Getting Prepared and Having Peace of Mind

November 2010

NOVEMBER PREPAREDNESS - First Aid and Equipment:

First Aid Kits come in all sizes, types, and prices. Find one that is right for your family. Be sure to have one for home, car, and your 72 Hr. Kit and include Celox for bleeding and Water Jel for burns.

Equipment to start gathering: Tube Tent, Emerg. Sleeping Bag, 5 in 1 Survival Whistle, N95 Respiratory Mask, Sewing Kit, Multifunction Tool, Pocket Knife, Duct Tape, Nylon Rope, Hand Warmers, Garden Gloves. These can all be found locally or for under $30 at Emergency Essentials not including the First Aid Kit.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Have you checked your fire extinguishers lately? Do you even know where they are? Some are refillable but most only are guaranteed for 5-10 yrs. To unpack the chemical, spin extinguisher. Do not shake. Check the gauge but do not test. If in doubt, replace it.

Did You Know:

· T Text messaging usually works when cell phones are down.

· NNever mix Windex (Ammonia) and Bleach. It makes a gas similar to mustard gas.

The Bedroom Evacuation Test: Blindfold family member, spin them until dizzy, then have them try to get out of the house in 30 seconds. This is what it is like waking up suddenly in the dark and being disoriented by tiredness, fear, and smoke.

Recipes of the Month:

Pan Spray

To make your own homemade pan spray, fill a spray bottle with 5 oz oil and 1 oz vodka. Shake well and spray. This costs about a fifth as much as regular Pam. (Note: regular Pam contains alcohol, but if using the vodka bothers you, try it with just plain oil.)

Homemade Vanilla

Fill a pretty jar full of the vodka and add a vanilla bean. Let it marinate for a week or so and you have homemade vanilla for a fraction of what store-bought costs.

Ice Pack

Combine a 1/2 cup of alcohol and a 1/2 cup of water in a freezer bag. When frozen, will make a reusable ice pack for aches, pains or black eyes.

You can stretch the recipe with 1/2 cup alcohol and 1 cup of water.