Recently in Emergency Preparedness Category
September 4, 2008 1:46 PM
This is an incredible site for medical education. You can view dozens of videos on treatment procedures for burns, eye injuries, how to use a tourniquet, emergency childbirth, patient recovery and transport, and much, much more.
These videos were produced by the military and others, and are offered free to the public. They are short, to the point, and incredibly useful.
Happy Day!
Louise
July 20, 2008 8:46 PM
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE? DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED?
You'd be surprised how doing a little bit of preparing each week adds up. And, you'd be surprised how easy it is to forget what you have collected. I spent most of last weekend making an inventory of what I had. What a great sense of accomplishment that was. It gave me an idea of what still needs to be done, and made me realize I need better guidelines.
Regarding food, I was doing a chicken-scratch kind of thing. I haven't really looked at the charts that say how much one person/two persons.....should have, for how long, etc. But that's a wise thing to do, otherwise you'll just have a bunch of this and that without any kind of plan. Which leads me to an invaluable resource.
Thank you to the folks at Simply Living Smart for the time they spent creating a user friendly chart that does all the work for you. They've created an Excel spreadsheet with pages for all the foods including dairy, oils, canned goods, sweeteners, and more. All you have to do is enter your family size, the items you have, and calculations are automatically done for you. You can see what you have and what the requirements are for different periods of time, such as one month, two months, 1 year, etc. You can easily keep track of what you have on hand, and what you'd prefer to have.
Here's the link to the chart.
http://simplylivingsmart.com/images/Resources/Food-Storage-Master-Plan.xls
Make sure you visit their site. It's outstanding. Link Here
June 1, 2008 4:46 PM
The Simply Living Smart website is by far the best resource for food storage, preparedness, and self-reliance that I have come across. In an explosion of sites that have cropped up over the past year or so, and even with some of the older rock solid ones that have been around through thick and thin, this one stands out. An ambitious effort for sure, these folks have created (or I should say evolving) a website that includes short, on-line how-to videos and articles on preparedness, food storage and food preparation, storage checklists and spreadsheets, a community forum, a blog, a newsletter, and even a children's corner. All of this is free. You just need to register. I have yet to get through it all because it continues to grow. While the links within the site sometimes don't go where they say they will, with some understanding for a work in progress, you'll be able to navigate through it quite well.
Check it out: http://simplylivingsmart.com/
May 28, 2008 12:03 PM
Several RSE Students Among Those Receiving
Coveted Extra Mile Award
For Exemplary Public Service
The team operated between Dec. 13, 2007, and Feb. 28, 2008, as part of the Presidential disaster declaration DR 1714 for the floods and windstorms of December 2007 in
The Extra Mile Award is given to an individual or group of public employees who surpass expectations for exemplary public service by demonstrating at least one of the following attributes:
- Execute an innovative solution.
- Improve efficiency.
- Exhibit visionary thinking.
- Overcome great odds or disadvantages.
- Demonstrate personal valor or bravery.
"The team selflessly provided exceptional, timely and record setting service to a highly traumatized segment of state citizens at the worst moment in their lives." the award stated.
Team members assisted individuals who were forced out of their homes or suffered uninsured personal property losses. The award said team members worked right through the holidays, logging 12 plus hours a day, seven days a week, for weeks on end providing qualitative services at a record pace
The team's record was as follows:
· conducted preliminary damage assessments in 11 counties leading to a federal declaration in 10 counties;
· performed community relations operations in 10 counties in less than 60 days garnering over 10,600 registrations;
· co-managed 10 Disaster Recovery Centers serving 6,139 disaster victims;
· managed two different state help lines handling approximately 5,000 calls;
· processed 4,330 Other Needs Assistance grant cases awarding approximately $2.8 million to disaster applicants for personal property losses;
· helped 272 individuals/families find assistance for their disaster related needs not met through federal assistance in the largest flood disaster in the state in more than a decade.
Team members "should take great pride in being recognized for the quality and quantity of the work you have done to help others in this event. It is one thing to excel as an individual, and yet another to excel as a team, Go Team!" stated Team Leader John Vollmer, deputy state coordinating officer--human services for DR 1714.
(Text taken from the Emergency Management Division's Newsletter, the Washington Responder)
Human Services team members from RSE were:
Diane Dondero, Sara Foster, Bob Foster, Abigail Haddock, Linda Powell, Bertha Rainen, and Louise SaintOnge
April 23, 2008 10:34 PM
YOUR BACKPACK-DON'T JUST STUFF IT-USE IT!
I spent last Sunday in one of Steven Knopp's classes. This day he was teaching about emergency backpacks, 'marching' backpacks, fire making, a little bit about tracking, a little bit about edible wild plants, a little bit about SO much. Talk about download! It was fantastic. He's an excellent teacher, so present and clear, and is filled with reams of knowledge from his life's experiences. I went home absolutely exhausted and fulfilled.
I learned so many things, but want to focus on the backpack part for now. It's a lesson in, TEST IT BEFORE YOU NEED IT. I had an emergency backpack in my car which had some necessary things in it. I knew it wasn't complete, so when it came time to take the class I added a few more things so I'd be better prepared. That morning I put in some food I'd need to cook over an open fire, some snacks, water, etc. When I went to put the pack on it wouldn't go on! The straps were too short! I knew this wasn't a great backpack, and had planned to get a really good one some day down the line. But not to be able to put it on was a shock. So after all the careful placing of this and that item, in this and that compartment, I emptied it all out and found another old backpack to stuff things in, and off I went.
I don't care what kind of list you've found telling you what items to have in your pack, until you see it all laid out in front of you, and until you actually put the pack on with the stuff in it and go on an adventure to use it, you won't know if it's adequate, or how you would arrange it differently, or what you would add or subtract from it. What's in your pack, and do you know how to use what's in it? So test it out. Make a fire. Do you have everything? You won't know until you make it. Cook your meal on the fire. Do you have everything? Or did you forget a container for water, or an eating utensil, or something to pick up a hot pan from the fire? Have to go to the bathroom? What did you bring for that?
AND, what kind of shape are you in to carry a pack through the forest, for example, or walk for long distances if you had to? I was humbled by its weight, and I hadn't even included many very necessary items for a 3 day survival situation. We didn't even go far and I was huffing and puffing, not to mention when I'd bend down to get under a low hanging branch and fall over because my body wasn't used to the weight! (Lots of laughter lying sideways in the swamp). This may not be your story, but don't think that you can just throw things in a bag and walk for your life. Your focus better be super powerful to overcome the physical challenge. Meanwhile, I've decided to wear my pack during my morning walk a few times a week.
I'll tell you more about what else I learned another time. If you live in this area, give Steven Knopp a call 360-458-6777 x 228 or email him at flyertreetop@yahoo.com to find out when his next classes are in wilderness survival, emergency backpacks, fire making, bow making, self-defense, and on and on. You won't regret it. Click here for Steven's Bio. He's one of our experts from the Weekly (more like random) Wisdom Forum.
April 2, 2008 8:45 PM
Welcome to our Question and Answer postings, a dynamic forum for people to have their questions answered by a group of "wise ones". Our experts bring a rich and diverse background of skills and knowledge gained from years of experience living and breathing what they talk about. Click here to meet them.
It is my desire that the Weekly Wisdom Forum will reach out to a sea of people of all ages, from different backgrounds and levels of understanding and experience, and be a support and even a comfort to those who are looking for guidance in preparing body and mind for the days that are here.
Send your questions to louise@mastersconnection.com.
QUESTION: MAKING A FIRE
Can you give some suggestions on how to start a fire? More specifically, if I've only got my survival pack, what should I include in there. Will regular matches do the trick?
Always, always have three ways to make fire. This is your most important survival skill and equipment. Start with small roll-type cigarette or pipe lighters. Get the good ones that can be refilled, with an adjustable flame height. Don't count on the cheap throw-aways. I have found this out the hard way. Second, have good waterproof kitchen/camping type matches, kept in an air and watertight container of your choice. Third, have a magnesium bar and striker type fire starter. I always carry recycled vitamin bottles stuffed full of pre-made, very flammable fire starting tinder , stuffing as much as I can in the bottles. This is the secret to fire starting even in difficult situations, which is when you will need it the most.
This is just a brief overview on how to make a fire. If you live in this area, (Yelm & Rainier Washington) take my upcoming survival and preparedness classes. One whole day is on fire making. It's that important!
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Abigail Haddock responds:
Oh, I hear strains of Kumbaya in my head and see visions of all the Girl Scout camping trips I went on as a youngster!
Simple answer ...get a magnesium fire starter and always have a jackknife handy. Learn to find tinder (dried grass, pine needles, tree fibers etc.), scrape off some magnesium, create a spark with the flint side of the
In an emergency, under stress, or in the pouring rain, you are not going to rub sticks together to make an ember and ultimately create a fire. Only in good conditions are you going to have the fortitude to accomplish that task. I know how to do it. It is impressive but it takes time and energy better spent elsewhere, in my humble opinion. I am glad I have the skill locked away in my neuronet, but give me something simple when I am hungry, wet and tired, to start my fire any day. Yes, I do have a magnesium fire starter and jackknife in my briefcase. Just ask Louise!!
Thank you experts! I would like to comment by saying PRACTICE THESE FIRE MAKING TECHNIQUES BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO USE THEM!
NEXT WEEK: Powdered Milk. Rumor has it, it tastes a lot better than it used to.
Be well. Be happy. Be outrageous.
Louise
March 16, 2008 8:29 PM
Reader Asks About Waterproof BackPacks
What type and brand of backpack do you recommend? Where would you shop for a good, not too big, waterproof back pack to carry the sort of items Steve recommends? There are a lot of different ones out there. Some are $70; others $250. Where do I start?
Here is a backpack from REI for $79. What does Steve think about this type?
http://www.rei.com/product/714376
-Bill M.
Steven Knopp Responds:
Yes there are many to choose from. First I will assume you're asking in terms of the 72 hour, or in-your-car type of survival backpack. If not, then the answer will be very different. There are many places to choose from: REI, Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's, military surplus, catalogs. And don't forget all the second hand stores. I always find good deals on name brand things of this nature there.
The one you mention from REI is a pretty good pack for the money, but it's not that large. Well packed with a few things strapped on the outside (like a small machete, etc) and it can get the job done. However, you will find none of these packs are truly waterproof. They are water resistant - two different animals entirely! But, you can make them waterproof with an additional lightweight cover, or pack everything inside in a good plastic trash bag, (which is good to have a few of anyway). Only the rubberized military surplus packs are actually waterproof without a cover. Trust me on this. I lived in the Olympic rainforest for 12 years.
P.S. There is no need to spend $200 plus on a good backpack. Even the really nice ones with the water reservoir and drinking tube are less than that.
Louise comments: I did a quick internet search on waterproof backpacks and found the following link. http://store.thewaterproofstore.com/backpacks.html
December 24, 2007 12:23 PM
Helping Out Those Affected by Flooding
I Didn't Disappear
One minute she was posting on her blog, and the next minute, she was gone! It seems that way doesn't it? Well, I didn't disappear, but I did get swept up in the recovery activities of the most recent flooding disaster which occurred in the early part of December, right here in
As close as a 30 minute drive away from Yelm, the unstoppable power of fast moving waters from rivers swollen with days of rain and melted snow devastated homes and businesses, changing the landscape to an unrecognizable sea of mud, debris, submerged homes, businesses and livestock. How the @?^! do you 'prepare' for that?
Click here to see some of the photos.
I was called in as a disaster reservist to assist in the recovery efforts once the president officially declared it a disaster, which allows federal funds to come into the state. I help out with the individuals and households program. That's another story, but it means I've been working 12 hour days, seven days per week. It's like a time warp of sorts, as I don't know which day it is or how long we've been at this. I get home around 8:30 or so, spend a few minutes being a mom, and then go to bed for another intense, long day.
So with a day break for Christmas, I will awaken to the beautiful morning, before light arrives, and continue in this vain until we get over the initial impact of assistance efforts.
Just wanted you to know what the break in postings was all about. Blessings to all.
Louise
December 6, 2007 9:53 PM
Welcome to our Question and Answer postings, a dynamic forum for people to have their questions answered by a group of "wise ones". Our experts bring a rich and diverse background of skills and knowledge gained from years of experience living and breathing what they talk about. Click here to meet them.
It is my desire that the Weekly Wisdom Forum will reach out to a sea of people of all ages, from different backgrounds and levels of understanding and experience, and be a support and even a comfort to those who are looking for guidance in preparing body and mind for the days that are here. We'll be posting one or 2 Q & A's per week. Send your questions to louise@mastersconnection.com.
QUESTION: KNIVES
I want to get a good knife or handy tool for my emergency backpack. There are so many interesting knives out there. Do you think the Swiss Army type knife is the best? Is there a better knife to use? I'm thinking about what I'm going to need the knife for, other than cutting cheese or string or bandages. Because I've never been in a situation that would require an emergency backpack I don't know what some uses of the knife would be. Do you have any suggestions?
Steven Knopp responds:
I could write a library on knives. Good knives are an essential preparedness tool and are indispensable for fire-making, cooking, many aspects of emergency shelter construction, improvised clothing, camp preparations, making traps, snares, and improvised weapons; for butchering, and preparing game and gathering food and medicine, emergency first aid, and self defense, many uses in escape and evasion tactics, emergency car repair, and the list goes on an on.
I ALWAYS carry a real Victorinox Swiss Army multi function knife with me at ALL times [really] as well as in preparedness packs. They are wonderful. I recommend the Swiss Army SwissChamp or the next smaller model. The Leatherman or Gerber Multi-tools are also nice.
But I INSIST on combining it with a small 6 or 7 inch FIXED BLADE laminated or high carbon steel survival knife. (A fixed blade knife does not fold or slide, and is typically stronger due to the tang, the extension of the blade into the handle, and lack of movable parts) Frost Mora Cutlery is a good inexpensive one. (I always made these knives available in my survival, and wilderness classes.)
Stay away from the large stainless steel ''RAMBO'' type knives, unless you're Rambo. They are too large for most people and most ''bushcraft'' uses, and too small to be a good machete. If you want a machete get a real machete. They come in many sizes and have many uses.
(Click on any underlined word above for links to these particular items)
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Abigail Haddock Responds:
There are 100's of varieties of Swiss Army knives with multiple combinations of tools and blades. My favorite Swiss Army knife is simple with a couple of blades, screwdriver, scissors, and bottle opener. It is red so I can locate it easily, hangs off a ring so I could attach it to something for safe keeping, and usually resides in my purse (except when I fly of course). I have a
Knives are tools and are designed to do a job. Identify what your personal needs will be and get the best tool for the job. Before you buy knives, learn their anatomy. Knives are made up of four parts: the blade, the handle, the bolster, and the tang. Buy from an expert who knows knife-ology. Don't be seduced into the biggest scariest knife that will do 32 different actions. You are not Rambo and you do not need a Ginzu. When choosing a knife ask what it was designed for, hold it, check the fit, then practice using it, cleaning it and taking care of it. A good knife will be a friend for life.
October 23, 2007 10:38 AM
Who Will Bail You Out When A Disaster Happens?
Another valuable bit of knowledge from John Vollmer of
Dear Reservists:
The following comes from a series of training newsletters I sent out a year or so ago. This is the first one. With our first major windstorm possibly on the horizon, I felt now would be a good time to revisit some key points relative to disasters.
Understanding Government's Role in Disasters
When disaster strikes no matter how big or how small the public immediately wants to know what government is going to do to bail them out. The fact is most disasters are so minor that government assistance is not available.
So what is a disaster anyway? The term disaster means different things to different people. If your house has damage and you do not have insurance to cover it, you would say you have a disaster. However, federal law defines disaster much more broadly. To get federal assistance the damage must be very serious and widespread affecting a number of people. A foot of water in your home is serious to you, but it does not meet the criteria for a federal disaster. A disaster as defined by the federal government occurs when hundreds of homes, or more, are destroyed or have sustained major damage.
When disaster strikes the state cannot help because Washington State's Constitution says: " The credit of the state shall not, in any manner be given or loaned to, or in aid of, any individual, association, company, or corporation." Essentially this means that state taxpayer dollars cannot be spent to help an individual with disaster related losses. That means the only help for individuals must come from the federal government.
Many people think that the federal government, namely FEMA, responds automatically to disaster, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Governor is the only person who can initiate federal assistance by submitting a formal request to the applicable federal agency. But first, the Governor's request must include damage reports from counties affected by the disaster that clearly show there has been "significant damages." Generally speaking, the number of uninsured homes that have been destroyed or with major damage must be in the hundreds for the disaster to be considered "significant."
