Last week a ten- year- old boy shot and killed his mother after fighting about chores.  Also last week, locally, a four- year- old boy accidentally shot his mother in the side while his two- year- old sister sat nearby watching Elmo.  Sadly, these aren’t isolated incidents.   The biggest question is not why, it’s how.  How did these children gain access to these guns in the first place?  

Ironically, the ten year old’s mother had given the boy the .22 caliber rifle as a Christmas gift.  The four year old knew exactly where the 12-guage semi-automatic shotgun was kept, retrieved it from the closet, and loaded a shell into it that his father had let him handle earlier, yet forgot to put away.

The majority of fatal accidents involving firearms occur at home.  There are about 60 million handguns in the U.S. with an average of two to three million being sold each year.  Approximately 1.7 million children live in homes with guns which are loaded and unlocked, and every day eight children are fatally shot.

In homes that have handguns, it’s more likely that a gun will be used to shoot a family member or friend rather than in self defense.  These shootings typically take place when:

• A child finds a gun at home and is showing a friend when the trigger is pulled accidentally.

• A depressed teen or adult becomes suicidal.

• An argument between family members escalates out of control.

•  A friend or family member is mistaken for an intruder.

As mentioned above, it’s not just about accidents; it’s also violent crime and suicide.  Nearly 1,500 children a year commit suicide by gun.  An adolescent is twice as likely to take their own life if they have access to a firearm inside the home.  About 7,000 violent crimes are committed each year by children using guns from home.  The killers aren’t only teens, either.  Ten years ago, a six year old boy from Michigan took a gun to school and killed a fellow classmate.  Children as young as three years old may have the strength to pull the trigger of a gun.

This blog isn’t about your Second Amendment right, and the gun control debate isn’t likely to be resolved any time soon, however, gun owner or not, there are steps you can take to try to better ensure America’s children’s safety where guns are involved.

If you have children, start talking to them about gun safety at a young age.

• Tell them guns are off limits —make sure they know to never touch a gun at home, and if they go somewhere in which they encounter a gun, to leave the area immediately and inform an adult.

•  Explain the difference between television/video games and real life and how guns in real life can do real harm to someone.  Some of the TV and video game shootings don’t look real and this could confuse a child.

• Teach them how to deal with disputes in a rational manner, rather than using violence. 

You should find out if your child’s friends have guns in their home and ask how they are stored.  Then you’re informed and it’s up to your discretion whether or not you let your child play there.

If you own a gun:

• Keep guns stored safely.  Even if you’ve talked to your child about gun safety, sometimes their curiosity will still get the better of them.  Store your ammunition and firearms in separate, locked locations, and hide the key.  Don’t tell your children where the guns are kept.  Also, storing firearms in a glass case is not the best option as the glass can be broken and the guns removed.

• Use a gun lock so that the trigger cannot be pulled without a key.

• When handling or cleaning a gun, never leave it unattended.

• Be a role model.  Don’t use your gun in a way you wouldn’t want your child to imitate.  Perhaps even become active in your community or your child’s school by helping promote gun safety.

Many gun owners feel they don’t have to lock up their weapons if they don’t have children.  Eventually, however, a child will more than likely visit, whether a relative or friend’s child.   Plus, hundreds of thousands of guns are stolen from homes every year.

So, keep in mind the shooting accidents and gun violence that take place every day.  If you own a gun, play it safe and keep it locked.  The life you may be saving could be your child’s or your own.

Your friends at MBC.

Sources:

FamilyEducation.com

The News Tribune

ABC News

University of Michigan Health Systems

American Academy of Pediatrics

USA Today

Popular Fidelity

Charity Week; Day Three, Animal Protection

For you animal lovers out there, here is a list of charitable organizations protecting the rights of our furry little friends.  

It was hard to find ones that are both top rated by the American Institute of Philanthropy, and meet the 20 standards from the Better Business Bureau, but here are a couple that do just that. 

 

Associated Humane Societies:

The mission of  Associated Human Societies Inc., is to provide the highest quality care to all animals including their rescue, housing, veterinary care, placement whenever possible, and when required, a peaceful end.  They also try to prevent cruelty to all animals throughout the United States through intervention as well as the promotion of humane education regarding the proper care and treatment of animals at both public and private levels.  Click here to donate.

The Jane Goodall Institute: 

Founded by renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute is a global nonprofit that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. Their work builds on Dr. Goodall’s scientific work and her humanitarian vision. Specifically, they seek to improve global understanding and treatment of great apes through research, public education and advocacy. They contribute to the preservation of great apes and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in local communities.  Lastly, they create a worldwide network of young people who have learned to care deeply for their human community, for all animals and for the environment, and who will take responsible action to care for them.  Learn how to volunteer here.  Donate here.

One popular charitable organization dedicated to protecting wildlife is the World Wildlife Fund.  The WWF is not a top rated charity, but it does satisfy the BBB's 20 standards.

WWF's mission is the conservation of nature. Using the best available scientific knowledge they work to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth and the health of ecological systems by protecting natural areas and wild populations of plants and animals, including endangered species; promoting sustainable approaches to the use of renewable natural resources; and promoting more efficient use of resources and energy and the maximum reduction of pollution.  With the WWF, you can do more than just donate.  You can also adopt and travel.

Here are a couple more that are top rated, but don't meet all of the BBB's 20 standards:

Marine Mammal Center 

Their goal is to expand knowledge about marine mammals and to inspire their global conservation. Their core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. Here's how to donate.

The Farm Sanctuary:

The Farm Sanctuary has worked to end cruelty to farm animals and promote compassionate living. They rescue animals from abject cruelty, expose the callousness and disregard for life that drive the “food animal” industry, and advocates for legal protections for farm animals. To donate and find out how you can get involved, click here.

  Please come back tomorrow when we highlight Children/youth organizations.  Thanks for reading.

Charity Week; Day Two, Environmental Causes

  If you like to support conservation efforts, here are a few charities you might consider.  Again, all are top rated on the American Institute of Philanthropy and meet the 20 standards as set by the Better Business Bureau.

Rainforest Alliance: 
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.  The Alliance appreciates corporate gifts, but has a few different ways to give.  Click here to find out more.

Union of Concerned Scientists:
The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. Click here to donate.

Earthworks:
EARTHWORKS is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral development, in the U.S. and worldwide.  You can join in their fight to save the environment, or donate here.


The Trust for Public Land:
TPL conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. They have a gift matching program, click here to find out more.

The World Resource Institute:
Their mission is to motivate society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.  They work with four goals in mind; climate protection, governance, markets & enterprise, and people & ecosystems.  To donate, click here.


You can also donate your time to many of these organizations in order to conserve our natural resources and keep our earth a beautiful and healthy place to live.  Check out these websites and find out all the many ways you can help.

Don't get taken this holiday season

According to the National Retail Federation, 39 million consumers will do their holiday shopping online this year.  If you are one of these 39 million, make sure you do it safely.  Credit card numbers are stolen every day by untrustworthy online retailers, and before you know it, thousands of dollars worth of merchandise has been purchased on your dime.   

Online merchants expect to lose $3.6 billion this year to fraud by spammers, scammers and dishonest retailers.  But shopping online is convenient.  You don’t have to deal with crowded shopping malls, finding a parking space, or rude shoppers and sales clerks.  It’s not impossible to shop safely online as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.  

Shop Securely.

Try to avoid shopping on the PC that your children use to chat with their buddies and play games online. Those computers are often already infested with spyware. An infected system will undermine all of the other precautions you might take to avoid online fraud. You should also update your anti-virus software before shopping online and use a firewall to block potential intruders. 

Stay Clear of Shady Looking Sites. 

While it isn’t always possible to tell at first glance whether a site is legitimate or not, some red flags might present themselves to warn you off.  These include, poor design, a strange web address, and multiple pop-up windows that you can’t close. If you notice any of these suspicious signs, stop shopping and close your browser windows.

Trust your Merchant.

Search engine shopping can lead to random merchants no one has ever heard of.  Better to go to a major, trusted site, such as, amazon.com, to search for that sought after Christmas gift.  If you do find the merchant through a shopping search engine like Google Shopping, look for seller ratings. Google doesn't guarantee  the integrity of the sites that come up in its searches, but it’s a good sign if you find mostly positive ratings.

Use Your Head. 

Be sure to read and understand a merchant’s shipping and return policies before making any purchases.  You don’t want to place an order to later find out later it won’t be received until January 5^th, or that it can’t be returned.

Looking for deals and afraid you can’t find them online?  Check well-established online coupon sites such as couponcabin.com and currentcodes.com.  They list promotional codes for discounts that you can enter at participating web vendors during checkout.

Be sure to print a copy of each receipt or confirmation e-mail you receive. Keep all of your receipts in a folder, filed away in a safe place.

If you’re unfamiliar with an online retailer, do your research.  The Better Business Bureau and RipoffReport may offer some insight.  Or you can look at user reviews on such sites as Eopinions.com. 

Always make sure you are on a “secure” site when using your credit card online. The URL should have an https at the beginning (s for "security").

Click With Care. Never buy anything advertised via unsolicited e-mail. Such offers are almost always a phishing scam to get your personal and banking information or a rogue site wanting to put malicious software on your computer. The Better Business Bureau warns that legitimate businesses don’t send E-mails asking for follow up financial information. Your best protection is to not click on any links--even if the message looks legitimate--but to type in the merchant's URL manually to double check its validity.  

Shopping Only Email Address.  If you worry that giving away your e-mail address at multiple online merchants might wind up cluttering your inbox with more junk mail, consider creating a new, free email address specifically for online shopping purposes. This allows you take action if a merchant you're doing business with sells or rents your e-mail address to marketers. 

Social Security Number is Off Limits.

  If a site asks for it during the checkout process, it’s probably a scam site.

Use Protection. 

Take advantage of the automatic identity theft protection that comes with many credit cards.  Because this protection is available, it’s best to use your credit card instead of debit cards or cash for your holiday shopping. If erroneous charges end up on your statement, you can call the credit card company, which should investigate on your behalf. While debit card issuers have largely adopted that same approach, your bank account could be overdrawn while you dispute charges, especially if the fraud goes undetected for awhile. Credit card companies are required to allow shoppers to dispute charges and many companies cover charges made on stolen cards, which is why they expect to lose so much money during the holiday season. Check your credit card statements frequently because many card companies have time limits on when customers can dispute charges.

Alternatives.  

 If you like the idea of the convenience of online shopping, but are truly wary of using your credit card online, there are still plenty of alternatives to entering your account number with online retailers. Many financial institutions and card issuers, including Bank of America, Citibank, Discover, and PayPal, offer customers the ability to generate unique, "virtual" or "one-time use" account numbers that are good for a single transaction or a handful of specified transactions only and cannot be reused.  For many, they’re more trouble then they’re worth, but will give that super cautious shopper peace of mind.

Online Shopping Exclusive Password.

Make up a new password to do your shopping.  Make sure it’s different than the password you use for any of your banking and other important online services.  It should be easy for you to remember, but not easy enough for dishonest retailers to figure out.  A combination of numbers, letters, and symbols is best for security.

Sheath the Cell Phone. Shopping with mobile devices can come with its own set of security challenges, since shortened URLs can more easily trick shoppers into visiting harmful sites. Also, it’s not wise to shop on public Wi-Fi networks.  It can leave your personal information accessible to hackers.  

Don’t be taken for a ride this season.  And remember, you’re at risk whenever you use your credit card, not just at online retailers.  So, create a strategy and play it safe when shopping online and the risks for fraud will go down tremendously.  Have a safe, secure holiday.

Christmas can be hazardous to your health.

Okay, that may be a little over dramatic, but in truth, there are certain dangers that come hand in hand with the-season-to-be-jolly.

Trees:

Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage.  These fires are usually started by shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches.

The video below, from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is an eye opening example of how fast a room can be engulfed in flames during a Christmas tree fire.

The best way to keep your tree from catching fire?  Buy it fresh and keep it wet.  A fresh tree has green needles which are difficult to pull from the branches and don’t break when bent.  When tapped on the ground, a fresh tree shouldn’t lose many needles.

Your tree stand should hold at least a gallon of water.  The general rule is one quart of water per inch of the stem diameter.  An average six foot tree with a four inch diameter truck can consume as much as one gallon of water a day.  When watered properly, a fresh cut tree will keep some natural fire retardant for about twenty-one days.

Remember to keep your tree, as well as other Christmas decorations, away from heaters, lights, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, candles, and ash trays.  A recommended safe distance is three feet.

Poisoning and other hazards:

 Do you ever wonder if the tree you’re bringing into your house is toxic?  Or if a snow globe breaks, can the water inside harm your child?  Scott and White Health Care has kindly put together this list  to either ease our minds, or make us more cautious of what we’re bringing into our homes during the holidays.

Pine Tree (all species)
Christmas trees are non-toxic and usually harmless in regard to toxic exposure concerns. They can scratch the throat if ingested.

Christmas Tree Preservative
Usually contain sugar 90-95%, some form of citric acid, alum and maybe some other trace elements. Drinking the water that contains the preservative is considered usually non-toxic unless ingested in large quantities.

Christmas Tree Ornaments
Most ornaments are made of plastic, glass, Styrofoam, wood and metal. These are considered non-toxic but may present a physical hazard if broken. Other ornaments that are not toxic but can cause mechanical injury are angel hair, glitter, icicles and tinsel. These small things can be inhaled, ingested, placed in the eye or on the skin and can cause irritation.

Christmas Globes
These are also known as snow globes. Some contain little pieces of plastic or glitter but are not considered toxic. The water in these globes is not toxic but may be contaminated with bacteria. If one of these gets broken it is advisable to throw it away.

Bubbling Christmas Lights
These fluid-filled bubbling lights contain at least 50% methylene chloride. Methylene chloride is a respiratory tract and mucous membrane irritant and can cause headaches. Dermal contact may cause irritation and burns. If ingested, methylene chloride can cause CNS depression (sleepiness) and respiratory failure (breathing problems).

Mistletoe
Mistletoe is in the Phoradendron species. Ingestion of any part of the plants usually leads to gastroenteritis, but can also lead to hallucinations, hypotension or hypertension and seizures. The gastroenteritis can last up to eight hours. Fewer than two berries are probably not enough to cause toxicity but ingestion of an unknown amount may require evaluation by a physician.

Poinsettias & Holly
Neither plant is considered toxic. They can, in cases where someone has eaten a large quantity, be considered mildly toxic in that they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and therefore are a possible risk for dehydration. Holly’s are from the Ilex genus and all plants in that genus causes nausea and vomiting if eaten in large enough amounts.

Flocking
Once placed on the tree it is inert plastic. If ingested it is considered a foreign body ingestion.

Tinsel & Wrapping paper
On a rare occasion tinsel or wrapping paper may contain lead in some of the inks that are used. A small amount ingested should not be a problem but if unsure, then a lead level might be considered appropriate. Do not burn tinsel or wrapping paper.

Fireplace Logs
Metallic salts produce fireplace and log colors, which can be toxic if ingested, even in small amounts in some cases. Make sure the flu is open to avoid combustion vapors and carbon monoxide in the home.

Alcohol
Leaving alcohol around for little children to drink by accident can be a fatal mistake. Ethanol in children can cause hypoglycemia (and subsequent convulsions) and if not recognized can be fatal.

Food
Food poisoning is always a concern, especially during the holidays when foods get left out for office workers to graze on during the day. Safe food handling practices should be observed.  Visit the health department for information about food safety.

Keep in mind many decorations, ornaments, and toys pose a choking hazard to small children.  Use care when buying Christmas presents or bringing small objects into your home and call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission(C.P.S.C.) at 800-638-CPSC for information on toy safety.

Keeping pets safe during the holidays:

• Holly, mistletoe, and Poinsettias are toxic to  animals and cause cause symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, and even more serious symptoms like temporary blindness and seizures.
• Our pets love to chew on things, err on the side of caution when buy and placing, lights, ornaments, and decorations.
• Tinsel and ribbon are especially tempting to cats and kittens, but can pose a choking hazard, and can severely damage the intestines.  Steer clear of these if you have an indoor cat.
• Chocolate: Pets should never be given chocolate as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmia, and death even when it is eaten small amounts. Be sure to keep chocolate off of tables where pets may have access.
• Ham:  This meat is very high in fat and will cause severe stomach problems for pets if eaten in even small amounts.

Keep hazards out of your holidays by using your head, reading labels, and erring on the side of caution.  Have a safe and sane holiday from your friends at MBC.

Sources:

Argyle Veterinary Hospital

Staying safe as winter storms approach

With winter storms approaching, it’s time to think about how to keep our families safe during inclement weather.  Storms can cause extensive damage.  By being prepared you can save lives and reduce the amount of damage caused by inclement weather. 
Following are some tips for what to do before, during, and after thunder, wind, or snow storms and power outages. 

Always make sure you dress for the weather. 

Wear weather appropriate clothing.  Wear a rain coat for wet days, a heavy coat for winter cold and snow.   Even if you’re just going out for a few minutes, be prepared.  You could get delayed and put yourself at risk if you’re not dressed for the weather.  Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear mittens rather than gloves. Wear a warm, woolen cap. 

Vehicle upkeep

 Make sure your vehicle is in good working order.  You don’t want to break down in the middle of a snowstorm.  Check your windshield wipers to ensure they're in good condition, if they’re not, replace them. Fill your gas tank before the snow starts falling, confirm that your headlights work and that your tires are fully inflated.  

Driving in inclement weather

• Do not drive unnecessarily. Best thing to do would be to stay home.  If you have to drive make sure someone knows where you are going and stay on the main roads.
• When it’s raining, always drive with your headlights onto be better seen.  Drive at a safe speed, leaving enough room between you and the car in front of you.  If the rain is so heavy you can’t see the road in front of you, pull over and wait for it to let up.
• If you are driving in a lighting storm, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
• In a wind storm, pull off the road and stop away from trees. If possible, walk into a safe building. Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.
• If your car breaks down or you get stuck somewhere, try to remain inside the vehicle. Use a bright distress flag or your hazard lights to draw attention to your vehicle. During night hours, keep the dome light on in the car so rescue crews can see your vehicle.
• If trapped in a blizzard, clear your tail pipe and run your engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour. Open your window slightly.

Before any kind of storm

• Listen to your radio or television for winter storm forecasts and other information.
• Consider buying a generator. When installing a generator, follow the instructions carefully. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service panels—it's dangerous! Improper use of a generator can cause carbon monoxide poisoning so make sure to place a carbon monoxide detector indoors.
• Make sure your disaster preparedness kit contains light sticks, flashlights, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries and a wind-up clock.
• Know what emergency plans are in place at your workplace, school and daycare center.
• If you own an electric garage door opener, locate the manual override and know how to open the door in case of a power outage.

A couple more things while preparing for a power outage

• Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company.
• Have a corded telephone available — cordless phones will not work when the power is out. Or make sure your cell phone is charged.
• Have a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel. 

What to do before a windstorm

• If you live on a coastal or inland shoreline, be familiar with evacuation routes.
• Conduct a home safety evaluation to find out which nearby trees could fall in windstorm.

Preparing for winter storms

• Prepare your home for cold weather. Install storm windows. Insulate outside walls, attics and crawl spaces. Wrap pipes, especially those near cold outer walls or in attics or crawl spaces. Repair leaks in the roof, around the doors and in the windows.
• If you have a kerosene heater, refuel your heater outside and remember to keep it at least three feet from flammable objects.
• Make sure your fireplace functions properly.
• Have rock salt and sand on hand for traction on ice.

What to do during storms and power outages

• Be sure to eat regularly. Food provides calories that maintain body heat.
• Reduce the temperature in your home to conserve fuel.
• Heat only the areas of your home you are using. Close doors and curtains or cover windows and doors with blankets.
• Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Even if it is dark, turn light switches and buttons on lamps or appliances to the “off” position.
• Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from possible surges when the power is restored.
• Leave one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.
• Conserve water, especially if you use well water.
• Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating—they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.
• Candles can cause a fire. It's far better to use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting.
• Using a kerosene heater, gas lantern or stove inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all times to avoid a buildup of toxic fumes.
• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.
• If you are indoors, move away from windows or objects that could fall. Go to lower floors in multi-story homes.
• Be careful when shoveling snow. Do not overexert yourself.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia — slurred speech, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, stumbling, drowsiness and body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
• Bring dogs and cats inside during cold weather.
• If you become trapped outside, get out of the wind and stay dry. Build a lean-to or snow cave if nothing else is available. Do not eat snow; it will make you too cold.

Specifically for Thunder storms:

• Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
• Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-­powered TVs and radios instead.
• Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.
• Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

Keep food safe

• Use and store food carefully to prevent food borne illness when power outages make refrigeration unavailable.
• Use foods first that can spoil most rapidly.
• Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers closed. Your refrigerator's freezer will keep food frozen for up to a day. A separate fully-loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days.
• Use an ice chest packed with ice or snow to keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food. Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands. Use blocks or bags of ice to save refrigerator foods.
• Use caution if storing food outside during winter to keep it cold. The outside temperature varies, especially in the sun. Frozen food may thaw and refrigerator food may become warm enough to grow bacteria. Food stored outside must be secured from contamination by animals.
• If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out meat, seafood, dairy products and cooked food that does not feel cold.
• Never taste suspect food. Even if food looks and smells fine, illness-causing bacteria may be present.

What to do after a storm

• Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
• Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities.
• Call 9-1-1 only to report a life threatening emergency.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors — open windows and leave the building. Turn off the gas source and call your gas company. Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electric switches indoors.
• If the power goes out, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food frozen for up to two days.
• Provide assistance to your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
• Try to make contact with your out-of-area phone contact, but avoid making local telephone calls.
• Monitor your portable or weather radio for instructions or an official "all clear" notice. Radio stations will broadcast what to do, the location of emergency shelters, medical aid stations, and the extent of damage.

Lastly, your home, work, and car should all be stocked with emergency kits.

For your car, you should include a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food that can be eaten without being cooked. Include a blanket or sleeping bag for each passenger, a flashlight, cell phone, shovel, sack of sand or kitty litter, booster cables, flare, coffee can with lid, and toilet paper. 

For work keep everything in one container so you can grab and go in case of an evacuation.  Keep food and water in the container. Also, be sure to have com­fortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.

For your home disaster kit, you should have:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person, including:
• Jacket or coat.
• Long pants.
• Long sleeve shirt.
• Sturdy shoes.
• Hat, mittens, and scarf.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).
• A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys.
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
• Cash
• Sanitation and hygiene supplies. (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Matches and waterproof container.
• Whistle.
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
• Special needs items such as an extra pair of glasses, contact solution, hearing aid, etc
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container.

Make sure you’re prepared this winter so you can keep your family safe from injury and illness and your home safe from damage.  Be ready to weather the storm.

For more information on staying safe during storms and visit:

Ready

FEMA 

Red Cross 

Sources: 

Along with the three links above, our sources for this blog include

The city of Tacoma

Tacoma Power

The Washington State Department of Health