7 Tips On Writing An Emergency Preparedness Plan

7 Tips On Writing An Emergency Preparedness Plan
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Every family needs to be prepared for emergency situations. You never know what can happen and how that situation might affect your family.

There could be a fire, an earthquake, a flood or any other kind of natural or societal disaster can happen.

It is best to be prepared for them all. That is the best way to protect your family.

Writing An Emergency Preparedness Plan, you need to account for all of your family members, any family member with special needs, your children’s needs, pets etc.

Have a sound financial plan as well.  Set out cash funds just in case. Prepare for anything that’s possible in your area but also for unexpected events.

*Note from Dave: I wrote the kindle ebook pictured above to help new preppers make a plan.  This post wasn’t written by me, but this is something I used to do a lot, and Emergency Preparedness was my undergraduate Major.  Many articles on this site relate to this topic.

Here is a list of tips on creating an emergency preparedness plan:

State what the roles of each family member are

In case of an emergency, each family member needs to know what to do. You can’t lose precious time on organization when an emergency happens and this is why you need to organize everything in advance. Every family member should know where to go. Plan for your kids being in school and let them know where you want them to go if an emergency strikes then. Also, plan for you not being at home in those situations and figure out where to go, what to do and what’s the fastest way to get to your supplies.

You can also do an occasional run through of who does what in each situation to make sure that your plan runs safely, smoothly and effectively.

Create emergency kits

Emergency kits are a good way to get all you need at once. You can purchase them, already made in many stores but you can also create your own. No matter what you decide, make sure that there is enough water and food for at least three days, that there is a first aid kit and some tools of protection as well. “Keep them handy at all times – you can put one in your car, keep one at work if possible, a couple in your basement or somewhere in your house and you could also make sure that your children have mini-kits with them at all times”, – explains Johnnie Miller, a Safety Manager at Ukwritings.

Practice your plan

Once you are done creating your plan, it’s a good idea to practice it. That’s the only way to memorize it perfectly. Run these plans in different situations – at home, do run-throughs of what happens if you are not at home, study the roads to see which can take you home faster. Teach your family members how to use some of the essential tools and how to defend themselves. Show them how to handle certain objects or how to drive if they are old enough.

Make a list of necessary supplies

As certain emergencies strike, you will likely not have time to go to the store and purchase everything that you need. Instead, make a list of all the things you’ll need and slowly, as you have available funds, purchase those items. Update this list frequently – there is no way you can think of everything that you’ll need on your first try. Plan for at least three days or longer.
This list should be easy to read and check off, so you should probably use formatting tools like StateOfWriting or Boom Essays to make it as comprehensible as possible. Don’t put anything that isn’t crucial on this list – keep in mind that you’ll have to carry these things yourself, so anything that’s not essential isn’t welcome.

I have an incremental emergency kit list to show how you can build a great kit without scarifice.

Make a communication strategy

Communication strategy is just as important as the rest of your plan. You never know what can happen and that’s why you need to organize your family and let them know how to communicate in case of emergency. Create a sheet of phone numbers each family member should know and call in case that they are alone and separated from the rest. Make sure that everyone has a phone, coins or prepaid cards if they need to reach you. Establish an ICE name and number and make sure that everyone in your family has it.

Make an evacuation strategy

Discuss as a family where you could go in case of an emergency. State who is in charge of what – shutting off utilities, taking care of pets, taking emergency supplies, driving etc. Make separate plans for each situation.

Stay informed

Best way to be prepared is to be informed. “Do some research on what is a possibility based on your area’s history and prepare for that. Stay informed on current events that might affect you on sites that give this sort of information, watch news, weather reports, read newspapers etc”, – says Earlene Boone, a Safety writer at Essayroo and Academ Advisor.

Conclusion

It’s better to be prepared that sorry when a disaster happens. Having a solid plan ensures that all of your family members will be safe and taken care of in case of an emergency.

Freddie Tubbs is a communication manager at Paper Fellows. He is running Academized and Australian help blogs and is a regular contributor at the Vault magazine.

How to Have a Happy Family – 7 Amazing Tips

How to Have a Happy Family
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“Family is not an important thing. It is everything.” I believe everyone can relate to this feeling.Family is God’s gift to you. Given that, it is your responsibility to keep your family happy.

Here are some of the basics that according to psychologists and thinkers are ways have a happy family.*

#1.Bond with Your Family

The world has changed significantly in recent decades. So has the structure and definition of an ideal family. You can notice various types of families living around you. However, what has maintained its essence is the importance of family.

In that sense, it becomes the responsibility of each individual in the family to spare some time to develop ties with each other.

If your kids have started living on their own, ask them to be home for weekends. And make sure, you also don’t involve yourself in anything other than family.

#2.Share Hugs

There is nothing called an overdose of hugs. Especially, when it is about family, there should be no hesitation in hugging. A tight hug can supply a powerful dose of energy and motivation to anyone feeling down.Hugging builds trust and a sense of safety and security.

Did you know that hugging can be extremely effective at healing physical, emotional, and mental stress?

Hugging is a powerful healing therapy that helps in relieving sickness, anxiety, depression, and stress. Science has also proved the benefits of cuddling. Hugging immediately increases body’s oxytocin levels and thus, neutralizes feelings like anxiety, loneliness, and anger.

Hugging is specifically helpful in developing self-esteem in children. Without parent’s touch, children feel insecure.

#3.Fun Time

Without a room for fun, there is nothing called a quality time. Movies, TV, singing, playing, running in the park, family outing, vacationing, surprise parties, and long drives are times well spent together.

Forcing kids to study or to do their homework can become a cause of their anxiety and stress (*when this is all you do)).  What you stress on is that they should spend some time playing with their friends, which will help them stay fit physically as well as mentally.

There should be plenty of laughter in the family. Watch comedy shows together.Share funny incidences from school or workplace with your family and make them laugh. Read out loud the jokes in your messenger and earn another chance to laugh together.

Family games will be a favorite memory of your lifetime.You never notice such things while they are happening. But, they will always bring a smile on your face whenever you will remember them.

A research done by the American College Pediatricians says, “Spending meaningful and fun time together as a family has a variety of benefits.”

Family fun times allow parents to lay the foundation of better behavior, less stress, and family values in children.

#4.Exercise Together

Exercising is a healthy habit. Go for a walk with your kids. Or ask them to walk the dog in the mornings and say, you will do it in the evenings.

Meet a physical trainer to figure a suitable exercise plan for each member of your family. Group exercising is such a fun. It does not let you lose focus from your fitness regimen.

Also, it is a good example of good parenting.

Participating for charity runs would be a noble cause.And you will be making your children aware of this.Build these habits in your kids without pressurizing them.

#5.Reward & Appreciation

Motivate your kids and family members through rewards and appreciations.

Every kid needs rewards and appreciations to keep doing great. And you need to keep a close look on how your kid is doing in studies, games and other extracurricular activities.

For example: If your son scores A+, then a movie outing would not be bad idea.Similarly, if your daughter wins a drawing competition, she must get a new dress, doesn’t she?

Praising and rewarding children for their accomplishments keep their motivation level high.Always talk about and appreciate the achievements of your kids in front of everyone, while praising their efforts.

While doing this all, never overlook the hard work of your dear wife.  Tell her often how blessed you are tohave her in your life.

#6.Give Surprises

Small, unexpected surprises are delightful. They are a great way to tell the members of your family you care.

What kind of surprises you can give your family members?  Something special, unexpected on the breakfast table.Ordering your requirements from a Queens grocery delivery or your city’s any grocery delivery service,so your wife doesn’t have to go to the supermarket. Taking everyone out for a long drive,this ends up into a day-long outing.

Your surprise gift can be anything, you just need to have a will.

#7.Build and Practice Family Rituals

Each family follows some kinds of rituals such as religious, familial, national and regional and even private. And if you are stressed out over some of your ancestral rituals, you can build some for your very own family.

It is not necessary to develop or follow only religious traditions; you can introduce some new-age customs as going for a movie outing every Friday night followed by a delicate dinner at a restaurant nearby.

Another ritual you can introduce is to going for health checkup as per the schedule. Regular checkups will keep track of your family’s health problems and alleviate their health risks in initial stages. However, you will need to practice those rituals wholeheartedly because they are linked with the wellness and happiness of your family.

Bottom line

It is your family that truly loves and cares for you. Rest, you cannot be sure whether they love you. In addition to unconditional love, family provides you support during difficult times when you need it most. Your family is always there for you.Valuing this very thing, you should always be open to keep them happy as much as you can.

*Dave’s Note:

When the guest author queried this article I was a little skeptical – I even asked how “How to Have a Happy Family” fit on a diy prepper site, but after reading it I realized that this is what this site is all about.  Why prep for emergencies if you don’t have anyone you care about – and if you have people you care about why not enjoy them everyday?  Don’t wait for an emergency to let your loved ones know how you feel.

How to get Antibiotics Without a Prescription

How to get Antibiotics Without a Prescription
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Medical care is one area that we should try to be self-sufficient as possible. Medical personnel become hard pressed to keep up with the need. There’s difficulty in the resupply of the medications and the possibility of running out of stock.

Medical services and medicines may be limited and rationed during disasters.

Medical personnel would be forced to triage patients.  In order to conserve resources. medical staff can only help those who will be needed the most.

I want to ensure that my family won’t miss vital medical treatment.  This means learning first-aid and stockpiling medical supplies.

To a prepper, stockpiling medicines like antibiotics is essential.

However, proper handling of drug is also very crucial.

This article shows the basics on how to get antibiotics without a prescription.

What You Should Know About Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs that especially treat bacterial infection. You may wonder your doctor will never prescribe any antibiotic until he gets to see you first. He first needs to check whether what you’re suffering is bacterial or viral infection. This is because viruses don’t respond to antibiotics. If you have a simple flu, the doctor never gives you antibiotics.

Basic knowledge in the difference between bacterial and viral illness may enlighten you, save yourself from worsening, infection, money and time. Here are four tips to guide you in identifying if your infection is bacterial or viral. Take this advice only if you can’t see a doctor.

  • A bacterial illness causes fever. A viral infection doesn’t cause fever.
  • Bacterial infection lasts longer than 10 days while viral infection lasts 2 to 10 days.
  • Bacteria usually cause site-specific symptoms such as those in sinuses, chest or throat. Viral infection normally causes wide-spread symptoms.
  • A bacterial illness typically produces phlegm (yellow, green, bloody or brown-tinged). Viral infection may only produce clear or cloudy mucus.

Typical antibiotic treatment last for 10-14 days. If symptoms persist such as neck pain, severe headache and persistent nausea, it’s best to see a doctor. This would be the worst thing to happen. However, if you are alert enough to see some symptoms, you become eager to get some antibiotics. Unfortunately, you can’t buy antibiotics in US without the doctor’s prescription. You would like to stockpile as an emergency medicine supply.

3 Ways To Obtain Antibiotics Without A Prescription*

  1. Purchase Bird (or Fish) Antibiotics

Fish or Bird antibiotics are the same USP grade antibiotics manufactured by pharmaceutical human use. This means they are the same to the ones prescribed for people. They also come in capsule or tablet forms.

  • Ciprofloxacin – Fish Flox Forte (500 mg)
  • Metronidazole – Fish Zole Forte (500 mg)
  • Amoxicillin Capsules – Fish Mox Forte (500 mg)
  • Erythromycin – Fish Mycin Forte Pure Powder (300 mg)

You can also include Doxycycline – Bird Biotic (100 mg)

  1. Purchase Antibiotics From Mexico

Some Americans freely buy medicines without doctor’s prescription, selling prescription, selling prescription medicines. Americans is a big industry in Mexico.  Pharmacies line the streets of border towns such as Tijuana and Nagales.

  1. Purchase through Online Stores in Other Countries Where Human Antibiotics Can Be Bought Legally Over the Country

Antibiotics can be sold legally without prescription as long as the online shop is located in a country that does not require a doctor’s prescription for a drug.

However, this is still breaking the law. Importing non-prescribed antibiotics over the internet is a very low priority for the authorities. For example, there is one online shop that sells human antibiotics (based in Cyprus).

What are the Antibiotics that You Should Stockpile

There are a variety of kinds of antibodies out in the market, some are generic and some are branded.

For the most part, you want to stockpile the ones that will be useful in the widest variety of applications. Those are especially the ones which treat common infections caused by injuries.

Here Are Some Must-Haves Antibiotics

Amoxicillin

This is a good general antibiotic for many types of bacterial infections. It is safe for children and even pregnant women, although, some may be very allergic to it.

Azitrhomycin

Azitrhomycin is a great brand of antibiotic used for a lot of kinds of infections. The problem is that you can’t easily find or even buy it. It needs prescription to buy.

Erythromycin

One of the most effective antibiotics to use for infected wounds and injuries. Erythromycin can also be used for ear and respiratory infections, as well as some STDs. Safe for women and children. However, some people experience side effects, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Ciprofloxacin

Best for things like urinary tract infections, prostate infections, respiratory tract infections (such as bronchitis or pneumonia), bacterial diarrhea, anthrax, and diverticulitis or infectious colitis (when combined with Metronidazole).

Children, pregnant women or nursing mothers should not take Cirprofloxin.

Cephalexin

It is great for almost any type of respiratory infection (bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, etc.) and middle ear infections. Cephalexin is safe for pregnant women and children and only has few side effects

Keflex

Keflex is a great antibiotic that can treat infections that are antibiotic resistant.  You can’t take Keflex if you are allergic to cephalexin or any other drugs such as in this link.

Zithromax

This is a ‘big gun’ antibiotic that treat hard to treat bacterial infections. It’s a good choice for people who are allergic to penicillin and its various derivatives. Zithromax is typically sold in a five pill, 5 day pack. People who have liver problems should not to use Zithromax.

How Much of Survival Antibiotics Should You Stockpile

Antibiotics are often taken twice a day during a ten days period. Zithromax is one notable exception for this. Also, in most cases, to treat an infection needs two pills. There are various of kinds of antibiotics for that type of infection they treat. Having 100 pills of one kind of antibiotic is still insufficient. You will likely need more than 100 other types of antibiotic.

The amount of variety of antibiotics depends on the kind of infection experienced by your family in the past. For example, if your child has had many wound infection, the kind of antibiotic differs according to its potency in killing the bacteria.

According to studies, bacteria have the ability to easily create a kind of protein that may help counteract the antibiotics.

Instead, some surviving ones will be able to identify the antibiotic and create their own version to make them immune to this kind of antibiotic. So the next time, this set of new bacteria encounters this same antibiotic. They are already immune and the antibiotic becomes ineffective.

The next time you use the same antibiotic to treat the same infection, it may heal slowly. It may need higher potency of the antibiotics. The cycle goes on. If another infection happens, you also upgrade your antibiotics. This is the reason why doctors need to prescribe you the right kind of antibiotic for the kind of infection you have, including your history of medications.

Where Can You Get Survival Antibiotics Without Prescription?

Like mentioned, Mexico is one of the nearest place to buy these antibiotics. US pharmacies don’t allow selling them with prescription. There is also some Canadian pharmaceutical houses that sell through mail-order, without prescription.

The Risk of Taking Antibiotics Without Prescription

One thing to take note is the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. According to World Health Organization (WHO), two of the reasons that they continue to emerge that make it harder to treat common diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and salmonellosis, is misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans and in animals.

Antibiotics-resistant bacteria means higher medical costs, longer hospital stay and higher chance of complications in infections. Aside from misuse and overuse, lack of infection prevention and control increases chance for the bacteria to be resistant.

Did You Know That?

There are kinds of bacteria commonly called as “Superbug” because of their high resistance to any kind of antibiotic. This is the effect of mishandling antibiotics that these super-resistant bacteria have emerged.

Conclusion

Even if you want to stockpile for your own survival medical stock, it still pays to know the dangers and limitations especially when dealing with antibiotics. Antibiotics, just like any other drugs also have side effects. Even if they are life saver in times of injury or infection, improper dosage or mishandling may have serious consequences.

For more tips and information on prepping, visit  https://preparedbee.com/

* Note from Dave: This is a guest post – I am not a doctor nor a lawyer and I cannot advise you to break the law.  I have not tried getting medicine from other countries personally nor do I plan to.  I have had good results with things like Dakin’s solution, Sugardine, and the occasional vet medication.

How to Tell If Your Pet Has Health Problems

How to Tell If Your Pet Has Health Problems
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Pets are the best companions that you can have. With their innocence and playful spirit; it hardly takes any time for us to consider them a part of our very own family. However, they cannot express their feelings as easily as we do.

Being the pet owner it is important that you stay a little alert to detect any health issues that your lovely companion might be going through.

As your pets grow and start aging, it is very natural for them to witness health complications. Arthritis, lack of memory power, poor digestive capacity are some of the major problems that elderly pets suffer from. With a little care and following a healthier lifestyle for the pets can really reduce the pain that they suffer.

For example, if you own an elderly dog make sure to give a good quality natural pain relief for dogs to help them deal with aging. Following are a few ways that can help you tell if your pet has health problems-

If your pet is not eating properly

Sickness or health complications lead to lack of hunger. If you notice that your pet is not eating enough, consider it a sign that you need to visit the vet. The earlier you approach the vet, the easier it is to cure the problem.

Lack of playful spirit

Pets like dogs, cats, rabbits etc. are known for their playful spirit. They love to jump, run, and play around. Hence, if you witness a reduction in the playful spirit of your pet; make sure to visit the vet without any delay. Lack of willingness to play or do physical movements may be because your pet is suffering from joint pain issues. Make sure to give your elderly pets joint pain relief supplement like pet bounce for dogs. This natural pain relief for dogs work great and you can easily give it by mixing in their food.

Dental Problems

Dental problems are also very common among pets; especially in the last years. Make sure to notice bad breath, bleeding gums, increased drooling, red or swollen gums, plaque etc. on your pet and seek professional help on time. Dental health problems may even result into eating difficulty, irregular eating habits and subsequent weight loss.

How to Tell If Your Pet Has Health Problems

If your pet is sleeping most of the time and shows no interest when you try to play with them; they might be suffering from health problems. Make sure you get them examined as early as possible.

Increase your knowledge

All pets are different and unique from one another. Hence, you need to know the signs and symptoms of the common health problems that your pet is exposed to. Whether you own a bird, a dog or a fish; try to expand your own knowledge so as to ensure that you don’t miss any chance to detect health problems at its early stage.

Sudden weight loss or gain

Your pets need to be healthy to look healthy. If you see the pet gaining or losing weight all of a sudden, discuss it with the vet and get your pet examined.

A little alertness on your part can make in big difference in your pet’s life. Make sure you never take the above-mentioned signs lightly. Make life comfortable and healthier for your pet. Approach the vet on time and enjoy a healthy and joyous togetherness with your pet.

 

10 Items to Keep in Your Survival Kit

10 Items to Keep Your Survival Chances in Check
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Zombie apocalypse. Doomsday. End of the world.

These are some of the situations that we just regularly see in movies, TV shows, or in books. We tend to be amazed on how the protagonist manages to survive a certain kind of situation that seems impossible to escape. But have you ever thought of your escape plan if ever these situations happen in your lifetime? More importantly, have you ever thought of the things that you need to have in order to survive?

And if natural disasters and panic have already raged your neighborhood, will you just get the items that you instantly see based on your instincts and or will you easily grab your ever-reliable emergency survival kits and run as fast as you can for your dear life? For me, the latter sounds much better.

Of course, preparing ahead is much, much better compared to rushing things especially during doomsday where the atmosphere is already tense, nerve-wracking and full of fear. A prepper naturally has the foresight and prepares everything as organized and as detailed as possible. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a single item that you need to have for you and your loved ones’ survival.

Here are 10 Items to Keep in Your Survival Kit in order to have to keep your survival chances in check if ever the worse day happens.

1. Water Supply To Quench Your Thirst

This comes first in our list. Without water for 3 to 4 days, you’ll eventually die and that is the ultimate situation that you need to avoid as you fight for survival. You will definitely need to have ‘drinking’ water intact and not just any other type of water unless you want to die of other water-related diseases. Have a big table-top ceramic filter type of water container to store your drinking water.

2. Food Storage To Avoid Starving

This is a no-brainer if you really want to survive doomsday. Come the end of the world, major supermarkets will definitely run out of their food supply because of the panicking people that filled the supermarkets and retail stores. You can choose to store and prepare survival food kits that match your nutritional needs. Don’t forget to address the food allergies of your family for your survival. Make sure that these food kits will last longer, say 6 months. These survival food kits in case of disasters will surely provide you food and energy that you need if ever the food supply totally runs out in your area.

3. A Handgun For Defense

If the situation becomes truly chaotic (think of the possibility if zombies attack you at your own home or if other people desperately try to get your food supply), you will need a handgun for self-defense and for defending your family. For example, if your home alarm system has been destroyed by an earthquake, you need to be aware of burglars and people who will target your house for their own supplies. Learn how to use one and for starters, experts recommend having handgun that you are comfortable shooting in a caliber that is 9mm or larger. Don’t forget to load set-defense ammunition in the handgun, that is what it is made for.

4. A Portable Radio To Be In The Loop

After you have safely evacuated your chaotic neighborhood, you’ll definitely need to be in the loop on the current events in your area and for possible safe places that you can evacuate to. Having a portable radio will allow you to stay informed and this is a great advantage since information is power.

5. First-Aid Kits

Prepping for the worst day also includes preparing for what might happen along the way during your escape. In case of an emergency, make a handy list of your first-aid essentials such as regular medicines, antibiotics, and gauze bandages if you or a family member ever gets wounded while on the run. Check to ensure that you have enough of each item in your first-aid kit.

 6. A Handy Map And A Compass

Another no-brainer, these will come in handy should you need to locate the fastest and easiest escape route towards the next safe place. Yes, a lot of people are relying on their GPS or their other gadgets but if battery runs low, then your map will be your golden ticket to survival. Have a good quality road map of your area or secure a topographical map of your hometown and possible retreat areas. Along with a map, a compass will also come into good use if you need to go around the woods for your safety.

7. Flashlights

This will be extremely useful at night and for dark places that you might encounter. Be sure to have extra batteries as well for this item. A handy L.E.D flashlight that produces a strong light is needed for your survival.

8. Lighter And Fire Starters

If ever you need to stay out in the woods for several days, you will need lighters, matches and other fire starters to keep you warm and to possibly cook food as well. This will also be handy should you need to boil dirty water for it to be potable.

9. The Reliable Swiss Army Knife

This item is definitely included in the top security items list. A Swiss Army Knife is incredibly handy and valuable thanks to every function that it can do for your survival. You’ll never know when you’ll need it especially if you’re in an area where certain tools are out of reach.

10. A Hiking Backpack

You might think of the need for a place to put all the necessary items for your survival. Why not go for your hiking backpack as your “bug out” bag? Be sure that it has plenty of space and/or compartments and check to be sure you can carry it with a full load of your essential items. This will contain all of your emergency survival kits so be sure that your backpack is strong and intact.

Having this top 10 security items list will serve as your preparedness guide for terrible events such as doomsday. Properly securing and preparing each item will definitely help you in your survival and you will be assured that you’ve prepared ahead of those terrible times in the future.