If you’re a Type A Personality and need to have your list all checked off this blog’s for you. Ready.gov provides a handy little checklist of recommended items (hand crank radio, flashlight, batteries) to include in a basic emergency supply kit and additional items (sleeping bag, paper products, personal hygiene items) to consider adding to an emergency supply kit. You probably already have your basic needs set (water, food, first aid kit, dust mask) in case of an emergency along with the extras (moist towelettes, whistle, can opener) but this checklist will confirm you are as prepared as can be. It may even give you a few ideas to help you pass time before help arrives.

If you’re a Type B Personality and want to be prepared but are not so much into the checklist thing you are in luck. There are plenty of stocked first aid kits tailored to specific emergency situations. Anything from disaster first aid kits to earthquake first aid kits to plain old fashioned emergency preparedness kits. You can prepare you and your loved ones and just get yourself a grab ‘n go first aid kit. No stocking on your behalf needed.

Source: ready.gov

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Whether or not you expect to find yourself in an emergency situation, there are a few items it never hurts to have on hand. Storms and natural disasters can strike with little warning, and being prepared is the best way to make it through emergency circumstances without panic.

Batteries
Electricity is the main thing that people take for granted. Just about everything in our lives uses electricity, from appliances and computers to cell phone chargers and the wireless routers that allow us to connect to the internet. The first thing that people scramble to get when the power goes out is a way to power their necessities; in a word, batteries. Make sure to have a stock on hand so that you aren’t left in the dark if a lengthy power outage should occur.

Flashlight
In any emergency, it’s important to have a light source. Placing several flashlights at important places around the house will ensure that you won’t be caught stumbling through the dark should there be an unforeseen power failure. Keeping a powerful flashlight in the back seat of the car is also a good idea in case of a breakdown.

Canned or dried food
Long power outages or damage from natural disasters can make it difficult to keep certain foods fresh or re-stock foods that have spoiled. If you live in a climate prone to snow storms, a deep snow can keep you cut off from the store for several days. Having a reserve of canned fruits and vegetables, as well as dried foods like rice and beans, will ensure that you have meals even if you can’t get out to shop.

Crank-powered radio
Radios and flashlights often take the same kinds of batteries. Instead of wasting potential light power on a radio, invest in a crank-powered model. These are available for many manufacturers in models ranging from small, portable radios to multi-function units containing cell phone chargers. These radios can run for about an hour after being cranked for one or two minutes and provide access to news, weather, and other important information during an emergency.

First aid kit
Emergencies where people get hurt are some of the scariest, but having a well-stocked first aid kit can be a great help. Instead of having to scramble when someone gets hurt, a first aid kit keeps everything close at hand. If you put together a kit, make sure to keep it stocked and re-stock it after use so that there is never a shortage of important items. Consider stocking things like gauze and elastic bandages, surgical adhesive tape, antiseptic solution, instant cold packs, scissors, cotton swabs, eye drops, and antihistamine.

Being prepared can keep an emergency from becoming a disaster. With a little careful planning, you can be ready to take on any unexpected situation.

Louise Baker is a freelance journalist. She currently writes about getting an online degree for Zen College Life. Her most recently article was a review of the best online colleges in the USA.

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Being prepared in the event of a hurricane may be your best protection. Hurricanes, which can cause flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes, are not only threatening to your property but your life as well if you’re not prepared.

The Red Cross suggests a number of supplies to prepare and help protect you in the event and aftermath of a hurricane.

• Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, and bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep all these (or as many as you can) already stock in a duffel bag or a medical equipment bag. When an emergency happens you need to be ready to go at pretty much less than a moment’s notice.

Check out the Red Cross’ complete Hurricane Safety checklist for what do before and after a hurricane.

Source: redcross.org

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March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month and there’s no better time than now for a little review and fast facts.

Thousands of eye injuries occur in the workplace every year. However, did you know that 90% of all workplace eye injuries can be avoided by using proper safety eyewear?

According to OSHA’s eye and face protection standard (1910.133) this is what should be enforced on the job front, “the employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.”

Of course the workplace is only a portion of our lives and accidents at home can just as easily happen. In fact, four out of ten accidents that cause blindness happen at home. So, what is it exactly that we’re doing at home that is so dangerous? We’re cleaning, cooking, taking care of the yard, fixing the car, playing sports…you know, living. Don’t discount school and the youngsters either. Think about the playground, gym class, science class/labs, sports, the list goes on.

The moral of the story is you need to protect your eyes by properly wearing safety glasses, goggles, face shields, etc. when appropriate. Make sure your protective eyewear is not too tight or too loose. Wash it regularly with mild soap and water, or eyeglass cleaner, and polish with a soft cloth or tissue. Avoid damage to lenses by storing your protective eyewear carefully.

You’ve only got one set of eyes. Don’t lose them because the ones in the back of your head don’t count.

Sources: NSC.org, SeeClearly.com

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Sure, we all remember the “This is your brain on drugs” PSA from the eighties but have you checked out any of the latest PSAs featured on YouTube? If not, you should check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/usgovhhs.

The US Department of Health & Human Services has their own special YouTube page featuring videos submitted by everyday people about steps you can take to prevent the spread of the flu.

Of course the tips in these videos are all common sense and courtesy (wash your hands, cough into your sleeve, stay home if you’re sick, carry a flu kit) but the videos are still fun to watch and best yet you have until September 16th to vote on which one is your favorite. The winner will receive a $2500 cash prize.

While you’re bebopping around on the web test your “Readiness Quotient” on WhatsYourRQ.org and see how you rank against people in your area. Are you prepared in the event of an emergency? Do you have a first aid kit handy? How about a flashlight and backup batteries?

For old time’s sake:

Sources: Flu.gov, WhatsYourRQ.org, YouTube.com

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Not only is this Sunday Father’s Day it’s also the kick off of Lightning Safety Week. Lightning, the nation’s deadliest weather phenomena, strikes year round but summer is its peak season.

Over the past 30 years, lightning killed an average of 58 people per year. This is higher than the 57 deaths per year caused by tornadoes and average 48 deaths to hurricanes. However, since lightning generally claims one or two victims at a time and does not cause mass destruction it is underrated as a major risk. Documented lightning injuries average about 300 per year in the U.S. but obviously without all the lightning injuries being documented the true number will never be known.

Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it is raining. That’s about the distance you can hear thunder. So, if you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance and should seek shelter immediately. The National Weather Service has a great tag line: “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”

Once indoors stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. Stay away from pools (indoor or outdoor), tubs, showers and other plumbing. Wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going outside again.

If someone should be the victim of a lightning strike know that they do not carry an electrical charge, are safe to touch and need urgent medical attention. Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death for those whose lives are taken. Some lives may be saved if the victim receives the proper first aid immediately. Call 9-1-1 immediately and perform CPR if the victim is unresponsive or not breathing. If an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use it.

Lightning is dangerous but with common sense and proper first aid training you can greatly increase the safety of yourself and others.

Source: NOAA.gov

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Did you know that each year during the 60 days surrounding the end of the year holiday season almost 11,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries sustained while decorating? A gut reaction may be to snicker or maybe a flash of Chevy Chase trying to hang Christmas lights on his house in the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has just flashed through your head. These injuries, ranging from falls, cuts, shocks, burns, etc., are no laughing matter. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that each year an average of 240 fires involving dried-out Christmas trees results in 16 deaths and millions in property damage. Can you guess what other fire hazard results in 170 deaths and $390 million in property damage annually? You guessed it – candles are the culprit according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

These statistics and holiday hazards seem like a killjoy but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few simple safety precautions and staying alert your holiday can be full of peace and joy.

Check out these helpful suggestions:

Trees and Decorations:

Lights:

Candles:

Fireplaces:

Stay safe and warm.

Happy Holidays,
Emergency Medical Products

Source: EHS Today

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The holidays are upon us and it won’t be long before we’re ringing in the New Year. With the New Year so quickly approaching the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009. This nationwide effort is designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the coming New Year.

Emergency preparedness is a simple three step process:

1. Get an emergency supply kit
2. Make a family emergency plan
3. Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses

These simple steps may take a few moments of your time now but could save your life and others in the event of an emergency or national disaster. Keep in mind to have a supply kit not only in your home but your car as well. You never know when an icy road or snowstorm could leave you temporarily stranded. Emergency kits should contain the basic necessities such as water, food, and first aid supplies to help you survive until help is available - for a complete checklist check out: www.ready.gov.

By committing to Resolve to be Ready in 2009 and following the simple emergency preparedness steps in advance you will minimize the impact of emergencies and their effect on you and your loved ones.

Lan Lamphere provides a wonderful website – www.LanLamphere.com - and an AM public radio show called OvernighAM that covers an assortment of public interest topics including emergency preparedness, current events and more. Take a moment to check out Lan Lamphere and listen live or read his articles online.

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) bloodborne pathogen standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, requires that employers supply employees with proper instructions, equipment, personal protection equipment (PPE) and disinfectant to safely clean up body fluid spills. This OSHA safety standard applies to employees who have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material.

Does this apply to you? Yes. Whether you work in law enforcement, EMS, a factory, hospital, doctor’s office, customer service, warehouse, etc. this applies to you. No matter how dangerous, mundane or completely rocking your work environment, this applies to you.

OSHA compliance would mean being provided with all the items necessary to properly clean up and dispose of any reasonably anticipated spill. As an employee you must be protected from:

The supplies needed to meet these OSHA regulations may be purchased as a biohazard spill kit or as individual items. However, it is usually best practice, more convenient and economical to buy spill kits as a whole instead from a reputable and respected source as opposed to piecing supplies together.

OSHA states that the PPE your employer provides should be based upon an employees reasonably anticipated exposure while performing a task or procedure. However, it is impossible to anticipate or predict the degree of exposure to every possible circumstance or situation that could arise.

Flu season is now upon us and it can and usually does sneak up on someone. What if that someone doesn’t make it to the restroom and now there’s vomit on the office or classroom floor? Who’s on puke patrol? Let’s say someone in the factory has an accident on the production line and now there’s blood in more places than you thought possible? Who’s on blood clean up duty?

Accidents can happen any time. Make sure you and your employer are prepared with an OSHA compliant spill kit and infection control supplies.

Sources: OSHA, Sharps compliance Inc.

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Your home should be a safe haven. But do you regularly check for home fire hazards? If not, there is the potential for danger. Fire departments responded to nearly 400,000 home fires in 2006. That’s why the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2008 is “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!”

From October 5-11, 2008, fire safety advocates will spread the word to their communities that, with a little extra caution, preventing the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating, electrical and smoking-materials – is within their power.

Source: NFPA

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