Crisis in Oklahoma, Texas, the Pacific NW, Power Outages Persist as Water, Food Shortages Mount https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/crisis-in-texas-power-outages-persist-as-water-food-shortages-mount/2556499/?_osource=db_npd_nbc_kxas_twt_shr

We all have heard how Oklahoma, Texas and the NW getting nailed by ice and snow storms and thousands of people are without power, food, heat, warm shelters, etc.

OK first off, when will the general public learn that over the last 49 years, we in the Office of Emergency Management field have asked everyone to get prepared for a disaster? What if a big tornado, or earthquake struck during the winter?

At Home:

Wrap your pipes, when the temperature falls below 35 degrees F. Turn the heat up a bit to around 67 to 75 Degrees F inside the home. I recommend keeping it around 70. You can always dress warmer. Thermos, sweaters, wool socks, clothing, etc.

Let your faucets drip water so the pipes won’t freeze. Unhook your garden hoses, and cover the water on off connections so they don’t freeze. I use an old t shirt or towel followed by a styrofoam cover.

Shop ahead. Most folks don’t think ahead. You should have a min. of one month’s food stored at home for you and your pets.

Buy food that takes a little preparation. Dried foods, beef jerky, stews, lunch bread, spreads, canned meat, fish, noodles, peanut butter, Jelly, etc. But dry dog / cat food for your pets, have extra bags on hand.

What if your power goes out and you have no heat?
Make your own heat.

Rechargeable $55.00   12V 16Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery, 2000 Cycles Miady LFP16AH Rechargeable Battery, Maintenance-Free Battery for Golf Cart, Boat, Solar System, UPS and More  Rechargeable.

Fdit Air Heater Fan for Small Room Space (12V 100W)  $29.00

PowerECO 100W Mono Solar Panel, Photovoltaic Panel for 12 Voltage Battery Charging $90.00

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GDSTIME Dual Ball Bearings 120mm x 120mm x 25mm 5 inch 12v Brushless DC Cooling Exhaust Fan  $14.00

Clapton Kanthal A1 26g+32g 15ft Electronic Resistance Wire   $12.99       

 

5Pcs On/Off Boat Rocker Switch 5Pcs 2 Pin Position Snap 12V 110V 250V QTEATAK   $5.99   

 

Clapton Kanthal A1 26g+32g 15ft Electronic Resistance Wire    $12.99   

 

Go to utube and watch how to make your own heaters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-A8n2pcIIY

Outside your home, store in a rubber made garbage or storage can, sleeping bags, food, water, clothing, tent, toilet paper, ten essentials. (this way if your home is destroyed, you have a place to go to).  Research the location of your nearest Red Cross shelter and remember don’t ever leave your pets behind. (Never).

Vehicles.

Before winter season comes, get your vehicle ready. Oil change, tire rotation, battery check. Most of this is extremely cheap to get done.

Buy snow tires or tire chains. Learn how to put tire chains on properly. ( I carry mine all year around).

Next stock up on: Food, water, winter clothing, toilet paper, 10 essentials, map, compass, plastic whistle, pocket knife, small shovel, note book, pen/pencil, head lamp extra batteries, gloves, boots, thermo underwear, first aid kit, water purification kit, first aid kit, plastic bags, duct tape, warm sleeping bag, and or blankets (wool), fire making materials (Magnesium match, lighters, matches, candles, etc. (This should be stored in your vehicle 24/7). This way if you get stuck on the freeway / roadway due to a power line or tree down, or MVA Motor vehicle accident, you will survive. I store two solar lanterns in my vehicle in addition to a head lamp.

Communication:
Emails, text, cell phone, home phones. While you usually have access to all of these, there may be a time during a disaster when you may have none of these things that work. Try to find out where your nearest HAM radio operator is located. He/she can communicate messages for you.

Medications:
Make sure you have a min. of 30 days supply of medications stored at home and in your vehicle.

First Aid Kits:
I store one at home and in each of my vehicles.
Cheap to make. Go to Goodwill or some other second hand store. But some single wide sheets, plastic buckets.

Wash the sheets and cut them up in size of 1” or 3” widths for bandages. Store Benadryl, aspirin, band-aids, gauze, 4x4 pads, first aid or duct tape, I also have made splints out of wood, and PCV tubing (cheap) for humans and pets that may become injured.

Store everything inside 1 gallon plastic bags.

Buckets can be used for emergency toilets, Put plastic bag inside (large) and do your thing. Then close it up when you’re done.

A large sheet can also provide you privacy while using your bucket toilet.

Also can collect rain water for sponge bathing, emergency water, showers, dish washing, etc.

Being prepared doesn’t have to cost lots of money. Buy one item per month or several depending on your income. Be prepared.

This way you won’t be waiting in long lines at shelters, stores, etc for the basics to survive.

 

Written by Harry Oakes

K9 SAR Coordinator and Disaster expert.

www.k9sardog.com