Face Mask for Corona?

The Full Article Here

Forget face masks and rubber gloves. The best way to avoid the coronavirus is frequent hand washing, according to a medical adviser to the world’s airlines.The virus can’t survive long on seats or armrests, so physical contact with another person carries the greatest risk of infection on a flight, said David Powell, a physician and medical adviser to the International Air Transport Association. Masks and gloves do a better job of spreading bugs than stopping them, he said.

Q: What’s important if you are on a plane to ensure you don’t get infected?

A: Hand hygiene -- because contrary to what people think, the hands are the way that these viruses most efficiently spread. Top of the list is frequent hand washing, hand sanitizing, or both. Avoid touching your face. If you cough or sneeze, it’s important to cover your face with a sleeve. Better yet, a tissue to be disposed of carefully, and then sanitizing the hands afterward. Washing your hands and drying them is the best procedure. When that’s not easy to do, alcohol-based sanitizer is a good second-best.

Q: Does wearing masks and gloves help prevent infections?

A: First of all, masks. There’s very limited evidence of benefit, if any, in a casual situation. Masks are useful for those who are unwell to protect other people from them. But wearing a mask all the time will be ineffective. It will allow viruses to be transmitted around it, through it and worse still, if it becomes moist it will encourage the growth of viruses and bacteria. Gloves are probably even worse, because people put on gloves and then touch everything they would have touched with their hands. So it just becomes another way of transferring micro-organisms. And inside the gloves, your hands get hot and sweaty, which is a really good environment for microbes to grow.

Coronavirus: As the Threat Grows, It’s Time to Prepare By Carolyn Nicolaysen · February 25, 2020

(Click here for the Full Article)

Both fear and apathy seem to be growing when considering the coronavirus (COVID-19). What is the latest, should we be concerned and what should we be doing? ...

“As we’ve seen from recent countries with community spread, when it has hit those countries, it has moved quite rapidly. We want to make sure the American public is prepared. As more and more countries experience community spread, successful containment at our borders becomes harder and harder,” said Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

The CDC urged American businesses and families to start preparing for the possibility of a bigger outbreak. Messonnier advised parents to ask their children’s schools about plans for closures, businesses to consider whether they can offer telecommuting options to their employees, and hospitals to look into expanding telehealth services. She also said, “we as a family ought to be preparing for significant disruption to our lives.”

Be Ready to Self-Quarantine

In Case of a Community Health Emergency: Be Ready to Self-Quarantine

By Carolyn Nicolaysen · October 15, 2019

(Click for the Full Article)

There is a limit to what government or the health care community can do in advance of a pandemic outbreak. The U.S. Federal Government, the World Health Organization, and others are monitoring the flu, as well as other pandemic threats closely. The United States has active national as well as international programs for manufacturing, pre-positioning, and stockpiling antiviral drugs, masks, and other supplies. A lesson we have learned from the response to hurricanes, floods, and the destruction caused by tornadoes and earthquakes, we need to be prepared to care for all our own needs.

In the United States, former Secretary Leavitt of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) has stated that “any community [or individual] that fails to prepare—with the expectation that the federal government can come to the rescue—will be tragically wrong” (April 10, 2006).

Stock up on:

·         N95 particulate face masks.

·         Paper plates, cup, bowls, and utensils will cut down on the possibility that germs will be passed as meals are cleared. They will also save precious time for those who are the care givers and a must have should the power fail.

·         Paper towels, become essential items for keeping your home germ free.

·         Large plastic trash bags for soiled clothing, towels, and trash.

·         Bleach and/or hydrogen peroxide for laundry and cleaning, and other disinfectant cleaning supplies should be stored now.

·         Prescription drugs to insure a continuous supply in your home. You may ask your doctor if he has samples or can help you to lawfully prepare. This is especially important for medications such as insulin that cannot be rationed.

·         Nonprescription drugs including pain and fever relievers, stomach remedies, anti- diarrhea medications, and cough and cold medicines and preventive medications.

·         Remember, never give young children aspirin. Purchase medications specifically designed for children.

·         Fluids with electrolytes.

·         Anti-bacterial wipes for cleaning up after attending to a patient.

·         Hand sanitizers. These should be used every time you are with someone who is ill or after you shake hands with anyone.

Whether you are trying to prevent disease or prevent it from spreading, you will want to take precautions in every aspect of your family routine. Now is the time to start by teaching and practicing good habits.

Avoid shaking hands with someone who is ill, begin the habit now. If this is impossible, thoroughly wash your hands as soon as possible or use a hand sanitizer.

Decide now which room in your home will be used to care for those who are ill. A room with its own bathroom is the best. You will want to keep a patient as far away from healthy family members as possible. Be sure to have several sets of sheets for the bed or beds in that room.

Severe Driving Conditions

Driving has its risks on a clear day, but what about when the weather turns sour? If a tornado siren sounds, or you have to drive through dense fog, it’s important to know how to react. These simple tips can help you stay safer on the road in five severe weather situations:

Storm SafetyTornado: Don’t try to outrun the storm. Tornadoes move quickly and can change directions unexpectedly. Exit your vehicle and seek shelter. Head straight for the basement or a bathroom of a nearby building. If no buildings are nearby, look for treeless, low-lying land. Crouch and cover your head as you wait for the storm to pass.

Fog: The key is to take it slowly; this means avoiding the highway, if you can. Driving slowly gives you more time to react to other drivers, and vice versa. Use your low-beam headlights; high beams simply reflect the fog, making it difficult to see lane dividers and shoulders. Finally, keep your windows open. This helps you hear other drivers you might not see.

Flood: Over half of flood-related deaths occur when cars are driven into floodwaters. Floodwaters move quickly, and drivers often underestimate the current’s force. If you approach a flooded roadway, the safest choice is to find an alternate route.

Hail: Avoid stopping on the side of the road or beneath an overpass, which can contribute to dangerous traffic jams. Instead pull into the first parking lot you see. Stay in your car but move toward the center of the vehicle in case the hail shatters a window. It’s also a good idea to take cover under a blanket or coat.

Straight-line winds: Often accompanying thunderstorms, straight-line winds equate with tornadoes in strength. Leaving your car might not be an option. Instead, keep both hands on the wheel and pull over to a low-lying area. Turn on your hazard lights and wait for the wind to subside.

Keep Your Car ReadyIt’s always good to be prepared. Store basic first aid supplies in your car in case of injury. Keep a blanket on hand so it can shield you from shattered glass and falling debris. If the forecast looks grim and you can’t stay home, make sure your phone is charged and someone is aware of your travel plans.

(MetLife)

Prepare for a Winter Storm

Winter storms can cause power outages that last for days. They can make roads and walkways extremely dangerous and also negatively affect critical community services including public transportation, childcare, and health programs. Injuries and deaths may occur from exposure, dangerous road conditions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other winter storm conditions.

Now is the Time to Prepare:
Sign up for local alerts and warnings. Create and test emergency communication plan(s). Stock emergency supplies, and install battery-powered or battery backed-up carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Winterize your home. Review your property insurance, and safeguard critical documents. Get trained on specific needs your family may have. Also, consider joining your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Identify a place nearby where you can safely warm up should you lose heat in your home

During  - Survive:
Stay indoors and off the roads. If you must drive, keep emergency supplies in your car.
Close off rooms to consolidate and retain heat.
Dress in layers, and use blankets to stay warm.
Bring pets into a warm place and out of the storm or severe cold.
Never use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, or gasoline or propane heater indoors, as these items can start accidental fires, cause electric shock, and/or cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Never heat a home with a cook top or oven.
Limit your time outdoors, and stay dry.

Know the Difference:
ADVISORY Winter Weather Advisories are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet Warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving
WATCH Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event. Heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storms, blowing snow, or a combination of these events are possible.
WARNING Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet, blowing snow, or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve. For a full list of winter weather Advisories, Watches, and Warnings criteria, please visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/ww.shtmlready.gov/prepare

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Ask yourself, “What would I need for myself and my family if a winter storm struck?” and “What would I or my family require if we did not have access to a grocery store or pharmacy for at least three days?” Add any of these specific items to your Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist.
You may not be at home when the storm starts, so it is important to have basic supplies of food and water as well as a way to stay warm without power in several locations such as your workplace, vehicle, and/or school. You can build your supplies over time by adding a few items each week or month. Gather, in advance, the necessary supplies and items you will need to stay safe after the winter storm passes. For a complete list of emergency supplies, visit www.ready.gov/kit

Medical Needs
Be equipped to tend to any current or unexpected medical conditions your family members may have. Ask your doctor about storing prescription medication such as at least a three days’ supply of heart and blood pressure medication, insulin for diabetics, and other prescription drugs such as inhalers for those with asthma. Include battery backup power for power-dependent mobility devices, oxygen, and other assistive technology needs.

The following resources and websites can help you further prepare for, respond to, and recover from a winter storm.

• CDC Winter Prevention Guide: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp
• Winter Driving Tips: https://one.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/tips/winter/index.html
• Winter Storms...The Deceptive Killers: www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/resources/Winter_ Storms2008.pdf
• Winter Weather Watches, Advisories, and Warnings : www.weather.gov
• American Red Cross, Repairing Your Flooded Home: www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/ m4340135_file_cont333_lang0_150.pdf

RELATED WEBSITES

• FEMA Mobile App: fema.gov/mobile-app
• FEMA Winter Weather: www.ready.gov/winter-weather
• American Red Cross Flood Safety: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-foremergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): www.fema.gov
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): www.noaa.gov
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://emergency.cdc.gov/winter/index.asp
• U.S. Fire Administration Winter Fire Safety (USFA): www.usfa.fema.gov/winter
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Technical Assistance Center: www.samhsa.gov/dtac.
• Para obtener información y recursos en español visite https://community.fema.gov/?lang=es 

Vehicle Preparedness

Vehicle Preparedness 

Car, SUV and truck kits are simple and very practical. With winter driving conditions right around the corner and able to hit at any time it is a good time to make sure our emergency car kit and our cars are ready for winter driving.

Let us first look at what I like to call "my trunk kit". The trunk kit can be divided into two sets of supplies. The first is personal preparedness and the second is vehicle emergency (Stuck in the snow, flat tires ... you know that stuff.)

If you find yourself stranded your goal is to be safe and warm when rescued. The first step in staying safe until rescued is to stay in your car if at all possible. (Sound familiar? Like staying in your home in a neighborhood emergency.)  Have enough supplies for those you are likely to have with you (like the kiddos!).

Here is a suggested list of emergency personal emergency supplies:

1) Extra set of warm clothes including: socks, gloves/mittens, hat, jacket/sweatshirt (hunter orange has it's uses here), insulated boots, long undies.

2) Blanket and or sleeping bag, chemical hand warmers.

3) At least one bottle of water for each person and pet. Hand wipes.

4) Charging cord for you phone.

5) Food that will NOT cause thirst. (Salted nuts stay at home.)

  Useful food might include: coast guard emergency food bars (available at Walmart for a couple of bucks), breakfast bars and complete nutrition bars. "Protein bars" are not really what we are after here. We want carbohydrates and as little salt or sodium as possible. Carbs are you body's energy currency NOT protein. Carbs will also help keep your metabolism up and thereby creating body heat. Sodium creates the feelings of thirst and can misdirect needed water from useful areas inside you. If by chance you include some sort of canned food in your kit, be sure you have an easy way of opening it. MREs are out if they need heating or cooking. Dehydrated foods? Forget about 'em.

6) A small duffel or similar to keep it all in.

For me the reality was easy. The only item I bought was the coast guard emergency food bars. The rest was easily gleaned from home. Just think of "warm, water & food", WWF. You may even include a deck of cards or other non-electrical entertainment.

Here is a suggested list for the vehicle:
(And no my warm weather friends, four wheel drive is not invincible! In practical fact, it is often at the root of many winter accidents and dismayed upside down drives in the ditch.)

1) Flares or reflectors to warn others and to signal for help.

2) Tire chains, tow strap, jumper cables, standard first aid kit.

3) Sand or non-clumping kitty litter for traction, or a GI shovel if you think you really want to dig out.

There you have your emergency kits, done.

Make your vehicle ready

In addition to the emergency kits, be sure to check your vehicle now and before any road trip to make sure it is in safe operating condition.

• Windshield wiper fluid
• Heater and defroster
• Wiper blades
• Antifreeze
• Lights
• Fuel system and a full tank of gas
• Ignition
• Exhaust system
• Tire treads and pressure
• Battery and brakes

The bottom line: spend your family time this winter making snow men, not becoming snow men!

Jackson Creek Emergency Preparedness

The Jackson Creek Emergency Preparedness blog is a community resource and not sponsored by any organization or group.  It is my desire to provide practical and useful resources and ideas for my community neighbors. As I develop the ideas in this blog, you will undoubtedly find reflections of my beliefs and concerns (I make no apologies).
My plan is to start out with general ideas which will form the foundation of later more specific ideas. On the right side bar you will find four separate pages: Family Plans, Family Emergency Communication Plan and Emergency Kits. These will form the foundation of all I include in the posts. The pages on the top will change from time to time.