Preparing for disasters and emergencies
Cheap, lightweight, space-saving, and multi-use are just of the few words we could use to describe this item. However, possibly the most important word associated with this item could be life-saving. The item I am referring to is the inexpensive, Mylar emergency blanket.
Spring has definitely sprung! And with that comes crazy, unpredictable weather. Tornados and snowstorms in the same state? Wild fires and flash floods are also a threat in the greater part of the United States. Start by stockpiling water, canned goods and emergency lighting. You will need more than that, though. Be prepared for all of it with our three simple steps.
Even during the most luxurious camping trip can have tragic consequences; bad weather, accidents, bears and getting lost are quite probable during even the shortest of trips. You may think you are fully prepared, but what will happen if bears rip up your tent while you are out hiking or raccoons ransack your food? Pack along these five essential life savers to put your mind at ease.
In an emergency, we need safe water daily to drink, cook, clean, flush toilets and do laundry. Along with storing extra water for emergencies, you may find some hidden sources around your house. Read this article to help you identify hidden water sources.
People panic when the weather gets bad and buy up all the staples. However, if you anticipate what could happen, you would not have to scramble to get the essentials. For those of you already anticipating the possibilities and are ready for what could happen, do not mind bugging in for a few days because of bad weather. Even if you do lose power, you have enough fuel and food to keep you comfortable. Sounds practical right? If you think hard enough about it, I’m sure you can come with a few benefits of storing some food, water and other essential “survival” gear and not because zombies are coming. Stocking up on supplies might make you feel a little “crazy cat lady,” but don’t worry; here is a list of 15 really good reasons to be practical.
FEMA describes a safe room as a room that offers “near-absolute protection” from winds up to 250 miles per hour, remaining intact, even if the rest of your house or office is destroyed. A safe room can be an already-existing room such as a closet or bathroom reinforced to protect against severe winds due to tornados and hurricanes, or a room build inside the house specifically to be a safe room. Since new construction might be cost-prohibitive for you and your family, you can also designate one room in the house or office as the “safe room.” The main objective is to put as many walls between you and the severe weather event as possible. Read this article to learn how to prepare.
In the past, the expert writers at Cheaper Than Dirt! have written extensively on severe spring and summer weather—including an airman who served in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. From first-hand encounters during a lightning storm to quick tips and infographics, I have even asked, “Can you outrun a tornado?” Following is the top ten blog posts to help you stock up, plan and prepare for spring and summer severe weather.
Spring and summer bring just as many weather extremes as winter does. Severe spring and summer weather in the form of hurricanes, thunderstorms, floods and tornadoes cause devastation, destruction and loss of life. You need to prepare for the coming potential weather much like you did for winter. However, instead of blankets, you will need alternative ways to stay cool and take extra precautions to stay safe during supercell thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornados. Severe weather, rather it is in winter, spring or summer has the potential to cause power outages and loss of utilities. Are you ready?
America is experiencing some of the worst winter weather it has had in four years, affecting millions of people from the Midwest to the East Coast. Hundreds of thousands of families have been without power for up to a week. Ice storms can be devastating, causing enough dangerous conditions to shut down entire cities. An ice storm is categorized by the accumulation of 0.25 inches of freezing rain—just enough to add 500 pounds of extra weight to power lines. Due to the extreme weight of ice, power lines, large trees, tree branches and utility poles can snap, causing blackouts that can last for weeks. Since road travel can be extremely treacherous during severe winter storms, it is best to prepare and stock up now before old man winter hits.
Ice storms, blizzards and other severe winter weather can force you to stay inside your home. Before the storm hits, be prepared to go without electricity for at least three days. You should not wait until the day before weathermen predict a severe winter storm. Get last minute emergency gear now, while it is still in stock. Following is a list of 15 items to get now.