Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Why What You Think You Know About CPR is Wrong

CPR is an excellent life saving tool that has saved many lives and has existed in many forms for hundreds of years. However, our current method of CPR was not taught to the public until the 1970s. Before that, it was determined that artificial respiration and chest compressions could save a person's life, but the method before our current one consisted of laying a person on their stomach. Fortunately, our current method is the adopted method because of its high success rate.

However, there are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to CPR because of what we see in movies and on television series set in hospital environments. The reason why CPR is portrayed the way it is on television is for dramatic effect, but what that does is give people the wrong impression about how it is really done. Could you imagine sitting there and waiting for the person performing CPR to breathe into the victim's mouth twice and then do 30 chest compressions? That would be rather boring, wouldn't it? We usually see them breathe twice and do anywhere between 5 and 15 chest compressions.

How to perform CPR

CPR isn't the quick and glamorous lifesaving technique we see in Hollywood. There are steps to be taken. Those steps are:

• You must try to wake the victim. You can rub your knuckles against their chest in a brisk manner. Any moaning or moving means CPR doesn't need to be done.

• If they're not breathing, tilt their head back so their chin is lifted, and put your ear to their mouth to ensure they are still not breathing. Use your cheek to make sure they're not breathing and look at their chest. Pinch their nose and then seal their mouth with yours. Use a CPR mask if you can. Give breath for one second, let their chest fall, then give breath another second and let their chest fall.

• Do chest compressions in the middle of the chest with the heel of one hand and the other hand on top with fingers interlaced. Compressions should be about 1 ½ to 2 inches in depth and do 30 compressions. Each compression should take less than a second, but ensure the chest rises before the next compression.

• Repeat this process until help arrives unless the victim begins breathing again.

This may seem easy by reading it, but if you didn't know the steps, you now know what to do. However, it is good to gather some experience on performing CPR in case you do need to do it in a real life setting.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt

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The Survivalist and Ham Radio

In the event of a national emergency of any sort you can safely make use of the FRS for several weeks until such time as the available food and supplies begin to run out at which time RF hunters will begin searching for individuals to victimize. These searches will be conducted mostly on the FRS/CB frequencies since they are limited in numbers and often used.

FRS units are not just your common set of walkie-talkies. We all can remember as children how our walkie-talkies did not work any better than tying a couple of tin cans together with a piece of string. Like many of the wireless electronic items our 2-way radio systems have grown up and transformed into high-tech communications devices which far out perform its ancestors.

The FRS radios of today are quality, compact transceivers which transmit and receive over greater distances while providing superior clarity. They operate on UHF radio frequencies which are not as prone to the usual static and interference which has traditionally plagued the CB frequency bands. This means that you may be fully justified in placing an FRS 2-way radio in your BOB or in your BOV.

These FRS 2-way radios represent a great way of keeping in constant touch with members of your group. Since they have the abilities to talk and hear other similar radios within range of course they are a lot like having personal short-range cell phone but free.

These little radios have a vast array of uses from maintaining communications with members of your party when they roam from the base camp, when members are exploring areas ahead of the unit for safety and advanced information, when hunting for food or for general communications between several BOV's that are traveling together.

There are several advantages associated with the FRS radios over the more common CB radios or even cell phones. These advantages include no airtime charges, no per call charge, freedom from static and interference, they are compact and lightweight and easy to operate.

FRS is commonly known as Family Radio Service and they are handheld, compact, wireless radios which provide good clarity over a short range. The FRS radios have 14 dedicated channels that they operate on. Their legal maximum power is 0.5 milliwatts or 1/2 watt.

Unlike citizens band radios there is no license required for use of FRS radios and you will encounter no fees for its usage.

Closely associated are the General Mobile Radio Service radios (GMRS) which have 8 channels of operation. Their power rating is 1 to 5 watts with a maximum power of 50 watts. These radios are similar to the FRS radios except that the GMRS radio requires you to purchase an operator's license, they usually have a greater range, and they may be outfitted with optional car antennas to extend their range. You can easily communicate with any additional users of either the FRS or the GMRS radios if the operators are within range regardless of the make or model of the unit.

Often you will hear the term "privacy codes" mentioned when dealing with FRS radios. This is a bit of a misleading term since anyone who may be tuned to that channel may hear the conversation. Privacy codes tend to expand the actual number of channels which you can use on your FRS by adding 38 CTCSS codes. Therefore, in the case of your FRS radio instead of having a mere 14 channels to choose from by using these sub-channels you can effectively have 532 available channels. It certainly makes it much easier to find free channels of communications.

There are many features often found on the FRS or the GMRS radios such as a built in GPS system, weather band, Backlight, Adjustable squelch, a VOX system hands-free operation, Auto scan and more.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Parish

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Monday, October 20, 2008

Disaster Recovery - The Days After Flooding

The days immediately following a flood are the most crucial to the potential for recovering any personal property that may be damaged by the floodwaters. Hurried recovery tactics, however, can lead to further damage of your property and potential harm to yourself and your loved ones. To recover from a flood safely and affectively:

1. Determine the type of flood experienced

2. Assess the damage that has occurred

3. Determine the safest way to salvage belongings

Determine The Type of Flood Experienced

Floods vary by origin and damage. Floods can develop slowly and take days to reach their final peak. Flash floods, on the other hand, come about within a matter of minutes from seemingly nowhere, typically caused by a surge in rainfall in dry areas. Floods that occur near a defined lake or river are called overland floods and are often weather related. Levee and dam breaks can also create flooded areas.

Stagnant floodwaters can be contaminated by oils, fuels or sewage. If the flood is accompanied by a hurricane, earthquake or severe storm, downed power lines can also electrically charge the water making it entirely unsafe. Also, be wary of any wild animals in post-flood areas. Experts recommend residents avoid all areas with remaining floodwater until it recedes and never enter moving floodwater as it can very easily cause a loss of footing.

Dry areas may also be potentially dangerous after a flood, depending on the severity. Floodwaters can erode roads and walkways, making them dangerous to traverse. Buildings can also be damaged.

Assess the Damage That Has Occurred

Never immediately enter your home or office after a flood - the floors and stairs may have sustained damage and may no longer be safe. Instead, walk a safe distance around your home's foundation and check for loose or downed power lines, gas leaks, structural damage, and any other potentially dangers. Call a qualified building inspector or structural engineer if you suspect your building has sustained any dangerous flood damage.

Once it has been determined that entering your home or office building is safe, the next step is to assess the damage sustained to your valuables and personal belongings. Not all damage means utter ruin. Water damaged photos, books or documents may not necessarily need to be thrown out. Proper document recovery techniques and document restoration companies can help you stem the loss of your most beloved belongings. Seek out a professional to help you determine if any of your essential materials can be saved, even if you believe them to be beyond repair. Quick response and attention to important pieces may make the difference in its potential for restoration.

Determine The Safest Way To Salvage Belongings

A dedicated document restoration service will be able to help you determine the best system for saving your belongings. Many believe that the best technique for recovering your water-damaged personal effects is the desiccant air dry distribution system. Not all companies offer this recovery service. The desiccant air dry technique is an energy-efficient and safe way of removing moisture from the air surrounding your belongings, allowing the water that is trapped inside them to evaporate quickly and harmlessly.

When looking for a restoration specialists make sure the system they use completely dries the materials. Mold damage can occur long after a flood if valuables are not completely dry before they are returned.

Simple steps taken in the first few days after a flood can make a big difference in the long-term detriment the waters cause a family, home or office.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Anton

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Home Protection - Preventing Fire Damage

It is essential that no matter where you live you take care to protect your home and family from fire. Homes in areas that experience high temperatures and dry conditions are even more susceptible to fire dangers, especially during the summer. There are a number of safety measures you should consider as fire season is in full force around the country to protect your family and your personal property from the potential for fire damage.

Advanced Planning

The simplest and easiest way to prevent fire damage is to think ahead. Educate yourself on the high-risk areas around your home, the type of vegetation surrounding it, and how fire-resistant your land may or may not be. If you live in a wooded area, know the history of wildfire in your area. Is there a history of drought during the summer? Have there been fires near your property in the past?

Evacuation

Homes in areas at high risk for wildfires should have a proper emergency evacuation plan - this may be the surest way to protect your family. Plan several escape routes in case a fire blocks main roads and have emergency kit materials ready to go at a moments notice.

Safety Zone

Creating a safety zone around your house and property can help reduce the amount of damage done to your home by flames. Minimizing the amount of vegetation within thirty feet of your home will lessen the risk of fire damage to your possessions. It is recommended that trees and shrubbery be pruned to fifteen feet of fireplaces, stoves, and chimneys. Brick walls, stone patios, and swimming pools can also act as barriers against flames.

Making sure the area immediately around your home is clear of combustible material is also very important for fire disaster prevention. Home and business owners should try to install electrical lines underground if possible. They should also notify the electric company if branches start to interfere with power lines. Keep firewood and gas grills away from any structure and combustible or flammable materials in approved safety containers. Overhangs are high risk items for fire; using the area under them for storage greatly increases that risk. Some property owners encase their overhang or porch stilts in non-combustible material such as brick, concrete, or metal to reduce the risk of fire damage.

Home Materials

Wire mesh added to air vents and chimneys will help prevent embers and flaming debris from entering a building. Fire-resistant siding, such as stucco, metal, or brick helps a home resist catching fire if flames get too close. Dual- or triple-pane thermal glass helps reduce the risk of heat passing through your windows and igniting materials inside your home.

The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home during a fire. Wood, shake, and shingle roofs are particularly risky. It is best to stick with fiberglass, slate, metal, clay, or concrete tile.

Proper disaster preparation could mean the difference between losing everything - property, possessions, lives - and salvaging your home and everything you hold dear. Take the time to learn the fire history of your area and implement proper fire damage prevention measures in order to drastically reduce the risk of damage and the need to restore your home, documents and important materials completely. Contact your local fire department and find out what they recommend for fire protection if you have any questions about your particular area.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Anton

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Monday, October 13, 2008

Surviving Hurricanes by Using Government Manuals

It is crucial that in the event that a hurricane strikes your city and state that you are properly prepared to take care of yourself and your family. By prepared I mean having the necessary knowledge that would enable your family to survive this ordeal. Specific skills are necessary if you plan to make this happen since you can not rely upon luck or outside help - You must learn to help yourself!

The frequency and severity of hurricane are increasing with each passing season. Hurricanes are considered tropical storms which have wind velocities of over 75 miles per hour. Depending upon where in the world you make your home a hurricane will be known by different names. They may be referred to as typhoons or tropical cyclones but they all mean the same thing, a danger to you and your family.

You have always heard about the eye of the hurricane which is the center of the hurricane where everything seems to be calm and can deceive many people into believing a hurricane is over. When the eye of the hurricane passes over you never comes out of your home in fact remain indoors until you are instructed that it is safe to come out by the proper authorities.

There are five designated categories of hurricanes which relate to their relative wind velocities or speeds. These categories range from a cat 1 with its wind speed in excess of 75 miles per hour up to a cat 5 which has wind speeds of 155 MPH or more.

In order to be safe from the forces associated with a hurricane you must develop a hurricane plan. Discuss this plan with your family and ensure that every member knows exactly what they must do in the event of a hurricane striking your city. If you have to evacuate it is important that you have a detailed plan laid out in order to escape the city quickly and safely. You should have already created a kit which you should maintain in a safe place or possibly store it in your car which would include items such as a first aid kit, several flashlight, a battery operated radio, extra batteries, easily prepared food, a supply of water, raincoats for the family, sleeping bags and any necessary medications.

A weather radio comes in handy in situations such as these and will provide you with adequate instructions on what you must do. Always keep a full tank of gasoline in your vehicle for a quick evacuation of the area should it become necessary.

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family in the event of a hurricane is by the use of knowledge and knowledge comes with learning. Our military and government agencies have made this knowledge available to us in the form of manuals which you can purchase. These manuals are affordable and provide you with an abundance of knowledge to handle any sort of emergency. The manuals may cover situations such as natural or man-made disasters and contain quick action checklists or instructions for creating various emergency supply packages all on a two DVD package.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Parish

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Surviving a Rattlesnake Bite

A Rattlesnake bite doesn't have to be deadly. It's possible to survive a bite without even seeking medical attention. However, you're better off following some simple steps which will greatly reduce the risks of dying from a Rattler bite.

Tips for surviving a Rattlesnake bite:

• Don't go around Rattlesnakes.

I know. This is like saying if you don't want to get STDs don't go around women. Easier said than done. You're a man. You need to adventure outdoors, hunt, fish, ranch, farm, whatever. But, just don't do anything stupid. Don't go sticking your bare hand inside cracks and crevices, in wood piles, and in your nose (just had to slip that one in there). In warm seasons, be careful walking through fields. Be aware.

• Don't panic

You just got bit by a Rattler. I don't expect you to start a celebratory dance. But I do expect you to NOT act like a sissy girl. You need to cowboy up. Suck it up. Stay calm. You don't want to help the venom move through your system.

• Call an ambulance

You need to get to a hospital. An ambulance is your best bet. If that doesn't work, get someone to drive you. It's probably not a good idea to drive yourself. It's already a bad enough day that you got bit by a freaking snake. You don't want to also pass out, drive into a tree, and decapitate yourself. That would really suck.

• Remove any clothing or jewelry that may be constrictive.

You don't want to constrict any of your extremities, since it could exacerbate the swelling.

• Immobilize the wound area.

The idea here is that you want to put a splint or something on the wound area so that you won't move it. The more you move it, the more the swelling, the more the venom moves through your system, the more chance you'll die...oops did I say 'die'. I meant the more chance you'll get severely sick, pass out, and never regain consciousness - but not 'die'.

• Don't try to suck out the poison.

Don't slice open the wound with your pocket knife and try to suck out the poison with your mouth. It may infect the wound. It's also a good way to get snake venom in your mouth and stomach.

• Don't try and catch the snake and bring it to the emergency room.

I don't know where this idea got started. But I'm guessing there's been more than one fool who got bit by a snake, then got bit again trying to catch it. There's also probably been some guy who took a snake in to the ER dropped it on the floor and got someone else bit. You don't need the snake. Most doctors will be able to tell what kind of snake bit you, and if you live in Rattlesnake country, it's likely the only poisonous snake, so they'll know.

Dying from a Rattlesnake bite is rare. Only about four people per year in the United States die from a snake bite. You can greatly reduce your risk of dying from a Rattlesnake bite by staying away from them, not panicking if you do get bit, and following the simple steps above.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Franklin_D_Pierce

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Monday, October 6, 2008

Be Prepared - Survival Gear

I believe in being prepared. No one likes not knowing what to do in a situation. Not knowing what to do can produce an uncomfortable, stressful, anxious and debilitating feeling that could result in panic. When you are prepared and armed with knowledge, resources and equipment that you'll need to handle a situation, the panic is minimalized and you are able to make quick and accurate decisions. You can function in a way that helps to solve problems and maybe even saves a life.

A natural disaster can create a situation where preparedness is essential. The most critical decisions have to made quickly and the first inclination is flight. We all want to get away from the disaster as fast and as far as possible. Let the professionals deal with the situation so we can return when it's safe to do so. In the meantime though, how to survive and for how long? Be prepared ahead of time by collecting some of the items necessary for survival. Create your own survival kit and store it in the most easily accessible place. Store your survival kit in your basement, the trunk of your car, in a closet in your RV or as close as possible to your escape route so you can grab it and go. You should plan to acquire enough supplies for 2 people (multiplied by the number of people in your family) to last 3 days. Some of the things you'll need include food and water, light and communication, shelter and warmth, tools, hygiene kits and sanitation supplies, first aid, entertainment items, and an infectious waste bag just to name a few.

A family survival kit should provide you with the resources and information that will maintain you and your family until it is safe to return home or seek other assistance. 93% of Americans are unprepared for an emergency requiring multi-day survival. Don't be caught in this statistic. Be prepared.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Burt

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Tornado - What Could I Have Done?

Surviving a Tornado

Cows are flying by, there is a witch on a broom cackling at you and you can see Dorothy's house being flung through the air, Yes, you're in the middle of a tornado! Now how do you get out alive?

Planning, planning, planning. It is the most important key in any harmful situation. Of course we want you to of planned an escape plan BEFORE the situation strikes so let's start there. As with any survival tactic sit down and make a plan with your family of general things you all will need to remember if the time comes to do so. Where will you meet up if you are all out and about? The ideal place is the spot you plan to take shelter to avoid the tornado. Basements, cellars and anywhere underground is usually the best place to seek safety. However, if you don't have underground accommodations finding a place that is farthest away from any windows and the outside is the best idea, such as a hallway or bathroom. If you've read the article on how to prepare for any natural disaster you should be well prepared for a tornado. Make a kit that contains things like canned food, fresh water, first aid, batteries, flashlights and a battery operated radio for an optimum survival rate.

If there is time shut off the utilities in your home. If the tornado decided to claim your home you can avoid further harm to you or your family if that gas line is shut off! For insurance purposes take a video of your home in pretty good detail. Jewelry, electronics, upgrades, anything that will help you get your claims correct heaven forbid your home be claimed in a storm. Also, if that should happen and if you're able to, take pictures and / or video of the damage done to your home or land for these same purposes.

Know the area you live in and know it well. When you are in a basement listening to a radio the chances are they will talk about areas around your home and the better knowledge you have of the area, or state, you live in the better chances you have of being better informed. Staying calm and knowing when to leave the home for safe shelter will play a bigger role then you think in your survival. If when you look up the skies are black and the wind is picking up that is usually a great indication you should get underground as soon as possible!

When the tornado strikes and if you're able to find a piece of heavy furniture to crawl under. You can use various cushions or bedding to protect your skin from getting scathed. Make sure your head and neck are protected if not anything else. Never go outside to check to see if the tornado is over. Keep a good listen to your battery powered radio for any updates. When they say the coast is clear, cautiously move for the exit. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for injured people and if you're able to assist in first aid. I'm hoping you have shoes on, but if you don't, and even if you do, keep an eye out for broken glass, and metal and any other debris scattered about the area. You've survived the worst part so let's not get hurt being clumsy!

DO not think that you can out run a tornado in a car. You can't! Your best bet is to seek shelter in a low level building. Winds can easily go above 300 miles per hour which means clinging for life to a tree will be pointless when the tree ends up being sucked into the tornado! Keep your family close and a plan in mind if this horrible act of mother nature strikes. Stay alert and you'll stay alive!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mo_Plante

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Emergency Preparedness Should Not Be a Disaster

Natural disasters (or acts of nature) are considered to be the consequence of a natural hazard which affects human activities. They are termed a disaster if they cause financial, environmental or human loss due to lack of planning or lack of appropriate emergency management.

Acts of nature come in many varied forms. Land movement disasters include avalanches, earthquakes, lahars, landslides, mudflows and volcanic eruptions. Blizzards, droughts, hailstorms, heat waves and cyclonic storms (including hurricanes, tropical cyclones and typhoons) are all considered to be water disasters. Other disaster situations include fire, health and disease (including epidemics and famine), and space (impact events and solar flares).

Natural disasters are often related. Drought can lead to famine and disease, tsunamis are caused by earthquakes under the ocean, and volcanic eruptions can result in lahars and fires ravaging the land. All of these natural disasters can cause environmental emergencies. They can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.

Emergency management or disaster management involves preparing for a disaster before it happens. You cannot put an emergency on hold. Effective emergency preparation relies on a well thought out plan of action that will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency situation. Every household, school and business needs an Emergency Plan.

As part of your emergency plan you should consider the following guidelines:

-Safe exits from your home, school, place of business and neighborhood -Meeting places to reunite with family members, roommates, colleagues, etc.
-A designated person to pick up your children if you are unable to do so
-A place for your pet(s) to stay
-Contact person(s) close by and out-of-town
-Pertinent health information for you, your family and pet(s)
-Location of fire extinguishers, water and gas shut-off valves, electrical box and floor drain -Possible risks in your area

What you have on hand when a disaster happens could make the difference between surviving or not surviving the emergency. Plan to store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least 72 hours (3 days). It is important to have an emergency survival kit that contains all the products families (schools or businesses) would need to comfortably stand firm against an emergency situation. Emergency kits should be kept in the home (near the front door if possible), car and workplace for unexpected emergencies such as power outages, break downs, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, earthquakes and other potential disasters.

Some items to consider for your survival kit should include:

-easy-carry backpack or duffel bag
-emergency food and water for 72 hours (3 days)
-first aid kit, medications (if required)
-flashlight(s) and batteries, emergency whistle
-heavy-duty leather work gloves, disposable vinyl gloves
-FM radio and batteries or crank radio (no batteries required)
-tooth paste and toothbrush (one per person)
-disposable razors (double-blade), antibacterial deodorant soap,
-paper tissues and toilet paper rolls, terry towel(s)
-multi-purpose scissors, note pad(s) with pencil(s) and pencil sharpener
-rain poncho(s), tube-tent, emergency blanket(s) to retain body heat
-camping stove
-can also be used as heat-source
-waterproof matches
-pocket warmers, comfortable shoes, extra clothing
-some extra cash



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorrie_Streeter

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