WELCOME!
WELCOME!
So happy to see you here checking out this important information to help keep yourself and your family safe. The recommendations on this site come from various sources and years of experience having to be fully prepared in advance to be able to work during and after the disasters.
So happy to see you here checking out this important information to help keep yourself and your family safe. The recommendations on this site come from various sources and years of experience having to be fully prepared in advance to be able to work during and after the disasters.
This site can be used by everyone, however, it was specially designed to be user friendly to assist those with mental and physical illnesses and disabilities.
This site can be used by everyone, however, it was specially designed to be user friendly to assist those with mental and physical illnesses and disabilities.
Unfortunately, many chronically ill and disabled people are a bit slower moving around than they use to be. They can have some good days, and then they may have worse days to deal with and/or may be immobile.
Unfortunately, many chronically ill and disabled people are a bit slower moving around than they use to be. They can have some good days, and then they may have worse days to deal with and/or may be immobile.
Many people (sick or not) are generally unable to clearly focus when it is necessary, especially when they are stressed due to an emergency.
Many people (sick or not) are generally unable to clearly focus when it is necessary, especially when they are stressed due to an emergency.
Preparing for a disaster may seem overwhelming at first and it can be more than your budget will comfortably handle in the beginning. But, not to worry! Just do a little preparation at a time as you are able.
Preparing for a disaster may seem overwhelming at first and it can be more than your budget will comfortably handle in the beginning. But, not to worry! Just do a little preparation at a time as you are able.
Please see the drop down menu on the upper left of the screen.
Please see the drop down menu on the upper left of the screen.
PREPARATION TIP
PREPARATION TIP
You might consider making a full disaster kit for home use, and then build a smaller one for your vehicle and/or workplace.
You might consider making a full disaster kit for home use, and then build a smaller one for your vehicle and/or workplace.
Me? I keep most everything in a vehicle or ready to be put in a vehicle because where I am located I'd be in real danger if I didn't leave when the alarm sounded! It is definitely not safe here for many reasons. In fact, I've had to evacuate 6 times just in the past 7 years and may have to do it again this year.
Me? I keep most everything in a vehicle or ready to be put in a vehicle because where I am located I'd be in real danger if I didn't leave when the alarm sounded! It is definitely not safe here for many reasons. In fact, I've had to evacuate 6 times just in the past 7 years and may have to do it again this year.
BUDGET TIP
BUDGET TIP
You can build your own disaster kits at a reduced cost by watching for sales on first aid and other supplies throughout the year.
You can build your own disaster kits at a reduced cost by watching for sales on first aid and other supplies throughout the year.
Watch for manufacturer's and other coupons to help save some money (especially on medical items for your first aid kits).
Watch for manufacturer's and other coupons to help save some money (especially on medical items for your first aid kits).
By doing it this way (in lieu of a purchasing pre-packaged kits) you can build yourself some less expensive custom made kits that may be better suited to your own needs.
By doing it this way (in lieu of a purchasing pre-packaged kits) you can build yourself some less expensive custom made kits that may be better suited to your own needs.
LET THERE BE LIGHT TIP
LET THERE BE LIGHT TIP
Motion detector lights (LED) can be inexpensive and quite bright for as small as they are. You can use a sticker to hold them in place or a magnet that comes with them.
Motion detector lights (LED) can be inexpensive and quite bright for as small as they are. You can use a sticker to hold them in place or a magnet that comes with them.
To make it easier for you (less traveling and shopping), you can order them online from Amazon!
To make it easier for you (less traveling and shopping), you can order them online from Amazon!
Don't Forget The Batteries! You need 3 AAA batteries for this model. There are six separate LED lighting units in the box for under $20. (Verified purchase- me!)
Don't Forget The Batteries! You need 3 AAA batteries for this model. There are six separate LED lighting units in the box for under $20. (Verified purchase- me!)
Evacuate or Staying Home?
Evacuate or Staying Home?
Please Don't be Fooled!
Please Don't be Fooled!
Remember Hurricane Sandy was referred to as "just a tropical storm" when it hit the USA. Never underestimate the power of any storm or disaster! Never think it won't or can't happen to you.
Remember Hurricane Sandy was referred to as "just a tropical storm" when it hit the USA. Never underestimate the power of any storm or disaster! Never think it won't or can't happen to you.
When tending to the injured and helping folks lost in the aftermath of a disaster, with a heavy heart and while thinking quietly to myself, "why didn't they leave when they were told?", the first thing the victims usually say is something like.. "I didn't think it was going to be THIS bad."
When tending to the injured and helping folks lost in the aftermath of a disaster, with a heavy heart and while thinking quietly to myself, "why didn't they leave when they were told?", the first thing the victims usually say is something like.. "I didn't think it was going to be THIS bad."
Key words... I- DIDN'T- THINK!
Key words... I- DIDN'T- THINK!
No one who is seriously injured, killed or who has had their homes or businesses destroyed thought it would be "this bad" and, therefore, they are often lax on doing the preparation work. Huge mistake!
No one who is seriously injured, killed or who has had their homes or businesses destroyed thought it would be "this bad" and, therefore, they are often lax on doing the preparation work. Huge mistake!
The best place to be during a disaster is as far away as possible from it and its projected path. Plan to leave the area if a disaster is or can be predicted. Better safe than sorry!
The best place to be during a disaster is as far away as possible from it and its projected path. Plan to leave the area if a disaster is or can be predicted. Better safe than sorry!
ALWAYS leave ASAP if mandatory evacuations are issued! If your stubborn husband or boss, or father-in-law, or grandma refuse to leave as you are packing up your things please do your best to convince them to leave. If that doesn't work, waste no more time on them!
ALWAYS leave ASAP if mandatory evacuations are issued! If your stubborn husband or boss, or father-in-law, or grandma refuse to leave as you are packing up your things please do your best to convince them to leave. If that doesn't work, waste no more time on them!
But, just before you leave them to fend for themselves, which is their decision to make no matter how bad of a decision it is, have them take a black magic marker and write their name and/or social security number on their arm for identification purposes later on.
But, just before you leave them to fend for themselves, which is their decision to make no matter how bad of a decision it is, have them take a black magic marker and write their name and/or social security number on their arm for identification purposes later on.
Then sweetly say good bye and leave them in your dust. Do NOT let anyone try to convince you or guilt you into staying in a danger zone. You know better! Get out while the getting is good!
Then sweetly say good bye and leave them in your dust. Do NOT let anyone try to convince you or guilt you into staying in a danger zone. You know better! Get out while the getting is good!
And who knows? A vacation in another state could be really nice this time of year. You should try to make arrangements for housing/shelter in advance with friends or relatives, especially if you are on a tight budget. Or you can go camping somewhere far from the approaching danger.
And who knows? A vacation in another state could be really nice this time of year. You should try to make arrangements for housing/shelter in advance with friends or relatives, especially if you are on a tight budget. Or you can go camping somewhere far from the approaching danger.
Go somewhere, just get going!
Go somewhere, just get going!
Local shelters should always be considered a last resort! Trust me, they are not fun, not restful or happy places and are not always safe. Often they were not built to be a safe and secure shelter.
Local shelters should always be considered a last resort! Trust me, they are not fun, not restful or happy places and are not always safe. Often they were not built to be a safe and secure shelter.
And ready or not, once they close the doors you can be "stuck" with no where to stay and no way to get home again. They may also be filled to capacity when you arrive, leaving you in a real jam.
And ready or not, once they close the doors you can be "stuck" with no where to stay and no way to get home again. They may also be filled to capacity when you arrive, leaving you in a real jam.
SHELTER TIP
SHELTER TIP
The Red Cross has a website with shelter locations listed. Click HERE for that information.
The Red Cross has a website with shelter locations listed. Click HERE for that information.
GOOD NEIGHBOR TIP
GOOD NEIGHBOR TIP
Please remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly. Know their plans before a disaster strikes too. Kindly assist them with their planning or transportation if needed.
Please remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly. Know their plans before a disaster strikes too. Kindly assist them with their planning or transportation if needed.
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
71% of people who died during Hurricane Katrina were older than 60?
71% of people who died during Hurricane Katrina were older than 60?
FIRE PROTECTION TIP
FIRE PROTECTION TIP
The death rate from fires in homes that had at least one smoke alarm was
The death rate from fires in homes that had at least one smoke alarm was
1/3 lower than in homes that had no smoke alarms at all.
1/3 lower than in homes that had no smoke alarms at all.
Installing smoke alarms is the first step.
Installing smoke alarms is the first step.
And it is important to be sure they are working.
And it is important to be sure they are working.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
We do not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is solely at your own risk.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
We do not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is solely at your own risk.
Last Updated- August 2020
Lucy Barnes