Summer Safety Tips for Heat

Summer's in full swing, and that can only mean one thing: More arising opportunities for injuries and accidents. Ok, so it's not all gloom and doom, but what better way to transition into any season than with the complete peace of mind that only proper preparation can bring?
Being properly prepared can't stop every disaster in its tracks, however, understanding your risks and being prepared with the right equipment, knowledge and a game plan can mean the difference between fun and fiasco.
Because summer comes but once a year, it can be easy to forget proper summer safety. Last year, you swore you'd start applying sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outside and that you'd reschedule your evening runs for the morning, but as summer turned to fall and fall to winter, your summer safety skills naturally waned. Worry not. In today's post, we'll be talking about one of the most common summer-related dangers: heat.

Heat Safety

As temperatures begin to rise, many parts of the country are already experiencing some of the more negative effects of heat. Sun and warmth are an essential part of any summer vacation package, but when temperatures begin to creep into the 80s, 90s and beyond, it's time to exercise additional caution.

Heat is experienced differently by different people; some have a higher tolerance for it and will feel less hot while others are already wiping the sweat from their brow. However, sweating and feeling hot can oftentimes be poor indicators of heat-related risks. Regardless of how well you think you can tolerate the heat, during the summer you should always:

• Drink more water
• Use ice, if available
• Use a fan or air conditioning
• Avoid the outdoors between 11am and 4pm
• Limit physical activity outside
• Protect yourself with sunscreen
• Wear loose clothing that can breathe
• Wear a hat or carry an umbrella

Some people are more susceptible to heat-related dangers than others. Additionally, dogs - particularly those with dark coats and short noses - are also more prone to overheating during the summer months.

We’ll cover dogs in more detail further on.

Age

Age is a major risk factor for heat illnesses including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Because the central nervous system controls your body's temperature, small children and adults over the age of 65 are not capable of coping with extreme heat as well as healthy people in their 20s, 30s or 40s.

Medications

Your body's ability to cool itself depends on a variety of factors including sweating and blood vessel dilation. If you take medications that act like diuretics, making it difficult to stay hydrated, or you're on blood pressure regulating medication, which can narrow your blood vessels, you will be more inclined toward developing heat illnesses.

Additionally, certain types of medicines such as antibiotics, increase your risk for developing a sunburn. Your doctor should talk to you about your medications' side effects, however, if you have concerns about the medications you're taking you should always feel comfortable about starting a conversation with your doctor.

Drugs & Alcohol

Drinking alcohol affects your body's ability to regulate your temperature and is a diuretic, which causes dehydration. Diuretics confuse your body into thinking that it needs to get rid of excess water to restore the balance in and around your cells. Because of this, you'll urinate more frequently. However, because your body isn't actually storing any excess water, you'll end up becoming dehydrated, which is particularly dangerous in the summer when you're also sweating.

Dehydration is a loss of fluid and an upset in electrolyte balance. If you've consumed alcohol, energy drinks or coffee, or you're dehydrated from exercise and sweating, it's vital that you don't just replace fluids in large quantities. Consuming plain water may result in a further imbalance, which can cause complications such as fainting and irregular heartbeat.

• Avoid alcohol
• Drink coffee in moderation
• Consume water regularly
• Pair water with orange slices  and pickles for electrolyte replenishment

Electrolytes consist of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium. Here are some additional natural sources to help replenish your electrolytes safely and effectively:

• Almonds
• Avocado
• Bananas
• Bell Peppers
• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Cashews
• Collard Greens
• Dried Fruit
• Kale
• Kiwi
• Melon
• Peaches
• Spinach
• Sweet Potatoes
• Swiss Chard
• Tofu

What Are Heat-Related Illnesses?

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the result of overheating, which can be caused by any of the factors we already discussed above. Anyone can be prone to overheating, so it's important to take proper precautions to help prevent heat exhaustion.

The early warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Headache
• Dark urine
• Thirst
• Dizziness
• Heavy sweating
• Increased pulse
• Muscle cramping
• Stomach upset

Heat exhaustion is a dangerous condition because it can quickly evolve into heatstroke, which is life-threatening. Preventing heat is particularly important in people who are already at risk for developing heat-related illnesses.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is defined by a core body temperature of 104 F or more. If left untreated, heatstroke is life-threatening, damaging the brain and other vital organs including the heart and kidneys.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

• Lack of sweating
• Throbbing headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid pulse
• Unconsciousness

If you suspect heatstroke, take action immediately!

• Move the affected person inside
• Remove any excess clothing
• Cool the person with whatever means available
• A fan
• Water
• Ice

The head, neck, armpits and groin are the most effective and critical parts of the body to focus on when applying cold. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Pet Safety

We aren't the only ones at risk for heat-related illnesses. Our furry companions, while they might seem more robust, are just as susceptible to suffering from overheating. Additionally, dogs can also easily experience burns, both from sun exposure and from hot pavement. Help your dog stay safe this summer by understanding the risks and learning about prevention.

Overheating

Dogs "sweat" by panting, but because panting is limited to a smaller surface area, this method of staying cool is actually significantly less effective than our ability to full-body sweat.

This means dogs are in fact more susceptible to heat-related illness, and certain breeds should additionally be treated with more care. These include large breeds, long-haired and dark breeds, and breeds with short noses.

Burns

Dogs have feet that are padded with lots of fat similar to whale blubber, which provides when with excellent insulation for trekking through snow. However, dogs' feet aren't immune to injury. Extreme heat, sharp objects and even snow can cause damage to your pooch's pads, and summer sets a perfect stage for mishaps.

 

While you may not reside in a particularly hot climate, remember that heat builds up and rises over time. On asphalt and concrete, heat can accumulate enough to fry an egg on a hot and sunny day. While the pads of your dog's foot can protect him from rocky terrain and some temperature extremes, his skin isn't burn resistant.

• Touch concrete for five seconds
• If it's too hot to comfortably touch, it's too hot to walk on
• Apply sunscreen to white dogs and those with thin hair

In a car, the dangers of heat buildup are even more severe. Even on a temperate day when temperatures only reach the 60s or 70s, a car parked in the sun can quickly become a deadly trap. Because of this, it's critical to never leave your dog in a parked car, even for just a short while.

 

Heat is dangerous because like a lot of nature's furies, people simply tend to underestimate it. Don't underestimate the seriousness of being trapped in hot conditions or running out of water. Protect yourself and your loved ones by acting on the side of caution, preparing yourself for emergencies and learning emergency procedures.

We offer a wide range of training classes at our Van Nuys location. Check out our schedule to learn more about CPR, first aid, wilderness survival and more.

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.

Extreme Heat Safety

Proper Planning for Extreme Summer Temperatures

Welcome to Summer! With reports of heatwaves already sweeping the nation, chances are it'll be another brutally hot season. Depending on where you're located, you might already be experiencing daily highs in the mid to upper 90s or more, and as August swiftly approaches, these temperatures will only increase.

Heat safety is a serious issue that deserves your attention. Practicing proper precautions could save your life. 

Travel Safety

School's out for summer and you're ready to hit the open road. If you love big open spaces, you might not encounter a town or even another traveler for hours and sometimes even days, depending on how far off the beaten path you like to stray.

Whether you're driving a few hundred miles or a few thousand, it always makes sense to prepare for the worst. While your chances of encountering a major disaster are small, there's nothing more detrimental than finding yourself inadequately underprepared. Check out our road trip safety blog for more information on preparing your car and yourself before hitting the road.

In the comfort of your car's air conditioned interior, it's not uncommon to forget about the extreme temperatures roads can reach. The heat emitted from pavement can easily reach temperatures up to 150 F, and in many locations the night air isn't cool enough at night to provide relief.

Water

It might seem pretty obvious as you're reading it here, but bringing an adequate supply of water is often a forgotten piece of the puzzle for casual travelers.

Whether you're taking the backroads or hitting the highway, many parts of the U.S. remain unpopulated. You may therefore be stranded many miles from anywhere, in the event of a car malfunction. If you're suddenly stranded, calling a tow truck or AAA will likely result in a fairly swift rescue taking no more than a few hours. But in extreme heat, it's minutes that count. When traveling, we always recommend bringing more water than you actually think you'll need. Keep a five-gallon water storage container such as this in your car, to drink from in case you're stuck waiting for a rescue. Remember that once you're thirsty you're already dehydrated, a condition that can quickly worsen in extreme heats, leading to heat stroke and death.

 It's never recommended that you leave your car, since you'll lose shelter and visibility. With adequate amounts of water, you can easily wait with your car for days, whereas an hour in the open could kill you. Don't leave your car unless you're able to carry twice the amount of water to get you to your destination on foot -  and only if you know exactly where you're going.

Car Battery

A dead battery in summer is more common than you might think. According to the Car Council, liquids inside the battery will actually evaporate in summer, causing your car's battery to lose juice. While no battery is intended to last forever, persistent heat could be shaving years off the life of your battery.

If you live in the hotter parts of the country where temperatures commonly approach the 90s in the summer, you'll likely notice that you need to replace your battery more often than you thought. Heat can kill your battery within five years and even less, so we recommend that before hitting the road, you have your battery tested to ensure it's still capable. If you've had your battery for seven years or more, we recommend a test no matter where you reside.

A local car shop or auto supplies store such as Auto Zone will do this for free.

Tires

Most of us occasionally have our tires rotated and heed the advice of mechanics when it's time for a set of replacements, but more regular maintenance is another story. The condition of your tires plays a vital role in road safety, and this is even more true in extreme conditions such as heat.

Because heat causes expansion, your tires will be more inflated in the summer than the winter. If you've ever taken your car skiing and not used speciality tires, you likely noticed a significant drop in tire pressure or were even been surprised by flat tires in the morning.

The opposite is true for heat. It is estimated that for every 10-degree increase in temperature, your tire pressure will rise by one pound per square inch (PSI). That means you could add an additional 20 or more PSI to your tires on a very hot day. As you may have guessed, this can make a significant impact.

● Over-inflation can break apart rubber polymers, causing the tire to "pop"

● Over-inflation causes increased wear and tear, significantly shortening the lifespan of your tire

● Over-inflation results in more friction, increasing heat and thus wear

Your initial reaction might be to simply let some air out of your tires. However, if you've been driving and your tire is hot, letting the air out could put you at risk of driving under-inflated. And an under-inflated tire is actually just as dangerous as an over-inflated one. That's because as more surface area meets the road, friction is greatly increased. This additional friction leads to heat, causing premature wear, tread separation and ultimately blowouts.

Check your tire pressure each day before you hit the road, to ensure you maintain safe PSI ranges.

 While driving on under-inflated tires is never recommended, there is one exception. If you're stuck in sand and you tires are spinning out, let some air out to create more grip. Once you're free, drive slowly to the nearest station to fill back up. The rule of thumb for driving on under-inflated tires is to never exceed speeds of 45 mph. This will greatly reduce your risk of a blowout.

Road Hazards

As we already learned when discussing tires, heat causes things to expand. This includes the pavement used to build roads. While highly uncommon on major highways, road buckling does occur and has caused accidents. It's oftentimes difficult to identify road defects in advance, since refraction from heat waves can skew your view.

Being aware of hazards is half the battle. As you drive off into the sunset, remind yourself that you could encounter any variety of road obstructions, from potholes to leaping animals. Always wear your seatbelt and drive the speed limit.

Hiking & Camping Safety

Water

Anytime you're talking about heat safety, water should be at the top of the list. Water is your lifeline in any emergency. Without it, you cannot survive more than a few days, and even less when confronted with extreme temperatures.

Just as with car travel, it's recommended that your hiking or camping trip be supplied with more water than you think you'll actually need. Running out of water in an emergency situation is detrimental. One five-gallon bucket makes an excellent backup for camping trips, and each hiker should carry at least 3 liters of water on an excursion. Carrying your water in a bag like the Camelbak provides an easy and comfortable solution.

Map & Compass etc.

Whether it's a comfortable 70 degrees or a scorching 100 F, the rules of hiking remain the same: know your trail, carry a compass and never hike alone. From snakebites and bear attacks to losing your sense of direction, hiking is filled with dangers. But you can prepare to ensure your hike stays a rewarding adventure and doesn't end in disaster.

First, never hike alone. In the event of an emergency such as an injury from a misstep or a fall, your hiking buddy could save your life.

Secondly, get a hiking map and a compass - and learn how to use these. During the course of a hike through unmarked territory, it's surprisingly easy to get turned around and lose all sense of direction. If you need additional inspiration, we recommend reading this article about an adventurous woman who took on the Appalachian trail without a compass.

Lastly, know your trail. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve hiked a particular area on previous occasions, knowing the hazards of the trail can mean the difference between a successful hike and a disaster experience.

Flash Floods

It's summer and it's dry, and when it rains, what would normally become a small puddle can turn into a torrential current. Even at low flow rates, water is capable of lifting away large objects such as cars and carrying them downstream. A flash flood will destroy everything in its path.

Flash floods can occur anywhere, and are the result of poor drainage when it rains. If you're camping or hiking in an area where the soil is particularly dry and water can't readily seep in, you should be aware of flash floods. Flash floods can happen day or night and can surprise you if you aren't properly informed.

As with anything else, it is possible to prepare for and avoid flash floods.

First, understand that just because you're not in a rainy location doesn't mean you can't be affected by a flash flood. Water travels downward and accumulates at low elevations. When setting up camp, stay above water level and secure your site. Knowing the topography of the region in which you're hiking or camping will help you to determine your escape route in the event of a flood. Discuss the escape route with your hiking or camping mates ahead of time.

Don't rely on weather forecasts. Weather can change suddenly and quickly, particularly at higher elevations. Learn to identify clouds to identify the warning signs of impending rain before it's too late, and always stay away from any flooded areas.

Pet Safety

Most of us love our pets dearly and we inherently want to protect them. Your ability to do so adequately begins with information.

Unfortunately, there are certain misconceptions surrounding pets -  dogs in particular, which can lead you down a dangerous path. Aside from providing your pet with proper shelter, food and water, here's what you should know:

While most animals can avoid overheating simply by not moving much throughout the day, your dog is your companion. He requires walks to relieve himself (and his boredom), accompanies you on car rides and provides emotional support in stressful situations.

Whether your dog is a large component in your everyday life, or he's mostly asleep on the kitchen tile, he's susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke just as much as you are.

Myth 1:
Panting = Sweating

In fact, because dogs can't sweat, they're even more at risk than you are for overheating. This surprises most people, since the general school of thought about a dog's pant is that it’s comparable to a human's sweat.

 Unfortunately for your furry companion, panting is simply not as effective as sweating. Much like sweating, panting also utilizes evaporation. But unlike sweating, which cools the skin from the outside in, panting tries to accomplish this task from the inside out. The process is less effective than sweating, leaving your dog at risk for overheating even in temperatures only reaching the mid- to upper-80s.

Myth 2:
Paws are Tough

They're tougher than certain other parts of the body, but they're not immune to injury. The paws contain a large amount of nerve endings to help your dog better navigate rough terrain and to avoid injury. In the summer when pavement temperatures can reach 150 F, paws can suffer second degree burns just like any other body part exposed to heat extremes.

Then What Can Paws Do?

Your dog is a distant relative of the wolf, who evolved to live in cold conditions on rough terrains. The evolution of the paw has ensured that the feet can absorb shock from running and jumping. This is due to a layer of fat, which also insulates the foot sort of like the blubber on a whale. That's why dogs don't need cold weather booties.

A bootie, however, can prevent abrasions and blisters, both from heat and cold weather extremes.

Myth 3:
Cracking the Window Helps

We challenge you to prove this theory by sitting in your car with only the windows cracked for even a few minutes. This horrifying myth results in pet deaths every year, and here's why:

We've already discussed how your dog's pant doesn't equate to your sweat, making him more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. But just how hot can a car get?

Even on a relatively cool day, you'll notice a heatwave rolling out of your car as you open the door. That's because your car acts like a greenhouse, trapping temperatures inside. A cracked window will do nothing to alleviate this unless your area is experiencing hurricane-like winds.

As your car sits and collects heat, the temperature will continue to rise based on time. For example, in 10 minutes the inside of your car will experience roughly a 20 degree F rise. As you approach an hour, this number could exceed 40 degrees or more. That means, in the time it takes you to run into the store or stop for a quick chat with a friend, your car's interior could become deadly.

In the summertime, be it a relaxing 70 F or a scorching 100 F, it's never safe to leave your pet in the car - not with the windows cracked, not for only five minutes.

Kid Safety

You might hear your kids complaining about the heat, but it's more likely that in the heat of the moment, they'll overexert themselves before they stop playing. That's why it's important to use common sense, whether you're headed to the playground, the pool or elsewhere.

The good news? Children actually tend to be slightly better at staying cooler longer than adults, because have a higher surface area to body mass ratio. (For this reason, they're also more susceptible to cold.)

But that doesn't mean your kid is immune to heat exertion. Just like an adult, a child's normal temperature is about 98 degrees, which means that summertime can put them at risk for overheating.

When playing outside or traveling about with your child, exercise caution once temperatures climb into the 90s. Provide plenty of opportunities for rest, utilize shade and encourage water consumption.

What's the exception? If your baby is nursing or still consuming formula exclusively, do not provide water. The water in breast milk and formulas is enough to satisfy daily fluid intake requirements, and adding additional fluids to the mix can lead to imbalances and interfere with baby's normal appetite.

We hope you stay cool this summer. Leave us a comment below.

Planning for Evacuation with Pets

At SOS Survival Products, our priority is helping you get prepared so you're never caught off guard when a disaster occurs. Proper preparation begins with information - about potential risks, about your options and about the products that are available to you. Armed with information, you'll be able to craft a strong plan and execute it without major hiccups when the time comes.

Each member of your family should be considered individually when creating your plan for evacuation. This includes any pets or livestock you may own. In the end, all aspects of your plan should work flawlessly together so that no one's left behind in the shuffle.

Get Informed

Better planning begins with information. Whether you're traveling or staying put, being informed about your surroundings and any potentially arising risks will help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

Get Informed About Natural Disasters

Start by learning which common disasters could affect your area and which seasons carry the highest likelihood for a natural disaster to occur. Use this previous blog post to help you get started.

Once you're aware of the risks around you, we recommend downloading an app such as this one to receive up-to-date weather alerts from the National Weather Service. These alerts will provide you with valuable information about weather occurrences such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. Apps such as these also provide safety tips and preparedness reminders about a wide range of common disasters, and will help you to locate a shelter should you need one.

Because modern technology such as 4G, Wi-Fi and satellites can become unpredictable during a disaster, we also strongly recommend adding a hand-crank emergency radio capable of receiving NOAA weather stations to your list of essential items. Use the National Weather Service website to make a note of all relevant transmitter names, call signs and frequencies in your area, and keep a list with your emergency supplies for later. 

Get Informed About Fires

No one likes to think about the potential for a house fire, but the truth is there are over a million fires in the United States each year. While a fire can occur anywhere and for a variety of reasons, an overwhelming number of fires are caused by neglectful cooking practices such as walking away from the stove or cooking while tired or intoxicated. A staggering 80 percent of fire deaths occur in the home, so fire preparation should be a top priority on your family's list.

Unlike many natural disasters, fires occur without warning. You won't have apps or radios to help you navigate to safety, so it's important to practice fire safety and plan ahead for the worst today.

The best way to ensure you remain safe should a fire occur, is to confirm that your home’s smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinklers are properly maintained. You'll also need an action plan for yourself and everyone in your home, in the event that a fire forces you to evacuate.

If you live in an area known to be affected by wild fires, we recommend reading this article to help you prepare for the event of a planned fire evacuation.

Make a Plan

When planning for an emergency, it's important to consider the needs of each family member individually. Your pets are no different. Your animals depend on you 100 percent; you cannot teach them to use a cell phone or expect them to learn your family's evacuation plan. 

To begin, consider your pets' needs from start to finish.

• How will you safely get your pets out of the home?

• Where will you go with your pets?

• What items or contacts will you need?

Under no circumstances should your evacuation plan include leaving your pets at home or in the backyard where they'll be unable to fend for themselves. A pet that's left behind is at risk for injury and death; planning each detail of an evacuation ahead of time will give you all the best chance of survival.

Leaving the Home

You may be warned to leave your home or have to evacuate very suddenly. If a sudden disaster occurs, don't panic. If your pet isn't by your side, check his or her common hiding places: under the bed, the couch or in the closet.

Reward-based training that uses foods or toys to teach your pet to respond to verbal or other audible cues can save lives and is well worth investing in. Whether your pet's escaped off the leash, slipped out the front door during a pizza delivery or is hiding away during a disaster evacuation, getting him or her to come to you on demand is a most valuable asset.

In an emergency situation, your pet may become inconsolably nervous and be unwilling to trust their surroundings. Nervous pets may not be capable of listening; if you know your pet can't calm down in a thunderstorm or during fireworks, for example, ensure you have the proper restraints available so there’s no chance of escape. Restraints could include a hard crate, a soft carrier or a leash and properly fitted harness.

You should practice getting your pet into a crate, kennel or to the car just as you'd practice an evacuation with your children. If your pet isn't normally confined in a crate, getting him or her to comply with you during an emergency can become a real struggle. If you plan to move your pet into a crate or other strange confined space in an emergency, we recommend properly introducing these items to your pet prior to an emergency using plenty of treats and praise.

Never under any circumstances, leave pets – or children – in the car alone.

Evacuating with livestock during a disaster event, while much more large-scale, is no different. In order to evacuate quickly and safely, you'll first need a plan that answers how you'll get your animals to safety, where you'll evacuate to, and what sort of items, contacts or identification you'll need once you've made it to safety.

Just like with any animal, it'll be important to get your livestock accustomed to being loaded into a transport trailer. Practice this so they’ll go willingly when the time comes. Always plan to evacuate with your animals whenever possible. Map out potential routes in advance and ensure all transport vehicles or trailers are available, up to date and fully functional.

If it's not possible for you to evacuate your livestock on your own, you'll need to decide if there's time to move the herd to a shelter or if you'll need to turn them outside.

Where Will You Go?

Your evacuation plan begins with how you'll leave and ends with where you'll evacuate to. The route you take might differ depending on the disaster, and you should practice each from start to finish in order to address any potentially unforeseen obstacles before they have a chance to arise. Your destination should be outside of the danger zone where you’ll have access to food, water and vet care.

Ensure that your animals can be part of your complete evacuation plan if you're forced into a shelter. If you find that no hotels or even shelters can accommodate your pets during an evacuation, it's time to contact boarding facilities or animal hospitals to get an understanding of their capabilities during an emergency situation.

If you're able to leave your area to evacuate to another town or another state, ensure you create a list of hotels or Airbnbs that will accept pets. If you have friends or relatives nearby, discuss your needs in the event of an emergency with them ahead of time. Update your list of contacts and pet-friendly homes or hotels once every six months.

Don't wait to have these difficult conversations until it's too late. Planning ahead for the worst-case scenario today will keep you from ending up in unforeseen yet avoidable circumstances such as being forced to remain in your home or sleep in your car during unsafe conditions. 

What You’ll Bring

When packing for yourself and your pets, it's important to adhere to a strict list so nothing important gets left behind and you don't end up with a trunk full of toys and Christmas sweaters.

Emergency Contacts 

Keep a list of contacts with your go-bag so it's always where you'll need it.

• Friends and family

• Hotels

• Boarding facilities

• 24/7 Emergency vet clinics

Supplies

• Water

• Food

• Handling equipment

• Emergency kit

• Medications

• Identification

• Shot records

Water 

Although the goal of evacuation is to escape to a destination that's capable of providing shelter, safety and other survival essentials such as water, we recommend never evacuating your home without at least some water. That’s because, depending on the severity of the disaster, it may be unlikely that you'll be able to acquire these basics for a few days. Therefore, your go-bag should contain water for three days for each member of your family - at minimum.

Don't waste water, but don't conserve it either. Drink water regularly and before you become thirsty. Once thirst sets in, dehydration has already begun. Give your pets free or regular access to clean drinking water. Plan that each member of your family, including pets, will require 64 oz. of clean water daily. 

Livestock requires much more water daily. On average, one horse will consume up to 20 gallons of water per day. You’ll need to plan for this in the event of an evacuation by bringing along adequate water to keep animals alive and healthy.

Food 

Keep at least three days’ worth of food in your go-bag. This includes food for each member of the family. Keep food in airtight and waterproof containers.

We recommend using compact, high-calorie foods with a lengthy shelf life such as the Datrex food bar. These survival bars are designed to provide ample carbohydrates, fats and proteins in affordable packages that are Coast Guard approved.

Most dry foods for dogs and cats are safe to consume for up to a year after manufacturing, while canned foods generally last slightly longer. Unopened cans of pet food can last up to five years,   depending on the kind of preservatives used.

Livestock is generally capable of surviving well without food. By providing adequate amounts of water alone, you should be able to ensure the wellbeing of your livestock for days and even weeks without access to food supplies.

Handling Equipment

Not being able to properly handle your pet or livestock in an emergency situation can result in disaster. The type of equipment you'll need will depend on the type of animal you have, but be careful to consider that a fearful animal who normally walks happily with only a leash might become panicked or even aggressive when disaster strikes.

While you cannot predict how your animals will react during a fire, a storm or an earthquake, you can prepare. There is a wide range of handling equipment available for pets and livestock.

• Crates

• Carriers

• Leashes

• Harnesses

• Collars

• Muzzles

• Halters

• Ropes

• Cages

• Trailers

Emergency Kit

Every family needs an emergency kit to mitigate potential injuries such as cuts and scrapes. We recommend participating in a First Aid course for children, adults and pets to adequately prepare you to properly apply bandages and splints, deal with blood loss and more.

An affordable pocket guide such as this one will provide a quick reference during emergencies to help you provide proper daily care, first aid, injury assessment and more.

Your kit should include bandage rolls, bandage tape, bandage scissors, antibiotic ointment, gloves, rubbing alcohol, saline solution and tweezers. These are minimum requirements.

Medications, Identification & Shot Records

It's absolutely vital that all animals in your care have proper identification records. This includes registration information, purchase or adoption papers and vaccination records. Your city ID and rabies tags should be attached to your pet's collar, along with any identification information such as name, address and phone number,

Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping or enrolling your pet in a national recovery database.

Whether your pet gets occasional ear infections or needs a daily insulin shot, plan ahead so that you have spare medication when you need it. Over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl may be used to calm your pet, however, ensure that you know how your pet will respond to a specific medication before administering it.

You can give your pet 1 mg of Diphenhydramine HCl (Antihistamine) per one pound of body weight. Never administer OTC pain medications to a pet. Ask your vet about which medications are appropriate to provide for pain, allergies, stomach upset or nervousness and in which dosages. Your vet is able to prescribe affordable alternatives many of the over-the-counter medications you use.

Other Items to Consider

• Poop bags

• Cat litter & box

• Paper towels

• Wet wipes

• Sanitizer

• Treats & toys

• Blankets or bedding

Thinking about encountering potential emergencies involving your pet is difficult and scary. However, by planning ahead, you’ll be able to provide the most advanced care and best chance of survival for everyone involved. Don’t wait, plan today.

Emergency Preparedness Kits

SOS Survival Products offers a wide range of emergency preparedness packs. We recommend an emergency preparation kit for every home, office and dorm room. Here, we'll break down four of our most popular kits and their purpose.

Basic Emergency Survival Kit

This survival kit is intended to sustain one person for three days. This kit does not contain first aid management products. It is ideal for situations where a person may become stranded without access to clean water, food or shelter. We recommend every home stock at least one of these affordable packs for every individual in the household.



Included in this basic kit is one Mylar thermal blanket, 2,400 calories of food and just over three cups of individually packed drinking water satchels. The food and water in this kit have a 5-year shelf life, giving you long-lasting assurance whether at home or away.




How do I use this kit?

Drink water regularly to ensure dehydration does not occur. Eat if you are hungry.

A Mylar blanket's reflective silver side can be turned inward or outward to offer protection in hot or cold conditions. You may use it to reflect heat toward you or away from you. Wear the sheet like a blanket, tucking in loose ends, make a makeshift shelter to keep out rain or sun, or cover your home’s or car’s windows.


1-Person Deluxe Emergency Survival Kit

This kit contains nearly ten cups of water, 3,600 calories and an emergency blanket. This is a more robust and complete 1-person solution to basic emergency preparation, whether at home or on the road. In addition to food, water and shelter, this kit also includes a variety of first aid products to stop bleeding and infection. This kit also includes emergency lighting, a whistle to help you get noticed, an emergency radio to help you receive important updates, rain gear, a knife, heavy-duty gloves and more. This selection of vital emergency products is stored neatly and conveniently in a bright red Everest backpack. Keep it in your trunk or under the bed for easy access no matter where you are.

This kit is also available for two or four people.



Pet Emergency Kit

We strongly recommend that your emergency stock includes enough supplies to support each member of your household for three days. In an emergency situation, when you may have no access to clean drinking water, you shouldn't have to face difficult choices like how to divide your resources appropriately.


This pet emergency kit gives you the peace of mind you'll need should disaster strike. Each kit contains 100 ounces of clean, individually-packaged drinking water, a dish, universal lids for canned food (you supply your own favorite brand), can opener and emergency blanket. Additionally, your pet kit supplies a variety of first aid products for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes or splinters.

Pro Tip
In an emergency situation, you want each member of your family to feel as comfortable as possible. We recommend speaking to your vet about a carefully dosed NSAID you can add to your pet’s emergency pack. Never administer medications intended for human consumption.



5-Person Trauma First Aid Kit

This kit is a perfect addition to your family’s three-day food and water emergency preparedness kit. This 5-person bag provides a variety of products to clean, treat and bandage wounds ranging from eye injuries to bleeding. This pack contains everything needed for first response, but also offers an excellent solution for family homes or small businesses. The included first aid manual provides instructions and information to help remind you how to provide basic first-aid in the event of an emergency.

When disaster strikes, knowing the basics can be the difference between life and death. This emergency pack and its handbook are designed to help you put to use the skills you've already learned during an emergency course. We recommend preparing yourself for a real-life emergency with a hands-on course in first aid, CPR or both. If you reside in the Van Nuys area, check out our upcoming schedule for classes in first aid, pet safety and outdoor survival.

This kit is also available for 15 people.

Pet Preparedness with SOS Survival Products

At SOS Survival Products, we believe that preparedness is the key to conquering any emergency situation. By equipping yourself with the right products and the right knowledge, you and your family can prevent the unthinkable.

If your family includes a pet, you'll need to take additional steps for preparation.
If you have not yet planned for yourself, check out this blog post geared to help you get started.


Your pet has basic needs similar to yours. Food, shelter and essential medicines will ensure that he or she will make it through an emergency alongside you. In addition, we offer a variety of products to help you ensure that you're prepared and well stocked otherwise. Our emergency preparedness products for pets include books, ready-to-go emergency kits and helpful accessories.

Emergency Books

During an emergency, time is of the essence. When disaster strikes, you'll need to know who is in charge of your pet or pets, what you will take and where you will go. Practice your escape plan with your pet in order to gauge how long each step in the process will take you. Is your pet skittish? Where are his or her most common hiding spots? Will your pet respond to food? Is it difficult to confine your pet? These are all questions you should ask yourself when making a plan for you and your family.

Our selection of books includes the Pet Preparedness Guide, an affordable pocket-sized book geared toward helping you create an emergency evacuation plan that includes your pet. This book provides helpful steps to assist you before, during and after a disaster.


If you choose to purchase any of our first aid books, we strongly recommend that you and your family also enroll in a first aid and CPR preparation course for your pet. Courses like these are becoming increasingly more common, and can therefore easily be found through your local resources or here, if you reside in or near Van Nuys.

Emergency Kits

Once you have solidified an evacuation plan, you'll need to prepare a go-bag for yourself as well as for your pet. You can purchase completed kits through our site here. Our ready-kits include basics for survival such as water and blankets, as well as common emergency products including antiseptic wipes, gauze and eye wash.


To create your own pet evacuation kit, first make a list of your dog's daily needs. This list should include water, food, warmth and any medications your pet needs on a daily basis. Additionally, your pet may need to be confined, require a leash, identification tags and waste disposal bags. We recommend that you keep these items separate from the items you use every day so that an exit from your home can be swift and easy.
In addition to the daily essentials, your pet's kit should include first aid equipment. The emergency kits sold on our site offer an affordable solution and provide products for a wide variety of emergency scenarios.

Emergency Accessories

Our selection of emergency accessories for pets includes harnesses, collars and leashes, tick remover, collapsible food bowls and more. Although you may already own all of these items, we simply recommend doubling up on essentials like these. As you prepare to leave your home, it's not uncommon for Murphy's Law to take over. Items can break or be forgotten, creating the potential for additional disaster.


SOS Survival Products provides items and resources for emergency preparedness for your entire family, including your pet. If you don’t see something you’re looking for, contact us today.