Many of us in Windsor 9-12 lived through the F4 tornado that ripped through town in May 2008, leaving the town without power for 3+ days and many residents homeless or without basic necessities. As a result, we know more than most the value of being prepared. There are lots of reasons to create a disaster preparedness plan including:

• Weather related emergency or disaster
• Pandemic or plague
• Terrorist attack
• Monetary collapse
• Martial law
• Food or fuel shortage

These are just a few possible scenarios which would drastically effect your ability to obtain basic necessities for indefinite periods of time. We've included some topics to discuss with your family and friends as you consider your disaster preparedness plan, as well as some links to resources you may need to survive any number of disaster scenarios.

Preparedness Committee Announcements
At a recent preparedness presentation, a member presented on the benefits of Colloidal Silver for its antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. For the benefits of colloidal silver, and the differences between Colloidal Silver and Ionic Silver, click here.

If you're interested in putting together a  "Grab and Go Bag" click the link for a list of what you may want to have with you in case of emergency.

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Links

Survival Kits

Preparedness products

Backwoods Home Magazine

Natural Disaster Resources (Thanks to Drew in Ms. Pierce's Class for this link)

Goldline

Preparing for power outage

Emergency Preparedness Guidebook

Self sufficient food prep

Food storage calculator

Shopping strategically

Preparing Your Plan

Since every home and family is different, everyone's disaster plan should be unique depending on age and number of family members, location, resources available nearby etc. Here are some points for you and your family to consider as you formulate your personal disaster plan:

1. Water: Store a minimum of 72 hours worth of clean water. Know where natural water sources exist. Look into ways to access, purify and transport water from these water sources.
2. Food: Store a minimum of 72 hours worth of non-perishable foods (canned, freeze dried meals, dry goods). Discuss an action plan for feeding your family on an ongoing basis in the event the emergency is ongoing (raise livestock, cultivate veggie garden, fruit trees, etc.)
3. Shelter/Bug out destination: Store emergency blankets, tarps and tents. In the tornado, many residents found themselves suddenly homeless. Talk with friends and neighbors and formulate a plan for shelter in the event your home is rendered unlivable. In certain emergencies, areas outside the cities and suburbs will be far safer than those within. Look for a secure rendezvous destination in the country where you and your family can connect in the event of a disaster.
4. Defense: Depending on the type of disaster, you may be called upon to defend your home or property from looters or others seeking to take what you've diligently stored for your survival. A good defense starts with knowing your weaknesses, both environmental and personal, and devising ways to overcome them. In Katrina, most  looters were armed so consider your response to armed intruders in your plan.
5. First Aid: Most people understand the value of having a good first aid kit for general use, but your emergency kit should contain a few items your home-use one would not. Consider including a one-month supply of prescription medications, as well as particle masks, gloves, eye wash, antibiotics, suture material & penetrating (bullet) wound care items to your emergency kit.
6. Heat/fuel/Energy: Firewood, propane, lamp oil etc. are important things to have on hand, as well as a plan on how to obtain more if necessary. Gas powered generators will help keep your lights on and food cold for a few days, but make sure you have a gas reserve on hand. Candles, flashlights and extra batteries are necessities too.
7. Communications: Assume that telephone and cell phone communications will not be operational in a disaster and keep 2-way radios charged and get a crank-powered AM/FM radio handy as well.
8. Cash/finances: You will likely want to have a cash stash on hand because you won't want to go to the ATM in a crisis, but remember, small bills will get you a lot farther than large if banks are closed, because no one will be able to break a $100.