Neighborhood Block Watch 9-25-09
Disaster Preparedness Tips
While it is my greatest hope that we will never find ourselves in any situation that resembles a disaster it never hurts to be prepared.
Most of you have heard of the guidelines to follow in preparation of "the big one", you may have forgotten. So consider this your yearly reminder.
Evacuation Disaster Kit
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross recommend keeping all-important family papers in a safety deposit box or other safe location. This includes items such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, wills, deeds, and financial and insurance information. Make copies so you'll have the information at hand. In addition, you will want to have cash and a credit card ready to travel along with your keys to car and house.
Two more important items to have (1) prescription medications for everyone in the family, sanitary pads - they are sterile and can be used to cover wounds and staunch bleeding and (2) your cell phone and extra batteries.
Survival Items
Below are items that are a must in any disaster kit. Your health, safety, and even survival, may depend on them. Keep these items together in one safe place that you can easily get to if you must evacuate.
Water
Keep at least a three-day supply of water stored in plastic containers per person. Each person and pet needs one gallon of water each day. Four family members = 4x3 = 12 gallons of stored water.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods. Be sure to include a non-electric can opener.
Canned pet food
Utensils and other supplies for eating
A complete First Aid Kit
You can buy them already prepackaged or create your own by following the American Red Cross guidelines.
Just a few notes about Earthquakes
The following information is from an article written by the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world's most experienced rescue team.
Old wisdom has it that if an earthquake strikes you should get under something, the ARTI recommends lying down next to a table/desk/bed - the larger the object the greater that chance that it will leave a space next to it.
Almost everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when buildings collapse ARE CRUSHED TO DEATH. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed. ?
Cats, dogs, and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. That position helps you survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it. ?
If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed.
If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair. ?
Do not get under a doorway and never go to the stairs. Get Near the Outer Walls Of Buildings Or Outside Of Them If Possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior.
If you are driving, stop and get out of your car and sit or lie next to it.
Being prepared and knowing what to do in case of a disaster may save your life and lives of your family and friends.
Joining a Block Watch group or just being included in the Block Watch data base is easy, just download the BW form - located on this website, fill it out and take it to LakeLand Village office when it is staffed. If you need more information about the program or on being a BW Captain, mark the box on the form and we will contact you. Being part of the BW program is a good way for Neighbors to watch out for Neighbors.
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