# 1973
Given that tomorrow's radio show will deal with preparedness for a pandemic, or any other disaster, I thought I'd touch on that subject again today.
The previous blog is a reprint of my Rehydration Solution essay, and it may well be the most important blog I've ever written. People who are sick can die unnecessarily from dehydration. It is a tremendous killer, particularly of small children and the elderly, but anyone can suffer, and die, from it. Knowing how to treat it may be your most important lifesaving skill.
Emergencies happen all the time.
Yesterday, tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma and Missouri - very near to where I used to live - killing 18 people. A little over a week ago, it was Arkansas, where 7 people perished in tornadic storms.
We've all been watching the horrific story out of Myanmar, where 100,000 or more may have perished in Cyclone Nargis. And recent rumblings in fault lines around the world are a reminder that the earth can sometimes deal nasty surprises without warning.
The beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane season is less than 3 weeks away, and as in years past, the tropics could easily brew up a horrific storm and send it towards the mainland.
I can't think of a day in the past 37 years when I haven't had at least one first aid kit constantly within reach. I keep a nice one in my car, and another, even better equipped one in my home. If I take a trip in someone else's car, I transfer my kit to their trunk.
Yes, I suppose it's a bit obsessive, but over the years it has come in very handy on more than one occasion.
Every home, and every vehicle, should have a proper first aid kit. Not one of those dimestore Band-Aid boxes that they sell for too much money, but a real first aid kit.
Last January a grassroots, volunteer organization called the National Citizens Pandemic Alliance (NCPA) launched a new website called GET PANDEMIC READY, filled with dozens of downloadable files on how to prepare for a pandemic or other emergency.
Here is just an excerpt from their first aid section.
Why This is Important
In a pandemic, health care services may be overwhelmed, or you may not wish to leave home and risk exposure to the flu virus. You may be required to administer more advanced medical care to yourself or others than you have in the past. If communications with a healthcare provider is available, you will need supplies and knowledge to be able to follow their directions. If no medical care is available, you might find yourself the sole provider of care for those around you. You will need supplies and skills.
Supplies
Essential supplies include a first aid kit and emergency dental kit. These come in all sizes and can be tailored to fit your situation. Remember to include medical supplies for children and pets, who may require different sizes of supplies or strengths of medications. An example first aid kit is described at Ready America and includes the following items:
- sterile gloves (latex, or nitrile if you are allergic to latex)
- sterile dressings to stop bleeding and to protect wounds
- cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
- antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- burn ointment to prevent infection
- adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
- eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
- thermometer
- prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates
- prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
Other important things to have:
- Cell Phone
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Non-prescription drugs:
- Pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for upset stomach)
- Laxative
And everyone should know how to use one. If you haven't taken a first aid course, now is the time to do so. Check with your local Red Cross or Fire Department to find out where they are being given in your community.
In addition to a first aid kit, every home should have lanterns, flashlights, or other light sources. Candles are NOT recommended, as every year they are responsible for house fires.
Pictured below is an inexpensive LED lantern. It will burn on 4 AA batteries for about 40 hours. It is bright, gives off no heat, and poses no fire danger. I have a dozen of them.
And of course you need a battery operated radio, one which receives the weather bands, and preferably has a NOAA Alert.
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There's more, of course. But these few steps are a good beginning.
To them you should add an emergency pantry with at least 2-weeks worth (12 weeks is preferable) of food and water, some safe method of emergency cooking, and depending on the climate where you live, an emergency heat source.
For detailed information on how to prepare, I can think of no better resource than GET PANDEMIC READY.
If you haven't been to the Federal Governments pandemic information site, go to www.pandemicflu.gov and plan to spend a good deal of time.
It doesn't take a pandemic to ruin your whole day. Disasters happen here in the US dozens of times each year. Around the world, that number climbs into the hundreds.
It pays to be prepared.
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