Emergency Preparedness Month

Where did we get the idea that routines create tired old habits of the same old-same old thing? Good routines and habits can be instrumental in keeping things fresh! 

In our personal and professional lives, a thoughtful routine allows a framework from which we can build and flex in our daily lives. Habits create no brainer actions that leave us with spare 'thought energy' - decision making capacity.

Like jeans and a black t-shirt that can be easily dressed up with a scarf or dressed down with a hoodie based in the occasion, your emergency preparedness planning creates a framework that you can depend on no matter what level of  'disaster' you face.

As we kick off September as Emergency Preparedness Month, I am attending a conference, sharpening my pencils for Everyday Providence.  This conference is  part of my framework to prepare for another year of sharing, building, encouraging and writing to help you stay safe and sound this year. 

What habits and routines can you put in place this month to start building your family's preparedness framework? 

Start a shelf-stable pantry

Build your disaster kit

Store up a water supply

Write down your emergency plan

Begin planning for a disaster at work

Take a training class

Volunteer to help in a time of need

Don't assume "they" have got it covered!

 Photo: Jeremiah Beck

When other people know that you enjoy something, it's so easy to share that thing with you.  A short list of words (bacon, wine, pirates, beer, science, pumpkins, and penguins) creates an instant picture in my mind of the faces of family and friends that go with each of those items.  I am the disaster/safety/weather person in my social circles.  So, a friend sent me this photo that they took of a fire escape.

Would you want to depend on this fire escape to save your life?  In a hurry, who knows what might happen when you hit those rickety rusted-through steps.

I love this real life reminder that we are each responsible for our own safety and for our own provision and for our neighbor's safety as well.  Sure, there are building codes, safety laws, and security personnel, and they are there to protect us.  But it only takes a few minutes to assess your own situation, to walk through a couple of safety routines, and to address any problems you discover.

Know your risks and likely hazards.  Know how to stay safe wherever you are.  And make sure you do your part, in case someone else hasn't done theirs.

I'd give up my toothbrush, my pillow and clean socks for _______.

I'd give up my toothbrush, my pillow and clean socks for _______.

How would you fill in the blank? For this discussion, we'll assume you and your family are safe and sound, merely displaced or stranded temporarily from the disaster that blew past your home.  What would you crave?  What would calm you in the midst of chaos?  What yearning would grow in the hours as you wait for things to return to normal?  What one thing could "make everything bearable?"

Chewing gum?  Hot coffee? A ponytail holder? Some hand lotion? Chocolate? A deck of cards? A bible?

Now... how would the rest of your family fill in the black?

A blankie? A teddy bear? Fruit snacks? A video game? A good book? Their music? Candyland? A box of Legos?

For most of us, surviving a disaster will not be a life and death ordeal, but how we feel in uncertain times will certainly be remembered.  You can take steps today to ensure that your heart and mind stay safe after an emergency by adding a few items to your Disaster Kit that will bring hope and warmth and smiles to difficult circumstances.

An Out of Town Emergency Contact Ties It All Together

As you build your Emergency Plan, make designating an out of town emergency contact one of your first priorities.  (Do this immediately after making your detailed list of the people included in your Emergency Plan.) For some of us, the identity of out of town is a "no-brainer."  For others, it may require some thought.  Use these suggestions to help you narrow down the best out of town contact for your family.

They need to be somewhat available. Although this person probably won't need to come rescue you, they may have several people contacting them.  They need to have the time, patience, and availability to communicate with many people, even some that they might not know.

Getting Prepared - "I probably should, but..."

We all know that we ought to prepare at least a little bit for something, right?  If you've watched much  television or Googled disaster preparedness, you know that there are plenty of people out there who seem to be going WAY OVER THE TOP.  That discussion is a whole other post. Today, I hope that I can clarify  the simplest way to get started with the right amount of preparedness for your family and your situation.

Imagine... you can't leave your house for 3 days AND you have no utilities or services (no power, no water, no natural gas, no cable, no phone service, no mail, no deliveries) AND the businesses within walking distance are closed, too.

What would you need?  Where is a flashlight?  Do you have extra batteries? Do you have enough water to drink?  What do you have to eat, will it spoil without power?  How are you going to cook it?  Can you stay warm (or cool) and dry enough?  Is everyone else ok? Do you have enough of your prescription medication?  Enough diapers? Enough chocolate?

Needing a can opener is not just a preparedness cliché!

I know you're thinking you already have a can opener at home. And if it's not electric, you're thinking you are covered. But if your can opener is not directly with your disaster kit, you risk it not being there when you need it most.

This picture highlights my two favorite can openers. The larger black one actually un-crimps the lid from the can leaving no sharp edges. It's not any harder to turn, but it takes a few tries learning how to getting started.

The tiny steel can opener is the type that came with military canned MREs. It's called a P-38, although the jury is still out as to how it got its name. It takes considerably more practice and work to open a can, but it costs less than a dollar and fits on your keychain.

Need a few more ways to open a can?  Your regular ole' electric can opener at home certainly counts as your primary way to open cans.  A hole punch can opener can open a can, but it leaves a billion sharp edges in a star shaped opening.  In this video, a can is opened with a spoon, but I've never tried that. Lifehacker.com gives us this Karate Kid can opening solution (wax on, wax off). And I would be remiss if I didn't mention using a knife to hack a can into submission or using a rock and bashing the lid in. Caution, during an emergency no one wants to see blood over a can of tuna.

From your everyday life, to your disaster kit, you should be planning to meet your family's needs at least four  layers deep. Plan to have four separate ways to open that can of soup from your disaster kit  Note: the simplest solution is to own four manual can openers.  And put at least one can opener IN your disaster kit.  You don't know what you'll face or who you might be able to help with the right supplies.

For everyday tips and tricks to keep your family safe, like Everyday Providence on Facebook and follow @eProvidence on Twitter.

Weathering YOUR Storm

I've been "gone" a long time, I know.  The forecast of Hurricane Sandy encouraged me get back in the groove.  Anticipating the problems and coverage of such a large scale disaster reminded me of the importance of what we do here at Everyday Providence. You can take simple and effective steps today to take care of your loved ones in a disaster or other chaotic times.

I began National Emergency Preparedness Month (September) with a bang, a conference, and a plan.  And then my life went absolutely crazy.  We had been living in tiny (albeit lovely) temporary housing, waiting for a perfect and permanent residence to be available.  My husband called during the conference to announce that we were moving as soon as I got home.  We're now putting the finishing touches on the move, and I wanted to share a few things I learned (or remembered) along the way.

• Don't try so hard to keep things interesting in the kitchen during times of change. Your well-stocked pantry can help keep meals going when life gets hectic.  Pancakes and waffles from a mix, canned soup and crackers, hot and cold breakfast cereal, frozen dinners (bought or made in advance), and easy family favorites can help you put familiar food on the table without the hassle and dishes of complicated meals.
• Give yourself a break! Pick your top priorities and let a few other things go.  We tried to eat somewhat healthy meals (priority #1), but we stopped recycling and we used paper plates occasionally for the few days of the move.  
• There are only 24 hours in a day.  Know that you have to let something go.  We put packing boxes and relaxation (family) time above cleaning.  When we were out of the old place, we gave it a good scrub.  When we were moved into the new place, a once-over cleaning removed a week's worth of dirt.
• It's ok to ask for help.  Twice we invited friends and neighbors to help with moving and unpacking.  A fresh set of legs and a new perspective helped rejuvenate us with the overwhelming task.  I love helping others, knowing that I've made someone's day better.  Let someone else do that for you, too.

I used these concepts when we were new parents (2005), when we lost power three times in six months with small children (2007), and in these weeks as we moved (2012).  Got any tips that make your life easier when the seas get a little rough?  I'd love to hear your ideas, too. Share your story with me here.

Day 6 - Stored Water is Critical

If you've been following Everyday Providence for long you've heard us emphasize water storage. During a disaster, municipal water sources can be damaged, contaminated, or simply inoperable. Yet, in a disaster situation you need clean water all the more for drinking and sanitation.

You need to store at least a gallon of water for each day's use per person in your home. Three days of reserves is the minimum, but seven to ten days of utility loss is certainly possible. That's a lot of water, so storage in your home becomes a concern.

We recommend that you start by storing at least one case of bottled water for each person in your home. Plastic bottles do have a limited shelf life and need to be rotated. If you buy new cases and add them to your supply, while using the oldest case first, you are set!

You can also prepare and store your own water at home. Prepared and stored in a large food safe container, today's tap water can become tomorrow's emergency supply... if you store it now! (For safety, follow qualified instructions to store your own water.)

My favorite take-away from the conference that I'm attending has been canned water! It has a 30 year shelf life, so you can buy it once and forget it. It is stackable, so it will not crush and collapse when stacked up high! And it's stored in smaller 24 ounce containers, so you can share and carry water if needed.

However you decide to do it, you need to stash some water with your disaster kit now!

Day 4 - A bag to carry your stuff in

I need to state clearly that there are times when you should NOT take the time to grab ANYTHING. There are emergencies when seconds count and you need to GET OUT! Researchers find that people often disregard the urgency of a crisis situation and stop to collect personal belongings on the way out the door. When you make your emergency plan, be clear with your family about when you do (storm warning) and when you do not (house fire) have time to grab supplies.

That said... At home, in the car, and at work, you need a bag as part of your disaster kit. I do an exercise at offices where they have 5 minutes to collect what they need to take with them during a weather related evacuation. Whether they choose to save critical corporate documents or if they decide to grab snacks and first aid supplies, participants in this 'scavenger hunt' of sorts find that they fare better when they have something to toss their stuff in.

You don't necessarily need to purchase a new bag to carry your stuff. Today, I'm attending a state emergency management conference, and one of the vendors handed out these nifty reusable shopping bags. This is exactly the sort of bag that you can fold up on the bottom of your desk drawer at work. I bet you pull it out and use it before an actual disaster strikes. That's OK, your disaster supplies should solve a variety of problems. Just don't forget to replace it!

Day 3 - Nail Trimmers... Super tool?

Since 9-11, carrying a pocketknife can be tricky business. However, with rare exception, nail trimmers are allowed most places that check for or restrict weapons. I have found that nail trimmers can be a handy tool for so many things beside personal grooming.

Clipping a stray thread, cutting strings, and tape, or even (maybe) cutting out a coupon. OK, we all know we'd just tear that one, but work with me here... these really can be a useful thing to have on hand.

And nothing bothers me more than chipping a nail with no way to fix it.

Day 2 - A Flashlight so you can see what you're doing

I mentioned in a recent post a moment when the power went out at a conference I was attending in Las Vegas. Temporary power was restored in minutes (maybe seconds... Time goes slower in pitch darkness.) and we were evacuated from the building immediately. That incident instilled in me the importance of carrying a light source with me. I love this teeny-tiny flashlight because it's lightweight and I can easily carry an extra battery with me.

In that dark moment in the Las Vegas convention center, everyone flipped on their phones. But if we had been forced to depend on cell phones for extended lighting, we would have been compromising the battery life of our primary form of communication and source of information. Keeping a tiny flashlight in your purse, pocket, briefcase, backpack or keychain will certainly be invaluable many other times and not just in an emergency.

Remember that batteries stored in a flashlight lose charge even if they are not used. Remember to switch out these batteries frequently (or carry an extra set), so they'll be ready when you need them.

National Preparedness Month - Day 1

Today marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month. In remembering the events of September 11th, America has emphasized this month since 2004 as a time to prepare for disasters like terrorist attacks, storm effects and earthquakes. Each day this month we'll highlight a preparedness gadget, tip, or concept that you can add to your family's disaster kit or emergency plan.

After a storm or earthquake, the utility lines to your home may be affected. When utility lines are disrupted inside your home, further damage and danger may occur. Gas leaks may cause explosions or poisoning. Leaking water pipes can cause property damage, personal injury, or electrical incidents. A 4 in 1 emergency tool is designed to

Planning Four Rows Deep and Four Columns Wide

Preparing for an emergency requires all sorts of unpleasant ideas like forethought, discipline, self-control and persistence. All kidding aside, our vigilance to protect our family and our property is fundamental to building a solid foundation on which to grow our lives and happiness. When we must replace, revamp, and recapture the tools and resources we have already acquired, we are behind the curve.  Preparation can save lives, money, resources, heartache, time and momentum in our lives, both in disasters and everyday.

We've shared already about PACE planning, having a Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency plan for large and small functions in your home and life.  Whether it's making a phone call, opening a can or getting out of town, you need to have more than one plan in place to stay safe and sound.  PACE means that you

What's in your pantry?

I adore this post about stocking a pantry.  A friend recently introduced me to Lindsay's blog at www.theleangreenbean.com.  In her article, she lets us peak into her kitchen pantry, describes her inventory, shares her ideas, and posts pictures for those of us (like me) that think a picture is worth a thousand words.  At Everyday Providence, we talk a lot about stocking a pantry.  But the benefits of a well stocked pantry are often overlooked, and the getting started can seem overwhelming.  Check out these basic benefits and motivations for keeping a pantry in your kitchen.

Dalmatians, and Popcorn, and Fires, Oh My!

This year at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, the many agencies promoting family safety messages overflowed.  My brain was packed full of information about staying safe around grain bins, electrical wires, on a bicycle, flying an airplane, driving a car, and by getting medical exams.  But every year my favorite location is always the fire safety tent next to the Illinois Fire Museum.

You don't have to go to school to learn these lessons!

As I plotted and planned with my "work group" on how we were going to save the world, I was shocked by a side-conversation with a classmate who is a local Emergency Manager. In his community, he had recently offered "FREE" disaster preparedness classes.  No one came.  For weeks he sat in his meeting room on Friday night and waited and waited and no one ever came.  He felt helpless, hopeless, and discouraged.  "People just don't care about preparing for disasters," he complained.

I disagree!

What's going to happen? How can I be ready?

I don't relish the idea of going days without power (or a shower).  Honestly, I hope to avoid it altogether, but let the record show that my home averages once a year without power or water at some point.  We are dependent on utilities, communications, and technology like never before, but still we need to function when they fail.  And we are each unique - with individual needs, certain resources and our own tolerance for mayhem.  Be certain that your own preparedness will support you and your family when our modern life caves in.  Hopefully these questions will help you begin or build your state of preparedness.

• Do you have a specific disaster kit at home that will support your family for three days without help (at least a flashlight and batteries, some food, bottled water, and a first aid kit)?

Smart Phones, Smart Users?

Americans have tipped the scales.  Surveys now indicate that the number of smart phones being used exceeds that of traditional cell phone styles. 

So what?

As smart phones become integrated into our everyday lives, we need to be aware of how we can (and already do) depend on this technology.

Under the Weather... Literally!

Today the temperature soared over 100 degrees again, tomorrow the forecast indicates rain... and hail, tornadoes and thunderstorms.. all in the middle of the worst drought in 50 years!  We cannot get away from the weather, but we can prepare for it.

Plan ahead to stay safe. - Whether you are facing heat, wind, water or other calamities, your emergency plan should tell you where you'll go to seek shelter.  And remember that you may not be at home when disaster strikes.

Keep supplies on hand. - Maybe the lights go out. Or perhaps your pharmacy is transported to the land of Oz, you'll need a disaster kit stocked with a flashlight, food and water, and first aid and medication to get by until things get back to normal. And a kit in the car and a work may prove as useful as your home disaster kit.

Information in: Information out - When the skies (or dams, volcanoes, and other disasters) break loose, your crisis communication plan will help you know what's going on, how to get help and what to expect next.  And your friends and family will be worried; your plan will tell them (and you) who to call for status updates. Always consider that communications are more challenging with no power.

What you don't know could hurt you!

As I was traveling from St. Louis to a class in Columbia, Missouri, I took this picture out the car window. Can you see the tiny structure in the distance with vapor rising from it? It's Callaway nuclear power plant. I am reminded that anytime we travel, we are exposed to new and changing risks.

Where I live, I'm not in immediate danger of radioactive contamination from a reactor. I also have little concern for tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes or wildfires. The tallest building near me is only a few stories, and the outdoor warning sirens are tested the first Monday of every month at 10:00 am. But...

When you or I travel even a couple of hours from home we face new risks, new procedures and new warning mechanisms. Although we may not (and likely cannot) be aware of and prepared for every risk we will pass by, we CAN be aware that we are unaware. We can keep our heads up and remain mindful of our surroundings. IF an emergency comes our way, we can be prepared to react in an informed fashion.