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Food and water safety after a flood

Food safety after a flood

           If in doubt - Throw it out!   

   You must inspect food that has come anywhere near flood water very, very carefully. Floodwaters may carry contaminated mud, chemical waste, petroleum products and even raw sewage, which can make storm-damaged foods unsafe to eat.
   Even the slightest contact with floodwater can lead to contamination.

   There is a simple, basic rule:   all foods that have touched floodwater should be dispose of.  This includes all fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Food in glass jars, including all unopened jars. Discard all foods in bags and all opened containers and packages. 
   The only exception to this rule would be food in sealed in undamaged metal cans. These are safe for use, as long as you carefully clean and disinfect the cans before opening.
   This means you must remove the labels and thoroughly wash them with a scrub brush in a strong detergent solution containing chlorine bleach and then rinse well in clear water. The bleach solution should be one half-cup of bleach to one gallon of water. You may wish to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands during this process. 

Being Prepared 

   This brings up the issue of being prepared for a disaster. Nothing will help you and your family through any emergency situation as will being prepared for it.
   It may be up to three days before Emergency Services are up and running in your area after a disaster. Having an Emergency Preparedness kit, stored high and dry, can literally be a lifesaver.
   A supply of Food, drinking water and some additional gear such as light sticks, Self-charging FM radio, flashlight, hygiene kit, waterproof matches, emergency candles, sanitation kit and first aid supplies will be priceless when required by you and your family.   

Cookware and Cooking Utensils

Potable Water

          Water; water everywhere and not a drop to drink!

   After a flood, you should assume that all water sources are contaminated until they have been proven safe.
   Boil all rain and tap water and water from containers you're not completely sure about. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking or preparing food, washing dishes, cleaning, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, making ice, and bathing until your water supply is tested and found safe.
   There are also a few excellent Water Filtration Bottles and Emergency Water Filters on the market that are very effective at producing clean drinking water from almost any water source. These are the same systems that were used by the US military during the Katrina disaster.

     If you use a private well for your water supply, be sure to have the water tested before you resume use after a flood. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands if you have a limited supply of clean water. 

Floodwater

   Avoid contact with floodwater if at all possible, but if you find yourself wading into the floodwater during or after the disaster, remember that you will be in contact with many harmful contaminants that can make you sick. Always wash after contact with floodwater.

 I sincerely hope that you have found this article useful planning your family's preparedness.
Allan Wright
First Aid Kit Products

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  This month’s topic will address being prepared for a disaster “as a family”. We have all heard about the six steps to becoming a safe family, but given the different world that we live in today and the many brutal winter storms and areas of flooding that have been marching through much of the country, I believe these steps are well worth another look.

1. Write a disaster plan
2. Write an evacuation plan
3. Learn about safety plans at work and school
4. Prepare for fires
5. Assemble disaster supplies
6. Learn lifesaving skills.  

As each one of these steps is important; we will look at them individually.

  When a disaster strikes, all of your family members may not be together in one place.

  Your family should select two places to meet in an emergency situation. This is an easy task. Get the family together and let everyone make a suggestion. 

• In case of a household emergency, such as a fire, pick a spot in the neighborhood to meet and make sure that everyone knows exactly where that spot is.
  
• In a more widespread emergency, when all of your family may not be able to get home, or you must evacuate your neighborhood, pick a second place outside of your immediate neighborhood and make sure that all family members knows the address and phone number.

  An out of town relative or friend may be your “family contact” place. If family members become separated, they should check with this contact as soon as possible. Everyone must know the address, phone numbers and E-mail of the family contact. 

  You should also prepare a disaster supply kit for your pet, and have it easily available when it is needed.
   It should include any medical records that you may have, medications and a pet first aid kit. Remember to include, in your pet’s survival kit, any specific medical and behavior information along with the veterinarian’s name and phone number. A leash and / or carriers that will be required to transport your pet. Include some food, water and a can opener, along with a photo of your pet, in case he or she gets lost.

  You need to come up with a workable plan for your pet’s safety, do not leave your pets alone to fend for themselves.  Make sure that they have collars with up to date information and include a means of contacting you or your “family contact”.

  If you need to evacuate you home due to an evacuation notice issued by the authorities or if a fire starts in your home, everyone needs to know exactly what to do. Any hesitation, especially in case of a home fire can be fatal.

  If you prepare and then practice an escape plan, you and your family will have a much better chance of survival in case of an emergency.  

  Making a family escape plan has to involve all family members. Pick a time when everyone is home and sit down at the table and make your emergency escape plan. Include all of the children in the planning, so they feel part of the decision-making.  

• Make a floor plan of your home
   
• Find and least two ways out of each room and mark them on the floor plan. Discuss the best escape routes with each family member and remember that windows can be used as exits. Check that all family members can open all windows that you plan to use as exits.
   
• Pick a meeting location right outside the house, but out of harms way for everyone to meet after they have escaped the house. Perhaps a neighbor’s front porch would be a good spot. It is very important that everyone goes to the same place so that you will know if there is anyone missing.
   
• Practice your plan to make sure everyone knows how to get out and is comfortable with the plan.
  Imagine that one of the room exits is blocked by debris or fire so that you can practice using the other exit. Practicing your plan a few times will help all family members to feel comfortable with it.
   
• Remember, do not stop to call the Fire Department, just get out and stay out. Do not go back inside your home for any reason. There are no possessions that are worth a family members life. 

                 Other things to consider while you are writing your families escape plan.  

   If your home is two-story, consider purchasing escape ladders for each bedroom. Practice using them and store them near the window. If the stairs are blocked with debris or fire, the up-stairs window may be your only escape route.

  Well folks, that is all for this month. I will continue with this important topic in my next article.
  In the meantime, stay well and stay safe.  

Allan Wright
First Aid Kit Products

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   Experience gained from past disasters has shown that it can take up to 72 hours or more to mobilize a significant relief effort during an emergency.  Therefore everyone needs to be preparing to cope on his or her own for at least the first 72 hours – that’s 3 days – of an emergency. 
   Of course common sense dictates that we should be prepared for any emergency situation, however the fact is that only a few of us are ready for even the smallest crisis, let alone one of larger significance. 
   One obvious advantage of being prepared - it allows emergency workers to focus on people in very urgent need of their help. To support their efforts, the rest of us must to be prepared to look after ourselves for at least 72 hours.

      The San Francisco area is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. The path of destruction that Hurricane Katrina left in its wake across the southern U.S. in August 2005 and the widespread flooding of 2007 – 2008 have provided a horrific reminder of the importance of being prepared for disasters. Unfortunately no part of our country, or North America for that matter is immune to a natural or a man-made disaster. 
    Earthquakes, power outages, floods, fires, severe storms and acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies. Many of these emergencies have been deadly in the past. Being prepared can save lives and can help to reduce the impact of a disaster on you and your family.

Why prepare your family? 

   Imagine for a moment that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you are without any kind of emergency services. What will you do until help arrives? 
   What will you do if your local authorities issue and emergency evacuation order?  Remember, in such a circumstance there will be no stores open for you to acquire anything, the store personal will be evacuating also!  

   If you have not prepared beforehand for either of these events, both you and your family may have a very difficult time when a disaster strikes your hometown.  

   While governments are working hard to keep citizens safe, we all have an important role to play in emergency preparedness and response. By being prepared to take care of yourself, you allow community resources to be used more effectively during an emergency and you help keep your own family safe at the same time. Very simply put, emergency preparedness must begin at home.

Start to plan today!

   As neither man-made nor natural emergencies can be predicted; therefore it is imperative that we are all prepared well in advance of the disaster.
I cannot over stress this point.

   Prepare your emergency kit and your family – so in the case of a major emergency like a flood or blackout – you are ready to take care of yourself and your loved ones for at least 72 hours. You should be prepared to live without running water, electricity, gas, telephones and assistance from safety services for at least three days following a disaster.

   You need to have an “Emergency Kit” in your home, ready to go at a moments notice.
   Your family Emergency Kit is comprised of two separate parts, a First Aid Kit and a Go Bag.

   Your own 72-Hour Emergency Kit should be tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family. Store your emergency supplies in an easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trashcan, suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, footlocker or individual pack.
  

Your First Aid Kit 

   In any emergency situation, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. It is imperative that you keep basic first aid supplies handy so you are prepared to assist when someone is hurt. Medical help may not be available during or immediately after a large-scale disaster.  

My personal list of items that should be in your First Aid Kit:  

• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Gauze pads and bandages
• Butterfly Closure bandages
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding (Blood stopper)
• Elastic Wrap
• Instant cold pack
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Burn ointment
• Sting Relief Pads (for insect bites)
• Sunscreen packets
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
• Cotton tips
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• At least two pairs of disposable gloves
• A First Aid Instruction Guide
• Hygiene kits
• Flashlight or brightstick 
• Medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication  

   A major component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Every household should pack a Go Bag — a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation order.  Your Go Bag may be assembled or purchased as a ready-made kit for convenience. Your Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy backpack or suitcase on wheels.

   The Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year as an emergency evacuation order can occur at any time of the year. 
   Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each is tagged with the name of the person it was packed for. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work.   

Items that should be in your Go Bag: 

• The prescription medications you take every day such as insulin or heart medication.
• All prescribed medical supplies such as glucose or blood pressure monitors
• Drinking Water
• Non-perishable food such as food ration bars or Meal-in-a-Box
• Manual can opener
• Plates, utensils and other cooking supplies
• Flashlight and extra batteries or Hand-charged Flashlight
• Pocketknife or Multifunctional Tool
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
• Whistle
• Waterproof Matches
• Water filtration bottle
• Duct Tape, permanent marker, and paper
• Cable Ties
• Light Stick
• Rope or twine
• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
• Heavy work gloves
• Disposable lighters
• Phillips Screw Driver
• Standard Screw Driver
• Folding Shovel w/Sheath
• Trash Bags
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal Hygiene kit
• Shave Kit
• Maps
• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, gloves and a warm hat
• Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag
• Rain Ponchos
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
• List of emergency contact phone numbers
• List of allergies to any drug or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra prescription eyeglasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• Prescription medications
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Disposable camera
• Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.
  
  Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.

   Remember that if you have to leave your house due to an evacuation order, you will be living and sleeping somewhere else for a while. It is therefore a good idea to add some activity items to the kids Go Bag.

Some suggestions may be a couple of favorite books

• Crayons, pencils and plenty of paper
• A puzzle
• A favorite toy such as a doll or action figure
• One or two board games
• A deck of cards
• A Favorite stuffed animal or puppet
• Favorite blanket or pillow

   I sincerely hope that this article will provide the incentive for you to get prepared for an emergency now.  Don’t put if off for another day.  The safety and well being of your family is at stake. 

Allan Wright

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What is the Most Important Item for a Car or Boat First Aid Kit? 

  One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive is “What is the most important thing that I need to put in my First Aid Kit?”
  The answer to this question may surprise you.  

Are you Prepared?
  There is one item that is absolutely necessary to include in your car or boat first aid kit. No matter what else you pack in your first aid kit, it must have a cellular telephone.
  There is no better piece of equipment to have in your first aid kit in the event of an emergency; be it an emergency situation that you are involved in yourself or a situation that you witness. If you can’t access emergency medical services, you are not fully prepared!
  The first aid supplies that you have in your kit will definitely come into play as you administer assistance to the injured, but the knowledge that the authorities have been notified is invaluable.  

Don't throw out that old phone!
   The Cellular phone only need to have enough battery power to turn on. Federal laws stipulate that cell phones must be able to reach a 911 operator anytime the number is called, regardless of whether a service agreement is in effect or not.
   Everyone has at least one old cell phone that they do not use any longer. Take that old cell phone of yours and put it in the first aid kit in your car. I am sure that you will also be able to find another couple of phones for your boat first aid kit and your ATV first aid kit.

  You may also wish to include a Hand-crank style charging device to recharge the cell phone battery in case it goes dead when you need it the most. These are quite inexpensive, take up little room in your first aid kit and can make a great deal of difference in an emergency. 

Conclusion! 
  In the days before Cellular Telephones came into being, we had to rely on someone getting the message to the proper authorities in the event of a serious injury, when it occurred away from a land phone. Now, with the great quantity of cell phones that have found their way into the general population, there should be no problem for you to include one in all of your First Aid Kits.

A. Wright
First Aid Kit Products      

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It's Still Winter and There's Still Danger from Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide
  Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell, Carbon Monoxide can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, Carbon Monoxide causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. At higher levels it can kill.

  Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. It is the product of the partial combustion of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon monoxide forms in preference to the more usual carbon dioxide when there is a reduced availability of oxygen present during the combustion process. 

Is your Home at Risk?
  Most fuel-burning equipment (natural gas, propane and oil), if properly installed and maintained, produces little CO. The by-products of combustion are usually safely vented to the outside. However, if anything disrupts the venting process (such as a bird's nest in the chimney) or results in a shortage of oxygen to the burner, CO production can quickly rise to dangerous levels. 
  The burning of wood, kerosene, coal and charcoal produce more CO. Be extra cautious when heating a living space with these fuels.  

Effects of Carbon Monoxide
  Carbon monoxide has recently caused the evacuation of 17 people from a hotel in Kentucky and killed a grandfather and his grandson in Colorado.
  Carbon monoxide detectors can make a big difference. The family in Colorado didn't have carbon monoxide detectors, and authorities were quoted in the local paper as saying “CO detectors may have saved the victims lives.”

  Another family in Virginia received a free carbon monoxide detector as part of a local public safety program, and three days after it was installed it alerted them to the presence of the odorless gas in their home. Without the detector, this could have been another tragedy. 
  An estimated 300 people die each year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands of others end up in hospital emergency rooms.  

Protection 
  Protect yourself and your family by making sure that your heating systems are properly installed and maintained and install at least one Carbon Monoxide detector in your home. A detector might be your second line of defense, but it is a necessary one. 

Conclusion
  Inspect your heating systems, put carbon monoxide detectors in your home, learn to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, be prepared for any injury with a home First Aid Kit and an auto first aid kit and stay safe from Carbon Monoxide until spring.

A. Wright
First Aid Kit Products

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Keeping yourself Safe

Every Day Safety
  Safety is a state of constant awareness of our surroundings and a healthy fear of unpredictable situations. By it's very nature, an emergency is a volatile situation. If everything were truly under control, the terrible situation that we are presented with would not have happened. 
  Safety is an ongoing concern that must never leave our thoughts.
  There is an instinct in all of us to race to the rescue of those in need of assistance and first aid. Regardless of the circumstance of the accident or injury that we witness, it's imperative that we keep our wits about us and Stay Safe.

Accident Prevention
  If, for example, you see a person struck by a car in a crosswalk; do not rush headlong into the street to help. You will no doubt find yourself lying next to them after being struck by the next car speeding down the street, requiring aid yourself. 
   If you witness an accident or injury, the first thing you must do is to make sure that you are not in immediate danger yourself. You will not be able to render first aid to anyone if you are caught-up in the same dangerous situation that resulted in the first accident.
  If you slid into the car ahead of you, don’t jump out of your vehicle without making absolutely sure that there is no one behind you. First check your rear view mirror, if there is another vehicle approaching, stay in your car any prepare for possible impact.
  Once you are sure that there is no other vehicle approaching, grab your first aid kit and any first aid supplies that you have on hand, leave your car and get well away from the road as quickly as possible. More than one person has been severely injured while standing on the road after an accident. Don't be one of them!
  Once you see that the situation has stabilized, you can then return to the scene to render assistance and first aid to those that have been injured.

Conclusion
  It is up to each one of us to be totally aware of our own surroundings no matter where we are, and to react to those surroundings accordingly.
  We are all guilty of going through the day, lost in our own thoughts and paying little attention to what is happening around us. We must all attempt to change these ways, keep our minds in focus and be SAFE.

A.Wright
First Aid Kit Products   

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  Mr. Allan Wright is considered to be an authority in the field of First Aid products and Family safety.

  He is presently the Vice President and General Manager of First Aid Kit Products, a wholly owned subsidiary of 1434280 Ontario Limited.

  He brings all of his knowledge and experience in the industry to First Aid Kit Products.