#Emergency Preparedness

[labelleizzy]

Okay here goes. Vivo en California!

Earthquake

Fires

Flood? I do live near a major creek and not far from other areas that might flood.

Stream of consciousness:

We have camping gear we could grab and throw in the car quickly. Same with shelf stable food. Water container, check. I'll need some way to make my caffeine.

We need to assemble a flashdrive of Evac docs: copies of birth certificate, marriage license, deeds to property, passports etc. I have that checklist somewhere.

I absolutely MUST grab my meds.

We absolutely must grab the elderly cat and her prescription food, though that will be complicated of course.

I could bag up a pair of old shoes, couple of pairs of socks and underwear, some layers, like a hoodie, tshirts, and the old jeans or yoga pants, and leave it somewhere I could grab it. Another trick I've heard is if you need to leave fast and don't have time to pack properly, grab your laundry hamper on the way out the door at least. You'll have SOME clothes!

Laptop, wallet, keys, charging octopus with my dock.

Emergency go bag backpack 🎒 from previous employer.

I wonder if I have useful things I should consider, in my crafting supplies.

I wonder how fast we could get out the house and how many of the above items on the list we could pack.

Good to consider.

Been seeing a lot of folks talk about bugout bags where the context seems to be fleeing a Knock from secret police or something, and I want to gently suggest folks consider more likely reasons to bug out (wildfires, crumbling infrastructure leading to gas leaks, etc).

Make sure your bag can get you through scenarios where you are part of a mass evacuation, rather than you clandestinely leaving in the middle of the night to escape brownshirts.

I feel like thinking in this context will help folks prepare better and think beyond fleeing to the nearest border as their prime objective.

I don't like giving this regime more power than it actually has, so it is helpful to me to think about what I would do in specific scenarios. Planning for those gives me much more concrete action items, reduces my panic, and ends up preparing me better for unknown situations.

A lot of us have real fear of this regime rn, and escaping a Knock is a realistic concern.

But I feel like a lot of white, cishet, middle class folks are in oppression cosplay mode rn, and their brains aren't in a practical space for what the more likely impact to their lives is going to be.

If preparing for a Knock isn't also going to prepare you for facing sitting in traffic for 12 hours with no hotel plans because you need to evacuate a natural disaster on short notice, you should think a bit more about your risk factors and resiliency.

Vague prepping for "When shit hits the fan" means you are going to forget key items. Come up with some specific scenarios to run through and see how your kit would perform.

[unbfacts]

30 years ago, you had 15-17 minutes to escape a house fire. Today, due to synthetic materials like plastics, petroleum-based products, and modern home designs with open floor plans and larger rooms, you only have 3-5 minutes.

[fredtaiseer]

LA Evacuation Zone Map: Responding to the Wildfire Crisis

Los Angeles is grappling with a series of devastating wildfires, particularly the Easton Fire near Altadena and the Palisades Fire. These fires, fueled by dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, have rapidly spread, destroying homes and prompting large-scale evacuations. Notably, celebrities such as Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag have lost their homes, drawing national attention to the crisis.

The Easton Fire has destroyed numerous residences, pushing firefighters to prioritize evacuations and containment efforts. Similarly, the Palisades Fire has forced many residents, including high-profile individuals, to flee as the flames consumed luxury homes.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for several neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for residents to follow updated evacuation zone maps closely. These maps are crucial for public safety, providing real-time information on affected areas and escape routes. As the situation evolves, officials urge the public to stay informed through local news outlets and emergency alerts.

Wildfires remain a persistent threat in California, with climate change exacerbating their frequency and intensity. This year's fire season underscores the importance of preparedness, efficient evacuation protocols, and the resilience of affected communities.

For more comprehensive coverage and updates, refer to the following sources:

KTLA on Easton Fire

Yahoo News on Wildfire Origins

Fox News on Palisades Fire

[pumpsoul-oct123]

The Importance of Preparedness: 10 Essential Items for Your Survival Kit

1. Water and Water Filtration

What to Include:

Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.

Water Filtration System: Portable water filters or purification tablets to ensure you can make any water source potable.

2. Non-Perishable Food

What to Include:

Canned Goods: Fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals.

Dry Goods: Rice, pasta, cereals, and protein bars.

Specialty Items: Baby formula, pet food, and items for dietary restrictions.

3. First Aid Kit

What to Include:

Basic Supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, and scissors.

Medications: Pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications.

Specialized Tools: Tweezers, a digital thermometer, and a CPR mask.

4. Emergency Lighting and Power

What to Include:

Flashlights and Batteries: LED flashlights with extra batteries.

Solar-Powered Lights: Solar lanterns and portable solar chargers for electronic devices.

Hand-Crank Radio: A multi-function radio that can receive weather updates and charge your phone.

5. Shelter and Warmth

What to Include:

Emergency Blankets: Thermal blankets or sleeping bags.

Tarp and Duct Tape: For creating makeshift shelters.

Warm Clothing: Hats, gloves, and extra layers of clothing.

6. Personal Hygiene Items

What to Include:

Sanitation Supplies: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable soap.

Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.

Waste Bags: Plastic bags for disposing of waste safely.

7. Important Documents

What to Include:

Identification: Copies of passports, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards.

Medical Information: Health insurance cards, medical records, and prescriptions.

Financial Information: Bank account details, credit card information, and insurance policies.

8. Tools and Supplies

Why It’s Essential: Having the right tools can make a significant difference in an emergency, allowing you to perform necessary repairs, signal for help, or navigate your surroundings.

What to Include:

Multi-Tool: A versatile tool that includes pliers, a knife, and screwdrivers.

Whistle: For signaling for help.

Maps and Compass: Local maps and a compass for navigation if GPS is unavailable.

9. Communication Devices

What to Include:

Cell Phone and Charger: An extra charger or power bank.

Two-Way Radios: Battery-powered radios for communication if cell service is down.

Emergency Contact List: A written list of important phone numbers.

10. Personal Protection Equipment

What to Include:

Face Masks: N95 respirators or other protective masks.

Gloves: Durable work gloves for handling debris.

Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against exposure.

[thererisesaredstar]

Stopping floods and drought by planting trees

Hwalsal magazine (J43/1954)

[captawesomesauce]

Disaster Prep is a full time 24/7/365 day a year thing, because no one should just go out and buy everything all at once, and times and circumstances change!

More importantly, there is no one size fits all way of thinking about your family, your situation, and your needs.

Some people do well with checklists, buy this and they're done. And that's ok! Some people do better with being asked questions and thinking critically about what they have, what they need, and what they'll do if x happens, or y happens. And that's ok too!

So having said that, a bunch of people I know and love have been filling my message boxes with questions asking me to tell them what to do, and so I made this quick little pdf as a starting point, not an ending point. This is the rough draft that I sent out, I've not proof read it, and I've found that days later, I'm still adding some stuff to it, but it's "good enough" for now and so I'll share it with y'all too...

[suzilight]

[sugarcubedd]

In light of the recent California fires here's a tip from the child of a disaster preparedness professional: make a go bag.

A "go bag" is a tote bag or backpack filled with essentials kept within easy reach in case you need to evacuate your home. This could be fire, flooding, a tornado, earthquake, prolonged power outage, chemical spill, etc.

My personal go-bag has:

first aid kit

pet first aid kit

bottle of ibuprofen

sewing kit

pocket thermometer

hair ties

brightly colored ribbons or flagging tape

pads and tampons

small wrench

dehydrated washcloth

pens and highlighters

hand sanitizer

travel sized lotion, shampoo, and conditioner bottles

tea bags

emergency candle

lighter or matches

You might also want to add things like a spare phone charger, flashlight/headlamp/glowstick, whistle, water filter, MRE's, a space blanket, or a fire blanket depending on what kind of natural disasters are most common where you live.

Additionally, you should keep all your personal documents (or copies of them) together in a place you can reach easily. You should be able to shove them in your go bag on the way out of your house.

[physalian]

Having a bug-out bag came in use yesterday so I thought I’d recirculate the benefits of having one. It’s a pre-packed backpack or travel bag that is ready to go in emergencies.

I first made mine after a different narcissistic roommate made me too afraid to go home after I insulted his ego, to the point where I had my friend guard the house in the front yard so I could run in, grab what I needed to stay overnight somewhere, and leave.

I resolved to never be unprepared again, and am relived to say that while the bag hasn’t been useful for its intended purpose, having it in my car has saved me on beach trips, hurricane evacuations, and other overnight trips where I otherwise forgot something at home.

It sits in the trunk of my car and does take up a fair bit of space, but I’m never lacking for space in my car anyway.

Inside:

Cash

Pens/stationery

Multitool

Separate switchblade

First aid kit

Batteries

Multiple chargers

Flashlight

3 outfits, 2 warm, 1 cold (Florida)

Assorted underclothes

Sweatshirt

Bathing suit

Toiletries

Bath towel

1 closed and 1 open-toed pair of shoes

Hat

Sunscreen

Sandwich/grocery bags

Hair ties/brush/clips

I do have to toss some things every now and then as they degrade in the Florida heat, but most of the toiletries were picked up in the travel aisle for cheap. I keep mine in my car but you don’t have to.

If I could safely keep pet food for my cats with it, I would, but again, the heat.

Stay safe out there!

[shadesofdigital]

🚨 Stay Alert—The Time to Prepare is Now! 🚨

Every day, the world feels more uncertain. From political tensions to racial divisions, from the migrant crisis to mass shootings, and even rising inflation—these distractions can easily cloud our vision. But now, more than ever, we cannot afford to drop our guard. The time to prepare is NOW.

The Urban Survival Playbook is your ultimate guide to navigating these troubling times. This isn’t just another product—it’s a lifeline for you and your family. As the Black community, we’ve always faced challenges with strength, but being prepared is the next step in protecting our future.

💡 Why You Need This:

• Learn how to safeguard your family in an emergency.

• Gain strategies to handle food shortages, economic crisis, and unrest.

• Build mental resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Don’t let distractions put your family’s safety at risk. Visit our website today to get the Urban Survival Playbook and start preparing for the future. Waiting too long could cost you everything.

🛡️ Be prepared. Be empowered. Be ready.

[thechurchoftheatom]

A Sermon for January 15th: A Reading on Preparedness

Brothers and Sisters in the Atom, today’s message begins with an acknowledgment of the practical. While we, as members of the Church of the Atom, contemplate the vast and long-reaching implications of nuclear energy and waste—our legacy for countless generations—it’s important to remember that most of the challenges we face in life are far more immediate. Disasters may not always arrive in the form of a nuclear apocalypse, but they can still strike without warning, leaving us vulnerable. Floods, fires, hurricanes, power outages, car breakdowns, and even a sudden injury can upend our lives in an instant.

Preparedness is not just a lofty or distant ideal; it is a practical, day-to-day expression of care. It is how we honor our responsibility to ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. In this spirit, we turn to a reading from Ready.gov, a resource that provides essential knowledge for safeguarding against the unexpected.

A Reading from Ready.gov: Preparedness Basics

"Disasters can strike without warning, disrupting lives, displacing families, and leaving communities in turmoil. By taking small steps now, you can ensure safety and security for yourself and your loved ones in the future."

Emergency Kits: The Foundation of Preparedness

An emergency kit is more than just a box of supplies; it is your lifeline when normal systems fail. A good kit should last at least three days and include:

Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

Food: Non-perishable items such as canned goods, energy bars, and dry foods, along with a manual can opener.

Tools and Lighting: A flashlight with extra batteries, multipurpose tools, and a crank-powered or battery-operated radio.

First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, necessary medications, and any required medical devices.

Hygiene Supplies: Soap, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and other sanitation items.

Clothing and Warmth: Sturdy shoes, extra clothing, and blankets or sleeping bags.

Important Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and bank information in a waterproof container.

Cash and Coins: Small denominations for situations where electronic payments are unavailable.

Special Items: Supplies for children, elderly family members, and pets, including formula, diapers, and pet food.

Developing a Plan

Preparedness is more than a kit—it’s a mindset. Develop a plan to ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency. Establish an out-of-town contact for communication and choose a meeting place for reunification. Practice drills to make the plan second nature.

Everyday Uses for Preparedness

Emergencies don’t always come with fanfare. A flat tire in the middle of nowhere, a power outage during a storm, or even an unexpected illness can test our ability to respond. A well-stocked emergency kit and a thought-out plan make these everyday disasters manageable. Being prepared isn’t just for the unthinkable—it’s for the inevitable.

Reflection on Preparedness

Brothers and Sisters, the Church of the Atom teaches us to look both to the infinite and the immediate. While we are committed to the long-term legacy of nuclear semiotics—ensuring that future generations heed the warnings of our age—we must not neglect the more mundane yet equally important task of ensuring our present safety.

Preparedness is practical, yes, but it is also a sacred duty. When we prepare, we acknowledge that the future matters, that life is precious, and that we are responsible not just for ourselves but for those who depend on us. By preparing, we reflect the values of stewardship, foresight, and care that lie at the heart of our faith.

Think of your emergency kit as an act of love—love for yourself, for your family, and for your community. When you build it, you are not just collecting supplies; you are making a promise to those around you that their safety is your priority.

But preparedness is not a solitary endeavor. Share this knowledge with your neighbors, friends, and family. Strengthen your community’s resilience by encouraging others to create their own kits and plans. Consider joining or supporting a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). You can find more information and opportunities to get involved at Ready.gov.

A Warning from the Atom

While our message today emphasizes everyday preparedness, let us not forget the unique guidance of our faith: to avoid the places where the atom’s power has left a dangerous legacy. Nuclear waste storage facilities, marked with the unmistakable trefoil, are not places of curiosity or exploration. They are warnings in themselves—symbols of danger that transcend language and culture. As stewards of this knowledge, we must ensure these places are avoided, respected, and understood as hazardous for generations to come.

Closing Words

As you go forth this week, I urge you to take this sermon to heart. Build your emergency kit if you haven’t already. Update your family’s communication plan. Take practical steps toward readiness not out of fear but out of love and responsibility.

Remember, preparedness is not just for the end of the world—it is for every day. By acting now, you protect the lives and futures of those you hold dear.

And as always, may the energy of the atom guide us—toward safety, toward wisdom, and toward a future of hope and preparedness.

[marcustumblerius]

[meeedeee]

Just a reminder, it's always good to have a week's worth of cash on hand. In North Carolina the credit cards and ATMs were not working for a few days which made it difficult for people to buy water, food and gas. Cash may also be needed to pay for lodging should your house become damaged. Also, keep your gas tank always 1/2 full (and refill when it reaches 1/2 tank).

If your car is electric, charge it up every night

Since money is tight for many, I recommend putting aside a little each week to build up the cash reserve. Not too much because having lots of cash on hand at home is not wise but it's better to have some cash to bridge the gap for a few days

[pumpsoul-oct123]

Why You Don’t Have to Be a “Doomsday Prepper” to Be Prepared

When people think of prepping, the image that often comes to mind is someone stockpiling canned goods, building bunkers, and preparing for a catastrophic event. This stereotype of the "doomsday prepper" has made many dismiss the idea of preparedness altogether, thinking it’s only for the overly cautious or conspiracy theorists. However, being prepared isn’t about fearing the end of the world; it’s about taking practical steps to ensure you and your family can handle everyday emergencies. Here’s why you don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to be prepared.

1. Everyday Emergencies Are More Common Than Disasters

While large-scale disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes make headlines, everyday emergencies are far more common and can be just as disruptive. Think about the last time you experienced a power outage, a severe storm, or even a car breakdown. These situations can happen to anyone, anywhere, and having a plan in place can make all the difference. Preparedness is about being ready for the things that are most likely to happen, not just the worst-case scenarios.

2. Preparedness Is About Practicality, Not Paranoia

The idea of prepping often gets a bad reputation because it’s associated with extreme scenarios. However, practical preparedness is about taking sensible steps to protect your home and family. This could mean having a first-aid kit readily available, keeping a flashlight and extra batteries in the house, or knowing how to shut off your home’s gas supply in an emergency. These are everyday actions that can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

3. Basic Preparedness Is Easy and Affordable

One of the misconceptions about preparedness is that it requires a significant investment of time and money. While some people may choose to invest heavily in supplies and equipment, basic preparedness is something anyone can achieve with minimal effort. Start small by putting together an emergency kit with essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Over time, you can build on this foundation, but even a small amount of preparation can make a big difference in an emergency.

4. Knowledge Is Power

One of the most important aspects of being prepared is having the knowledge to respond to different situations. This doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in survival skills, but learning basic safety measures can go a long way. For example, knowing how to perform CPR, how to use a fire extinguisher, or how to purify water in an emergency can be invaluable. These are skills that anyone can learn and don’t require a doomsday mindset.

5. Preparedness Is About Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most compelling reason to embrace preparedness is the peace of mind it brings. Life is unpredictable, and while we can’t control everything, we can take steps to mitigate risks. Knowing that you have a plan in place for emergencies can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control. It’s not about living in fear of what might happen, but about being ready for whatever comes your way.

How to Start Your Preparedness Journey

If you’re new to the idea of preparedness, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are a few simple steps to help you begin your journey:

Assess Your Risks: Consider the most likely emergencies you might face based on your location and lifestyle. For example, if you live in an area prone to power outages, focus on preparing for that scenario first.

Build an Emergency Kit: Start with the basics—water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and a flashlight. You can expand your kit over time as you identify additional needs.

Create a Family Plan: Talk to your family about what to do in different types of emergencies. Make sure everyone knows where to go, how to communicate, and what to do if they’re separated.

Learn Basic Skills: Take the time to learn a few essential skills like CPR, first aid, and fire safety. These skills are useful in everyday life, not just in emergencies.

Stay Informed: Keep up with news and weather reports so you’re aware of potential threats. Having information early can help you act quickly and effectively.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to be prepared. Preparedness is about practical, everyday actions that can protect you and your loved ones in a variety of situations. By taking a few simple steps, you can gain peace of mind and be ready for whatever life throws your way. Remember, it’s not about fearing the worst—it’s about being ready for the unexpected.

[etakeh]

Hey so PGE is having lots of outages in the PDX + area.

Charge your phones, find your flashlight/candles/jar of glow in the dark plastic marbles, consolidate your blankets and pillows into a central location, all that good stuff.