12 reason to carry cash!
1) Splitting bills - if you go to a restaurant for lunch and they will not do separate checks. You have cash you can pay your part.
2) Tipping - most servers prefer cash tips. This is they're income and it is easier for them to handle.
3) In case your can't use a card - Not everyone takes debit cards. There is a store near where I work nestled in between the high rises. The other day I ran in for a box of tissues. Good thing I had cash.
4) In case of emergency - You never know what is going to happen, best to have some cash with you.
5) Suspended card - The bank makes an error and your card cannot be used. But you've already had breakfast. Good thing to have cash.
6) Tolls - Friday, a couple of weeks ago there was an accident on I75 with all lanes closed, so I had to take 400 (a toll road) to get back to my temporary quarters. I had cash to pay for the toll.
7) Mug money - now this I would have laughed at before my temporary assignment in Atlanta. This was not something that I would normally worry about in San Antonio, but working in midtown this past few months have been quite the experience. The theory is to carry $20 and as few cards as possible in order to pacify a mugger. Since the mugger will usually take the money and leave you alone.
8) Cash discounts - Can't take advantage of these with a debit or credit card.
9) Showers & raffles - Anyone who works in an office knows that these come up. It's always best to have cash in order to donate.
10) Parking - If you don't pay by the month, you end up paying by the day and it's usually cash only.
11) Minimum or small purchases - Some business only allow debit or credit cards to be used with a minimum amount of $5 or $10. Do you really want to use your debit card for a $1.29 soda?
12) Yard or Garage sales - always require cash.
In addition, after any disaster may require cash simply due to the fact that the business will not have access to the phone lines required for the transmission of the data for the debit or credit cards.
Showing posts with label Disasters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disasters. Show all posts
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Nine Great Emergency Light Sources Other Than Flashlights
This is a post that I ran across on Daily Survival. This can be used in case of thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or any other natural disaster.
So the lights go out and you feel around to get the flashlight that you had stashed in its secure location on top of the refrigerator (stepping on somebody’s blocks and toy soldiers in the dark on the way) and to your horror you find that your handy flashlight isn’t there! Someone used it and didn’t put it back. So you stumble through your house to your bathroom and find the flashlight you keep there with dead batteries. Yep, this actually happened at my house once.
Fortunately, I believe in having a backup plan, and usually a backup to that backup plan, so what else can you use to get some light in your house while the power is out? Here are 9 great emergency light sources when you’re not using your trusty flashlight. And for the purpose of this post, I’m excluding everything that works like a flashlight (headlamp, keychain lights, crank/shake powered flashlights, etc.).
1. Any backlit electronic device you have handy. Your cell phone, laptop, tablet computer, mp3 player, even an indiglo wristwatch will give off enough light to get you to another light source. There are cell phones equipped with a flashlight, but just the glowing face gets you a good amount of light to go by.
2. Lighter. Your lighter isn’t going to put out enough light to eat dinner by, but it can get you enough light to find another source of light. This is the first of a few of our light sources that are an open flame. Of course use caution and don’t use the open flame lights if there’s a possibility your gas line is leaking, if you’re going to fall asleep, or around other flammable objects. You all know that, right? Okay, on with the list.
3. Candles. Keep a few somewhere you’ll be able to get to them fairly easily. Don’t bury your box of candles out in the shed under a bunch of other boxes. Keep some in the house ready to be lit for emergency light.
4. Fire. This works outside of course, but if you have a fireplace or wood/coal stove in your house, you can use it to get some light going. And a good fire will also give you heat which you may be needing with no power.
5. Light sticks. These are great for the kids for a morale boost. They put out a fair amount of light, but are a one time use product, so you’ll want a handful of them on hand if you’re planning on using them frequently or for much light.
6. Gas stove. The flame from a gas stove isn’t very “bright”–it burns mostly blue flame, and it’s not at all portable, but it is a source of light.
7. Oil lamps. You can use these with lamp oil, cooking oil, or kerosene. Oil lamps can be purchased at camping type stores or online, or if you’re crafty you can make your own.
8. Solar outdoor path lights.. The kind on a stick that light up your walk at night. These are awesome. They come in varying strengths, and they don’t require any fuel or batteries–just put them outside during the day and bring them in at night for some easy lighting. You probably already own some.
9. Camping lantern. These are the lanterns that use Coleman type fuel either in a pressurized tank or in the screw on bottles. They put out a lot of light. Make sure you have fuel and extra mantles if your lamp requires them. There are camping lanterns that are battery powered as well. These lanterns are great for lighting entire rooms.
There you go. No reason to go about living in the dark even if all your flashlight batteries are dead. Enjoy some light with one of these alternate emergency lighting sources.
Nine Great Emergency Light Sources Other Than Flashlights
Original Article
So the lights go out and you feel around to get the flashlight that you had stashed in its secure location on top of the refrigerator (stepping on somebody’s blocks and toy soldiers in the dark on the way) and to your horror you find that your handy flashlight isn’t there! Someone used it and didn’t put it back. So you stumble through your house to your bathroom and find the flashlight you keep there with dead batteries. Yep, this actually happened at my house once.
Fortunately, I believe in having a backup plan, and usually a backup to that backup plan, so what else can you use to get some light in your house while the power is out? Here are 9 great emergency light sources when you’re not using your trusty flashlight. And for the purpose of this post, I’m excluding everything that works like a flashlight (headlamp, keychain lights, crank/shake powered flashlights, etc.).
1. Any backlit electronic device you have handy. Your cell phone, laptop, tablet computer, mp3 player, even an indiglo wristwatch will give off enough light to get you to another light source. There are cell phones equipped with a flashlight, but just the glowing face gets you a good amount of light to go by.
2. Lighter. Your lighter isn’t going to put out enough light to eat dinner by, but it can get you enough light to find another source of light. This is the first of a few of our light sources that are an open flame. Of course use caution and don’t use the open flame lights if there’s a possibility your gas line is leaking, if you’re going to fall asleep, or around other flammable objects. You all know that, right? Okay, on with the list.
3. Candles. Keep a few somewhere you’ll be able to get to them fairly easily. Don’t bury your box of candles out in the shed under a bunch of other boxes. Keep some in the house ready to be lit for emergency light.
4. Fire. This works outside of course, but if you have a fireplace or wood/coal stove in your house, you can use it to get some light going. And a good fire will also give you heat which you may be needing with no power.
5. Light sticks. These are great for the kids for a morale boost. They put out a fair amount of light, but are a one time use product, so you’ll want a handful of them on hand if you’re planning on using them frequently or for much light.
6. Gas stove. The flame from a gas stove isn’t very “bright”–it burns mostly blue flame, and it’s not at all portable, but it is a source of light.
7. Oil lamps. You can use these with lamp oil, cooking oil, or kerosene. Oil lamps can be purchased at camping type stores or online, or if you’re crafty you can make your own.
8. Solar outdoor path lights.. The kind on a stick that light up your walk at night. These are awesome. They come in varying strengths, and they don’t require any fuel or batteries–just put them outside during the day and bring them in at night for some easy lighting. You probably already own some.
9. Camping lantern. These are the lanterns that use Coleman type fuel either in a pressurized tank or in the screw on bottles. They put out a lot of light. Make sure you have fuel and extra mantles if your lamp requires them. There are camping lanterns that are battery powered as well. These lanterns are great for lighting entire rooms.
There you go. No reason to go about living in the dark even if all your flashlight batteries are dead. Enjoy some light with one of these alternate emergency lighting sources.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Home Hazard Hunt
Have you looked around your house lately? There are hazards around. Now is the time to do something about them.
Some types of hazards to look for:
Here is a very good video from the Sioux Falls Fire Department:
Some types of hazards to look for:
- Physical Hazards (such as broken glass (including windows), furniture (broken) or metal.
- Chemical Hazards (such as cleaners, paint, fuels) - can they be discarded safely?
- Fire Hazards (wood, paper, wiring, car)
- Food (rusted or bulging cans, boxes with holes may indicate rodent damage, expired foods - all need to be discarded)
Here is a very good video from the Sioux Falls Fire Department:
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Let's Not Forget A Date Which Will Live In Infamy!
By American Thinker's Rick Moran
Exactly 70 years ago, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. We can look at that event now, through the prism of time and distance coldly, rationally, and understand that war was forced upon us. We can vaguely sense the outrage and shock that Americans at that time felt as an echo that has crossed over the decades to arrive diminished and largely cleansed of the raw power those emotions engendered in the America of 1941.
But if you want to get a real sense of the almost speechless rage and feelings of utter betrayal that Americans felt at the time, you can do no better than listen to Franklin Roosevelt's masterful Declaration of War, given before a joint session of Congress on December 8.
Roosevelt's indictment of the Japanese imperial empire is rightly considered one of the finest speeches of the 20th century. Like the Continental Congress laying out the reasons for going to war with Great Britain to achieve our freedom in the Declaration of Independence, Roosevelt carefully built his case for war with a series of accusations falling like hammer blows against the Japanese that leave one breathless today. The speech is short - barely 8 minutes - but it encapsulates all the horror, the anger, even the feelings of helplessness that the American people felt that day.
Listen now and be transported back in time as Roosevelt hurls down the gauntlet and challenges the mighty Japanese empire.
Text of speech follows:
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
But if you want to get a real sense of the almost speechless rage and feelings of utter betrayal that Americans felt at the time, you can do no better than listen to Franklin Roosevelt's masterful Declaration of War, given before a joint session of Congress on December 8.
Roosevelt's indictment of the Japanese imperial empire is rightly considered one of the finest speeches of the 20th century. Like the Continental Congress laying out the reasons for going to war with Great Britain to achieve our freedom in the Declaration of Independence, Roosevelt carefully built his case for war with a series of accusations falling like hammer blows against the Japanese that leave one breathless today. The speech is short - barely 8 minutes - but it encapsulates all the horror, the anger, even the feelings of helplessness that the American people felt that day.
Listen now and be transported back in time as Roosevelt hurls down the gauntlet and challenges the mighty Japanese empire.
Text of speech follows:
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Do Your Kids Know Their Basics?
It always amazes me how some 12-14 year olds would not be able to get home if they needed to. My youngest son is 12 and in some ways is eons beyond his peers. Here are some simple things every child should know:
Name and how to spell it
Your Name and how to spell it
Address
10 digit phone number
How to read road signs
How and Where to look for place markers
This may sound silly to some, but it's surprising the lack of common sense things kids know today.
It's amazing that some cannot even state that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Every child should know how to read a map and a compass. Not the electronic versions either!
Name and how to spell it
Your Name and how to spell it
Address
10 digit phone number
How to read road signs
How and Where to look for place markers
This may sound silly to some, but it's surprising the lack of common sense things kids know today.
It's amazing that some cannot even state that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Every child should know how to read a map and a compass. Not the electronic versions either!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Are You Prepared for a Winter Storm?
This past week it dropped down into the 30's here where I am currently working. It is said that extremes breed extremes in weather. With the past summer that we had, we're probably going to have an extremely cold winter.
Here are some items that you will want to make sure you have at home as well as in your car.
Here are some items that you will want to make sure you have at home as well as in your car.
- Food, such as energy bars, pop tarts, trail mix, jerky
- Water - I picked up a 12 pack just to put into my car.
- Blankets - I have 2 wool blankets that I keep in my car.
- Candles - just remember if you light them - you will need to have a window open at least an inch or so - so that fresh air can get into the vehicle.
Preparing for Public Rioting and Looting
These occupy people and their promise of violence have got me to thinking. Last week, they marched on Bank of America, 1 block away from where I work.
What happens when a riot or looting occur in an area where you live or work? There are options.
Avoid the area if you are not in the area - do not go in!
Leave the area - This may not be as simple as it sounds.
Starting now keep your eyes open:
What happens when a riot or looting occur in an area where you live or work? There are options.
Avoid the area if you are not in the area - do not go in!
Leave the area - This may not be as simple as it sounds.
Starting now keep your eyes open:
- Look for tunnels to escape through. I found a way out of my building by accident.
- Look for culverts and/or ditches that can keep you out of the main area where the rioting and/or looting is taking place.
- Look for sky bridges between buildings that you can use to avoid the ground where the rioters and/or looters are.
- Find alternate routes from and to work/home.
- Do you have food and water in your vehicle?
- Do you have protections in your vehicle? Guns and/or pepper spray? Do you have the correct permits to carry a gun?
- Do you park close to your building? Can you make it to your car safely?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Hurricane Season: Insurance
With Hurricane Irene threatening the East Coast, it is important to review your insurance. There are several types you will want to look at!
Windstorm Insurance. Here in Texas, we have the windstorm association. This covers the 14 1/2 counties that border the Gulf of Mexico. Each state should have it's own fund. If you cannot find it, check with your State Insurance Department.
Flood Insurance. Since Homeowner's, Condominium, and Renter's policies DO NOT cover flood, river overflow, coastal surges. It is important to have coverage at or near the coast or in low lying inland areas. The National Flood Insurance Program is offered through FEMA. The one thing to remember is that the coverage does not take effect until 30 days after the application is turned in.
Homeowner's Insurance. It is a good time to review your insurance coverage on your home. Keep in mind, even if your home is not flooded or hit by hurricane force winds, fire is another major danger, also theft from looting is also a possible loss that you could suffer. Is it up to date? Do you have enough coverage for your personal property (contents)? Have you made any additions on the outside such as a shed or deck? Check your policy and make sure the limits are what you need, if you think they are not or just not sure, contact your agent.
Condominium Insurance. This covers the inner walls and personal property withing your condo that you occupy. Again, see above - is your limits what you need?
Renters Insurance. Just as it says - this coverage will protect your personal property as a renter. It will cover only your personal property - I have included calculators here and here. Keep in mind, most policies will not cover flood or mold. It is very affordable and after the massive apartment fire that happened here this past week, I recommend it for everyone.
Life Insurance. Is your life insurance up to date? There are always risk and not just from natural disasters. Let's face it, everyone will die at some point, I prefer that to happen much later in life, but reality is - we never know! If for some reason, you are not insurable, you may want to consider a pre-paid funeral plan or a death policy - which is a policy with a maximum pay out of around $10,000. This should cover your final expenses. Any sane person will not want to place that burden on your survivors. Believe me, it was not a pleasant experience, having just had my son, turning 30, my mother dying, and then having to handle her affairs because my sisters lived out of state - all within a two month period.
Medical Insurance. If you have medical insurance make sure that you have your insurance cards and a copy of your policy or benefits page with you in case you need it.
One thing that I always recommend is a fire proof file/safe box. This is where you can put birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies, credit cards, passports, and other important documents. They are affordable. Get one.
Windstorm Insurance. Here in Texas, we have the windstorm association. This covers the 14 1/2 counties that border the Gulf of Mexico. Each state should have it's own fund. If you cannot find it, check with your State Insurance Department.
Flood Insurance. Since Homeowner's, Condominium, and Renter's policies DO NOT cover flood, river overflow, coastal surges. It is important to have coverage at or near the coast or in low lying inland areas. The National Flood Insurance Program is offered through FEMA. The one thing to remember is that the coverage does not take effect until 30 days after the application is turned in.
Homeowner's Insurance. It is a good time to review your insurance coverage on your home. Keep in mind, even if your home is not flooded or hit by hurricane force winds, fire is another major danger, also theft from looting is also a possible loss that you could suffer. Is it up to date? Do you have enough coverage for your personal property (contents)? Have you made any additions on the outside such as a shed or deck? Check your policy and make sure the limits are what you need, if you think they are not or just not sure, contact your agent.
Condominium Insurance. This covers the inner walls and personal property withing your condo that you occupy. Again, see above - is your limits what you need?
Renters Insurance. Just as it says - this coverage will protect your personal property as a renter. It will cover only your personal property - I have included calculators here and here. Keep in mind, most policies will not cover flood or mold. It is very affordable and after the massive apartment fire that happened here this past week, I recommend it for everyone.
Life Insurance. Is your life insurance up to date? There are always risk and not just from natural disasters. Let's face it, everyone will die at some point, I prefer that to happen much later in life, but reality is - we never know! If for some reason, you are not insurable, you may want to consider a pre-paid funeral plan or a death policy - which is a policy with a maximum pay out of around $10,000. This should cover your final expenses. Any sane person will not want to place that burden on your survivors. Believe me, it was not a pleasant experience, having just had my son, turning 30, my mother dying, and then having to handle her affairs because my sisters lived out of state - all within a two month period.
Medical Insurance. If you have medical insurance make sure that you have your insurance cards and a copy of your policy or benefits page with you in case you need it.
One thing that I always recommend is a fire proof file/safe box. This is where you can put birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies, credit cards, passports, and other important documents. They are affordable. Get one.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Hurricane Season: Inventory
So the storm is coming and it's strong - do you know what you have?
It's something all of us should have at all times anyway.
It's time to make an inventory of your household goods. By this I mean:
Do not store this information on your computer since it may be damaged or stolen.
Do not put this information on a public site, after all you do not want to make yourself a target for theft.
Do keep these somewhere safe that you can access if needed and update often.
It's something all of us should have at all times anyway.
It's time to make an inventory of your household goods. By this I mean:
- Take snapshots of each room in your home.
- Write down the serial number and model number of electronics and appliances.
- Count the number of articles of clothing that you have. This will give you an idea of the monetary amount of your clothing.
- Don't forget you bed (I bought one last year, $900).
- Don't forget the number of kitchen towels, bath towels, sheets, other bedding.
- Don't forget food (some homeowner's and renter's policies will cover this)
- Don't forget all the stuff you have in the garage.
Do not store this information on your computer since it may be damaged or stolen.
Do not put this information on a public site, after all you do not want to make yourself a target for theft.
Do keep these somewhere safe that you can access if needed and update often.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Hurricane Season: Transportation
The question is - If you decide to evacuate, how do you get out of town?
If you do not have a car, start looking into what programs your city or town will offer for evacuation, this way you know where to go.
Also, start looking local bus routes, ticket rates, and schedules. Be sure you know where the bus station is. This way you will know when and where you have to be.
For you car, you will want to make sure you car is in good running order.
First, when you find out the hurricane is headed your way, fill up your car. Even if the hurricane does not strike where you are, you can use this gas in the future.
Next, make sure that your car is in good working order.
Has the oil been changed recently? If not, you may want to go ahead and do that now. The average is 3,000 miles, maximum is 5,000 miles for most cars. If you are evacuating - make sure you have 2 extra quarts of oil.
Does your car have adequate coolant? It is best to have at least 1 extra gallon.
When is the last time your headlights or bulbs were changed? It is best to have at least one extra headlight bulb and extra turning light bulbs.
Wiper blades and window washer are important. If you are caught in the rain while evacuating, you will want to make sure you are able to see while driving.
Fuses, jumper cables, fix-it sealer, clear plastic and duct tape(in case a window becomes broken) are also things to consider. Make sure you have a good jack and tire wrench.
Just remember, in evacuation there will be a lot of people on the roads, be courteous and be careful!
If you do not have a car, start looking into what programs your city or town will offer for evacuation, this way you know where to go.
Also, start looking local bus routes, ticket rates, and schedules. Be sure you know where the bus station is. This way you will know when and where you have to be.
For you car, you will want to make sure you car is in good running order.
First, when you find out the hurricane is headed your way, fill up your car. Even if the hurricane does not strike where you are, you can use this gas in the future.
Next, make sure that your car is in good working order.
Has the oil been changed recently? If not, you may want to go ahead and do that now. The average is 3,000 miles, maximum is 5,000 miles for most cars. If you are evacuating - make sure you have 2 extra quarts of oil.
Does your car have adequate coolant? It is best to have at least 1 extra gallon.
When is the last time your headlights or bulbs were changed? It is best to have at least one extra headlight bulb and extra turning light bulbs.
Wiper blades and window washer are important. If you are caught in the rain while evacuating, you will want to make sure you are able to see while driving.
Fuses, jumper cables, fix-it sealer, clear plastic and duct tape(in case a window becomes broken) are also things to consider. Make sure you have a good jack and tire wrench.
Just remember, in evacuation there will be a lot of people on the roads, be courteous and be careful!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Hurricane Season: Disaster Kit
So what exactly goes into a disaster kit? Planning for more than just a hurricane. I've copied some tips from the Ready South Texas website:
Food and Water:
Water
Medical Supplies:
Things you should have:
Special Needs:
For baby:
A Portable Kit:
Emergency supplies
Water, food, and clean air are the essential items for survival. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.
Recommended supplies to include in a portable kit:
So after all this- what was the one thing not on the list??
TOILET PAPER!
I would buy at least a 4 pack if I were evacuating. Think about this, if you are leaving an area along with a few hundred thousand other people, and have to stop at rest stops, what is the first thing that's going to be gone?
These kits are good for preparation for other disasters too. Not only hurricanes, but also earthquakes, blizzards (although you may want to add a heavy coat or sleeping bag), fires, or flooding.
Food and Water:
Water
 | One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation. |
| | Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water. |
| | If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary. |
| | Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. |
| | Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. |
Food
| | Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | Choose foods your family will eat:
|
Medical Supplies:
Things you should have:
| | Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex). |
| | Sterile dressings to stop bleeding. |
| | Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect. |
| | Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. |
| | Burn ointment to prevent infection. |
| | Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes. |
| | Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant. |
| | Thermometer (Read more: Biological Threat) |
| | Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates. |
| | Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies. |
| | Cell Phone |
| | Scissors |
| | Tweezers |
| | Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant |
| | Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever |
| | Anti-diarrhea medication |
| | Antacid (for upset stomach) |
| | Laxative |
Special Needs:
For baby:
| | Formula |
| | Diapers |
| | Bottles |
| | Powdered milk |
| | Medications |
| | Moist towelettes |
| | Diaper rash ointment |
| | Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin and other prescription drugs. |
| | Denture needs |
| | Contact lenses and supplies |
| | Extra eye glasses |
| | Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help. |
| | Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers. |
| | Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies. |
| | Teach others how to operate necessary equipment. |
| | Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes or walkers. |
Additional supplies for seniors:
| | Create a support network to help in an emergency. |
| | Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies. |
| | Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment. |
| | Contact your city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency. |
| | Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability. |
| | If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility. |
| | Show others how to operate your wheelchair. |
| | Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported. |
Additional Supplies for People with Disabilities:
| | Pads and pencils for communication and/or to keep track of instructions you may receive |
| | Power converter for communicating with a lap top computer |
| | Animal supplies |
A Portable Kit:
Emergency supplies
Water, food, and clean air are the essential items for survival. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.
Recommended supplies to include in a portable kit:
| | Water, amounts for portable kits will vary. Individuals should determine what amount they are able to both store comfortably outside the home and be able to transport to other locations |
| | Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food |
| | Battery-powered radio and extra batteries |
| | Flashlight and extra batteries |
| | First Aid kit |
| | Whistle to signal for help |
| | Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air |
| | Moist towelettes for sanitation |
| | Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities |
| | Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) |
| | Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place |
| | Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant |
| | Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation |
So after all this- what was the one thing not on the list??
TOILET PAPER!
I would buy at least a 4 pack if I were evacuating. Think about this, if you are leaving an area along with a few hundred thousand other people, and have to stop at rest stops, what is the first thing that's going to be gone?
These kits are good for preparation for other disasters too. Not only hurricanes, but also earthquakes, blizzards (although you may want to add a heavy coat or sleeping bag), fires, or flooding.
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