Survival Gear Source

Why Should We Prepare for a Disaster?

2009-04-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Survival in Economic Chaos

2009-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in our last article, ‘2008...Possibly one of the deadliest years in history’, 2008 left behind somber communities with natural disaster after natural disaster devastating countries throughout the world. However, 2008 was an unforgiving year for our nation in other ways, too, as our economy continued to fall apart. Unemployment lines are getting longer, American faith is diminishing, and counting every penny of every dollar is becoming crucial for many families.

Every American has one very earnest thought lingering in their mind, ‘What’s next?’

Feelings of uncertainty and uneasiness can be read on the faces of individuals and families alike without the need for a single spoken word. The truth is, things will probably get worse before they get better...how much worse is the question that perhaps no one has a definite answer to.

It is certain that the future cannot be foreseen, but it is undeniable that change is ahead of us, and hopefully that change is a positive one brought about by a new President and a new outlook. However, while some of us wait patiently for that change to take place, others may panic in the process. A question one may want to ask themselves is, ‘What will I do if riots and chaos ensue? How will I protect my family? How will I fend for myself?’ Chaos is the natural order of the world, not calm, but that should not be a reason to fear, rather a reason to prepare.

Panic may stem as a result of a shortage in food and water with people relentlessly raiding grocery stores, it may occur after a government estimation of how long it will take to turn things around, it may transpire as those left without jobs and income realize how long they will have to wait before their first unemployment check arrives.

Calamity may or may not be approaching us, but while we hope for the best, it is imperative that we prepare for the worst. No one will look out for you or your family other than you. Begin making preparations today by equipping yourself with a survival kit including emergency food, which is storable, blankets, a survival guide, and other essential tools. It is advisable to also invest in a water purification system lest there become a water shortage or to overcome potential water contamination. Survival equipment will allow you to be self-reliant and can alleviate the stress that comes with unpreparedness. Allow yourself a good night’s sleep knowing that you’ve prepared yourself and your family by becoming proactive in your safety. Preparedness puts the control back where it belongs...in your hands.

What Will YOU Do…? (Surviving the Economic Crisis Part 1 of 2)

2008-12-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

It is true that we are currently witnessing an economic crisis. It is true that with unemployment rates surging and business owners being forced to either raise prices or cut them to keep their doors open, we’re left wondering what our tomorrow holds and what the future will bring.

As foreclose rates rise, so does the number of home owners worried about how they will make their next mortgage payment. Many lenders are shutting their doors to the public, making obtaining credit and loans nearly impossible. Automakers sit looking out at filled car lots and consumers wait anxiously for someone to cut them a break. Some commercials, courtesy of marketing gurus, insist on having us believe that “things aren’t so bad” while the media reiterates that “this is the worst of times”.

We’ve elected a new President and we all sit with great hope that he will turn things around and provide our nation with economic stability, but we’re all also left with the realization that change will take time. But what are we to do as we wait for this great change to take place?

Amidst the economic crisis, it’s natural to ask yourself ‘What if?’ It’s natural to be concerned about the current state of affairs. You have to ask yourself, what will happen if things take a turn for the worse? Once panic and fear have settled in a person’s mind, it is easy to assume that chaos may follow.

We should always think positively, but we must also think smart. We must assume the risks that come with this downturn in the economy, but more importantly, we must prepare ourselves for the worst. Once upon a time, it was Survival of the Fittest, in today’s volatile economy it’s Survival of the Smartest…Survival of the Prepared.

Carbon Monoxide... The Silent Killer

2008-12-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Winter is a very dangerous time for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide is a gas that comes from burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline, kerosene, methane, propane, oil coal and wood.

It is impossible to detect with the five human senses, but it can cause illness and even death.
It harms us by replacing the oxygen in the blood and it can cause suffocation in sufficient quantity. Low doses cause symptoms that feel like the flu. Increasing quantities in the blood will cause headache, nausea, dizziness, collapse, coma and... finally death.

What are the sources of Carbon Monoxide? Poisonous Carbon Monoxide enters house-hold air usually from these different areas where fossil fuels are burning.

automobile emmissions
Home heating equipment (space heaters, gas furnace, kerosene heater, wood stove
Stoves
Charcoal grill

Of these three , automobile emissions kill the most people.

NOTE: The risk of Carbon Monoxide poising is higher for infants, 4 years old or less, and for the elderly, 75 years or older

10 Safety Tips

1. Shut off the car motor and take keys out of the ignition as soon as tour car is parked in the garage. If the garage is attached, always warm up the vehicle outside of your house, never in the garage.

2. Have your vehicle inspected every year for exhaust leaks.

3. Have all fuel-burning equipment checked each year to make sure combustion is clean and there are no risks of CO leakage. Do this before heating season.

4. Make sure heating equipment is located where an adequate supply of fresh air is available for safe combustion.

5. When using a fire place,make sure the flue is open to asure the fireplace is safely vented.

6. Kerosene heaters are illegal in many states. Make sure they are leagal in your state before buying or using one.

7.Gas-fired barbeque grills give off dangerous CO fumes. They must never be used inside a houseor garage, not even with the door open.

8. When buying new heating or cooking equipment, choose one with approval by an independent testing laboratory.

9.When buying a new home , have a qualified inspector make sure that all heating and cooking systems are in safe working order, also the garage must be adequately sealed off from the house.

10. When camping, use only battery powered heaters and lights in tents, trailers and motor homes. Never use fuel burning appliances inside.

Consider purchasing a CO detector. Carbon Monoxide detectors are electric warning devices that sound an alarm when the CO gas in the air reaches a health threatening level... even before actual symptoms can be noticed.

Winter and Bad Weather - Here They Come!

2008-12-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

We've put away those T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts and unpacked the sweaters, thermal clothing, and coats. We've stocked up on tissue, cold remedies, and chicken soup, and added Flu Shots to our to-do list. What are we preparing ourselves for? Winter! Winter is only a short while away and with it comes short days, the lowest average temperatures, and bad weather. If only we could hibernate like the gophers and bears, sleeping comfortably until the cold has subsided and the warm weather returned. As children, winter was most welcomed as it offered us snow days, a day without school work. Snow days offered us a daylong recess in a white wonderland filled with sleds, snowmen, snowball fights, and laughter, but the approaching winter season portrays a different type of scene for us adults. As adults we dread stepping out into the bitter cold and driving to work on snow-covered roads with poor visibility. We understand the misery of falling hail, freezing rain, and ice pellets.

With it Winter also brings the chance of Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Winter Storms, Ice Storms, and Blizzards. The thought of such natural disasters occurring can cause even the most relaxed person to feel anxiety and become overwhelmed. So how do we maintain our sense of security? Preparation, preparation, preparation.

It is important to make the necessary arrangements and formulate the necessary plans to ensure that come what may, we are undaunted. Keep a watch on your local weather channel to ensure that if and when a possible natural disaster approaches, you are ready for it. Prepare yourself for potential power outages, blocked roadways, severe cold, and harsh blowing winds. Most important, be sure to stock up on blankets and plenty of warm clothing along with bottled water, nonperishable foods, batteries, flashlights, and any medication you deem necessary.

We will never be able to stop Mother Nature, but we can be ready for her when she comes. Be prepared.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."

-Benjamin Franklin

http://www.survivalgearsource.com

Hurricane Ike...A Painful Reminder

2008-09-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Downed power lines, thousands upon thousands of flooded homes, and victims awaiting relief are just some of the scenes in Louisiana and Texas, evidence of Hurricane Ike’s profuse wrath. The warnings of “certain death” given by officials were not the only concerns in the minds of those who stayed behind to face Hurricane Ike, but painful memories of disastrous Hurricane Katrina which roared through New Orleans and the Gulf Coast only three years prior, would have been enough to create fear in the hearts of many.

One can’t help but feel compassion for those who were the victims of Hurricane Katrina and now the victims of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. Although many of us are distant from the realities faced by those living in hurricane-prone areas, with only the scenes on our television sets as a cruel reminder of Mother Nature’s capabilities, it is vital to our safety to prepare lest a natural disaster head our way.

Despite the rising gas prices (almost $5 a gallon in certain areas ) due to a fear of shortage in supply, gas prices should be the least of our concerns during a time like this. Time stops for no one, nor does destruction-causing weather and so it goes without saying that one should plan for the worst strategically while praying for the best. However, where does preparation begin... and how?

Preparation begins with YOU. Precaution and careful planning are required to safeguard not only your life, but the lives of family members. Now you may be thinking, "I don't need to prepare yet", but rest assure, a Natural Disaster will not wait until you’ve prepared yourself for it, so why would you wait for it? Begin preparing by first researching the types of Natural Disasters that may strike and affect your community/state. Next, gather the Survival Tools necessary to protect yourself from a potentially threatening natural occurrence. Lastly, sit down with family members to devise an Emergency Plan for Disaster. The key to safe living isn’t just about a proper reaction, but being proactive. Claim your life and your world. We may not be able to stop Mother Nature, but we can surely do a better job of being prepared for her when she comes.

Rule your world. Make it safe!!!

Things You Can Do Around Your Home to Prepare for Disaster

2008-08-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

• Know where the gas, water and power shutoffs are and have the tools near by to be able to shut them off. It is also a good idea to write down where the shutoffs are so that another family member or neighbor can shut them off if you are not home.

• Make an emergency plan and escape route for your home and practice it with your family. It is also a good idea to make sure children know how to contact 911.

• Fasten shelves and heavy pictures or mirrors securely to walls, and don’t place them over beds or couches.

• Keep plenty of aluminum foil on hand, it can serve many purposes in an emergency. Also very useful are zip-seal plastic bags, these have many first aid uses, use for insulation, padding, to stop a sucking chest wound. Even if they are not being re-used to hold things after emptied. Remember, depending on the size of the disaster, your supply line may fall apart, and simple things we take for granted may not be available . After a disaster, think twice before throwing something away you might be able to put it to use if you can think out side the box!

• Make sure you have a few large fire extinguishers in your home type ABC, and that everyone knows how to use them.

• Keep a 5 gal. pail with seat/cover, in it store some garbage bags and several rolls of toilet paper. This can be stored easily in a garage or basement and makes an excellent emergency toilet if your home is damaged or there is no water supply.

• Strap gas appliances to walls or the floor, especially the hot water heater. Your water heater is a very good, large source of drinking water. They are also very heavy, if it were to fall it would break the glass lining of the hot water heater and ruin your water for drinking. If it fell, it would also break the gas lines. Gas appliances are the cause of most fires after an earthquake or hurricane.

• Replace solid gas lines with flexible lines for gas dryers, water heaters, stoves and any other gas appliances. (Check with local building codes)

• Install emergency lighting, as well as making sure that you have plenty of portable light sources available

• Keep bleach and ammonia products in separate areas. If they combine they create a very deadly gas.

Picnic Survival

2008-07-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

Picnic Survival

Know the difference between Hurricane “Watches” and “Warnings.”

2008-07-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch—Hurricane/tropical storm conditions
are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours.

• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning—Hurricane/tropical storm conditions
are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.

• Short Term Watches and Warnings— These warnings provide detailed information
on specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale:

(Category) (Sustained Winds MPH) (Damage) (Storm Surge)

(Cat. 1) 74-95 Minimal: Untied mobile homes, vegetation and signs. 4-5 feet

(Cat. 2) 96-110 Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding. 6-8 feet

(Cat. 3) 111-130 Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off. 9-12 feet

(Cat. 4) 131-155 Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes
destroyed. Beach homes flooded. 13-18 feet

(Cat. 5) >155 Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed.
Major roads cut off. Homes flooded. >18

Will You Be Prepared For A Tornado?

2008-06-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

It's important that you pay close attention to the news and to weather alerts when inclement weather occurs. However, no one can stop a tornado from occurring. Ultimately, proper emergency preparedness is the best choice for you to do for both yourself and your family!
Before a storm know what you will do and where you will go if there is a threat of a tornado. If you have small children, be certain they know the plan as well in case the plan must take place very fast. Having a weather radio as well as backup batteries is desirable and relatively cost effective for singles and families alike.
Ultimately, emergency food and emergency survival items are abundant, however knowing who to trust when purchasing these items is imperative. Having a first-aid kit and other disaster kits on hand is a responsible choice especially if you have children. Lower your risk of injury by staying away from windows. If you are caught on the road and/or outside during a storm, stay within a ditch or somewhere the ground is lowered.
A variety of survival kits for the home are available for various natural disasters from Survival Gear Source. Items such as 72 hour survival kits and first aid kits are must-have for every home. Survival kits include a variety of things:
- Water
- Emergency Food bars
- Radio w/batteries
- Rechargeable flashlight
- Candle & Matches (lighter too)
- Sleeping Bags
- Body Warmers
- Tube tent w/rope
- Ponchos
- Knife, gloves, dust masks
- Hygiene Kits
- First Aid Kit
- Paper & Pencil
- Playing Cards
- Trash Bags
Ultimately, emergency preparedness is important and staying alert and informed is the first step to staying safe. Next, preparing by purchasing a variety of disaster relief items and having them on hand makes the chance of surviving a natural disaster even more likely. Don't take a chance, purchase survival kits today!

Are You Prepared To Take On Mother Nature?

2008-06-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Are You Prepared To Take On Mother Nature?

First Aid 101

2008-06-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a teacher, a parent, or simply a professional, first aid is important to be educated on. In emergency situations, you may be asked to perform basic CPR and/or first aid on individuals. This can make the difference in saving someone's life. Thus, being prepared and having the proper survival gear on hand is imperative to both your and other people around you to remain safe.

Survival first aid kits are affordable items that make you feel safe. They most often include sanitary supplies as well as bandages, pain relievers and more! Websites such as survivalgearsource.com provide a variety of First Aid items as well as emergency survival kits, disaster kits, classroom lockdown kits, water purification items and other survival gear items.

Natural disasters cannot be stalled, however proper emergency preparedness will make the situation more feasible for you and the people around you. By remaining alert, calm, and prepared, you will feel more confident in the situation.

Knowing first aid is important, but also knowing what items to use in your first aid kit and when is just as important. Rely on professionals to provide you with proper survival tips to aid your safety in a natural disaster. Your life is depending on it! Purchase first aid kits and other survival gear today!

The Dangers of Extreme Heat

2008-06-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

The Dangers of Extreme Heat - The Full Article

The Dangers of Extreme Heat

2008-06-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

Heat can kill by pushing the body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body’s internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body has to work much harder to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat related problems occur because someone has been over exposed to heat or has over-exercised for their age or physical condition. The elderly, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to be affected extreme heat. Conditions that can cause heat-related illnesses include no air movement, and poor air quality. People living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a heat wave than those living in more rural areas. Another contributing factor is that asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the “urban heat island effect.”

Some things you can do to beat the heat:
• Install window air conditioners snugly, insulate if necessary.
• Close any floor heat registers nearby and use a circulating or box fan to spread cool air.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside and be sure to weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.

What is an MRE

2008-05-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

MRE stands for meals ready to eat. The main entrees are sealed in a triple layer pouch and then cooked inside so the food is never exposed to the air until it's ready to be eaten. They can be eaten at room temperature or heated with the enclosed heaters. They can be stored for 5-10 years depending on temperature. The shelf life time was established purely for taste. The acceptable nutritional value and product safety will last far beyond the point of taste degradation.

The MRE kit also includes: the heater, an energy bar, nutrtional bar, crackers, jelly, spices, matches, spoon and a moist towelette.
These are great for camping or emergencies. Having these on hand will give you the peace of mind knowing you have nourishment for you and your family in case of a hurricane, flood, earthquake, blizzard, bird flu pandemic or act of terror.

Be Prepared to Shelter In Place

2008-05-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes disasters make it unsafe for people to leave their locations. Winter storms, floods, and landslides may temporarily isolate individual family members and make it necessary for each household to take care of its own needs until the disaster abates. Your household should be prepared to be self-sufficient for three days when utilities and access to outside supplies of food and water are disrupted.
1. Stay in your shelter until local authorities say it’s okay to leave. The length of your stay can range from a few hours to two weeks.
2. Unless you are alone maintain a 24-hour communications and safety watch. Take turns listening for radio broadcasts and monitor your tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio. Watch for fires.
3. Assemble an emergency toilet, if necessary. Use a , pail or bucket with a snug-fitting cover. Line container with plastic bag or toilet liner. Or purchase a complete bucket style toilet here, complete with chemicals.
Your preparation is key when it comes to your survival. Don't wait until it's too late.

Is Your Pet Prepared for Disaster?

2008-05-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

If you are like many people, your pet is very important to you. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends on your emergency planning. Some of the things you can do to prepare is to assemble an animal emergency supply kit and to develop a pet care buddy system with friends and/or neighbors. Whether you decide to stay during an emergency or evacuate you will need to make plans for your pets in advance. Be prepared with emergency food and water for at least three days, maybe longer. Depending on the type of emergency it is also a good idea to have a pet first aid kit on hand, since stores may be closed for weeks following a disaster, make sure your pets are prepared. Our dog and cat survival kits contain all of the essential disaster preparedness items to keep around for your pets.

Is Your Child's School Prepared?

2008-05-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

For parents and for school administrators, the safety and security of our children is of top concern while they are attending school. Whether they are in preschool, or college, their safety needs to be assured. How well prepared is your child’s school? Does their school or classroom have a classroom lock down kit? Does it have a first aid kit or any type of survival kit? Do they have an emergency plan? We as parents need to make sure these things are provided for our children and not just assume someone else has taken care of it.
Some states require disaster preparedness as part of their standard operating procedures due to and depending on the types of occurrences in their area. Is your child's school prepared? It's time to find out.

Prepare for Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

2008-05-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

Avian Influenza is an infection caused by the bird flu virus.

Although Avian Influenza is an infection typically affecting birds, infections can also occur in humans. This factor makes it important to educate yourself and be aware in an attempt to decrease your risk of contracting it. The virus has been contracted by at least 340 humans and more than 200 have died from it across the span of three continents. Virus infection usually occurs from direct, close contact with sick or dead infected poultry.

In 2005, a bill respectively titled The Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act was introduced by U.S. Senators as a resource meant to assist in responding to the growing threat of Avian Influenza outbreaks.

The Importance of: First Aid Kits

2008-05-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes amidst the chaos in our busy lives, we forget to protect and prepare ourselves for something as simple as a minor cut, burn or bruise to an injury that requires more serious attention. Although not all injuries are life threatening, it is important to equip ourselves with the necessary items should a situation or emergency arise.One should keep both home and vehicle stocked with an up-to-date First Aid Kit at all times; the kit should be easily accessible by adults and out of the reach of young children. Having a First Aid Kit on hand helps you to handle an emergency without delay. Many of our First Aid Kits also come with an easy-to-understand manual, providing you with clear instructions on how to use the contents within the kit, as well as a short directory of Emergency contact numbers.
*Quick Tip! – If you are a family with small children, it may also prove useful to stock your First Aid Kit with Coloring Books and Crayons, Board Games, etc.

Charlestown School to Offer Student Emergency Preparedness Program

2008-04-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

BOSTON , Mass. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is initiating a pilot program for New England 4th grade students to teach basic emergency preparedness skills. The Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program will be offered by participating schools within the region. Warren-Prescott School in Charlestown will be among the first to provide the STEP program to its pupils.
In addition to the key lesson plan, students in the selected schools will also receive items to make their own starter kit; including a water bottle, snack bar, emergency whistle, Mylar blanket, and carrying bag. STEP will be taught during the 2008-2009 academic year.
A joint effort between state emergency management agencies and FEMA, the program offers a ready-to-teach preparedness lesson that empowers students to encourage their families to make home emergency kits and communications plans.

Are You Prepared for the Worst?

2008-04-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

Over 92% of school-based police officers believe that schools are a “soft target” for terrorist attacks, according to a 2004 National Association of School Resource Officers survey. The report also states “half of the respondents say that emergency plans for their schools are not adequate.”

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 8

2008-04-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

8 April 2008
The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection.

The case is a 19-year-old male from Kafr El-Dawar District, Behera governorate. He developed symptoms on 30 March was hospitalized on 31 March and died on 4 April. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3) .
Investigations into the source of his infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry.

Of the 48 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 21 have been fatal.