August 12, 2010
Yes, you read that title correctly. A recent study shows that relationships improve your odds of survival by a whopping 50%. The data comes from a study of 308,849 individuals, followed for an average of 7.5 years. Metaphorically speaking, that’s just as important as the items you choose to include in your emergency survival kits.
Of course, most of us can relate to our own families, but relationships are not limited to family ties. They extend to friends, colleagues, neighbors and members of our communities. Professor Holt-Lunstad, one of the authors of the study, says “when someone is connected to a group and feels responsibility for other people, that sense of purpose and meaning translates to taking better care of themselves and taking fewer risks.”
To help illustrate the impact of the findings, the study listed these examples of how low social interaction compares to more commonly known risk factors:
- Equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day
- Equivalent to being an alcoholic
- Twice as harmful as obesity
So what does this all mean for my family and I?
Reaching out and socializing more often with friends, neighbors and community members gives us:
- more purpose to live
- a larger physical support system when emergencies strike
- a stronger emotional support system in the aftermath of a disaster
So, invite your close extended family members over for dinner more often, say “hi” to that quiet neighbor across the way, and introduce yourself to another parent on your child’s soccer team. You just might live longer. And you’ll be thankful for the extra helping hands when you’re faced with an emergency.
December 23, 2009
Emergencies, disasters, and accidents happen when you least expect them. This is no surprise to most of us. But what may surprise you is that the average American spends more than two hours per day in the car. That equates to more than 10% of your daily schedule. If you commute to work, shuttle kids around all day, or work in a field that requires frequent travel, you are likely spending even more time behind the wheel.
Below are ten items (in no particular order) you should have in your car at all times to be prepared:
- water (or water filtration bottle)
- food
- blanket (or survival sleeping bag)
- flashlight
- radio (hand-crank radio if possible)
- cash (small bills)
- waterproof matches (or lighter)
- distress signal (whistle or signal mirror)
- walking shoes
- first-aid kit
November 15, 2009
Drip. Drip. Drip. Yeah, it’s a sound we all take for granted. Water sustains life. We use it to drink, cook, wash, shower, clean, and more…everyday. In our modern world we simply turn the faucet for instant access.
For my inaugural post, I thought it would be appropriate to address the most vital element of emergency preparedness. In part 1 of 2 posts, we’ll focus on the importance of storing water and rotating a steady supply. In another post, we’ll address water sanitation and filtration.
Long-Term Water Storage
To begin, most experts say you should store 1 gallon of water per person per day. This is definitely more than needed to survive, but it provides a sufficient amount to be relatively comfortable. A minimum of 3-days of water per person would be a great start. For households and small businesses, there are three basic sizes and options for water storage:
- SMALL: PET water bottles (the kind soda or liters of water come in)
This is an entry level approach, but they can be easily stored and transported. If you store them in an extra freezer, they can be used to keep your refrigerator cool in the event of a power failure.
- MEDIUM: 5-7 gallon tanks with handles.
These are just the right size for easy portability and usage. Anything larger than 7 gallons, will be difficult to move and pour.
- LARGE: 50-60 gallon drums and tanks
These are ideal for long-term storage if you have the space to store them. Just make sure you have a good pump or know how to siphon water.
Short-Term Water Storage
Thunderstorms and other predictable emergencies allow us enough time to supplement our water storage just hours before. Here are a few ideas:
- Fill your bathtub(s)
This is the easiest to do. You won’t drink this unless your situation is more extreme, but it can be used to wash and flush toilets.
- Fill large buckets, containers and coolers
Everyone’s situation is different, but most of us have something laying around that can be filled.
- Fill trash bags (2 or 3 deep depending on the durability)
This works well as a backup for step 2. They can be placed just about anywhere, but keeping them outside would be advisable in case of a leaky bag.
Collecting Water
Of course, eventually you may run out of water storage (or never have it in the first place!). In this case, you’ll want to be familiar with the closest water sources. This varies greatly based on location, but here are some ideas:
INSIDE
- your hot-water tank
- pipes and faucets
- ice cubes
OUTSIDE
- rain gutters
- rivers, streams, ponds, lakes
- natural springs and wells
Be Water Wise
It only takes a few days for the average person to die without water. Be wise.
October 8, 2009
According to the USGS, earthquakes are the most costly natural hazard faced by the United States. Most people associate California with earthquakes, but quake fault lines are scattered all over the states. This map clearly shows the areas that face the most danger.
However, California is packed with people and lies on some of the most vulnerable faults. Fortunately, they are preparing well. On October 15, California will host the Great California ShakeOut to raise awareness on earthquake safety. This event originated in 2008 and is sponsored by CEMA (California Emergency Management Agency), the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program and many more. It’s sure to be an informative and timely event. If you live in California, be sure to register. If you don’t, you can still learn some valuable tips.
So, are you prepared for the next earthquake? Take this fun interactive earthquake quiz to test your knowledge. And don’t forget to have an earthquake kit handy.
September 24, 2009
Hollywood is at it again. Whether you like it or not, plenty of media attention will be given to the new movie “2012″ debuting in mid October. I’m not a movie critic, so don’t expect a thumbs up or down. But I did want to identify a few pros and cons that will result from the new flick.
Positive Impacts of 2012
- Emergency preparedness will be a hot topic. Those who are prepared will feel validated. (Those who aren’t will feel it’s time.)
- At least for a little while, many people will remember what matters most – loving others.
- Ticket sales will reverse our recession. Well, not exactly. But I had to give you at least 3 reasons.
Negative Impacts of 2012
- The subject matter instills fear, stress, and panic. (Not really the ideal motivator to be prepared.)
- When people believe the end is inevitable, they take drastic measures. (Please don’t sell your home and all your possessions and move to the jungle…it’s hotter than you think).
- You’ll have to drop another $12 to watch the sequel in 2013, if nothing happens.
So if you’re not going to see it, at least watch the trailer to see what you’re missing. And if you are going to see it, be sure to sign up for the lottery to “ensure your chance of survival” (clever marketing site by Sony Pictures).
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