Emergency Preparation...

Today I was google-ing to see what type of blog entry I could come up with for today. I had originally planned for some sort of "cold weather tips." However, upon google-ing that phrase, the CDC was the first page listed. I thought....eh, why not. Well...perhaps that was a mistake. The CDC (center for disease control) has more than (I for one) some...ever wanted to know about what to do during various emergencies. (I wouldn't believe that some of the things they caution against even happened in the United States....but...) It is good to be prepared, so we will do "cold weather tips" some other day. Here is the source page in case you would like to visit it for yourself. But be prepared...browsing this page will cause anxiety. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/needtoknow.asp Okay, so I focused on what to do if the power goes out. This is pretty common during stormy weather (and I figure it's good to know in the summer too for brown/black outs). The first thing the CDC mentions is food safety. When the power goes out try not to open the fridge or freezer as much as possible (okay, everyone knows that) but did you know a full freezer can preserve food for 48 hours? They also caution that if food is above 40 degrees to just throw it away. Next, they discuss water and drinkability during a power outage and then split the section into hot and cold weather situations. For the cold section they explain how to prevent and spot frostbite and things to do (as well as some other things not to do). They suggest checking in on older friends and family frequently to ensure that their home is heated correctly, because the elderly are more susceptible to cold.

Preventing Hypothermia Everyone, especially the elderly and ill, should have adequate food, clothing, shelter, and sources of heat. Blankets can help, even in poorly heated rooms. Wear layers of clothing and a hat, which help to keep in body heat. Move around. Physical activity raises body temperature. Water cooler than 75°F (24°C) removes body heat more rapidly than can be replaced. The result is hypothermia. To avoid hypothermia: Avoid swimming or wading in water if possible. If entering water is necessary: Wear high rubber boots in water. Ensure clothing and boots have adequate insulation. Avoid working/playing alone. Take frequent breaks out of the water. Change into dry clothing when possible.

There are also sections on what to do if someone is exposed to an electric shock, if a power line lands on your car and many many other situations. If you have some free time...and a solid disposition go ahead and be prepared.