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

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

Learn Now

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

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