Nearly everyone will have to use a first aid kit sooner or later. Whether it will be used on oneself or on another, it’s important to know where the general groups of items are located in your kit so that in an alarming situation you know where things are. It’s also important to know which items should be used to address which situations. Listed below are 3 helpful tips that can assist you in navigating a little easier through your kit during an emergency.

1. When you receive your first-aid kit be sure to you open and prepare it for use before an accident occurs. Make sure you know where the items are and when you’d need to use what. When exploring through your first aid kit, it might be beneficial to label which group of items are located in which pocket. You can do this with a labeler or by writing with pen or marker on masking-tape.

2. Looking through your kit provides you with an opportunity to check expiration dates and to replace any out-of-date contents if necessary. Not all of the items in a first aid kit expire, but pay specific attention to liquids, ointments, and any medications you’re storing.

3. Most first aid kits come with a guide specifically for that first aid kit, but sometimes kits don’t come with any at all. Absent instructions are more common with the smallest, most basic kits, and shouldn’t be the case with anything larger than an 81 piece or more. If you receive a first aid kit without a guide check to see that it wasn’t supposed to be included. If it was, it’s important for you to have those specific instructions. If instructions do not come with your kit, be sure you’re familiar with the items in it before an accident happens.

4. Another inconvenient trait many first aid kits have is that the medicines and bandages are labeled only with the medical name, which will limit the inexperienced handler’s ability to help. If there are any names in your kit that you don’t understand or might forget, find a definition or description of the item online and write it on the actual item.

Here is a basic lingo-guide to help you understand what some of those hefty words mean:

H(a)emostatic – Protects wound with pressure to promote clotting and stop bleeding.

Saline – Sterile liquid used for cleaning out wounds or washing out eyes.

Antiseptic – An agent for reducing risk of infection in abrasions or around wounds.

Aceteminophen / Paracetamol – Most common pain-killing medications.

Naproxen/ Ibuprofen – Anti-inflammatory pain killers.

Codeine - Pain killer for more intense pain and anti-diarrheal medication.

Loperamide – Anti-diarrhea medication; prevents dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Hydrocortisone – Anti-itch agent in cream.

Bermabond/Tincture of Benzoin – Protects skin and can act as additional adhesive.

Sphygmomanometer – Another word for a Blood Pressure Meter.

Zinc Oxide - Soothing

A Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm, most commonly associated with hurricanes. The storm surge is the most deadly aspect of a hurricane, responsible for 90% of deaths during hurricanes, but remember that storm surges are different from tidal surges.

The level of the surge in some areas vary due to the slope of the continental shelf. With a steep continental shelf we don’t see as much surge inundation. Although if you are in a shallow slope it will allow a much greater surge to come onto the coastal line & can cause a large amount of damage to the communities that are in the path of the storm surge.

There is a growing concern in areas such as the United States’ Gulf Coast region about the lack of public storm surge awareness. Since the United States has not been hit dramatically by storm surges since the 1920s, most of the public is unaware of the true dangers of this phenomena. With the growing frequency of hurricanes in this region of the world there is a push to teach awareness and preparedness before storms like the 1900 Galveston hurricane storm surge, which killed over ten thousand people.

One tool used to evaluate the threat from storm surge is the SLOSH model. Emergency managers use this data from SLOSH to determine which areas must be evacuated for storm surge. The problem is always the uncertainty about how intense the storm will be when it finally reaches land. Emergency managers and local officials balance that uncertainty with the human and economic risks to their community. This is why a rule of thumb for emergency managers is to plan for a storm one category higher than what is foretasted. This is a reasonable precaution to help minimize the loss of life from hurricanes.

Category 1: Minimal Damage

Winds: 74-95 mph

Along the South Carolina coast, surges of up

to 4 to 5 feet can be expected.

No real damage to building structure. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

Category 2: Moderate Damage

Winds: 96-110 mph

Along the South Carolina coast, surges of

up to 6 to 8 feet can be expected.

Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.

Category 3: Extensive Damage

Winds: 111-130 mph

Along the South Carolina coast, surges of

up to 9 to 12 feet can be expected.

Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtain wall failure. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering of floating debris.

Category 4: Extreme Damage

Winds: 131-155 mph

Along the South Carolina coast, surges of

up to 13 to 18 feet can be expected.

More extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees and most signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore.

Category 5: Catastrophic Damage

Winds: More than 155 mph

Along the South Carolina coast, a surge higher

than 18 feet can be expected.

Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Most shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground may be required.

So you have stocked up on Food, Water, Shelter, and Clothing to be ready in the event of a disaster.  But have you considered Fuel?  What will you use to power that generator?  What will you use if there is power?

If you have stocked up on Freeze-Dried-Foods you are at least one step ahead the of the game since these foods don’t need to be cooked. However there is still the matter of keeping warm, having good sources of light, and being able to get news and communicate.

Here are a few items you can take advantage of to help you be ready:

Keeping Warm:
Emergency Blankets
Hand Warmers
Magnesium Fire Starters
Water Proof Matches
Wood for Fuel

Sources of Light:
Flashlights
Dynamo Lights
Candles
Light Sticks
Lanterns

Communication:
Solar Powered Radios
Dynamo Powered Radios

Another way to be prepared is to think about using alternative energy sources as a backup for your local power grid.  There are many home wind-power kits you can purchase
as well as solar-power kits.  These can be placed in areas of your yard or home where they will hardly be noticed.  You can store extra power in batteries and if you want you can even rid yourself of the need to connect to the local power company’s system.

Some of the benefits of doing that include reduced costs and in some areas the power company will actually pay you for providing some of your extra power to them.

In addition to electricity, make sure that you store an adequate supply of fuel for the use of your generators in the case of a power outage.  Check with your local officials for
the proper way to store fuel safely.  Energy is something most of us take for granted these days.  Make sure you are not left without it when disasters strike.

A FANTASTIC $166 VALUE!

Last weeks Deluxe First-Aid Kit giveaway was a HUGE success. Thank you for everyone who participated.

For the next few weeks we will be holding giveaway contests and we want everyone to participate.

The contest will start on Thursday and run to the following Tuesday. Then the winner will be announced on Wednesday.

Then we’ll do it again!

The Ultimate 2-Week Supply is the perfect way you get started or suppliment your food storage.

● No cooking or preparation! Just add water.
● 6 #10 cans that come in one easy to store case.
● 100% Freeze-Dried food for the highest quality available.
● Up to a 30 Year Shelf-Life!
● The Saratoga Farms and Mountain House trusted brands!

Saratoga Farms™ and Mountain House™ freeze-dried foods are second to none in terms of quality and taste. Freeze-Dried foods offer many advantages over dehydrated foods. To Begin with they taste much better because through the freeze-drying process the foods retain their taste, texture, and shape of fresh frozen foods. In addition, freeze-drying locks in the freshness, vitamins, nutrients, color, and aroma of fresh frozen foods while providing the shelf-stable convenience of canned and dehydrated foods.

In addition to this great giveaway, don’t forget our FOOD STORAGE CASE LOT SALE going on right now with discounts of up to 48%!

YOU CAN GET UP TO 5 ENTRYS INTO THE DRAWING HERE’S HOW:

(1) The 1st entry is easy peasy! Just leave your first and last name in a comment on our blog post.

(2) The 2nd entry is earned by getting at least one friend to join our Facebook GROUP called “The Ready Nation.” The ReadyNation is one of the best ways to stay up-to-date with all that The Ready Store has to offer, including tips, promotions, new products, and insider deals. When your friend has joined the group, leave a comment on the group page saying they joined because of you. This comment should include your first and last name, along with something like, “(Friends name ) joined the ReadyNation Facebook GROUP because of me.”

(3) The 3rd entry is earned by retweeting “ImReadyMan” on TWITTER to all of your followers and suggesting they follow ImReadyMan. This page has up to the minute updates on deals, emergency info, and links to other great resources. To get credit, follow ImReadyMan and then retweet ImReadyMan to your followers. Then post a link to your Twitter profile on our blog so we can see the message you sent to your followers about us.

(4) The 4th entry is earned by writing a blog post about this giveaway on another blog, whether it be a personal blog, a family blog, a business – whatever! Just include a few sentences about the giveaway in a post, along with a link back to our blog. Then leave your name and a link to your post in another comment on our blog. (This must be a different post from any post you may have posted last week)

(5) The 5th entry is earned by digging this post on DIGG. All you have to do is hover your mouse over the “SHARE” button below the blog post and then click on the DIGG icon below the post and “DIGG IT.” Then to get credit make another blog comment saying “I DIGG YOU.”

Your odds of winning are huge! Even if you don’t win, understand that you can never lose when you are prepared for the worst.

Best of luck to you!

Congratulations Esther Navarro of Sacramento California! You are the winner of our Deluxe 72-Hr-Kit!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Esther is the married mother of four children.  She works as a Reimbursement Specialist and is actively involved in her church.

Thank you Esther, now you and your family will be ready!

Thank you for all who have participated.  The winner was selected at random.  Remember to check the blog tomorrow for our next weekly contest!

NEW WINNER ANNOUNCED EVERY WEDNESDAY | NEW CONTEST EVERY FRIDAY!

We’ve decided to do a weekly giveaway drawing!  Each Friday you will be given the details of how you can get up to 5 entries in the contest.  We will be giving away a new ready item the following Wednesday! So the contest will run from Thursday through Tuesday the following week. The winner will be announced each Wednesday and a new contest will start the following Thursday. Clear as mud? Good.

So keep the blog comments coming in and check the blog daily for new updates and information.  Also remember to visit our FaceBook Group and Twitter page as we might just throw in a few gifts on those pages as well.

Our goal is to help America get ready before the disasters that often strike.  Help us spread the word!

Best of luck to you on winning and as always let us know if there is anything we can do to help you and your family be ready.

Weekly Winners So far:

http://www.thereadystore.com/blog/429/winner/

http://www.thereadystore.com/blog/466/weekly-winner/

http://www.thereadystore.com/blog/501/weekly-winner-mres/

*** We will contact the winner on the morning of next Wednesday. If the winner does not respond by Noon MDT we will be forced to pick a new winner. ***

There are many simple things you can do in advance to prepare your home for a possible disaster.  The 12 things listed below are just a few of many ways you can make your home a little more disaster proof.

Windows- In case of high winds, one option is to purchase the appropriate wind resistant window and shutters.  Another option is to cover windows with plywood if you know a severe storm is on its way.  It’s also best not to position beds directly beneath large windows.

Doors- Especially in areas prone to high winds, make sure your doors that lead outside have reliable dead bolts and tight secure hinges.  If there are any splits or cracks in the door, repair immediately.  It’s best for doors that lead outside to be made of either solid wood or hollow steel.

Emergency Kits- It’s always important to keep a 72-hour-kit per person in the home.  These should be kept in easy-to-access places, and should include updated, age appropriate items for each individual.  It’s also important to keep a first aid kit in an easily accessible area as well.  In case of a tornado or severe storm, it’s important to keep a radio with batteries nearby so that you can hear what’s going on, and so that you know when it’s over and safe to come out.

Important Documents Kept in Safe- One option is to rent a safe deposit box from your Post Office.  A more reliable option is to buy a fireproof home safe to keep your important documents in.  Give the combination to at least one trusted family member or friend outside of the home.  Documents to keep in your safe would include social security information, birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, mortgage information, etc.

Fire Proof- In addition to checking and updating fire alarms once a year, it’s very important to keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home.  Keep all firewood at least 30 feet away from the home and propane tanks at least 10.  Avoid clutter in your home. Stacks of papers, boxes and even linen create a strong environment for fires.  Extension cords and power bars should be kept to a minimum and never overload outlets.

Earthquake Proof- Make sure you and your family know the safe spaces in each room.  These areas are away from glass and heavy objects that might fall.  Place breakable, heavy objects on lower shelves.  Secure heavy and tall objects such as book shelves, loose cabinets, tall desks, etc.  Latches are also available to install in upper cabinets that will prevent them from swinging open.

Shut ff Utilities and Gas- When you know a storm is approaching, or after an earthquake, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest. Just prior to the storm, turn off the utilities and all gas with the gas shut-off wrench. Use reliable candles, matches, flashlights, batteries and a battery or crank powered radio.

Vehicles- Keeping a car in the garage is best during any severe storm as they can be thrown into things if they’re not safe in an enclosed area.

Pet Shelter- If a pet’s shelter is in the backyard, be sure to include your pet in your emergency planning.  Even for tough winds and rain pet shelters should have an enclosed, waterproof area where the animal can go to seek shelter.

Roof- Check your roof at least once a year.  In storms and tornadoes, roofs normally go first.  Make sure no your roof has no loose shingles.  Keeping your roof protected is also part of keeping the entire house protected.

Yard- During severe storms, trees often fall into houses which usually causes most of the damage to the house.  Other trees can protect a house from severe winds and lightening.  It’s important to have your trees checked annually.  As for any loose items around your yard, it’s important to keep them put away.  Things like rakes, shovels, patio equipment and even garbage cans can be used as weapons by fierce winds if they’re loose in the yard.  It’s also very important to repair any existing damage to the home before a disaster occurs.

Food & Water- Shelter-in-Place- For nearly any type of disaster situation it’s important to store drinking water and water for flushing toilet and taking baths in your home. Fill the bathtub, pots and clean pails with water and set in a secure place if you know a severe storm is approaching.

I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves to get FREE stuff. I also think it wouldn’t be going out on a limb to say most people enjoy winning, especially when the prize is worth a great deal.

Our DELUXE Family 72 Hour Kit can give you peace of mind knowing your families basic needs will be taken care of in most any emergency situation.

It’s packed full with everything your family needs to be ready. And it’s neatly packed in easy “Grab-N-Go” heavy duty backpacks.

• Food & water, light & communication, warmth & shelter, and tools.
• Sturdy, portable enclosure provides convenience and ease-of-use.
• Trusted quality from The Ready store.

We held nothing back in putting our Deluxe 72-Hr-Kit together, and we are happy to announce that anyone who clicks through the link below and makes a comment on the blog post it is linked to will automatically be entered to win the Deluxe 72-Hr-Kit!

Yes that means you. All you have to do is click on the link below and post a comment with your information. Then we’ll radomly select from that small group the winner of our deluxe kit!

What’s even better, you can also gain five total entries into the contest by doing the following:

(1) The 1st entry is easy as pie! Just leave your first and last name in a comment on our blog post.

(2) The 2nd entry is earned by signing up and becoming a member of the ReadyNation Group on Facebook. The ReadyNation is one of the best ways to stay up-to-date with all that The Ready Store has to offer, including tips, promotions, new products, and insider deals. When you’ve joined the group, leave a comment on the group page. This comment should include your first and last name, along with something like, “I signed up for the ReadyNation Facebook Group.” If you are already a member of the ReadyNation Facebook group, leave a comment saying I’m already a member.

(3) The 3rd entry is earned by becoming a follower of the Ready Store on Twitter by following “ImReadyMan”. This page has up to the minute updates on deals, emergency info, and links to other great resources. If you’re already following ImReadyMan, leave a direct comment with your name and something like, “I already follow ImReadyMan.” If you are just starting to follow, to get credit, follow ImReadyMan and then make a direct message to ImReadyMan with your Full name.

(4) The 4th entry is earned by writing a blog post about this giveaway on another blog, whether it be a personal blog, a family blog, a business – whatever! Just include a few sentences about the giveaway, along with a link back to our blog. You’ll need to leave your name and the URL address of your post in another comment for this blog post.

(5) The 5th entry is earned by adding our elert gadget code to your google desktop, iGoogle page, or Blog. Or add our Yahoo Widget to your page. You can do this by going to this link for google and downloading the gadget code here: GO HERE Or go to this link for your Yahoo widget: GO HERE once you have done this you can post another comment on the blog with a link to the page where your the gadget or widget is placed. This will allow you to get a direct feed of all the rich content and information we provide and update daily.

Your odds of winning are huge! Even if you don’t win, understand that you can never lose when you are prepared for the worst.

Best of luck to you! POST YOUR COMMENT BELOW

Due to the N1H1 virus (Swine Flue) a lot of people are worried & could use some clarification when it comes to Quarantine & Isolation.  When dealing with some germs that can be transferred by animals or humans (ie Malaria, Bird & Swine Flue) and other contagious diseases that can be transferred from person to person there are many options available to protect yourself.

If you have to take care of someone that is sick, it’s recommended that you have a N95 mask to make sure that you do not catch the disease and to keep the contagious disease within the isolated area. Also after leaving the isolated area its highly recommended that you wash your hands to make sure there is no further spread of the disease.

When quarantine applies to you & your loved ones who have been exposed to a contagious disease but who may or may not become ill. This all depends on the person or person who became ill and what sickness they are dealing with.  If you’re dealing with the common cold, you would not have to quarantine yourself  but in the case that it is the possibility of N1H1 or any other contagious diseases, you need to remain isolated.

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the US government agency responsible for identifying, tracking, and controlling the spread of diseases. The CDC as well as your state & local health departments have created emergency preparedness and response plans. Check with your local health department to see what programs they have in place in the case of a pandemic situation & how they plan to contain the spread of the illness.  You can also go to http://www.cdc.gov to get more information regarding what you can do to prepare your self.

You can never underestimate the need to stay connected and be aware of the latest developments when a disaster strikes.  It can mean the difference between thriving in a survival
situation or not.  The good news is that you can stay connected.

The ULTIMATE Dynamo & Solar Powered Survival Radio is both dynamo
& solar powered and is rugged enough to help you through any
disaster! This unit has everything you need in an emergency communication and lighting device including ALL of the incredible
features below packed into one extremely useful device.

We have reviewed many different Light and Communication devices and this device has found it’s way to the top of our list.