NPM10: The Rehydration Solution

 

 

 

# 4938

 

 

Note: National Preparedness Month continues, and one part of preparedness is knowing a little first aid.   While no blog essay can replace a first aid course, it is possible to convey a some simple life saving information.

 

Yes, this is a reprint of one of my older blogs.  But it's an important one, and so I try to repost it once a year.

 

While it was written with a severe influenza pandemic in mind, staying hydrated is important, even with seasonal flu.

 

You can follow this month long preparedness campaign on Twitter by searching the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

 

 

Dehydration, and severe diarrheal disease, particularly among children in the third world, is a massive killer. Recognizing this threat, more than 25 years ago the WHO (World Health Organization) came up with what is now called ORS, or an Oral Rehydration Solution.

 

Hundreds of millions of sachets, or packets of this powder, are shipped each year to various third world countries, and there is no doubt that their use has greatly decreased the loss of life due to cholera, dysentery, and other diseases.

 

In a Flu Pandemic, the need for ORS will be great throughout the world. In western societies, where modern medical care is common, IV’s are generally used instead of ORS. There are economic and psychological reasons for this, although many doctors argue that ORS would be just as effective for the majority of patients.

 

Dehydration, from a prolonged bout of flu; with it’s fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, can easily kill patients that might have otherwise survived the virus.

 

As IV’s may well be in short supply, or simply unavailable during a pandemic, the use of ORS may well be the most beneficial treatment that most patients can receive. Certainly, with home care being the most likely venue for most patients, ORS will play a large role in the treatment of pandemic flu.

 

There are, however, conflicting opinions as to what constitutes the proper formula for making your own ORS. All formulas use a base of sugar and salt, in an appropriate ratio. Some formulas, however, add potassium and Sodium Bicarbonate.

 

A little Biochemistry

When the human body becomes dehydrated, it loses both water and essential electrolytes, particularly sodium. This condition can quickly become life threatening.

 

In the human body, fluids tend to move from a less salty environment to the saltier one. As an example, if someone drowns in fresh water, the water in the lungs is less salty than the blood, and so this water is quickly absorbed from the lungs into the surrounding tissues.

 

If a person drowns in salt water, the water in the lungs is saltier than the blood, and so additional fluid is pulled into the lungs to `dilute’ the salt water. In other words, the body tries to balance both sides of the equation.

 

This is an important concept when dealing with rehydration therapy.

 

Ingesting plain water does not help restore the salt content of the body. But ingesting water with too much salt will draw fluids from the body, and make the dehydration worse.

 

While many believe the exact ratios of sugar and salt to be writ in stone, the truth is, if you have to err, err on the side of less salt.

 

Sugar is added to the ORS solution for two reasons. First, it was discovered in the early 1960’s that sugar helped with the transport of fluids across the cellular membranes in the bowel. In 1977, the British Medical Journal Lancet called this `possibly the most important medical discovery of the 20th century’.

 

Sugar also provides needed calories, and as a carbohydrate, can help prevent ketoacidosis from occurring.

 

But, as with salt, too much sugar can be detrimental, it can promote diarrhea, and make the loss of fluids worse.

 

This is one concern regarding the use of sports drinks, such as gatoraid, for rehydration therapy. Many of these commercially available mixtures simply have too much sugar.

 

Making your own ORS

 

The bottom line, of course, is how to make a cheap, safe, and effective ORS powder yourself.

The simplest formula is 3 Tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt, dissolved in 1 quart of potable water.

 

An alternative simple formula is 8 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt, dissolved in 1 quart of potable water.

 

 

This basic formula has been used effectively for more than 30 years by WHO, UNICEF, and other relief agencies and has saved millions of lives.

 

Over the past year, there has been some debate over the amount of salt and sugar in this formula. The old formula certainly works, and is safe. But some doctors have argued that a lower salt and sugar level might reduce fluid loss by curbing diarrhea.

 

I’ve elected to create single-serve packets of ORS powder, with each packet designed to be added to 1 liter of water. Two packets would be used for a 2-liter bottle.

 

I’ve located small, reclosable baggies, called bagettes sold at Michaels Art Supplies. You will find them in the bead section. Snack sized baggies, though lighter gauge plastic, would work as well. The small 2”x3” bagettes are just a little too small for the amount of powder required. You will need to go to the next size up, which are 3”x5”.

 

Along with these baggies, you will need table salt and sugar. I am electing to use non-iodized salt, although I am not aware of any reason why iodized salt would present a problem. The only other things you will need are measuring spoons and a felt tipped marker.

 

Into each baggie I am placing 3 TABLESPOONS of Sugar, and 1 TEASPOON of salt. These do not need to be mixed. I am writing on each Baggie “ORS POWDER- ADD TO 1 LITER OF WATER”.

 

This is the basic formula recommended by Dr. Grattan Woodson in his GOOD HOME TREATMENT OF INFLUENZA guide.

In his home medical guide, Dr. Woodson writes:

 

"Preventing or treating dehydration in people with flu will save more lives than any other intervention during the influenza pandemic."

 

Identification of dehydration

 

When patients have a fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, they lose much more water from the body than is commonly appreciated. Symptoms of dehydration include weakness, dizziness, headache, confusion, and fainting. Signs of dehydration include dryness of the mouth, decreased saliva, lack of or very small urine volume that is dark and highly concentrated, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity, low blood pressure, especially upon sitting up or rising from the sitting to the standing position, and fast pulse rate, especially when moving from the lying to sitting or standing positions

 

 

Since I make it a practice not to offer specific medical advice in this blog, I would refer you to to Dr. Woodson’s excellent guide for further guidance on the administration (when, how much, etc)  of rehydration fluids.

 

While you are at it, take a look at the rest of the good doctor’s website for more home care information.

 

You may elect to add a flavoring to this mixture. Unsweetened Koolaid would add flavor and color, and make the drink more palatable to some. It might, however, prove to be an intestinal irritant to some people. I intend to leave mine unflavored, and will add koolaid to individual liters of solution if desired.

 

At 15 cents a gallon, the price is right. And for someone who is dehydrated, having this solution on hand can be lifesaving.

 

 

CAVEATS

You should never attempt to force fluids by mouth on anyone who is unconscious. An eye dropper may be used to slowly infuse liquids in semi conscious patients but there is a risk of choking.

 

Better to dilute this powder too much, than too little. DO NOT SKIMP ON THE WATER.

 

For more complete information on oral rehydration fluids visit the Healthlink Worldwide webpage at

 

http://rehydrate.org/dd/su19.htm

NPM10: FEMA Asks, "Are You Earthquake Prepared?”

 

 

Note: National Preparedness Month continues, and today I’ve a repeat of an Earthquake Preparedness blog (slightly updated) from February of this year.

You can follow this month long awareness campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

 

# 4924

 

 

Yes.  It can happen here.

 

At least, in most areas of the United States, and for that matter, much of the world.  We live on a seismically active planet where earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis occur with some regularity.

 

1. Based on observations since 1900. 2. Based on observations since 1990. NOTE: The NEIC estimates that several million earthquakes occur in the world each year. Many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have very small magnitudes.

Source: National Earthquake Information Center, U.S. Geological Survey.

Seismically active areas of the world

 

For about 10 years I lived in the orange ring of the bullseye (New Madrid fault)  in the center of our country.   In 1811 and 1812, that fault produced four of the largest quakes ever felt in the United States (8.1-8.3), so I have a keen appreciation of the hazards.

 

 

 

Earthquakes, like Hurricanes, Tornados, Floods, and yes . . . even pandemics . . .  are hazards everyone should be aware of, and prepared to deal with.  A prime focus of this blog has always been preparedness.

 

Everyone should have a disaster plan.  Everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.

 

A few of my essays on home preparedness include:

Inside My Bug Out Bag

Those Who Forget Their History . . .

The Gift Of Preparedness

Red Cross Unveils `Do More Than Cross Your Fingers’ Campaign

 

 

With the horrific events in Haiti (and more recently New Zealand) still fresh in our memory, and the constant seismic reminders beneath our feet that things can change in an instant,  FEMA  asks Are You Earthquake Prepared?

 

FEMA Asks: Are You Earthquake Prepared?

FEMA reminds residents, now's the time to prepare for all disasters, including earthquakes

Release Date: February 11, 2010
Release Number: R7-10-002

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Midwesterners expect and prepare for a variety of seasonal hazards such as extreme snow, ice, flooding, tornadoes and severe weather. But the non-seasonal threat of earthquakes may not register on every family’s hazard scale.

 

That’s why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region VII is urging residents to become “Earthquake Prepared” by exercising a few safety measures to help prepare themselves for earthquakes and disasters of all types.

 

“Recent earthquakes, both domestic and abroad, illustrate the magnitude of devastation and destruction an earthquake can cause,” said Beth Freeman, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region VII.

 

“These events serve as a reminder that it is important to be prepared for all hazards, including earthquakes,” she added.  “Easy steps, such as reviewing earthquake safety tips and updating your home emergency plan, can be life-saving.”

 

<SNIP>

 

Before an earthquake occurs:

• Consider purchasing earthquake insurance.
• Buy a 20-gallon garbage can and fill it with emergency supplies.
• Consider retrofitting your home to make it more resistant to earthquake damage.
• Educate your children about earthquake safety.
• Anchor heavy furniture, shelves, cupboards and appliances to the walls or floor. -

• Store dangerous chemicals such as flammable liquids and poisons in a secure place.
• Learn how to shut off the gas, electricity and water.
• Have money in savings for post-catastrophic expenses that aren’t covered by your earthquake insurance policy. These expenses may include higher insurance deductible and repair or replacement claims that exceed your policy limits.

When an earthquake hits, what to do if you’re indoors:

• DROP to the ground;
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops.  Cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

When an earthquake hits, what to do if you’re outdoors:

• Stay there. Drop, Cover and Hold.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

For more information on earthquake safety, including what to do before, during, and after and earthquake and how to check for earthquake hazards in your home visit

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/

 

NPM10: Vaccination As Part Of Your Preparedness Plan

 

Note: National Preparedness Month continues, and today the focus is on vaccinations as part of your preparedness plan.

You can follow this month long awareness campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM10 hash tag.

# 4919

 

 

Having just gotten my yearly flu shot on Saturday (see Already Working On My Antibodies For The Fall), I started thinking about how long it has been since my last Tetanus booster shot. A little digging through my files provided the answer.

 

I found my vaccine history card which placed it as the fall of 1999. 

 

Meaning I’m due for another booster shot.

 

Most people think of vaccines as kids stuff.  Something you outgrow the need for.  But that isn’t true.  Adults need vaccines as well.

 

During a major disaster - such as an earthquake, hurricane, or flood -  thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of people may sustain injuries ranging from small cuts and scrapes to major trauma.

 

And any of those who have let their tetanus booster vaccination lapse are at risk of serious, even life threatening, infection.

 

Even if you can obtain a tetanus shot immediately after an injury (and that could be problematic in a mass casualty event), that may not prevent infection.  It can take up to two weeks to build antibodies after getting the shot.

 

 

Tetanus is relatively rare in the United States (see Tetanus Surveillance --- United States, 1998—2000) due to aggressive vaccination campaigns, but worldwide, this infection still claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. 

 

And the Tetanus booster shot also protects against Diphtheria and Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – an old scourge that once was almost vanquished here in the United States, but has returned with a vengeance in recent years (see California Reports 9th Pertussis Fatality of 2010)

 

While many people avoid the flu vaccine each year, in the wake of a disaster thousands of people may find themselves temporarily crowded together in shelters, where an influenza virus could spread rapidly.

 

And of course, being down with the flu during a crisis isn’t exactly a good plan, either.  

 

Imagine trying to evacuate your home quickly with a couple of very sick kids, or the difficulties you might encounter finding a place to stay if your family were visibly ill with a communicable disease.

 

A simple flu vaccination each fall could go a long way towards preventing these scenarios.

 

If you have kids, talk to their pediatrician or your family doctor about what vaccinations they require.  

 

Adults can either ask their physicians, or refer to this handy vaccination schedule for adults provided by Immunize.org.

 

 

(Click to load)

 

 

Now . . .  where’s the number for my local health department?  

 

I need to schedule a booster shot.

NPM10: Inside My Auto First Aid Kit

 

 

 

Note: National Preparedness Month continues, and today I thought I’d provide a glimpse inside my `secondary’ first aid kit.  The one I keep in the trunk of my car.

 

You can follow this month long awareness campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

# 4810

 

 

Well equipped First Aid kits are a necessity in every home, and should also be found in every car as well.  While you can purchase a ready-made kit (the quality of which varies depending on price), I’ve always preferred to create my own.

 

As a former paramedic from a bygone era (sadly, my leech died years ago), I probably have more equipment in my kit than most people would bother with.  But perhaps a look inside my bag will inspire someone to make their own.

 

 

Since I recently replaced my old kit with a slightly larger one,  today seemed like a good day for the unveiling.

 

 

The `bag’ is an old style Laptop computer case, with a handle and a shoulder strap.  I like these, because they have numerous compartments, are soft, and are reasonably waterproof.

 

 

On the `trauma’ side of the bag, I’ve got `Kling’ roll bandages, an ACE bandage, a couple of cravat `Triangle’ bandage (sling & swath), sterile 4x4 gauze pads, paper tape, Band-Aids, antibiotic cream and several absorbent feminine pads (they make excellent trauma dressings). 

 

 

 

On the opposite side, I’ve got an `ambu’ bag-mask resuscitator along with a selection of adult and child airways, a foam C-Collar, a B/P cuff, stethoscope, flashlight, and some ammonia caps – hidden away where you can’t see them are bandage shears, tweezers, and a magnifying glass, along with a spare pair of reading glasses.

 

There is also a penlight, a felt tipped pen, and a note pad.

 

 

Under the front `cover’ flap, I keep some basic OTC medicines, including aspirin, acetaminophen, some hand antiseptic, and a bulb syringe (can be used for minor suctioning). 

 

 

Under the flap on the other side, I’ve got surgical & N95 masks, exam gloves, and a `space’ blanket.

 

Of course, having a kit isn’t enough.  You need to know how to use it.  

 

And for that, you need first aid training.  If you haven’t already taken a course, contact your local Red Cross chapter, and find out what is available in your area.   And don’t forget the CPR training (or recertification!) as well.

 

My home first aid kit (below), is far more complete.  I can assure you that both kits have come in handy a number of times over the years.   

 

Whether you buy a ready-made kit, or make your own, now is the right time to make sure you are fully equipped to deal with a medical emergency.

For more information go to:

 

FEMA http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm

READY.GOV http://www.ready.gov/

AMERICAN RED CROSS http://www.redcross.org/

NPM10: The Gift Of Preparedness

 

 

Note: Today marks the halfway point of National Preparedness Month, and so I thought I’d rerun last year’s Gift of Preparedness essay.

 

Since I usually update this essay each year with new gift suggestions, I intend to post a new version in late October or early November.

 

Follow the month long preparedness campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

# 4901

 

 

Note: I run this piece (slightly updated) every year.  This year, I’ve added a great preparedness idea from a fellow blogger,  Joel over at Preparedness And Response.

 

With the Holiday Season rapidly approaching, the question on everyone's mind is what to get as gifts for friends and relatives.  And this year, for many of us, money is tight - making the decision even more difficult.

 

In recent years, I've begun to give preparedness gifts instead of gift boxes of unidentifiable cheese products and ugly neckties.

 

The great thing is, many of these items can be had for just a few dollars.

 

Three years ago I ran across a closeout on those shake flashlights.  You know, the ones with the LED bulbs, that you shake for a minute and you get 10 or 15 minutes of light.  No batteries needed.    They normally sell for about $5 each, but these were just .77 cents at a closeout store.

 

 

I bought 40 of them, and gave all but two of them away.

 

A couple of years ago I ran across a deal on LED headlamps, and bought about 20 of them for $2 apiece.   Hands free light can be a real plus in a crisis.  These too ended up in a number of people's Christmas and birthday packs.

 

 

I bought my daughter a combination windup/battery/solar AM/FM/SW radio last Christmas.   Under $40, and she loves it. Uses it every day.

 

 

Every home should have a battery operated radio, yet many do not.

 

A pair of the FRS radios, like the ones I highlighted in this blog, would make an excellent gift for many families, and can be had for less than $25.

 

 

For Christmas a couple of years back I put together some first aid kits,  and distributed them to a number of friends and relatives.    You can either put one together yourself, or purchase one already assembled.

 

 

During the year I keep my eye out for bargains such as these, and stock up when I find things on sale.  Recently I picked up a number of LED lanterns for $3 apiece at a closeout store.   They are particularly nice, and run about 40 hours on a set of AA batteries.

 

 

As promised, Joel over at Preparedness and Response came up with what I consider to be an excellent preparedness idea, giving USB flash drives to family and friends and instructions on how to back up their important papers and documents.

 

Inexpensive USB Drives start under $10.

 

He explains it in  his essay Helping others prepare (Personal Preparedness), where he gives his rationale for going with the durable mil-spec and encrypted, but fairly pricey IronKey brand.

 

My thanks to Joel for a terrific idea.

 

And lastly, I've put together CD's of preparedness videos, along with copies of online manuals and preparedness guides.  For the cost of a blank CD or DVD, and a little bit of my time, I've at least put this valuable information into my friend's hands.

 

I may just copy all of this info on to the USB drives I’m giving out this year instead of to CDs.

 

These are all useful, indeed, potentially lifesaving items, that most people simply don't think about needing until it is too late.

 

Giving them as gifts, instead of more traditional items,  not only helps prepare the people you love and care about for an emergency, it opens the door for conversations about pandemic preparedness.

 

We need to cultivate a culture of preparedness in this country, and around the world. 

 

We can start doing that, one gift at a time.

 

 

And one last reminder for the Holiday Season.

 

This year, when we think about ways to give back to our community, remember that more people will be relying on community food banks than in years past.

 

In addition to anything else you might do, this is a good time to go through your pantry and donate foodstuffs that are approaching (but not exceeding) their `use by' date.

NPM10: Everyone Should Have, And Be, A Disaster Buddy

 

 

Note:  Today is Day 13 of National Preparedness Month and a good time for a reminder of the importance of building your own support network of friends, family, and neighbors.

 

Today’s essay is a repeat of one I wrote earlier this summer.

 

Follow the month long preparedness campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

#4896

 

In An Emergency, Who Has Your Back?

 

 

Few people ever expect to be caught up in a disaster or even a serious personal emergency, and fewer still plan for it.  Yet it happens to hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.

 

Globally, we’re talking millions of people.

 

Some disasters are personal – like a house fire or a car accident. While others are of a much larger scale – like a hurricane, a flood, or an earthquake.

 

But both types of disasters can leave you, and your family, homeless or in desperate need of assistance.

 

Yes, FEMA is there to help you in a declared disaster, and there are a number of other emergency assistance organizations and agencies like the Red Cross for disasters large and small.

 

The work these groups do is important, and invaluable.  But there are limits as to what they can do for you and your family in an emergency.

 

For several years I’ve promoted the idea of Flu Buddies – one or more persons you establish a mutual-aid agreement with if either of you get incapacitated by the flu.

 

It’s an idea that has value far beyond just flu, however. Although I go in greater detail in Pandemic Solutions: Flu Buddies, the idea is pretty simple.

 

Nearly 1 person in 10 in the United States lives alone.   That’s roughly 27 million adults.

 

Add to that the number of households with one adult caring for one or more minor children or caring for elderly, disabled, or otherwise unable to fend-for-themselves individuals, and the number goes up dramatically.

 

So people who live alone, or who are the sole responsible adult in a household, have a pressing need to establish a pandemic (or even seasonal flu) `safety net’ with friends, relatives, or neighbors by arranging to have (and to be) a `Flu Buddy’.

 

A `Flu Buddy’ is simply someone you can call if you get sick, who will then check on you every day, make sure you have the medicines you need (including fetching Tamiflu if appropriate), help care for you if needed, and who can call for medical help if your condition deteriorates.

 

Those people who care for others, like single parents, also need to consider who will take care of their dependents if they are sick.

 

I am already a `Flu Buddy’ to several relatives and close friends. I know that in return, should I be stricken with the flu, that I have several people who will be willing to look out for me as well.

 

This concept isn’t new of course.   It is what friends, neighbors, and families have done for each other for thousands of years.

 

But in recent years, with our increasingly mobile and transient society, many people find themselves isolated, alone, and without a built-in safety net.

 

Late last year my sister and father were involved in a serious car wreck. Both were hospitalized (then in rehab) for 5 weeks, and both needed considerable support during their hospital stay, and assistance after they came home.

 

They were lucky enough to have family, friends, and neighbors who took on those extra duties.And if you’ve got that kind of support system, consider yourself lucky.  Many do not.

 

Which is why everyone should be thinking about the idea of becoming a `Disaster buddy’.  Someone who prearranges to help a friend, relative, or neighbor during a personal or local emergency.

 

In return, you could rely on them to help you if you needed it.    It only works if it is reciprocal.

 

Frankly, having (and being) a `Disaster Buddy’ to friends, neighbors, and relatives should be part of everyone’s family disaster plan.

 

The National Hurricane Survival Initiative survey, conducted earlier this year by Mason-Dixon, polled residents from Virginia to Texas who live within 30 miles of the coast.

 

One of the questions I found of particular interest was:

 

QUESTION: If you needed to evacuate, where would you go?

 

  23% - To a local shelter
  18% – To a local hotel/motel out of harms way 
  26% - To the house of a nearby friend
  25% - As far as possible – trying to outrun the
path of the storm
   7% - You would not leave under any circumstances
   1% - Not Sure (NOT READ)

 

 

For many reasons, the `best’ answer for most people is probably the third one - To the house of a nearby friend.

• Trying to find a hotel/motel room during a major hurricane evacuation may prove impossible
• Attempting to get in your car to try to `outrun the storm’  –  amid the traffic snarls that often come with these evacuations – is a recipe for disaster.
• The fact that nearly a quarter of respondents consider their local hurricane shelters to be their first choice to evacuate to has to be of concern to emergency planners.

 

 

Few communities have the capacity to take in a quarter of their vulnerable residents during a storm.

 

Public hurricane shelters should be a `shelter of last resort’.  Reserved for those who have no other place to go.

 

No one likes to impose on a friend, of course.

 

But if you’ve already established a `disaster buddy’ relationship  – one that is fair and reciprocal – it shouldn’t be considered an imposition.

 

In the parlance of paramedics, cops, firefighters and the military . . .   “you have their back, and in return, they have yours.”

 

There has also never been a better time to volunteer to help with the American Red Cross, The Medical Reserve Corps, CERT, or your Neighborhood watch.

 

We are truly only prepared as our friends, families, and surrounding community are.  There are roles to play for everyone, including civic organizations, schools, and church.

 

Now - before a disaster occurs - is the time to sit down and talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about how you will help one another during a personal or community wide crisis.

 

For more, you might want to revisit:

 

NPM10 And Building A Culture Of Preparedness

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

The Gift Of Preparedness

 

For more potentially life saving preparedness information, go to:

 

FEMA http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm

READY.GOV http://www.ready.gov/

AMERICAN RED CROSS http://www.redcross.org/

NPM10: Disaster Preparedness For Pets

 

 

Note:  Day 12 of National Preparedness Month and a good time for a reminder that family preparedness  can also mean making provisions to protect our pets.

 

Follow the month long preparedness campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

 

# 4894

 

Katrina Headed For New Orleans

 

When Hurricane Katrina set its course towards the city of New Orleans in 2005, hundreds of thousands of people were told to evacuate on very short notice. Many of these evacuees were pet owners, and they quickly learned that evacuation busses – and  most emergency shelters – were unable to accommodate their beloved animals.

 

For many, this led to an agonizing decision.

 

To stay and ride out the storm, or leave their pets behind with food and water for a couple of days, and pray they would be allowed to return in that time.

 

Something that we know, became impossible for most residents.

 

In the days and weeks that followed the storm, thousands of animals were rescued from miserable conditions by volunteers, such as those working for the North Shore Animal League.  You can read a number of these rescue accounts by clicking on the image below:

 

 

In the wake of the tragic images and heartbreaking stories of loss coming from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that year, Congress passed what is called the PETS Act, which amends the existing Emergency Assistance and Disaster Relief Act to:

 

“. . . . ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.

 

The PETS Act authorizes FEMA to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for individuals with household pets and service animals, and to the household pets and animals themselves following a major disaster or emergency.”  - PETS Act FAQ

 

Which means that most counties now have some availability of Pet-Friendly emergency shelters . . .  but space is always limited, some require advance registration, and not all pets owners can be accommodated.

 

A quick look at my own county’s (Pasco, Fl  Pop. roughly 500K) plan shows that they `will designate one of its schools as an animal shelter. Pet owners, however, will stay at a separate, nearby shelter The shelter is for dogs and cats only.’

 

And neighboring Pinellas County (pop 900K) has plans for 3 pet-friendly shelters (pre-registration required), which they believe will accommodate a total of about 700 dogs and cats. 

 

Which means you can’t count on getting into a pet-friendly shelter at the last minute.  These shelters should be your last resort, not your first option.  You need to be planning now on how you will provide for your pets during a disaster.

 

May 8th was National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, and FEMA asked that you take the time to develop a plan.

 

Here is a link to the FEMA press release, then a few resources that may help.

 

FEMA Encourages Pet Owners to Take Steps to Prepare Their Pets on National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day This Saturday

 

From the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), we get this advice:

 

Disaster Preparedness for Pets

The key to survival during a disaster, crisis or emergency is to be as prepared as possible before the storm hits. Take the time to make a plan and assemble an emergency kit for you and your pet. By taking these steps now, you will greatly increase your pet’s chances of survival.

Before the Disaster

• Prepare for Everyday Emergencies
• Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets
• Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time
• In Case You're Not Home
• Don't Forget ID
• Tips for horses and farm animals

During the Disaster

• When You Evacuate, Take Your Pets With You

• If you Don't Evacuate, Shelter in Place

After the Disaster

• After the Storm

•  

And from the American Red Cross, we get this checklist for keeping your pets safe during and after disaster.

 

(Click image to Enlarge)

 

And lastly, I’ve found a couple of sites that attempt to provide state and national contact information for pet owners looking for evacuation information.

 

While I’m sure the following sites make every attempt to be accurate and up-to-date, you’d be well advised to confirm the availability of any pet-friendly services in your area, since local plans can change.

 

For Floridians, a county-by-county list of pet-friendly evacuation shelters:

 

FloridaPets.net 2010 Pet-Friendly Emergency Shelter Guide

Where you and your pet can go if you must evacuate
from your home or vacation location during hurricanes, wildfires or other disasters.

 

Another site with good information, and a national listing of contact information for pet-friendly emergency shelters is:

 

Pet Evacuation, Pet Friendly Emergency Shelters, Disaster Preparedness for Pets

 

Disaster preparedness, for your family and for your pets, isn’t something to start thinking about once the ground starts shaking, the water starts rising, or storm warnings are raised in your area.  

 

As Ready.gov reminds us:

Do it today.

NPM10: An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

 

 

Note:  Today is the 11th day of National Preparedness Month and  the 9th anniversary of the horrendous attacks on 9/11.

 

Both are reminders that bad things can happen without warning, and of our need to be prepared to deal with emergencies.

 

Today, a essay from last Spring (slightly updated) on my personal opinions regarding a minimum appropriate level of household preparedness.

 

Follow the month long preparedness campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

 

# 4893

 

 

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

 

Twice since the emergence of the novel H1N1 virus in 2009 (once in May and again in October) I’ve written an essay entitled An Appropriate Level Of Concern where I attempted to outline my sense of the seriousness of the pandemic, and the logical things people should be doing to prepare for it.

 

While the pandemic virus of 2009 has yet to play its final card, early on indications were that we were facing a high morbidity-low mortality event; a disease that would cause a lot of illness, but thankfully very few deaths.

 

And so my advice was predicated on this assumption. What I characterized as a `middle ground’ approach; one that relied on maintaining a general level of preparedness, not a reactionary response to this particular pandemic threat.

 

Specifically, I suggested that everyone :

 

1. have a good family and business emergency plan
2. have acquired at least a 2-week supply of emergency supplies
3. routinely practice good flu hygiene
4. get the appropriate vaccines when they are available
5. have and be a flu buddy
6. look out for your neighbors and greater community

 

 

In October I stated:

 

I see no need to hunker down at home, or to live in fear over this virus.  This is a serious situation, of course. And tragically, this virus will claim thousands of lives over the next few months.

It certainly deserves your attention, vigilance, and respect.

But not your fear.

 

Which pretty much echoed my level of concern from the previous May; that the pandemic was likely to be serious, but not devastating.

 

I, of course, didn’t adopt this cautious, middle ground approach based strictly on my own observations. This was essentially the message of the CDC, and other agencies of the HHS from the start of the outbreak.

 

If you listened directly to Admiral Anne Schuchat of the CDC, Dr. Anthony Fauci of NIAID, or Dr. Bruce Gellin of the National Vaccine Program Office you got a pretty good sense of the true seriousness of the pandemic.

 

If you took your cue from the tabloid press, wacky websites, or sometimes even the mainstream press . . . well your perceptions may have been skewed a bit.

 

Now that the pandemic is over, the tendency of many will be to let down their guards. To assume the threat has passed, and to forget about preparedness.

 

And that would be a mistake.

 

Disasters, large and small, happen every day around the world.   It doesn’t take a pandemic, or an earthquake, or a hurricane to ruin your entire day.

 

As a paramedic I often came face-to-face with the unhappy results that occur when people are  unprepared to deal with even small disasters.

 

I’ve seen people badly injured (and sometimes killed) because they, or someone around them, lacked the knowledge of what to do in an emergency or because they simply didn’t have a proper first aid kit.

 

It is still Tornado season for southern and Midwestern states, and having lost my roof to one back in 1978, I can assure you there is nothing more abrupt (and likely to make a a lifelong impression) than being struck by one of these twisters in the middle of the night.

 

 

 

This map shows the areas of greatest danger, but practically all regions of the nation can see tornadoes.

 

It is now Hurricane season along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and wildfire season in the western states.

 

And it’s always earthquake season.

Are you ready?

 

Most Americans are woefully unprepared to deal with emergencies.  This despite dozens of major disasters (often weather related) that occur every year in this country.

 

And each and every day, thousands of people are injured in automobile, work related, and household accidents.

 

Everyone should have a well equipped first aid kit in their car, workplace, and home . . . and everyone should know the basics of first aid.    If you’ve never taken a first aid course, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross.

 

Agencies like FEMA, READY.GOV and the HHS are constantly trying to get the preparedness message out, so that when (not `if') a disaster does occur, human losses can be minimized.

 

You don’t have to be a gun toting, camouflage wearing, bunker dwelling hard core survivalist to take preparedness seriously.

 

 

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, up to and including a pandemic, the following sites should be of assistance.

 

FEMA http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm

READY.GOV http://www.ready.gov/

AMERICAN RED CROSS http://www.redcross.org/

 

A few of my (many) preparedness essays include:

 

FEMA Asks: Are You Earthquake Prepared?

Inside My Bug Out Bag

Red Cross Unveils `Do More Than Cross Your Fingers’ Campaign

The Gift Of Preparedness

Pandemic Solutions: Flu Buddies

 

At a bare minimum, every household should have a disaster plan, a good first aid kit (and the knowledge to use it), and emergency supplies to last a minimum of 72 hours during a disaster.

 

Anything less is simply inappropriate.

 

I can’t tell you when the next disaster will strike, or where, or even by what means.   But I can assure you that millions of people will be affected by some type of disaster or emergency in the coming year.

 

And the advantage always goes to those who are prepared.

NPM10: Ready Kids

 

 

Note: Today is day 10 of National Preparedness Month.  You can follow this month long campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

 

# 4890

 

 

As any Boy Scout will tell you, preparedness isn’t just for adults. 

 

And the Federal government obviously agrees since they maintain a website called Ready Kids as part of the Ready.gov program.

 

Here you’ll find a fun, interactive way to introduce young kids to preparedness. Something that should be part of every child’s early education.

 

As a former scout myself, I learned elementary first aid, map reading, woodcraft & survival skills, and a host of other valuable lessons before I was even a teenager.

 

Growing up as young boy aboard a boat on the west coast of Florida, I learned about weather hazards, including tropical storms and lightning, and became an excellent swimmer.

 

During the Cuban Missile crisis, I even got the short course in radiation sickness, fallout shelters, `duck & cover’ drills, and emergency evacuations from my local school.

 

While I certainly don’t advocate that preparedness lessons be taught to kids today in such a stark and disturbing fashion - the Ready Kids site shows that the subject can be approached in a child-friendly non-threatening manner.

 

 

 

Later, while still in high school, I took Red Cross First Aid training at the local fire department. Shortly after graduation, I took part in several rescues and helped to set up an emergency aid shelter during Hurricane Agnes, and a few months later was working on an ambulance.

 

Going full circle, a few years later as a Paramedic and a Red Cross CPR instructor, I taught hundreds of high school kids how to perform CPR. 

 

One day, my partner and I rolled up on a heart attack scene, and found one of my students doing effective CPR on his grandfather  . . . and yes, I’m happy to report his grandfather survived.

 

 

For my family, general preparedness was just considered common sense.  Something to learn, and practice, and make into a lifelong habit.

And that attitude has served me well over the years.

 

In addition to the Ready Kids site above, FEMA has released some ideas on how to get kids involved in preparedness.

 

Get Children Involved In Disaster Planning: It Helps Calm Their Fears

Release Date: September 9, 2010
Release Number: 1931-056

LAREDO, Texas -- When family life is disrupted by a natural disaster, children often feel vulnerable or just plain scared. Well-thought-out plans that involve them in pre-disaster and post-disaster activities can help calm their fears. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) web site, "Ready Kids," is designed for children; it has fun quizzes and games. At the same time, the site helps families prepare for a disaster.

 

One of the most important first steps is to have children help stock an Emergency Supply Kit. They can help decide what should go in the kit and why, and help choose how it will be stored and where. The Ready Kids Web site explains the kit's contents and provides materials in a format kids will enjoy while they are learning.

 

"Parents will be delighted at the non-threatening way disaster information is provided on the Ready Kids website," said Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Harris. "We invite parents to check the site and to order and use the posters, videos and other items for children offered there. The materials are free." The toll free number to call is 1-800-480-2520.

 

Many things can be done with children to protect the home and family before a disaster strikes. Here are some suggestions:

• Listen together for weather updates and stay in touch with neighbors about ways to evacuate if the order is given;
• Practice evacuation drills;
• Discuss where the family will gather if separated during a disaster;
• Decide on an out-of-state relative or friend whom family members can call to let others know they are safe;
• Stock up on water and canned foods;
• If the child is old enough, practice shutting off utilities together;
• Compile a list of "pet-friendly" places to leave the family pet if it becomes necessary;
• Practice with pets when doing evacuation drills; have children put identifying collars on pets; and
• Teach children basic first-aid steps, like applying bandages.

 

Solid advice for any parent or guardian.

NPM10: CIDRAP’s Promising Practices

 

 

Note: While most of my blogs so far this month have been about individual preparedness, community preparedness is equally important.

 

So today I profile a valuable resource for agencies, organizations, and colleges & universities that must prepare for public health emergencies.

 

You can follow the month long National Preparedness Month Campaign on Twitter by searching the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

 

# 4886

 

 

Since this is National Preparedness Month I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the vast resources available on CIDRAP’s Promising Practices Website.

 

If you are interested in starting a community preparedness or response program - or one for a college or university - rather than re-inventing the wheel, a visit to this website could save you and your organization  a lot of time, money, and aggravation.

 

 

The website welcome describes the site this way:

 

Promising Practices offers you more than 330 tools, practices, and strategies that have been used by public health and others to prepare or respond to an influenza pandemic. Materials represent work from 45 US states, including more than 65 cities and counties and now, colleges and universities.

 

The Promising Practices collection has just expanded to include higher education, in cooperation with the universities that compose the Big 10+2, and with support from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). The "Higher Ed" category already has more than 30 practices for colleges and universities to use, and collection is ongoing from all colleges and universities (see press release).

 

Created before the novel H1N1 influenza pandemic to enhance preparedness, Promising Practices now also features useful response activities. State and local health departments, as well as colleges and universities, are sharing their successes. By highlighting this quality work, Promising Practices aims to help conserve resources and strengthen preparedness and response activities.

 

You may use materials on this site right away. Please credit the agencies whose work you adapt, and check practices for other conditions of use.

 

 

A small sampling of some recently posted resources includes:

 

 Partnerships Introduce Students to Emergency Response (OH)

In spring 2009, at the start of the H1N1 influenza pandemic, an H1N1 Committee was formed at the University of Toledo (UT) in Ohio. Committee members quickly recognized two valuable...   >> More

Disaster Mental Health Intervention Field Guide (IN)

Updated August 2010 The Field Guide is a compendium of mental health tools that describes the range of behavioral health responses to disaster and offers suggestions on how to...   >> More

SurveyMonkey Used for Campus Vaccine Registration (MI)

Conducting mass H1N1 vaccination at Michigan State University (MSU)-one of the Big 10 universities-required thoughtful planning. A population of approximately 47,000 students, an...   >> More

H1N1 Essential Personnel Recommendation (IN)

In December 2008, before the first case of H1N1 pandemic influenza was discovered, Purdue University drafted a plan that outlines how essential and non-essential employees would access...   >> More

Options-Based Planning Allows Flexible H1N1 Response (OH)

The Ohio State University (OSU) developed an "options-based" pandemic plan that allowed staff to coordinate H1N1 response in a flexible and creative manner. OSU began developing its...   >> More

Nursing Students Provide Majority of Vaccine Given on Campus (PA)

Savvy planning and resource use helped Pennsylvania State University (PSU) make the best of the challenge of holding mass vaccination clinics. A key part of PSU's success was including...   >> More

 

With more than 320 resources available (and growing), this site is well worth visiting often.  

 

But fair warning . . . pack a lunch.

There’s so much to see, you’ll probably be there awhile.

NPM10: Disaster Preparedness Videos

 

 

Note: Today is day 8 of National Preparedness Month, and so today I’m presenting an excerpt from an earlier blog with links to several excellent disaster preparedness videos.

You can follow this month long preparedness campaign on Twitter by searching the #NPM10 hash tag.

 

 

# 4883

 

 

The University of California has produced a series of disaster and preparedness videos which are available on their Youtube channel UCtelevision.

 

I’ve watched several of these, and they are very good.

 

Highly recommended. 

 

 

 

Disaster Preparedness

Are you ready for the next inevitable disaster? Whether you're an emergency responder, health care provider, or a community member who wants to know more about keeping your family safe, you'll want to watch this four-part video series from University of California Television and the California Preparedness Education Network. You will hear from noted health care providers and disaster response experts from around California, a state with a well-tested emergency response system that serves as a model for the rest of the country.

 

44:02

Disaster Preparedness: Disaster Volunteerism

UCtelevision
 

59:09

Disaster Preparedness: Influenza and Emerging Infections

 

56:55

Disaster Preparedness: Chemical and Biological Agents

53:44

Disaster Preparedness: Natural Disasters

 

NPM10: A Family Communications Plan

 

 

Note:  Today is Day 7 of National Preparedness Month.

You can follow this month long campaign on Twitter by searching the #NPM10  hash tag.

 

# 4878

 

 

During the `bad old days’ of the cold war, things heated up considerably here in Florida in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  The military was mobilized, concertina wire rolled out on the beaches, and fears of a nuclear attack were rampant.

 

 

Schools immediately began `duck & cover’ drills, emergency evacuation exercises, and sent home civil defense pamphlets on radiation poisoning and how to build an in-home fallout shelter.

 

 

As an 8-year-old with a scientific bent, these were exciting times.

 

What I didn’t know was my parents were faced with an agonizing dilemma.  My twin-brother and I attended an elementary school, while my 17-year old sister attended high school some distance away. 

If the alert went up, they realized they might only have time to get to one school to pick up their kids.  

 

Logic dictated that the pick up my brother and I, based on our ages, and the fact that there were two of us. 

 

My sister was given instructions to go to the home of one of her high school friends, and our folks would  either contact her or pick her up there.

 

Nearly 50 years ago, in the face of a potential crisis, my family cobbled together their own emergency communications plan including an alternate rendezvous point.

 

While a nuclear attack is (thankfully) far less likely today, the same principles hold true when it comes to having a communications plan, and a meet-up point.

 

And since a tornado, or an earthquake, or some other disaster can strike without warning . . .  these are the sorts of plans every family needs to make now.  

 

Before they are needed.

 

Luckily FEMA and READY.GOV have made things a bit easier today.  They’ve developed a Family Emergency Communications Kit, which can be downloaded free from the net. 

With just a few minutes effort, you can have your own emergency communications plan and emergency meeting place set up.

 

 

Family Communications

 

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.

 

Complete a contact card for each family member. Have family members keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child to keep on file. Pick a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe.

 

Family Communications Plan which should be completed and posted so the contact information is readily accessible to all family members. A copy should also be included in your family disaster supplies kit.

• Appendix C of the Are You Ready? Guide (contains blank contact cards and a family communications plan form)

 

 

You’ll find the Ready.gov version of the kit available HERE.