We have lots of new books on sustainable living in the store and will be working on projects this spring and summer to create gardens, bread ovens, water storage and more. If you are interested in learning about this please email me.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

May 17th 2009 

" Just in Case" and Emergency Preparedness day from 10 am - 4 pm at the Old Fort Collins Airport. Cost is donation and a non perishable food item for our " Just in Case " boxes.

I will be posting links and information on this website and also putting the information on disk for people to take home or to send to people  in other areas.

Water Storage and Collection:

Rain Barrels:

http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/rain-water-barrel.do

http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Link-Keywordsearch?DefaultButton=findSimple&q=rainbarrels&x=0&y=0

Gardeners Supply also has great ideas for growing food.

Food Storage and Collection:

http://beprepared.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1242149009

http://happyhovelfoods.com/

http://www.survivalcenter.com/

Keeping Clean when the power is out;

A Great non electric Washing Machine:

http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=MC%20W100

Emergency Kits:
Where to get the list

http://www.northerncolorado.redcross.org/BuildKit.htm#Special_Items_&_Important_Family_Documents

http://www.dola.state.co.us/oem/PublicInformation/family.pdf

And Here Is The rest....

Emergency Preparedness can be complicated or simple.

 

The best way to start is to see what you already have. Check your camping equipment, see if your first aid kit is stocked and make your list.

 

Where is your solar shower, your one or two burner stove, your water bottles, your laundry line…?

 

I have lots of sources and have been learning every day about new ways to eat and be healthy.

 

 I will post everything on the earthstar-store.com website so look for new postings.

 

 I like seed of change organic non GMO ( Genetically Modified ) seeds, Edenfoods.com for organic canned foods and nuts, Frontier Coop for dried food in bulk, herbs,  mixes, powdered drink mix, etc

 

. I did not want to stock my house with non organic food so I did a lot of research.

 

 I loved that I could make almond milk with soaked almonds and a blender. (I am working on a non electric way) I bought a food dehydrator and have been making strawberry and banana snacks. I am learning to can and make jams and jellies.

 

I bought a sprout jar for protein rich sprouts and sprouted wheat berries.

 

I found a way to cook bread without an oven.

 

 I started my seedlings in my living room window with a small fluorescent light and grow bulbs.

 

 I lived in the woods with no running water and wood for heat 17 years ago. I learned the hard way about dressing warmly and driving in deep snow ( or getting snowed in for 2 months) I learned to read the weather and prepare for winter ( 6 months of food and melted snow for a shower) I learned how smart and strong I could be- and resourceful. I have been getting emails from people all over the country with ideas

 

Here are a few: These were emailed to me by a friend…

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place 
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

 

Preparing for Disasters

by P.W. McRandle

Filed under: Natural Disasters, Disaster Relief, Storm Preparation, Disaster Preparation

While the East Coast has so far been spared major storms this year, in early September Hurricane John killed 6 people on the Baja Peninsula when dams broke and villages flooded. In its wake, streets and houses were left filled with mud and many people lost their homes. And returning to places that have been devastated can be no less dangerous than staying during the disaster.

To mitigate the effects of storms, flooding and other events, we need to preserve wetlands, mangrove forests and other natural shields against extreme weather. But in the short term, we need to be ready for emergencies without surrendering to scare-mongering. After all, a fallout shelter may be useless against an atomic bomb, but taking the evacuation route out of town before a flood or hurricane hits can be life saving. Below are tips and products to help you get through disasters unscathed.

Be Informed

Contact your local authorities about possible hazards and emergencies and ask them how frequently they occur and what you can do to reduce your risk. In the United States, FEMA provides state-by-state disaster lists at www.fema.gov. For worldwide information, the International Disaster Database at the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters provides country profiles listing of natural and technological disasters (www.cred.be). Also check with officials about obtaining copies of community and school emergency plans, and memorize the evacuation plan in your workplace.

Plan Ahead

All family members should have a contact card listing a meeting place and phone number and contact information for a friend outside the region with whom family members can check in.

Check your insurance for coverage of emergencies known to strike your area.

Ensure that you have carriers and food for pets.

Take a first aid and a CPR course at a local chapter of your national Red Cross or Red Crescent society (see directory at www.ifrc.org).

Emergency Kit

Depending on where you live and the natural disasters to which your area is prone, you may need to store at home enough non-perishable food and water to last your family three days or more, providing at least one gallon of water per person per day. Kits should include cash, blankets and sheets, matches, a first aid kit, prescription medications and copies of insurance policies, deeds, credit cards and IDs. Also store enough gas to fill your car. Below are products to help keep you fed and informed during emergencies.

• Non-perishable food (and a can opener): You can avoid hormone disrupting bisphenol-A in the linings of cans by choosing foods in recyclable cartons produced by Tetra Pak and Sig Combibloc. Eden Foods also does not use BPA in their canned organic foods line (www.edenfoods.com).

• Radios: Solar radios that can also be hand-cranked mean you have fewer batteries to worry about. Freeplay Eyemax ($50) includes an LED flashlight and their Summit includes short wave and long wave functions ($90; www.freeplayenergy.com).

• Flashlights: LED flashlights will extend battery life considerably or try a hand cranked model like the Sherpa ($40, www.amazon.com). Night Ize makes LED "upgrades" for MagLite flashlights ($7.95; www.niteize.com). The Solaris Solar Lantern runs 4-6 hours on a charge from an accompanying solar panel ($149; www.realgoods.com).

• Batteries and rechargers: Batteries are snapped up quickly in emergencies, but rechargeables can draw on solar energy to keep the power flowing. For rechargeable batteries of all types, see www.sundancesolar.com. The Solar BatterySaver SE 2, charges car batteries through the cigarette lighter ($34; www.batterystuff.com). The Brunton SolarPort 4.4 recharges cell phones and other small devices and comes with the BattJack, which charges up to 10 AA and AAA batteries ($119; www.brunton.com). To recycle rechargeable batteries at the end of their life, see www.rbrc.org. Dispose of non-recyclable batteries according to local solid-waste regulations.

• Stoves: For extended emergencies, you'll want to cook and may need to purify water by boiling it. Solar cookers have been used by refugees from Darfur and come in a variety of portable forms, including the CooKit ($25) which folds flat, the more durable Global Sun Oven ($229) which reaches temperatures in the upper 300 degrees F and the Teacher's Kit ($50) which includes a pot, water pasteurization indicator (WAPI) and guide (www.solarcookers.org). Where sunlight isn't consistent, the clean-burning Eco FuelXB Fold Flat Stove (www.ecofuelxb.com) is a handy, compact option.

• Sewage: Properly handling human waste is a necessity when sewage lines have broken or been overwhelmed by flooding. You can convert your toilet to an emergency toilet by lining it (or a 5 gallon pail) with two heavy-duty garbage bags, placing kitty litter, fireplace ashes or sawdust at the bottom. Bags should be sealed at the end of the day and removed to a garage or outbuilding. The city may accept bags in the solid waste stream under emergency rules or they may be disposed of in a properly working sewage or septic system. Alternatively, the PETT Portable Toilet provides waste bags and powder to break down waste and render it fit for disposal in regular trash as well as a privacy tent ($329; www.gaiam.com). Or try the more affordable cardboard Outback Pack portable toilet ($15; www.outbackpack.com).

Finally, make sure you check all stored items regularly to ensure they still function and confirm with family members regularly about your emergency plans. For more information, see "Prudent Action Versus Overreaction" (Green Guide #90) and product reports at www.thegreenguide.com/reports.

Resources

"Still Free Information" from GG #90.

U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration "Are You Ready?" Guide, www.fema.gov/areyouready/

For a list of sites worldwide, see "Disaster and Emergency Management on the Internet," www.keele.ac.uk/depts/por/disaster.htm

International Strategy For Disaster Reduction, www.unisdr.org/

RELATED Prudent Action Vs. Overreaction: Planning for Disaster by Pamela Lundquist

Preparing Pets for Emergency: Be Ready. Be Safe. Be Fast.

Excerpts from RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster (New World Library), Chapter 19, "Preparing Pets and Farm Animals for Disaster and Evacuation", Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.

     RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster by Allen and Linda Anderson is designed to keep a national conversation going on how to strengthen animal rescue and replace outdated, agrarian policies regarding animals with more effective lifesaving procedures. Among other vital pieces of information are:

• The five crucial questions everyone with a pet must ask to assess if they are prepared for disaster
• What essential elements are needed in a pet preparedness kit for an owner to evacuate safely and quickly in the event of a house fire, neighborhood chemical spill, terrorism threat, evacuation order, or natural disaster such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes
• How to have a family emergency disaster plan that includes pets
• What should be in your car or a safe deposit box that could save lives
• What questions to ask of local, state, and national emergency planning committees, fire and police departments, and legislators to make sure you have support for pet evacuation and sheltering in disasters
• What will get you into a shelter or rescue vehicle and why you and your pet could be turned away.

     A great idea is to have a Rescue Alert sticker on the front door of your house. You can get this for free at the ASPCA website. It alerts emergency personnel that there are animals in the house and tells the number and types. The Oregon Humane Society also offers a free pet Rescue Alert sticker on its website. Code 3 Associates has a downloadable Emergency Release Form, which allows anyone who needs to offer emergency medical care to your pet to have permission to do so. Fill it out ahead of time so you don’t have to try to remember all the information when you are in a panic.

A Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

     If you are away from your home for a day, a week, or longer (some people from the Gulf Coast had not returned more than six months after Hurricane Katrina), you will need supplies for your pets. On its website the HSUS, working with the American Red Cross, recommends that your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

• Medications, a first-aid kit, and medical records (stored in a waterproof container)
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can’t escape
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
• Food, portable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable
• None of these preparations is hard to accomplish. Creating your pet disaster supplies kit is a one-time task, and then it will be ready for use in the months and years ahead.

Use the Warning Time Well

     If you are lucky enough to be warned ahead of time that a disaster is approaching, you can better prepare to protect your pets. You can call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements and make reservations at pet-friendly hotels. (Remember, many hotels waive their no-pets policy in a disaster evacuation.) With warning time, you can check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready. Keep all pets in the house so that you won’t have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

     Be sure all dogs and cats are wearing securely fastened collars and have up-to-date identification. Also, attach the phone number and address of the place where you will evacuate or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding the temporary information with an indelible pen.

     Keep informed about where pet-friendly evacuation shelters will be located in your area. In case you can’t get into a pet-friendly hotel, a pet shelter next to a people shelter may be your last resort. Many of these animal shelters will require that you bring your own crates, pet food, supplies, medications, and veterinarian records showing vaccinations. Of course, there will probably be exceptions made for people who had to flee hurriedly. But being able to get into the relatively few spaces that would be available in one of these shelters is another good reason to have a pet disaster kit in your car.

First Aid Kit

Support Websites: Ready.gov

http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/basickit.shtm

Basic Supplies: create inventory list and date items

Note - knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Things you should have:

• Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cotton Swabs
• First Aid Tape
• Cleansing agent/soap (antibacterial) and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect. Have some alcohol and hydrogen peroxide as well.
• Antibiotic Ointment to prevent infection.
• Antiseptic Ointment (Neosporin, etc.) — natural alternative that may be useful…d-Lenolate crème (Olive Leaf Extract) or colloidal silver works well also
• Burn Ointment (Hydrocortisone, Derm-Aid) to prevent infection - Aloe Vera helps to aid healing
• Adhesive Bandages and Gauze in a variety of sizes (water resistant where possible).
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
• Thermometer (no breakables)
• 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.
• Lubricant, Water Soluble (K-Y Jelly) — an alternative, Olive oil or Emerita Natural Lubricant
• Tongue Blades
• Tweezers (with magnifying glass helps)
• Scissors (surgical pointed)
• Tourniquet
• Splint
• Cold/Heat Pack
• Snake Bite Kit

 

Additional Supplies:

• Aspirin 
• Nonaspirin pain reliever (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen, Paracetamol) — Traumeel oral or topical
• Antibiotic (Tetracycline for general infections)…Grape fruit seed extract, colloidal silver and d-Lenolate (Olive Leaf Extract) have natural antibiotic qualities
• Anti-diarrhea (Imodium, Diasorb) – natural approach, Pro-biotics and activated charcoal tablets
• Antacid for upset stomach (Mylanta, Tums, Pepto-Bismal), natural alternative…Calcium Lactate, Aloe vera, digestive enzymes and Apple cider vinegar
• Potassium Iodate for radiation protection (Potassium Iodide-[KI] or Potassium Iodate-[KIO3] are fine)
• Laxative
• Bach Flower “Rescue Remedy” for calming stress
• Analgesic Cream (Camphophenique) – Traumeel by Heel Homeopathics
• Anti-fungal (Desenex, Lotrimin, Micatin, Tinactin) – natural approach…d-Lenolate, Pau D Arco
• Antihistamine (Benadryl, Claratyne) – note: Homeopathics (Histamin by Heel, & BioAllers products) and Butterbur Extract have been known to relieve hay fever symptoms
• Vitamin C complex, Echinacea and Goldenseal – cold/flu support
• Cough Syrup (Robitussen, Dimetap) – there are also homeopathic and herbal syrups available (Herbal Expec good expectorant)
• Eye Drops (Visine) – Homeopathic (Allergy Eye Relief by Similasan)
• Itching, Insect/Rash (Caladril, Calamine) – Homeopathics available as well (Apis Hommacord by Heel)
• For Poison Ivy/Oak (Dermarest Poison Ivy Mousse or Ivarest) – Poision ivy/oak Hylands homeopathics and Histamin by Heel are available alternatives, as is Indian Healing Clay   
• Lip Balm (ChapStick, Blistex) – Burt’s Bees, Alba
• For Nausea, Motion Sickness (Kwells, Dramamine) – natural possibilities, Crystallized Ginger or Nox Vomica - Homaccord by Heel
• Poison Absorber Packet (Activated Charcoal)
• Vomit Inducer (Ipecac, Activated charcoal)
• Sunburn Relief (Solarcaine, Paxyl) — Aloe vera
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 at least) — Alba Sunscreen 30spf
• Epson Salt

Things good to have:

·         First Aid Book

·         Cell Phone & Charger (crank & solar available if no power)

·         Hand & Feet Warmers

·         Electrolyte Drink

·         Masks, Respiratory, Surgical

·         Safety Pins & Rubber Bands

·         Razor Blades

·         Medicine & Eye Dropper

·         Extra Eye Glasses

·         Ace Bandage

Additional Supplies and Documents:

Medications and Medical Supplies

If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need to make it on your own for at least a week, maybe longer.

• Make a list of prescription medicines including dosage, treatment and allergy information.
• Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you need to prepare.
• If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers and incorporate them into your personal support network.
• Consider other personal needs such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen.

 

For those with special needs – teach others how to administer insulin, operate medical equipment, etc…

For People with Disabilities:

• Create a support network to help in an emergency.
• Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
• Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
• Contact your city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
• If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
• Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
• Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
• Additional Supplies for People with Disabilities:
• Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any allergies.
• Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
• Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen.
• Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices.
• Medical insurance and Medicare cards.
• List of doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.

 

More Information

For information and tools related to emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities see the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities' Resource Center.

Websites with products and information:

www.realgoods.com ( solar battery charges, ovens etc. )

www.seedsofchange.com ( organic seeds packaged to last !!)

www.youtube.com is a great resource for making almond milk, solar ovens, cooking ideas etc. just do a search when you are on the website

www.peggylayton.com ( storage and survival author )

www.earthstar-store.com ( go to emergency preparedness link for more info)

www.happyheartfarmcsa.com ( local csa for weekly food )

www.grantfarms.com ( another csa with meat and eggs )

Clean out your cupboards of any old food, check your freezer for outdated meats and veggies. Put all of your camping and emergency products in bins and label them so you can find them.

We have a wonderful community in Fort Collins and we can all support each other in time of need. Get to know the people on your street. Organize now while we can clean and prepare. Keep it simple and within your budget. This is not a time for fear, this is a time to prepare, be ready and have fun learning new things. In light, Lelie

 

Here are a few tidbits that I learned along the way:

1.     Bay Leaves keep moths and pests out of flour and dry goods

2.     Peppermint oil keeps away ants and mice

3.     sprouted wheat digests as a vegetable

4.     sprouts are a great source of protein

5.     you can cook just about everything in a Dutch oven

6.     you can make a solar cooker out a aluminum foil and a pizza box

7.     Sea Salt helps to balance the system. “A pinch under the tongue at least once or twice a day aligns the chemical structures housed within the brain” from And Then God Said…Then I said…Then he said….

8.     Head lamps give us a hands free way to see at night.

9.     you can buy rechargeable batteries that are already charged and ready to go

10.                         A charcoal grill will cook loaves of bread…

11.                         Dr. Bronners can be used to wash clothes, dishes, hair, teeth and just about anything else.

12.                         buy a dish pan and keep water in it to presoak your dishes

13.                        fill the bathtub for extra water

14.                         People in our community have the knowledge we lack. Ask a Grandmother about canning food, share your experience and ask for help

If you have information to share please email me at earthstarcreations.com. We are all here to help make this transition easier.