Emergency Preparedness

Our government has put in place, the "Emergency Broadcast System". You know, that annoying beeping or shrill screeching sound on the radio when they test it periodically. It usually comes on in the middle of your favorite song. But when there is an impending storm or emergency situation, that sound is anything but annoying. It can be a life saver.

After the alarm sounds, you will be given directions on where to tune in or where to go for more info and for your safety. They don't sound this without good reason, so don't blow it off like you are invincible or something. Tune in, take heed, take cover or get out. Whatever directions they give, follow them.

You should have a good radio on hand. One that will operate on batteries should the power go out. Also one with NOAA channels is extremely important in emergency situations. NOAA stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In short they monitor the air, the earth and the sea. (Photo credit: NOAA)

The items that I have selected below are good for short and long
term use.

The hand cranks are extremely vital to long term usage and
some will even re-charge
a cell phone.

The emergency broadcast system went into alert mode. The tornado sirens sounded. In spite of all the high-tech devices in service, the people of Joplin, Missouri only had 20 minutes advance warning of the devastation that was heading their way. That devastation came in the form of an EF5 Multiple-Vortex Tornado with winds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

Many found their way to shelters and followed the warnings. For whatever reason, still (according to reports) many were caught off guard.

Heed the warnings. Don't take chances with your life and the lives of your family. Use the best emergency facilities and plans at your disposal.

(Photo credit: NOAA)

In February of 2010, my wife and I were at her parent's in New Jersey. The week we were there a blizzard was predicted.

There was plenty of food in the house and I went to the store to get a couple items that we might need. The stores were just about out of milk, bread, even meat and canned goods were going fast. I got back in the truck just as the snow started falling heavily.

The first storm left us with 28 inches of snow. Then two days later the second blizzard arrived, dumping an additional 20 inches. Unheard of for that portion of NJ. (It never snowed like that when I was in school!)

Thankfully, we never lost power and had plenty of food and my father-in-law had enough of his medications until the roads were cleared. Finally the state of emergency was lifted allowing us to get on the roads again. It wasn't until 10 days later that we were able to travel safely, and on our trip home we had to make an emergency stop because of another snow storm that closed the major highways.

We can't count on the stores for last minute emergency preparations. They do their best, but too many people are doing the same thing so shelves get cleared real fast. Advanced planning is the way to go. While others are in the panic of preparation mode, you can go over your plans again and make sure that nothing is overlooked.

Photo credit Senditondown/family.

It may seem unusual to see life jackets (personal flotation devices) among emergency preparedness items designed for dry land. But I started thinking about the floods seen in recent years here in the U.S. In all the news footage, I don't remember seeing one person that was being rescued wearing a life jacket. They were hanging on to trees, debris, each other, but not safety devices.

You make think it strange, and think that I'm weird, but I decided to include them here. It is up to you whether or not you add them to your supplies.

Photo credit google images creative commom domain.

You have the food, water, first aid kit, radio and other essentials taken care of. Now what if you need a roof over your head? The practical answer would be a tent. A good camping tent will serve the purpose of getting you out of the weather and under cover until more permanent arrangements can be made.

Shown below are an assortment of tents, sleeping bags and emergency blankets for you to consider for your family's emergency kit.

Product photo by Amazon.