What's your plan?

                               

Remember, initially you probable will not be able to count on services, if state, county and city (911, national guard, local/state police, fire department) services are inturpted due to the over whelming demand/burden by citizens.  You will be on your own.  They will get to you when they can, if they can.

Start from where you are.  Make a list of what you need, take an inventory of what you currently have around the house and then start putting things together.  Make an effort to pack lite (in case you have to leave your home), but store as much as you can so you will have enough for an extended period of time.  Have only what you need and what will help you with basic needs for a minimum of no less than 3 days. 

During most crisis events, after about 3 - 4 days you can probable sort things out, with emergency assistance, an evacuation plan or what ever the local area support will be offered.  Make every effort not to depend on emergency assistance.  Because in a crisis situation you may be waiting for a long time for any help to arrive.

There are now countless videos on the Internet with suggestions on where to start and what to do.  Here is a short YOU TUBE Video that is most timely regarding the future of these economic times. >> H E R E

Develop a Family/Group Plan

Your family/group plan should be based on your vulnerability to the current disaster hazards that may affect your area.  You should keep a written plan and share your plan with family/group members.  Communication with family and friends is very important.  Have a plan on how to stay connected if and when a crisis occurs. 

Your Network

Groups, families, close friends, Churches, Synagogues, Mosques etc, whom ever will support each other in times of disaster.  Know who is in your group, know what the role each group member is and stay in touch regularly with each other at an agreed upon time, daily, weekly etc.  This keeps down fear and anxiety.  If you can't reach someone in your group, have a backup plan to find out why. 

Each group member should have an agreed upon plan of action.  Know whom you can count on.  Pair people based upon their skills to the job that needs to be done.  Cooperation is important.  Periodically review your plan of action and modify it as needed.  There should be a contact list of groups members home address, phone numbers and email addresses.

Cellphones

Each person should have one even if it is only for emergency use.  Cellphones are now cheap and your can get a pay as you go plan or pay for what you use, no monthly bills.  Learn how to send and receive text messages.  Text messaging is cheaper than calling and you can usually get through when cellphone lines are backed up.  Set up your own personal network with family and friend, because you are going to need each other.  Get phone numbers and email addresses to stay connected.

Technology

Again, some form of technology is important to have and to be familiar with.  Wireless laptops, smart phones, cell phones, text messaging etc.  For many during hurricane Katrina this was their only what to communicate. 

Have a place to go

Keep your transportation (car, motorcycle) at least half filled with gas all the time.  If you have to leave, make sure your transportation (car, motorcycle etc) is filled with gas before you leave.  Map out your route a head of time.  Know the roads and expressways in your area.  Remember, highways / expressways will get crowded first, so be prepared to wait if you choose that has your route.  Back roads and side streets may be a better alternative.

Securing your home

If you have to leave your home, there are things that you can do to secure your home before your leave to withstand storms and/or vandalism though there are no guarantees. 
  • Board up your windows in case of a storm. 
  • If you have to leave, alert "TRUSTED" neighbors that you will be away for a few days and ask them to pick up your mail / newspapers and listen out for vandals.  Call you and police if there are any problems. 
  • Arm your security system if you have one, make sure your monitoring company and your "TRUSTED" neighbor have your correct contact/cellphone number. 
  • Put in or activate outside security lights. 
  • Put timers on lights in visible places to go off and on at different times. 
  • Call your neighbor if you will be away longer than expected and to check on your property. 
  • If you have friends or family who are in law enforcement, ask them for additional advice and if they can to ride by your place. 
  • If you have the money you can now monitor your property from a cell phone or any computer with internet access.  Some companies charge monthly, some don't after you buy the equipment.
Pet Care - For the other member of your family.          

If you have pets, you will need to plan for then also.  Pets have special needs.  They will need food, medications in case of illness and their own water supply too.

Below is a Backpack Survival Kit outline which has information on the necessary supplies to keep you and your family prepared in the event of an emergency.

  • Backpack Survival Kit - A good back pack is not a should bag.  It's a 2 strap lite weight easy to carry, roomy bag.  You can survive very well if you pack your back pack with exactly what you need and a few creature comforts if you've got room for them. 
  • Creating a Disaster Kit - There are certain items that you will need regardless of where you ride out a disaster.  The disaster supply kit is a useful tool when you evacuate as well as making you as safe as possible in your home.
  • Equipment - A cellphone (learn how to use text messaging).  Magnetic Flash lights (no batteries needed), small multi purpose power generated AM/FM/TV/Weather Receiver (needs no power cord).  This will help you to stay informed during most crisis events.  Matches or lighter (use with caution), it you need to start a fire for warmth.
  • Glasses / Eyewear - If you can't see well, you will not be able to read when you need to.  If you wear glasses or contacts, have extra pairs.  You can buy inexpensive eye glasses at local drug stores.  You can also buy over the counter eyedrops for dry eyes.
  • Basic Medical Care - What medications will you need?  What alternatives can you use if you can't get to a pharmacy or if you run out of your medications?  What will you need in case of an injury?  Will some over the counter medications work in place of your current medications?  You might want to make a list of common medications that you regularly use and  have extra bottles on hand.  Common things like Tylenol for fevers, Kaopectate for diarrhea, Swiss Kriss (herbal laxative) for poor bowel elimination.  Remember, buy things that you have used before.  That will eliminate the concern of a reaction to the medications. 
  • Respiratory Care - If you can't breath you can't survive.  If you have a lung condition such as asthma or COPD, you should have the extra needed supplies and medications to sustain you for as long as possible.  You can also buy saline sinus sprays from your local drug store.  This can provide temporary relief for sinus conditions.  Olive Leaf Extract nasal and throat sprays are also good for improving and clearing congested sinuses and chest congestion.  READ MORE . . .
  • Hygiene products - Which should include, wet and dry wipes, a container of bleach, a few large and small plastic bags (good for keeping things dry in wet conditions).  Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, good for brushing your teeth and to yse as deodorant.  A few bars of mild, fragrant free soap and vasoline for dry Skin.
  • Dehydrated food - Lite weight and when you are ready to eat, just add water. 
  • Small water purifier - Water is hard to transport, so be prepared to make the water drinkable and usable (for hygiene) when you do locate a water source.  You can clean the water that you find where ever you are.  Water purification tablets or bleach (8 drops / gallon of water) can also be used.  You can also collect rain water and snow in clean containers as another source.  You should still purify the water.  If you live near lakes, streams and rivers, you will need containers to transport water to your location. 
  • Rodant Control - Garbage will begin to pile up if city services slow down.  So have something to use to control rats, roaches, ant etc.                                     

Posted by Tee at 3/30/2008 2:51 PM
Categories: uncategorized
 

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