Never has it been so easy to carry so much information in your pocket. The key here, though, is to have had the forethought to download the info before you need it. We live in a nearly ‘always-on’ connection to the Internet, but when that link is severed, what you have with you is all you have. Hmm, gee, that sounds a lot like being prepared.
Earthquake survivor says iPhone helped save his life
by Dave Caolo (RSS feed) on Jan 20th 2010 at 12:30PM
Here’s a remarkable story coming out of the horrendous tragedy in Haiti. Colorado Springs resident Dan Woolley was at a Port-au-Prince hotel when that tremendous earthquake struck, trapping him with a compound fracture in his leg and a laceration on his head. Fortunately for Dan, he had his iPhone and a medical app with him (plus a lot of luck), which he used to successfully diagnose and treat his injuries.
Using the light from his iPhone’s screen, Dan examined his wounds and identified the extent of the damage using the unnamed app. From there, he looked up the appropriate first aid techniques and applie
In a recent podcast, I make commentary on a how that was on the History Channel called, “After Armageddon.” Several of you have asked for a link to where they could see it online. Unfortunately, the History Channel hasn’t made this available yet. A few days ago, someone put it up on YouTube. It’s not a great copy of it, but it is watchable.
I recommend that you watch this with your spouse, family and or group and pause it often to discuss the various issues that it brings up.
This is the document that I used for a recent podcast about a forming basic preparedness strategy. It was taken from a correspondence that I had with a friend of mine, shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It’s only one example of how to go about creating a strategy for getting better prepared. Adjust and modify for your needs.
Start with the current analysis of what you feel is the most likely situations or events that threaten your well being and safety (see previous podcast on Threat Analysis ). This Threat Analysis covers those circumstances and events that we need to make sure that we can cope with; either through physical preparation, mental preparation, or both.
Brief note on the threat analysis. It was mentioned before, but I want to say it again, just in case I failed to properly explain it before. The Threat Analysis is just a thinking tool to get you started. There is little to be gained by making up a separate plan for each threat that you identify, as most situations have a common denominator that you need to provide for. Things like food, water, shelter, warmth, safety, defense, etc. are needed in most situations that last longer than a few hours. But there are some threats that have special conditions that you’ll need to address, and that’s where listing the threats comes into play. Go over the list and check to make sure that you can handle anything that isn’t covered by the basics. For example, radiation or a cloud of toxic chemicals. You can be exposed to both either by accident or design, but you should be prepared to handle them. The Threat Analysis list is exactly what you use to identify these sort of things.
You never know when you’ll have to evacuate. Keep your bug out gear handy at all times.
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2009-12-10 17:23:48 – Fire – USA
EDIS CODE: FR-20091210-24119-USA Date & Time: 2009-12-10 17:23:48 [UTC] Area: USA, State of Nebraska, Protient Plant, Nebraska
Damage level: Moderate (Level 2)
Not confirmed information!
Description:
A huge fire is burning at a closed manufacturing plant in northeast Nebraska, and officials are evacuating the area because they’re worried a propane tank could explode. There were no immediate reports of injuries from the Thursday morning blaze. Norfolk City administrator Al Roder says firefighters are working furiously to keep the 30,000 tank at the former Protient plant from exploding. It had been filled on Wednesday. Emergency workers are evacuating homes and businesses within a 1-mile radius. Protient manufactured and marketed dairy-based ingredients for dairy products. It closed in October 2008. Norfolk is 90 miles northwest of Omaha.
Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:
Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Prepare your home and family
Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Prepare your car
Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
Oil – check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
a shovel
windshield scraper and small broom
flashlight
battery powered radio
extra batteries
water
snack food
matches
extra hats, socks and mittens
First aid kit with pocket knife
Necessary medications
blanket(s)
tow chain or rope
road salt and sand
booster cables
emergency flares
fluorescent distress flag
Dress for the Weather
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
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