Disaster Preparedness Kit: Bobble Barton

Bobble Barton is Red Cross Ready.
We love the color coordination.

This September marks my fourth Preparedness Month with the Red Cross. (Eeeek!) One year we focused on the three basic steps to being prepared:  Build a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed. Last year, we introduced 21 Weeks to Prepare, offering suggestions on building a fully stocked disaster kit. Something that 21 Weeks to Prepare strongly encouraged was customizing your disaster kit to fit your needs.

Some families have babies or small children; others have multiple pets that must be taken care of. Some take medication essential to their health or have a family member with special needs.  These are all things to consider when planning for a disaster. To have a little fun, we’ve decided to take a look at how some people might customize their disaster kits, starting with our very own American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton.

Bobble Barton is a practical gal. She keeps things basic and light that way she doesn’t have to tote around a heavy bag while out in the field helping affected residents.

Her must-haves:

• water
• beef jerky
• extra set of clothing
• First Aid Kit (just in case someone is injured)
• closed-toe work boots
• hair pins (because you can’t have your hair in your face while dressing wounds)
• pen and notebook (to take down names of people that have been separated from their families. We need to get her trained in Safe and Well.)

Just in case:

• rain boots
• wool socks

What else do you think Clara would have in her disaster kit? Post your suggestions in the comments below. Anyone who offers a suggestion will be entered to win a prize :)

Visit www.redcross.org/prepare for a complete list of tips on how to prepare your family today!

21 Weeks to Prepare: Weeks 10 & 11 Daylight Savings Time

We started this journey in September when the sunshine was plentiful and shorts and tank tops were necessary to survive 90 degree temperatures. As we move into shorter days and cooler weather, remember to update your disaster kit accordingly. Scarves, gloves, hats and earmuffs are great sidekicks during winter months and will be your best friends during winter storms (especially if the power goes out.)

My hero

Another great item to consider adding to your kit is a box of hand warmers. I first learned of these wonderful devices while standing on the sidelines of a high school football game freezing my fingers off. You can throw them in the bottom of your shoes as well to warm your feet.

Sunday is Daylight Savings Time and is the perfect time to update your disaster kit. While switching out clothing options, remember to check foods for expiration dates. Something else you'll want to update this weekend with your clocks and kit are your smoke alarms. Check to make sure that your alarms are in working condition. Even if your battery is still working, go ahead and buy and extra one to have on hand.
This post is the halfway mark to a completed disaster kit, and we would love to see what you have put together! If you have any photos of your kit so far, please share them here or on our Facebook page.

Download 21 Weeks to Prepare Shopping List

Weeks 8 & 9: Not a happy camper

Some might say I'm not a "true" Coloradan. Growing up on the Eastern plains, I never experienced skiing, hiking (in the Rockies) or camping. On occasional visits to my home state, I would like to eventually snowboard and hike the Barr Trail to the top of Pikes Peak, but I don't think I'll ever have an urge to camp in the mountains—or anywhere else for that matter.

It's not that I lack a sense of adventure, I just value the finer things in life, like, for instance, running water. We use it not only to drink, but to wash our hands, bathe, brush our teeth, etc., etc. These are all things to consider when building your disaster kit. Your favorite shampoo/conditioner, deodorant to keep you fresh (and so clean, clean) and a toothbrush and paste to keep the cavities and scolding from your dentist at bay.

While writing this post, I came up with a fabulous idea for collecting toiletry items for your kit. When you're not on the road, consider storing your travel kit in your disaster kit. This will save you cash and time when you're packing up to visit Grandma or to go on a weekend trip. You can also bring your multi-purpose kit along if you decide to go camping, you know, if you like that sort of thing.

Download 21 Weeks to Prepare Shopping List

Week 2: Agua Vida

Anyone who has watched 127 Hours (I <3 James Franco) might have an idea of the most important item to keep in your disaster kit. It's not rocket science, but it is something that can be easily overlooked.

Most Americans have multiple sources of water in their homes, but during a disaster, it may be difficult to find clean water. Keep your family hydrated by stocking water in your disaster kit. The Red Cross recommends storing a 3-day supply (1 gallon per person, per day). That's 12 gallons of water for a family of four. The 12 gallons are spread throughout your shopping list, but stocking up now is a great way to work out.

Also work on collecting a few canned goods and snacks. A grumbling stomach is never fun, especially during a disaster. Everyone loves a good bargain, so keep an eye out for sales while grocery shopping.

P.S. Don't forget to start your weather radio fund! $1.75/week

Download 21 Weeks to Prepare Shopping List

The Last Midnight Show

Last November, I blogged about the convenience of a wand when it comes to preparedness. (A fashionable beaded handbag with an extendable curse doesn't hurt to have around either. Talk about the world's best disaster kit.) Along with millions of other Harry Potter fanatics, I braved the midnight show one last time to see the conclusion of the series.

While it was likely the last midnight show I'll ever attend, I figured I would pass on a few preparedness tips for those who are filling theaters across the world this afternoon and evening. Here are a few things you should bring along when attending a Harry Potter movie.

~Tissues. I will stop there just in case you haven't read the books. Note: Guys included. You know, to get that salt out of your eyes.
~Water Bottle. Let's face it. Unless you arrive over an hour early and hop into the concession line first thing, you're going to risk missing the show for that half gallon-refillable fountain drink. Pack some water instead. (small enough to fit in your bag of course.) Toss in a bag of M&M's or trail mix while you're at it.
~Sweater. While it is 90 degrees outside, that usually means it's about 50 in the theatre or any other public location.
~Pack of cards. Unless you have a smart phone--I think I'm the only person in the world who doesn't--you will likely get bored standing in line for an hour. Personally, I prefer Phase10. This of course is not as critical if you have . . .
~A friend. or 2 or 3. One of the best parts of the movie is sharing your reactions and opinions afterward.

And, without further ado, the most important thing to bring along . . .
~Common Courtesy. Proclamation Theatre Decree No. 1 :
No line cutting, cell phone ringing, bright lights from texting, or unecessary loud chatter will be tolerated. Perhaps Umbridge should take up ushering at the movies.

WARNING: Do not try this at home

Home destroyed by tornado in Eminence, KY on February 28, 2011.

Monday morning’s are always rough for me, so you can imagine my displeasure at being woken up by an unyielding wailing noise at 4:30 a.m. this past Monday. After a few minutes of falling in and out of sleep, I realized that it wasn’t the neighbor’s dog or the alarm clock keeping me from REM, but the local weather siren.

Once I realized what was going on, I immediately turned on the TV for more information. Almost the entire Kentuckiana area was under a tornado warning. Knowing that the threat of a tornado was VERY highly likely, I woke my significant other and we . . . stayed in bed watching the weatherman frantically attempt to keep up with the fast-moving storm.

It’s not that I don’t know how to respond to a tornado warning. As a former disaster educator and resident of eastern Colorado, I know exactly what you are supposed to do during a tornado warning. Lying in bed is not recommended.

I must admit, I have always been terrible about following instructions, especially when it comes to tornado warnings. Perhaps it’s because ever since I saw the movie Twister, I’ve secretly aspired to be a storm chaser. I like to see what’s going on. In any case, please, as the old adage goes, do as I say, not as I do. During a storm, it just might safe your life.

Take, for example, the couple in Oldham County woken by the phone alert system. They immediately took shelter in their basement. Moments later, a tree came through their roof, landing right in their bed. If they had ignored the alert, as I did, they might not be here today.(full story)

March is notorious for stormy weather. Take time to educate yourself on how to react during tornadoes and thunderstorms, and please, leave the storm watching to the experts.

Holiday Party & Wintry Mixes

The McKenzie family was left without a home after an apartment fire in November. One month later, they are thankful for what they have and are working hard to return to normalcy.

Monday night’s Holiday Party was a great way to ring in the season. Children and their families, some of whom experienced home fires as recent as last month, visited with Santa and received gifts thanks to the Louisville Professional Firefighters Union Local 345. See more photos from the event on our Flickr page.

Home fires aren’t the only threat to Kentuckiana families. Tonight meteorologists are predicting a “wintry mix”—weather reminiscent of the 2009 ice storm. While experts say it will be nowhere near as extensive, local residents can still prepare for dangerous road conditions and power outages.

To ensure you are prepared for a power outage, print off this checklist. If a power outage calls for the use of a portable generator, read over these safety tips first, and if you must travel, make sure you have a disaster kit in your car in case of an emergency.

For a full list of items to keep in your disaster kit, go to www.redcross.org.

Your New Year's Resolution

So many New Year’s resolutions concern improving oneself. Tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, make a resolution to keep you and your loved ones safer. Be Red Cross Ready! It only takes three steps:

1. Build a Kit
2. Make a plan
3. Be informed

Don’t let disaster catch you off guard in 2010. For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.louisville-redcross.org.