Car Emergency Kits, Road Kits, First Aid Kits,
Emergency Packs, Emergency Preparedness
Featured Preparedness Blog Articles
September is National Preparedness Month
Hurricane Preparedness
Back To School Tips
Teen Driver Safety Facts and Tips
Summer Heat Safety Tips
Flood Safety Tips
May is National Bike Month
Pool Safely Video Series
April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month
February is National Heart Month
The holiday season is upon us and for many this means hitting the party circuit pretty hard. During the next three weeks holiday celebrations and office parties abound. It is not uncommon to visit two or three holiday parties in one night. With this in mind, Safety Kits Plus is reminding everyone to party responsibly this holiday season. Alcohol related crashes and fatalities surge during the holidays and even a simple mistake can ruin your entire year or worse yet turn you into a statistic. Drinking and driving is never worth the potentially tragic outcomes. Clearly with a little planning ahead it is easy to avoid steep fines, incarceration or even the loss of life. The average costs related to a DUI can easily exceed $10,000. Many states have zero tolerance laws which require mandatory jail time and license suspension. None of which are necessary!
Don't decide to drink and drive and put your life and the lives of others at risk. Many businesses offer FREE cab vouchers or safe ride programs so check around and plan ahead for options available in your community.
PLANNING AHEAD:
Download the R-U-Buzzed App for your iPhone or android phones. The app will estimate your blood alcohol concentration and can even call a taxi for you. Be aware though that BAC Calculators provide estimates based on averages and often are not accurate. If you need the calculator chances are you shouldn't drive. When in doubt, don't drive!
• Plan a safe way home before you head out for the night
• Designate a sober driver for the night and leave your keys at home
• Check local options in advance for FREE rides home
• If you are impaired take a taxi, call a friend or family member or take public transportation
• If you see a drunk driver, take note of their license number, pull over and call to report
• Don't let anyone drive impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely
• Simply spend the night
Please drive safe, sober and wear your seat belt!
September 2011 is National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month (NPM) is sponsored by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps. NPM is held each September and is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities.
September 2011 is the eighth annual NPM. This year the kickoff will use the slogan "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare." The campaign seeks to transform awareness into action by encouraging all Americans to take the necessary steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.
The Campaign’s Web sites www.ready.gov and www.listo.gov and toll-free numbers (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide Americans with free emergency preparedness information.
Individuals and groups can now register to become NPM coalition members by visiting community.fema.gov.The campaign is very simple. Get a kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed and Get Involved.
GET A KIT
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Below is a list of recommended items to include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
•Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
•Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
•Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
•Flashlight and extra batteries
•First aid kit
•Whistle to signal for help
•Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
•Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
•Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
•Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
•Local maps
•Cell phone with chargers
MAKE A PLAN
Make sure you have a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.
Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call or emergency workers may go door-to-door.
You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance. Businesses must also plan in advance to manage any emergency situation.
BE INFORMED, GET INVOLVED
Being informed about the different types of emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate ways to respond to them will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.
In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies by getting a kit, making a plan and being informed, take the next step and get involved in preparing your community. Learn more about Citizen Corps, which actively involves citizens in making our communities and our nation safer, stronger and better prepared.
We all have a role to play in keeping our hometowns secure from emergencies of all kinds. Citizen Corps works hard to help people prepare, train and volunteer in their communities. For more information, go to www.citizencorps.gov to get involved.
Resources:
Ready America - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed - www.ready.gov
National Safety Council - www.nsc.org/preparedness
Safety Kits Plus - Car Emergency Kits, Road Kits, Survival Backpacks, Emergency Kits and Preparedness
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Disaster prevention includes both being prepared as well as reducing damages (mitigation). The most important thing that you can do is to be informed and prepared.
History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. This information can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.
Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.
DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN
•Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
•Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
•Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
•Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
•Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
•Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
•Check your insurance coverage as flood damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance.
•Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
•Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
•Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
More info on creating a disaster plan here Emergency Disaster Planning
CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT
Great information here on creating safety kits and preparedness Emergency Disaster Preparedness Supply List
SECURE YOUR HOME
The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it’s important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas:
•Straps
•Roof
•Shutters
•Doors
•Garage Doors
A great time to start securing – or retrofitting – your house is when you are making other improvements or adding an addition.
Remember: building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past catastrophes. Contact the local building code official to find out what requirements are necessary for your home improvement projects.
Resources:
National Weather Service – National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
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Back To School Tips:
School sessions start back up for much of the country in the next month. Getting a head start will go a long way toward keeping your sanity and a great start to the school year for your kids! Don't wait till the last minute to get started. The lists below should give you plenty to think about!
SET APPOINTMENTS
- Vaccinations
- Dentist
- Eye Doctor
- Haircuts
- Grade level workbooks help reinforce prior learning
- Tutoring a couple weeks before school encourages study habits
- Begin implementing school year routines a few weeks early
- Clean out and organize closets and drawers, favorite hiding spots and work areas.
- Ensure reading materials and toys are age appropriate. Pass along or giveaway those that are not.
- Pass along clothes that no longer fit. Shop smartly and early for sports gear, new clothes, school and dorm supplies.
- Be informed early about registration dates and schedules for any after school acivities including sports, music or dance.
- Work out transportation issues, car pools, buses.....
- Discuss family emergency planning details including meeting places and emergency contact information
- Make sure first aid kits and car emergency kits are accessible and refill items that are expired or depleted
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Teen Driver Safety Facts and Tips
Did you know:
- A classroom of teens die each day in the U.S. as a result of motor vehicle crashes.
- Car crashes are the number one cause of teen deaths each year; more than drugs, violence or suicide.
- According to national statistics car crashes account for more than 1 out of 3 teen deaths.
- Drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 are involved in fatal crashes at more than twice the rate of other drivers.
- Research shows that male teens are at 1.5 times more risk than their female counterparts.
- At most risk are teen drivers with teen passengers and the risk increases with the number of teen passengers.
- Most teen crashes are due to driver error caused by inexperience and distraction.
- Crash risk is particularly high during the first 12 months that a teen is eligible to drive.
- Compared to other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seatbelt use.
- In 2005, 23% of drivers ages 15 - 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 g/dl or higher.
- In 2005, 54% of the teen deaths from motor vehicle crashes occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Parents are encouraged to get involved and work with teens to ensure they understand and follow the rules. Parents should set good examples and avoid the dangerous behaviors they want their teens to avoid like obeying traffic signals, aggresive driving, distracted driving, speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors.
Teen Driver Safety Tips:
- Know your teens passengers and encourage them to help your teen driver by reducing distractions and wearing seatbelts.
- Know the rules; review your states new driver booklet with your teen driver. Look online for your local DMV materials.
- Be a good role model for your teen driver and talk about driving safety strategies with your teen.
- If you can afford it, definitely pay for extra driver training.
- Drivers under the age of 18 should never have passengers that are under the age of 18.
- New drviers should not be allowed to driver after 10pm for the first six months of driving.
- There must be a zero tolerance rule regarding drinking or drugs and driving. Offer to always come and rescue with no consequences.
- Teens should never use a cell phone while driving even if it is hands free.
- Select a safe car for your teen.
- Ride periodically with your teen driver to keep tabs on progress and reinforce solid driving habits.
- Driving is a privilege not a right; have your teen share in the costs of operating the vehicle to teach responsibility, which might translate into better driving skills.
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Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature in a particular region lasting for several weeks is considered to be extreme heat. Each year approxiamately 175 people in the United States die from extreme heat. Young children, the elderly and those that are sick or overweight are more likely to become victims. Men are also more susceptible to heat illness because they become dehydrated more quickly. Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. With extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body has to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. These useful tips will help you know what to do in the event of a heat emergency:- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Spend the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters or shopping malls.
- Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
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Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. It is important to know the difference between a watch and a warning. A flood/flash flood watch indicates that flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. A flood/flash flood warning indicates that flooding or flash flooding is already occuring or will soon occur in your area. Follow the safety tips below to help you in the event that flooding occurs in your area:WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF A FLOOD OCCURS:
- Listen to area radio and television stations or NOAAWeather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding.
- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
- When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
- Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
- If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
- Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
- Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food—at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Emergency blanket
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Camera for photos of damage
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May is National Bike Month RULES OF THE ROAD: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Spring is in the air and May is National Bike Month. For 55 years National Bike Month has been the perfect time for new or returning riders to get back on the saddle and ride their bike to work. This year, May 16th - 20th is bike to work week and Friday, May 20th is bike to work day. With gas prices at all time highs riding your bike to work is a great way to save and also a good way to get your daily workout in. May is also a really good time to teach your kids to bike or review safe biking tips and rules of the road.
Watch this informative video series to learn simple steps that will help to keep your friends and family safe around the pool and spa this summer. Pool and spa accidents and drownings happen quickly, especially when a child is involved. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone or send a txt message. Adopting water safety steps and best practices will help ensure a safe and fun swimming experience.
Pool Safely Step 1: Supervision Pool Safely Step 2: Fencing
Pool Safely Step 3: Pool and Spa Covers Pool Safely Step 4: Alarms
Pool Safely Step 5: Safety Drain Covers Pool Safely Step 6: Swimming Lessons
Visit the Pool Safely Website for more information and resources.
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Today, 15 people will be killed by distracted drivers; how many more have to die?
In 2009 5,474 people were killed and nearly 500,000 more were injured in motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roadways involving distracted driving. Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. Using a cell phone use while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.
TEEN DRIVERS AND DISTRACTED DRIVING
Young drivers are especially at risk! Drivers under the age of 20 have the greatest proportion of distracted drivers. Of all fatal crashes involving drivers under the age of 20, 16% are reported to have involved distracted driving. Talk to your teen drivers about the risks of distracted driving. Tell your teen drivers that distracted driving will not be tolerated and set consequences that will be enforced if the rulese are not followed. Model good driving habits for your teen drivers.
3 MAIN TYPES OF DISTRACTION:
- Visual — taking your eyes off the road
- Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing
- Using a cell phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a PDA or navigation system
- Watching a video
- Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player
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February is National Heart Month
February has been known as “American Heart Month” since 1963 and with valid cause. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The most common heart disease being coronary heart disease, also known as a “heart attack”. It is estimated that over 785,000 Americans suffered a coronary attack in 2010 with a coronary event happening nearly every 25 seconds and one every minute being fatal. Reduce the risk of heart disease by taking steps toward living a healthy lifestyle.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TIPS:
- Good nutrition is essential and at the heart of good health. Small changes in diet go a long way for the entire family.
- Maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces the risk for heart disease. Weigh in regularly.
- Exercise and fitness should be part of a daily routine. There are no excuses and all physical activity counts!
- Model active, healthy living by being involved in children’s fitness and keeping them physically active.
- Be aware of high risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. Make a plan to reduce risk factors!
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