Basic Survival Kit - Make Your Own

By Ilse Hagen

Survival kits are an essential part of your outdoor gear, whether you’re going sailing, hiking, or camping. You have to be prepared for emergencies such as storms, injuries, getting stranded, or losing your way. You can buy pre-packed survival kits from the shop, or you can put one together yourself. If you choose the latter, you have to keep in mind how much provision you will need, the type of environment you will be in, and how you can call for help when necessary. Here are some of the things to consider when you make your own survival kit.

Warmth and shelter

Your survival kit should have tools for providing comfort in bad weather. This includes space blankets, cutting tools (for firewood or putting up a shelter), and an emergency poncho to protect against rain. You also need firestarting tools such as lighters or matches, heat tablets, and a magnifying glass. Dark shoe polish can also serve as fuel and keep wild animals away with its smell.

First aid

This should have the usual first aid tools like bandages, gauze, razors, and disinfectants, as well as lip balm and insect repellents. Also include any medicines you might need such as aspirin and painkillers.

Food and water

Keep a large supply of drinking water and canned or ready-to-eat meals. Provisions may out quickly in emergency situations, so always have fishing gear and a large supply of iodine tablets for water purification. Gum, tea or candy can help boost your confidence.

Navigation and signaling

A GPS or compass will help you find your way around unfamiliar territory. If you lose your way or get stranded, you’ll need signaling and marking tools to mark your location and guide rescuers towards you. These include orange surveyor’s tape, flares or flare guns, and Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) for sending out distress signals to satellites.

Multipurpose tools

A Swiss army knife is useful for general tasks such as cutting food, opening cans and bottles, and splitting rope. For snaring animals or putting up a tent, you’ll need parachute cords or other sturdy ropes. Other things you may need are heavy threads and needles for repairing tent or clothing, and aluminum foil for cooking and signaling.

For more information/guide to survival kits, visit PickyGuide.Com, a collection of consumer information available for free.

How To Prepare Your Family For Any Home Emergency Or Natural Disaster

By: Steven Cyros

If the power went out at home and someone fell and scraped a knee in the dark, would you know where to quickly find first aid supplies in your home? Would you know how to treat the wound?

It is important that you and your family have certain basic emergency and first aid supplies available at your home so that you can respond to home emergencies and to natural disasters. Your emergency supplies should be organized and kept all in one place where you can access them easily and quickly. Each family member should know where these supplies are and have a basic knowledge of how to use them.

Recommended Emergency Supplies

Here is a general list of the supplies you should have for home emergencies and natural disasters:

1. Supply of prescription and other necessary medications.
2. Flashlight with extra batteries.
3. Portable, battery-powered radio for receiving emergency communications.
4. Waterproof matches, and either long-burning candles or a kerosene-type lamp with extra fuel, all properly stored.
5. Fire extinguisher, ABC or dry-chemical type for all classes of fires. Check the expiration date and be sure you practice and know how to use it.
6. Electrical fuses, if needed for your home.
7. Rope ladder to hold your weight if you need to exit upper floors of your home to ground level, and some additional length of rope for multipurpose use.
8. First aid instruction book.
9. Blankets and sheets. These can be used for warmth, for splints, and for transport of injured persons.
10. First aid supplies:

• Medical-grade vinyl gloves
• Poison ivy relief cream
• Burn relief cream
• Sunscreen, SPF of 30 or greater
• Antibiotic ointment, Polysporin® or similar
• Sting relief lotion or ointment, calamine or similar
• Box of sterile gauze pads, either 3" x 3" or 4" x 4"
• Abdominal (ABD) or combine sterile pad, 5" x 9"
• Rolled gauze of 2 sizes, 2" x 4 yards and 4" x 4 yards
• Bandages of assorted types: finger, knuckle, plastic, Telfa®, and general adhesive
• Sterile oval eye pad
• Small sharp scissors
• Tweezers with pointed tip
• Thermometers, oral and rectal (for babies)
• Elastic bandage, 3" x 6"
• Instant ice pack
• Roll of adhesive tape, 1" wide, may use plastic type if preferred
• Triangular bandages, 2
• Package of safety pins, assorted sizes
• Absorbent cotton balls, 1 box
• Diarrhea remedy, Pepto-Bismol® or Kaopectate® or similar
• Popsicle® (craft) sticks or finger splints
• Antibacterial soap, liquid or bar
• Medicine dropper
• Water purification tablets
• Small bottle of bleach
• Sharp knife or multipurpose knife/tool
• Bottles of aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen (children’s or liquid if needed)
• Splint materials: thin boards 2-3' long
• Cough syrup and throat lozenges
• Large plastic trash bag and several smaller, zip-closure bags

You may need to add other items that are particular to your climate and to the types of natural disasters that you have in your area. If mosquitoes are a problem or could become one (after a hurricane, for example), you may wish to add mosquito repellent to your supplies. If you have children, be sure to include some favorite toys, games, songs, or books so that your family will be able to have some degree of normalcy if a time of emergency comes.

Other activities and situations may call for additional types of supplies. For example, for a car trip you may need to add roadside reflectors or flares. For camping, you may need to add a small saw, signal mirror, compass, multipurpose knife/tool, whistle, and other pertinent items. For hiking kits include moleskin to prevent and treat blisters. For both camping and boating kits be sure to include aloe vera gel for treatment of sunburn. Hiking kits can be more compact and include only very essential items that can be easily carried in your daypack.

These emergency items need to be stored in a waterproof, durable container and protected from the access of small children. Be sure to check the dates on medications at least annually to make sure medications are current. If you dispose of any medications, do so safely so that children will not find and eat them.

Assembling the supplies listed above may take you some time and money if you have not yet begun. The important thing is to begin now to plan for an emergency. Start by gathering a few of the most important emergency items, then add to your supplies as quickly as your time and money allow. Some packaged first aid kits can be used as a baseline and then additional supplies added as you can afford to do so. A few of the local Red Cross chapters even have facilities for assembling your own first aid kits.

A Family Emergency Plan

Besides emergency supplies, your family should have a plan for how to respond to an emergency. Take time regularly to discuss and practice for emergency situations with your family. Have fire, tornado, or earthquake drills so that children will all know how to safely exit your home and where to gather.

In planning for emergencies, consider what would happen if a parent or another family member were not at home during an emergency. Would the family members at home be able to respond to the emergency? Responsibilities for emergency response should be divided and often duplicated among family members so that regardless of who is at home, the family will still be able to respond properly. You should have a plan for how family members will contact one another if the family is scattered during the emergency. This may include having a prearranged meeting place, a code word, or a relative’s phone number.

Knowledge of first aid procedures will be invaluable for your family during any type of emergency situation. Younger children can learn most of these procedures, even CPR. First aid classes are offered at many locations within most communities. The Red Cross chapter in your community generally will offer a good basic first aid course, several types of first aid handbooks including a wilderness- and boating-specific types, and even first aid kits for purchase or occasionally that you can assemble yourself. The Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) classes are very good for emergency preparation. Neighbors can participate in emergency training together to share their skills.

In preparing your children for emergencies, consider the effect that exposure to repetitive media and news reports of real disasters may have on your children. You may wish to limit such exposure to reduce stress and anxiety. The Federal Emergency Management Agency website (www.fema.gov/kids) has some wonderful material to assist children in learning more about disaster preparedness. They have a program on the website called becoming a “Disaster Action Kid”.

Finally, help your family to know that if they are prepared, they need not fear emergency situations.


About the Author:

Steven Cyros pens for http://www.MREdepot.com , a disaster preparedness site specializing in canned butter, cheese, freeze dried foods and MRE’s for long term storage. For more info and products to help your family prepare at Disaster Prep at www.MREdepot.com

List Of Useful Surviving Equipment Before The Next Emergency

By: Joe Goertz

Nowadays, we are all in survival mode. We just want to make it one more hour, one more day, one more week. Just one more. We use our survival skills in everything we do. From corporate meetings to feeding our families. Some of us have even become obsessed with the issue of survival. We have begun to horde all types of food and water and supplies for the next (fill in the blank).

With all the information available to weather forecasters today, the weather is still an unknown force unto itself. It has been known to change direction and style in the blink of an eye. So, it’s good to be ready for anything. Just maybe not so overboard that it interferes with your daily life. You shouldn’t have to walk around boxes of water or canned food to get to the bathroom.

Sometimes, we need a little reminder to help us along the way. This list will help you get what you need before the next emergency:

Store enough food for at least 3 days. If you have the space, store enough for a week. Make sure you store food that requires no cooking, as you may not have the resources available for such. Make sure you store enough for everyone in your family plus a little extra for a neighbor that may be in need. Be sure to store the manual can opener with the canned food. If you pack snacks, be sure to pack them in air and watertight containers. This will keep them safe from rodents and water damage.

Store enough water for at least 3 days – a week if you have the room. Make sure you have at least one gallon of water per person per day set aside for drinking only. Store other water supplies for any cooking that can be done, for sterilization, and for bathing and brushing your teeth.

Purchase a well-stocked first aid kit. Along with this, make sure you have replacement eyeglasses and contact lenses in your kit. Pack an extra prescription in your kit to cover you for at least a week. Make sure you have the basics: OTC medicine for headaches, fever, nausea, stomachache, diarrhea, earache, etc. Whatever medicines you normally take, be sure they are packed in your kit.

Be sure to pack toiletries and hygiene necessities such as tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, a few blankets, paper and pens, books, batteries, batter-operated radio, two or more flashlights with batteries. Also, be sure to put a gallon of bleach in your emergency kit. Bleach will help disinfect whatever you are using to drink from or whatever. Keep a small took kit in the pack as well.

Your Home Fire Safety Checklist

This Home Fire Safety Checklist was developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent regulatory agency of the U.S. Government.

The Commission has four statutory missions:

-- to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products;

-- to assist consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of consumer products;

-- to develop uniform safety standards for consumer products and minimize conflicting state and local regulations; and

-- to promote research and investigation into the causes and prevention of product-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.

It has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 consumer products used in the home, school and in public places. Among the products not subject to the Commission’s authority are food, drugs, automobiles, tobacco, and fire arms. The Commission administers five safety laws: The Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, and the Refrigerator Act.

CPSC began operation on May 14, 1973. It is headed by three Commissioners appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

On October 29, 1973, the Commission instituted a toll-free Hotline to make it easier for consumers to report product-related injuries or potentially hazardous products, and to get information on recalled products seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You may call the Commission’s Hotline from anywhere in the continental U.S. by dialing 1-800-638-2772. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is also available (including Alaska and Hawaii) on a special Hotline number 1-800-638-8270, in Maryland only dial 1-800-492-8104. To order publications, write to the Office of Information and Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20207.

Introduction

The United States has one of the highest fire death and injury rates in the world. Fire--in the form of flames and smoke--is the second leading cause of accidental death in the home.

More than 4,000 people die each year in home fires. Every year, there are more than 500,000 residential fires serious enough to be reported to fire departments. More than 90 percent of residential fire deaths and injuries result from fires in one and two family houses and apartments. Property losses exceed 4 billion dollars annually, and the long term emotional damage to victims and their loved ones is incalculable.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has targeted the principal consumer products associated with fires, namely home heating devices, upholstered furniture, bedding, cigarette lighters, matches, and wearing apparel. The Commission is participating in a special Congressionally authorized study of cigarette-ignited fires, which cause more deaths than any other kind of fire. The Commission continues to push for extensive use of smoke detectors. With the help of concerned consumers, the number of residential fires has declined about 30 percent since 1980.

The CPSC is fulfilling its role to make products inherently more fire safe. We recognize that much more can be done to cut down on the needlessly high and tragic fire toll by an alert and informed public. Many of the injuries associated with flammable products result from hazards that are overlooked. Fire experts agree that one key to fewer fires is a greater awareness of how accidents can be prevented. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple precautions, many fires and fire-related injuries can be prevented.

Use this checklist as a safety guide to spot possible fire safety problems which may be present in your home. It is a first step in reducing the risk of fire. Check YES or NO to answer each question. If you check NO to any question, the potential hazard should be corrected to avoid the risk of injury or death.

How safe is your home from fire?

PRODUCT SAFETY, IT’S NO ACCIDENT!

Sources of Fire

Supplemental Home Heating

The use of supplemental room heaters, such as wood and coal burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters and electrical heaters, has decreased, along with the number of residential fires.

Even though there has been a decrease in fires associated with supplemental heaters, it is important to remember that about 120,000 residential fires still occur annually with the use of these heaters, or about 22 percent of all residential fires. These fires kill more than 600 people. Annually there are thousands of contact burn injuries and hundreds of carbon monoxide poisonings.

Wood Stoves

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following safety statements.

Yes No

1. The wood stove or fireplace has been installed according to existing building codes and manufacturer’s instructions. _____ _____

2. The chimney and stovepipe are checked frequently during the heating season for creosote buildup and are cleaned when necessary. _____ _____

3. The stove sits on a non-combustible or on a code-specified or listed floor protector. _____ _____

4. Combustibles such as curtains, chairs, firewood, etc., are at least three feet away from the stove. _____ _____

5. Only proper fuel is used in the stove. _____ _____

6. A metal container with a tight-fitting lid is used for ash removal. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Do not use wood burning stoves and fireplaces unless they are properly installed and meet building codes.

* Follow the label instructions on the stove which recommends an inspection twice monthly. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of wood burning stoves. Creosote builds up in chimney flues and can cause a chimney fire. To cut down on creosote buildup, avoid smoldering fires.

* Use a code-specified or listed floor protector. It should extend 18 inches beyond the stove on all sides. This will reduce the possibility of the floor being ignited.

* Follow the instructions on the stove label for proper location of the stove from combustible walls.

* Never burn trash in a stove because this could over heat the stove. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be used to start wood stove fires. Gasoline will ignite and explode. Use coal only if designated as appropriate by the manufacturer.

Kerosene Heaters

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following safety statements.

Yes No

1. Only 1-K kerosene is used and it is bought from a dealer who can certify that the product is 1-K kerosene. _____ _____

2. The heater is placed out of the path of traffic areas such as doorways and hallways. _____ _____

3. Kerosene is stored outdoors, and out of the reach of children in a tightly sealed, preferably blue plastic or metal container, labeled 'kerosene.' _____ _____

4. No attempt is to be made to move the heater if flare-up (flames outside the heater cabinet) occurs. The fire department is called immediately. _____ _____

5. The heater is used in well ventilated rooms. _____ _____

6. The heater is turned off while sleeping and is never left operating unattended. _____ _____

7. The heater is placed at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire such as clothing, furniture, curtains, etc. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Check with your local fire marshal regarding local and state codes and regulations for using a kerosene heater.

* NEVER USE GASOLINE. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.

* Use properly labeled containers. It reduces the likelihood of mistaking gasoline for kerosene.

* Place heater so it will not be knocked over or trap you in case of fire.

* Use 1-K kerosene because grades other than 1-K contain much more sulfur and will increase sulfur dioxide emissions, posing a possible health problem. If you buy kerosene from a gasoline station make sure you and/or the attendant are using the kerosene pump, not the gasoline pump.

* Never fill the heater while it is operating. Always refuel the heater outdoors to prevent spillage on floors and rugs which could later result in fire ignition.

* Keep the room in which the heater operates ventilated (e.g. door open or the window ajar). This will prevent an indoor air pollution problem and minimize health problems. Kerosene heaters are not usually vented.

* Keep flammable liquids and fabrics away from an open flame.

* Never try to move the heater or try to smother the flames with a rug or a blanket if a flare-up occurs. Activate the manual shut-off switch and call the fire department. Moving the heater may increase the height of the flames and cause leakage resulting in personal injury.

Gas-Fired Space Heaters

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following safety statements.

Yes No

1. Only vented heaters are installed or used in sleeping quarters. _____ _____

2. Vented heaters are properly vented to the outside. _____ _____

3. The unvented gas-fired room heater has a warning label and instructions that are followed. _____ _____

4. The unvented gas-fired room heater has a label stating it has a 'pilot safety system' which turns off the gas if not enough fresh air is available. _____ _____

5. The vented heater has a label stating that is equipped with a vent safety shutoff system. _____ _____

6. If the heater uses liquified petroleum (LP) gas, the container is located outside the house. _____ _____

7. The manufacturer’s instructions for lighting the pilot are followed. _____ _____

8. Matches are lighted before turning on the gas if pilot lighting is required. _____ _____

9. Flammable materials and liquids are kept away from gas heating appliances. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding where and how to use gas space heaters. Unvented heaters should not be used in small enclosed areas, especially bedrooms because of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Do not use a propane heater (LP) which has a gas cylinder stored in the body of the heater. Its use is prohibited in most states and localities in the United States.

* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lighting the pilot. Gas vapors may accumulate and ignite explosively, burning your hand or face.

* Light matches, if needed for lighting the pilot, before turning on the gas to prevent gas buildup.

* Do not operate a vented style heater unvented. It could allow combustion products, including carbon monoxide, to reach dangerous levels which will result in illness and death.

Portable Electric Heaters

The Commission estimates that half the deaths and one-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater fires occurred at night when family members were asleep and the heater unattended. The Commission is also concerned about the use of power or extension cords which can be too small to supply the amount of current required by the typical portable electric heater.

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following safety statements.

Yes No

1. The heater is operated at least three feet away from upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding and other combustible materials. _____ _____

2. The extension cord (if used) is marked #14 or #12 American Wire Gauge (AWG). _____ _____

3. The heater is used on the floor. _____ _____

4. The heater is turned off when family members leave the house or are sleeping. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Operate heater away from combustible materials. Do not place heaters where towels or the like could fall on the appliance and trigger a fire.

* Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord with your electric heater, make sure it is marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself. Keep the cord stretched out. Do not permit the cord to become buried under carpeting or rugs. Do not place anything on top of the cord.

* Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture or the like. Never use heaters to dry wearing apparel or shoes.

Cooking Equipment

Cooking equipment is estimated to be associated with more than 100,000 fires annually, and almost 400 deaths, and 5,000 injuries. Gas cooking equipment accounts for about 30,000 fires, and electric cooking equipment for about 55,000 fires.

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following safety statements.

Yes No

1. The storage area above the stove is free of flammable and combustible items. _____ _____

2. Short or tight fitting sleeves, and tight fitting shirts, robes, gowns, etc., are worn while cooking. _____ _____

3. Items that could attract children (e.g. cookies and candy) are not kept above the range and are kept out of the immediate area. _____ _____

4. The stove is not left unattended when cooking especially when the burner is turned to a high setting. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Never place or store pot holders, plastic utensils, towels and other non-cooking equipment on or near the range because these items can be ignited.

* Roll up or fasten long loose sleeves with pins or elastic bands while cooking. Do not reach across a range while cooking. Long loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire than are short sleeves. Long loose sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and cause scalds.

* Do not place candy or cookies over top of ranges. This will reduce the attraction kids may have for climbing on cooking equipment, thus reducing the possibility of their clothing catching fire.

* Keep constant vigilance on any cooking that is required above the 'keep warm' setting.

Cigarette Lighters and Matches

Each year more than 200 deaths are associated with fires started by cigarette lighters. About two thirds of these result from children playing with lighters. Most of the victims are under five years old.

You should be able to answer 'yes' to the safety statements below.

Yes No

1. Cigarette lighters and matches are kept out of the reach of children. _____ _____

2. Cigarette lighters are never used to entertain a child. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Keep lighters and matches out of sight and out of the reach of children. Children as young as two years old are capable of lighting cigarette lighters and matches.

* Never encourage or allow a child to play with a lighter or to think of it as a toy. Do not use it as a source of amusement for a child. Once their curiosity is aroused, children may seek out a lighter and try to light it.

* Always check to see that cigarettes are extinguished before emptying ashtrays. Stubs that are still burning can ignite trash.

Materials That Burn

Your home is filled with materials and products that will burn if ignited. Upholstered furniture, clothing, drapery fabrics, and liquids such as gasoline and volatile solvents are involved in many injury-causing fires each year. Most of these fires could be prevented.

Upholstered Furniture

In 1989, there were 18,600 residential fires associated with upholstered furniture; about 900 people lost their lives. About one half of these fires were caused by smoking materials. Property losses amounted to over $100 million from fires started by cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture.

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the safety statements below.

Yes No

1. Upholstered furniture fabrics made from vinyl, wool or thermoplastic fibers are generally selected for safety reasons. _____ _____

2. I check thoroughly after parties for ashes or unextinguished cigarettes that may have fallen behind and between cushions and under furniture. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Look for furniture designed to reduce the likelihood of furniture fire from cigarettes. Much of the furniture manufactured today has significantly greater resistance to ignition by cigarettes than upholstered furniture manufactured 10 to 15 years ago. This is particularly true of furniture manufactured to comply with the requirements of the Upholstered Furniture Action Council’s (UFAC) Voluntary Action Program. Such upholstered furniture may be identified by the gold colored tag on the furniture item. The legend on the front of the tag in red letters states--'Important Consumer Safety Information from UFAC.'

* Always check the furniture where smokers have been sitting for improperly discarded smoking materials. Ashes and lighted cigarettes can fall unnoticed behind or between cushions or under furniture.

* Do not place or leave ashtrays on the arms of chairs where they can be knocked off.

* Look for fabrics made predominantly from thermoplastic fibers (nylon, polyester, acrylic, olefin) because they resist ignition by burning cigarettes better than cellulosic fabrics (rayon or cotton). In general, the higher the thermoplastic content, the greater the resistance to cigarette ignition.

Mattresses and Bedding

Smoldering fires in mattresses and bedding materials caused by cigarettes are a major cause of deaths in residential fires. In 1989 over 35,000 mattress/bedding fires caused about 700 deaths.

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following safety statements.

Yes No

1. 'No smoking in bed' is a rule that is practiced in my home. _____ _____

2. Heaters, ash trays, smoking materials and other fire sources are located away from bedding. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* DO NOT smoke in bed. Smoking in bed is a major cause of accidental fire deaths in homes.

* Locate heaters or other fire sources three feet from the bed to prevent the bed catching on fire.

* Consider replacing your old mattress with a new one if you are a smoker. Mattresses manufactured since 1973 are required to resist cigarette ignition.

Wearing Apparel

Most fibers used in clothing can burn, some more quickly than others. A significant number of clothing fires occur in the over 65 age group principally from nightwear (robes, pajamas, nightgowns). In 1989 about 200 clothing fire deaths were reported; about three fourths occurred in the 65 and older age group. The severity of apparel burns is high. Hospital stays average over one month.

Small open flames, including matches, cigarette lighters, and candles are the major sources of clothing ignition. These are followed by ranges, open fires and space heaters. The most commonly worn garments that are associated with clothing ignition injuries are pajamas, nightgowns, robes, shirts/blouses, pants/slacks and dresses.

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following statements.

Yes No

1. When purchasing wearing apparel I consider fiber content and fabric construction for safety purposes. _____ _____

2. I purchase garments for my children that are intended for sleepwear since they are made to be flame resistant. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Consider purchasing fabrics such as 100% polyester, nylon, wool and silk that are difficult to ignite and tend to self extinguish.

* Consider the flammability of certain fabrics containing cotton, cotton/polyester blends, rayon, and acrylic. These are relatively easy to ignite and burn rapidly.

* Look at fabric construction. It also affect ignitability. Tight weaves or knits and fabrics without a fuzzy or napped surface are less likely to ignite and burn rapidly than open knits or weaves, or fabrics with brushed or piled surfaces.

* Consider purchasing garments that can be removed without having to pull them over the head. Clothes that are easily removed can help prevent serious burns. If a garment can be quickly stripped off when it catches fire, injury will be far less severe or avoided altogether.

* Follow manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions on products labeled 'flame resistant' to ensure that their flame resistant properties are maintained.

Flammable Liquids

One of the major causes of household fires is flammable liquids. These include gasoline, acetone, benzene, lacquer thinner, alcohol, turpentine, contact cements, paint thinner, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous of all is gasoline.

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following safety statements.

Yes No

1. Flammable liquids are stored in properly labeled, tightly closed non-glass containers. _____ _____

2. These products are stored away from heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas appliances. _____ _____

3. Flammable liquids are stored out of reach of children. _____ _____

Recommendation:

* Take extra precautions in storing and using flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint thinners, etc. They produce invisible explosive vapors that can ignite by a small spark at considerable distances from the flammable substance. Store outside the house.

Early Warning and Escape

Even when you have complied with every item in this Home Fire Safety Checklist, you still need to have a plan for early warning and escape in case a fire does occur.

Many fire deaths and fire injuries are actually caused by smoke and gases. Victims inhale smoke and poisonous gases that rise ahead of the flames. Survival depends on being warned as early as possible and having an escape plan.

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following statements.

Smoke Detectors

Yes No

1. At least one smoke detector is located on every floor of my home. _____ _____

2. Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. _____ _____

3. Smoke detectors are tested according to manufacturer’s instructions on a regular basis (at least once a month) and are kept in working condition at all times. _____ _____

4. Batteries are replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions, at least annually. _____ _____

5. Batteries are never disconnected. _____ _____

6. The detector has a distinct warning signal that can be heard whether asleep or awake. _____ _____

Follow manufacturer’s directions for testing the detector.

Make sure detectors are placed either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. Locate smoke detectors away from air vents or registers; high air flow or 'dead' spots are to be avoided.

Recommendations:

* Purchase a smoke detector if you do not have one. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and are required by law in many localities. Check local codes and regulations before you buy your smoke detector because some codes require specific types of detectors. They provide an early warning which is critical because the longer the delay, the deadlier the consequences.

* Read the instructions that come with the detector for advice on the best place to install it. As a minimum detectors should be located near bedrooms and one on every floor.

* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance. Smoke detectors can save lives, but only if properly installed and maintained.

* Never disconnect a detector. Consider relocating the detector rather than disconnecting it if it is subject to nuisance alarms, e.g. from cooking.

* Replace the battery annually, or when a 'chirping' sound is heard.

* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about cleaning your detector. Excessive dust, grease or other material in the detector may cause it to operate abnormally. Vacuum the grill work of your detector.

Escape Plan

Planning ahead, rehearsing, thinking, and acting clearly are keys to surviving a fire. How prepared are you?

You should be able to respond 'yes' to the following statements.

Yes No

1. The family has an escape plan and an alternate escape plan. _____ _____

2. Escape routes and plans are rehearsed periodically. _____ _____

3. The escape plan includes choosing a place safely outside the house where the family can meet to be sure everyone got out safely. _____ _____

4. At least two exits from each part of the house are established. _____ _____

5. The fire department number is posted on every telephone. _____ _____

Recommendations:

* Establish advanced family planning for escape. It is an important partner with smoke detectors and it will prepare you for a fire emergency.

* Include small children as a part of the discussion and rehearsal. It is especially important to make sure they understand that they must escape; they can’t hide from fire under a bed or in a closet.

Your life and that of your family can be saved by foresight, planning, discussing and rehearsal.

PRODUCT SAFETY, IT’S NO ACCIDENT!

How To Travel Abroad Safely: Six Important Tips You Need To Know In An Emergency

By: B. SixWise

Millions of Americans enjoy the adventure and experience of traveling abroad each year. But even the best-planned vacation can turn into a nightmare in the face of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, civil unrest, illness or other emergency situation.

Fortunately, with a little forethought you can prepare for your trip in a way that offers you the most security and peace of mind even while visiting international locations.

1. Have the Right Paperwork.

A valid passport, current and with the emergency page complete, along with any necessary visas, is essential. The U.S. Department of State recommends that you make two copies of the identification page of your passport--one to keep with you (if you lose your passport this will help you get it replaced) and one to leave with your family or friends at home.

2. Do Your Homework.

Take the time to read up on the country you are visiting. Pay attention to local customs and laws. Remember that once you leave the United States, U.S. laws no longer apply. Also, watch out for travel warnings and consider postponing or relocating your trip if danger is present.

3. Tell Your Friends and Family Where You Will Be.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, including flight numbers, hotels and contact information, and any other plans, with your family or friends at home. In the event of an emergency, they'll have a starting place of where to look.

4. Register With the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

These agencies help close to 200,000 Americans each year who fall victim to crime, accident or illness or whose family is trying to contact them due to an emergency. In the event of a natural disaster like Hurricane Wilma, which stranded thousands of tourists in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, it's the embassy or consulates job to locate Americans and help them.

If you register your trip with the agency, it will be much easier for them to locate you. Also be sure to take the addresses and telephone numbers of U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries you will visit with you on your trip.

5. Be Prepared Medically.

Make sure to take your insurance cards with you and determine what medical services are covered while you're overseas. The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs also recommends that you carry a letter from your physician describing any pre-existing medical conditions and names of medications, along with any medications you take (in their original containers with labels). You may also want to take an extra week's worth of medication with you in the event of emergency.

6. Make Sure Your Cell Phone Has International Access.
Not every cell phone will work once you travel outside of the United States. Making sure that your cell phone does work when you're abroad makes it much easier to stay in touch with loved ones at home in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Bottled Water And Purified Water

By: Marcus Stout

Emergency supplies of drinking water require planning to meet maximum demand during an emergency. As the world enters the tropical storm season and faces other serious emergencies that may affect the drinking water supply, federal, state and local government agencies need to plan ahead to meet peak demand.

All of Society is Affected

When disaster strikes it affects everyone. Federal, state and local relief agencies are called upon to provide assistance to the community ands top of their supplies list is drinking water. In addition these agencies also require s supplies of pure drinking water for their own staffs to function properly. This includes fire, police, national guard, public utility personnel, hospitals and every individual requiring fresh, pure drinking water.

Advanced Planning is Critical

In the face of a disaster immediate demands are made upon the existing municipal water supplies and traditional water suppliers are unable to supply fresh drinkable water. This includes not only municipal water providers but all bottled water suppliers who exceed their production capacity during normal times.

During an emergency, municipal water is in short supply and often polluted and in past emergencies, traditional bottled water suppliers have often failed to meet the heavy drinking water demands of an emergency.

Everyone affected by a disaster needs to plan for emergency water supplies and advanced planning before a disaster is critical.

Emergency Capacity of Bottled Water Suppliers

Those agencies that are affected most by disasters need to identify bottled water suppliers with capacity that can be allocated in an emergency. Attempting to producer supplies from a bottled water suppler that is at capacity or draws water from a spring that may itself become polluted during a disaster may result in a shortage when pure water is required most.

There are suppliers, however with excess capacity in the marketplace and these should be identified before a disaster strikes.

Proper Storage is Important

Many federal, state and local agencies are required to maintain emergency supplies of pure drinking water but, depending on the source off the water, these supplies may have a limited life. Spring water contains contaminants from their source springs that may reduce the shelf life of stored water as minerals in the water interact with the plastic in PET packaging.

Purified water, that has all contaminants removed by a distillation/oxygenation process does not interact with PET packaging and has an unlimited shelf life if stored properly.

Choose a Reliable Supplier in Advance

As part of a well thought out emergency plan, emergency planners should consider a reliable bottled water supplier with the capacity to meet peak demand and provide water with a long shelf life.

Planning for a disaster will help reduce the impact and increase your chances of survival.

50 Emergency Uses For Your Camera Phone

In an emergency you’ll need to provide and receive help, and after it’s over, you’ll have to return, repair, and rebuild. Central to all this is communication and documentation. Our society loves red tape, especially after disasters. Below are 50 ways the camera phone can be used in an emergency to document, record, and relay important information.

Any camera could be used for some of these things, but the phonecam carries a distinct advantage. It can immediately transmit your pictures. If you don’t have a phonecam, go with what you have, or what you can afford. Disposable cameras and digital cameras are acceptable. However, the phonecam rules, so let’s look at ways yours can be used in an emergency. These are excerpts from “Disaster Prep 101”.

1. Last minute child ID. Whenever the family might be separated, take last-minute pictures of all family members, especially the kids, and pets.

2. Send a map. To send or receive directions to or from a location when voice directions aren’t working, draw a map on paper, take a picture, and send.

3. Injury photos to the doctor. Suppose help isn’t available, and someone’s sick or injured. If there are visible signs or symptoms, relay pictures to medical personnel who can walk you through whatever treatment is possible where you are.

4. Damage documentation. In catastrophes, it’ll be days before insurance adjusters get there to file claims. Photo all damage in case some of it gets repaired or cleaned up before agents arrive.

5. Report suspicious activity. If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, upload pictures of suspects and the situation to the Police immediately.

6. “Here’s the landmark.” Gathering the family is critical. If you don’t have a fixed meeting place, send pictures of where and what you’re near so others can find you. This also works well if you’re lost in the wilderness and need to relay pictures of landmarks.

7. “Meet us here.” If you have a fixed rendezvous point, send a pic you already have on file, so others will know where to meet. Take these photos while compiling your family emergency plan.

8. Photo shopping list. When stocking up in anticipation of an emergency, take a picture of your pantry as a quick shopping list.

9. Driving directions. If you’re trying to tell others where a certain location is, send a picture by picture set of directions. Create this file while assembling your family reaction plan.

10. “Meet this person.” If your family evacuates, and they know where to go, but haven’t met the family contact person, send them a picture of the person they’re to meet, or send that person pictures of the people heading their way.

11. Last minute property inventory. If you’re evacuating, snap quick shots of your property to include purchases not on your last home inventory, and the current condition of your property.

12. “Adventure” journal. Take pictures to record what you do, where you go, and people you meet during an evacuation, etc.

13. Situational severity. In a large-scale emergency, first responders will be overworked. They might not be available for a “minor situation.” However, the situation might be worse than they understand, and you might need serious help. Send a picture of how bad things are.

14. Quick text messaging. You might not have time to type a message, and the lines might not be open long enough for a conversation. Write a note on paper, take a picture, and send that.

15. Minor traffic mishap. In a minor fender-bender, with no injuries or disabled vehicles, most jurisdictions will tell you to “swap info and move along.” If that’s the case (always call 911 to make sure), photo the vehicular damage, people involved, witnesses at the scene (and their car tag numbers), and of others involved in the accident to show their injuries (or lack thereof).

16. Wallet backup. Take pictures of your wallet’s contents (or important documents) to record numbers, and show that cards are or were in your possession. Be careful with this info as it’s very sensitive and can be used for identity theft!

17. Inclement weather reporting. If you’re the first to see the funnel cloud, hail, or a river overflowing, send a picture to the weather service or authorities as rapid proof an emergency is developing.

18. First Responder intel. The more first responders know about a collapsed house, an auto accident, a fire in progress, or any other emergency, the more rapid and appropriate a reaction they can make.

19. Missing persons. Send picture of picture. In addition to last minute family photos, send a picture of a photograph in your purse or wallet of a missing family member.

20. Relay property damage to or from neighbors. After a disaster, whoever goes home first, either you or your neighbors, could photograph area damage and relay info to the other.

21. Help insurance adjusters find your property. After a devastating incident, street signs will be gone, house numbers won’t be visible, etc. Take current pictures of landmarks or unique damage near or at your property to make it easier to find you.

22. Copy bulletin boards. If you’re in an emergency shelter, and there’s an info bulletin board, you’ll need the info but might not be able to write it down. Take a picture!

23. Bus, subway, or city map. If you’re anywhere you’re not familiar with and there’s a posted map, take a picture of it for later reference if you get lost.

24. Document your route. When traveling to a new area, and you want to find your way back, take pictures along the way of landmarks at turns you make, forks in the road, etc.

25. Record medicines or food brands. To relay information about medications, or if you have special dietary needs and are sending information regarding certain brands to someone, a picture really is worth a thousand words.

26. Parking spot locations. Don’t trust your memory, trust a picture. Take a pic of where you left your vehicle either in a lot or in a parking deck.

27. Engine repairs. Should you break down and your vehicle shows outward signs of problems such as steam shooting from a hose, or liquids dripping from the engine, send a pic to a mechanic who may talk you through a quick fix.

28. Business or service function and hours. Copy posted business hours or listed service functions (and pricing) for later review and recall. This is also a good way to report price gouging.

29. Child custodian. If you can’t get to your kids at school or other function, relay a picture of the person who is coming to pick them up. Send this picture to the school or function, and to your child (if they have a phonecam).

30. Info on injured or hospitalized people. You might be in a position to send pictures to people looking for loved ones or vice-versa.

31. Hotel room number. Whenever you get a hotel room, take a picture to find your way back. Photo the room number on the door, and the name of the motel and adjacent buildings.

32. ID your evac gear. As with all belongings, take a picture to prove ownership. This might come in handy with theft in emergency shelters. It’s a rare occurrence, but be ready to prove things are yours.

33. Photo scavenger hunt. You’ll need something to entertain the kids. Give them a short list of things they should take a picture of. First one to take all the pictures wins!

34. Identify the close-up. Another idea is to take a really close up picture of something while the kids aren’t looking, and have them figure out what it is.

35. Document your whereabouts. Let’s say looting or rioting is occurring. You can help Police by secretively taking pictures of the perpetrators (not really recommended for safety reasons), or take pictures as you’re leaving to document the fact you weren’t involved.

36. ID the rescuer. If a rescuer is picking up your child or pet, photo the rescuer (and the child or pet) and the vehicle they used. Photograph their name tag as well as registration numbers on helicopters, vehicle tag numbers, or names of boats.

37. Document your cleanup. It may be a while before your insurance adjuster can arrive. Take pictures of the damage as you found it, and steps you took during cleanup. Regarding insurance, NOTHING beats documentation!

38. Document expenditures. If you buy goods or supplies, rent equipment, or hire a service, in addition to receipts, photograph the goods acquired, equipment being used, services being performed, and the people involved.

39. Property pics for retrieval companies. Some scenarios will see you unable to return home. Some companies are trained and equipped to go into these areas to gather people’s belongings. Property photos will allow you to identify specific items you’d like retrieved.

40. Evacuee status. Authorities will want to know who is injured, dead, or missing, and who is okay and where they are. Taking pictures of those you meet along with way, or at your emergency shelter, will help ID the living and well.

41. Language barriers. Ever try to find the restroom in a foreign country and you didn’t know the phrase? Imagine how guests in our country feel in emergency situations. Pictures make communication easier, whether you’re trying to understand their needs, or relay yours.

42. Transmit road conditions. Let’s say after a hurricane, you’re one of the first families returning home, and you’re taking back roads. Authorities (or others following) might not have checked every avenue of return. If damage needs to be reported, or there’s no damage (report that too), sending a picture can relay tons of information.

43. Relay traffic conditions. If family members are separated, or heading different directions, pass along traffic conditions or info from traffic warning signs.

44. Crime scene evidence. People have returned to a home undamaged by a disaster, but later looted. Since Police might not be able to show up right away, take “crime scene” photos (for both Police and insurance).

45. Too much on the screen? Should the TV flash pertinent information and you don’t have time to write, or there’s a lot of text on a computer and you can’t print it, take a picture of the screen for later review.

46. ID for doctors or pharmacies. Medical needs are a real probability during an emergency. Since you can’t get to your doctor, and they might phone in a prescription to a pharmacy that doesn’t know either of you, use your phone to verify your identity to your doctor, and your doctor can relay the picture to the pharmacy.

47. Emergency supply information. Suppose a developing emergency finds you low on goods and you send different people to different supply locations. If supplies are low, these folks can send a picture of the types or brands of items available so you can make educated purchase decisions.

48. “Last Minute List” items and shutdown. Though everyone should keep a “bugout kit” packed and ready, there will be items which cannot be packed in advance. In addition to a written list, create a photo file showing items you need to take (and their location) and steps to secure the house before leaving.

49. Evac atlas. Create a “travel atlas” of emergency assets available along evacuation routes. Include lodging, ATM locations, emergency rooms, etc. Travel the routes and take photos, or draw maps and shoot those.

50. Reaction plan for the reading disabled. If a family member suffers from any reading disability, using photos is a must. Create a photo file that will relay your entire emergency plan without using text.mes of boats.

37. Document your cleanup. It may be a while before your insurance adjuster can arrive. Take pictures of the damage as you found it, and steps you took during cleanup. Regarding insurance, NOTHING beats documentation!

38. Document expenditures. If you buy goods or supplies, rent equipment, or hire a service, in addition to receipts, photograph the goods acquired, equipment being used, services being performed, and the people involved.

39. Property pics for retrieval companies. Some scenarios will see you unable to return home. Some companies are trained and equipped to go into these areas to gather people’s belongings. Property photos will allow you to identify specific items you’d like retrieved.

40. Evacuee status. Authorities will want to know who is injured, dead, or missing, and who is okay and where they are. Taking pictures of those you meet along with way, or at your emergency shelter, will help ID the living and well.

41. Language barriers. Ever try to find the restroom in a foreign country and you didn’t know the phrase? Imagine how guests in our country feel in emergency situations. Pictures make communication easier, whether you’re trying to understand their needs, or relay yours.

42. Transmit road conditions. Let’s say after a hurricane, you’re one of the first families returning home, and you’re taking back roads. Authorities (or others following) might not have checked every avenue of return. If damage needs to be reported, or there’s no damage (report that too), sending a picture can relay tons of information.

43. Relay traffic conditions. If family members are separated, or heading different directions, pass along traffic conditions or info from traffic warning signs.

44. Crime scene evidence. People have returned to a home undamaged by a disaster, but later looted. Since Police might not be able to show up right away, take “crime scene” photos (for both Police and insurance).

45. Too much on the screen? Should the TV flash pertinent information and you don’t have time to write, or there’s a lot of text on a computer and you can’t print it, take a picture of the screen for later review.

46. ID for doctors or pharmacies. Medical needs are a real probability during an emergency. Since you can’t get to your doctor, and they might phone in a prescription to a pharmacy that doesn’t know either of you, use your phone to verify your identity to your doctor, and your doctor can relay the picture to the pharmacy.

47. Emergency supply information. Suppose a developing emergency finds you low on goods and you send different people to different supply locations. If supplies are low, these folks can send a picture of the types or brands of items available so you can make educated purchase decisions.

48. “Last Minute List” items and shutdown. Though everyone should keep a “bugout kit” packed and ready, there will be items which cannot be packed in advance. In addition to a written list, create a photo file showing items you need to take (and their location) and steps to secure the house before leaving.

49. Evac atlas. Create a “travel atlas” of emergency assets available along evacuation routes. Include lodging, ATM locations, emergency rooms, etc. Travel the routes and take photos, or draw maps and shoot those.

50. Reaction plan for the reading disabled. If a family member suffers from any reading disability, using photos is a must. Create a photo file that will relay your entire emergency plan without using text.


About the Author:

Copyright 2005, Paul Purcell. About the author: Paul Purcell is an Atlanta-based security analyst and preparedness consultant with over twenty years risk management and preparedness experience. He's also the author of "Disaster Prep 101."