Summer Safety 2009

With vacation time at hand and more activities taking place, a well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment’s notice. Make sure that you and your family are prepared to treat the most common injuries, and emergencies that will take place over the summer.

This is also the beginning of the storm season. After a quiet start to 2009 Hurricane season, three storms have started in just 30 hours.
You and your family’s safety depend to a large extent on what you do now, before there is a storm on your horizon. Planning and preparation are the two most powerful survival tools at your disposal, and it is simply unwise not to make full use of them. To this end, be sure to have a comprehensive first aid / emergency kit close by.

A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment necessary to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person before treatment by medically trained personnel. The kit will be made up of different contents depending on the place where the kit will be used and the number of persons it needs to protect. Will it just be your family at the cottage, or will there be extra guests?

It is recommended that your first aid kit be assembled in a clean, waterproof container to keep the contents safe and aseptic. Most kits come in durable plastic boxes, fabric pouches or in wall mounted cabinets. The type of container will vary depending on where they will be used and will range in size from pocket sized through to large backpacks. A wall mounted first aid cabinet would be perfect at home or cottage, but a fabric bag would be better suited in your vehicle.

First aid kits available through your local stores are generally intended for treatment of very minor injuries only. Typical contents include adhesive bandages, gauze and a disinfectant. Specialized first aid kits are available for various locations and activities, and will focus on specific risks related to that activity.
For example, first aid kits designed for use in a boat will contain seasickness remedies. Kits designed for industrial applications will contain burn medication and a suitable infection barrier for performing artificial respiration. They will also have larger quantities of supplies to treat multiple victims.

Trauma injuries, such as bleeding from cuts and scrapes, bone fractures or burns, are usually the main focus of most first aid kits designed for the home; however these kits are also practical for use while traveling, at the cottage or during a disaster related evacuation. These kits will include:

Adhesive bandages
Adhesive tape
Sterile Dressings (applied directly to wound)
Sterile eye pads
Sterile gauze pads
Antiseptic wipes or sprays
Sterile non-adherent pads, containing a non-stick Teflon layer
Triple antibiotics
Bandages (non-sterile for securing dressings)
Gauze roller bandages
Elastic bandages (used for sprains)
Triangular bandages (used as slings, tourniquets and to tie splints)
Blood stoppers, to promote clotting for severe bleeding.
Butterfly closure strips (to close wounds)
CPR mouth piece
Splints, to stabilize broken bones
Burn dressing (sterile pad, soaked in a cooling gel)
Gloves (disposable)
Trauma shears, for cutting clothing and general use
Tweezers
Alcohol pads (sterilizing equipment)
Flashlight
Instant-acting chemical cold packs
Alcohol rubs or antiseptic hand wipes (hand sanitizer)
Thermometer
Emergency blanket
First Aid Booklet (Read the entire booklet so you’ll understand how to use the contents of your kit)

It is an excellent idea to include Aspirin, primarily used for central medical chest pain, as an anti-coagulant and Acetaminophen for pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Ibuprofen can also be used in the case of a strained joint.
Don’t forget extra prescription medications if you are going away for your vacation.

Remember to check the contents of all of your kits regularly and replace the items that have been used before you need them again.

While there is no way to predict when and where an injury or natural disaster may occur, being prepared with the proper first aid and emergency gear will give you and your family a much better chance of getting through the difficult times.

First Aid Kit Products – Offering quality first aid kits, first aid supplies and disaster preparedness for your families safety.

Disaster Preparedness

Hurricane Katrina, which struck the US Gulf Coast four years ago, was a real eye-opener for all that witnessed the human tragedy.  The inability of New Orleans to cope with the storm was dreadful.  All of the country watched in horror as the storm descended on Louisiana, bringing pain and suffering to the residents.
As we watched, it became very apparent that most people were ill prepared to sustain themselves for even the first 72 hours of a disaster, let alone the many days it took for help to actually arrive.

Have we learned from past disasters?

Are we all now more prepared than ever before to protect ourselves and our families from future disasters, or are we still unconvinced that it can actually happen to us.

Presently a growing wildfire in the mountains north of Los Angeles has spread over miles of bone-dry forest, forcing evacuations of homes. Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation notice for 150 homes located within a half-square-mile area and on the slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Another wildfire on the Palos Verdes Peninsula on the south Los Angeles County coast has now been contained, but not before 1,500 people were forced to flee at the height of the fire.
A state of emergency was declared in the county as the other blazes forced evacuations and knocked out power in parts of the state.
The evening news tonight states that 10,000 homes in British Columbia, Canada are threatened by a large wildfire that is spreading quickly. The residents have been notified that evacuation may be necessary at any time.

Did everyone that was forced from their homes during last week’s wildfires have sufficient emergency supplies to see them through?  Did the people without power have food and water for their families?
I certainly hope that they did!
Are those in British Columbia that are about to be forced from their homes, prepared with emergency supplies to see themselves through the coming days.
 I certainly hope that they are!

We all know that we need to be prepared, however the fact is that only a very few of us are ready for even the smallest emergency, let alone one of larger significance.
I can assure you that all of those people that survived these disasters will be much more prepared for the next emergency situation they are faced with.

It is human nature to feel that the natural and manmade disasters that we see on the TV could never happen to us.  The truth is that no part of our country, or North America for that matter, is immune to a natural or a man-made disaster.
The point that I am trying to make here is that if we do not attempt to prepare for an emergency situation, no matter how large or small, we are leaving ourselves and our family’s health and safety to chance.  Are you really willing to take that gamble?  I’m not.

First Aid Kit Products.

It’s about the Future…………Yours!

  We are all concerned with the possibility of further public health emergencies arising in the wake of recent hurricanes, tsunamis, acts of terrorism, and floods. Though some people feel it is impossible to be prepared for unexpected events, the truth is that taking preparedness actions helps people deal with disasters of all sorts much more effectively when they do occur.

  Hurricanes are among the most dramatic, damaging and potentially deadly weather events. The force of hurricane winds alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees and power lines, closing roads; they cause flooding and severe damage to buildings.

  On August 28th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of the United States with devastating effect. The storm surge breached the city’s levees at multiple points, leaving 80 percent of the city submerged, tens of thousands of victims clinging to rooftops, and hundreds of thousands scattered to shelters around the country.
  Now, three years later, how many of us have prepared ourselves to survive the next natural disaster?
  Will you be able to survive those first critical 3 days of a disaster with no electricity, water or medical help?
   WILL YOU?

  The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) says “To survive a natural or man-made disaster we must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when the disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector in the case of a fire, preparing for the unexpected makes sense.”

  When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. To ensure these basics you need to have the following available for you and your family.

·         Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

·         Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

·         A comprehensive First aid kit

·         Flashlight and extra batteries

·         Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries for both

·         Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

·         Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

·         Whistle to signal for help

·         Wrench to turn off utilities

·         Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

  The same preparedness is true for any natural or manmade disaster or emergency situation that catches you off-guard. The gear necessary to provide you and your family with the basics for survival are the same no matter where you live.

  One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible after effects.
  Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.
  Although there are no guarantees of safety during an earthquake, identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can save lives and significantly reduce injuries and property damage.
  A magnitude 5.4 earthquake rocked southern California on July 29, 2008. This earthquake is a reminder to make the important changes we need to survive the inevitable.

  Winter storms can bring heavy snowfall and extreme cold that can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

  Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighbourhood or community, or if very large like Katrina, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. 

  The most disturbing news that the latest surveys have given us is that fewer than 50% of households located in earthquake zones have disaster supply kits at hand. Even after the graphic videos provided by the news media, half of our population makes no effort to prepare!
  Remember, you will likely be on your own in the hours and days following an earthquake, flood, and severe storm or any major emergency.  I urge you to be prepared for the unexpected with emergency drinking water, food, first aid supplies, and medications regardless of where you live.

I hope that this article has given you some incentive to bring your family to a better prepared condition.

Sincerely:
Allan Wright
First Aid Kit Products

Prepare for emergencies “As a Family”:

  This month’s topic will address being prepared for a disaster “as a family”. We have all heard about the six steps to becoming a safe family, but given the different world that we live in today and the many brutal winter storms that have been marching through much of the country, I believe these steps are well worth another look.  

The steps are:

1. Write a disaster plan
2. Write an evacuation plan
3. Learn about safety plans at work and school
4. Prepare for fires
5. Assemble disaster supplies
6. Learn lifesaving skills.  

As each one of these steps is important; we will look at them individually.
 

Writing a disaster plan:             

  There are a few things that I consider important under this first step. 

  When a disaster strikes, all of your family members may not be together in one place.

  Your family should select two places to meet in an emergency situation. This is an easy task. Get the family together and let everyone make a suggestion.
 

• In case of a household emergency, such as a fire, pick a spot in the neighborhood to meet and make sure that everyone knows exactly where that spot is.     

• In a more widespread emergency, when all of your family may not be able to get home, or you must evacuate your neighborhood, pick a second place outside of your immediate neighborhood and make sure that all family members knows the address and phone number.     

  An out of town relative or friend may be your “family contact” place. If family members become separated, they should check with this contact as soon as possible. Everyone must know the address, phone numbers and E-mail of the family contact.
 

And last, but not least, plan how to take care of your pet.

  Our pets are an important part of the family, be sure that you plan now for their safety.   You must establish a place to take your pets. Emergency shelters cannot accept pets because of health regulations, so it may be very difficult to find shelter for your pets in a disaster situation.  Plan ahead for that eventuality now. 

  You should also prepare a disaster supply kit for your pet, and have it easily available when it is needed.
   It should include any medical records that you may have, medications and a pet first aid kit. Remember to include, in your pet’s survival kit, any specific medical and behavior information along with the veterinarian’s name and phone number. A leash and / or carriers that will be required to transport your pet. Include some food, water and a can opener, along with a photo of your pet, in case he or she gets lost.   

  You need to come up with a workable plan for your pet’s safety, do not leave your pets alone to fend for themselves.  Make sure that they have collars with up to date information and include a means of contacting you or your “family contact”. 

Write an Evacuation plan: 

  If you need to evacuate you home due to an evacuation notice issued by the authorities or if a fire starts in your home, everyone needs to know exactly what to do. Any hesitation, especially in case of a home fire can be fatal.

  If you prepare and then practice an escape plan, you and your family will have a much better chance of survival in case of an emergency. 

  Making a family escape plan has to involve all family members. Pick a time when everyone is home and sit down at the table and make your emergency escape plan. Include all of the children in the planning, so they feel part of the decision-making. 

• Make a floor plan of your home 
• Find and least two ways out of each room and mark them on the floor plan. Discuss the best escape routes with each family member and remember that windows can be used as exits. Check that all family members can open all windows that you plan to use as exits. 
• Pick a meeting location right outside the house, but out of harms way for everyone to meet after they have escaped the house. Perhaps a neighbor’s front porch would be a good spot. It is very important that everyone goes to the same place so that you will know if there is anyone missing.  
• Practice your plan to make sure everyone knows how to get out and is comfortable with the plan.
  Imagine that one of the room exits is blocked by debris or fire so that you can practice using the other exit. Practicing your plan a few times will help all family members to feel comfortable with it. 
• Remember, do not stop to call the Fire Department, just get out and stay out. Do not go back inside your home for any reason. There are no possessions that are worth a family members life. 

Other things to consider while you are writing your families escape plan. 

  If your home is two-story, consider purchasing escape ladders for each bedroom. Practice using them and store them near the window. If the stairs are blocked with debris or fire, the up-stairs window may be your only escape route. 

  I know you already have smoke detectors on every level of your home, now is a great time to test them. They should be tested at least once a month. 

  Well folks, that is all for this month. I will continue with this important topic in our next newsletter. In the meantime, stay well and stay safe. 

Thank you.

Allan Wright
First Aid Kit Products

www.firstaidkitproducts.com

Make your Home Safe for the Holiday Season

I realize that home safety is a topic with many facets, however I would like to share with you a few examples of Home Safety that I see around my own home.

 

Statistics have always shown an increase in the number of accidents in the home when we are exposed to a change in routine, unusual distractions and increased stress levels. These factors all come together during Christmas – New Years.

 

The risk from fire also increases as more time is spent at home, often with guests. Combined with alcohol, this can make homes more vulnerable to accidental fires.

 

However by keeping a few simple safety steps in mind, we can all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

 

It is absolutely vital to use a proper stepladder when putting up or taking down decorations in positions that you cannot normally reach. The few minutes required to get a proper stepladder can save a very painful fall.

 

Care must be taken not to overload wall sockets with Christmas lights and other electrical decorations. Avoid the use of long extension cords.

Remember to keep the tree away from floor heaters, fireplaces, or other heat sources, even if it is artificial.

Use only UL-listed lights, no more than 3 strands linked together and consider replacing your old lights with the new miniature lights with cool-burning bulbs. Lower your electric bill and your risk of fire with these new lights!

 
Remember, an extension cord and wires should never be warm to the touch! If they are, unplug some of the decorations immediately.

Avoid tree decorations that are made from thin glass that can break easily, as these pieces are very sharp and can injure a youngster crawling around the tree.

 

Always turn off the Christmas lights and decorations at bedtime, or if you leave your home for an extended period.

Never, never, never use candles to decorate the tree; even an artificial tree.

Do not leave any burning candle unattended.

 

Discarded wrapping paper and boxes represents a significant fire hazard in your home.  Tidy up these items ASAP and put them in a safer location, well away from any heat source.

Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace; it can result in a very large fire very quickly, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may even result in a chimney fire.

Keep toys, games, decorations with small parts and button batteries out of reach of young children, babies and toddlers can choke on these small items. Also remember to clear away the last dregs of drinks left in glasses before you go to bed, as even very small amounts of alcohol can poison young children.

 

The holiday season is the time of greatest activity in the kitchen and a little extra effort and organization in keeping worktops and stovetops tidy can pay dividends.  Make sure that all hot, heavy or sharp objects are well back from the edges, with pot handles turned in so as to reduce the risks of any accidents. This is especially important with excited youngsters around.

 

Apply the basic food safety measures when handling any meal. With the stress of the moment, it is easy to overlook a vital food safety step.

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw food products.
• Ensure clean utensils and cooking surfaces are used when preparing foods.
• Don’t cross-contaminate by allowing foods and their juices to come into contact with one another during preparation.
• Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on a plate or tray, so raw juices don’t drip onto other foods in your refrigerator.
• Use one cutting board for raw meat products, another one for salads and other ready-to-eat foods, or wash cutting boards in between each use with soap and a few ounces of bleach.
• Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood unless the plate has been thoroughly washed.
• Eat the meal as soon as it is prepared.
• Never keep salads that contain meats, cheese or fish out of the fridge for more than two hours.
• Refrigerate leftovers As Soon As Possible; cut the meat off the bones or into slices and put it in shallow containers in the refrigerator. Food that takes too long to cool can still grow harmful bacteria in your refrigerator.
• Reheat all leftovers to 165°F (use your thermometer). Gravy should be brought to a rolling boil.  

 

Finally, as you do in every season of the year, have working smoke alarms on every level of your home.  Test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Also consider installing Carbon Monoxide detectors in you home. There have been far too many cases of Carbon Monoxide deaths reported so far this year.

And last, but not least, please take the time to check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors this time of the year – make sure they are safe and secure.

 

Have a Great Holiday.

Sincerely:

Allan Wright

First Aid Kit Products

Food and water safety after a flood

Floods are the most frequent natural hazard in North America and we seem to have had to endure quite a number of them recently.

 A devastating flood can occur at any time of the year and are most often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid melting of a thick snow pack, ice jams, or more rarely, the failure of a natural or man-made dam.

One of the major issues that will affect everyone living in an area that has been flooded is that of food and water safety.

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Food safety after a flood

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If in doubt – Throw it out!

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You must inspect food that has come anywhere near flood water very, very carefully. Flood waters may carry contaminated mud, chemical waste, petroleum products and even raw sewage, which can make storm-damaged foods unsafe to eat.

Even the slightest contact with floodwater can lead to contamination. There is a simple, basic rule: all foods that have touched floodwater should be dispose of. This includes all fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Food in glass jars, including all unopened jars. Discard all foods in bags and all opened containers and packages.

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The only exception to this rule would be food in sealed in undamaged metal cans. These are safe for use, as long as you carefully clean and disinfect the cans before opening.

This means you must remove the labels and thoroughly wash them with a scrub brush in a strong detergent solution containing chlorine bleach and then rinse well in clear water. The bleach solution should be one half-cup of bleach to one gallon of water. You may wish to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands during this process.

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Being Prepared

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This brings up the issue of being prepared for a disaster. Nothing will help you and your family through any emergency situation as will being prepared for it.

It may be up to three days before Emergency Services are up and running in your area. Having an emergency preparedness kit, stored high and dry, can literally be a lifesaver.

A supply of Food, drinking water and some additional gear such as Light sticks, Dynamo FM Radio, Flashlight, Hygiene Kit, Waterproof Matches, Emergency Candles, Sanitation Kit and First Aid supplies will be priceless to you and your family.

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Cookware and Cooking Utensils

If your cookware and kitchen utensils have come into contact with floodwater, they will require special treatment.

Take apart any item that can be cleaned in pieces. If possible, remove handles from pans.

Wash all china, glass dishes, cups and pots and pans that have been in contact with floodwaters. Use hot soapy water and a brush to remove dirt. Rinse and then place them in a sanitizing bleach solution for at least 10 minutes and then rinse well in clean water. The bleach solution should be one half-cup of bleach to one gallon of water.

Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, and pots and pans by boiling in clean water for 10 minutes.

Chlorine bleach should not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken. Throw away dishes with cracks as well as soft, porous plastic or wood items saturated by floodwater, since they cannot be sanitized. These include baby bottles, nipples and pacifiers. They cannot be safely disinfected.

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Potable Water

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Water; water everywhere and not a drop to drink!

After a flood, you should assume that all water sources are contaminated until they have been proven safe.

Boil all rain and tap water and water from containers you’re not completely sure about. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking or preparing food, washing dishes, cleaning, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, making ice, and bathing until your water supply is tested and found safe.

There are also a few excellent Water Filtration Bottles and Emergency Water Filters on the market that are very effective at producing clean drinking water from almost any water source. These are the same systems that were used by the US military during the Katrina disaster.

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If you use a private well for your water supply, be sure to have the water tested before you resume use. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands if you have a limited supply of clean water.

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Floodwater

Avoid contact with floodwater if at all possible, but if you find yourself wading into the floodwater during or after the disaster, remember that you will be in contact with many harmful contaminants that can make you sick. Always wash after contact with floodwater.

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I sincerely hope that you have found this article useful in planning your family’s preparedness.

Allan Wright

First Aid Kit Products

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Are you and your family prepared for the first 72 hours?

  Experience gained from past disasters has shown that it can take 72 hours or more to mobilize a significant relief effort during an emergency.  Therefore everyone is encouraged to prepare to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours – that’s 3 days – of an emergency.

  By being prepared ourselves allows emergency workers focus on people in urgent need. To support their efforts, the rest of us need to be prepared to look after ourselves.

 

  The San Francisco area is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made.   The path of destruction that Hurricane Katrina left in its wake across the southern U.S. in August 2005 and the widespread flooding of 2007 – 2008 have provided a horrific reminder of the importance of being prepared for disasters. Unfortunately no part of our country is immune to natural or man-made disasters.

 

  Earthquakes, power outages, floods, fires, severe storms and acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies. Many of these emergencies have been deadly in the past. Being prepared can save lives and can help to reduce the impact of a disaster on you and your family.

 

 

 

Why prepare your family?

 

  Imagine for a moment that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you are without any kind of emergency services. What will you do until help arrives?

 

  While governments at all levels are working hard to keep its citizens safe, individuals also have an important role to play in emergency preparedness. By being prepared to take care of yourself, you allow community resources to be used more effectively during an emergency and you help keep your own family safe too. Very simply put, emergency preparedness must begin at home.

 

Start to plan today!

  Prepare your emergency kit and prepare your family – so in the case of a major emergency like a flood or blackout – you are ready to take care of yourself and your loved ones for at least 72 hours. You should be prepared to live without running water, electricity, gas, telephones and assistance from safety services for at least three days following a disaster.

 

Your family Emergency Kit is comprised of two separate parts; a First Aid Kit and a Go Bag.

 

  Your own 72-Hour Emergency Kit should be tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family. Store your emergency supplies in an easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a trashcan, suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, footlocker or individual pack. 

 

Your First Aid Kit 

  In any emergency situation, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep basic first aid supplies handy so you are prepared to assist when someone is hurt.

 

Some items that should be in your First Aid Kit: 

• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Butterfly Closure Bandages
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
• Elastic Wrap
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Burn ointment
• Sting Relief Pads (for insect bites)
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
• Scissors
• Two pairs of disposable gloves
• First Aid Instruction Guide 
• Medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication
• The prescription medications you take every day such as insulin or heart medication.
• All prescribed medical supplies such as glucose or blood pressure monitors

 

 

 

Go Bag:

 

  A major component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Every household should pack a Go Bag — a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation order.

Your Go Bag may be assembled or purchased as a ready-made kit for convenience. Your Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy backpack or suitcase on wheels.

The Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year as an emergency evacuation can occur at any time.

 

  Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each is tagged with the name of the person it was packed for. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work.

 

  Remember that if you have to leave your house you may be living and sleeping somewhere else for a while. It is therefore a good idea to add some activity items to the kids Go Bag.

  Some suggestions may be a couple of favorite books

• Crayons, pencils and plenty of paper
• A puzzle
• A favorite toy such as a doll or action figure
• One or two board games
• A deck of cards
• A Favorite stuffed animal or puppet
• Favorite blanket or pillow

Other items to add to your Go Bag are: 

• Water and non-perishable food such as energy or granola bars
• Manual can opener
• Plates, utensils and other cooking supplies
• Flashlight and extra batteries or Hand-charged Flashlight
• Pocketknife or Multifunctional Tool
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
• Whistle
• Waterproof Matches
• A Dust mask
• Duct Tape, permanent marker, and paper
• Cable Ties
• Light Stick
• Rope or twine
• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
• Heavy work gloves
• Disposable lighters
• Phillips Screw Driver
• Standard Screw Driver
• Folding Shovel w/Sheath
• Trash Bags
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal Hygiene kit
• Shave Kit
• Maps
• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, gloves and a warm hat
• Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag
• Rain Ponchos
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
• List of emergency contact phone numbers
• List of allergies to any drug or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra prescription eyeglasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• Prescription medications
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Disposable camera
• Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.

Don’t forget to make-up a Go-bag for your pets.

   I sincerely hope that this article will provide the incentive for you to get prepared for an emergency now.  Don’t put if off for another day.  The safety and well being of your family is at stake.

 

Allan Wright

First Aid Kit Products

www.FirstAidKitProducts.com

Being prepared for a winter driving emergency.

There are many natural hazards that we must all deal with at one time or another, such as severe weather, including thunderstorms, snowstorms, floods and tornados.

We all watch the news programs and see the devastation that these storms can bring. However people still place themselves in jeopardy by not being properly prepared for them. Even when a major winter storm has been announced by the news media, people still venture out, unprepared for the worst.

 

Winter driving rules:

Winter driving does call for a little more clear thinking and preparation than is required on a beautiful summer day.

Lets go over a few of the things that we need to keep in mind.

The safest place to be is in your home, but if you must go out into a storm, or will be driving into an advancing storm front, be sure to tell someone your destination, timetable and your planed route.

Make sure your gas tank is full; you may be in your car for a longer period that you think.  Make sure that you have an Emergency Roadside kit or Disaster Pack in your vehicle.

If you find yourself stuck and unable to move due to sliding off the road or becoming stuck in deep snow, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. It is easier for rescuers to see a vehicle than a person that has wandered off in the wrong direction.

If you attempt to free your vehicle from the snow, be careful. Dress warmly, shovel slowly and do not overexert yourself. Do not attempt to shovel or push your vehicle if you have a medical condition. Body heat is retained when clothing is kept dry. Wet clothing, due to the weather or perspiration, can lead to a dangerous loss of body heat.

Try to contact the authorities by phone and give them your location.

If you are unable to contact help, get your emergency auto pack out of the trunk and prepare to wait for assistance.

Run your engine for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for heat and turn on a directional indicator or emergency flashers. The flashing light will make your vehicle more visible, even in a storm. 
Be careful of exhaust fumes. For fresh air, slightly open a window away from the wind. Exit your vehicle occasionally to make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of drifting snow before running the engine.
Bundle up in a blanket. If there is more than one person in the car, share – two people sharing blankets will be warmer than either person alone in a blanket.
Wear a hat and scarf – the head and neck are major sources of heat loss from the body. Don’t stay in one position too long. Do some exercises to help your circulation – move arms and legs, clap your hands, etc.  

Conclusion:

With lots of gasoline and your emergency supplies, you should be fine until help arrives.

Your emergency kit should contain a flashlight, a blanket or emergency sleeping bag, drinking water and a non-perishable high calorie food bar. Food provides the body with energy produce its own heat.

A few candles will supply some heat and light and a roll of duct tape will help stop any drafts from around windows or doors. A shovel and a can of tire inflator would be excellent additions to your emergency kit.

 

   I sincerely hope that this article will provide the incentive for you to get prepared for an emergency now.  Don’t put if off for another day.  The safety and well being of your family is at stake.

 

Allan Wright

First Aid Kit Products

www.FirstAidKitProducts.com

     

What is the Most Important Item for a Car or Boat First Aid Kit?

  One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive is “What is the most important thing that I need to put in my First Aid Kit?”
  The answer to this question may surprise you.  

Are you Prepared?
  There is one item that is absolutely necessary to include in your car or boat first aid kit. No matter what else you pack in your first aid kit, it must have a cellular telephone.
  There is no better piece of equipment to have in your first aid kit in the event of an emergency; be it an emergency situation that you are involved in yourself or a situation that you witness. If you can’t access emergency medical services, you are not fully prepared!
  The first aid supplies that you have in your kit will definitely come into play as you administer assistance to the injured, but the knowledge that the authorities have been notified is invaluable. 

Don’t throw out that old phone!
   The Cellular phone only need to have enough battery power to turn on. Federal laws stipulate that cell phones must be able to reach a 911 operator anytime the number is called, regardless of whether a service agreement is in effect or not.
   Everyone has at least one old cell phone that they do not use any longer. Take that old cell phone of yours and put it in the first aid kit in your car. I am sure that you will also be able to find another couple of phones for your boat first aid kit and your ATV first aid kit.   You may also wish to include a Hand-crank style charging device to recharge the cell phone battery in case it goes dead when you need it the most. These are quite inexpensive, take up little room in your first aid kit and can make a great deal of difference in an emergency. 

Conclusion! 
  In the days before Cellular Telephones came into being, we had to rely on someone getting the message to the proper authorities in the event of a serious injury, when it occurred away from a land phone. Now, with the great quantity of cell phones that have found their way into the general population, there should be no problem for you to include one in all of your First Aid Kits.

A. Wright
First Aid Kit Products

http://www.FirstAidKitProducts.com      

Keeping You and Your Family Safe

 

 

 

 

Every Day is Safety Day:
  Safety is a state of constant awareness of our surroundings and a healthy fear of unpredictable situations. By it’s very nature, an emergency is a volatile situation. If everything were truly under control, the terrible situation that we are presented with would not have happened. 
  Safety is an ongoing concern that must never leave our thoughts.
  There is an instinct in all of us to race to the rescue of those in need of assistance and first aid. Regardless of the circumstance of the accident or injury that we witness, it’s imperative that we keep our wits about us and Stay Safe.

Accident Prevention:
  If, for example, you see a person struck by a car in a crosswalk; do not rush headlong into the street to help. You will no doubt find yourself lying next to them after being struck by the next car speeding down the street, requiring aid yourself. 
   If you witness an accident or injury, the first thing you must do is to make sure that you are not in immediate danger yourself. You will not be able to render first aid to anyone if you are caught-up in the same dangerous situation that resulted in the first accident.
  If you slid into the car ahead of you, don’t jump out of your vehicle without making absolutely sure that there is no one behind you. First check your rear view mirror, if there is another vehicle approaching, stay in your car any prepare for possible impact.
  Once you are sure that there is no other vehicle approaching, grab your first aid kit and any first aid supplies that you have on hand, leave your car and get well away from the road as quickly as possible. More than one person has been severely injured while standing on the road after an accident. Don’t be one of them!
  Once you see that the situation has stabilized, you can then return to the scene to render assistance and first aid to those that have been injured.

 

Conclusion:
  It is up to each one of us to be totally aware of our own surroundings no matter where we are, and to react to those surroundings accordingly.
  We are all guilty of going through the day, lost in our own thoughts and paying little attention to what is happening around us. We must all attempt to change these ways, keep our minds in focus and be SAFE.

http://www.firstaidkitproducts.com