Katrina: Lessons Learned on the Nature of Man
January 17, 2009
For many years, novels and films have given us apocalyptic views of how easily mankind could disintegrate into ruthless barbarity once removed from the constraints of law and order, and the comfortable smooth machinery of "civilization". But all that was just fiction, right? Not really. The reality is in the news.
While the people of New York City responded predominantly with goodwill and a heroic attitude to the World Trade Center attacks, it is important to keep in mind that the basic structure of the city ? the services, facilities, and general day-to-day functions ? were still intact. The disaster that has befallen the gulf states is an entirely different kind of animal. The entire city of New Orleans has been utterly devastated. Many peripheral communities and cities have been essentially washed away. There is no source of free-flowing fresh water, food sources have been severely depleted, virtually no energy infrastructure remains, although line crews from neighboring states are working feverishly to get power restored to critical facilities like the water supply system. Tens of thousands of people have lost their possessions, their homes, their jobs, and their entire way of life. As some of the survivors have put it, they are literally "adrift".
Emergency Disaster Planning: Building a Bug-Out Kit
January 2, 2009
Report after report comes in about how many people couldn’t or didn’t escape the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. More reports come in about the disorganized relief effort, the communications problems they’re having and the difficulty in getting survivors to safety even when they are reachable by rescue personnel.
Hopefully, few of us will ever be caught in such a widespread and devastating disaster as Hurricane Katrina. But should a natural or man-made disaster threaten your family or force an evacuation, having a fully-stocked and easily-reached emergency “bug-out” bag could help save your life during the first stages, and help make rescue, recovery and a return to normalcy easier and more successful.
A bug-out bag is basically a duffle bag or other easy to carry luggage piece stocked with the following items:
- Photocopies of important documents such as birth certificates, drivers’ licenses and so on for the entire family. Note: keep the originals in a safe deposit box or other safe place ? non-notarized photocopies cannot generally be used for official actions like getting a drivers license, but are more than fine for temporary ID in emergency situations. And don’t forget insurance papers and other items you might need to begin rebuilding.
Garage Door Openers–Buy the Best Gagage Door Opener only
January 1, 2009
Buying the right garage door opener has not never been more simpler.Whether you want to buy one for residential use or the commercial use read the tips below and buy the garage door opener which ideally suits you .
Also opening the garage door opener has been a big problem until now but the new technology now ensures that its no more a big problem.
Electric power is the most extensively used fuel for opening the garage door opener.
Also what will you do when the power fails.Although not a routine proble but who will predict the ever unpredictable whether changes,lightning and more.
If power failure is your problem and its a recurrent problem then we recommened the 2500/3500 - DC Motor Belt Drive with EverCharge Battery Backup System .Its made by the liftmaster professional.It can work for full 20 cycles 24 hours a day.Now no more outing in the bad whether just because your garage door opener faisl to open.
Also the new addition has been the new motion detecting control panels built by many leading companies now.
Is America Safe?
December 16, 2008
As the devastation and death toll from deadly Hurricane Katrina becomes more apparent, it is a grim reminder that we live in dangerous times.
Every year, millions of people around the world lose their lives or have them seriously disrupted because of floods, tsunamis, wildfires, earthquakes, blizzards and hurricanes.
In today’s troubled world, we face even greater threats from terrorism, civil unrest, explosions and the possibility of chemical, biological or even nuclear attack.
In the United States, the terrorist threat is not only from overseas groups; domestic terrorism has been with us for decades. Violence on the road and in our places of work and schools is another growing area of concern.
?In the last 25 years there has been more than 320 domestic terrorist incidents and suspected incidents ? an average out of one every month over this period.
?Over a quarter of the U.S. population are children. In the last eight years more than 40 students, teachers and custodians have been shot dead at incidents in schools.
?More than 1.7 million people are the victims of violent crime while at work.
Eavesdropping and Counter-Measures: Technology and Techniques
November 30, 2008
You need to know how to protect yourself, since your security department or any consultant may not be truly aware of these threats and therefore not dependable. Since September 11th, a number of businesses entered the security field with little to no knowledge of the trade itself; only of its profit potential. Even outfits that have been around for some time and well-established have not been able to stay current with the latest innovations.
Realistically, viewing your threat level has to be considered since everyone should expect some sort of impending privacy issue no matter how small. Thanks largely to the Internet you can arm yourself with much of the knowledge and equipment that the so-called experts use. If a respected agent of computer crimes for the Secret Service in NYC had his T-Mobile Sidekick hacked, who knows what else happens out there to others in any business.
Realistically, viewing your threat level has to be considered since everyone should expect some sort of impending privacy issue no matter how small. Thanks largely to the Internet you can arm yourself with much of the knowledge and equipment that the so-called experts use. If a respected agent of computer crimes for the Secret Service in NYC had his T-Mobile Sidekick hacked, who knows what else happens out there to others in any business.
Handling a Hurricane; Part 2 - Preparing for and Surviving an Approaching Hurricane
November 13, 2008
Part 1 of this article described some of the characteristics of hurricanes and the damage they can cause. In the days before high tech weather forecasting, well organized emergency services, and mandatory evacuation, major hurricanes resulted in hundreds, if not thousands of deaths.
Most deaths, much property damage, and significant financial loss are all preventable with sensible forward planning and early action. Let’s have a look at how you can protect yourself, your family, and your property if a hurricane crosses the coast in your area
To find out more about hurricanes visit http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/hurricanes.html
Advance Preparation for the Hurricane Season
The North American hurricane season starts on June 1st, reaches a peak in August and September, and fades out over the next two months. This doesn’t mean that major hurricanes won’t occur before or after the peak - July 2005 set new records for early hurricanes.
Unlike a tornado, a hurricane can be monitored and tracked for some time before its final landfall or decay. If you are a resident or visitor in a target area, you will normally have considerable advance warning of a hurricane’s approach, and time to safeguard your home or prepare for evacuation.
Home Security: Your Yard is the First Line of Defense
October 28, 2008
You may not believe it but most burglars do not plan their break ins. They are crimes of opportunity. They pick what appears to be a simple target. If they see a greater risk than they anticipated, they move onto a safer target. Therefore the more effort you take to keep your home from seeming to be a simple target, the safer you will be.
A multilayered structure is the best way to approach arranging your home security, and the first layer is the landscaping and other features of your yard.
Landscaping and Yard Security
A few simple changes to your landscaping can help to protect your home from would be burglars. They are looking for a home they can get into and out of quickly; the more time they spend in your home the more chance of getting caught. Their best target is a home surrounded by tall hedges and shrubs, which restricts visibility from the street and your neighbours’ houses.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
October 12, 2008
Emergency is a situation that poses an instant threat to human life or possessions though this description may be different in some areas. Deliberate bogus reports of an emergency are usually prosecuted as an offense. One should call for help any time there is a danger for life or public order. The emergency telephone number is a special case in the country’s telephone number sketch.
The emergency telephone number differs from country to country. It is typically a three-digit number (though not always), so that it can be easily remembered and dialed quickly. Some countries have a different emergency number for each of the different emergency services; these often differ only by the last digit. The three main and best known emergency call services are firebrigade, police and ambulance. Other available services include coastguards, mountain rescue and cave rescue (where locally applicable). Some situations such as a major car accident or a terrorist attack will require multiple and/or expert services but the first point of call for coverage such incidents from the general public is still the 9-9-9 system. The number is operated by British Telecom for the Home Office. The operator may also be able to offer help over the phone until the emergency service staff arrive. 9-9-9 is the United Kingdom ’s Emergency telephone number along with the EU standard 1-1-2 . Either number can be used but people always refer to 9-9-9. If you are using a mobile phone which is out of range, dial 112. This will connect you directly to emergency services even if you do not have network coverage.
Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 2; Home Security, Evacuation, and Emergency Kits
September 26, 2008
Introduction
Part 1 of this article on preparing for weather emergencies discussed forming an emergency plan to reduce the stress and worry of facing a full blown weather crisis.
The focus was on safeguarding your family by planning well in advance of any threat.
This, the second half of the article, looks at two things.
- Preparing your home to survive severe weather, and securing it in case you have to leave.
- Coping with evacuation or temporary isolation, and assembling one or more emergency kits.
Home Security
Some forms of weather related emergency are capable of destroying your home no matter what you do - floods, tornadoes and Category 5 hurricanes come to mind.
But long term preparation and a clear plan for when severe weather is approaching can do a lot to protect your home from damage or destruction. Or to protect you if you are inside.
So put together a plan about securing your home and loading valuables and essential supplies into your vehicle in case you have to leave quickly.
Such tasks are made easier if you have been able to assemble suitable tools and equipment well before the problems arise.
Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 1 - Forward Planning Makes The Difference
September 10, 2008
Introduction
At some time in our lives, many of us will face an emergency. Most will involve personal illness or injury, but severe weather, including hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and heat waves, is a very common threat.
Severe weather and its after effects, such as flooding, results in numerous deaths and injuries every year, together with major property damage and loss.
But we are not entirely powerless in the face of these disasters - a little time and effort now will significantly reduce the risks of death, injury and property damage. It will also help you recover much faster.
Planning for emergencies is complex subject, too big for a single article.
Part 1 covers identification of the threats to you and your family, how to make sure your safety is protected, and making sure everyone knows what to do, even if you are separated.
The second part considers those precious few hours before the the weather becomes really threatening. Preparation is crucial to make sure your family is safe, and your home and belongings are as secure as possible.
Advance Planning - It’s A Drag But It Pays Off
