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A Bottle of Wine or Flood Preparedness?
March 8th, 2010A bottle of wine or flood preparedness? Sounds like an absurd question with an obvious answer. But, think twice, especially if you are looking for a powerful marketing tool or closing gift for a client.
The news media and government agencies keep reminding us that we will have a flood or other disaster and should be prepared now. You cannot see experiencing a flood unless you win the lottery and move to the beach or buy lakefront property. Those people have floods.
Actually, all homes can flood. Growing up I can remember an upstairs neighbor who let their bathtub overflow and a whole line of apartments had water damage and flooding. A friend of mine recently moved his family into a trailer next to their home because they had a flood. Their upstairs washing machine water hose disconnected and while everyone was at work and school water ran through the walls and pooled in the kitchen and basement damaging 75% of their home.
Driving is a time we all are likely to experience flooding. Our aging infrastructure increasingly floods. Pot holes turn into lakes when it rains and the trenches next to roads are overgrown with weeds forcing water onto roadways.
In fact we are all at risk for flooding. Be especially careful when driving during heavy rain or near swollen rivers. The National Weather Service has a campaign called Turn Around Don’t Drown.
“Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don’t Drown. You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the road under the water.”[1]
Help your customers, friends and your family be prepared for a flood or other disaster by giving them the gift of safety. All of our Ready Gift Boxes include educational information and essential supplies that can be immediately applied to lessen their impact of any disaster. Plus, you really do not need to be the person who gives another bottle of wine.
[1] NOAA National Weather Service information
What is in the Ready Home Gift Box?
March 5th, 2010The Ready Home Gift Box includes the items we know you need to get prepared and stay safe in an emergency.
Most people know to call 911 during a medical emergency or other type of emergency. We teach our children to call by showing them how to use the phone and by posting the 911 emergency numbers near telephones in our homes. We have included several 911 stickers for a family’s convenience. The other number all families need to have on hand is Poison Help. America’s poison centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you. The Poison Help hotline 1-800-222-1222 serves as a key medical information resource and helps reduce costly emergency room visits. We have included several Poison Help Hotline stickers for families to post near telephones in their homes.
Ready Home Gift Box Safest Size
Information is power before, during and after any disaster. For that reason we have included two American Red Cross and FEMA publications, Food and Water in an Emergency and Preparing for Disaster. These brochures guide a family through the process of preparing an emergency food and water supply as well as how to make an emergency plan.
We recently discovered the Fire Resistant Document Bag and include one in the Safe House gift box. Use this bag to protect your property deeds, passports, birth certificates, and cash and family photos. This bag even holds legal size documents. Post disaster, you will need these documents for insurance purposes. Putting your important papers in a central location that can survive a fire will inevitably streamline the process of resuming to normal. After Hurricane Katrina, many homeowners were waiting for FEMA checks because they did not have proof of insurance.
During a power outage or other emergency, you are suddenly cut-off from the outside world. We inundate ourselves with information through electronics, internet, television and radio. During a disaster a family needs to know the weather forecast, if an evacuation order is in effect, when power will be restored or what the roadway conditions are. We have included an AM/FM Radio Receiver complete with a crank flashlight. These have become popular devices and they work. Ours includes a telescopic antenna, earphone jack, AC power adaptor and carrying strap. It can also be charged with 2 AA batteries.
Crank Radio and Flashlight
In addition to the flashlight attached to the crank radio, we include a regular flashlight with 2 D batteries and several 6″ instant glow lightsticks. They last for 12 hours are non-flammable and weatherproof. Please do not light candles or use propane stoves indoors because these may cause fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Next we tackle the issues of food and water. We include pouches of drinking water with a drinking container. These are U.S. Coast Guard approved emergency drinking water pouches. We also include Energy Food Bars. These actually taste good, will stay fresh for years and contain 400 calories each so they are a true meal replacement. Your food or your pet’s food may be stored in cans that you typically open with an electronic can opener so we have included two hand held can openers for your convenience.
Considering fires, we have included a Survival Tool. This tool can be used to shut-off the main gas valve to your home. It is light weight, reflective and easy to use. This tool could save your life! Just imagine the fires in San Francisco following the 1906 or 1989 earthquakes and turn off the gas.
We have included a whistle for you to signal for emergency help or to call your dog. Disasters are loud and a whistle may come in handy for communicating the need for help.
Of course, we have included a 107 Piece First Aid Kit. This First Aid Kit comes in a plastic container and includes 35 large plastic bandages, 30 medium plastic bandages, 6 gauze pads of various sizes, 1 rolled gauze, 15 alcohol cleansing pads, 10 cotton swabs, 1 adhesive tape roll, 1 tweezers, 4 tongue depressors, 1 first aid guide book, 1 plastic bandage, 1 instant cold pack.
Finally, we put in a pack of playing cards. When the power goes out we may feel a bit lost without our “electronic” friends that are why we have included a pack of playing cards. There is no need to sit in the dark and be bored. Have some fun by playing a game of Solitaire or Go Fish.
No Touching Downed Power Lines
March 4th, 2010
I actually found myself telling my dad during our last major snow and ice storm, “no touching downed power lines.” A power line in his neighborhood was lying across the road near his house. He was “helping”.
Power lines tend to come down in severe winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and other high wind events. Even though a power line is on the ground it may still be energized. NO TOUCHING! The best thing you can do is call your local energy company or local Department of Public Works. You can also call the police or fire departments.
Is it safe to drive over power lines?
No. It is not safe to drive over power lines. Your car may become energized. I recommend finding an alternate route or waiting for help to arrive and clear the road.
If a power line touches your car[1] (This information comes from Puget Sound Energy)
- If you are in a car when a power line falls on it, STAY IN THE CAR.
- Warn other people to stay away. Ask them to call 911 and the local electric utility for help.
- Stay there until rescue workers arrive. You are safer inside the car because the rubber tires help prevent electricity from going to the ground.
- If you must leave the car because of fire or other danger, DO NOT STEP OUT of the car. If you touch the car and the ground at the same time, you will be shocked. Instead, JUMP away from the car so no part of you touches the car and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together, and shuffle away keeping both feet on the ground.
Note: Once you jump from a car with a power line on it, the danger may not be over. Electricity can spread out through the ground in a circle from any downed line. The voltage drops as you move away from the point of contact. If one part of your body touches a high-voltage zone while another part of your body touches a low-voltage zone, you will become a conductor for electricity. This is why you should shuffle away from the line, keeping your feet close together.
- Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground. If you do, you will become a path for electricity and could be hurt or killed!
A great resource online for more information: http://www.powerlinesafety.info/RightPanel-001.php
[1] http://www.pse.com/safetyReliability/electricsafety/pages/electricSafety.aspx?tab=1&chapter=5
Power Outage Priorities
March 4th, 2010
Conway, AR December 29, 2000 -- Recent ice storm downed many trees and caused significant power outages. Photo by John Shea/ FEMA News Photo
Families and home owners are at risk for a long list of emergencies. These range from house fires and poisoning to power outages and flooding. Residential fires are prevalent in all communities. They increase during blackouts due to poor heating and lighting choices.
Blackouts occur nationally due to heat waves, hurricanes, floods, winter storms and terrorist activities. Living in the dark and in extreme cold or extreme heat from a power outage causes extreme stress and potential danger for a family.
To prepare and respond to power outages National Grid recommends the following four things:
- Place working flashlights throughout the house and be sure all family members know where they are.
- Have a battery-operated radio on hand for storm information.
- Have extra flashlight and radio batteries ready.
- Keep extra drinking water, a manual can opener and a supply of canned and dried foods on hand in case an outage lasts more than a few days.
The Ready Home Gift Box includes all of these items plus many more to keep a family safe and prepared for any type of disaster.
Daily Hampshire Gazette Features Jamie Caplan
February 22nd, 2010
Jamie Caplan
Job title and company: Founder and president, GivingPreparedness, Northampton, www.givingpreparedness.com [1]
Age: 43
Your duties: My favorite part of the job is working with customers. I like discussing people’s risks and helping them to understand how they can mitigate those risks. I’m proud that I can offer a product to meet their needs. I also love to research and experiment with new products as we develop additional gift boxes. In terms of my day-to-day work, I do a bit of everything – from customer service, to product development and marketing. I surround myself with a great team of local experts who provide support for shipping, Web design and bookkeeping.
How did you land your job? I have two kids, six pets, aging parents and a business. I began to realize that, like me, many people have these responsibilities as well as a desire to get prepared. GivingPreparedness is the answer for busy people and businesses who know they should prepare for disasters but don’t have the time or the know-how to get started. I created this job as a way to use my expertise in emergency management to help small businesses and citizens prepare for disasters.
What’s most challenging about your work? I have my hand in everything, which is challenging. Yet, it is also what I most love about being an entrepreneur. Because I juggle many aspects of the business, I take the time to keep the big picture in mind. That seems to help.
What is your key to success? I sell a unique and quality product in three sizes: safe, safer and safest to meet the needs of a large customer base. I am honest with and respectful of customers, vendors and co-workers and I combine this with a strong work ethic and a ton of persistence. It all adds up to a chance for success.
Why did you choose to do business in the Valley? We cannot stop winter storms from creating hazardous conditions, nor can we prevent hurricane strength winds from knocking down trees and power lines. However, we can prepare our loved ones and our customers for these and other disasters that may come their way. For example, we can post the Poison Control Number (1-800-222-1222) near telephones and we can have first aid supplies on hand to treat minor injuries.
Who has helped mentor you professionally? I have the pleasure of working with many national experts in the field of emergency management. Several of them have mentored me professionally. My mom is a great role model. When I was growing up she ran her own business and raised two kids. She seemed to juggle everything with incredible efficiency and a good sense of humor.
Name a few of your goals for the coming year: GivingPreparedness is not just about sending emergency supplies such as flashlights, energy bars and emergency stickers; it is about education. Each of our boxes comes with information about how to prepare for and respond to a disaster. This year I want to expand the reach of GivingPreparedness and document success stories detailing how our products have helped those who use them. I would like to see GivingPreparedness Gift Boxes sold in veterinary offices and I would like to see real estate agents and automobile dealers give them as gifts to their customers.
Tell us a little-known fact about you: I do the Daily Jigsaw Puzzle on the Addicting Games Web site every morning before I start work.
What is your advice to others seeking business success? The Valley is full of resources. Utilizing these resources benefits our entire community. I recently joined the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and I’m taking advantage of all it has to offer.
Links:
[1] http://www.givingpreparedness.com
We Joined OpenSky
February 19th, 2010
OpenSky is an online marketplace. They call it Modern Main Street. Basically, it’s an online mall of unique products recommended by some very well respected bloggers and professionals. We now have a shop at OpenSky which you can visit at http://givingpreparedness.theopenskyproject.com. And we have become a supplier to OpenSky, which means our gift boxes are in other shops on the site as well.
I encourage you to take a look. We’re happy to have joined and view it as a unique opportunity toward our quest to get safety supplies into the hands of as many people as possible.
Do You Need to Become a Survivalist?
February 9th, 2010No. Absolutely not.
You do need to prepare for disaster. But, do not try to prepare for the world to end.
The best way to accomplish preparedness is to understand your risks. Ask yourself these questions:
1. What natural hazards occur in my area? (For example, floods, earthquakes and ice storms.)
2. Who am I responsible for and what are their special needs? (For example, infants, seniors, people with disabilities.)
3. Does my lifestyle include travel to an office or school?
Use the answers to these questions to begin determining what you need toward preparing for disaster.
For instance, if you live in an area with the possibility of earthquake you should know how to shut off the gas in your home and office. You will probably need a gas shut off wrench for this. We include one in the Ready Home Gift Box.
If you are responsible for people who require medication on a regular basis then you should make sure their medications never run out. You should also document the names of their doctors and the names and doses of their medications.
If you and your family head out in different directions for work and school, you should have a plan of where to meet if you can not return home. You also should have an emergency contact person out of state who can take calls from your family during a disaster. Frequently land and cell phone lines become jammed in an area affected by a disaster, it can be impossible to make local calls.
I encourage you to be reasonable and prepare for what is likely to occur. And, I remind you to never become complacent about preparedness.
Listen to Craig Fugate’s Message and Read Between the Lines
February 3rd, 2010
San Antonio, TX, August 29, 2008 -- Gerry Stoler, FEMA Operations liaison, talks to cab drivers who are participating in the evacuation program in Texas. FEMA is working with State, local and other Federal agencies in a joint operation in preparation for Hurricane Gustav's land fall. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA
I just finished watching and listening to Craig Fugate, FEMA’s top administrator, on the Washington Post’s On Leadership section. You can view it here. The video clip is about five and half minutes long. It gets good just before the four minute mark so hang in there. If you listen closely you will hear that the federal government knows that they can not meet all of the needs of individual citizens immediately following a disaster. Mr. Fugate gives the example of handing out food and water post disaster. Governments don’t hand out food and water on a daily basis. Private industry serves this role by maintaining big and small markets and working with elaborate supply chains. At a federal level, this administration, according to this video clip, will work to assist private industry in maintaining their supplies and opening their doors following a disaster. In the past, federal government has nearly competed with private industry and lost. Mr. Fugate gave an example of government handing out food and water following a disaster in the parking lot of a supermarket that was already open for business because they had gotten a generator.
I listened to the video several times. I listened with the ears of a FEMA consultant who is always curious about the direction and priorities of FEMA. But mostly I listened as a person who is passionate about spreading the message that we have to take responsibility for ourselves and our communities. We need to help people and businesses do what they do best, like supermarkets supplying food instead of government agencies. And, we need to take it a step further and take responsibility for ourselves.
Who keeps your house stocked with food and water and who makes sure that everyone in your house has the medication they need? Has this person prepared to keep the house stocked during a blackout or storm.
Is your business ready to withstand the impact of a flood, hurricane or pandemic? Are your vendor and client files safe? Are your employees prepared at home so they can return to work?
I could ramble on with pages of thought provoking questions. But, the answer to them all is we need to be ready today for what may happen tomorrow. We can’t wait. Preparedness is absolutely the key.
Understand that you will be impacted by some form of disaster and what you do beforehand is what will determine how you survive that disaster. Disasters come in all shapes and sizes. The disaster may be a catastrophic earthquake or it could be a five hour traffic jam. It doesn’t have to be the “big one” for you, your family and business to suffer catastrophic losses.
What did you do today to protect the people you love?
Cash Donations Are the Best Way to Help HAITI
January 22nd, 2010
Cash allows established organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti. Financial contributions can be transferred quickly and reduce the challenges posed by limited staff, equipment and space. Cash donations support Haiti’s local economy and ensure that culturally and environmentally appropriate assistance is rendered.
Taking the Kids — And Buying Some Gifts for the Traveling Family
January 5th, 2010
“If you are the kind of family traveler who always has what you need in a first-aid kit, put one together for the family heading out on their first “big” trip. (Also check www.givingpreparedness.com for emergency supply kits for the car.)”
The above quote is from a Fox 59 report dated December 10, 2009.