Good morning, y'all!
A huge thank you to our point of contact and Team Lead Eraina at the Atlanta Points of Light office for sending along these great tips for the holiday season from the Cobb County Emergency Management Agency! While the tips may have been sent out from Marietta, Georgia, I assure you that they apply just as well here in Charlotte. Please enjoy and stay safe this winter, y'all!
Preparedness Tips from Cobb EMA
As we enter into the winter and holiday
season, it is important to think first and start making good habits to
keep your family safe! Here are a few tips that can help make your
holiday a more prepared one:
Secured Shopping
Last month marked the 11th Annual
National Cyber Security Awareness Month sponsored by the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to raise awareness about cyber
risks and online safety. As the holiday season approaches, many
customers who want to avoid long lines and crowds in stores
may prefer online shopping to complete their gift lists. While the
Internet offers convenience, it also provides opportunities for hackers
to access personal and financial information of unsuspecting shoppers.
Hackers use
three common techniques to take advantage of online shoppers.
These methods are:
- Targeting vulnerable computers;
- Creating fraudulent sites and email messages; and
- Intercepting insecure transactions.
Don’t let holiday hackers ruin your Cyber shopping activities.
Here are a few tips to stay
safe while shopping online:
- Keep personal information private and passwords secure;
- Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the locked padlock icon at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address;
- Shop with companies you know; and
- Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software.
Cyber security is a shared responsibility. Visit the
DHS website for more ideas on how to make using the Internet a safer experience this gift-giving season and throughout the year!
Be Cautious About Winter Travel
- Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
- Do not travel in low visibility conditions.
- Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.
- If you must travel by car, use tire chains and take a mobile phone with you.
- If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
- Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave.
- Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur.
- Don’t rely on a car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down.
- Always carry additional warm clothing appropriate for the winter conditions.
What to Do if You Get Stranded
Staying in your vehicle when stranded is
often the safest choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if
roadways are ice covered. These steps will increase your safety when
stranded:
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing).
- Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
- Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
- Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
- Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
- Do not eat un-melted snow because it will lower your body temperature.
- Huddle with other people for warmth.
Winter Care for Older Adults
The winter months can bring exciting
events such as holiday decorating, travel, and snow. But it can also
bring slips, falls, and other health emergencies. For older adults,
being prepared for these winter events is important
and can save lives. With parts of the country experiencing an arctic
blast of winter weather, now is the time to check in with older adult
family members, friends and neighbors. Here are a few
considerations when helping older adults prepare for winter weather:
- The immune system weakens with age. Once flu season ramps up and the cold air blows in, it’s much more important for older adults to visit their doctor if they become sick;
- Have back-ups for medical equipment. Make sure they have extra hearing aid batteries, glasses, and other medical supplies, such as oxygen;
- Be sure they have enough medicine to last for a week. Keep medications, copies of prescriptions, and treatment information in an emergency supply kit;
- Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults in the U.S. Non-slip shoes are a great way to help them navigate slippery conditions; and
- Shoveling can put too much strain on the heart and be dangerous if individuals have problems with balance or osteoporosis. Older adults, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, should leave snow shoveling to others.
It’s always a good idea to have a
communications plan. If you do not live near your older adult
family members, make arrangements for neighbors to check in with them.
Also, ask the neighbors if it’s ok for older family members to contact
them in an emergency. With your help, older adults
can enjoy the winter months safely.
| 5 in 1 Whistle | Fire Starter |
| Mylar Survival blanket | Tea Light/Emergency Candles |
| Swiss Army Pocket Knife | Waterproof Matches |
| Emergency Poncho | Water Purification Tablets/ Water purifier |
| Compass | Multi-tool |
| First Aid Kit | Camping Silverware/Mess Kit |
| Mini Flashlight | Camp Cook Stove |
| Solar Charger | Survival Can Opener |
| Hand Warmers/Foot Warmers | Emergency/Industrial Glow Sticks |
| Rite in Rain Notebooks | Para-cord Survival Bracelets |
These are some of the items you can find at local retailers such as:
Prepper’s Vault, Army/Navy Discount Store, Tru-Prep, or Goin’ Gear all offer those CERT trained discounts on your purchases. Most items mentioned are also available at retailers such as Cablea’s, Academy Sports, REI, Dick’s, Bass Pro Shop, Adventure Outdoors, and other sporting goods stores. Looking in Target, Wall-mart, Sears, Northern Tool, Tractor Supply and your local auto parts stores can yield so good finds, too.
Many of these ideas as well as some do it yourself gifts came from:
http://preparednessmama.com/prepared-for-christmas-stocking-stuffers/
Another stocking stuffer idea source:
http://urbansurvivalsite.com/100-stocking-stuffers-for-preppers/
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