#Emergency Preparedness

[political-us]

[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.

[skullprincess]

I got into a survival mindset this last week out of like, concern about not being prepared. So I’ve compiled what I’d need to be equipped for a disaster and I went ahead and got an emergency kit so that if we have some natural disaster we have a disaster bag prepped.

If anyone is interested in what I’ve looked up I’ll post my list. There are many sources out there from FEMA and Red Cross etc.

At the very least I recommend getting an emergency backpack kit from emergencykits.com . I think the prices are reasonable— if it’s too much for you, the dollar store tends to have a lot of the included items for a medical emergency. They have emergency kits as well as full EMT medical kits and such— a bit over the top for the average person but if you’re trained then why not? They have triage kits and a splint and stretchers too…

I got the 3 person emergency kit even though I live with only one other person because it doesn’t hurt to have extra for someone else or a guest. They also sell cat and dog emergency packs but they’re like $5 for a half-pound pouch so it might be more economical to buy shelf-stable pet food and just replace it every 6 months-1 year (that’s what I’m considering).

Another site I found is https://www.siriussurvival.com/ which is a bit more geared towards survivalists but I think some of the things are worth having so you can decide between the two sites and their kits and compile your own list of needs.

I also went on Canva and made some 6 x 4 images for printing out some emergency pet cards:

This way if we get separated, this will help explain the situation. I also made one for the back side that says “PLEASE HELP ME! I need to be reunited with my owner, I wasn’t abandoned!” Etc in case anything happens.

@katy-l-wood has some amazing infographics for emergency situations btw! Highly recommend copies of those for emergency preparedness.

[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

[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...

[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)

[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.

[californiastatelibrary]

🔹 Webinar: Strengthening Communities—Libraries & Emergency Preparedness 🔹

How can libraries play a proactive role in community resilience? This free webinar will explore innovative partnerships and strategies for emergency preparedness. Hear from experts in San Diego County who have successfully implemented training and response efforts in collaboration with emergency services.

📅 Date: March 27, 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (PT) 💻 Virtual Event

Speakers:

✅ Cecilia Salgado – Adult Services Manager, San Diego County Library ✅ Cristin McVey – Branch Manager/Librarian II, San Diego County Library, Borrego Springs ✅ Nicholas Thomlison – Senior Emergency Services Coordinator, Office of Emergency Services, County of San Diego ✅ Teresa Greenhalgh – Community Emergency Response Team Coordinator, San Diego County Fire Protection District

Whether you're looking to build partnerships, launch preparedness initiatives, or enhance your library’s role in crisis response, this webinar offers valuable insights.

🔗 Register here: https://events.callacademy.org/event/strengthening-communities-libraries-innovative-strategies-emergency-preparedness-9445

[suzilight]

[shadesofdigital]

🌍 The World is Changing: Are You Ready? 🌍

Right now, we are living in unprecedented times. Political tensions are rising, racial divisions are deepening, the migrant crisis is overwhelming our cities, and violence seems to be at every corner. Inflation is making it harder to get by, the Israel/Palestine conflict continues to escalate, and homelessness is becoming a growing crisis. As Black people, we have always been resilient, but now is the time to prepare and protect what matters most—our families.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

The Urban Survival Playbook is the single most important digital product you can purchase right now to navigate these uncertain times. This isn’t just another guide; it’s a blueprint for survival, crafted with our community in mind. Whether it’s mass shootings, economic collapse, or civil unrest, being prepared can mean the difference between chaos and control.

🛡️ Why You Need This NOW:

• Stay ahead of the curve—learn how to protect your family before disaster strikes.

• Get practical, no-nonsense strategies to keep your home safe.

• Plan for emergencies like food shortages, natural disasters, and power outages.

• Build mental resilience to handle the stress of an unpredictable world.

💡 Take Action Today!

Don’t wait until a crisis catches you off guard. Your family’s safety depends on your preparedness. Visit our website and get the Urban Survival Playbook now. It’s time to start planning for the unexpected. Waiting could cost you dearly, but being ready will give you peace of mind.

[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!

[redwolvestogether]

Carolina Wildfires

Wildfires are currently burning in Greenville and Pickens county South Carolina, as well as Polk County North Carolina.

For those in the area

STAY UPDATED ON POLK COUNTY FIRE

STAY UPDATED ON UPSTATE SC FIRES

Download the FEMA app and turn on alerts

Turn on alerts from your weather app. Turn notifications on from your weather app. Check air quality on your weather app. Have an emergency plan. Know what you will do if you need to leave and make sure everyone around you also knows what to do. Have a bag ready full of essentials ready to go. Have extra emergency plans in place in case you need to evacuate somewhere that isn’t home. Have a go bag In your bag make sure you have prescriptions, a flashlight, solar phone charger or any phone charger, a radio, important documents in a sturdy portable container, first aid kit, plastic sheets and duct tape for shelter, a physical map of your local area, plastic bags and toilet paper and baby wipes, extra batteries, whistles, Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream, Pet food and extra water for your pet, Cash or traveler's checks, Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes, paper and pen or pencil, Fire extinguisher, Matches in a waterproof container, pads and tampons basically period supplies and personal hygiene items, soap or hand sanitizer, wrench or pliers basically manual tools to turn off utilities, priceless items, and essentials like food and water. LOTS OF WATER, gallons per person and then some. Make sure the food you pack is canned or dried, anything non perishable. Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure and password protected digital space.

know your personal locations potential for fire Try and make sure flammable materials are at least 30 feet away from your home. Find a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Keep a portable air cleaner indoors for when there’s smoky conditions.

Make sure your cars gas is full.

Get some N95 masks to wear, stick up on them and make sure to give extra to those who can’t afford them.

know where the hose on your house or where you live is. Know your evacuation routes. Stay up to date with local authorities on where you should evacuate. More on evacuation routes.

Charge your phone.

If you have asthma or are part of an evacuation group that has someone with asthma evacuate as early as possible. Don’t feel bad for leaving without your county getting an alert.

When you’re told to evacuate do so immediately.

Turn the air vents off in your car and roll the windows up if the air quality is poor.

Keep in touch with people through text NOT call.

if you get trapped call 911

Do not return home until the authorities say it’s safe. Avoid areas affected by the fire entirely until you know they’re no longer a fire risk. They can still be a fire risk post fire.

Document damage to home or property with photo or video.

If you’re in the surrounding area where there’s smoke create a clean room.

NFPA WILDFIRE

On wildfire smoke

Be prepared for a wildfire