When it comes to emergency preparation how many of us resort to Aesop's grasshopper's attitude about last minute preparation hoping to escape unexpected emergencies? We are continually bombarded with the hype of global warming that some of us are thinking this warming will negate the cold front which seemingly is creeping our way. We say to ourselves, we'll get by and if we can't our city leaders will find a way...hmmm.
I believe if we haven't learnt from pervious disasters how common place the lack of "immediate" responsiveness from our governing leaders, road crews, power companies, and even telephone companies can be, we need to re-assess our priorities and take upon ourselves a attitude of self-reliance. Pointing figures aren't going to resolve our immediate needs in an emergency, it will only create an inversion of harden feelings and render our power of choice limited.
It seems like a dream since we had our last snow dump here in Redmond Washington. Was it a surprise? Well, no. I think the weather report warned us of its coming but inconsistent weather reporting tend to fall on belabored ears that have gone deaf. Like most of the residence here, I was caught unprepared. The store ran out of snow shovels! But fortunately we had power.
If you aren’t ready for winter, it would be a great time to start soon. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
1. Have water enough to last you more than two weeks, ideally 3 months would be best.
2. Foods
a. have canned and/or dry foods storage as in some cases power outage will spoil fresh foods.
b. store foods you'll likely eat or enjoy eating, you may want to consider some snacks. I find myself wanting to snack when I'm worried or not really hungry but have nothing better to do.
c. candies
3. Light supplies
a. extra supplies of batteries
b. candles
c. matches or fuel lighters
d. oil lamps, use with caution and wisdom as they give off gaseous fumes and often times ventilation is necessary.
e. wood, if you have wood burning fireplaces
4. Service of Utilities
a. diligently clean your furnace filters, monthly is ideal
b. service your roof, water heater, and insulate your pipes
5. First Aid Kit
6. Games Anyone?
During a black out incident, I found time was my companion and boredom wasn't far behind. In winter, day light is short which leave some of us more time to sleep, read or play games. It is a good idea to have some playing cards readily accessible and any other games that help pass the time away; a good time to build relationships also.
7. Traveling?
a. have water to last you for three days in case you get stuck.
b. warm blanket, non-cotton preferable
c. emergency kits, of course
d. car cell phone charger
e. non-perishable foods and snacks
f. portable games, if any to keep you sane and occupied
g. emergency numbers
I believe if we haven't learnt from pervious disasters how common place the lack of "immediate" responsiveness from our governing leaders, road crews, power companies, and even telephone companies can be, we need to re-assess our priorities and take upon ourselves a attitude of self-reliance. Pointing figures aren't going to resolve our immediate needs in an emergency, it will only create an inversion of harden feelings and render our power of choice limited.
It seems like a dream since we had our last snow dump here in Redmond Washington. Was it a surprise? Well, no. I think the weather report warned us of its coming but inconsistent weather reporting tend to fall on belabored ears that have gone deaf. Like most of the residence here, I was caught unprepared. The store ran out of snow shovels! But fortunately we had power.
If you aren’t ready for winter, it would be a great time to start soon. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
1. Have water enough to last you more than two weeks, ideally 3 months would be best.
2. Foods
a. have canned and/or dry foods storage as in some cases power outage will spoil fresh foods.
b. store foods you'll likely eat or enjoy eating, you may want to consider some snacks. I find myself wanting to snack when I'm worried or not really hungry but have nothing better to do.
c. candies
3. Light supplies
a. extra supplies of batteries
b. candles
c. matches or fuel lighters
d. oil lamps, use with caution and wisdom as they give off gaseous fumes and often times ventilation is necessary.
e. wood, if you have wood burning fireplaces
4. Service of Utilities
a. diligently clean your furnace filters, monthly is ideal
b. service your roof, water heater, and insulate your pipes
5. First Aid Kit
6. Games Anyone?
During a black out incident, I found time was my companion and boredom wasn't far behind. In winter, day light is short which leave some of us more time to sleep, read or play games. It is a good idea to have some playing cards readily accessible and any other games that help pass the time away; a good time to build relationships also.
7. Traveling?
a. have water to last you for three days in case you get stuck.
b. warm blanket, non-cotton preferable
c. emergency kits, of course
d. car cell phone charger
e. non-perishable foods and snacks
f. portable games, if any to keep you sane and occupied
g. emergency numbers
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