Disaster Preparedness Supplies

On Monday, City of Los Angeles Controller Laura Chick said her just completed audit of the city’s preparedness for large-scale emergencies and health crises “cries out for a coordinated, constantly up-dated, state of the art strategic plan.”

“I want the public to know that the City of Los Angeles is not as well-prepared for a widespread disaster as we need to be and as we can be,” she stated.

Surveys by emergency preparedness officials of several other large cities found they have concerns about some of the same issues that Los Angeles faces. These officials said they will be studying the Los Angeles audit to ascertain what recommendations and actions might be applicable to their own cities and surrounding communities.

These findings support for the need of individuals in our country and throughout the world, to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. There is both historical and now recent proof that our government is not ready to rush to our aid. Should a 7.8 earthquake hit along the San Andres or New Madrid faults or should another category 4 or 5 hurricane hit one of our coastal cities there will not be immediate life-saving support.  Unless you prepare for such events yourself you risk pain, suffering and possibly death. We must all help ourselves first and then reach out to help our friends and neighbors to help and support them.

The question of how to prepare is on many people’s minds. But how to prepare is not very clear. Yes there are lists and lists that you can find with suggested supplies. Yes it is possible to go from store to store and get food and water as well as the other goods. However, it becomes a chore that according to statistics most Americans are not doing. Only 27-32% of American households are ready for such disasters.

http://www.SurvivalKitsOnline.com has recognized the need for a clearer path to emergency disaster preparedness and has taken up the challenge by making their survival experts available via online customer service chat. Now you can simply ask any questions you may have regarding emergency disaster preparedness and have a real time conversation with someone who can help you sort it all out.

Typical questions include: “Where do I start? Which kit would be best for my family? Should I have a kit in my car? And what should I do for my pets?”

“At Survival Kits Online our knowledgeable staff is able to assist while educating the customer” says company partner Chad Allen. “Through our extensive research we are able disseminate information to our customers and help make sense of it all”.

SurvivalKitsOnline.com has had a web presence for the past 3 years and has a retail store in West Hills California. They have pre-made survival kits and also create custom kits for many of their customers. The number one goal of the company is saving lives while making emergency supplies and survival kits that are affordable for everyone.

Hopefully, our cities, states and country can get the much needed organization it will take to deal with the problems at hand. Emergency disaster preparedness for each individual is as essential as a spare tire in you automobile. Everyone aggress that you can’t drive around with out that spare tire and no one can ignore the need to prepare.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/press-releases-articles/emergency-disaster-preparedness-goes-live-486776.html

over 30 years experience in the medical field and have spent extensive hours researching emergency and disaster preparedness.

If you are gathering disaster preparedness supplies, it is important to understand that emergency first aid kits are highly essential. Disaster preparedness is extremely important for all individuals in all locations of the world. It has been established that disasters affect several hundreds of thousands individuals on an annual basis. The effects of the disasters that impact individuals throughout the world are considered to be lasting to both the people as well as their property. While it is true that there are several organizations that specialize in providing relief, care, and supplies to those that have been impacted by a disaster, it is important that you take the time to prepare as well. One of the most important aspects of your preparation should be creating a disaster preparedness first aid kit.

When a disaster strikes, you and/or the ones that you love could suffer injuries and/or sicknesses that could have a detrimental impact on your health. Emergency first aid kits provide you with the ability to provide care in an immediate fashion to an individual that is suffering from a specific type of injury and/or illness. In many instances, these kits provide you with the means to deal with a health complication in a satisfactory manner. In other instances, a disaster preparedness first aid kit provides you with the ability to provide some degree of health treatment until an upper level professional that specializes in healthcare is able to properly care for the individual or individuals suffering from sickness and/or injury. Examples of these professionals include law enforcement officers, paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, nurses, and/or doctors.

The purpose and intent associated with disaster preparedness emergency first aid kits is to ensure the following:

A first aid kit is designed to prevent further sickness and/or injury occurring to the individual that is suffering from disaster related health complications.

The kit should provide the tools and products that will assist in preserving not only the well-being of the sufferer, but their life as a whole as well.

Emergency first aid kits that are used during or immediately after some form of disaster affecting the health and lives of individuals should include the items and tools that are necessary to promote a successful recovery.

There are several types of disasters that may affect the lives of people living in various regions of the world. Examples of these include emergencies induced by chemicals, the failure of dams, earthquakes, various types of fires, flooding, emergencies that involve hazardous materials, those that stem from weather conditions such as those related to extreme heat and/or extreme cold, hurricanes, tornadoes, terrorist related disasters, tsunami, and even basic thunderstorms. When purchasing a first aid kit or creating your own, it is important to research the steps that should be taken in the disasters that may affect your region.

Once you have determined basic first aid steps, it is important to determine the supplies that will be needed to perform those steps. For example, if you live in an area that is prone to extreme heat, you will want to include items in your first aid kit that work to cool an individual while not placing them in shock, medicines for muscle cramping, as well as items that will assist in the effects of dehydration. By knowing what items are most productive in emergency first aid kits for your region, you will have all of the tools and supplies that you need to handle any type of emergency.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/emergency-first-aid-kits-are-an-essential-element-in-disaster-preparedness-supplies-4791528.html

SurvivalTools-Equipment.com offers high quality, affordable Emergency first aid kits that are perfect for you, your friends, and loved ones.

In light of the recent devastation that has struck Japan and the Southern part of the United States, businesses should develop a strategy to prepare for any disaster, small or large, that could have a significant effect on their business.  While it is highly unlikely that many of us will have to deal with earthquakes, tsunamis or tornadoes, the possibility of numerous other potential calamities, both natural and man-made,  is very real and should be planned for in order to minimize damage and lost time.  The following is a checklist of areas that businesses should address in disaster planning.

Identify what disasters may strike your business – List what potential threats might strike your business. This should include the threat of a cyber attack (for example, viruses, web site hacking).

Test back up systems already in place - Good business practice usually calls for the implementation of a back up system, especially with regard to computer systems and data.  But has anyone ever tested the backup to ensure that it is easily recoverable and that it works?  Previously, most companies relied on tape backups.  Oftentimes, someone would forget to change the tapes or not take a copy off site.   With high speed internet access, it is recommended that you use a service that continually backs up your system and stores it electronically at secured locations.  This will ensure that all data has been backed up completely.

Prioritize business functions – Should your business be struck by a disaster, what are the most vital functions that need to be reestablished in order to get back in business?  Listing these out will provide a focus as to where and how resources should be allocated.

Identify and post evacuation routes, assembly areas and location of emergency supplies – It is important that all employees and customers know the quickest and safest way out of the building and where items such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits are located.  A designated meeting place should be established for each department so that all employees can be accounted for.  The manager of each department should be charged with accounting for all department staff.  Additionally, a manager should be charged with ensuring that all customers have safely evacuated the building.

Keep an up to date listing of contact information – It is essential to maintain a current listing of names, addresses, phone numbers (both land and cell) and e-mail addresses for all employees, key vendors and your insurance company. This will allow for ease of contact.

Evaluate the requirements of an alternative work location - As part of your business resumption plan, you should contemplate what equipment, facilities and work space will be required.  This may include the need to scout out alternative locations.

Review your insurance coverage annually – Too often we assume that the coverage presented to us by our insurance agents provides blanket protection.  It is not until an actual event occurs that we realize that not all disasters are created equal.  Suddenly, the coverage thought to be there is either lacking or doesn't exist at all.  A thorough review of your coverage for any potential disaster, to expose the gaps that may exist, should be performed.  Areas such as business interruption, emergency expenses, employee wages and business relocation should be addressed.  It is also important to know what type of documentation is necessary to substantiate your claims. 

The devastation that a disaster causes should not be compounded by a lack of planning or preparation.  It is not uncommon for an ill prepared business to never reopen afterwards.  By developing a disaster plan, businesses greatly maximize their chances for recovery and their ability to survive a disaster.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/management-articles/disaster-preparedness-key-to-business-survival-4858309.html

For more information on this topic , please contact Jamie Downey  at JMDowney@DowneyCoCPA.com.

James M. Downey, CPA, CFA , Partner, joined Downey & Company in 2003 after serving as a manager in KPMG's audit department.  He brings over 16 years of experience to the firm.   Jamie has extensive experience in SEC reporting, SOX compliance, and accounting for complex transactions.  Jamie is a regular contributor to the "Managing Your Money" section of boston.com.  He received a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Bentley College. 

It's natural disaster season in the South—the time when hurricanes are due to hit and winter storms are due to bury us all under freezing temperatures. This is the time of year when getting stranded or stuck without power proves to be the most dangerous. In acknowledgment of this time of year, the Huntsville Utility companies have come out with a list of ways that you can prepare for emergencies.

Clothing:

Huntsville Utilities advocates dressing in layers. This doesn't have to mean panty hose inside of tights inside of leggings inside of jeans. While some might feel better about going to these extremes, dressing in layers is for practical purposes not just keeping warm. When you wear layers you can take off or put back on clothing to help keep you feeling comfortable. You don't want to make yourself look like the little brother from A Christmas Story. You want to be comfortable and prepared.

Test Test Test

Test your home's smoke detectors and invest in a carbon monoxide detector as well. The winter months lead to more use of fireplaces and other things that produce carbon monoxide. Make sure your detectors all have fresh batteries. Check the batteries in your flashlights every couple of days (this only has to be a quick flick; you don't have to leave them on). Test the batteries in your transistor radio. Check, test and double check everything.

Stock Up

Those people who run to the store and bring home cases of bottled water and batteries as soon as disaster season starts are not paranoid. They are prepared. You don't have to build your own bunker, but you do want to have a large supply of bottled water, batteries and food that will not spoil—canned foods, jarred foods and dry foods are best. Food that you can put into a box and not have to worry about whether or not it has expired. It is also a good idea to keep some dried milk on hand and extra baby food for any pets that will need feeding.

Make a plan

Have a designated place for everything that you will need and practice having to get to those things in the dark. Run your family through drills where you exit your home via a variety of escape routes. Keep a map of your home posted somewhere that everyone can see. Make sure that these escape routes and supply locations are memorized and that utilizing them is second nature. That way you won't have to worry about what to do next in the event of an emergency.
When we were kids we learned all about being prepared and that need for preparation does not go away as we get older. If anything it gets more important because we will have our own families depending on us for leadership and survival. Make sure that you know what to do, how to do it and how to make sure that others are safe as well. You'll be glad you took the time to work everything out ahead of time!

For more information on preparing for disasters, visit http://www.huntsvillemicroblog.com and http://www.alabamamicroblog.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/disaster-preparedness-754411.html