How You Can Help Your Neighbors in an Emergency

When an earthquake hits, when a wildfire starts or when tornadoes come whirling through your neighborhood, some people will be ready. Others will not. No matter where you live, there is potential for natural disasters or man-made emergencies to strike. While first responders are always on the scene as quickly as possible, often they won’t be able to reach everyone affected in a timely manner. When it comes to planning your family’s emergency routine, it’s beneficial to include your neighbors and make a plan to help each other if and when the time comes.

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Tips

When neighbors help neighbors and communities come together, we can save more lives than ever before. The first step in learning how to help the community during an emergency is to get out there and meet your neighbors and others in the community. Find out if there’s already a neighborhood plan in place. If not, you should set a date for a first meeting to get everyone in your community together to establish a neighborhood plan.

It can be difficult to establish one emergency plan for an entire neighborhood. If you’re having trouble getting people together, you can meet with your block and form a plan with fewer people, or even make a plan for just your family and direct neighbors. When it comes to emergency planning, however, remember that the more people you meet and can rely on, the more help you’ll have during an emergency.

At your first meeting you should compile a neighborhood list with everyone’s contact information. It’s also important to discuss and note special skills (for instance, do you have any doctors in the area?), discover who will need the most help (children, elderly, disabled and even pets), and decide who will check on the special needs neighbors first.

Your community plan should include multiple evacuation routes and nearby meet up spots. In case you can’t evacuate, you should also discuss steps you can each take while waiting for help to arrive. Sharing shelter, transportation, emergency food and power generators can help save families money and ensure everyone has some place to go and something to eat. However, each and every home should have their own emergency kit with basic first aid supplies. It’s also important to keep solar or battery powered radios on hand so you can monitor the surrounding situation. When the power goes out or cell service goes down, two-way radios are perfect for neighborhood communication.

When everyone has agreed to an emergency plan – it’s ok if it takes several meetings – it can be a good idea to conduct a neighborhood drill and hold another meeting afterward where you discuss what worked and what didn’t. You can incentivize people to participate by turning it into a fun, social event with food and drinks.

Not only is creating an emergency neighborhood plan beneficial to the entire community, but it’s also a great way to get out and get to know your neighbors. Do you have an emergency neighborhood plan in place? Let us know your best neighborhood emergency preparedness tips in the comments below!

How to Prepare for a Workplace Emergency

Ever hear the old military adage about prior proper planning? It goes like this: “Prior proper planning prevents poor performance.” Although we don’t all have commanders at work, taking a page out of the military’s handbook is the best way to plan for workplace emergencies and evacuations.

According to OSHA, a workplace emergency is an unexpected situation that affects your employees and customers, affects your operations or causes physical or environmental damage. This can include floods, fires, workplace violence or civil disturbances. The best way to safeguard against these situations is to develop an emergency action plan. OSHA requires some businesses to have emergency action plans by law, but not all. However, even if you’re not required to do so, it never hurts to prepare.

Below are some of the points OSHA says your emergency action plan should include (you can find the complete list of recommendations on pages 2 and 3 here):

• An emergency policy and procedure;
• Emergency escape procedures and route assignments (Do departments evacuate to a certain place? Do floors evacuate to a certain place?);
• Names of people in charge of emergency procedures, both in and outside the company;
• Instructions for employees who remain on the premises during an emergency to perform essential services such as working fire extinguishers and shutting down workplace equipment;
• Outline of medical or rescue duties for any employee assigned to perform;
• A way to alert employees that an emergency is occurring and a way for employees to report emergencies.

Sometimes a workplace emergency will require an evacuation of the people on the premises. Local disasters and events may mean authorities will order you to evacuate the building. In all other cases, it is crucial that you appoint a person in charge of deciding whether to evacuate the premises and establish a clear chain of command. A disorganized evacuation can have unfortunate consequences, such as personal injuries and property damage.

Evacuation procedures should also be included in your emergency action plan. Below are some useful evacuation elements that every plan should have:

• Procedures for helping visitors, employees and people with disabilities off the premises;
• A way to account for employees after an evacuation;
• Conditions under which it may be better to stay in the building rather than evacuating (such as chemical contaminations);
• Which, if any, employees will stay after the evacuation to carry out essential operations;
• Respirators for employees.

All of these can and must be adapted to your particular building and situation. For instance, emergency and evacuation procedures might be slightly different for high-rise buildings as opposed to low-rise buildings, so it’s important to do your research.

Basically, leadership and planning are the main points you need to make sure emergency situations go as smoothly as they can and you can begin operating business as usual as soon as possible. The government has online tools in place to help you craft an emergency action plan if you never have before or if you want to review your current procedures.

Once you have your emergency action plan completed, share it with your employees and publish needed materials, such as escape routes, in common workplace areas.

Emergency Preparedness Tips for People With Disabilities

Every year, hundreds of disasters, both natural and man-made, occur across the United States. There’s no telling when or where a disaster will strike, so it’s extremely important to be prepared both at home and while on the go. Whether you or a loved one has mobility problems or a hearing, learning, seeing or any other disability, it’s vital to make an emergency plan and stock up on necessary emergency items. We’ve come up with some essential disaster readiness tips for people with disabilities to help you get started.

How to Prepare for a Disaster for People With Disabilities

Emergencies like fires, floods and man-made disasters can begin in an instant. Protecting yourself and your family during unexpected emergencies requires planning ahead. Including family members, friends and co-workers in your plan is ideal – you should not depend on one person alone.

Work with your support network to create plans for everywhere you frequently spend time, including your home and the office. If you require regular services, make a plan with each service provider. Decide how you will contact and communicate with your emergency network before, during and after a disaster – remember you might not have power or access to a cell phone.

To make a plan, you should first get informed and educate yourself about what types of hazards are most likely to impact your community, as well as what current community assistance programs, warning systems and disaster plans are in place. If you can’t or don’t drive, find out what your community’s plan is for evacuating those without private transportation and who can’t reach their emergency contacts.

You can also consider investing in a medical alert system that will allow you to call for assistance if you are immobilized. Those who use electric wheelchairs should keep a manual one for backup while those with communication disabilities should come up with a plan to communicate with others in the event you don’t have your communication device (augmentative communication device, word board, etc.). One good idea is to keep key phrases written on paper in your emergency kits and wallet. You should also keep an emergency health card with personalized essential care information in your wallet.

Know how to turn off your water, gas and electricity, and print instructions with this information for your family, caregivers and emergency responders to follow if and when necessary. You should also keep instructions for any medical equipment you use attached to said equipment.

Finally, prepare both a home emergency kit and a travel emergency kit. Your emergency kits should include first-aid supplies, a battery-powered source of light, a radio, extra batteries, any medical equipment, assistive devices and over-the-counter and prescription medication you need, in addition to water and nutritional survival food. Remember: those with service animals also need to include pet survival essentials in their kits. Also, SOS Survival Products carries an evacuation chair with extended handles to help transport a person safely down stairs, a manual wheelchair, and other medical supplies to help you respond during an emergency.

Have your own disaster survival tips for people with disabilities? Share them with us in the comment section below!

Essential Items for Your Storm Shelter

It’s estimated that every year 10,000 American lives are saved due to storm shelters and emergency plans. No matter where you live, there is potential for natural disasters to strike. Every state in America has experienced tornados, and many states experience multiple tornados every year. Unlike other natural disasters, when tornados hit, you only have minutes, if not seconds, to make decisions. Tornados can demolish entire homes, trap victims and leave people in the dark or even without shelter for hours to days.

There’s no better time to start organizing your family’s emergency plan than today. We’ve come up with some of the top storm shelter emergency supplies you should store in your storm shelter.

Basic First-Aid Emergency Kit

Although it may seem obvious, it’s important not to overlook the basics. You should create a tornado shelter emergency kit that includes all the basic items such as: first-aid supplies, ample amounts of water, copies of important papers, matches and candles, a NOAA weather band emergency radio, a flashlight and backup batteries. It’s also essential that you stock up on non-perishable food items like canned food, MREs or emergency food bars. You may end up stuck in your storm shelter or your area may be inaccessible to delivery trucks after a disaster hits, making fresh food scarce.

In the event that you are stranded in your shelter due to outside access being cut off or an injury, it’s a good idea to keep an air horn or whistles easily accessible so you can signal your location to others.

Medication & Family Supplies

If anyone in your home needs to take medication regularly, ask your doctor for extra to keep in your storm shelter. You may not have access to a doctor or pharmacy after a disaster hits. If you have children, it’s a good idea to store a few magazines and board games for entertainment. If you have a baby, remember to stock up on extra diapers, ointment, wipes and all other baby supplies you need on a regular basis.

Clothes, Shoes & Comfort Items

When you get notice a tornado’s coming, there’s no telling where you’ll be or what you’ll be doing. Whether you’re working out, watching TV or getting out of the shower, at any given moment you may need to make an instant dash for the shelter. If you end up in the shelter without shoes or clothes, you’ll want to have extra stored away that you can put on. Additionally, you should store a tent, sleeping bags, blankets and other basic camping supplies (think: lantern, toilet paper, hand sanitizer…) in case you get stuck overnight or your home is destroyed.

Finally, it’s also a good idea to keep a battery-operated cell phone in your shelter in case yours dies or doesn’t make it down with you. If you have pets, remember to stock up on pet food and extra water! While natural disasters are destructive and can be devastating, with the right emergency plan you can avoid losing the most important things – your life and your family’s lives.

How to Stay Safe During a Heat Wave

Summer 2015 has officially arrived in full force. Today, heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the US and results in even more heat-related illnesses. However, by educating yourself on the dangers of severe heat and preparing for excessive heat levels, you can protect yourself and your family from becoming a victim of the high temperatures.

When a heat wave is predicted for your area, your weather forecasters will issue either an excessive heat watch, an excessive heat warning or a heat advisory. A heat watch means there is likely to be a short heat wave within the next 24 to 72 hours. A warning means daytime highs for at least the next 2 days are between 105-110° Fahrenheit. An advisory means highs are likely to be between 100-105° Fahrenheit for 1 to 2 days.

Heat Wave Safety Tips

Paying close attention to your local weather is the best way to stay aware of upcoming heat waves. Before the next heat wave arrives however, you should ensure you and your family are prepared. You should keep your phone charged and have a plan for the places you most often spend your time – home, work and school. An emergency disaster kit could be essential in the case of a power outage. Make sure you’re always stocked up on food, water and basic first aid supplies.

If you do lose power and therefore air conditioning in your home during a heat wave, it’s bound to get uncomfortable fast. Plan on places you can visit during the day, such as the library, museum or a movie theater, to find relief. A fan alone will not be enough to prevent heat-related illnesses during extreme heat waves.

What to Do During a Heat Wave

During a heat wave, make sure to stay hydrated and drink water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Sweating removes salt and minerals from your body, so it’s a good idea to have sport beverages on hand as well. You should wear lightweight and light-colored clothing (dark colors absorb the sun’s rays) and stay indoors during the warmest parts of the day.

As always - remember to never leave your children or pets alone in an enclosed vehicle. Young and old people alike are particularly sensitive to extreme heat. Babies and young children may not show any signs of heat stress, so it’s important to keep an extra close eye on them and watch for: increased irritability, loss of appetite, going to the bathroom often and generally looking unwell.

For those who work outdoors and cannot easily escape the heat, it’s a good idea to monitor the conditions of your fellow co-workers and keep a Heat Stress Responder Kit on hand so you can prevent and manage emergencies instantly. Cramps, headaches, nausea and dizziness may indicate you need to move to a cooler place. If vomiting occurs or you begin to lose consciousness, ask for assistance and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Have your own summer heat safety tips or activity ideas? We’d love to hear about them – leave us a comment below! And of course, stay cool this summer!

How to Avoid Insect Bites & Stings This Summer

While summer offers the best, and the most, opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, camping and more, this outdoor season also means dealing with more mosquitoes, spiders, bees, ticks and other stinging and biting bugs. Most bugs are simply annoying, and the majority of bites and stings simply itchy, however, for some people certain bugs can cause major health problems.

Fortunately, serious issues from bites and stings are rare, and there are some simple steps you can take to minimize your risk of ever getting bitten.

1. Make Yourself Less Attractive

No, insects don’t care if you have on an evening gown or pajamas. However, they are attracted to flowers and items they think are food. Perfume, sweet-smelling hair products and even brightly colored clothing can attract bugs to you. Next time you’re headed outdoors, choose earth tones and fragrance-free products to best help avoid attracting bugs and increasing your risk of being bitten.

Additionally, covering your body by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants will greatly lower your chances of being stung and bitten.

2. Apply Insect Repellent

Bug spray is an excellent option for repelling bugs and preventing bites and stings. When out for a full day and/or night, remember your repellent will only continue to be effective if you follow the directions and reapply when necessary. When using both sunscreen and bug spray, you should apply sunscreen first and then your repellent.

There are numerous bug repellent options, so whether you prefer an odorless insect repellent lotion, a traditional spray or even a bug repellent towelette, there is a bug repellent solution out there for you.

3. Avoid the Areas Bugs Love Most

Mosquitoes and flies breed and thrive in standing water, and ticks and chiggers are common in tall grass and weedy areas. Avoid staying in areas that bugs are in most in order to reduce your risk of being bitten. Additionally, you should keep your feet safe from bugs you can’t see by wearing shoes whenever you’re exploring outdoors.

4. Avoid Swatting or Panicking

Eventually, you will come into contact with some bugs. When you do run into a flying insect, it’s best not to swat, shoo or panic and flail your arms around. Instead, remain calm and move away slowly to avoid agitating the bug and getting bitten or stung.

5. Be Prepared for Bites

If you spend a lot of time outside, it’s inevitable that over time you’ll receive some bites. When you do get bitten or stung, the next best thing you can do is be prepared to treat the bites. Sting care wipes provide pain relief, a tick remover makes it easy to remove ticks from both humans and pets and for serious bites, an extractor pump can provide safe extraction of venoms and poisons. When traveling to a new outdoor destination, you should research what bugs you are most likely to encounter in order to best be prepared.

Have your own tips for preventing bites and stings? We’d love to hear ‘em! Tell us about your methods in the comment section below!

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.