National Back-to-School Month

By Terry Orr

While driving to Silver Diner for breakfast this morning - our local all news radio station mentioned that one local school district starts their new school year today – while two other major areas would begin the last week of August and the remaining school districts after Labor Day.

So many things to consider and to get accomplished in a short time – clothes, supplies, health (eyes, shots, physicals, hearing, and more), new routines (study, sleep, early wake ups, packing backpacks, et al) and getting into the right, positive attitude – to name a few.

There is significant amount of help online – local, state, federal, organizations, blogs and websites to satisfy almost everyone.  Some of those are provided below under Resources, References, Links and Tips section below.

Many folks will be able to tailor a couple of the checklist to meet most of their individual needs.  We highly recommend checking with each school your children will be attending for any specific requirements – such as what foods can be brought; clothing restrictions; medical and medicines requirements; schedules and points of contacts.

Safety is once again an important topic to review with the whole family to cover any new material and refresh everyone the importance of Think Safety First.  Safety Checklist from the National Safety Council has an excellent list and here are some highlights:

[http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/SafetyObservances/Documents/Back%20to%20School/Back%20to%20School%20Safety%20Checklist.pdf ].

Transportation Safety

Walking to School

Riding a bicycle to School

Riding the bus to School

School Safety

Preventing backpack-related injuries

Preventing playground-related injuries

There are other important manners to consider as well:

Check-ups and Immunizations

Take your child in for a physical and eye exam before school starts

Make sure your child’s immunization shots are up-to-date

Keep your child’s health documentation handy

Plan Healthy Breakfasts and Lunches

Huge challenge these days with all the do’s and don’ts regarding what a child is allowed to bring their lunch – due to allergies and other health related issues.  Breakfast is such an important meal – and having a hot one has so many benefits.  Many kids are out of the house by 7 AM – so when do they find time for that all-important meal of the day?

So Mom and Dad, how do you resolve this dilemma?

Have you already got your planning activities undercontrol?

Resources, References and Links:

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Back-to-School.shtml

http://kids.usa.gov/grown-ups/for-parents/get-involved/index.shtml

http://www.momagenda.com/printable/back-to-school.pdf

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/family-health-12/back-to-school-prep

http://singleparents.about.com/od/yourchildseducation/tp/btschecklist.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/back-school-complete-checklist-parents/story?id=11407354

http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/762-back-to-school-checklist

http://www.parentfurther.com/blog/back-to-school-checklist-for-parents

http://www.parents.com/app/checklist/?checklistId=3002e

http://people.richland.edu/jodell/notes.html

http://www.arc.sbc.edu/notes.html

http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/taking-notes-5-college-success-tips/

PREPAREDNESS

By Terry Orr

Preparedness refers to a research based set of actions that are taken as precautionary measures in the face of potential disasters. These actions can include both physical preparations (such as emergency supplies depots, adapting buildings to survive earthquakes and so on) and trainings for emergency action. Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes. There are different types of preparedness, such as public health preparedness and local emergency preparedness, but probably the most developed type is "Disaster Preparedness", defined by the UN as involving "forecasting and taking precautionary measures prior to an imminent threat when advance warnings are possible". This includes not only natural disasters, but all kinds of severe damage caused in a relatively short period, including warfare. Preparedness is a major phase of emergency management, and is particularly valued in areas of competition such as sport and military science.

Methods of preparation include research, estimation, planning, resourcing, education, practicing and rehearsing.

Please go to www.ready.gov and read the information provided under: Be informed; Make a Plan; and Build a Kit.  These helpful tips, knowledge, kits, et al ARE the BASIC and not all-inclusive – Please update and tailor to your specific needs. Thank you.

Fire evacuation drills, emergency evacuation and take shelter exercises, first aid training and exercises, terrorist attacks, and extreme weather preparations are just a few things each of us should know well and practice at least each year.

(Photos from Google) 

Be Prepared

(Google Image) 

By Terry Orr

Preparedness refers to the state of being prepared for specific or unpredictable events or situations. Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes. It is a major phase of emergency management, and is particularly valued in areas of competition such as sport and military science.

(Google Image) 

September 2012 marks the ninth annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the US Department of Homeland Security. One goal of Homeland Security is to educate the public about how to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters, mass casualties, biological and chemical threats, radiation emergencies, and terrorist attacks.

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10 Ways YOU Can be Disaster Prepared (from Cal EMA)

1. Identify Your Risk
2. Create a Family Disaster Plan
3. Practice Your Disaster Plan
4. Build a Disaster Supply Kit for Your Home
5. Prepare Your Children
6. Don’t Forget Those with Special Needs
7. Learn CPR and First Aid
8. Eliminate Hazards in Your Home and Work Place
9. Understand Post 9/11 Risks
10. Get Involved, Volunteer

I really like how Cal EMA has layout getting prepared for disasters, especially item one, ‘identify your risk’. What are the hazards where you live or work? Find out what natural or human caused disasters pose a risk for you. Do you live near a flood plain, an earthquake fault, or in a high fire danger area? Are you prepared for an unexpected human-made disaster that can strike any time? Does your neighborhood or community have a disaster plan?

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Be sure to include the following items in your emergency plan:

• How each person will get out of the house, if needed;
• Where to meet if you must leave the house; and
• Contact information for reaching the designated out-of-area contact person.

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Emergency management, emergency preparedness, and disaster services are common throughout the United States—we take care of each other. By whatever name, these activities encompass mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery related to any kind of disaster, whether natural, technological, or national security. Emergency preparedness means being prepared for all kinds of emergencies, able to respond in time of crisis to save lives and property, and to help a community—or even a nation—return to normal life after a disaster occurs.

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Like a good scout – Be Prepared

References and links:

http://www.ready.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/features/beready/

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness/

http://www.citizencorps.gov/

http://www.calema.ca.gov/NewsandMedia/Pages/Preparedness-Month.aspx

http://www.emergencypreparednessdepot.net/

https://www.disability.gov/emergency_preparedness#map

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Hurricane Safety Precautions

Hurricane Safety Tips

While forecasting methods and tools are improving year after year, people are still at great risk to tropical storms and hurricanes because they continue to build along the coastline. That is one reason for this particular web site so that people can obtain a basic understanding of hurricanes and tropical storms. The other is to provide helpful information that will help communities and their residents to prepare for these storms. The following is a list of helpful hints that you can use before hurricane season, when a watch or warning is issued, before, during, and after a tropical storm, or hurricane strikes your area.

Pre-Season Preparation

• Enter the season prepared.
• Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.
• Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.
• Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
• Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
• Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

When a Watch or Warning is Issues

• Leave low lying areas.
• Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
• Secure outside objects.
• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
• Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.
• If called to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
• Have house boarded up, or have storm shutters in place.
• Have plenty of food and water.
• Make sure all your tools, supplies, and first aid kit available for use.
• Have a secure room available.

During the Storm

• Stay in Secure Room.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not use the phone, or candles.
• Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
• Have supplies on hand.
• Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.

After the Storm

• Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, and the storm has completely passed before going out.
• Report downed power lines, and stay away from them.
• Use stored water and food.
• Be patient. Things will take a while before they get back to normal.

Reference:

http://www.maushopvillagetrust.com/pdfs/notices/MPM-Hurricane%20Precautions.pdf

Tornado Safety Precautions

Wonder if her mother knows where she was?

What is a tornado?

A tornado is the most violent atmospheric storm. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.  Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. 

Two times the fun ...NOT

Forget The Wizard of Oz notion that "twisters" only happen in Kansas. Tornados have been reported in every state. And while they generally occur during spring and summer, they can happen anytime during the year. With winds swirling at 200 miles an hour or more, a tornado can destroy just about anything in its path. Generally, there are weather signs and warnings that will alert you to take precautions. Be prepared by having various family members do each of the items on the checklist below. Then get together to discuss and finalize your Home Tornado Plan.

Plan and get ready: Pick a safety spot in your home where family members could gather during a tornado. (If you have a basement, make it your safety spot.) Make sure there are no windows or glass doors in the area. Keep this place uncluttered. If you live in a mobile home, choose another safety spot in a sturdy, nearby building.

http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Tornado.pdf

We can not stress strong enough the need to practice your plans for nasty weather.  Be prepared!  Thanks