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Good, Better & Best Emergency Preparedness & Survival Essentials

Our customers often ask us for recommendations, particularly when it comes to the basics of emergency preparation. We believe that everyone can and should be adequately equipped to handle the unexpected, and that proper preparation can start with just a few essential items.
We offer a wide range of emergency supplies at various price points. Here's what should be on your list:

Drinking Water Preparation

Good:
Datrex Drinking Water Foil Pouches

Water is essential for life. When preparing for the worst, stock water first and foremost. Datrex drinking pouches contain just over four ounces of water per serving. Each portioned package of water has a five-year shelf life and is Coast Guard approved for safety. Keep these affordable water pouches in your home, car or cabin in the event that other sources of water are not available.

Better:
Water Purification Tablets

If water is available but isn't safe to drink, these affordable tablets are a must. Packaged drinking water will eventually run out in a large-scale disaster, and if you're preparing for the worst, make sure you stock these tablets to treat water when water treatment plants aren't.
These tablets are also pragmatic in camping and hiking scenarios where clean drinking water may become scarce. 
Treat up to 25 quarts of water against giardia and most other microorganisms.


Best:
Rain Collection Barrel

In an emergency, water may be difficult to come by. A true survivalist knows that using the resources that are naturally available are a best bet for long-term sustainability. If a disaster turns into a nationwide or a global crisis, running water will likely be an uncertain commodity. Collecting runoff in a barrel during a rainfall will allow you peace of mind during a crisis.
During a heavy rainfall, you'll be able to collect up to 600 gallons of water with the proper equipment. A functioning gutter or downspout will funnel water to your storage containers, while a filter on top keeps out leaves and debris. Keeping wildlife including birds and lizards out of your water will prevent collected water from becoming contaminated.

Fire Protection

Good:
ABC Fire Extinguisher

Every home should have one ABC fire extinguisher in every major room of the house, including the bedrooms and the kitchen. An ABC extinguisher can tackle all three classes of the most common household fires, which is important since only one class of fire can be tackled using water. Fires fueled by grease, gasoline or electrical equipment cannot and should not be quenched with water, making an ABC extinguisher the only safe solution.


An ABC extinguisher uses monoammonium phosphate, which won’t conduct electricity or scatter grease fires further. These fire extinguishers meet nationally recognized standards for safety and come with a 10-year warranty.



Better:
10-Year Ionization Smoke Alarm

In addition to a fire extinguisher, every home should have a functioning alarm system to help you and your family detect and escape fires before they burn out of control. An ionization smoke alarm is the most affordable smoke detector option on the market, and should be installed in every major room of the house.
First Alert's 10-year alarm contains a lithium battery that's designed to last 10 years without maintenance. Test your alarm once every six months to ensure it's functioning properly.


Best:
10-Year Photoelectric Smoke & Co2 Combination Alarm

Since most deaths from fires occur due to smoke inhalation, installing the right kind of smoke detector is of the utmost importance. A photoelectric fire alarm such as this First Alert alarm detects smoke using a light sensor. This means that when smoke particles scatter the light inside its chamber, an alarm immediately goes off.
Most homes contain ionization detectors, which are cheaper to install and therefore more popular. These types of detectors respond to smoke when particles disrupt the flow of ions in its chamber.
Both types of smoke alarms work well in high-heat, fast-flame fires, however, when it comes to the more common smouldering fires that produce the kind of smoke that kills, an ionization detector falls behind.
Keep your family safe day and night with a combination alert that sounds as soon as a danger is present.

Emergency Communication

Good:
NOAA Emergency Crank Radio with Flashlight

When other modes of communication fail, Midland’s hand-crank radio will allow you to stay up to date on important weather and emergency information in real time. This radio receives alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and can additionally be used to receive AM and FM radio signals.
To send messages, this radio offers a built in Morse Code beacon, which can be activated to flash a continuous SOS signal.


Better:
Midland Two-Way Radios - 22 Channel

These short-range walkie talkies can connect with other FRS or GMRS two-way radios via 22 channels. Use the channel scan to check for activity during an emergency, or communicate freely with your family or response team.
Each walkie talkie includes a rechargeable power pack. Four AAA batteries can be used to back up power for longer usage when traditional power sources aren't available.
Connect easily and effectively during all types of events. These walkie talkies remove background noise, offer call alerts and use a roger beep to maximize communication.

Best:
Midland GMRS 50 Channel Radios

Get even more out of your walkie talkie with these radios.
A clear battery indicator lets you know when you can talk freely and when it's time to conserve power. Each radio comes with one rechargeable battery pack, which can be backed up with four AA batteries. Each battery pack is designed to provide up to 12 hours of life.
With a clear communication range of up to 36 miles, these radios offer a safe and affordable solution for a wide range of applications. Each radio features 50 GMRS channels and 28 channels with pre-programmed privacy codes.
Keep up with weather alerts and important emergency news with the built in Weather Scan feature, which finds and broadcasts your nearest NOAA station.

Emergency Kits

Good:
1-Person Fanny Pack Kit

Stocking an emergency kit is a quick, easy and affordable way to take charge of your preparedness and planning. A fanny pack kit contains several convenient items that everyone should keep on hand.
This kit is designed to sustain one person for three days in the event of a sudden emergency. In addition to a 2,400-calorie food bar and 25 ounces of water, the kit also contains one emergency blanket and a range of first aid essentials such as alcohol wipes and non-aspirin pain killers.
Supplement this kit with additional water pouches to ensure you can stay adequately hydrated longer.


Better:
Individual Auto/Emergency Survival Kit

A more robust version of the fanny pack, this auto emergency kit contains everything that's already included in our basic pack, plus a few other extras. In addition, you'll get important essentials such as a flashlight and emergency radio. Everything is contained in a convenient nylon over-the-shoulder bag. Keep it in the trunk of your car in the event you'll become trapped or stranded. Supplement this kit with additional items such as jumper cables to complete your safety kit for the road.
Check out our road trip blog for a complete list of traveling tips.



Best:
1-Person Deluxe Emergency Survival Kit

This affordable pack contains everything you'll need for the first 72 hours of survival. Each Deluxe kit contains 3,600 calories and 76 ounces of clean drinking water. In addition to a variety of first aid products such as alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointments and bandages, this kit also contains waste bags, light sticks, rain gear, gloves, a utility knife and more. We've thought of everything when preparing this emergency kit for you.
The Deluxe kit includes everything you'll need to sustain one person for three days, from hydration to items for proper warmth and visibility. Stow it in your car, at home or at your desk at work.

Fire Safety and Prevention

House Fire Safety, Prevention & Preparation

Although house fires have generally seen a decrease over the last decade, deaths from such fires have not slowed significantly during this period. Each year, thousands of people still perish in house fires across the nation, and negligent cooking practices remains the number one spot on the list of culprits.
Year after year, poor cooking practices and misinformation about kitchen fires is the leading causes of house fires in the United States. This year alone, news media outlets have covered 1871 house fire fatalities between January and October. Last year, official reports from the National Fire Protection Agency disclosed 1,319,500 fires in the U.S., with 3,400 civilian deaths and 14,670 civilian injuries.

The 5 Most Common Causes of Fire Injury & Death in the United States

1. Cooking
2. Candles
3. Heating
4. Smoking
5. Electrical

A fire can consume your home quickly and mercilessly. As a fire burns, it quickly turns from a bright inferno to a dark and consuming cloud of black smoke filled with toxic gasses. Fires that are burning out of control are disorienting and can quickly lead to asphyxiation.
Preparing for any disaster begins with prevention. Let's discuss how to prevent the five most common causes of a house fire now.

Cooking Safety

1. Don't cook late when you're tired or have been drinking.
2. Set multiple timers: one in the home and one on your phone.
3. Don't leave the cooking area at all when you're frying, grilling or broiling.
4. Don't assume that simmering dishes can be left unattended.
5. Keep items such as dish towels and oven mitts away from the stove top at all times.

In the Event of a Kitchen Fire:

1. Turn the heat off.
2. If a fire starts in your oven, turn the oven off and keep the door closed!

DO NOT blow on a flame

Your initial instinct will probably be to blow on a fire. But as long as the fire has a source of fuel, particularly if this is grease, you won't be able to extinguish even a small flame with your breath. Blowing on flames can cause hot liquids to spatter back toward you, causing serious second- and third-degree burns.

DO NOT pour water on a kitchen fire

Water can extinguish some types of flames, but if your fire originated in the kitchen, it's likely that it involves some type of oil or grease. Since oil and water don't mix, when you pour water on a grease fire, the grease stays on top while the water sinks to the bottom. Because the water will quickly evaporate, this process causes a kind of explosion, leading to flaming oil being spread everywhere.

DO use an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher

House fires can be classified in one of three ways: Class A, B or C. Class A fires are the only class of

fires that can be extinguished with water. Class A fires are fueled by ordinary solid materials including trash and paper, wood and textiles.

Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as grease or gasoline. Water will spread these types of fires by scattering them, and you'll require a fire extinguisher that inhibits chemical chain reactions.

Class C fires are fueled by electricity from burning wires or energized electrical equipment, so it's important to use an extinguishing agent that isn't conductive.

An extinguisher that contains monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate can be used on all three fire classes. It contains a chemical powder that breaks up the chain reaction of liquid and gas fires, and can also be used on electrical fires because it is non-conductive.

Keeping an ABC extinguisher in every major room of your home as well as in your car will prepare you properly for an emergency.


DO remove oxygen from the flame

Your home should always be equipped with a working fire extinguisher, but in case you find yourself in a situation without one, it's important to try and get your flame under control as quickly as possible using other resources.
Dump salt on a flame to smother it. If you do not have salt, cover the pan or pot with a lid to remove oxygen.

If the fire is spreading and you feel like you're not in control of the flame, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1. Alert another nearby residents, particularly in apartment buildings, that a fire is burning.

Candle Safety

• Use Candleholders or candle containers
• Never leave candles unattended even for a moment
• Keep candles clear of other items such as drapes, clothing or decor
• Trim the wick to about 1/8th inch to ensure the candle doesn't smoke or burn too high

Heating Safety

• Don't use space heaters while you sleep
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from materials that may burn

• Never use accelerants to start a fireplace
• Get your chimney cleaned regularly to avoid creosote buildup
• Only burn dry wood, never cardboard, wrapping paper or scraps of fabric

• Don't store flammable materials near the furnace
• Get a professional to inspect HVAC ducts regularly

Smoking Safety

• Don't smoke around medical oxygen
• Don't smoke inside, and never smoke in bed or under the influence
• Dispose of cigarettes in proper receptacles; fill ashtrays with sand

Electrical Safety

• Clean the dryer vent once a year
• Reduce the use of extension cords
• Replace outdated switches and plugs
• Hire a professional for wiring jobs
• Don't use appliances with frayed chords
• Check the proper wattage for light bulbs and appliances
• Avoid running cords where they are susceptible to wear and tear

Doing your best to prevent a fire is a key element of fire safety, but it's just as important to be prepared. In the event of a fire, proper preparation will allow you to save valuable seconds where they count, giving you the best chances of escaping a life-threatening situation.

Smoke Detectors

• Never remove batteries or disable your smoke alarm while cooking
• Test your smoke alarm regularly, at least once every three months
• Replace batteries when empty to stay alert during power outages
• Get alarms that can detect both flaming fires and smoldering fires
• Get monitored smoke alarms through a home security company

Other Recommended Fire Safety Gear

• Get an ABC extinguisher
• Review the Fire Safety Guide twice a year
• A foldable emergency ladder will make escape from a second- or third-story window possible
• Sprinklers reduce the risk of fire death by about 80 percent and significantly lower insurance premiums
• A fire safety cabinet will keep your valuables safe, so you can focus on getting yourself and your family to safety first

Your Fire Escape Plan

Seconds count in the event of an emergency. It's crucial that you not only practice preventative measures, but plan for all possible scenarios.

• Important items
• Your route
• Child safety
• Pet safety

Important Items

• In the event of a sudden fire, there's no time to waste. Home fires occur without warning, and you'll need to be prepared to leave all material possessions behind.
• We recommend you store any irreplaceable valuables, including important identifying documents such as your birth certificate and passport, in a fireproof safe.
• Remember that most things can be replaced! Don’t let the fear of losing a photograph or an important document cost you your life.

Your Route

• As you're planning how you'll leave your home, start to consider how you will approach this scenario if your main points of access are blocked. Find and make note of two ways to get out of each room (the door and the window).
• Ensure you can open the windows of your home and that you're able to remove or cut through any window screens
• Practice leaving your home on hands and knees, as you would in a fire
• Practice your escape closed eyes to simulated skewed visibility from smoke
• If your windows are located on the second or third floor, equip your home with collapsible escape ladders to avoid becoming trapped.

• Don't use elevators
• If the doorknob or door are hot, find another exit
• If your clothes catch fire, STOP DROP AND ROLL
• Smother flames on someone else with a blanket or towel
• To avoid smoke and gas inhalation, crawl low under the smoke to your exit with your mouth covered
• If you're unable to escape, cover vents and door cracks with towels or tape to keep smoke out

Child Safety

• Involve your children in your planning
• Be real with your children and teach them proper techniques for evacuating
• Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 and where they should go in the event of an emergency
• Help assign positive roles to firefighters through books or movies
• Teach children that fire is not a toy, and keep matches and lighters out of reach
• Practice, Practice, Practice!

Pet Safety

• Install sprinklers or monitored smoke detectors to give your pet the advantage when they're home alone
• Test your smoke alarm with your pet in the home while providing plenty of rewards
• Always reward your pet for coming to you
• Ensure your pet is properly tagged or microchipped in the event they escape
• Practice your escape plan together with your pet
• Learn your pet's most preferred hiding places to make escape quicker
• Affix a pet alert sticker to windows and doors to let firefighters know there's a pet inside
• Don't light candles in homes with mischievous pets

Fire prevention and safety awareness is a valuable tool. Pass it on. Share this post with your friends and family or comment below to add your own prevention tools, tips and stories for others to hear.

Disaster Preparation for Everyone

September is National Preparedness Month, which makes this the perfect time to review your emergency plans. Even if you live in an area that is not commonly struck by natural disasters, it's still crucial that you always take a proactive approach to protecting yourself and your family. After all, the number of worldwide natural disasters has risen from less than 100 annually to approximately 400 per year during the past four decades. This means that everyone has an increased risk, regardless of where you live.
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take that will greatly reduce your odds of suffering from a personal tragedy during a natural disaster.

The Importance of Making a Plan and What To Include

According to FEMA, 80 percent of U.S. residents live within a county that was hit by a natural disaster within the past decade. Despite this, fewer than 40 percent of these households have put together an emergency plan.

Emergency Plan Steps:

1. Gather Necessary Supplies

Pack a change of clothes for everyone, spare medication, flashlights and batteries, nonperishable

food, fresh water, some cash and copies of your identification, insurance policy and any other relevant documentation. If you have a pet, be sure to pack food and water for them, along with leashes and bowls. These supplies should be packed and ready to go in easy to grab backpacks.

Be sure to rotate the food and water so that it will still be fresh when needed. A satellite phone and radio will also be useful, along with paper maps of your area. You may want to download emergency weather apps.

2. Plan Your Evacuation Route

Many areas have designated evacuation routes. Familiarize yourself with them, and also make sure to scout out alternative options. Whenever possible, leave immediately so that you can get ahead of the inevitable traffic jam.

3. Assign a Meeting Place

It's important to assign a family meeting place in case you get separated. Make sure everyone knows how to get there, and select a backup spot in case the first one isn't accessible.

4. Take First Aid and CPR Classes

You cannot rely on medical assistance to reach you quickly during an emergency. Taking a first aid and CPR class will give you a better chance of survival.

5. Practice for an Emergency

The American Red Cross recommends practicing all practical aspects of your emergency plan. This includes driving the emergency route, meeting family at the assigned gathering spot and getting out of the house in a quick, orderly manner. Every family should do this at least once per year, but you may want to start doing it quarterly if your children are too young to retain a lot of details.



How to Deal with Common Natural Disasters

Now that you understand the basics of putting together an emergency plan, let's take a closer look at a few common natural disaster scenarios.

Fire

More than 3,500 Americans perished in a fire in 2016. To cut your risk dramatically, be sure to practice what to do if the smoke detectors go off. You can also take important preventative steps, including:

• Never leave candles unattended.
• Always use a timer when cooking.
• Unplug hot curling irons and other similar items.
• Keep your chimney clean at all times.
• Only use your fireplace if you understand exactly how it works and can monitor the fire.
• Install smoke detectors and sprinklers; make sure to test these systems annually.
• Keep all flammables away from the stove.

You should also make sure every family member knows how to use a fire extinguisher, call 911 and escape the home. If you have upper levels, place a window ladder in each applicable room. Include your pets in your escape plan, and consider placing a 'pet inside' sticker on your windows to help firefighters.


Flooding

In 2015, 176 Americans died in a flood. There's not a lot you can do to prevent a flood, but you can implement a property protection plan.

• Waterproof your basement and elevate all essential utility components.
• Keep your downspouts and gutters clear of debris.
• Obtain a backup battery-powered sump pump.
• Purchase sand bags.
• Get flood insurance.

It's best to evacuate when a serious flood is imminent instead of waiting to see what happens. Go to higher ground or a designated shelter. Take your emergency supplies with you and be prepared for at least 72 hours away from your home. If you get stuck in a flood, never drive on a water-covered road; turn around, don’t drown. Go to the highest area in your home until the water recedes.


Earthquake

Experts estimate that 40 California residents die annually in an earthquake. The best way to prepare is to make your home as safe as possible.

• Keep beds away from windows.
• Tether appliances and bookshelves to the wall.
• Use latches on all cabinets.
• Buy emergency plug-in lights.
• Never place glass objects where they could easily fall.
• Get your home and chimney inspected for earthquake-readiness.

When an earthquake strikes, remember to do three key things: Drop, cover and hold on. Run preparedness drills with your family to ensure you're all aware how to quickly drop to your knees, cover up your head and neck and then move underneath a sturdy table. Waiting out the earthquake in that position will give you the best odds of survival. If you have to drive after the earthquake, be alert for aftershocks and damaged roads.





Power Outages

Severe weather can cause power outages, which may lead to issues with heat stroke, hypothermia, spoiled food and unsafe drinking water. To make your home safer during a power outage, you can do a few simple things:

• Keep enough fresh water and non-perishable food on hand for 72 hours.
• Invest in a generator.
• Use your grill to cook.
• Wear light-colored clothing to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
• Wear several layers and wrap up in blankets to avoid hypothermia.
• Have lots of batteries and flashlights available.

If possible, go to an area that has power until electricity is restored to your home. Remember to never touch any downed power lines, and don't drive through any roads that are covered with water. Most power outages are caused by severe weather, so it's also critical to keep an eye on weakened trees and other debris that could fall or get in your way while you evacuate.

With a bit of planning and regular emergency drills, you and your family can be prepared for any type of natural disaster. Don't wait; put your emergency kit and other plan specifics in place today!

Basic Safety Preparation for Everyone

No matter the size of your household, whether you have children, pets, both or neither, basic preparation and emergency planning are always advisable. In this post, we'll outline some of the bare essentials every person should equip themselves with for everyday safety.

When we think of preparedness and planning, we most often consider the major disasters; floods, earthquakes and fires tend to be in the forefront of the planning mind. We'll discuss planning for disasters like these a bit later on, but first let's talk about the five major offenders of accidental death and injury.

According to the National Safety Council, accidental deaths and injuries most commonly include poisoning, vehicle crashes, falls, choking/suffocation and drowning.

Poison Safety

In recent years, poisoning has become the leader of accidental deaths, surpassing vehicle accidents for the first time ever, due to the availability of opioid drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl.
To learn more about this epidemic and how to prevent it, visit this link.

The Basics

• Take medication only as prescribed
• Never share medication
• Store addictive substances safely

Advanced

• Check out the FDA's guidelines for the disposal of unused medicines.

Car Safety


According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, Over 37,000 people die in road crashes each year, 1.3 million people worldwide. The National Safety Council reports that about one-quarter of car crashes are attributable to using phones while driving.

The Basics

• Don't drive impaired or distracted
• Adhere to posted speed limits
• Wear a seatbelt

 

Advanced

• Take a Defensive Driving course
• Keep your vehicle well maintained at all times
• Learn to change a tire

Falling Accidents


A fall can affect anyone, no matter what age. However, according to the CDC, falls affect one in three adults over the age of 65. Most often, falls occur at home and can be prevented.

The Basics

• Declutter walking spaces
• Secure carpets
• Add non-slip adhesives and non-skid matts

Advanced

• Install hand railings
• Replace lighting to create more visibility
• Adjust cupboards and appliances to eliminate the need for ladders

Suffocation & Choking Accidents


The Basics

• Know the risks
• Recognize the hazards

The most common risks for choking are eating too fast or too much at once. Suffocation occurs most commonly in children under one year of age. Choking occurs most commonly in adults over the age of 80.


The most common food hazards include:

1. Hot dogs
2. Meat and cheese
3. Whole grapes
4. Hard candy
5. Popcorn
6. Bagels
7. Peanut butter

Advanced

• Learn the Heimlich Maneuver
• Learn CPR

Drowning Accidents


According to the National Safety Council, 10 people drown every day and most will be under the age of 15.

Children drown most often in:

1. Pools
2. Bathtubs

The Basics

• Don't leave kids unattended even for a moment to answer the phone or grab a towel
• Don't let kids play near water
• Teach kids about the dangers of water

Advanced

• Enroll kids in swim lessons
• Install safety fencing
• Install door alarms
• Learn First Aid & CPR

Adults can drown, too. For more information about water safety for everyone, visit this page.

Being prepared for everyday risks provides a great foundation for awareness and safety in more difficult scenarios.


Fire Safety


Accidental fires are the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. More than three-quarters of fire deaths occur at home when residents walk away from the stove, leave candles unattended or smoke inside. For more information about fire risk, safety and prevention, check out this post.

The Basics

• Install a smoke alarm
• Keep fire extinguishers handy
• Maintain access to fire ladders

Advanced

• Invest in monitored smoke detectors
• Install a sprinkler system

Natural Disaster Safety


Natural disaster safety encompasses a wide range of topics including preparedness for earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes. Your chances for encountering one of these types of disasters will depend on where you are located. For more information about which disaster you're most likely to encounter and how to properly prepare yourself for these, check out this post.

The Basics

• Keep a flashlight and radio handy
• Download a mobile weather app for warnings and alerts
• Know your safe place and escape route

Advanced

• Secure heavy objects
• Build a storm shelter
• Stock 72-hour provisions
• Water
• Personal items including medicines
• Blankets
• Waste management

SOS Survival Products provides a variety of affordable safety training courses including CPR, First Aid, Fire Safety and general preparedness. For more information, see our schedule.

Wildfire Planning & Prevention

For decades, Smokey Bear has warned us of the dangers of wildfires. As responsible and concerned citizens, we've done our part to properly extinguish campfires and heed burn ban warnings. Nevertheless, humans continue to cause roughly 90 percent of wildfires in the United States. These fires, which occur more frequently in drier climates, can move up to 14 miles per hour, destroying everything in their paths, from properties to livestock.

Preparing for a wildfire is similar to preparing for other emergencies that require evacuation. We'll talk about how you can prepare yourself and your loved ones for the event of a wildfire in detail below. But first, let's recap some wildfire prevention tactics.

Most of us aren't strangers to wildfire safety. We've heard the warnings and seen the posted signs. However, the fires we intentionally start continue to be the number one cause of unintentional wildfires in the U.S.

Campfires

Campfires are a wonderful way to enjoy an evening with friends of family; some might call them a necessity of camping, whether for cooking, warmth or atmosphere. While you may have some trouble getting your fire started, you know that once aflame, the blaze will continue for hours without much attention to detail.

1. Campsites equipped with fire pits will allow you to keep your fire safety contained in approved containers that have passed rigorous safety tests. If your campsite doesn't have a fire pit, don't attempt to create one on your own. If a fire pit is absolutely important to you while camping, check your local camping registration website or call the desired location directly to inquire about this feature before setting up a date to camp.

2. You're snug by the glow of the fire, the marshmallows have been roasted and the conversation is winding down. Before you retreat to your tent for the night, ensure you've extinguished your campfire completely. Never leave a campfire burning, or even smoldering, unattended. Unanticipated gusts of wind need only to catch a small burning ember to start a flame.

3. Campgrounds may change the rules about campfires throughout the course of the year, depending on the perceived risk for fire. These rules are intended to prevent wildfires, not to ruin your camping trip. Don't start fires when it's prohibited, even if you believe you are starting a fire safely while taking proper precautions such as properly extinguishing your flame.

Yard Waste Fires

In many areas around the country, it's acceptable to burn yard waste such as leaves or brush. However, like campfires, these types of fires must be carefully monitored, as they are one of the leading causes of wildfires.

1. Burn yard waste in proper receptacles such as burn barrels. Your city likely has strict regulations regarding what constitutes a proper receptacle. In addition, your city will be able to give you additional information regarding the types of materials you can burn, when you can burn and where you can burn.

2. When burning yard waste, ensure you stay nearby at all times. Never leave a fire unattended; a small spark can become a flame in a matter of seconds.

3. Keep fire extinguishing materials such as a hose or fire extinguisher nearby as you attend your yard fire. In the event that sparks ignite, make every attempt to control the fire yourself. Direct another person to call 9-1-1 or, if you are alone, call the emergency services if you feel like you cannot control the fire on your own.

Although wildfires most commonly start in the two ways above, there are many other ways in which fires can begin.
In order for a fire to start and continue, only three things are needed: oxygen, fuel and heat. Since oxygen exists in our atmosphere, a fire can start virtually anywhere if fuel and heat are present.

Fuel

Fuel is anything that allows a fire to continue burning. Fuel can consist of chemicals such as petrol or of natural materials such as grass or wood. The latter are especially susceptible to becoming fuel sources during dry months.

Heat

Heat can originate from flames on matches or cigarettes, but heat is widely available nearly anywhere, especially during the summer. Your car's engine provides heat, as does an afternoon desert wind.

When heat, fuel and oxygen are combined, they create a perfect trifecta necessary for combustion.
Below are some other common man-made ways in which wildfires start.

1. Cigarettes
2. Chimneys & stovepipes
3. Lawnmowers
4. Cars parked on grass
5. Faulty machinery - general

In order to do your part to prevent wildfires, know the risks, heed the warnings and take proper precautions.

Planning

Make your home safer by clearing dry brush as required by local regulation. Also, clear all debris from your roof, gutter and spouts.

If you have never practiced an evacuation with your family, do so at least twice per year. Practice a scenario in which you're able to leave together in an organized fashion as well as a scenario in which you cannot.

If a wildfire strikes your area, you'll likely be warned well in advance. If you receive an emergency warning about a wildfire in your area, don't delay. Put your emergency evacuation plan into action immediately.

Your emergency plan for evacuation should include the following:

• What you will take
• How you will leave
• Where you will go

What should I take?

Looking around your home and planning which items to leave behind is not an easy process. Each item in your home likely has a memory attached to it, from your books and music to your furniture.

Irreplaceable Items

Some items truly can't be replaced; your grandmother's wedding ring, a childhood blanket, your autographed first edition of Cosmos. Keep these items together in a safe place that's easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Identification

Identification can be replaced, but it's usually a long and expensive process. In addition, there's not a lot you can get done without proper identification, from driving across town to renting a hotel room. You can store important papers in one of our waterproof document pouches in order to keep them safe, dry and in one place.

• Passport
• Driver's license
• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Health insurance card
• Car insurance card

In addition, consider keeping a copy of your bank account number, your home's deed, your car’s title and your emergency contact information in your safe place.

Prescriptions

If you take life-saving medication, we recommend that you store an extra set of your prescriptions with your emergency evacuation pack. This might also include medication you give to your pet or pets.


How should I leave?

Ready.gov is a site dedicated to helping you and your family to make a plan. You can utilize the make-a-plan section in order to figure out all of the important aspects of your emergency evacuation including how to decide on an emergency meeting place, how to practice the evacuation plan and what supplies you should gather ahead of time.


Where will I go?

Deciding where you'll go in the event of an emergency is a vital part of making a proper plan. Consider the following when narrowing down your options.

• Kids
• Pets
• Mobility
• Distance

2. If a wildfire surprises you, your evacuation plan will differ. You may not have time to communicate with your family or gather your essential supplies. Although it's a scenario no one wants to think about, it's an important one to consider and practice. Adequate preparedness is your best line of defense in the event of a disaster.


When preparing for a sudden emergency, consider the following:

• Are the devices in your home designed to warn you of fire in working condition?
• Does everyone in your home have access to a fire extinguisher?
• Does everyone in your home have access to an escape route, such as a fire ladder?
• Does everyone in your home know where to meet in the event of a home fire?
• Are you prepared to apply first aid or CPR if it's needed?
• How will you safely remove pets from the home?

If you have any questions about disaster preparation, just ask us. We're available via phone, email, snail mail or at our store location in Van Nuys.

Fire Safety Facts & Statistics

 

The National Fire Protection Association has declared October 9–15, 2016, to be National Fire Prevention Week, and SOS Survival Products is here to help pass some important facts about fire safety on to you. Whether you're reading this post in October or March, fire safety remains relevant; becoming aware of the statistics, learning how to prevent fires and knowing what to do in the event of a fire could save your life.
If you're of the opinion that you're unlikely to be affected by a fire, think again. According to the NFPA, 80 percent of fire deaths occur in the home. Fires are more likely to happen in familiar surroundings because we're much more likely to act careless there walking away from cooking items, lighting candles and smoking are just three of the leading causes of home fires that destroy roughly $7 billion in personal property and claim more than 2,500 lives every year.
According to the Red Cross, 36 people will be injured by fires daily in 2016; seven deaths in the United States will occur as a result of fires before the end of the day.

Don't become next year's statistic. Discover how to prevent fires and learn what actions to take should a fire occur in your home.

Top 5 Causes for Home Fires

1. Cooking
2. Candles
3. Heating
4. Smoking
5. Electrical

Cooking is the single leading cause of house fires in the United States year after year. From grease fires to simply forgetting you've left the stove on, a kitchen fire can quickly become uncontrollable, creating a fire large enough to consume your home in just minutes.

• Don't cook late when you're tired or have been drinking.
• Don't leave the kitchen area when you're frying, grilling or broiling.
• Remain in the home when anything is on the stove, even if it's only simmering.
• Keep items such as dish towels and oven mitts away from the stove top at all times.

Should a fire occur on the stove, use a lid to cover and smother the flame. Don't use water. Don't try to fan the flame away.

If a fire starts in your oven, turn the oven off and keep the door closed!

If at any time you feel like you're no longer in control of the fire, leave your home at once and then call 9-1-1 for help.





Be Prepared

Being prepared in the event of a fire is crucial. Proper preparation can help put time back on the clock when you'll need it most and help you and your family escape as quickly as possible from a life-threatening situation.

A functioning smoke detector is your first line of defense when it comes to house fires. Smoke detectors help alert you and your family of smoke or fire oftentimes minutes before you're aware of a problem and are a vital life-saving asset.

• Keep smoke alarms up to date.
• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries as soon as an alert occurs.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years no matter what.
• Get monitored smoke alarms through a home security company.

All homes should be equipped with a functioning smoke detector upon your move-in date, but how often you test your smoke alarm and how well you keep it functioning is up to you.


Some homes, apartments or condos may additionally be equipped with sprinklers. If your home does not have a sprinkler system, it is recommended that you install one yourself.


Safety sprinklers can reduce your home insurance premium, are easy to maintain, remain effective in all climates and reduce the risk of dying in a fire by about 80 percent.

In addition, SOS Survival Products recommends you keep a fire extinguisher in every major room and equip your home with a foldable emergency ladder to allow for a safe escape from second- or third-story windows.


Know Your Plan

In the event of a fire, time is everything. Don't wait for a disaster to occur before you start planning.

• Know what you'll take with you.
• Practice your plan.
• Know your plan.
• Never turn back into a fire.

Fire prevention and safety awareness is a valuable tool. Pass it on. Share this post with your friends and family or comment below to add your own prevention tools, tips and stories for others to hear.

Wildfire Prevention & Safety Tips

Every year an average of 5 million acres burns across the United States, causing casualties and millions of dollars in damage. Wildfires can start in an instant and spread at a rate of up to 14.29 miles per hour. Once a wildfire starts, it can be difficult to put out, as new smaller fires constantly spawn up to miles away.

What Causes Wildfires?

While wildfires can be caused by nature, most are caused by humans. Up to 90 percent of U.S. wildfires are started by campfires, burning debris, sparks from trains, vehicle exhaust, discarded cigarettes and even arson. While there is no 100 percent fool-proof solution for preventing wildfires, there are steps you can follow and precautions you can take to help reduce the risk.

Prevention Starts at Home

The easiest way to start reducing your risk is to safety-proof your home. Some easy wildfire prevention techniques include keeping your gutters, eaves and decks clean and free of debris, trimming your trees, creating adequate space (about 100 feet) between your home and surrounding wildlands, and disposing of debris such as leaves and branches immediately. It’s also a good idea to store a firefighting system in an easily accessible area around your home in case a fire does break out. Taking the proper prevention steps before a wildfire breaks out could save your property, and even your life.

Take Care While Camping

The first rule of wildfire safety is: If there is a ban on fire in your camp area, do not start a fire! If fires are permitted, make sure all flammable materials are put away and that there is no dead vegetation around your fire. You should also keep a shovel and water nearby so you can put out your fire at a moment’s notice. Never leave fire unattended, including smoldering charcoal and barbeques. Additionally, do not park vehicles in dry areas, as heat from the exhaust system could ignite the grass.

Dispose of Cigarettes Properly

Make sure it’s out! Not only is tossing cigarettes out littering, but discarded and, still-lit cigarettes can also start a fire in an instant. Dispose of your cigarettes properly in order to completely reduce your risk of accidently starting a fire.

How are Wildfires Extinguished?

There are many factors that determine how fast a wildfire will spread and how difficult it will be to put out, including temperature, wind and moisture. Warmer temperatures allow fire to both ignite and burn faster. Wind supplies fire with the oxygen it needs to keep burning, and strong winds greatly contribute to fire spreading faster. Finally, the more saturated with moisture the air is, the more suppressed a fire will be.

Fortunately, every year thousands of firefighters are willing to put their lives on the line to stop these dangerous events. Wildfire firefighters are either considered hotshots, those who surround a fire and try to keep it from spreading, or smokejumpers, those who jump out of planes to put out smaller fires in remote areas. Once on the ground, smokejumpers use the same tactics as hotshots to extinguish fires. Finally, helicopters and air tankers are often sent in to drop thousands of gallons of water and retardant onto fires.

By taking just a few precautions, you can greatly help reduce the risk of wildfires, save lives and prevent thousands to millions of dollars worth of damage.