Many people along the coast of oceans in America have seen or are even used to earthquakes. But for most people who have never dealt with an earthquake or any type of natural disaster, there are many tips you should know that could help in case a time comes. An earthquake can happen at any time and most likely anywhere (obviously some places more than others). To begin, if you were to be outside during an earthquake, it would be best to keep in your car and park somewhere that is not shaded by trees, buildings or ramps. After the shake is over make sure not to go over bypasses or ramps either just to make sure you are on the safe side of the disaster. If you were just outside, make sure to stay still and stay away from such things that could fall down upon you such as trees and street lights. Being inside during an earthquake can be just as dangerous as being outside. If an earthquake starts, make sure to get away from glass objects and get under a sturdy table or any sturdy piece of furniture. Also get away from cabinets just in case things are to fall out and drop on the floor. Keep away from elevators and other electronic things because they can have a tendency to spark at anytime. Earthquakes can be dangerous but that doesn’t mean you have to take the consequences of being unprepared!
What to Do During an Earthquake 30?
November 5th, 2010Blizzards
November 3rd, 2010A blizzard is defined as having sustained winds or frequent gusts reaching or exceeding 35 mph which lead to blowing snow lasting for at least 3 hours and causing visibilities of a quarter mile or more, impossible. They are not defined by low temperatures but due to the circumstances, low temperatures are usually inevitable. They can occur without warning and impact everyone. There are a few things you can do to lessen their impact.
Outside
* Seek shelter immediately to protect yourself from the cold.
* Build a fire if you are wet or cold.
* Stay hydrated. If drinking snow, make sure to melt it first.
* Dig a snow cave to act as insulation
Inside
* If the electricity goes out, use an alternative form of heat with caution.
* Stay in one room for heat and close off unnecessary rooms in the house. Make sure there are no air leaks in the room. Keep sunlight streaming through the windows in the day, but block all windows at night.
* Keep hydrated and nourished.
* Make sure your pets are protected as well.
Car or Truck
* Never leave the vehicle and make sure it remains visible.
* Run the car for short periods to provide some heat, but leave the windows open a small amount to allow for the circulation of fresh air.
* Keep yourself moving.
Heat Wave
November 2nd, 2010A heat wave is defined as when the daily maximum temperature of more than five consecutive days exceeds the average maximum temperature by at least five Celsius degrees and it is usually accompanied by very high humidity. They can be extremely dangerous and one should be well prepared if ever faced with one. Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and widespread power outages due to increased use of air conditioning but there are some steps you can follow to keep a little cooler.
During Heat Wave
* Stay indoors, out of the sunshine and on the lowest floor possible.
* Slow down and avoid strenuous activities. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural “cooling system” to work.
* Keep yourself hydrated. Drink often and regularly, even if you are not thirsty but try to avoid alcohol and caffeine.
* Keep heat outside and cool air inside by keeping doors and windows closed and covered. Install temporary reflectors to reflect heat back outside.
* Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
* Eat small meals and eat more often but avoid foods with large amounts of protein in them.
* Don’t leave children or pets in closed vehicles.
Survival Tools
October 29th, 2010When faced with life-threatening situations, it is most likely that one will panic or blank out and not know what to do. Remembering the acronym SURVIVAL may help.
Size Up The Situation
* Get to know your surroundings and what’s going on around you. Check yourself for wounds or injuries and know what equipment you have and what it can be used for.
Use Your Senses
* Use all your senses to evaluate the situation. Note sounds and smells. Be observant and sensitive to temperature changes.
Remember Where You Are
* Know your location and relate it to the surrounding terrain. Pay close attention to where you are and where you are going.
Vanquish Fear and Panic
* Fear and panic may cause you to react to your feelings and imagination rather than to your situation and can drain your energy.
Improvise
* Learn to improvise and use natural objects around you for different needs.
Value Living
* The experience and knowledge you have gained through life will have a bearing on your will to live. Stubbornness will give you the mental and physical strength to endure.
Act Like The Natives
* The natives and animals of a region have adapted. What do they eat? Where and how do they get their food and water?
Learn Basic Skills
* Without training in basic skills for survival, your chances of living through a survival situation are slight. Learn the skills now — not when you are headed for, or en route for an excursion to a remote or harsh environment
Spearfishing
October 28th, 2010On December 11th, 80 year old Ignacio Siberio sailed his 25 foot boat about seven miles off the Florida Keys in spite of the strong winds and high waves in order to do some spearfishing.
With his fins, mask and the top portion of his wet suit, he dove into the already cold ocean with his speargun. He had been hunting for a total of three hours when he decided it was time for him to get out and go home. When he broke the surface he realized that his boat was gone. A storm had come in and gusting winds had dislodged the boats anchors. Siberio was swimming against the current for several hours but the boat was too far off and he was not able to catch up.
After about an hour or treading water, Siberio spotted a group of five buoys floating together. He swam to them and held on. Night fell and he tried to relax throughout the dropping temperatures.
Meanwhile, his friend and new had been spending the evening with the Coast Guard frantically searching for him. The next morning they decided to set out again and continued to Siberios favorite fishing spot. They decided to go off a little further to find Siberio swimming along, he had cut the buoys and wrapped them around him.
Since this incident, Siberio has been spearfishing several times and says that his lesson learned is to be careful.
Mammoth Mountain
October 27th, 2010In March of 2003, Eric LeMarque, a former Olympic hockey player, set out to Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for a day of snowboarding. Little did he know that his day would soon take a turn for the worst and continue that way.
As he was going down the 11,000 foot course, LeMarque unintentionally veered off course and found himself to be lost in the middle of nowhere and moving farther away from safety by the minute. On his seven day trek down the mountain he faced extremely cold temperatures, fell into frigid rushing water and almost fell down an 80 foot waterfall.
He had little of what could be considered “survival tools” for he had intended only for a day of recreational in which he didn’t anticipate that anything would go wrong. He did though, have his mp3 player with him. Recalling a scene from a movie he had watched, LaMarque was able to use the radio signal from his mp3 player and turn it into a compass and find his way to safety.
His trip left him extremely malnourished, exhausted and severely frostbitten with tissue damage to his lower extremities. Both of his feet and most of his legs had to be amputated.
Surfing Shark Attack
October 26th, 2010200 yards off Northern California’s Samoa Peninsula Beach last November, 38 year old surfer Brian Kang was waiting for a wave when he suddenly out of nowhere felt a huge force slam into his left side. He looked over to see a black tail fin sticking out of the water and realized he was living every surfers worst nightmare, a great white shark attack.
The shark had pulled Kang off his board and had him in what looked to be like a violent whirlpool. The 18 foot shark miraculously released its hold on his left hip for a moment in which Kang was able to climb back onto his board. Seconds later the shark surfaced next to him, bringing them practically face to face. After unsuccessful attempts to push the shark away, Kang punched it in the snout, cutting his hand and slicing his thumb in the process.
Bleeding and severely injured, Kang began to paddle towards shore and reached it after five minutes. Someone called 911 and Kang was rushed to the hospital. The shark had severed the patellar tendon of his left leg, cut his left hip to the bone and come dangerously close to shearing his sciatic nerve.
After three months of rehab Kang was healed, walking normally and once again returned to surfing.
Wildfires
October 25th, 2010Wildfires may seem an unlikely threat but they spread very rapidly, causing much loss of property and life. They can also be started very easily and unintentionally, such as by forgetting to put out a campfire or a spark from a car or thrown cigarette. Prevention of wildfires is crucial and very doable, especially in heavily wooded areas. If a wildfire does start, here are a few steps you can take to survive.
Before the Fire
* Listen to reports about the status of an existing wildfire. Be prepared to evacuate if ordered but never travel into an area where the wildfire has started.
* Create a 30-foot safe space around you, it will reduce the risk of spreading the fire. This can be done by removing everything flammable, such as dead trees, shrubs and leaves and also low hanging branches.
* Shut off the gas and turn off propane tanks. Close vents and turn on sprinklers before you evacuate. Don’t forget to bring pets with you.
During the Fire
* Wear protective clothing. Protect your skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants. Use a handkerchief to filter out smoke.
* If you are outdoors in the middle of a wildfire and unable to escape, lie face down in a ditch and cover your face with your hands.