Home First Aid Kit Essentials
It’s that time of year again. We spend more time outside and accidents and illnesses are bound to happen. Take some time now to be prepared for any mishaps that might occur because of enjoying the warmer weather. Have these items handy in a home first aid kit that can be carried anywhere it’s needed:
· Children’s and Adult’s Tylenol and Motrin
· Band-aids
· Ace bandages
· Gauze
· First aid tape
· Scissors
· Liquid Benadryl
· Antibiotic ointment
· Tweezers
· Thermometer
· Alcohol
· Eye rinse
· Burn spray
· Cough medicine
· Epsom salts
· Caladryl lotion
· Hot water bottle
· List of Emergency numbers
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10 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Safer
· Post a list of emergency numbers by every phone in the home. Be sure your children know where the numbers are and can read them. Teach your little ones to call 911 in an emergency.
· Keep a flashlight and slippers by everyone’s beds. If something happens in the night and the power goes out, everyone will be able to see and their feet will be protected.
· Never leave candles burning unattended. Even if you’re just going to be in the other room.
· Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned every year.
· Use space heaters at least one yard from anything flammable. Turn off heaters when you leave the room.
· Have rescue ladders installed and secured in all your upstairs bedroom windows. Have your children practice climbing out the window so they feel safe doing so.
· If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, now is a good time to purchase one.
· Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year. Have a detector installed in every bedroom and each open area.
· Make sure your fire extinguishers are properly pressurized. Have extinguishers available in the kitchen, garage, basement, attic, one on every floor and any out buildings.
* Clean out your dryer hose and the vent that leads outside, twice a year.
Filed under Emergency | Comment (0)Food Storage Buying Plan
If you’ve been following the Plan to have a year supply of Food Storage in the space of one year, here are the items you need to purchase for the month of November:
· Nov.3- Hard candy. All that leftover Halloween candy is on sale now. I purchased $2.00 bags for 49 cents at Wal-Mart yesterday.
· Nov. 10- Vitamins. Buy extra of vitamin C, D and calcium.
· Nov. 17- Buy treats for all that holiday baking you are going to be doing. Cocoa, coconut, nuts, chocolate chips, marshmallow crème, etc.
· Nov. 24- Rolled oats, corn meal, cream of wheat, quick oats. Buy whatever your family loves and will eat on these cold mornings that are coming.
There are some great deals at Smith’s this week. Look for double yellow tags throughout the store, buy any 10 participating items, use your Smith’s fresh values card at checkout to get an additional $5 off. Some participating items are: Carnation evaporated milk, Quakers Quakes, Swiss Miss cocoa mix, Powerade and Vitamin Water. There’s so many to name, just look for the yellow tags. The sale goes through Nov. 18, but there’s a $15 off limit per transaction, so go back a couple times if you need or want more items. This week, there is also, buy one get one free L’Oreal cosmetics.
Filed under Emergency | Comment (1)Organize A Household Inventory
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
An inventory of your belongings could be a necessity if there were ever a fire or other disaster that affected your home. Include your whole home (all belongings) in your inventory. Here are some ideas on how to go about making a household inventory:
Document Your Belongings
• go through all rooms photographing and/or videotaping
• take individual pictures of valuable items
• include pictures of serial numbers on electronics and appliances
• don’t forget items in the garage, basement, and shed
• write a description of each item with serial number and brand name
Have Items Appraised
• artwork and oriental rugs
• antiques and collectibles
• jewelry and furs
• stamp and coin collections
• silverware
• any other valuable or irreplaceable items
Protect Your Investment
• inventory will be necessary if you have to file an insurance claim
• store original inventory in fire safe or safe deposit box
• give a copy to a family member
• keep a copy of your homeowner’s insurance with the original
• whenever you by something new, photograph it
• put the new photo and copy of receipt in with your inventory
• review and update your inventory yearly
Provide The Value Of Your Possessions
• for especially valuable items, get a certified appraisal
• store receipts for expensive items with the inventory
• note the purchase date and price of each item
The initial time invested in making an inventory can be a little time consuming, but keeping up after that is a cinch. Just remember to document all new items as they come in and review your inventory yearly.
Filed under Emergency | Comment (0)Organize Your Safe Deposit Box
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This is a list of things you should have in your safe deposit box or a fire and water safe box:
• Copies of drivers licenses
• Copies of other items in your wallet
• Insurance policies
• Last will and testaments
• List of credit card account numbers
• Living wills
• Powers of attorney
• Any other legal documents
• Social Security cards
• Birth or adoption certificates
• Death certificates
• Marriage licenses
• Divorce decrees
• Military records
• Passports
• Citizenship papers
• Custody agreements
• Photos on disc
• Pre-nuptial agreements
• Employment history
• Retirement information
• Vehicle titles and registration and maintenance
• Household inventories
• Real estate warranty deeds
• Leases
• Receipts on major purchases
• Jewelry
• Coins
• Collectibles
Keep these papers on hand and easy for you or a family member to get if needed:
• Cemetery deeds and burial instructions
• Estate documents
• Tax records
• Copies of education records, diplomas, transcripts
• Appliance serial numbers and warranties
• Bank statements and cancelled checks
• Credit card statements
• Medical and health records
• Investment account statements
• Loan information
• Pin numbers
Develop an Evacuation Plan
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
If you don’t already have one, an evacuation plan and drills can help keep the panic down in an emergency. Being prepared always helps settle the nerves a little. Here are some tips to get you started:
• Make a map of your home labeling the possible exits that could be used in an emergency. Have at least two escape routes from each room. Mark the location of escape ladders or other special equipment. Mark the locations of fire extinguishers, first aid kits and 72-hour emergency kits. Mark the locations of the shut-offs for gas, water and electricity.
• Decide on a safe emergency meeting place for your family somewhere outside of your home. Pick two places to meet: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. And another location outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Have maps ready for the following: Closest evacuation centers. Main and alternate routes for leaving the city in north, south, east and west directions. And meet up spots outside the affected area.
• Keep your 72-hour emergency kit near exits or in the garage. Keep your emergency evacuation plans near your 72-hour kit.
• Run through you evacuation plan at least 4 times a year. Adjust it if your family’s needs have changed. Plan how to take care of your pets.
• Choose an out of area family contact, because in an emergency local phone service may be limited. After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Your contact person should have voice mail or an answering machine. Make sure every family member knows who the contact is and their phone number. Phone your contact person to say how and where you are and what your plans are. Keep calls short and arrange to call the contact person back at a specified time for another check-in. You should have 3 contacts outside your area. Each person should keep a personal copy of this list.
If disaster strikes, remain calm and put your plan into action. Check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people. Listen to your radio for news and instructions. Evacuate, if advised to do so. Check for damage to your home, use a flashlight. Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly. Shut off any damaged utilities. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable liquids immediately. Stay away from downed power lines.
Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. Know if your neighbors have any skills, such as medical, technical, etc. Consider how you could help neighbors with special needs, such as the disabled and the elderly. Make plans for child care in case parents can’t get home.
Our local fire department is sponsoring an Emergency Preparedness Seminar. Check in your community to see if any seminars are being offered, if not, bring it up at your next community meeting. You and your neighbors can benefit from it and get local emergency information.
I just have to bring up some of the celebrations and memorials that were going on around the United States yesterday. I was truly touched by some of the remembrances in our community. As I drove down the flag lined streets of our neighborhood I reflected on the event 7 years ago that changed our nation forever. I don’t think anyone will ever forget where they were when the buildings were hit and when the planes went down full of brave passengers. Our kid’s Elementary School had a Carnival yesterday with all the usual fun things, rides, games, food, auction, etc. but the best part was when the school choir sang Patriotic Songs. As we listened to the songs we were able to reflect on our brave neighbors and family members that sacrifice their time, talents, energy, and sometimes their lives, so that we can live in this country with all the freedoms that we have here. I’m proud to be an American and I’m proud of all those who have sacrificed so much for all of us.
Filed under Emergency | Comment (0)Home Safety Check
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Home Safety Check
Here are a few simple things you can do to make your home a little safer:
• Move beds away from anything that is breakable- windows, lamps, mirrors, etc.
• Consider using cabinets with latching doors or child safety locks. Objects can fall off open shelves in an earthquake.
• Attach tall, heavy furniture and appliances to studs in the wall.
• Move any flammable materials, such as paint products, cleaning supplies, and paper away from heat sources.
• Make sure nothing blocks the exit and escape routes you would need to use in case of an emergency.
• Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency help.
• Learn how to use the fire extinguisher and teach the whole family.
• Install and keep batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Change batteries every six months.
ICE Contacts
Rescue personnel across the country are asking people to program In Case of Emergency or ICE contacts in cell phone address books. Some new cell phones have ICE listings already programmed in the phone’s contact area, you just need to put a phone number in. If you are unconscious because of an accident or an illness, rescue workers can take your cell phone and get an emergency contact on the phone instantly. You can make more than one ICE entry by labeling them ICE-husband, ICE-wife, ICE-son, and so on. An added benefit is that your cell phone can be returned to you, if lost. ICE listings give emergency workers help in providing the best possible care and may even save lives.
Organize A First Aid Kit
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Have a first aid kit at home, at work, and in every car. These items should be included in your first aid kit:
· triangular bandages (2)
· roller bandages – 50mm (1 roll) and 75mm (2 rolls)
· sterile gauze – 7.5cm x 7.5 cm (2)
· adhesive wound dressing (1 strip)
· plaster strip dressings (1 packet)
· adhesive tape (1 roll)
· sterile non-adhesive pads – small (2) and large (3)
· sterile eye pad
· eye wash container
· eye wash solution – saline steritube
· antiseptic solution – chlorhexidine steritube (4)
· antiseptic wipes
· pain reliever
· safety pins
· scissors
· splinter forceps
· disposable gloves (2 pair)
· first aid manual
· card listing local emergency numbers
You can also include any other items you might need personally for your family, such as allergy, asthma, heart medications, etc. Remember to replenish your first aid kit as you use it.
Filed under Emergency | Comment (0)Food Safety Guidelines
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Here are some guidelines on food safety during and after an emergency. Use your food supplies in this order:
· Use the food in your fridge first
· Use the contents in your freezer second
· Use any tinned or dried food last
DO:
· protect food from heat, dirt, insects, pests, and pets
· toss food safely which is smelly, slimy, moldy or discolored
· use treated water to wash vegetables and fruit (add 5 drops of household bleach to 1 liter of water and stand for 30 minutes)
· use defrosted food and fresh milk within 2 days
· use disposable paper towels where possible
· cover pots to conserve fuel and cook food thoroughly
· always wash your hands with treated water before and after handling food
· share excess food with neighbors
DON’T
· open your freezer door unnecessarily
· eat food contaminated with glass, dirt, chemicals or sewage
· eat garden produce if it has been flooded
· eat shellfish from the harbor after an earthquake or flood
· use any tins with split or swollen seams
Filed under Emergency | Comment (0)Food Storage- Part 3
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Rotation suggestions for properly packaged wet pack and other foods. To preserve foods for the longest period of time, store in a cool, dry, dark location. Make sure food packaging is secure when you buy it. Vacuum seal dry foods if you buy in bulk to make it last longer. Throw out any containers that show signs of bugs, or cans and jars that have bulging lids or show signs of leakage. When in doubt, throw it out. Under ideal conditions this is how long items should last:
Quick bread or Cake mixes 15 months
Cornmeal 1 year
Cornstarch 18 months
Baking soda 2 years
Canned frosting 10 months
Unflavored gelatin 3 years
Flavored gelatin 18 months
Confectioners sugar 18 months
Sugar substitutes 2 years
Vanilla 5 years
Barbeque sauce 1 year
Catsup 1 year
Gravy dry mix 2 years
Gravy wet mix 3-5 years
Mustard 1 year
Maple syrup 2 years
Olives 12-18 months
Pickles 1 year
Salsa 1 year
Canned goods (low acidity) 2 + years
Canned goods (high acidity) 2 + years
Ready-to-eat cereal 1 year
Chocolate syrup 2 years
Peanut butter 1 year
Microwave popcorn 1 year
Popcorn kernels 2 years
Oil 6-9 months
Oil spray 2 years
Whole spices 2-4 years
Ground spices 1 year
Vinegar 5 years
Crackers 9 months
Nuts 1 year
Soup mix 1 year
Baby food 2 months
Candy 1 year
Evaporated milk 1 year
Juice boxes 6 months
Marshmallows 2-4 months
Toaster pastries 9 months
If good equipment and proper technique are used, then it is unlikely you will ever have mold growth in unopened canned goods. If you have already found mold growth in your whole grains, meals, flour or other grain products, they should be discarded. There is no safe way to salvage grain that has molded. If food shows even a tiny mold spot, follow these guidelines:
Toss: Soft cheeses
Sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese
Bacon, hot dogs, sliced lunch meats
Left-over foods
Bread, cakes, rolls, flour, pastry
Peanut butter
Juices, berries
Jam, jellies, syrup
Cucumbers, tomatoes
Spinach, lettuce, other leafy vegetables
Bananas, peaches, melons
Corn-on-the-cob
Nuts, whole grains, rice
Trim: Hard cheese
Bell peppers, carrots, cabbage
Broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts
Garlic, onions
Potatoes, turnips
Zucchini
Apples, pears
MRE’s have a minimum shelf life of 5 years. They require no cooking or water. They can be eaten cold or hot. They’re good in an emergency and you can order them on line from many stores. Just type in MRE.
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