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Information on Disaster Assistance

Disaster Preparations at Home Bob Gilbert

The Red Cross offers tips and information about natural disasters

Red Cross Preparedness Check List

General Disaster Preparedness Materials for Children

Other Educational and Multilingual Translations

Flood Smart
http://www.floodsmart.gov/

Flood status by U.S. zip code
http://ww2.weatherbug.com/aff/default.asp?zcode=Z4120

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and
National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)
have issued "Chronic Disease Prevention Guides"
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publicat.htm

Information on Disaster Assistance

From Disaster Supplies Kit developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/ and the American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/

Washington. September 19, 1999 - When we say we're from FEMA and we're here to help, we mean it. Individuals, families, farmers and businesses may be eligible for federal assistance if they live or own a business in a county declared a major disaster area by the President.

The flooding of Hurricane Floyd has caused many states to be declared federal disaster areas. For residents in those areas, one telephone call starts the process.

To apply for disaster assistance, call a special toll free telephone number. The number is 1-800-462-9029. The number for speech and hearing impaired individuals is: 1-800-462-7585. Specially trained operators at one of FEMA's National Processing Service Centers process the applications and provide information regarding programs available and phone numbers for local offices handling related disaster programs.

The phone interview is the beginning of the application process. No decision is made about eligibility for one type of aid or other at this point. Callers receive information and applications - not goods or cash - based on these interviews. However, the information provided by the applicant allows the various agencies to make the necessary decisions.

The application process can be speeded up when the following information is readily available:

• Name
• Current and pre-disaster address if appropriate
• Proof of residency
• Current telephone numbers
• Insurance coverage; policy number(s) and agent's name

Applicants are also urged to contact their insurance company and file necessary claims. PLEASE NOTE: Government assistance does not cover damage or losses already covered by private insurance.

Federal disaster aid does not guarantee total recovery from all disaster losses. Assistance is limited to assisting in returning damaged or lost property to its pre-disaster condition or to meeting necessary expenses and serious needs through the following programs. Here is some brief information about federal disaster assistance:

Temporary Housing Assistance: The Temporary Housing Assistance Program assures that people whose homes are damaged by disasters have a safe place to live until repairs can be completed. The type of assistance provided is determined by FEMA, based on criteria which assures that the option chosen is appropriate to the individual's need and can be delivered quickly. The basic forms of temporary housing are rental assistance and essential home repair. This assistance is provided if the applicant's own insurance will not provide for temporary housing assistance.

Disaster Loans: The Small Business Administration (SBA) can make federally-subsidized loans to repair or replace homes, personal property or businesses which sustained damages not covered by insurance. For many persons this loan program is the primary form of disaster assistance they receive.

Individual and Family Grants: This program, administered by the state but underwritten with 75 percent FEMA funding, can provide grants to meet disaster-related serious needs and necessary expenses not provided for by other programs, insurance or other means. Based on guidelines provided by the Small Business Administration, FEMA makes the determination as to whether the applicant needs to apply for a loan from SBA or if they are automatically referred to the grant program. Among needs that can be met with grant funds are housing repairs, home cleaning and sanitation, necessary household items, replacement of tools of the applicant's trade, clothing, transportation, and medical and dental expenses.

Other key programs an individual assistance designation can provide include emergency loans for farmers from the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and tax relief from the IRS.

Disaster Preparations at Home

Posted to Usenet by Bob Gilbert
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/eow.php

Why? Oh, how about floods, tornadoes, blizzards, etc. Electric power goes down, phone communications quit, no water, possibly no fuel and no help on the horizon for at least some period of time.

Won't happen with modern technology you say? Bet me. Just recently here in Minnesota and the surrounding states we have been hit by repeated blizzards. Power lines have gone done for more than a week. People trapped in their houses (or at least on their own property) for days, people stranded in vehicles for 40 plus hours before being found, etc. Not a lot of fun with a wind chill of -80 to -90 degrees. For those of you who can't imagine the situation, the snow was blowing so strong and the white-out was so complete that people were disoriented and lost within a couple hundred yards of places with which they were familiar.

A few years ago, the company that I work for sent me to Missouri to assist local telephone workers during massive flooding. Power was out over areas serving many tens of thousands of homes, only isolated places where phones still worked. Think a cellular phone is the answer? Sorry, the cell antennas require power to pick up your call and pass it on. And a cell phone will only reach a couple miles max. I found people living on the top floor of two-floor houses and in houses on a hill totally cut off from anywhere else by the water.

Medical assistance? In our last storm one doctor, attempting to reach a woman needing a cesarean delivery, required two snow plows to escort him and at that it took him eight hours to get 40 miles. Many people had to settle for local first aid.

I was in San Francisco when they had their big earthquake. Food supplies were disrupted in some areas for over a week. Some places had no gas, electricity or water for several weeks.

So preparation is something that all of us should keep in mind. Being prepared is not something suitable only for those waiting for TEOTWAWKI The End Of The World As We Know It

Bob Gilbert's Ideas and Thoughts

1. Shelter
2. Food
3. Heat
4. First Aid
5. Clothing
6. Protection
7. Communication

SHELTER

I listed this first as it is often vital. If you are cold and/or wet it is difficult to collect your thoughts, organize and get the rest you will need to survive. In some disasters, lack of shelter will kill you straight off.

My home, as most in Minnesota has a basement. We have a re-enforced 'gathering corner' down there. It is away from any glass and likely to survive the collapse of the house. (verified by the architect) It also has an escape hole which I installed. In this corner I have stored supplies of water, food, a first aid kit, pack of dry clothes (sealed), flashlights, a couple of hurricane lamps, radio, batteries, etc. Also a small toolkit of essentials and a pry bar.

Each of the two major family vehicles has a first aid kit, winter survival kit, small tool box, flashlights, etc.

If you have to abandon the house...hole up in a vehicle! Go to a hotel you say? One may not be available and even if it is you may not be able to get to it.

As a side note, we keep a lock box ready to grab at home with some cash and valuable papers, etc. A copy of the valuable papers is kept at a relative's house some distance away. (Copies of insurance policies, etc.)

FOOD

We buy can goods and paper goods by the case and store in the basement. Don't tell me you can't afford it. Just takes discipline. I and my wife have been doing this since we were poor newly weds. We also do home canning and drying. I have a large and a small freezer always full. Probably overkill. We could probably last 6 months at least with no worries. After that I'd have enough of everything except meat, for another six months. I would suggest that a family keep at least a couple of weeks worth of food in the house. Beans and cornbread might get old but it will keep you alive.

Not that we would have to 'rough' it. If the house is intact, we have the stuff and know-how to make candies, pizza's, and other goodies which make life good. We have always been ones who enjoyed made from scratch stuff. Cooking? Natural gas stove. If that fails, electric pans. If that fails, Coleman oven with spare fuel. If that fails, coal bar-b-que pit. If that fails, homemade wood burner.

Water? I'm on a well system. Also keep 3 five gallon containers in the basement, 5 gallons in the shed and have installed a 200 gallon water tank behind the house. Kept full by the pump. I flush this regularly. It has a hand pump attached so that water may be retrieve if there is no power.

For extended periods of water outage (due to power loss), I have both a portable hand powered pump and a battery powered pump (12v car battery) on hand, a nearby lake, a cart with a water tank. The cart is actually used for my gardening but I have a 30 gallon plastic, inflatable water tank to fit it and a portable filtration system I made to attach.

HEAT

Natural gas forced air furnace. If the electricity fails I have a small 2kw generator. I modified the electrical hook up to the furnace so that the cable bringing 120v power to it terminates in a standard male plug. This is plugged into a female receptacle at the furnace. I make a double male extension cord for the generator. Cheap arrangement. Power fails and I unplug the normal power at the furnace. Start the generator and plug it into the furnace. The old plug has a cover in case normal power is restored. The generator is large enough to power the fan on the furnace. Also has enough extra juice for me to run an extension to give limited light and power a radio or TV. I keep 30 gallons of fuel in various sized containers in a shed away from the house and have a buried extra 20 gallons.

No natural gas? Two kerosene heaters in shed and 30 gallons of kerosene. Also have kerosene burning hurricane lamps. Also have about 30 lb. of assorted candles. You would be surprised at how warm you can keep one room of a house, even in Minnesota, with very little heat. One winter power was lost and a blizzard was blowing. Decided to wait till morning to fire off the generator. Brought everyone into one bedroom, covered windows with a vapor barrier (sheet plastic). Kept the door closed to the rest of the house. At -24 degrees, 40 mph winds, the body heat of four of us in a sealed room kept it above 50 degrees. Comfy sleeping!

I always keep rolls of heavy mil sheet plastic around..great stuff!

FIRST AID

I keep currency in my certification as a First Responder. All members of my family have had first aid training. Besides the first aid kits for emergencies in the basement and vehicles, we have a main first aid kit in the house, loaded with everything. Comprehensive first aid book in case I can't remember something (or I'm the victim), gauze, bandages, disinfectants, scissors, pain pills, anti-biotics, etc. We rotate from the stored kits to the main kit as things are used. I don't know what will work for you but we have a sympathetic Doc who, once a year fills a prescription for me for antibiotics. He knows why I want them and gave me the old lecture about their use. I don't load the kits with a lot of fancy appliances, don't want to spend the money nor do I see the need for fancy collars, inflatable splints and such. Anyone who can not figure out how to make a sling or splint out of any handy materials should probably just stick to Band-Aids.

CLOTHING

We keep a full set of cold weather clothing in water proof packaging in the basement and in each car. Thermal underwear, heavy shirts and pants, boots with extra liners, gloves, socks, hats, face masks. If it is warm outside you just put on less. With these are an assortment of blankets and sleeping bags.

PROTECTION

Lots of outside lighting. Steel doors with deadbolts. Small rural area where everyone knows everyone else and keeps an eye on their neighbors. (Very important) Three unfriendly dogs. Yes I know a grown man can kill a dog. These aren't here to attack. But they won't let anyone or any thing within a hundred yards (even when they are indoors) without raising a ruckus. Alarm system. Panic buttons with battery back-up which flash lights and sound a very loud series of sirens outside to alert neighbors. Wife and son trained with pistols. Personally trained wife to shoot and keep on shooting, reload if necessary, until whoever stops twitching. I am not into assault weapons. See no need. A .22 rifle and pistol for small game hunting, two very good pellet rifles for target practice and varmint dispatch, .308 bolt action rifle for larger hunting, 410 and 12 gauge shotguns, also for hunting. Shortened pump action 12 gauge with 3 inch magnums, double ought in case I don't like whoever it is who trying to pay me a visit. You know...looters, IRS agents, other no good types. ;-). Any Federal types reading this, send in the local deputy sheriff first. I know them and will talk first. One of them is a neighbor, I'd probably have a hard time shooting him. Decent guy with a wife and kids.

COMMUNICATIONS

As you may have gathered, I work for a phone company. So if it is possible at the time, I know how to fix phone lines. I also maintain CB radios in each vehicle, a base CB in the house. I have an amateur tech radio license and a ham transceiver. I also have a very capable scanner which picks up most things including the illegal to monitor bands. In addition, several battery powered radios, including shortwave are scattered about, including a battery powered TV

MISC

Besides the 120v generator, I keep a 1350 cranking amp, deep draw marine battery charged. It is trickle charged from the commercial power source so that it is always ready. In a couple of spots about the house I have installed 12v outlets. This is used to provide additional means to power the radios and battery powered TV. I also have on hand a couple of 12v lamps to plug in. The battery can be kept charged by my portable generator or by a car. I rigged up a special battery cable to hook to a running car and on the other end it has a plug to plug into the big battery cables to charge it.

In the back of my property I have buried a section of large drainage pipe, 3 feet diameter, which is sealed on both ends. It has a removable lid and is water tight. Granting the house burns down or something, this cache is used to store dry and canned food, toolbox, clothes, and other necessities. It is not particularly hidden. It's only purpose is to provide safe storage for essentials in case the whole house goes. Fire, flood, etc.

We have a trailer permanently placed on a lake, way out in yonder country, as a summer fishing and vacation place and as a bug out spot if that should ever be necessary. It is completely stocked. In addition, we have a complete camping set packed and ready to be loaded in minutes if needed. Not just for a bug-out. If a tornado blows the house away, we are ready to set up temporary lodging. Plus we enjoy camping.

OTHER THOUGHTS

The most important tool to survival:
knowledge and the skills to use it.

By profession I do heating and air conditioning repair, electrical power repair, alarm systems repair, plumbing, locksmithing, carpentry, electrical generator repair and so on for a telephone company. By way of hobby I do repairs, upgrades and programming of IBM compatible PC computers; auto and small engine repair; tinker in amateur electronics; ham radio; welding; vegetable gardening; home canning; food drying; fishing; hunting; camping and hiking. I also fill in on an as needed basis for a local emergency response squad. I am a pack rat and gatherer of 'stuff'. If you were to look in my shed and garage you would find tools for virtually any type of job, lumber, metal stock, rolls of electrical wire, cable, chain, hose and rope. Virtually every type of electrical fitting, nail, screw, bolt, hose fitting, tubing fitting and pipe fitting needed.

It may seem like a lot but flea markets and garage sales are wonderful things. The cost is not nearly what you imagine. The 2kw generator, for instance was sold to me as broken. It required about $15 in parts and the time expended in a tune up to put it in operation.

Family and friends used to make fun, but after uncounted times of them calling and my being able to fix the problem, they no longer laugh. One of the reasons I view the Internet as such a valuable resource is that it provides an almost unlimited access to a world of knowledge... a survivor's best friend.
Used with permission on the Project EPSILON Survival Page http://www.ezonline.com/ditto/index.html

The Red Cross offers tips and information about natural disasters

The RED CROSS Preparedness Check List
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/index.php#prepare

The Red Cross Emergency Handbook
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rchandbook.php

Food and Water in an Emergency
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rcfw.php

Are you ready for an Earthquake?
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rceq.php

Are you ready for a Hurricane?
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rchur.php

Are you ready for a Tornado?
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rctor.php

Are you ready for a Winter Storm?
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rcsto.php

Are you ready for a Thunderstorm?
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rcts.php

Are you ready for a Flood or Flash Flood?
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rcff.php

Are you ready for a Fire?
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rcfire.php

Are you ready for a Heat Wave?
http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/rchw.php

Red Cross Preparedness Check List

http://www.earthchangestv.com/survival/index.php

Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous material could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for days.

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?

Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

PREPARE YOUR KIT

Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.

Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.

There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.

Possible Containers Include:

• A large, covered trash container
• A camping backpack
• A duffle bag.

WATER

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.

Store one gallon of water per person per day.

Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person; two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation and sanitation.

FOOD

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Canned juices
• Staples salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

FIRST AID KIT

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include:

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pairs)
• Sunscreen
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Triangular bandages (3)
• Non-prescription drugs
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid for stomach upset
• Syrup of Ipecac use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal use if advised by the Poison Control Center

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Cash or traveler's checks, change
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife
• Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of the area for locating shelters

SANITATION

• Toilet paper, towelettes
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags, ties for personal sanitation uses
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

CLOTHING AND BEDDING

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.

FOR BABY

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications

FOR ADULTS

• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses

ENTERTAINMENT

• Games and books

IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.

Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

• Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
• Passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records birth, marriage, death certificates

General Disaster Preparedness Materials for Children

Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish) for children ages 3-10.

Adventures of the Disaster Dudes (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's   Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.

Other Educational and Multilingual Translations

To get copies of American Red Cross Community Disaster Education materials, contact your local Red Cross chapter. http://www.redcross.org/where/where.html

This brochure is also available in other languages from the Red Cross Website. http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/foreignmat/

The translations were provided by the Humanitarian Resources Insititute.
http://www.humanitarian.net/

From Disaster Supplies Kit developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/ and the American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/

Our constant curiosity is key
to watching what’s being created.
~ David Moorhead