Be Prepared - Survival Gear!

I believe in being prepared. No one likes not knowing what to do in a situation. Not knowing what to do can produce an uncomfortable, stressful, anxious and debilitating feeling that could result in panic. When you are prepared and armed with knowledge, resources and equipment that you'll need to handle a situation, the panic is minimalized and you are able to make quick and accurate decisions. You can function in a way that helps to solve problems and maybe even saves a life.

A natural disaster can create a situation where preparedness is essential. The most critical decisions have to made quickly and the first inclination is flight. We all want to get away from the disaster as fast and as far as possible. Let the professionals deal with the situation so we can return when it's safe to do so. In the meantime though, how to survive and for how long? Be prepared ahead of time by collecting some of the items necessary for survival. Create your own survival kit and store it in the most easily accessible place. Store your survival kit in your basement, the trunk of your car, in a closet in your RV or as close as possible to your escape route so you can grab it and go. You should plan to acquire enough supplies for 2 people (multiplied by the number of people in your family) to last 3 days. Some of the things you'll need include food and water, light and communication, shelter and warmth, tools, hygiene kits and sanitation supplies, first aid, entertainment items, and an infectious waste bag just to name a few.

A family survival kit should provide you with the resources and information that will maintain you and your family until it is safe to return home or seek other assistance. 93% of Americans are unprepared for an emergency requiring multi-day survival. Don't be caught in this statistic. Be prepared.

To find out more about family survival kits, go to http://quakedog.com/familysurvivalgear and to find out about personal security equipment go to http://www.defendyourselfequipment.com

Article Source: Cathy Burt

When an Emergency Strikes, Disaster Survival Gear Saves Lives!

When it comes to emergency preparedness, it's easy to get lulled into a sense of complacency. It's difficult to face the reality that disaster could strike close to home, even though we've witnessed the devastation that comes from disasters like Hurricane Katrina, the Asian tsunami, the tornado that flattened a Kansas town, and terrorist attacks like those on 9/11. The unfortunate truth is that earthquake, fire, flood, and storms can cause injuries, death, and destruction. More importantly - and more hopefully - much of the unbearable heartache and loss associated with disasters can be avoided with the proper disaster survival gear.

Emergency preparedness doesn't mean seeing the world through the eyes of doom and gloom. It doesn't mean that there is a disaster looming around every corner. Having the proper disaster survival gear simply means acknowledging that the world is an unpredictable place, and that it's best to be prepared. After all, when you buy a box of Band-Aids and tuck it away in a cupboard, you don't wake up each morning certain that a loved one will suffer a cut or scrape; it just means that you have Band-Aids on hand if a minor injury occurs. The same holds true for disaster survival gear. Once you have it, you don't have to worry about it. Hopefully, you'll never need to use it, but if the need arises, you'll be prepared.

Survival Kits for Every Location

When you consider purchasing disaster survival gear, it's important to remember that you don't know where you and your loved ones will be when an emergency strikes. Perhaps you'll be at home, but maybe you'll be at work or in the car, and your children may be at school. It's important to make sure that each location has the necessary disaster survival gear to improve the odds of making it through whatever natural or manmade emergency occurs.

Home Disaster Survival Gear

Your home emergency preparedness kit should contain enough food, water, shelter, sanitation, first aid, lighting and communication supplies necessary for the number of people in your family. Because a catastrophic event often means no running water or electricity, and because it can impact the livability of your home, it's important to have the supplies necessary to be self-sufficient. Critical supplies to include are food bars and water boxes for three days, thermal blankets designed to retain body heat, ponchos with hoods, tissue packs, work gloves, a tube tent, water purification tablets, dust masks, vinyl gloves, a solar radio and flashlight with generator, first aid kit, light sticks, can opener, nylon cord, contact cards, gas shut-off wrench, Swiss Army knife, waterproof matches, emergency candles, toilet bags and chemicals, duct tape, and whistle.

When preparing your disaster survival gear, it's important not to forget your pets. Include a collar and leash, toys, food and water bowls, food and water, a thermal blanket, a pet first aid kit, and a decal that can alert rescue workers to the presence of a pet.

DIY or Ready-Made?

The reason many people hesitate to prepare for emergencies is that it's a hassle to put together your own disaster survival gear. The idea of having to go to different stores and pick up supplies makes it easy to procrastinate. Plus, there's the question of the shelf life of different items, particularly food and water.

Many people opt to buy ready-made emergency preparedness kits. Not only is it less hassle, but the best ready-made kits have a five-year shelf life and come in a sealed bucket. Just like buying that box of Band-Aids, a ready-made kit of disaster survival gear is easy to buy and tuck away. Hopefully, you'll never have to use it, but you'll rest easier knowing that, if emergency does strike, it could save your life and the lives of those you love.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Disaster Survival Gear Saves Lives or Majon's Family and Children directory.

Article Source: Chris Robertson

Survival Skills May Make The Difference Between Life And Death!

Before venturing into the wilderness get prepared for the unexpected.

* Get avalanche certified and carry an avalanche shovel, beacon and probe if you are a winter backcountry enthusiast!

* Take a first aid course since accidents do occur.

* Always carry a survival kit.

For the general nature enthusiast, basic survival skills are included here to initiate an understanding of what needs to occur in a wilderness emergency. Keep in mind that YOU MUST REMAIN CALM when implementing these survival skills. A clear head will allow you to implement and plan for survival and rescue.

1. FIRE. It can provide warmth, keep predators away, purify water, cook food and signal rescuers. The best source for a fire is: a flint metal match with a wooden handle and a scraper; for tinder use cotton balls soaked in petroleum and stored in waterproof containers. Sort your firewood in a tepee form and place your emergency blanket behind you to reflect the heat.

2. SHELTER - a commercial trash bag with a hole cut out for your head is useful in protecting you from the elements. Always keep the closest layer to your body dry to insulate you from the elements. If you are stranded, find a quick natural shelter and wrap yourself in an emergency blanket.

3. SIGNALING with a whistle and a mirror. A whistle can carry further than a yell and a mirror can reflect up to 20 miles. A triangle of fires is a distress signal. Create smoke during the day to show distress. Spell out S.O.S. with organic materials.

4. FOOD/WATER. A person can survive up to three days without water and without food up to three weeks, although don't plan for this. Always pack extra food bars high in carbs. Drink water in the cool of the evening. Collect water from rain in your emergency blanket. Never drink your urine. Boil water minimally for 10 minutes, if you can. Seek water out at all times.

5. FIRST AID KIT. Always carry a basic one.

NOTE: as an essential survival skill, see understanding a topographical map

Survival Skills Hot Tips

Survival Skill #1: Backcountry thunderstorm

Get out of your tent. It is safer to be crouched down on your sleeping pad then in your tent which can expose you to electrical ground currents. Also keep yourself distanced from other members in the group.

Survival Skill #2: Grizzly Bear Attack

No pepper spray? If a grizzly bear is attacking do not RUN. Immediately lay down on the ground face down, spread eagle and protect your neck and heart.

Survival Skill #3 Mountain Lion Attack

If the mountain lion has not attacked look tall and yell. DO NOT RUN. If it attacks, fight for your life using pepper spray, knife or anything you can find to gouge its eyes. Never hike alone.

Survival Skill #4 Caught in an avalanche?

Try to keep an arm above the snow level to show visibility. If not possible, keep your hands near your mouth to create an air pocket. Spit outside of your mouth to tell which direction you are facing.

Survival Skill #5 Lost

Stay put. Despite popular beliefs do not follow streams. They usually lead to waterfalls, not civilization.

Survival skills combined with survival gear can ensure a safe enjoyable wilderness experience.

http://www.gearup4nature.com

http://www.gearup4nature.com/survivalskills.php

Article Source: Lynn Altierineed

Wilderness Survival Skills Could Save Your Life!

You don't have to be a contestant on the "Survivor" television program to learn wilderness survival skills. This information was second nature to our ancestors many generations back, but in today's high-tech world, we have grown out of touch with nature and unaware of how to provide such basic needs as food, water and shelter.

But, with modern conveniences at our fingertips, why should we learn how to build a fire without matches, or how to obtain safe water to drink? The answer is simple. One only needs to look back to Hurricane Katrina to see how quickly natural disasters can strike and deprive people of the electricity they depend upon to get them through each day. Even less predictable than hurricanes are other natural disasters such as earthquakes that strike without warning, and tornadoes that can materialize in minutes.

Many experts say that we are seriously at risk for a worldwide disease pandemic, like the Spanish flu that decimated populations across the globe in the first quarter of the 20th century. It is highly possible that an infectious disease epidemic of the bird flu could put such a strain on community infrastructures that services such as hospitals, police, fire departments and ambulances could not be depended upon, and residents would be forced to fend for themselves. Also, in today's increasingly uncertain world, the risk of a terrorist attack destroying power stations, water reservoirs or other civic infrastructures is not out of the question.

That is why the wise individual will invest a few hours to learn such survival skills as fire making, finding water, making shelter, finding food and preparing meals with only primitive tools. Gaining this knowledge should not be viewed as a bothersome chore, but rather as a fascinating challenge to become more self-sufficient. And, should disaster strike, these skills may very well prove to be more valuable than any insurance policy.

Some of the best sources for learning wilderness survival skills are the books by Tom Brown Jr. Mr. Brown was taught tracking and hunting at an early age by an Apache elder, and he went on to establish a survival school as well as writing such classic texts as "Tom Brown's Field Guide to Wilderness Survival" which clearly illustrates many ways to start a fire without matches, build wilderness shelters using only natural materials, identifying edible plants and hunting wild animals for food.

It only takes a few minutes and the investment of a few dollars to assemble a pocket size wilderness survival kit that contains a small knife, compass, matches, fishing hooks and line, and perhaps a lightweight, metallic "space blanket." A visit to most any sporting goods shop or camping supply store will be time well spent if you should suddenly be faced with a survival situation. But more important than survival gear is the learning of wilderness survival skills. This is because the greatest asset in case of emergency is not your technology but your mental attitude. An individual with proper skills and knowledge can survive much more comfortably without any tools than someone who has lots of survival gear but does not know how to use it properly.

And even if you are never faced with an emergency situation that requires the application of wilderness survival techniques, you still might use them to win a million dollars if you should be chosen to be a contestant on the "Survivor" TV show.

Robert Scheer is a freelance writer and consultant to the wilderness survival website and recommends the book "Tom Brown's Field Guide to Wilderness Survival."

Article Source: Robert Scheer

National Preparedness Month - Start With Your Home and Family!

Natural disasters are a common occurrence throughout the world. Disasters are a part of everyone’s existence and we all need to be prepared for the simplest to the most devastating.

Look around at the disasters that have impacted us locally: the fires in the Milford Flats area, the Uinta Basin, Farmington Canyon and on the Utah/Nevada/ Idaho border. If we haven’t been involved in the flames and heat, we have all suffered from the smoke. We have also seen abnormally high temperatures over the past month. These have caused illnesses and even deaths to young and old alike. We have lost six miners, two rescue workers and a federal mine inspector. Last summer Southern Utah recorded dramatic losses due to massive flooding.

Houses crumbled into the river, folks could not get to their houses because they were surrounded by water and internal flood damage was phenomenal. If you look at all of the new construction of roads, offices, hospitals and even renovations of such places as the Capitol the common theme is earthquake proof.

There are three steps to being prepared. First, plan your emergency protocol to evacuate as safely as possible. Second, talk with your family and decide what is important to all of you. Keep it together in one place so that if disaster strikes you can easily collect it and leave your home. And third, protect your home and family by knowing where everyone is and how to reach them. Consider your critical needs. Some of the basics will include food, water, shelter, power for your home as well as for a vehicle and communication. Have on hand at least a 72 hour kit for each member of your family.

In the case of an earthquake, the suggestion by FEMA is to have enough prepared to help you and your loved ones survive for up to three months. Remember to check on your neighbors after an emergency, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

If you want to learn more about disaster preparedness you can contact the American Red Cross. They have all sorts of information as well as sample emergency kits. You can contact them at http://www.redcross.org. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has developed a 165 page disaster manual that is a wonderful resource. You can find it at http://www.fema.gov. These are great resources for you, but at times you may want a human being to assist you in preparing your personal emergency plan.

The team at Health Watch is glad to assist its patients with emergency planning. When you are ready to make a plan, we will be there, ready to help.

Mary Kroeger, RN
Health Watch
Simply Seniors News http://www.SimplySeniorsNews.com

Article Source: Mary Kroeger

The Secret of Teaching Disaster Preparedness!

Headlines are full of hurricanes, earthquakes, bird flu, terrorism, and other dangers of the world in which we live. However, most civilians aren’t prepared to face a disaster or even a family emergency. This begs the question “Why not?” This article is intended for those who want to change this fact by teaching others, including their own families, to be better prepared, safer, and more self-reliant.

We’ve identified several “learning obstacles” that prevent individuals and families from being as emergency ready as they should be. We’ll list them here quickly then cover each in more detail and discuss ways to jump these learning hurdles.

Since we’re talking about educating families – the cornerstone of all reaction plans - let’s use the acronym F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S.:

Fear – “It’s too scary to think about.”

Attention Span – “I’m too busy to learn or do anything new.”

Media – “There’s always a weatherman in the hurricane.”

Info Levels Now – “A 72-hour kit is all I need.”

Lifestyle Ties – “I don’t want to change the way I live.”

Income – “I can’t afford to buy the gear or take the steps.”

Ego – “I’m so important that others will look after me.”

Selflessness – “I’m not worried about me, I want to help others.”

Why is it important to increase the level of civilian preparedness training over what we have through sites like ready.gov? That question can be a series of articles on its own, but the 4-part short answer is one, most free websites have only the bare minimum info; two, the fewer victims we have in a disaster the better off we’ll all be; three, all business continuity plans rest on the ability of employees to return to work; and four, the term “civilians” includes the families of first responders. The more prepared the family, the more able is the responder to report for duty.

As we cover each learning obstacle below, you’ll find a brief description of the problem followed by a few specific tips on how to deal with that particular issue. When teaching, remember that people have different learning styles. Visual learners do best by watching. They are receptive to videos, PowerPoint, or live demos. Auditory learners prefer verbal communication such as podcasts, or books on tape. Kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on experience. Try to incorporate a little of each into your presentations.

Fear: Fear is probably the number one reason people don’t prepare. Too many people focus on the dangers they may face in disasters, rather than the benefits of self-reliance. Worse, many so-called experts dwell on nothing but the threat since they have little to no new preparedness information. Let’s look at ways to teach readiness while avoiding fear:

Take a tip from insurance salespeople. They focus on the benefits of the policy rather than the reasons you might need one. Accentuate the positives of preparedness, not worst case scenarios.

Use “mundane” threats to get people to prepare for more dire situations. For example, people living on the coast understand hurricanes and are receptive to helpful tips regarding evacuation. However, you might get a negative reaction with a “nuke in the harbor” scenario.

Teach preparedness without mentioning a threat. For example, focus on financial planning. It’s more economical to buy groceries in bulk and cook at home, and it’s also healthier. Guess what? This means you’ll have more food at home in a shelter-in-place situation. Also, encouraging families to take up camping as a hobby inadvertently helps prepare them for an evacuation.

Attention Span: With microwave ovens, ATMs, email, and so forth, we live in a world of instant gratification. We have become a society whose mantra is “Just give me the condensed intro, not the whole pamphlet.” We rarely take time to do a thorough and detailed job of anything, and the notion of adding things to the list, even something life-saving, is out of the question.

Most people don’t realize that being prepared for disaster takes only subtle modifications to your life and doesn’t require extensive study or training.
People in this category appreciate “helpful hints,” so break things down into bite-size pieces. Use simple (though detailed and thorough) checklists and bulleted lists rather than wordy text or long speeches. For one such list, see “50 Emergency Uses for Your Camera Phone” at http://www.disasterprep101.com/news.htm.

Show them how some aspects of preparedness can save time. For example, having more food in the pantry saves shopping time. Also, being current and comprehensive with your insurance policies and personal documentation will save months worth of time getting your life back on track after a disaster.

Media: News channels can be a double-edged sword. They’re great for emergency warnings, but sometimes contradict themselves. For example, weather stations will pass along evacuation warnings in advance of a hurricane, but then they’ll send a reporter out in the middle of it to give a live report. Some people see this and think hurricanes are no big deal. We’ve seen the same in minor chemical spills. Let your preparedness students know that: Things are always smaller and friendlier on TV than in real life. A picture of a snake isn’t the least bit alarming. However, turn one loose in your classroom…. (No, don’t actually do this!)

News sources live and die on ratings, viewers, and subscribers, and therefore take risks. However, these are usually controlled risks, since, for example, the weather reporters are usually in a side area and not in the direct path of the eye of the hurricane. So don’t do what they do, do what they say.

Info Levels Now: Most “emergency” sites on the internet with “readiness information” have nothing but variations of the 72-hour kit checklist. The other end of the spectrum finds all the “survivalist” info concerning edible plants and living off the land. These two extremes can mislead the public in two distinct ways. One, the simplistic info might tell people that a 72-hour kit is all they’ll need and the government will come protect them. Two, the other extreme relates to fear since it tends to tell people that “things will be so bad that you’ll need these survival skills.” The extremes should be avoided. Shoot for the more realistic middle ground.
“72-hour” kits are the absolute minimum. Recommending only a 72-hour kit is like telling a family on a vacation road-trip to get only enough gas to get to the next exit where there might be another station. If you teach outdoor survival skills, remind people that these skills aren’t the very next option after their 72-hour kit runs out. They’re there for the most severe cases in isolated incidents.

Bridge the gap between these extremes by providing instruction on how families can use simple measures to stay safe and secure for up to four weeks, either during an evacuation or extended shelter-in-place. A good example is the four weeks of food and water stored in the pantry. Four weeks is a more realistic figure and fills the void between simple kits and survival skills. For more thoughts, see “The Disaster Dozen: The Top Twelve Myths of Disaster Preparedness” at http://www.disasterprep101.com/news.htm.

Lifestyle Ties: Essentially, this is another form of fear. It’s the fear of changing one’s lifestyle to incorporate readiness, and it’s the fear of losing one’s current lifestyle in the wake of a disaster. Two points come into play here.
One of the main goals of true readiness training is the preservation of our lifestyle as we know it, and not just mere physical survival. Therefore when discussing disasters, cover their aftermath and what it will take for families to return to normal. Don’t cut the subject short.

Realistic preparedness doesn’t involve major changes, but incorporates subtle modifications to the things we already have and do. For example, the simple habit of topping off your vehicle’s gas tank three times a week is easy to develop and ensures you have as much fuel as possible in an emergency. Simple task, powerful results, no appreciable change in your lifestyle.

Income: Many people see ads for high-priced “disaster” goods and gear and assume that protecting their family will be a major financial investment. This isn’t necessarily the case. If done correctly, protective measures can actually save a family money, or at least zero itself out on your household budget.
In our discussion of the 4-week pantry we pointed out how storing this much food could actually save time and money.

You don’t need to buy expensive gear. In fact, we recommend finding things you need at thrift stores or yard sales, and in other cases, making your own gear. For example, our “mess kits” were made with leftover plastic dishes from microwave dinners. Part of any comprehensive family preparedness training should include a section on frugality, or how a family might save money by reducing expenses and through better household budgeting.

Ego: Ego can also be called self-esteem, and this can either go high or low. In the case of high self-esteem, some people may think, “I’m so important that others will take care of me.” Low self-esteem carries its own peculiarities as well. These folks might think, “No one will help me,” or “Nothing exciting ever happens here, so why prepare?” Though not directly ego-related, many people hold that same belief that “Nothing will happen here. Things happen to other people.”

Since we want to avoid generating fear, don’t fight the “I’ll be taken care of” attitude with stories of how bad things could get. Instead, use this high self-esteem by pointing out that one reason people don’t prepare is because their friends don’t. Therefore, tell this group the truth that they can help get others to prepare by being prepared themselves, and setting an example.

People with low self-esteem should be shown that self-reliance really is possible for them. These folks have low confidence levels. Once they see examples of how easy it is to be far more prepared and protected than they are, they’ll appreciate their new confidence and may continue their education on their own.

Selflessness: Many people are so concerned about others that they neglect themselves. This is one of the reasons we see incidents of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in people that were never in the actual emergency. This type of distant stress is caused when these folks see bad things happen to other people but they can’t do anything about it.

A good reminder for this group is that you’re more able to help others if you yourself are well prepared. And guess what? “Others” includes pets!
In the stocked pantry example, you’ve helped others by already having your supplies, which makes for shorter lines and more stock on the shelves when the unprepared make that last-minute scramble for supplies at the grocery store.

You also help others by setting the example that preparedness is socially acceptable, much in the same way that we wear our seatbelts so our children will.
The most important point of all is that your main goal is to teach both the importance and techniques of disaster preparedness in order to make our world safer. So, we have one last acronym for you; the word T.E.A.C.H.

Treat each family member as unique.

Emphasize the benefits and not the threat.

Allow for different learning styles and speeds.

Confidence building is goal number one.

Help others to help themselves, and to then help others in turn.

About the author: Paul Purcell is a security analyst and preparedness consultant and is the author of “Disaster Prep 101” (http://www.disasterprep101.com)

Copyright 2006 Paul Purcell. Permission is granted to reprint this article provided all portions stay intact.

Article Source: Paul Purcell

Readiness & Survival in an Uncertain World - Three Things You Can Do to Prepare!

What will be the synergistic effect of these five trends as they begin to collide -- Population Growth, Global Warming, Doomsday Predictions, Technological Interdependence, and Economic Collapse? Imagine an overpopulated planet suffering from dramatic and unpredictable weather, fighting for scarce resources in what is likely to be the worst economic crisis in history, with millions of people looking around the corner expectantly for the apocalypse, all the while depending on outside technologies and institutions for personal survival... Sound like a crisis in the making?

Perhaps, or it could be an opportunity. General Honroe, the commander in charge of the post-Katrina recovery, suggested that the most important lesson we should have taken from the Katrina disaster is that we have, as a population, lost our 'survival' instincts. In a pre-world war II society, argues Honroe', Americans maintained a 'culture of survival' where independence, self-sufficiency and rainy-day preparation were simply a way of life. Long term food and water storage and collection, along with essential survival tools and skills were commonplace in those days; people were realistic enough to know that in a severe emergency, they would have to rely upon themselves, not FEMA. In fact, FEMA didn't exist, at least not in the form or function as it does today. Our complacency toward personal survival today, argues General Honroe', has crippled us.

This is particularly unsettling given the trends discussed above since many of us are woefully ill-equipped to meet the challenges of our increasingly uncertain world.

So, what can we do to re-acquire General Honroe's culture of survival? I recommend two things to my customers and clients: first, you should begin to think differently. By this I mean that you need to acknowledge that we live in extraordinary times, and that these times can present extraordinary challenges. You should also recognize that in a severe disruption or emergency (say, for example, 4 Katrina-scale events hitting in a two-month span of time, or a profound financial depression), that you will need to be able to rely upon yourself for personal survival. And last, you need to face up to the possibility that it can happen to you, whatever 'it' is. In my more than 25 years working in public safety, I have learned that this is where people struggle the most. Why? Because we always assume that 'it' will happen to somebody else. Only by changing the way we think can we then begin to change how we act, which takes me to my second recommendation.

Get Prepared! Take a weekend morning, schedule a family meeting and walk through a typical 'day-in-the-life-of-our-family', with one exception - you have no power, no infrastructure, and no assistance. You can't go to the store, can't use your car, no power in the house, no plumbing, and definitely no iPod. Everything that you will need for personal survival has to come from what you already have around you.

Think this through carefully. You will quickly discover that you are trapped almost from the very moment you wake up. If you are like most people, you will get up, brush your teeth, use the toilet, brew some coffee, and read the news on-line. However, if you don't have stored water, you can't brush your teeth, use the toilet or brew coffee. You obviously can't get on line! You can't call FEMA or 911. You can't get cash because the ATM's have no power. You have no idea what is going on around you because you have no means to get news. Your refrigerated food is rapidly souring and your pantry is half-empty because you intended to get groceries tomorrow. If you are up north, you are likely cold; down south, hot. And so on... Now, multiply that one 'day in the life of our family' by 30.

How did you do? Will you survive, and for how long?

This is a great exercise and one that tends to get people's attention quick. By walking through a typical day, you quickly realize that you need to stock up on supplies in three main categories: Food & Water; Medical & Hygiene; Protection & Self Sufficiency. These three categories should constitute your family's Disaster Survival Kit, and if adequately stocked, will give you the necessary supplies and equipment to weather almost any disruption. Let's take a brief look at each.

Food & Water

We recommend that families keep at a minimum 7 days of non-perishable food and water storage on hand, preferably a 30-day supply. You should look for food products that have extended life-spans, such as Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's), dehydrated foods, beans, rice, wheat, nuts, and so on. There are a number of reputable businesses that offer these types of prepackaged meals and non-perishable foods. You should also consider power bars or energy bars, foods high in caloric and protein content and rich in nutrients. These bars store well and go a long way in an infrastructure disruption. For water, you should plan on 2 gallons a day for each person; this includes water both for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Don't' forget that you will need to purify your stored water, either through filtration or other purification techniques. Many people use 15-55 gallon drums for long-term water storage and collection. Others, such as me, use large capacity vessels for rainwater collection and water storage. You decide what works best for you and your household, and prepare accordingly.

Medical & Hygiene

Both personal and medical hygiene refer to practices that ensure good health and cleanliness, such as bathing and washing your hands, maintaining good sanitation and waste management practices, keeping perishable foods refrigerated and free of contamination, proper management and treatment of injuries and the like. Cleanliness is easy in this modern age thanks to running water, soap, dishwashers, toilets, and sewers. But the minute we remove these conveniences, we are instantly transported back into a day where poor personal hygiene was a leading cause of disease, infection, and even death.

Your family's Disaster Survival Kit needs to include medications for multiple illnesses including antibiotics and pain/fever medications, a complete first aid kit for managing injuries, and hygiene products such as anti-bacterial wipes, toilet paper, bleach, soap, portable toilet, blankets, towels, and more. (Don't forget infant formula and diapers if you have little ones around.)

Protection & Self Sufficiency

To survive on your own, without all the modern conveniences offered by today's infrastructure, you need to ask yourself a simple question, "What tools, equipment, materials, and skills do I need to live productively and safely through at least 30 days without support?" As you go through this exercise, you will quickly realize that your Disaster Survival Kit needs to include products for light, shelter, heat, power, water purification, and emergency communication. Your Disaster Survival Kit will need battery operated radios, cooking stoves and fuel, fans, knives, can-openers, utensils, water proof matches, duct tape and more; you will need ropes, hand tools, saws, and skills to improvise your own repairs to your home and survival equipment.

What you include in your Disaster Survival Kit depends on your individual needs as it relates to personal protection and survival. These include where you live, the hazards you may face, your current level of survival skills and experience, and your long-term cache of supplies and equipment. For more information on disaster preparation lists, see the department of Homeland Security's site, Ready.gov.

Creating a Culture of Survival in Your Home

Always remember the following maxim: When the time for action is upon you, the time for preparation is gone. In these extraordinary times that we live in, it simply makes sense to equip your family with the tools, knowledge and supplies to weather the coming storms. Consider it an insurance policy, because President Obama was right, there are gathering clouds and raging storms on the horizon.

The question is, are you ready?

Kevin Baum is co-founder of SurvivalOutpost.com, an Austin-based on-line business specializing in Emergency Preparedness Supplies, Emergency Food Supplies and Emergency Water Storage for individuals, families and businesses. The SurvivalOutpost philosophy is to balance reason with readiness, and to encourage knowledge, independence and self-sufficiency as tools to survive in an increasingly uncertain & unpredictable world.

Article Source: Kevin Baum

Garden Seeds For Survival!

Garden Seeds For Survival - Why?

During tough times in the past our nation has always found ways to survive , and even conquer. Whether or not we will face anything near as bad as the times of war or the great depression, there are things we can do to keep our spirits high and are expenditures low. If you have ever tended to your own garden than you know what a great accomplishment it is to know that you have created wonderful, fresh and healthy food. If you have yet to do so, don't worry, it's simple and it's fun for the whole family. But it could be vital, if not now, than possibly in the very near future.

We are all waiting and wishing for better times. We should all be praying for our new president to turn our current situation into a positive. But nothing is certain. Many would have bet the farm that our country would never have to see a financial crisis like this one. But its not just the financial crisis that we should worry about. There have been changes going on here , and all across the world for quite some time now. And all these changes should encourage us to look at self preservation. And our number asset as human beings is our ability to grow our own food.

Honestly, we don't have to wait until the brink of disaster before we go out and stock up on Garden Seeds for Survival.Do that and you will pay a lot more, for lesser quality no doubt. We all know that if anything were to happen, and everyone knew that buying survival garden seeds was a priority, that it would be just another opportunity for someone to take advantage of a bad situation and raise prices like gasoline.

Another , very obvious reason to buy garden seeds for survival now is the fact that we should learn how to grow fresh vegetables and produce now. Learn how to be proficient , while you can stand to make some mistakes. It is always best to be prepared for bad times, rather than learning on the fly.

Garden Seeds For Survival

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Garden seeds for survival. It sounds like it could be a last ditch effort to save our selves from the depths of despair. Anytime we are faced with the survival, we realize how easy our lives are in this country. Even when things aren't going are way, its not like we are a 3rd world country. But garden seeds for survival are actually a complete package, or large quantity of healthy , non-hybrid gardening seeds. They can be bare necessity seeds like radishes or seeds that can grow through almost any condition. And that is a part of why certain seeds are considered "survival" seeds.

Why do we want 'survival' seeds for gardening? Survival seeds for gardening are non-hybrid gardening seeds. This means that after you grow vegetables and produce with the survival seeds, you will be able to use the seeds that these plants produce. They will be far more easy to replant and they can be far more beneficial in this respect. Its well known that companies have been creating the 'terminator' seeds that will not reproduce. They are actually modified so that you will HAVE to continue to buy brand new seeds , year after year. Just another sign of the times. We really should not overlook these signs either. They are all around us.

Garden Seeds For Survival Last

Another great benefit of the survival seed is its shelf life. These seeds are hand picked and dried out to a precise level of allowable moisture, which maintains a very long shelf life. This process has been perfected for many years. It is actually the garden seed for survival's greatest benefit. Basically, it makes it OK to stock up on this invaluable resource. These survival seeds could ultimately become more valuable than money. I pray that it never comes to that. But I cannot deny the state of the world in which I live. And it only leads me to believe that anything is possible. And being prepared will be my biggest asset.

For more information on quality garden seeds for survival, you can go to the "Garden Seeds For Survival" website. Just click below.

Look at a great selection of survival seeds here - Garden Seeds For Survival

Article Source: Jeffrey Jettison

Lessons In Survival - A Critical Leadership Skill!

To survive - to hang in there - to keep your head while all around you others are losing theirs - to stay in play - is a critical skill of leaders. Let's face it - even the most astute, successful person will suffer setbacks, and surviving and overcoming those setbacks is the true measure of a leader.

To some, survival sounds like a skill for a loser. And, frankly, there are many who try to survive by holding back, by not taking risk, by getting as invisible as possible. Those are not the behaviors of leaders - they are not what survival means in this article - and they lead to failure.

An example of survival and leadership:

A client had a business unit that was doing badly. Unprofitable, losing customers, over budget. The business unit leader had been in the job for six months - not long enough to have created the mess, but long enough to be held accountable for it. Her predecessor had held the job for ten years - and then retired with honors. There were many days when she felt like giving up. She felt that she was more a victim than anything else. She had been a top performer in every other assignment given her. She felt she had gone from the top 5 percent in her company to being perceived as a loser by former colleagues. Everyone likes a winner - no one wants to be associated with what looks like a loser. No one was going to rescue her from this situation - she was either going to sink or swim.

She felt she had four choices:

1 - She could quit and find another employer - she was highly regarded in the market.

2 - She could stay and look at who to blame. She could try to cash in on her former accomplishments and get a transfer - or not be held accountable - or be given lots of slack.

3- She could let the situation tear her down, wallow in self pity and blame fate, and turn into a part of the problem - rather than be part of the solution.

4 - She could do what she had to do to survive the situation - stay afloat, give herself a timetable, work to improve performance, and then decide where her future lay.

She chose the last alternative. She reviewed it with her boss - he agreed with her. For the first time in her career she was faced with stabilizing a losing business, rather than growing a winning one. What a difference! Going from winning as a strategy to surviving - as a strategy - at least as a first step strategy.

She shared her survival strategy with her staff - and watched their reactions. They ranged from acceptance to indifference. This unit was part of a much larger company, and some of her staff had friends in other parts of the organization that could "take care of them." She let some people transfer to other parts of the business - got rid of some others - and brought in key people who saw their new positions as a chance to prove themselves.

She put together a "stop the bleeding" short term plan with goals and measures that could be quantified and tracked and reported on regularly. No "BHAGS" here ( Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals). Her boss gave his support -while keeping the situation at arm's length. The plan was shared with the people in the business unit, and every person was expected to establish goals that contributed to the plan. Some did - some didn't. The plan worked - at least to the extent that the bleeding stopped and the business returned to marginal profitability in six months. No celebrations were held - but the leader and her staff were pleased with their progress -they knew just how much had been accomplished - although no one else seemed to share their emotions.

As the six month plan unfolded, it became clear to her that some significant investments in capital and systems were going to be necessary if the business was to prosper - and there was some risk that, even with those investments, prosperity might not happen. The fight for capital was intense, and other, more successful business units got their share - and hers as well.

She gave it six more months. In that time, steady progress was made, customers were won back, and profitability continued to improve. At the same time, she sensed a growing impatience from her boss with the rate of progress - but no real help in the form of additional resources. At this point she was 18 months into her job, and while she had seen major progress, very little recognition of her accomplishments came her way. She gave it six more months.

At the end of two years in the assignment, when continued improvement went unrewarded, she resigned.

When asked about that experience five years later, she said it was by far the most valuable of her career. When pressed to identify what particularly valuable lessons she had taken from the experience that helped her be successful - and she had become very successful - she listed the following:

You gotta pick your spots carefully. Every organization has top units and bad units. To decide to survive in a marginal unit with little upside is not very bright. Be sure the survival situation has an upside.

The decision to fight through a tough situation, and take the risk of surviving, must be a conscious one. And once it's made, all effort must be directed forward. It's easy in these situations to adopt a "why me" or victim attitude - and that is fatal.

Managing, defining and communicating expectations in a survival situation are absolutely critical skills - more than in a highly successful business. Pressure from above to see progress can lead to commitments being made that simply cannot be kept. And intentions sound good at the beginning of a reporting period - but only results matter. "Hockey stick" forecasts and plans - where all the good news is forecast to occur near the end of the measurement period - are always greeted with suspicion.

Tolerance for mistakes is much lower in survival situations. And negative outcomes that would be ignored in a successful business are magnified and used as examples of just how bad things are - while good news is received with skepticism. Protecting and insulating the people committed to making it work from harsh criticism and judgment is a major task for the survival leader.

A survival leader must have a core group of optimistic believers who are committed to making it work.

Stay in close contact with the Boss - absolutely no surprises are allowed.

Keep people focused on improvement through widely communicated goals they can share and buy into.

Don't let people see your discouragement at bad news - and there is always bad news in survival situations. Your negative emotions will be multiplied 100 times by those that observe them.

Survival mode must be a temporary situation - it's easy to slip into a survival mind set and make it a long term behavior.

Survival - both personal and organizational - is often thankless. While in survival mode leaders have to see the value of their contribution themselves. Often, there is very little positive recognition given to survival.

The worst thing a survival leader can do is to stay in place and let the situation grind them down. When the best shot has been given, and it remains apparent that that isn't enough, move on - that's always a choice - always. Know when to hold, and know when to fold.

In the stress of survival situations, it's easy to personalize all kinds of things. Don't. The ability to see things for what they are - no more or no less - is a necessary ability. Trying to ascribe motive, or waste time on hidden meanings are great ways to lose control and perspective.

These Lessons In Survival were learned the hard way. That's the only way to learn. If you see yourself or your organization in survival mode - use these Lessons to inventory what and how you can apply them to get through it better, quicker and more successfully.

Andy Cox is President of Cox Consulting Group LLC. The focus of his work is on helping organizations and their people increase their success in the hiring, developing and enhancing the performance of leaders and emerging leaders. Cox Consulting Group LLC was started in 1995, and has worked with a wide range of organizations, managers and leaders - helping them define success, achieve success and make the ability to change a competitive advantage. He can be reached at http://coxconsultgroup.com.

Article Source: Andrew Cox

Survival Preparedness - Survival Skills and Emergency Kits!

Most of us would agree that at any moment we could find ourselves in a disaster or other emergency situation. Even if this fact is only lurking in the back of the mind just below consciousness, the statement is no less true. Anyone can suddenly be thrust into an emergency situation or have a disaster land squarely upon them quite unexpectedly. How well one survives or IF one survives may be a matter of luck. Far better to invest some time and effort in survival preparedness.

Survival preparedness for the purpose of this article is not a call to be constantly fearful of impending doom and disaster skulking around every corner, or to hoard great caches of dried beans, MREs, bullets, and gold then hunker down with your stash in some remote area.

More realistically, survival preparedness is the act of obtaining knowledge of and practicing basic survival skills, gathering survival gear, food and water together into emergency survival kits. These kits can then be placed at easily accessible points in the home, car, office, etc., or on your person.

Think ahead to anticipate what sort of situation might arise and what survival skills, gear, and supplies would be useful to successfully see you through to the end of it. Some excellent items on the list of basic survival skills to learn (and practice!) would be:


how to build a fire with or without matches
how to build a simple emergency shelter
how to obtain food and water
how to use a map and compass
how to signal for help
how to use the survival gear you have chosen

The size of the emergency kits and the items they contain will be determined by the scenario for which they are intended to be used; lost in the wilderness, stranded in your vehicle on a lonely back road, recovering from the aftermath of a tornado or other disaster.

Always include fire starting items, items to build an emergency shelter, survival tools, a medical kit, signaling device, emergency lighting, containers of water, and rations. There are many helpful web sites that describe complete lists of items to include in emergency survival kits of all sizes.

In any emergency situation strive to remain calm. Use your mind. It's one of your best survival tools.

Initiative belongs to the individual. Make the time and effort for prudent preparations toward your own survival and that of others. Do not risk suffering the consequences of taking no action at all.

Survival after all is being alive at the end of an ordeal.

Chuck McIntyre is active in helping others learn basic survival skills. He offers reviews and recommendations of survival gear and emergency kits at MySurvivalPro.com

Article Source: Chuck McIntyre

A Mental Wilderness Survival Kit!

A survival kit should be carried by anyone who goes deep into the wilderness. What should be in it? Matches, a blade of some sort, and first aid supplies are among the usual recommendations. When you read the true stories of survival, though, you start to see that it is what's in a persons head that often determines if they survive or not. What, then, should be in this mental survival kit?

A Survival Kit In Your Mind

1. Willingness to learn. Even those who know nothing about survival until lost in the wilderness can still learn as they go - if they are willing to. If you're cold, watch that squirrel dive under a pile of leaves, and try that to stay warm (it works). Notice what's working and what isn't, and keep trying new things.

2. Willingness to do what's necessary. This is one of the most important items in your mental survival kit. Hey, they can eat hissing cockroaches just for the chance to win some money on "Fear Factor," so you can do it to save your life, right? Spoon with your buddy to stay warm, break open logs to find grubs to eat - do whatever it takes.

3. Positive attitude. This is an essential. In many stories of survival it is clear that those who expected to survive did. Even if you're not sure you can survive, encourage this attitude by acting as if you expect to.

4. Inspirational thoughts. This is how to have that positive attitude. An easy and enjoyable way to get this inspiration is to read true stories of wilderness survival. Some of the stories are about situations far worse than anything you are ever likely to encounter. Remembering them at the appropriate time is a sure way to see that you can survive. tell them to others too, if you are in a group.

5. Wilderness survival knowledge. You don't have to go to a survival training school to read and remember that you can safely eat all North American mammals, or that you can stuff your jacket with cattail fluff to create a winter coat. Any little bit helps, so learn a new trick or two each season, or take an edible plant guide on your next hike.

6. Reasons to survive. We all have reasons to want to live, but we need to remember to pull out those reasons when the time comes. Many people have attributed their survival to the constant thought of a loved one waiting for them, or something they want in the future.

Maybe you've already done this mental preparation, but it can't hurt to look over the list above again. Is there anything you need to work on in your mental survival kit?

Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and new Wilderness Survival Guide can be found at http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com/wilderness-survival-guide.html

Article Source: Steven Gillman

What Will it Take to Make Us Better Prepared For Life's Disasters?

In this world of live TV broadcasting, it's likely few have missed witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

An overwhelming sense of helplessness permeates the lives of thousands of victims in New Orleans and other affected areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. You need cold steel in your heart and ice water in your veins to not be mournful of their plight.

The pattern of Katrina prior to its cataclysmic route was coined by some to be "nothing to worry about" as it whirled 95 miles per hour gusts through portions of Miami eventually causing about 100 millions dollars of estimated damage. And, this was before it locked its sight on New Orleans.

Why do people pretend certain things won't happen to them? Like dying prematurely ... or becoming disabled ... or running out of food and water.

Even when a crisis situation is up close and in our face we tend to quickly dismiss it. For example, the car accident scene we just passed as paramedics were placing severely injured passengers into the ambulance. You could see pools of blood on the street and twisted metal with broken glass strewn everywhere.

Then, once beyond the accident scene we began accelerating to speeds excessively over the posted limits. Out of sight... out of mind.

Why won't we take these real life experiences seriously enough to prepare for the worst?

On Aug. 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew slammed into South Florida. It wiped out Homestead, Florida City and parts of Miami before continuing northwest across the Gulf of Mexico to strike the Louisiana coastline.

The storm was responsible for 40 deaths and $30-billion in property damage. At the time, it was the costliest disaster in U.S history.

We have only just begun to calculate the cost of Hurricane Katrina. More than likely, it will be beyond our capacity to imagine.

During August and September 2004, Florida was lambasted by Hurricanes Charley, Dennis, Ivan and Jeanne. The damage was astounding and perhaps foretold of things to come - like Katrina.

So, why don't we better prepare for these dramas of Mother Nature? Why do we ignore the fact that what happened before will most assuredly happen again?

On September 11, 1992 (less than one month after Andrew) Hurricane Iniki leveled every telephone pole and hundreds of trees on the Island of Kauai in Hawaii. Fortunately no one was killed and yet the preparation for this disaster was postponed because it was originally forecast to be less severe.

Planning for any disaster is filled with complications. Various departments of local, state and federal governments often clash due to opposing viewpoints or budget constraints.

Interesting isn't it? When panic is upon us ... when the disaster has struck ... more often than not we rise to the occasion. And yet, we frequently fail to prepare for future disasters that could threaten the lives of our own family.

If we were as smart as we are compassionate, we would help ourselves and our families by storing provisions to be used, if necessary, for our survival. More information can be found at: http://www.survival-center.com/

Compassion seems to come easier than wisdom. Is this because it's easier to write a check than to spend time making a plan for our own survival?

But do our checks really go to help those we care about?

Even the Red Cross admits there are times funds end up being distributed to parties other than those designated by the contributors.

Here's a suggestion for the current victim relief effort. Go to: http://www.jw-media.org and follow the commentary about Katrina. I'm confident monetary contributions sent to these folks will actually help our needy friends in the bayou.

By the way, I am not affiliated with either of the two recommended organizations ... and I have a great deal of respect for the work of the Red Cross and its recent effort to honor the requested allocation of the donors.

Author Don Adams is a veteran financial consultant who has helped hundreds of families solve problems related to financial and estate planning. More information may be found at: http://personalefinance.com

Article Source: Don Adams

After The Disaster - Handle Kids With Care!

When your family has been through a natural disaster you, as the adult, need to comfort them along with dealing with the aftermath recovery details. Watch for behavior problems such as wetting the bed, separation anxiety, or needing their favorite blanket. Older kids could start to behave more aggressively or become withdrawn.

How adults deal with disasters has a lot to do with how a child reacts. If they detect uncertainty, grief, frustration, or anger they will imitate it. Even the adults are coping with these fresh and raw emotions the most assistance you can give a child is to be calm, honest, and caring. Let them know that you are scared too, that it is alright to be scared, and that everyone will get through it.

Understanding what is causing the new behavior is key to helping the child cope with disasters. After any type of disaster such as a tornado, flood, or forest fire in the community children are most afraid of being left alone, that someone close to them is going to be killed, they will somehow to separated from you, or the same type of disaster will happen again.

Talk to your child with calmness, not only in your voice, but also with your body language. This is as situation where your child feels things based on how you act, probably more than by what you say. Reassure them with compassion and understanding. When you provide them information about what just happened do so as calmly and factually as you can. Get back to a regular schedule such as work, play, meals and bedtime, as soon as possible. Praise and recognize good and responsible behavior.

Preparing ahead of disasters helps everyone understand that it can happen to them. Each member of the household should know what to do and where to go when a disaster happens. A family disaster plan helps you to pull together the resources you will need in case of a disaster and safeguards your personal belongings, and do not forget to include a few of your child's special items. also.

Teach your children how to get help. The first line of defense is calling 911. Put the number near the phone so younger children can remember it. Talk to neighbors to ensure that your children can go there anytime of the night or day if something happens in the home and the 911 phone call can not be made there. Go through a family disaster drill, sounding off one of your home's fire alarms, to ensure everyone know what to do and where to meet if the house needs to be vacated. Make sure everyone knows what the emergency siren sounds like and what they should do if they're home, at school, in daycare, and even in the nursing home.

Natural disasters happen anytime, any where. With a little planning your family can be proactive when you find yourself part of a disaster. Plan ahead to be as prepared as you can and realize that your children are more afraid then they let on to be. Find out their concerns and meet them head-on with compassion and truthfulness about safety in the future.

Toni Grundstrom is a freelance writer. What types of natural disaster(s) is your family susceptible for becoming part of? Click Here for additional information about planning ahead for a disaster.

This article may be distributed freely on your website as long as this entire article, including links and this resource box, are unchanged.

Article Source: Toni Grundstrom

More Storms of Life Happening For More People!

When you receive the Seal, God writes His Name in your forehead. When you carry His Name like this you belong to Him. And when you belong to Him you care about the rest of His creation too.

The Seal on your forehead is a little garden plot, a little slice of life of the earth. It is where you bear fruit. Either that or you are completely desolate and ravaged by stormy weather. You do not want that to happen to you. But it is happening on the rest of the earth.

Oxfam is a non-profit based in the UK working to end poverty and injustice. They have an uphill battle now with what they have found to be happening. They have made some measurements and found that natural disasters are on the rise.

And natural disasters are not just increasing a little. They are exploding! Weather events are becoming more frequent and at the same time more unpredictable and extreme.

In the early 1980s there were around 120 natural disasters per year in the world. Right now Oxfam says there are 500 happening every year. And who else has taken notice of this?

In the last 10 years the number of people affected by natural disasters has been 254 million per year. In the 10 years before that the numbers had been only 174 million people per year affected. That is a 70 percent increase.

In 1980 there were 60 major floods and wind-storms. In the year 2006 there were 240 floods and wind-storms and floods particularly are on the rise. And there has been no increase in volcanic eruptions to cause any changes in the atmosphere.

Sometimes these disasters are called acts of God. In this case they are probably not being caused by God. In this case they are probably being caused by humans. They are evidence of the effects of global warming happening now.

God does have a hand in it. He is making things a little more severe right now so people will wake up and take notice. This is what He did with hurricane Katrina and the others that followed.

Americans have been typically slow to notice and take any responsibility. But when you are sealed your Seal becomes a little garden. It is a little spiritual ecosystem where things grow up unto new life.

And you do not want to let anything threaten the balance of that garden. You avoid the storms and floods that beat against your house. That is one reason you built your ecopetrous house on the Rock.

Those storms and floods are happening right now in the world. There are many more today than just a few short years ago. And when any of these storms happens to you, they will certainly also affect your little garden.

You can take action today. You can start to conserve energy and resources. You can recycle. And you can support causes for protecting the environment. Think these disasters are not being caused by man?

Let me just tell you that you have two choices: man and God. If the effects of man on the ecosystem are not causing global warming and these weather disasters than they must be caused by God.

And if they are caused by God, then He is punishing you. But I am here to tell you that God is not punishing you. I know because you are reading this. You are seeking God, not shunning Him.

You are seeking God because He has sought you. He has led you here so you can learn more about the impact you are having on the earth. Just like you will learn to care for the earth when you receive the Seal.

Jason invites you to find out more about the Prophecy of Jesus by visiting Jason Witt.org

Article Source: Jason Witt

How Future Disaster Recovery Plans Will Depend On GPS Tracking!

Many disasters occurring, from environmental disasters such as global warming, terrorist attacks, massive fires, bridge collapsing, campus shootings, riots. This article shows how GPS tracking will play a role in saving lives and property in future mega disasters.

Our world today there are many disasters occurring, from environmental disasters such as global warming, terrorist attacks, massive fires, bridge collapsing, campus shootings, riots. You name it, every singe day, week, month and year there are more and more global events that are causing massive loss of life and damage to property worldwide.

Lives and property will be saved only when we have a way of effectively way to visually track first responders in real time and coordinate their efforts in saving lives and property.

The mobile tactical collaboration system (MTCS) is a next-generation web-based wireless-enabled software application that allows public safety officers to communicate and collaborate visually in real-time using tactical graphics, digital maps, and shared workspaces to enable highly effective command & control without ever having to setup a physical command post.

The mobile tactical collaboration system was recently expanded the product portfolio to include an integrated tracking solution, advantraq GPS, which provides real-time situational unit locations for operational commanders and their tactical operators in the field.

The advanTraq GPS solution integrated into the MTCS is in fact the worldtracker GPRS GPS tracking device that was researched and suggested by the Engineering Dept. of GLC Enterprises, Inc.

This GPS tracking solution uses the smallest GPS tracking device available today with an open interface that can be programmed. It allowed for easy integration into the mobile tactical collaboration system.

The mobile tactical collaboration system works in many public and private sectors which include the following and more.

- Law enforcement

mobile tactical collaboration system (MTCS) delivers to law enforcement and other first responders a secure, web-based interoperable command and control solution that provides a dynamic, live, and interactive common operating picture to authorized task force members at the scene, on approach to the scene, and at the operations center.

Deploying the MTCS solution enables law enforcement agencies to significantly enhance their 5Cs of interoperability, communication, coordination, collaboration, command and control.

MTCS provides operators with a major advantage in dealing with complex operations. By providing seamless communication, visual in addition to verbal, MTCS enables the task force to work as one synchronized, coordinated team.

The end result is maximum preparedness and increased public safety.

Ordia Solutions, Inc. built the army and marine corps 'command post of the future' and they are experts in this space.

- Fire & rescue

mobile tactical collaboration system (MTCS) delivers to firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders a secure, web-based interoperable command and control solution that provides a dynamic, live, and interactive common operating picture to authorized task force members at the scene, on approach to the scene, and at the operations center.

- Emergency response

During the response to hurricane Katrina, the United States realized the grave cost of ineffective communications between law enforcement, rescue, and other public safety agencies. We must enable robust communication between these groups in order to minimize confusion and bring clarity to a complex situation. mobile tactical collaboration system (MTCS) is the solution.

When timely communication is critical, a picture is worth a thousand words. By allowing first responders to share their understanding and intentions visually and with the aid of real-time voice communication, MTCS maximizes information sharing and enhances situational awareness. According to Colonel Robert Akam, task force Katrina. If rescue and law enforcement agencies had this capability, we could have eliminated face-to-face meetings to conduct interagency planning with much greater fidelity.

Mobile tactical collaboration system is continuously being updated based on real-world feedback from law enforcement, fire/EMS, search and rescue, emergency operation and fusion center personnel.

It is being fielded at several agencies in the mid-atlantic region for missions ranging from police raids, to a school storming exercise, to a joint tactical operation around the July 4th 2007 holiday involving SWAT, fire, EMS, HazMat, counterterrorism, intelligence, and marine assets. Other applications include remote briefings, special events management, geographically dispersed events, VIP escorts, facility security, high speed chase, hostage/barricade operations, preparedness training and exercises, and post-incident replay and analysis.

In closing, if you ever watch mega disasters on the history channel will clue you in on what's coming our way in terms of disasters. How many lives that will be saved will depend only on how good we are in organizing rescue missions in all public and private sectors.

Glenn Frieboth, owner of GLC Enterprises, Inc., authors the latest in Surveillance news and is based in Illinois. Find out more about the WorldTracker GPS Tracking Device at http://www.spygearco.com/WorldTrackerGPRSExtremeGPS-PE.htm

Article Source: Glen Freiboth

What Is A Natural Disaster And What Can You Do To Prepare?

Natural disasters occur when natural events occurs and interact with humans. Generally, these natural events become disasters when people have not properly prepared and/or didn't have proper management of the emergency and the result of the natural event is disastrous to those involved. The following are facts about various possible natural disasters and what you can do if you’re threatened with one of them:

Earthquakes. Believe it or not, there are many earthquakes each day, it’s just that many of them are not large enough to cause damage or even be noticed. Earthquakes that occur on the ocean floor can cause tsunamis.

In the event that you are in an earthquake, instead of crawling under something (which could collapse on top of you) curl up next to a large object such as a sofa. It will likely not collapse completely and will leave a space next to it. If you can, get as close to the exterior walls as possible.

Floods. Floods are often caused by large amounts of rainfall or quickly melting snow – especially if the ground is still frozen. According to USA Today, floods are the second largest natural disaster in North America. In fact, from 1994 – 2003 there was an average of 84 people killed each year due to flooding.

There are two kinds of floods. Flash floods are those that are the result of a broken dam or a heavy rain that cause a quick rise of a smaller, generally harmless stream or river. If you hear a flash flood warning for an area near you, the best thing to do is get away as soon as possible. You want to get to higher ground immediately.

If you are at home and you hear a flood watch, you need to stay alert and you might also want to start moving valuables and furniture to higher parts of the house.

If you are in your car and it stalls due to rising water, you should abandon the car and walk to climb away from the water.

Blizzards. Winter storms characterized by cold temperatures and strong wind and blowing snow are blizzards. Blizzards can last for days and the damage can last even longer. If you find yourself in the middle of a blizzard, you have some time to prepare. Better yet, make the preparations before a blizzard even hits.

First of all, make sure you have a supply of food and drinkable water on hand. If the blizzard is really bad it may be several days before you can get to a store. If you can, at the beginning of a blizzard, fill up all the containers you can with water in the event that you lose your water supply. You might want to also have an alternative heat source in case your electricity or natural gas supplies are disrupted. Finally, if you lose electricity you can store perishables in snow filled coolers so that you don’t have to toss spoiled foods.

Hurricanes. These are cyclonic storms that form over the oceans and move towards land. When a hurricane is coming towards your area you need to decide whether to evacuate or to stay home. You first should consider your home. If you live in a mobile home or other home that may not be able to withstand high winds, you should evacuate.

If you decide to stay, make sure that you have emergency supplies including fresh water and food in the event that you’re not able to get food or safe water for a few days. You’ll also want to prepare your house by boarding up the windows, but only if you have time. Plus, you should have the boards prepared ahead of time and set up a system to quickly attach them to the windows. If you are in an evacuation area, you’ll want to get out as soon as possible.

So, before you ever find yourself in a hurricane watch you should have your window boarding system in place, you should have a supply of water and food and you should have an emergency plan in place with your family including where you will evacuate to and how you will contact one another in the event of a hurricane evacuation.

Thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are neat to watch most of the time, but they can turn dangerous in a moments notice. Lightening, wind, hail and tornadoes can all develop as a result of a thunderstorm and can be extremely dangerous.

Generally thunderstorms, even the most severe, last less than a half an hour, but it is possible to have a long series of thunderstorms together that can last hours. If you find yourself in a thunderstorm remember these tips to stay safe. If you are at home, stay off the phone and away from windows. You should also stay out of the bath or shower in case your house gets struck by lightening.

If you are in your car when a thunderstorm strikes, slow down and pull off if the visibility is low. You should also avoid roads that are covered in water and avoid stopping near things that could fall onto your car.

If you are outside during a thunderstorm and cannot get indoors, stay away from tall objects, metal objects and water. Crouch down and cover your head with your hands.

Tornados. While some of these natural disasters are not common to all parts of the United States, tornados are common to all of the states. There are different codes that meteorologists use to warn people of the risk of tornadoes. When the characteristics that could lead to a tornado are present, they issue a tornado watch. When a tornado has been sighted either in person or on the radar they issue a tornado warning.

Since some tornados strike at night and come on quickly without much notice, it’s a good thing to own a weather radio, which will send out both a warning tone and message when there are severe weather warnings and watches.

If you are in an area with a tornado warning, the best thing to do is to get into a storm shelter or basement to wait out the storm. If you don’t have either of these, you should take shelter in an interior room or closet on the ground floor. If you can, take shelter under mattresses and take extra care to protect children’s heads and necks.

Top Five Tips for Building an Emergency Supply Kit (According to the American Red Cross):

• To keep a three-day supply of water in your home you need four quarts of water per day per person (two quarts for drinking and two quarts for food preparation and sanitation).

• Store foods that are ready to eat and that need no refrigeration or cooking. Look for canned fruits and veggies, high protein/high energy foods and food for infants if necessary. Also include in your stores some comfort foods.

• Have a first aid kit in your home and in each car including pain relievers, antacids, laxatives and anti-diarrhea medications.

• Tools such as tape, matches, containers, whistles, maps, flashlights, eating utensils and dishes, pliers and wrenches and flares are also important.

• A complete change of clothes and footwear for each person including extra diapers and blankets for infants and young children.
Related Items;

Ruby started RubyStone Enterprises aka http://www.rubystone.com to help keep you and your little ones stay safe and secure. At http://www.RubyStone.com we offer a wide range of Free Safety advice, Newsletters, guides and tips as well as the very latest in unique safety products to help you protect yourself and loved ones.
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We have a variety of emergency preparedness items including a battery free cell phone charger, a power failure nightlight, solar radios, ponchos, blankets and water purification systems.

We've got the solutions to help you cope with all of these situations. Your life becomes easier and safer when you have unique safety and protection products from Rubystone.

You CAN Protect Your Loved Ones In An Emergency-By Being Prepared!

Copyright 2007 by Ruby Aragon. All rights reserved.

Article Source: Ruby Aragon

Survive Power Outages: High Winds, Snow, and Other Natural Disasters Take Out Power!

When your lights go dim, you may wonder what the problem is? Or, you may know? Either way, you have a lot to do. I’m going to share some survival tips for Power Outages, resulting from recent experience.

1. Locate light sources and keep them handy.

Light Sources include candles, flashlights, camp lanterns, and oil lamps. Most homes have a few of these items being used as ‘decorator accessories’. Candles in glass jars are particularly appropriate for lighting during a power outage. In fact, I keep a few extra in the cupboard just for this purpose.

Oil lamps work well for overall lighting. These have a wide wick and offer a few degrees of warmth as well as light. By raising or lowering the wick you get more or less light. Adjust it for maximum light using the least wick for economic lighting.

Flashlights require batteries and should be used sparingly, unless you have an unending source of batteries. They are required for exterior lighting, when you leave the house. Candles won’t work outside in the dark. Winds blow them out.

2. Locate heat sources and use them sparingly, but stay warm.

Alternate heat sources may not be readily available. However, by using good old fashioned common sense, you may be able to find heat sources that will work.

If your kitchen stove is not electric, it may be helpful. Newer gas stoves require electricity to light, if your stove is electric light, do NOT try to bypass the electric lighting mechanism.

All gas water heaters are a good source of warmth. Turn the hot water on to drizzle to keep pipes from freezing and allow the water to fill a wash pan in the sink, so that it can also ‘drain’ overflow. Warm water in the sink emits heat. Do this in all rooms with running water.

All gas cook stoves are a good source of heat. Bake cookies, prepare food in the oven, cook soups or stews on top of the stove and keep them cooking. The steam warms the air, and the heat keeps you warm. A warm bowl or cup of soup warms your body. Warm cookies are also heart and body warming. You can leave the oven on low to heat your home. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR OVEN UNATTENDED when leaving the door slightly open to emit heat.

If you happen to have a fireplace, it would be an awesome source of heat and cooking resources. You can prepare food in most fireplaces with a bit of ingenuity. Forks to cook meat, or a large cast iron pot or pan can be used in fireplace cooking.

3. Body heat and snuggling power work wonders.

Those old-fashioned activities are meant to keep you warm. Wrap up in blankets and snuggle on the couch with a good book. Read to your family members, or encourage them to read to you. Put on extra clothing, and bundle up as if you were going to be out in cold weather. (You are.) Pile on the extra blankets at night. Leave the hot water running but turn off all other heat at night, while you sleep. Occasionally get up and turn on the oven for an hour or so if necessary but NEVER leave it unattended.

Keep little kids warmer by putting them in with older kids or parents. Their bodies don’t make as much heat as yours does, so take extra precautions to keep them warm. If you get wet, change immediately; wet bodies get cold faster. Stay dry and stay warmer.

Remember your Christmas stockings, all hung by the fireplace with care. This is an excellent way to dry clothing only NOT on the mantle. Hang your stockings, damp clothing, and other wet gear over the back of a chair 4 or 5 feet from the fireplace.

4. Resort to power free work sources.

This article was written first with a pen and paper by candle light. You can still work, even without a battery powered computer. Keep a spiral notebook handy for inspirations. Working pens are a plus.

Since you’re going to write everything on a computer later, a rough outline by pen and paper is probably enough, with a few comments to pull it all together. Grammar, spelling, and other editing can be accomplished later on the computer.

Phones with hard lines that don’t require power hookups are necessary to power outages. Have at least one on each line coming into your home.

You can probably charge your cell phone when you drive your car, although you may not be going anywhere. So, use it sparingly.

5. Check power sources to be certain cause of outages is not a repair issue.

Make sure lines on your property are not down, or burned. Visual inspections will verify this. Just check at connections outside to power meter, to connections, and fuse boxes. Check breakers to be certain they haven’t flipped or kicks off.

Various causes of outages require an electrician to repair your services before you can restore power to your residence. During the recent storm ice and weight on the lines caused a burned connection before the meter. I lived with the outage for four days before I called in the local power company, because an electrician had thought it was inside my house.

Don’t hesitate to call in an expert. Their help can be a time saver as well as a life saver.

Jan Verhoeff lives in southern Colorado where snow is not so much an annual event as a decade event. Recent storms and weather issues have given her insight to a different way of life. Power outages and emergency preparedness are becoming a necessity even in the USA. Business resources and the thrill of adventure are logged at http://lamarcolorado.blogspot.com some days are missing and some are downright silly, but the storm photos are there.

Article Source: Jan Verhoeff