How did Santa stay safe this season?

Even Santa is prepared...are you?

Getting ready for 2010!

From me to you...a very safe and prepared holiday season. I have taken a short break from my blog the last couple of months, but please know that I am excited to share many new tips, stories and preparedness information. May you always have light, stay low and be prepared.

What about my pets?

Above we see an emergency "GO" bag for a small dog or cat. Your pet is just like a child. It is depending on you to include them with your disaster preparedness.


Here is a more detailed list of the type of items you may consider for your animal.



Pet Disaster Supplies Kit or Go-Bag
It may include:
Copies of medical records including vaccination dates, stored in a waterproof container
Medications and information about each medication. List each animal separately, including dose and frequency for each medication. Include the name and number of your veterinarian
Information on diet. List the diet for each pet, including what not to feed in case of allergy
Information about any behavioral issues
A first aid kit (include flea and tick treatment and items recommended by your veterinarian)
Collapsible cage or carrier for each animal, labeled with your contact information. (Cat carriers should be big enough to hold a small litter pan and food dishes and allow your cat to comfortably use the litter and to lie down. Dog kennels should be spacious enough to hold two non-spill bowls and allow room for your dog to stand and turn around.)
Muzzle and leash
Handling gloves
Current photos of your pets in case they get lost. Include yourself in some of the photos as further proof of identity.
Information about your pet's species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing traits
Proof of ownership (registration and microchip information; adoption papers)
Food and water for at least three or more days
Food bowls, cat litter/pan/scoop, and manual can opener
Plastic bags, newspapers, containers and cleaning supplies
Pet beds, toys and treats to make animals feel comfortable

Tell me L.I.E.S.

Part of disaster preparedness is disaster prevention. If you have cleaning supplies stored in common areas, such as under the kitchen sink or hall closet, you may have a potential disaster waiting to happen. Imagine a 6.4 earthquake like Los Angeles experienced in 1994. The cleaning supplies could spill and cause a hazardous material problem when they combine. (Many cleaners have either chlorine bleach or ammonia. If bleach and ammonia mix, it can be deadly.)
L- Limit the amount you keep in common areas.
I- Isolate items that could become deadly if spilled or if mixed.
E- Eliminate chemicals/products you no longer need or use.

S- Separate inside items vs. items to be stored in garage. Make sure there is good ventilation.

If you do not know how to dispose of hazardous materials, call 311 or check with your local fire station for information regarding haz-mat round up.

Poison Exposure?Call Your Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Free, professional, 24/7/365Don’t guess, be sure…


Don't know what to do with your old batteries? If you live in or near Los Angeles, check with your local Jiffy Lube and dispose there. Thank you Jiffy Lube for helping keep our planet healthy. Practice "responsible disposal".

Do you know how to get down?

Today at 10:15 a.m. millions of Californians will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever! Are you "in the know"? Do you know how to get down? (Get down meaning DUCK, COVER & HOLD!)If you do not, check out the video below to start to build your plan for survival. To fail to plan...is to plan to fail! Let's learn from our brothers and sisters around the world. Don't be a victim, be victorious!

Its Shake Out Time...Do You Know What To Do?

Thank you Red Cross for your continued aid- Red Cross in American Samoa

(Please note this is a reprint from the American Red Cross. Thank you to the American Red Cross for the use of this article.)

The American Red Cross is on the ground in American Samoa where a tsunami swept across the island after a powerful earthquake hit the South Pacific.
Red Cross has dozens of volunteers already providing food and supplies to those on the island. A team of 50 volunteers is being sent in to supplement the efforts of the local Red Cross team. The Red Cross has a warehouse on American Samoa supplied with cots, flashlights, and cooking and clean-up supplies, and will be sending in additional supplies as quickly as possible.
“We will get there as quickly as we can with what we can,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president for Red Cross Disaster Services. “Our first priority is to provide food and water.” After yesterday’s 8.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami, a significant portion of American Samoa is without power or water amid widespread damage.
Getting information out of the island is very slow at this time. The Red Cross urges those who have been able to contact loved ones on American Samoa to register them with Safe and Well, the best way to share information about their status. You can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at http://www.redcross.org/. If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-REDCROSS to register your loved ones. The information you post will let other loved ones know about the well-being of those on the island. Please note - Safe and Well works only on American Samoa. The service will not work on Samoa.
American Samoa, a group of seven islands about 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii, is a United States Territory. American Samoa and the independent country of Western Samoa make up the Samoan group of islands in the center of Polynesia. According to news reports, four tsunami waves about 15 to 20 feet high came ashore on American Samoa after the earthquake in the South Pacific.
Your financial support will help the Red Cross respond to disasters like this situation in the Samoan islands. You can make a donation by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or (1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or visiting redcross.org, and choosing whether to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or American Red Cross International Response Fund.
Help people affected by disasters like the recent earthquakes and floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.org.

USC & UCLA are getting ready...why aren't you?

Members of USC Fire & EMS help keep the campus of University of Southern California safe, prepared and ready for day to day needs as well as disaster preparedness.

USC Fire & EMS teach faculty and students how to use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher.

UCLA has one of the best EMS support and transportation systems in Los Angeles.

If you think about most college campuses, they are like a city inside of a city. Our neighborhoods can take note on how most college campuses are prepared for disaster. Everything from medical support (take a first aid class) to fire suppression and search/rescue. Your neighborhood will need to be able to operate as it's own "city inside of a city".

United On Line is united in preparedness

United On Line has had two training days recently that included both disaster preparedness and fire extinguisher training. Thank you to all of the United personnel who not only came to learn, but also treated me very well.
Knowing what to do when disaster strikes is one of the best insurance policies someone can have. What kills fear? Knowledge kills fear. Training supplies knowledge. Get in the know!

Woodland Hills and United On Line is prepared...are you?

It takes a village...

“It takes a village to raise a child”…This African proverb is true. The updated Los Angeles version of this proverb is: “It takes a village to survive a disaster”. When the long arm of disaster reaches and taps you on your shoulder, are you prepared?
The neighbors of the west Los Angeles community of South Carthay Street gathered this morning and put on their own disaster simulation. The scenario was a 7.8 earthquake and the focus was on search and rescue, triage, transport and treatment. The drill was an excellent opportunity to stretch their CERT muscles and unite their “village”.
KUDOS and thank you from this firefighter to the members of South Carthay Street for you courage and vision to help build a safer and more prepared Los Angeles.

What the heck is Phos Chek?

If you ever wanted to know what the red stuff that is dropped on brush fires is, it's called Phos-Chek. Phos-Chek is a fire retardant. Click this link to learn more.

http://www.phoschek.com/

Preparedness is a way of life...How are you living?

In light of the current events in Southern California this past week, the need to be disaster prepared should be clear. Your vision into the future should be 20-20. There is no excuse to not be proactive in the education, implementation and the maintenance of your disaster preparedness. The potential of wild fires, earthquake, mud slides, floods and terrorism is as assured as the potential of the sun rising in the east and setting in the west.

Red Flag...what does this mean?

The city of Los Angeles follows a warning system that alerts citizens of when weather conditions are in a high hazard rating. The high hazard conditions are when wild fires can start and spread rapidly. This is not to say that other days can't be hazardous, but when the wind exceed 25 mph and the humidity drops below 15% the city will issue a "RED FLAG" warning.

Red flag warning can also mean no parking on streets that have been determined to be vital for entry and access for emergency apparatus and evacuation. These high hazard areas can be identified by a number of outreach methods of education. Here are a few of the ways to determine if you are in one of these areas:

• call 311
• local radio and television stations (AM 980 & AM 1070)
• http://lafd.org/redflag/
• check with your local fire station as well as look for a "red flag" on the flag pole

If you do not live in the city of Los Angeles, check with your local fire authority and ask what can you do to be prepared, be informed and to be empowered.

Are you ready for brush fire?

Click on this link to connect with the Los Angeles Fire Departments Brush Clearance Unit Here you can find out about "RED FLAG", defensible space and requirements for the city of Los Angeles as well as increasing your preparedness IQ.

http://www.lafd.org/brush/

LA City & LA County dig in deep to fight fires in La Canada & Rancho Palos Verdes

The need to be ready in unfolding before our eyes as we see evacuations of homes in many areas of Los Angeles County. We must be prepared for disaster...brush fires, earthquakes, floods. KISS- Keep It Simple w/ Safety. Keep checking this sight for tips and information regarding disaster preparedness. Remember..."If we stay prepared, we don't have to get prepared!"...Prepare as if your life depends on it...because it does!

Florida prepares for tropical storm/hurricanes

THIS IS A REPRINT///THANK YOU TO THE WRITERS AND REUTERS

MIAMI (Reuters) - The first two named tropical storms of the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, Ana and Bill, formed over the Atlantic on Saturday and moved westward, and the National Hurricane Center said Bill was expected to become a hurricane in 3-4 days.
At 1700 EDT (2100 GMT), Bill was located about 820 miles west-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands and was moving west with maximum sustained winds near 40 miles per hour, the NHC said.
"Strengthening is indicated and Bill is expected to become a hurricane in three to four days," it said, adding forecasts showed this would take place when the storm was very near the Northern Leeward Islands. The five-day forecast track showed it could threaten Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Tropical storms become hurricanes when their top sustained winds reach 74 mph.
Earlier on Saturday, the first named tropical storm of the 2009 Atlantic season, Ana, formed. It was heading toward the Leeward Islands, and could also threaten the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The NHC said some forecasts of Ana's likely track showed it could pass over or near the southern Florida peninsula within five days, but initial projections did not show this storm developing into a full-blown hurricane in that time.
With maximum sustained winds near 40 miles per hour, Ana was located at 1700 EDT (2100 GMT) about 805 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands.
The NHC said the government of the Netherland Antilles had issued a tropical storm watch for St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius.
The 2009 hurricane season, which runs from June through November, has gotten off to a late start. By this time last year, there had already been five named storms in the Atlantic basin.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted this year's Atlantic hurricane season will see normal to below-normal activity, with seven to 11 tropical storms and three to six hurricanes.
Energy traders watch for storms that could enter the Gulf of Mexico and threaten U.S. oil and natural gas platforms and refineries along the coast. Commodities traders watch storms that could hit crops such as citrus and cotton in Florida and other states along the coast to Texas.
(Writing by Alan Elsner and Pascal Fletcher, editing by Todd Eastham)

Build a better "Sandtrap"?

This past week, I was amazed when I saw a new machine that can help many of our Southern California neighborhoods as we transition from summer and into fall and winter (The rainy season). Anybody who has lived in Southern California understands the double edge disaster sword of brush fires. The first side is the devastation of the fire itself. To loose your home and all of your property inside can be devastating. However, the rhyme or reason how often a fire can ravish a community, but leave some house standing is a mystery. (Aside from proper brush clearance and defensible space) The reaction to this tragic action if sometimes felt months later when heavy rains come and the normal ground cover has been burned away. As a result the second side of the double edge disaster is flood and mud slide. The house left standing from the prior brush fires are often left vulnerable during wet and rainy weather. When mud slide is the case, it often requires tedious and back breaking manual labor of filling and placing sandbags to divert the flow of water and mud.
The new machine I referenced earlier is called the "Sand U Bag" sand bagging machine. This simple scoop and fill machine has simplified the sand bagging process to a place where home owners, block clubs, community groups...fire fighters can bag 300 sand bags an hour. (As per their claim) I have not seen an hours worth of work, but what I did see was quite impressive. To learn more, go to: http://www.sandubag.com/ or give them a call at (818) 243-1977.
Please remember to be safe.

ESPN has what it takes!

Today's adventure in preparedness took me and my partner to the studios of ESPN. The crew was great and the training was a huge success. Thank you to Tiffany Taylor for organizing and supporting a safer and better prepared ESPN...BOO-YHOW!
JJ & Huddy tour the Sports Center studios...way cool!

Back to school means college too!

Back to school includes our college students. Many students, this may be the first time away from home. A perfect dorm present for the first time setting up "home" is a disaster preparedness kit. Use any old backpack or gym bag and fill it with the "JJ" top ten. (See right side of my blog for the ten suggested items to go into your "GO" bag.)

Thank you to the residence advisers from California State University Northridge for allowing me and my partner to come out and teach extinguisher proper use as well as have a awesome time rock'n the fire pit! Call us again if you would like more training or suggestions to have a safe and sane college dorm experience. GO MATADORS!
Old Matadors don't die, we become firefighters and teach disaster preparedness!

Back to School and your child's old back pack...

Back Pack-Back Pack

It's back to school and you are buying the new "Jonas" or "G Force" back packs for your child and don't know what to do with the old "HSM" or "Back Street Boys" back packs. Don't throw them away! Go green and recycle! Turn the old back packs into "GO"/disaster bags for your children. Wash then and make it a family project by including the children in packing the bags together. Make this a teachable moment. Empowerment through example.

Mechanical Engineering offers rare perspective by offering both Dry Chem & CO2 extinguisher training

The CO2 extinguisher offers unique benefits that includes less mess. While the Dry Chem and the CO2 look similar, they reach their goal in different ways. Both are excellent front line fire suppression tools.

The use of the Class A, B, C/Dry Chemical extinguisher offers an affordable and portable front line fire suppression tool that everybody needs to know how to use. The Dry Chemical extinguisher is noted by it's common smooth hose tip and the sodium bicarbonate powder residue.

Employees of Mechanical Engineering did a great job with the fire extinguisher disaster training!

Venice Neighborhood Block Party

Sunday afternoon, sun setting on the horizon and warm Southern California breeze blowing as neighbors listen to representatives from the LAPD and LAFD (myself) share about strategies and tips to stay safe in their homes as well as how to be prepared in case of disaster. Thank you to Jeremy and the rest of the neighbors on Walnut Ave. The block party was great and I appreciate the opportunity to share what I know about preparedness.
Now lets take it to the next level and get that CERT class going!

West Angeles is on a roll!

One of the greatest feelings for a person like me is to see people hear my presentation and then act on the advice given. Not just talk the talk, but walk the walk. West Angeles Church of God in Christ is a beacon in the Crenshaw community. What a blessing to see...what an awesome blessing indeed! Thank you to Earl Jordan and the other leadership under Bishop Blake.

UCLA is taking the first step!

Students at the UCLA school of public health made a great audience for the disaster preparedness presentation. Many great ideas and suggestions where shared as we dialogue about potential threats and disasters.

Thank you Downtown Womans Center

No matter where you are in life...preparedness needs to be a part of your "wellness program". thank you to the women of The Downtown Woman's Center for your enthusiasm and attention today as we trained with fire extinguishers. Outstanding!

Let's get it started

When looking at the many things to do to get your home and family disaster prepared, it can at times seem overwhelming. Many people have said to me, “Hey JJ, that’s too much for me to do. Besides, what good will it do if the earthquake is as large as predicted?”
A famous proverb says…: “A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step.” The important thing to do is to take the first step. Here are some suggestions to help you and your family get that first step in motion. Remember, you can’t take the second step without taking the first.

START WHERE YOU STAND/SLEEP
Experts say, when disaster strikes, most people will be in one of three places. People will be home, work or in route to or from home and work. For children and college students, you can replace work with school. With a desired healthy sleep goal of at least eight hours, the odds of being either in bed or in your bedroom are significant. Remember, the 1994 Northridge Earthquake hit at 4:31 AM on a holiday weekend. Many Angelino’s where jarred out of their slumber to the crude reality that despite years of warning, they where not prepared.
I challenge you. Do not allow the day to end…this day…today, without taking the most important step in the preparedness journey…the first step.
Take an old plastic shopping bag and place three things inside.
1.) A pair of walking shoes.- In the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, many people failed to put on shoes and subsequently cut the soles of their feet on broken glass, ruble and debris. If any of these victims had diabetes, these cuts left unattended, could become infected and tragically end up with amputation. The simple act of putting on shoes could prevent significant injuries.
2.) Flashlights/Batteries- Store the batteries in a dry place and monitor the date you purchased your flashlights and batteries. There are some great alternative power source flashlights that are “crank” or “solar” powered you may consider. Make sure that what ever you have, that it is safe and in proper working condition. (Money saving/Earth friendly tip…buy your fresh batteries during the holiday season. Many retailers put batteries on sale to attract more customers. These sales mean increased saving for you when rotating your batteries in your families disaster supplies. When you buy the new batteries, label and date them and place them in your disaster supplies. Use the older batteries from your disaster supplies for your current regular battery needs. This way you minimize waste and maximize energy and value. Always remember to dispose of your batteries in a safe and approve way that is earth friendly.)
3.) Whistle- A whistle is an inexpensive and effective way of calling for help. The first 24 hours after a disaster is crucial in the recovery efforts of first responders. Citizens who arm themselves with this simple device can call for help. If yelling and screaming causes you to loose your voice, a whistle may be what USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) teams hear when searching for survivors.

Place this bag someplace so that if the disaster comes while you are sleeping or in your bedroom, you can have the simple and basic tools needed to increase your survivability. Some suggested places are under your bed, hanging from your bedpost, bedroom doorknob…just remember, you want to be able to get it as close to where you sleep as possible so you have high accessibility.
While there are no absolute preparedness tips that will save everybody, there are many tips that increase your survivability as well as increase your disaster IQ.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Some additional tips you may consider is having a battery operated radio in your nightstand. Check your local area and find radio stations will broadcast emergency information post disaster. It is important in the hours after an emergency that you are able to gather accurate and confirmed facts so that you are able to make the best decisions and safe plans for your family. Emergency broadcasts will share areas of high impact/epicenter, scope of damage, forecast for additional concerns and relief efforts as well as Red Cross and shelter information.

Under my mattress I have a crowbar. This crowbar does not disturb my sleep and is placed near the foot of my bed. In the event of a need to evacuate and the disaster has damaged my home, this crowbar allows me to have the ability to pry open my bedroom door, break open my window safely, go through dry wall and protect my family.
I have incorporated all of the above tips for less then $25. Taking this first step and making this minimal investment will give you priceless peace of mind. It is an incredible feeling when you see your family grow in their preparedness and everybody is empowered.

Thank you ARC (American Red Cross)

Thank you to my friends at the American Red Cross who recently invited the Los Angeles Fire Department Disaster Preparedness Unit to supply their keynote speaker for their 2009 So. California training. The day was great and I truly enjoyed presenting facts, tips and strategies for disaster survival to over 400 employees of the American Red Cross.

KISS...Keep It Simple w/ Safety

Starting with the youngest, we must teach disaster preparedness to everybody. Above, I am showing a group of pre-school children "stop-drop & roll". The next step is to teach them "duck- cover & hold" during an earthquake. Keeping it simple...keeping it real.

Back in Stride

I spent the last four days teaching a highly abbreviated CERT based class to a fire tech class of students from Banning High School. I truly enjoyed teaching and mentoring to an audience who was focused and eager. Thank you to Captain Leo Lopez for the opportunity to be a part of such a positive program. I hope to continue to support efforts that focus on our youth and that promotes a stronger and more diverse Los Angeles Fire Department.

Diaster Preparedness means Vacation Awareness

Recently, I returned home from a family reunion held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event was wonderful, but a byproduct of being a firefighter is that even off duty, my firefighter, disaster preparedness brain is on. This is a good thing because if we train ourselves, our families and our neighbors to always be aware, be observant, anticipate and articulate what “the plan” is, we are on the way to truly being a safer Los Angeles. The following is a quick ten minute safety walk through I did with my son when we checked into our hotel.

AWARE- Be aware of the region you are in and what are the potential disaster scenarios you can reasonably anticipate. I was in the mid west during the Fourth of July weekend. Some of the common events that the Milwaukee, Chicago areas have experienced is flash floods, tornados and thunder storms. While I did not belabor these thoughts, I did run through my mind a coupled of “what ifs”. What if while at the picnic, there was a sudden thunder storm? What is the forecasted weather condition for our stay? Where is the local hospital if something happens? (I found an urgent care four miles south of our hotel) By having run through these thoughts prior to any emergencies, I felt a great sense of empowerment. (The one thing that kills fear is knowledge.)


OBSERVANT- One of the wonderful things about our country is most cities, counties, municipalities and jurisdictions have a fire code. These fire codes are what require motels, hotels, public assemblies and other places to have proper exit signs, fire extinguishers, and other emergency information posted for everybody to see. Take the time to walk through your hotel and see the exits. If you are out at night, are the exit signs illuminated? Take the fire escape at least once. It makes for good exercise, but you also insure that the routes are clear and are not being used for storage. Has the extinguisher near your room been serviced recently as well as properly charged? Often, on each floor near the elevator doors, there are signs that report the closest exit and sometimes an alternative exit route.




ANTICIPATE- This is in line with the “what if” questions. I anticipate somebody getting sick or injured. I travel with some simple medications such as aspirin, cold & flu medicine (I have a 4 year old and a 9 year old, so I include pediatric medication), cough drops, allergy medication, antacid, nausea/diarrhea medication. Rarely do we feel sick during business hours. Often the feeling of sickness hits at 2:00 AM when the local drug store is closed. This bag of medication can go into your family disaster supplies when you return home. Have extra copies of medical insurance cards as well as a copy of each traveling member’s medical history. A hard copy is preferred, but if you scan all of these items to a USB drive, you can make a spare copy to keep in your luggage, so no matter where you are in the world, you can have a complete set of your documents with you.


ARTICULATE- Share this information with your family. As you can see in my pictures, my son was an active participant is my safety walk through. I had him point to specific items so that not only did he feel he was apart of the family, but he was also apart of the team. His pride in being able to “show mommy the safe way to get out” is as special of a memory as meeting his cousins at the family reunion. The first night, take the whole family for a “ten minute tour” of your accommodations. This not only points out vacation essentials like the day spa, Jacuzzi, pool and gym, but it confirms the location of exits, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, food and beverage vending machines and ice. Make sure everybody is informed.
Disaster can happen at any time and while a vacation is our time to relax, it is also our time to “stay ready”.

Back from vacation

I took a month off for vacation. I will post a new article soon. Glad to be back!

Katrina...never forget the power of nature-Preparedness is a must

Preparedness is not an option, it is a must! My grandfather's favorite song was "This Little Light of Mine". The words to this song is let your light shine. The common thread is that each of us has a light...alone, we illuminate a little, but together we illuminate more and if we all work together, we can light the whole world. It was Francis of Assisi that said..."All the darkness in the world can not extinguish the light of a single candle." You are that single candle...do not let your flame go out. Share, spread, pass your flame to others. Keep it going, pay it forward.

It starts with empowering our children...train by example

One of the most effective ways to teach somebody a new skill is to teach by example. Do as I say and not as I do does not inspire many and has an even less long term success ratio when teaching children life skills. If you ever wonder what a child's home life is like, just observe them them at school. Often the child who is diligent with good hygiene, turns in neat homework and practices good manners around others, is a result of an adult spending time not only teaching, but also showing how to do those things. The opposite of this is a child who struggles because an adult may tell them: "brush your teeth and do a good job", but if nobody takes the time to explain: "watch me, brush up and down...get your back teeth, brush your tongue...floss, rinse and spit" that child will not have the same success.

EVERYBODY IS PART OF THE TEAM

The best way to help your child prepare for disaster is to include them in your families disaster preparedness and training. To see more about how to include your children or your children's school, look at a new web site called: http://www.mysafela.org/

From fire extinguisher demonstrations to how to put together disaster bags for each member of your family, the best answer for awareness is preparedness. Teach by example and get prepared as a family...as a community...as a neighborhood...as a church...as a city...get prepared. Thank you to the members of Fire Station 41 LAFD & the students of Gardner Street Elementary School for our super day!

Great Two Weeks w/ United States District Court

Recently after completing a series of disaster preparedness presentations for the United States District Courts, I was humbled by being presented with a very nice certificate of appreciation. Thank you to all who attended, contributed and most of all learned something to help increase your disaster preparedness IQ.As wonderful as our time together was, it means nothing without action. Learn from the Wizard of Oz. (Yes, a children's story can teach you all you need to know about DP-disaster preparedness)
1.) As we learned from the Cowardly Lion-COURAGE. Have the courage to step up and be the one in your family, condo association, college dorm or where ever you live to start the DP ball rolling.
2.) As we learned from the Tin man-Heart/Love. Love yourself enough to take care of yourself. A part of loving yourself is preparedness. You can not love anybody else, until you love yourself.
3.) The Scarecrow-A Brain. Put together a brain. A brain is a central location in your "GO" bag that contains your important documents (flash drive/CD rom or hard copy), spare eye glasses, money, out of state contact information, pack of checks, spare keys, emergency credit card.

Just like Dorothy, your ability to take care of your home is already inside of you. Just click your heels three times and repeat..."I will prepare my home and my family-I will prepare my home and my family-I will prepare my home and my family" then DO IT! After all-"There's no place like home!"