the skin will have fused to the clothing. Additionally, do not apply cold water to severe burns as this can induce shock. Most important when it comes to first aid burn treatment of a severe burn is to keep the wound clean and moist. Damp tepid compresses and clean dressings will suffice until emergency help arrives.
For the minor burns that most happen in and around our homes – the first degree burn – first aid burn treatment can be more involved. Since the first degree burn only affects the first layer of skin, this first aid burn treatment is mostly topical in nature. First and foremost, run the burn under cold water to cease the burning process. You can then apply an antibiotic cream and loosely wrap the burn in clean, dry cloth. An over-the-counter pain reliever will more than likely be enough to reduce any discomfort. If the burn does not seem to be healing after several days following the first aid burn treatment, consult a medical professional.
Burns can happen any time; it’s best to keep a first aid kit handy with any necessary inclusions for first aid burn treatment such as gauze and burn ointment. Keep emergency numbers within sight and always know the quickest and most direct route to the nearest hospital.
A little preparation will go a long way to ensuring a successful first aid burn treatment should it ever become necessary.
Tips to Avoid the Seamy Side of Unsecured Personal Loans
Hardly can you finish one; the other comes to the fore. Thus you may find it necessary to go for a home renovation immediately after you have returned from a holiday. Or your wedding may be followed by the exigency of purchasing a car. If you are not born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you have to depend on borrowed money to fulfill these needs. Now each time you cannot offer your home as collateral and borrow some money against it.
That is why you may have to take unsecured personal loan which is available without collateral. This loan seems to be attractive as it does not require any security. But taking this loan without preparation may put a heavy financial burden on you. If it does not fit your repayment capability then you may fail to manage it. Even you may have to face bankruptcy or default, none of which is good for your financial health. A little knowledge of how an unsecured personal loan works will enable you to avoid these negative factors.
As mentioned above, no collateral attached to this loan. This means that the lender has no guarantee to recover his money in case you fail to pay off. This risk is compensated by charging higher interest. Even the terms and conditions of the loan may not be in your favour. However, there is way to avail a favourable deal on this loan and avoid high interest as well as rigid repayment terms.
The first thing you got to have is an impressive credit score. Your credit score reflects your reliability as a borrower. A good credit record implies that you were successful in your previous transactions. So there is strong likelihood that you will succeed in this case also. If your credit score is poor then you have to impress the lender with your present income. In this regard you have to prepare the documents that prove the stability of your present financial condition.
Finally, it is the turn of extensive research. Since the loan market is quite enlarged, you may have to dedicate a substantial amount of time to get to the lender of your choice. You can make your task easy by using the internet. You will have a wide array of online lenders offering unsecured personal loan. You can pick out the suitable one through comparison.
That is why you may have to take unsecured personal loan which is available without collateral. This loan seems to be attractive as it does not require any security. But taking this loan without preparation may put a heavy financial burden on you. If it does not fit your repayment capability then you may fail to manage it. Even you may have to face bankruptcy or default, none of which is good for your financial health. A little knowledge of how an unsecured personal loan works will enable you to avoid these negative factors.
As mentioned above, no collateral attached to this loan. This means that the lender has no guarantee to recover his money in case you fail to pay off. This risk is compensated by charging higher interest. Even the terms and conditions of the loan may not be in your favour. However, there is way to avail a favourable deal on this loan and avoid high interest as well as rigid repayment terms.
The first thing you got to have is an impressive credit score. Your credit score reflects your reliability as a borrower. A good credit record implies that you were successful in your previous transactions. So there is strong likelihood that you will succeed in this case also. If your credit score is poor then you have to impress the lender with your present income. In this regard you have to prepare the documents that prove the stability of your present financial condition.
Finally, it is the turn of extensive research. Since the loan market is quite enlarged, you may have to dedicate a substantial amount of time to get to the lender of your choice. You can make your task easy by using the internet. You will have a wide array of online lenders offering unsecured personal loan. You can pick out the suitable one through comparison.
Disasters Change Lives Forever
In the year 2005, natural disasters killed over 25,000 people and caused $57.7 billion in damage worldwide. Besides the obvious, direct impact of natural disasters (such as a tornado destroying a house), there are usually many indirect effects. Although these effects may be less obvious, they are often times more costly and can add years on to the recovery time from a disaster. As people who live in communities that have been devastated by a natural hazard will often say, “there is no such thing as a complete recovery, disasters change people’s lives forever”.
Disaster Mitigation is the first link in the chain of disaster survival. Mitigation is the process of reducing the severity of the impact of natural hazards through planning. Each hazard requires a specific type of mitigation. In some cases, we can use engineering solutions. Earthquake-resistant construction and devices to hold objects in place such as earthquake straps could at least reduce the impact of a natural hazard. In other cases, the only form of mitigation that is guaranteed to be successful is to limit or not allow human activities where the hazard occurs, such as floodplains, volcanoes and high fire risk areas.
But unfortunately, in some cases such as Hurricane Katrina and the Asian Tsunami, the fact that there was little or no planning or mitigation took its toll on human life. These types of disasters have a profound impact on us all. Prediction of natural disasters has improved greatly but more work needs to be done. Protection against manmade disasters must continue in a logical, controlled and decisive manner.
The second link in the chain of disaster survival is personal preparation. Making plans for evacuation, having the correct survival supplies such as water and food that has a five-year shelf life, a flashlight that doesn’t need batteries and a radio to stay connected to the outside world, is essential to us all. It is suggested that each person have at least 72 hours of supplies. Statistically, the citizens of the United States are not prepared. Less then 40% of the population has a plan and even less have supplies. The list of items is overwhelming to some people and just knowing where to start can be a conundrum.
Disasters do come in all forms and change our lives. We have seen it first hand in recent years. Mitigation, preparation and prediction will decrease loss of life and property. Every one of us must participate in disaster preparation. Some people say “expect the unexpected” but in reality we must anticipate the expected and prepare.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Solar Power Primer
The following is a primer to help introduce you to PV (solar panels) operation.
Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity by having the sun (or other light source) shine on the panel. The light source's photons strike the panel displacing electrons in the semiconductors that make up the solar panel, thus causing a voltage to be generated and current to flow if a circuit is connected to the panel's connections. The voltage output of a PV panel is direct current (denoted as VDC, meaning Volts Direct Current), like the voltage available from a battery.
Solar PV panels range in size and power capability from a very small panel, rated less than a watt output, capable of charging a couple of AA size nicad batteries or powering a small radio -- to the larger panels used in PV installations, typically rated around 48 watts. Most systems use a multitude of these panels (2 to 48 panels).
In a few cases the panel can be hooked directly to the device that needs power. This is called "direct" use of the panel. An example is using a PV panel to operate a water pump that fills a storage tank. The pump operates when the sun shines on the panel (during the day), but not at night.
However, in the majority of cases the solar panels are used to charge a battery, or bank of batteries, that are the main source of power. Thus the batteries are charged during the day when the sun is shining. But the power can be used even when the sun is not shining, such as at night when lighting is needed. These batteries are typically "deep cycle" batteries that can stand going from a full charge to empty many times over. A standard automobile battery is not designed for this type of use, but marine or golf cart batteries are usually deep cycle batteries. If you decide to install a PV system, there are batteries that are recommended for this type of application.
One of the main problems in designing a "solar powered system" is "sizing the system." The challenge is to make sure that you have a large enough battery bank to be able to supply your electrical needs during periods when the sun doesn't shine, like winter months or during the stormy season, and to have enough solar panels to be able to charge the system fully while the sun is shining. The sizing process is very dependent on how many devices (appliances, etc.) the system must supply power for and how many hours the devices are operated daily.
Along with the problem of making sure the batteries receive an adequate charge is the problem of over-charging the batteries, a condition that can destroy the batteries or greatly reduce their life. A device called a "charge controller" is connected between the solar panels and the battery bank and shuts off the charging when the batteries are fully charged.
Most PV systems for homes are 12 volt (DC) operation, even though other voltage systems do exist (such as 24 VDC, 48 VDC, etc). Twelve volts seems to be the most common because there are devices that will work directly off 12 volts, like those used in our automobiles. But most of our common household devices use 110 VAC (Volts Alternating Current). To allow us to use devices that are 110 VAC from a 12 VDC system, we need a device to convert the 12 VDC electricity to 110 VAC electricity. Such a device is called an "inverter" and is commonplace in the recreational vehicle market. An inverter is rated in size in watts for the maximum amount of power it can handle. As an example, a 100-watt inverter would only light one 100-watt light bulb. Practical inverter sizes range from as small as 100 watts to over 2000 watts (or 2-KW, meaning 2 thousand watts).
Most PV systems have a backup source of electricity or multiple forms of electricity generation. Typically a PV system will have a backup generator to provide power while the PV system is being worked on, when the power demands exceed the output capability of the PV system, or to charge the batteries when the sun has not provided enough light to allow the panels to charge the batteries.
In an elaborate system other forms of alternate energy sources may be combined with the PV system, such as a wind generator or a hydro-electric generator working off the flow of water. This is mentioned for reference. To design or install such a system as this requires professionals experienced in this area.
Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity by having the sun (or other light source) shine on the panel. The light source's photons strike the panel displacing electrons in the semiconductors that make up the solar panel, thus causing a voltage to be generated and current to flow if a circuit is connected to the panel's connections. The voltage output of a PV panel is direct current (denoted as VDC, meaning Volts Direct Current), like the voltage available from a battery.
Solar PV panels range in size and power capability from a very small panel, rated less than a watt output, capable of charging a couple of AA size nicad batteries or powering a small radio -- to the larger panels used in PV installations, typically rated around 48 watts. Most systems use a multitude of these panels (2 to 48 panels).
In a few cases the panel can be hooked directly to the device that needs power. This is called "direct" use of the panel. An example is using a PV panel to operate a water pump that fills a storage tank. The pump operates when the sun shines on the panel (during the day), but not at night.
However, in the majority of cases the solar panels are used to charge a battery, or bank of batteries, that are the main source of power. Thus the batteries are charged during the day when the sun is shining. But the power can be used even when the sun is not shining, such as at night when lighting is needed. These batteries are typically "deep cycle" batteries that can stand going from a full charge to empty many times over. A standard automobile battery is not designed for this type of use, but marine or golf cart batteries are usually deep cycle batteries. If you decide to install a PV system, there are batteries that are recommended for this type of application.
One of the main problems in designing a "solar powered system" is "sizing the system." The challenge is to make sure that you have a large enough battery bank to be able to supply your electrical needs during periods when the sun doesn't shine, like winter months or during the stormy season, and to have enough solar panels to be able to charge the system fully while the sun is shining. The sizing process is very dependent on how many devices (appliances, etc.) the system must supply power for and how many hours the devices are operated daily.
Along with the problem of making sure the batteries receive an adequate charge is the problem of over-charging the batteries, a condition that can destroy the batteries or greatly reduce their life. A device called a "charge controller" is connected between the solar panels and the battery bank and shuts off the charging when the batteries are fully charged.
Most PV systems for homes are 12 volt (DC) operation, even though other voltage systems do exist (such as 24 VDC, 48 VDC, etc). Twelve volts seems to be the most common because there are devices that will work directly off 12 volts, like those used in our automobiles. But most of our common household devices use 110 VAC (Volts Alternating Current). To allow us to use devices that are 110 VAC from a 12 VDC system, we need a device to convert the 12 VDC electricity to 110 VAC electricity. Such a device is called an "inverter" and is commonplace in the recreational vehicle market. An inverter is rated in size in watts for the maximum amount of power it can handle. As an example, a 100-watt inverter would only light one 100-watt light bulb. Practical inverter sizes range from as small as 100 watts to over 2000 watts (or 2-KW, meaning 2 thousand watts).
Most PV systems have a backup source of electricity or multiple forms of electricity generation. Typically a PV system will have a backup generator to provide power while the PV system is being worked on, when the power demands exceed the output capability of the PV system, or to charge the batteries when the sun has not provided enough light to allow the panels to charge the batteries.
In an elaborate system other forms of alternate energy sources may be combined with the PV system, such as a wind generator or a hydro-electric generator working off the flow of water. This is mentioned for reference. To design or install such a system as this requires professionals experienced in this area.
Why Prepare
Well, 1994 is only a little over a month old and we, as a country, have already experienced the devastating LA earthquake and a record-breaking freeze in the northern and eastern parts of the country. At the last count I remember, something like 50 people died as a result of the quake and 130 as a result of the winter freeze. The number of people that were without water and electricity, and those that are still displaced from their homes as a result of the quake, are almost unbelievable. But as you may know -- "we ain't seen nothing yet!"
Annie and I get a lot of letters and phone calls as a result of our books. One of the questions we are sometimes asked is, "why (physically) prepare for the upcoming earth changes?" Some people seem to think that to "physically prepare" is somehow "anti-spiritual." Others feel that preparing creates the wrong reality.
I remember listening to a tape of "Abraham Speaks" by Ester and Jerry Hicks, that asked the question, "Does the squirrel create winter by storing nuts?" To take this one step further, "do we create our own reality by buying insurance?" Could we stop death by canceling our life insurance policies, eliminate illness, car wrecks or save our homes from fires or other disasters by refusing to pay for insurance? I don't think so!
Many years ago, while taking a law course, I learned a term to "test reality." It went something like this, "What would a `prudent person' do ... in this situation?" Maybe another way of saying it is, "what would someone with GOOD SENSE do under these circumstances?" Well, most of us still have our insurance policies on our lives, automobiles and homes. I see preparing for the upcoming earth changes like buying insurance -- you hope you never need it, but you want it in place if disaster strikes. In Mary's Message the Predictions Chapter was given "for those who believe, to have time to prepare ... Mary is concerned for both the spiritual well-being of mankind and for its physical well-being" (page 6). But I also feel that to take physically preparing to an extreme and neglect our spiritual advancement would be inappropriate.
However, each one of us is individual and unique. Preparing, for one person, will mean one thing and for another, something different. As an example, I am a Taurus, an ex-Boy Scout (motto "Be Prepared"), very tied to the earth, and I have this strong need to "be organized" in everything I do. Thus I found that I was able to concentrate more on my spiritual advancement, after I had some of my physical preparations accomplished (taken my first aid course, put water aside, etc).
Your attitude also makes a difference. Are you preparing in a fearful attitude? Or, are you preparing because you are a prudent person, using common sense? When you are preparing from a fearful attitude, that sets the whole tone of your life and how you view your future. When you use common sense, then you react like the squirrel putting away the nuts; then you go on with your life.
Something we often forget is that our physical life and our spiritual life are intertwined. Some people approach things from one side (ex: physical) and others from the other side (ex: spiritual). Thus what we really need is a balance in our life between the spiritual aspect and what we are striving to accomplish on the physical plane. And there are those of us that are intended to perpetuate the race through the earth changes and the polar shift. Not to prepare for this would be as wrong as to not prepare spiritually. So don't be so fast to judge what others are doing as "wrong" by your standards. They are on their own path and they have their own purpose. And this purpose may involve physically preparing for the upcoming events. Instead of criticizing them, encourage them -- they may be the balancing agent to support your spiritual efforts.
An Emergency Survival Food Primer
Are you confused about emergency and survival food? Do you know the difference between an MRE and an Emergency Food Ration (life-raft cookie bar)? And how are the long-shelf life foods different from normal grocery store canned goods?
You know you need to have some food on-hand for emergencies, right? -- but where do you start? What goes into an emergency kit and what do you obtain for long-term emergencies or serious food shortages?
This primer may help you better understand what is available, and which type of food best fits the different situations.
First, let me start with a few definitions. For this discussion I consider an "emergency" situation one that may last anywhere from a few hours (including the magical "72-hours") up to about two weeks. For periods longer than two weeks, I consider this a "survival" situation. Experts feel that for most emergencies the situation will normalize itself in less than 72 hours. By this time the proper agencies will be in place to assist with shelter, water, food, clothing, etc.
Another consideration in planning for emergencies is, will you be in your home during the emergency, or will you be away from your home and on the move? Some emergencies happen while you are at home, such as a winter freeze, power outages, etc. Others require you to flee your home, such as an incoming hurricane or having your home damaged by a tornado or earthquake. And sometimes emergencies happen when you are away from home, as when you are traveling in your automobile.
When an emergency happens, your first line of defense (food-wise) is the food in your refrigerator and pantry (assuming you are at home). Even if you have to flee, you will likely want to raid the pantry on the way out. The disadvantages to this as the only supply of emergency food, is that this type of food typically has a relatively short shelf life, and most contain their own liquid (water), and are therefore heavy to transport. With all this in mind, let me discuss the different types of foods that are available.
FOOD BARS - these are specially formulated "cookie" bars that are non-thirst provoking and high in protein to help in a high stress situation. Each bar exceeds the normal daily requirements for vitamins and minerals. They typically have a five-year storage life and can withstand extreme temperature ranges (-40 degrees to 300 degrees F). A typical 3-day package contains 9 bars of 400 kcal each (3,600 kcal per package). They are normally Coast Guard approved for lifesaving craft (life rafts). Because of their wide storage temperature range and relative small size and weight, they are ideally suited for emergency kits -- especially for an emergency kit you leave in the trunk of your car, where the temperature may range from below zero in winter, to over 100 degrees in summer. A 3-day (9 bars) package cost under $10. The taste is acceptable (I think they are tasty), but you may tire of them after a few meals. But then -- they are for survival!
MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat) are the military's latest type of rations (see note 1). The big difference between these and previous types of military rations (K and C) is that these taste good. The MREs are packaged in a specially designed triple-layer foil/plastic "retort" pouches that are sealed, cooked and not exposed to air until opened. MREs typically have a five to seven year shelf life if stored in a cool environment. But the nutritional value and taste deteriorate with an increase in ambient storage temperature (see the MRE Storage Life Chart). MREs are available in full meals; that contain a meat, vegetable or fruit, peanut butter, high protein crackers, freeze dried fruit bar, beverage base, accessory packet and a spoon. Or individual entrees and other pieces can be purchased separately. They can be eaten warm (warmed in a number of different ways) or eaten cool. Typical MRE entrees include: chicken a la king, barbecue pork with rice, spaghetti with meat and sauce, and omelette with ham.
A supply of MREs makes an excellent food supply for emergencies. They are light enough they can be taken with you in the automobile or include a few in your emergency kit. Just don't leave them in a potentially warm environment for very long (like the trunk of your car). I suggest you store them inside your house in a "sports" type bag or box, and grab them if you have to flee. One advantage to MREs over other types of emergency food, is that it doesn't require that water be added (except to the drink base). They don't need any cooking or preparation, making them an excellent choice of food while you're on-the-move. A typical MRE full meal cost less than $7, and occasionally bargains can be found on MREs. If you are interested in MREs, I suggest you try one of the "12 Pouch Sample Order" or the "72-Hour Emergency Food Supply" kits available through B&A or at your local Army & Navy store.
CAMPING POUCH PRODUCTS are available from a number of suppliers. The brand that B&A carries is AlpineAire and is considered one of the best (see note 1). These products are packaged in an aluminized foil pouch and typically have a shelf life of about 2 years (if stored at room temperature). The foods are either dehydrated or freeze dried, and each package is nitrogen flushed to ensure freshness and extended storage life. Many are "no-cook" varieties that don't require any cooking. To prepare you simply add hot (or cool) water. There is a wide variety of entrees (both meat and meatless), side dishes, soups, breakfasts, fruits and desserts (see B&A catalog for list). AlpineAire has a Sampler (see note 1) that will feed two people for 3-days for $46 (plus S&H). That means the average cost per meal, per person can be as low as $2.50. One advantage of having a supply of these items is that they can double as normal trail and camping food, while serving as emergency food if you need it. By being dehydrate or freeze dried, they are very light and easy to transport. And the taste of the camping meals is usually excellent.
LONG SHELF LIFE FOOD SUPPLY. Typically this is food that is dehydrated or freeze dried (similar to the pouch products), packaged in double-enamelled #10 or #2-1/2 cans, nitrogen flushed, and has an expected shelf life of 10 to 15 years (or more). B&A carries two lines of this type of food; Ready Reserve Foods and the AlpineAire's line of Gourmet Reserves. This is the type of food you will want to obtain and store, to prepare for a long term survival situation. Both Ready Reserves and AlpineAire have food kits that provide enough food for a few days up to a year (or more). A kit (#U-12) for 4 people for 3 days sells for as little as $91 (plus S&H). And a family kit for 4 people for a year sells for about $2800 (plus shipping). The family kit would average less than $1 per meal, per person -- not bad!
Something that often happens when people start planning their long term food needs is -- they look at what they need (1 or 2 year supply) and are overwhelmed by the cost, and then do nothing. Don't try to take on the whole task at one time. You can break up your purchases and buy a little at a time. Storage space can also be a problem. But you might be surprised to find that you have many places to store items that you might not have otherwise considered, as an example in the space under your bed.
Remember that dehydrated and freeze dried food will require clean water to be able to reconstitute. Also, when you obtain your supply of storage food, use it on a rotational basis. This will get your family accustomed to the taste and keep fresh product in the storage supply, as you replace that which is eaten.
This has been an overview to familiarize you with the different types of "emergency" foods that are available, their respective costs, and to help you decide which is best suited for your situation. I hope it helps. (I recognize that this article doesn't address the natural emergency food that can be found innature, if you know what can and can't be eaten.)
A couple of final points: it is better to be two years too early in your emergency planning, than one minute too late. And consider that purchasing your emergency food supply is analogous to buying "food insurance."
You know you need to have some food on-hand for emergencies, right? -- but where do you start? What goes into an emergency kit and what do you obtain for long-term emergencies or serious food shortages?
This primer may help you better understand what is available, and which type of food best fits the different situations.
First, let me start with a few definitions. For this discussion I consider an "emergency" situation one that may last anywhere from a few hours (including the magical "72-hours") up to about two weeks. For periods longer than two weeks, I consider this a "survival" situation. Experts feel that for most emergencies the situation will normalize itself in less than 72 hours. By this time the proper agencies will be in place to assist with shelter, water, food, clothing, etc.
Another consideration in planning for emergencies is, will you be in your home during the emergency, or will you be away from your home and on the move? Some emergencies happen while you are at home, such as a winter freeze, power outages, etc. Others require you to flee your home, such as an incoming hurricane or having your home damaged by a tornado or earthquake. And sometimes emergencies happen when you are away from home, as when you are traveling in your automobile.
When an emergency happens, your first line of defense (food-wise) is the food in your refrigerator and pantry (assuming you are at home). Even if you have to flee, you will likely want to raid the pantry on the way out. The disadvantages to this as the only supply of emergency food, is that this type of food typically has a relatively short shelf life, and most contain their own liquid (water), and are therefore heavy to transport. With all this in mind, let me discuss the different types of foods that are available.
FOOD BARS - these are specially formulated "cookie" bars that are non-thirst provoking and high in protein to help in a high stress situation. Each bar exceeds the normal daily requirements for vitamins and minerals. They typically have a five-year storage life and can withstand extreme temperature ranges (-40 degrees to 300 degrees F). A typical 3-day package contains 9 bars of 400 kcal each (3,600 kcal per package). They are normally Coast Guard approved for lifesaving craft (life rafts). Because of their wide storage temperature range and relative small size and weight, they are ideally suited for emergency kits -- especially for an emergency kit you leave in the trunk of your car, where the temperature may range from below zero in winter, to over 100 degrees in summer. A 3-day (9 bars) package cost under $10. The taste is acceptable (I think they are tasty), but you may tire of them after a few meals. But then -- they are for survival!
MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat) are the military's latest type of rations (see note 1). The big difference between these and previous types of military rations (K and C) is that these taste good. The MREs are packaged in a specially designed triple-layer foil/plastic "retort" pouches that are sealed, cooked and not exposed to air until opened. MREs typically have a five to seven year shelf life if stored in a cool environment. But the nutritional value and taste deteriorate with an increase in ambient storage temperature (see the MRE Storage Life Chart). MREs are available in full meals; that contain a meat, vegetable or fruit, peanut butter, high protein crackers, freeze dried fruit bar, beverage base, accessory packet and a spoon. Or individual entrees and other pieces can be purchased separately. They can be eaten warm (warmed in a number of different ways) or eaten cool. Typical MRE entrees include: chicken a la king, barbecue pork with rice, spaghetti with meat and sauce, and omelette with ham.
A supply of MREs makes an excellent food supply for emergencies. They are light enough they can be taken with you in the automobile or include a few in your emergency kit. Just don't leave them in a potentially warm environment for very long (like the trunk of your car). I suggest you store them inside your house in a "sports" type bag or box, and grab them if you have to flee. One advantage to MREs over other types of emergency food, is that it doesn't require that water be added (except to the drink base). They don't need any cooking or preparation, making them an excellent choice of food while you're on-the-move. A typical MRE full meal cost less than $7, and occasionally bargains can be found on MREs. If you are interested in MREs, I suggest you try one of the "12 Pouch Sample Order" or the "72-Hour Emergency Food Supply" kits available through B&A or at your local Army & Navy store.
CAMPING POUCH PRODUCTS are available from a number of suppliers. The brand that B&A carries is AlpineAire and is considered one of the best (see note 1). These products are packaged in an aluminized foil pouch and typically have a shelf life of about 2 years (if stored at room temperature). The foods are either dehydrated or freeze dried, and each package is nitrogen flushed to ensure freshness and extended storage life. Many are "no-cook" varieties that don't require any cooking. To prepare you simply add hot (or cool) water. There is a wide variety of entrees (both meat and meatless), side dishes, soups, breakfasts, fruits and desserts (see B&A catalog for list). AlpineAire has a Sampler (see note 1) that will feed two people for 3-days for $46 (plus S&H). That means the average cost per meal, per person can be as low as $2.50. One advantage of having a supply of these items is that they can double as normal trail and camping food, while serving as emergency food if you need it. By being dehydrate or freeze dried, they are very light and easy to transport. And the taste of the camping meals is usually excellent.
LONG SHELF LIFE FOOD SUPPLY. Typically this is food that is dehydrated or freeze dried (similar to the pouch products), packaged in double-enamelled #10 or #2-1/2 cans, nitrogen flushed, and has an expected shelf life of 10 to 15 years (or more). B&A carries two lines of this type of food; Ready Reserve Foods and the AlpineAire's line of Gourmet Reserves. This is the type of food you will want to obtain and store, to prepare for a long term survival situation. Both Ready Reserves and AlpineAire have food kits that provide enough food for a few days up to a year (or more). A kit (#U-12) for 4 people for 3 days sells for as little as $91 (plus S&H). And a family kit for 4 people for a year sells for about $2800 (plus shipping). The family kit would average less than $1 per meal, per person -- not bad!
Something that often happens when people start planning their long term food needs is -- they look at what they need (1 or 2 year supply) and are overwhelmed by the cost, and then do nothing. Don't try to take on the whole task at one time. You can break up your purchases and buy a little at a time. Storage space can also be a problem. But you might be surprised to find that you have many places to store items that you might not have otherwise considered, as an example in the space under your bed.
Remember that dehydrated and freeze dried food will require clean water to be able to reconstitute. Also, when you obtain your supply of storage food, use it on a rotational basis. This will get your family accustomed to the taste and keep fresh product in the storage supply, as you replace that which is eaten.
This has been an overview to familiarize you with the different types of "emergency" foods that are available, their respective costs, and to help you decide which is best suited for your situation. I hope it helps. (I recognize that this article doesn't address the natural emergency food that can be found innature, if you know what can and can't be eaten.)
A couple of final points: it is better to be two years too early in your emergency planning, than one minute too late. And consider that purchasing your emergency food supply is analogous to buying "food insurance."
Test Run
I've been working on an update for the second printing of the Survival Guide to include the latest corrections and additions. In this, I tell about other ways to prepare for the upcoming disasters, by getting involved with the Red Cross Disaster Services. I mention the courses I've taken (Damage Assessment and Mass Care I) and that I'm on the Dallas Area Disaster Action Team (DAT).
Well -- on Mother's Day, May 9, 1993 it all came together for a disaster "test run." Twin tornados struck the Texas cities of Sachse and Wylie, both about 30-miles northeast of Dallas. The tornado killed one person in Wylie and injured about 60 others. It destroyed numerous homes and businesses.
The following is an article I wrote for the Dallas Amateur Radio Club (DARC) Newsletter. I've edited it to add comments so non-hams can understand some of the buzz words. And of course I didn't play up the real importance of preparing to the readers of this newsletter -- they are not ready yet!
"The Wylie Tornado"
About 2:30 PM on Mother's Day, May 9, 1993, I noticed the weather getting nasty outside. I had just turned on my monitor (radio) to the Dallas Amateur Radio Club (DARC) sponsored "88-repeater," when my son Brian, also a ham (KB5TDJ), called to wish his stepmother a happy Mother's Day. I told him that it sounded like they had "brought up the net," meaning the RACES Skywarn Net (RACES means Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service).
Brian and I are both members of the Dallas Area Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT). It was Brian's weekend to be on call for the DAT team, and I told him "sounds like you might be getting a page." I passed the phone over to my wife and Brian extended his Mother's Day greeting.
A few minutes later the phone rang again, and sure enough his pager had gone off -- he was to report to the Red Cross Central office in downtown Dallas. He asked, "Do you want to come along?" "Yes," I answered, and proceeded to get my jump bag out of the car and collect my gear. This included my 2-meter hand-held transceiver (ham walkie-talkie 2-way radio).
As we arrived at the Red Cross center, we noticed the activity. Other volunteers had arrived and they were loading the trucks. Shortly we were in-route to Sachse, Texas, about thirty miles northeast of Dallas, to assess what function we were to perform in this disaster.
The DAT team is the first to be called in local emergencies where the Red Cross is needed. If the event accelerates to a major disaster, it becomes a national event, and another Red Cross group (DSHR) takes responsibility. The DAT responds to local fires, floods, wind storms, chemical spills, gasoline explosions and other local disasters.
In the case of Sachse, we performed what is known as "damage assessment" to estimate the extent of the damage and what services might be needed by the disaster's victims, or "clients," as we refer to them. One of the standard services that the DAT performs is canteen service, serving refreshments to the clients, firemen and police personnel working the event.
As it turned out, the Sachse damage was fairly minor. The tornado victims all had places to stay. Either in their own homes or with friends or relatives. One of the services the Red Cross performs is to help victims find shelter, if their residence is not habitable. This was not the case in Sachse, so we completed our assignment. By this time, the Collin Country Red Cross had requested our assistance in Wylie, Texas, the next city north of Sachse.
Wylie was a different matter. As we drove north on Highway 87 we began to notice damage the tornado had wreaked on Wylie. We were directed to go to the Brookshire's (grocery store) parking lot as our staging area.
I had started out monitoring the weather related activity on the 88-repeater (frequency 146.88 Mhz). While enroute to Wylie I heard that the Collin County ARES (similar to RACES) emergency net was operating on 146.52 simplex. Net control was amateur radio operator AA5TR. I was really impressed by the professional manner in which the net was handled.
While at the Brookshire's staging area, a request came over the radio net attempting to locate baby diapers and baby formula for a displaced family with a small child. Our Red Cross van was stocked with the diapers, so I responded. This solved the problem of the diapers, but the need for the formula still existed. I contacted the management of Brookshire's and they donated the baby formula. They later donated a significant amount of food to the relief effort.
At this point, we got our instructions to proceed to the First Baptist Church, where the Red Cross shelter had been established. Two other hams were already there handling communications (KB5YIA and KB5BNK). The shelter was multi- functional. "Mass care" involves providing food and shelter to the disaster victims and disaster workers. "Damage assessment" determines the extent of the damage in the area to residences. You may have noticed on the television where the announcer says, "xxx-millions of dollars of damage occurred as a result of ..." This is partially a result of the Red Cross volunteer's efforts at damage assessment. Another function of the Red Cross is known as family services. This is helping the displaced families with their emergency needs to be able to recover from the disaster.
My other ham/Red Cross contribution was helping to relay the need of the shelter for another gasoline driven electric generator. By Red Cross standards this was a fairly small disaster, at least compared to Hurricane Andrew or Iniki (1992). As a relative newcomer to Red Cross, this was my first "major" disaster. The Collin County ARES is to be congratulated on their handling of the emergency. I also noticed how the people of Wylie pulled together as a true community to help. The people of the First Baptist Church did an exceptional job of assisting at the shelter.
In case you haven't noticed, weather patterns are changing, for the worse. The Dallas Morning News on January 2, 1993 (page 4A) noted that "'92 worst year on record for disasters." Time may prove that this incident was a "wakeup call." To use the Boy Scout motto, it may be time to "Be Prepared." You might want to ask yourself, "how would you handle a major local disaster to protect yourself, your family, or what can you do to prepare to participate with a group such as RACES?"
Fortunately the death, injuries, and damage in Wylie was not any worse than it were. Once again amateur radio comes through, even in the age of cellular telephones and super communications networks. To everyone who helped or participated in this effort in anyway -- I congratulate and thank you.
Byron Kirkwood, KJ5DB (my ham call)
When the major disasters all start happening at once, how to do damage assessment and such won't be the primary concern. The importance of getting involved now, is to help you prepare mentally and emotionally to handle emergencies. So you can get a feel for what goes on in a real emergency.
Well -- on Mother's Day, May 9, 1993 it all came together for a disaster "test run." Twin tornados struck the Texas cities of Sachse and Wylie, both about 30-miles northeast of Dallas. The tornado killed one person in Wylie and injured about 60 others. It destroyed numerous homes and businesses.
The following is an article I wrote for the Dallas Amateur Radio Club (DARC) Newsletter. I've edited it to add comments so non-hams can understand some of the buzz words. And of course I didn't play up the real importance of preparing to the readers of this newsletter -- they are not ready yet!
"The Wylie Tornado"
About 2:30 PM on Mother's Day, May 9, 1993, I noticed the weather getting nasty outside. I had just turned on my monitor (radio) to the Dallas Amateur Radio Club (DARC) sponsored "88-repeater," when my son Brian, also a ham (KB5TDJ), called to wish his stepmother a happy Mother's Day. I told him that it sounded like they had "brought up the net," meaning the RACES Skywarn Net (RACES means Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service).
Brian and I are both members of the Dallas Area Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT). It was Brian's weekend to be on call for the DAT team, and I told him "sounds like you might be getting a page." I passed the phone over to my wife and Brian extended his Mother's Day greeting.
A few minutes later the phone rang again, and sure enough his pager had gone off -- he was to report to the Red Cross Central office in downtown Dallas. He asked, "Do you want to come along?" "Yes," I answered, and proceeded to get my jump bag out of the car and collect my gear. This included my 2-meter hand-held transceiver (ham walkie-talkie 2-way radio).
As we arrived at the Red Cross center, we noticed the activity. Other volunteers had arrived and they were loading the trucks. Shortly we were in-route to Sachse, Texas, about thirty miles northeast of Dallas, to assess what function we were to perform in this disaster.
The DAT team is the first to be called in local emergencies where the Red Cross is needed. If the event accelerates to a major disaster, it becomes a national event, and another Red Cross group (DSHR) takes responsibility. The DAT responds to local fires, floods, wind storms, chemical spills, gasoline explosions and other local disasters.
In the case of Sachse, we performed what is known as "damage assessment" to estimate the extent of the damage and what services might be needed by the disaster's victims, or "clients," as we refer to them. One of the standard services that the DAT performs is canteen service, serving refreshments to the clients, firemen and police personnel working the event.
As it turned out, the Sachse damage was fairly minor. The tornado victims all had places to stay. Either in their own homes or with friends or relatives. One of the services the Red Cross performs is to help victims find shelter, if their residence is not habitable. This was not the case in Sachse, so we completed our assignment. By this time, the Collin Country Red Cross had requested our assistance in Wylie, Texas, the next city north of Sachse.
Wylie was a different matter. As we drove north on Highway 87 we began to notice damage the tornado had wreaked on Wylie. We were directed to go to the Brookshire's (grocery store) parking lot as our staging area.
I had started out monitoring the weather related activity on the 88-repeater (frequency 146.88 Mhz). While enroute to Wylie I heard that the Collin County ARES (similar to RACES) emergency net was operating on 146.52 simplex. Net control was amateur radio operator AA5TR. I was really impressed by the professional manner in which the net was handled.
While at the Brookshire's staging area, a request came over the radio net attempting to locate baby diapers and baby formula for a displaced family with a small child. Our Red Cross van was stocked with the diapers, so I responded. This solved the problem of the diapers, but the need for the formula still existed. I contacted the management of Brookshire's and they donated the baby formula. They later donated a significant amount of food to the relief effort.
At this point, we got our instructions to proceed to the First Baptist Church, where the Red Cross shelter had been established. Two other hams were already there handling communications (KB5YIA and KB5BNK). The shelter was multi- functional. "Mass care" involves providing food and shelter to the disaster victims and disaster workers. "Damage assessment" determines the extent of the damage in the area to residences. You may have noticed on the television where the announcer says, "xxx-millions of dollars of damage occurred as a result of ..." This is partially a result of the Red Cross volunteer's efforts at damage assessment. Another function of the Red Cross is known as family services. This is helping the displaced families with their emergency needs to be able to recover from the disaster.
My other ham/Red Cross contribution was helping to relay the need of the shelter for another gasoline driven electric generator. By Red Cross standards this was a fairly small disaster, at least compared to Hurricane Andrew or Iniki (1992). As a relative newcomer to Red Cross, this was my first "major" disaster. The Collin County ARES is to be congratulated on their handling of the emergency. I also noticed how the people of Wylie pulled together as a true community to help. The people of the First Baptist Church did an exceptional job of assisting at the shelter.
In case you haven't noticed, weather patterns are changing, for the worse. The Dallas Morning News on January 2, 1993 (page 4A) noted that "'92 worst year on record for disasters." Time may prove that this incident was a "wakeup call." To use the Boy Scout motto, it may be time to "Be Prepared." You might want to ask yourself, "how would you handle a major local disaster to protect yourself, your family, or what can you do to prepare to participate with a group such as RACES?"
Fortunately the death, injuries, and damage in Wylie was not any worse than it were. Once again amateur radio comes through, even in the age of cellular telephones and super communications networks. To everyone who helped or participated in this effort in anyway -- I congratulate and thank you.
Byron Kirkwood, KJ5DB (my ham call)
When the major disasters all start happening at once, how to do damage assessment and such won't be the primary concern. The importance of getting involved now, is to help you prepare mentally and emotionally to handle emergencies. So you can get a feel for what goes on in a real emergency.
Storing Water
Mother Mary has asked us to store water and food for two weeks. The following are the basics for storing water. A few good choices made in the beginning will save you grief, when an emergency develops.
The first consideration is, what kind of water should you store: tap water or commercially available bottled water? Bottled spring, drinking, or distilled water is great for emergency storage, but it can be expensive. I suggest you have some commercially bottled water in your cache. However, the bulk of your stored water will probably be tap water.
How much water should be stored? We each need a minimum of a gallon of water for drinking, and a gallon of water for cooking and washing per day. Thus, we need to store two gallons of water, per day, per person. As an example, we need to store a minimum of 56 gallons of water for two people for two weeks. Or, 112 gallons for four people. Although this is no small amount, it isn't enough for your daily shower.
Choosing the proper containers to store water is a major consideration. There are commercial containers available for water storage. Be very sure they are for water storage. An improper container will "leach" chemicals into the water. Your camping thermos jug is OK, and should be your starting container to fill with water. There are 5-gallon "collapsible" water carrier (containers) available through camping supply stores. A 2- or 3-liter disposable plastic soft drink bottle makes an excellent container for water storage. They are readily available, flexible, and made for storing liquids. Be sure and wash the empty containers very well, then let them completely air dry before using. A 2-liter soft drink container holds about two quarts of water (one liter equals 1.0567 US liquid quarts), or about 1/2 gallon of water. Glass bottles won't leach, but may be broken if they fall during an earthquake, tornado, wind storm, etc. This may not be the problem in preparing for a winter freeze, but should be considered for long term storage. Store the water in a place where it can't freeze. Frozen water will expand and break the container. The ideal place to store water is away from direct sunlight, in a place where the temperature is moderate, and away from chemicals (like gasoline, pesticides, etc).
To insure safe drinking water you should add about ten drops of liquid chlorine bleach (Clorox) per gallon of stored water. This will kill most microorganisms in the water. Then fill the water completely to the top of the bottle, to force out all air. When you use this water, a slight chlorine smell is acceptable.
If you have to use the water (an emergency happens), use the commercially bottled water first for drinking (human consumption). Use the tap water for cooking and washing. If you run out of the bottled water and are concerned about the stored tap water, boil the water (assuming you have cooking heat available via gas, wood, etc).
Another thing to consider when an emergency occurs; you may have several other sources of water available to use. Water from a hot tub, water bed, or pond can be used for commode flushing (assuming the plumbing still works). Water from the commode tank (not the bowl) and your hot water heater can be used for washing or possibly drinking. And if you suspect a water shortage (as an example, before an on-coming freeze) you should fill your bath tubs and empty containers with water while it is available.
A couple of other things you should know are: stored water doesn't keep forever. Rotate your stored tap water about every six months. Pour it out, clean the containers, and refill them with fresh water. And, although food is very important, water is even more important. You can live longer without food, than you can without water.
I realize that most of this is common stuff, and I apologize if it insults anyone. Hopefully, it won't even be needed. But if it saves one life, I will consider it worth the time and effort.
The first consideration is, what kind of water should you store: tap water or commercially available bottled water? Bottled spring, drinking, or distilled water is great for emergency storage, but it can be expensive. I suggest you have some commercially bottled water in your cache. However, the bulk of your stored water will probably be tap water.
How much water should be stored? We each need a minimum of a gallon of water for drinking, and a gallon of water for cooking and washing per day. Thus, we need to store two gallons of water, per day, per person. As an example, we need to store a minimum of 56 gallons of water for two people for two weeks. Or, 112 gallons for four people. Although this is no small amount, it isn't enough for your daily shower.
Choosing the proper containers to store water is a major consideration. There are commercial containers available for water storage. Be very sure they are for water storage. An improper container will "leach" chemicals into the water. Your camping thermos jug is OK, and should be your starting container to fill with water. There are 5-gallon "collapsible" water carrier (containers) available through camping supply stores. A 2- or 3-liter disposable plastic soft drink bottle makes an excellent container for water storage. They are readily available, flexible, and made for storing liquids. Be sure and wash the empty containers very well, then let them completely air dry before using. A 2-liter soft drink container holds about two quarts of water (one liter equals 1.0567 US liquid quarts), or about 1/2 gallon of water. Glass bottles won't leach, but may be broken if they fall during an earthquake, tornado, wind storm, etc. This may not be the problem in preparing for a winter freeze, but should be considered for long term storage. Store the water in a place where it can't freeze. Frozen water will expand and break the container. The ideal place to store water is away from direct sunlight, in a place where the temperature is moderate, and away from chemicals (like gasoline, pesticides, etc).
To insure safe drinking water you should add about ten drops of liquid chlorine bleach (Clorox) per gallon of stored water. This will kill most microorganisms in the water. Then fill the water completely to the top of the bottle, to force out all air. When you use this water, a slight chlorine smell is acceptable.
If you have to use the water (an emergency happens), use the commercially bottled water first for drinking (human consumption). Use the tap water for cooking and washing. If you run out of the bottled water and are concerned about the stored tap water, boil the water (assuming you have cooking heat available via gas, wood, etc).
Another thing to consider when an emergency occurs; you may have several other sources of water available to use. Water from a hot tub, water bed, or pond can be used for commode flushing (assuming the plumbing still works). Water from the commode tank (not the bowl) and your hot water heater can be used for washing or possibly drinking. And if you suspect a water shortage (as an example, before an on-coming freeze) you should fill your bath tubs and empty containers with water while it is available.
A couple of other things you should know are: stored water doesn't keep forever. Rotate your stored tap water about every six months. Pour it out, clean the containers, and refill them with fresh water. And, although food is very important, water is even more important. You can live longer without food, than you can without water.
I realize that most of this is common stuff, and I apologize if it insults anyone. Hopefully, it won't even be needed. But if it saves one life, I will consider it worth the time and effort.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
It is all about the Medal
Running a marathon is like life. There is a beginning, middle and end. Not only that there are the obstacles that come up. For the average person a marathon will take at least four hours. This is four hours of a conversation in your head. The marathon is run in your mind. The stories I told myself were amazing. The stories were all based on my experiences of life. Some of these stories were empowering and supportive but others were not. The marathon was like a rerun of my life and my opinion of myself determined my outcome. When they put the medal on me I felt acknowledged, not only for finishing the marathon but for being a success in life. I have never been the same since. My life works because I have the medal to prove it. Life is about saying what I am going to do and doing it. Doing the marathon is a condensed version of a commitment. If you stop while running it is unlikely you will start again. My body froze up. I could not move. My desire was to get going and out of the blue a man pushed me off. The passion, desire, commitment and determination were there but I could not move and he picked up on that and gave me a push start. The marathon is getting in touch with your inner power�the real you. I think we all have a poor opinion of ourselves at a very deep level and running a marathon is access to removing that. I didn't know myself until I ran a marathon.
It is also amazing to observe what happens to my fellow runners. Some people don't have the right shoes and their feet land all funny every step they take. I always think that the preparation we put into the marathon has a parallel with how we prepare for everything in life. A marathon is twenty six and a quarter miles roughly which is approximately fifteen thousand steps. So each foot hits the ground seven and a half thousand times. They say proper preparation prevents piss poor performance. Maybe human beings don't prepare. Maybe that is why there is so much disharmony in the world. No one is preparing for what they are doing. Another thing that amazed me was people giving up so close to the finish. The last mile was like a battle field of casualties. So close and yet so far away. One guy was lying down hugging his knee only yards from the finish. About a mile from the finish a guy was stumbling around like a zombie. He appeared to be unaware of where he was or what he was doing. My heart went out to him. I offered him my last tube of gel and he took it and said "God bless you". I have never felt so acknowledged before or since. I don't know if he finished but I am sure he did. I know me just speaking to him centred him and maybe that was all he needed. We need eachother to get through whether in a marathon or in life. There is a camaraderie that is unique. It is such a great honour to be able to run a marathon. Once an ailment sets in there is nothing we can do. So I will say to anyone who can walk to consider doing a marathon and their life will never be the same again. I can guarantee them that.
Unfortunately I left it until I was forty seven to do that. But of course better late than never and it really is all about the Medal.
It is also amazing to observe what happens to my fellow runners. Some people don't have the right shoes and their feet land all funny every step they take. I always think that the preparation we put into the marathon has a parallel with how we prepare for everything in life. A marathon is twenty six and a quarter miles roughly which is approximately fifteen thousand steps. So each foot hits the ground seven and a half thousand times. They say proper preparation prevents piss poor performance. Maybe human beings don't prepare. Maybe that is why there is so much disharmony in the world. No one is preparing for what they are doing. Another thing that amazed me was people giving up so close to the finish. The last mile was like a battle field of casualties. So close and yet so far away. One guy was lying down hugging his knee only yards from the finish. About a mile from the finish a guy was stumbling around like a zombie. He appeared to be unaware of where he was or what he was doing. My heart went out to him. I offered him my last tube of gel and he took it and said "God bless you". I have never felt so acknowledged before or since. I don't know if he finished but I am sure he did. I know me just speaking to him centred him and maybe that was all he needed. We need eachother to get through whether in a marathon or in life. There is a camaraderie that is unique. It is such a great honour to be able to run a marathon. Once an ailment sets in there is nothing we can do. So I will say to anyone who can walk to consider doing a marathon and their life will never be the same again. I can guarantee them that.
Unfortunately I left it until I was forty seven to do that. But of course better late than never and it really is all about the Medal.
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