Personal Liberty Digest » Survival and Self-sufficiency

AHAM Offers Safety Tips For Safe Home Heating

Personal Liberty News Desk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:00:25 +0000

As cold weather arrives in parts of the U.S., so does the risk of fires resulting from faulty heating equipment or practices. That is why the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has published a list of suggestions that can help Americans heat their homes safely this winter.

The association cites recent figures from the National Fire Protection Association which suggest most injuries from fires involving heating equipment occur when the user is asleep or when a child under 10 is left unsupervised with the equipment.

Hence, they recommend never leaving an operating heater unattended and always unplugging it when not in use.

It is also important to keep flammable or combustible materials, such as gas cans, matches, furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes and curtains at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from the sides and rear, and not to block heater’s air intake or outlet.

Safety experts also advise to check the heater’s cord periodically and never use equipment with a damaged cord. In addition, no other electrical device should be plugged into the same outlet as the heater as this could result in overheating and fire.

Finally, it is crucial to read manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels before using any electrical equipment.

Emergency Preparedness Tips Before Onset Of Winter

Personal Liberty News Desk — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:59 +0000

As the country gets ready to set the clocks back one hour on November 1, it may be worth remembering that wintertime brings with it a danger of disasters in certain parts of the country for which Americans should be prepared.

Emergencies that have been associated with cold weather include blizzards, floods, blackouts and influenza, but individuals and families may reduce their risks by organizing a stockpile of essential supplies before inclement conditions arrive.

"We already use daylight saving time to focus on preparedness by checking batteries in smoke alarms, so it’s a great time to ensure that we have supplies to fall back on in the event of an emergency," said Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

"Use the extra hour to create a new emergency kit or check your current stockpile for any perishable items that may have expired or canned goods that you may have used," he adds.

APHA also recommends reviewing community emergency preparedness plans, including evacuation routes, emergency shelters and the location of food banks, and updating the family communication plan.

It also suggests collecting medications in one place, and making sure there are enough supplies in case family members need to stay home with the flu for a few days.

How To Survive A Tsunami

Personal Liberty News Desk — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:29:37 +0000

The devastating tsunami that hit Western Pacific Islands, including American Samoa earlier this week, killing at least 168 people, has brought the issue of preparedness and survival into focus once again.

A tsunami is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water such as an ocean. It typically follows an underwater earthquake and can have a devastating impact on lives and property along coastal regions.

Since the West Coast of the U.S. and Hawaii are in danger of a tsunami, residents should know the warning signs and procedures to follow to reduce the risk of losing their lives.

According to Preparedness.com, a rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is a possible sign of an approaching tsunami. When a warning is issued, residents should move immediately to higher ground and stay there until it is safe to return.

Experts also warn against going to the beach to watch a tsunami come in as the waves are faster than humans can run. "If you can see the wave you are too close to escape it," the website says.

Those living in areas prone to natural disasters should maintain an emergency kit which includes a supply of food and drinking water, basic medicines and a battery-operated radio.

Tips on surviving a bear encounter

Personal Liberty News Desk — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:27:47 +0000

With the beginning of the fall season bears are becoming more active in some parts of the country, and those who plan to spend time outdoors may want to keep in mind a few tips on how to behave if they encounter the large animal.

Mark Ternent, a black bear biologist, says the likelihood can be reduced if people refrain from feeding wildlife, such as birds or deer, while on a trip or storing food or garbage in places such as backyard. Even squash, pumpkins, corn stalks or other Halloween or holiday decorations outside may attract bears.

"Once bears become habituated to an area where they find food, they will continue to return, which is when the bear can become a real problem for homeowners and neighbors," says Ternent.

He advises to stay calm if a bear has wondered onto your property. Often shouting at it from a safe distance can persuade the animal to leave. If not, it is a good idea to slowly retreat and call for assistance.

When coming into contact with a bear in the wild, it is best to slowly back away while quietly talking. While withdrawing, it is important to face the animal, but avoid direct eye contact. Turning and running can spur the bear to chase, and humans cannot outrun bears.

It is also important not to block the bear’s escape route, to move away from cubs and to avoid climbing a tree.

Some bears may bluff charge, and if this occurs the best approach is to wave your arms wildly, and shout at the bear.

Finally, the expert says in the event of an attack, fight back as you continue to leave the area as bears have been driven away with rocks, sticks, binoculars, car keys or even bare hands.

Proper nutrition may help you survive the flu season

Personal Liberty News Desk — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:26:55 +0000

While hand-washing and cough-covering is very important, experts are saying there is a range of flu-fighting foods that may help vulnerable individuals get throughout the difficult season.

"[While it is] important to eat a variety of healthy foods from all food groups throughout the year, adding flu-fighting [items] like yogurt, garlic, citrus and chicken to your diet [during flu season] can boost your body’s immune system and help you to avoid getting sick," stresses Andrea Garen, a registered dietitian.

She says yogurt and other cultured milk products contain probiotics – beneficial bacterial strains that have been shown to boost the immune system and promote digestive health.

In addition to live cultures, dairy products are also rich in vitamin D, which has similar immune benefits, and recent research has found many Americans are deficient in the vitamin, which may be linked to a seasonal increase in colds and flu and a higher incidence of respiratory infections.

Crushing garlic cloves before adding them to food to release the garlic juice will also allow one to reap the immune-enhancing benefits of that herb.

Finally, any immunity-boosting diet should include citrus fruits that are rich in vitamin C as well as chicken, meat and peanuts that contain zinc.

For those who are too busy to regularly consume immunity-enhancing foods there are nutritional supplements with vitamins C and D that can lower the risk of getting the flu.

Survival plan should include finances, experts say

Personal Liberty News Desk — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:59:35 +0000

According to the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation (AFSAEF), readying one’s finances for emergencies such as natural disasters is a critical yet often-overlooked part of the preparation process.

It says that next to stacking up on non-perishable food, water, batteries and charged mobile phones, care should be taken to put all important papers, including insurance policies, checking and savings account information and backups of computer files, in a safe location that is likely to withstand damage.

"Taking time to collect financial information before a disaster strikes can save precious time in the aftermath of one," says Susie Irvine, president and CEO of AFSAEF.

"The more information you have about your finances – including contact phone numbers – the more likely you will get help promptly," she adds.

AFSAEF further say that setting aside money in a checking or savings account for easy withdrawal in an emergency can also save valuable time.

In the aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters, insurance and other type of financial fraud frequently proliferates, so care should be taken to research companies offering help before assistance is accepted.

AFSAEF is based in Washington, DC and provides tips on responsible money management. It is affiliated with the American Financial Services Association, the national trade association for the consumer credit industry.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts through November 1.

Fire emergency survival tips

Personal Liberty News Desk — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:55:00 +0000

As wildfires are raging in California it may be useful to keep some survival tips in mind, as fire is a type of emergency that can happen anywhere and anytime.

As with most emergencies, prevention is the best way to start. While some types of fire disasters may be better prevented by smoke detectors than others, it is always a good idea to install one at home as they have helped prevent loss of life. Installing fire extinguishers is also good practice.

Each household should have a fire emergency plan and conduct periodic drills to keep the escape plan fresh in mind. All members should know how to use fire extinguishers, know their way out of the house, have emergency phone numbers and working cell phones handy, and know where to meet afterward.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) says that during a fire emergency, it is important to crawl low in smoke towards the nearest exit covering the mouth with a cloth and once outside never go back. Moreover, tall buildings should be evacuated via stairs not elevators, which can act as chimneys during fire.

When smoke is spotted, OEM says, it is crucial to leave the property first and then dial 911 as most people die from smoke inhalation and not from flames.

As many fires start in the kitchen, the source also suggests keeping combustible items away from the cooking area, and never pour water on grease fires. Rather, use a fire extinguisher or put a lid over the burning pan.

Those who live in areas prone to wildfires should take care to landscape the grounds properly and fireproof all buildings.

Emergency Food Storage and Survival Handbook by Peggy Layton

Bob Livingston — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:00:07 +0000

Natural disasters, the possibility of food shortages and the threat of some type of terrorist attack on American soil have brought the idea of crisis preparation out of the fringe shadows and into the mainstream. And no other topic in this vein is more popular than emergency food storage.

So Peggy Layton’s, Emergency Food Storage and Survival Handbook is a must-have for anyone prepping for an emergency.

Layton, a home economist, author and lecturer, has written five books on home food storage and cooking. In her latest she leaves nothing out. And the methods she encourages won’t break the bank.

Layton begins by stressing what will be needed for short-term emergencies. But she goes beyond food needs; covering evacuation planning, emergency kits, shelter and first aid. She provides a suggested list of practical items that must be included.

For the short-term emergency, Layton describes what is needed for 72-hour emergency survival and then gets into long-term survival methods.

Photos and lists accompany each of her subjects as she describes how to keep, collect and purify water and how to organize food storage. She covers sleeping arrangements and sanitation. She also covers how to purchase in bulk and store and rotate what you have.

After discussing what to purchase, how and why, Layton begins to help you tailor your purchases to the needs and tastes of your family.

One great feature of the book is her charts which will help you plan your storage by planning meals ahead of time. Doing this her way ensures you don’t forget any of the ingredients you’ll need for your meals.

Other charts she includes are for inventory planning and they cover everything from condiments to cooking and communication to gardening.

The final third of the book is dedicated to preparing and cooking the foods you have stored. There are also a large number of recipes using the foods she recommends.

If you are serious about emergency preparation and emergency food storage this book is one you should definitely have in your library.

During hurricane season rip tide survival tips may come handy

Personal Liberty News Desk — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:09:46 +0000

As Hurricane Bill continues to barrel up the Atlantic near the East Coast of the U.S., those heading to the beach this weekend may want to keep a few suggestions in mind on how to stay safe.

Weather experts are saying that although a direct hit in the U.S. is unlikely, the hurricane may still cause dangerous waves and rip tides along the shore.

The American Red Cross warns rip tides can come suddenly and be deadly. That is why it is always wise to swim only in designated areas where a lifeguard is present. It is also a good idea to check beach conditions before entering the water, either through inquiring with the lifeguard, reading any warning signs that may be posted or checking local weather news.

If a person becomes caught in a rip current, the Red Cross says it is important to swim parallel to shore until free of the current. Trying to swim against it while still carried by the tide can result in exhaustion and can lead to drowning.

Only when the current turns is it a good time to free oneself and swim back toward shore.

If the swimmer feels they won’t make it in to the shore, they should draw attention to themselves by waving and calling for help.

If witnessing someone caught in a rip tide, the organization suggests getting help from a lifeguard, calling 911 and, if possible, throwing something that floats – it can be a cooler or an inflatable toy -and yelling instructions on how to get out of the tide.

Reliable communications key in emergency, experts say

Personal Liberty News Desk — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:36:50 +0000

With a powerful storm churning up the Atlantic Ocean, East Coast residents may use some tips from experts on how to stay safe and protect their families.

Hurricane Bill may still be hundreds of miles from the shore, but it is a good idea to either review or create emergency communication plans.

"Thorough preparation is the key to staying safe and in touch during emergencies," says Jerry Fountain, Carolinas/Tennessee region president for Verizon Wireless, adding the company is preparing the network to ensure coverage is not disrupted.

Verizon also offers tips on how families can prepare their wireless phones to be a reliable communication tool in case the hurricane strikes.

It says phone batteries should be charged before warnings are issued, in case local power is lost. It is also good practice have spare batteries and car-charger adapters available.

Phones, batteries and chargers should be kept in a dry, easily accessible location.

Residents should make sure they have a list of emergency phone numbers, including police, fire and rescue agencies, readily available. Up-to-date contact information for insurance providers, family, friends and co-workers should also be programmed into the phone.

It may be a good idea to distribute one’s cell phone number to family and friends, and forward home phone calls to the wireless number if evacuation is possible.

The National Hurricane Center says as of Wednesday, Bill is a category 4 hurricane centered 1,100 miles southeast of Bermuda and heading west-northwest.

It is too early to know the exact path it will follow, but some projections put it dangerously close to Northeast states.

The Atlantic Hurricane season lasts through November 30.