Blog invitado: Preparacíon marca la diferencia

Marcela Campoli, MHA, blog invitado de hoy, es una consultora negocios en Washington, D.C. Tiene experiencia en la preparación para emergencias y trabajando con los promotores de salud en la salud comunitaria y prevención. Campoli es un miembro del Comité de Igualdad de Oportunidades de la Salud de APHA.

Preparacíon puede ser la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte en un caso de desastre; sin embargo para muchos no es tan fácil llevar la teoría a la práctica, especialmente en el devenir diario de las actividades cotidianas.

La Agencia Federal de Manejo de Emergencias sugieren:

•  Informarse sobre los peligros y emergencias que pueden afectarlo a usted y a su familia y mantenerse informado: Vivimos en una comunidad que elegimos conscientemente por su seguridad, por sus vecinos, por las escuelas, y por muchas tantas razones; sin embargo vivimos en un mundo globalizado donde los riesgos pueden alcanzarnos de muchas y variadas maneras, incluyendo derrames de materiales peligrosos, accidentes aéreos y descarrilamiento de trenes.

 Es necesario ser realista en los riesgos a los que estamos expuestos y mantener una línea de comunicación diaria con la realidad comunitaria y social a través de las noticias.

• Elaborar un plan de emergencia: El dicho dice “prepárate para lo peor y espera lo mejor,” pero ¿para qué pensar en un tsunami cuando no vivimos cerca del mar? Por ello, el plan debe incluir esas posibles emergencias que puedan afectarnos a algunos o a todos los miembros de la familia. La lista puede empezar con aquellas a las que ya se han visto expuestos, directa o indirectamente en el pasado — tormentas de nieve en invierno, huracanes en verano, olas de calor en verano o inundaciones.

Una vez identificados los riesgos potenciales, es necesario escribir un plan con los pasos a seguir en cada situación, y comunicarlo a todos los que pueden estar involucrados, incluyendo familiares y maestros de los niños.

• Reunir y organizar un equipo de suministros para desastre: Comprar los suministros necesarios cuando las señales de alerta han comenzado, se convierte en una pesadilla rápidamente. Por lo que es importante tener una reserva de alimentos no perecederos almacenados, agua embotellada,  lámparas, radios, bolsas de dormir, ropa de acuerdo al clima y aquellos artículos de uso específico de la familia, como medicina. Las mascotas son parte de la familia, es necesario tener reservas para ellos también.

Al preparar los suministros, es importante mantener en el auto, una mochila — impermeable en lo posible — con una porción de mismos suministros mencionados con anterioridad. Es importante recordar los documentos importantes y dinero en efectivo. Siempre es bueno hacer una lista adicional de aquellas cosas que es necesario recoger a último momento.

• Saber dónde buscar refugio para protegerse de todo tipo de riesgos: Al hacer la lista de los posibles refugios a los que acudir en el barrio o la comunidad, es conveniente que tenga al menos dos teléfonos y direcciones de amigos y familiares fuera del estado, en caso de una evacuación.
• Identificar los sistemas de advertencia y las rutas de evacuación en su comunidad: Debo conseguir mensajes de texto de alerta en el celular y correos electrónicos en la computadora. Muchos gobiernos locales lo ofrecen gratis. Recorra su barrio e identifique las rutas demarcadas de fácil salida del área. Considere que tipo de transporte que utlizaría.
• Incluir en su plan la información requerida de los planes comunitarios y escolares. Determinar un lugar y hora de encuentro para facilitar la evacuación conjunta.
• Practicar y mantener su plan: Realizar un simulacro y que en él participen los niños es fundamental para entender si el plan funciona, ya que algunas acciones pueden corregirse y aprenderse de manera de reaccionar naturalmente durante la emergencia. Lo más importante es entender que ante una situación de emergencia es necesario conservar la calma.

Preparacíon puede ser la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte en caso de una emergencia, sin embargo es necesario fomentar la cultura de la protección civil entre los miembros de la familia y la comunidad — y esta es una tarea diaria.

Para obtener más información, visita nuestra hojas informativas de Get Ready. Lea este publicacíon en inglés en el Get Ready Blog de APHA.

Guest blog: Preparedness makes a difference

Today’s guest blog is by Marcela Campoli, MHA, a Washington, D.C.-area business consultant. She has experience in emergency preparedness and working with health promoters in community health and prevention. Campoli is a member of APHA’s Equal Health Opportunity Committee.
 
Preparedness can be the difference between life and death in a disaster. However, it’s not always easy to put that idea into practice, especially in the daily course of everyday activities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that you:

• Be informed about hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family and stay informed: We live in communities that we chose for their safety, for neighbors, schools and for many other reasons. Yet we live in a globalized world where hazards can reach us in many and various ways, including hazardous material spills, plane crashes and train derailments. You need to be aware of the risks. Keep track of what is happening at the community and global level through the news. 
• Develop an emergency plan: As the saying goes "Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.” But would you think of a tsunami if you don’t live near the sea? Your plan should include all possible emergencies that may affect some or all family members. The list can begin with disasters that you have already been exposed to directly or indirectly in the past — winter snow storms, summer hurricanes, summer heat waves or floods.

Once you’ve identified your risks, write down a plan with specific steps to follow in each situation. Inform all who may be involved, including family members and children’s teachers.

• Collect and assemble a disaster supply kit: Buying supplies after warning signs of a disaster occur quickly becomes a nightmare. So it is important to have a store of nonperishable food, bottled water, lanterns, radios, sleeping bags, weather-appropriate clothing and other family items, such as medicine. Pets are part of the family, so it’s necessary to have supplies for them, too.

It’s also important to keep a backpack — waterproof if possible — in your car with some of the same items mentioned above. Remember important documents and money. Make a list of additional things that need to be collected at the last minute.

• Know where to seek shelter from all types of hazards: Make a list of potential shelters to turn to in the neighborhood or community. Know at least two phone numbers and addresses of family and friends out of state in case of an evacuation. Consider what transportation you would use. 
• Identify warning systems and evacuation routes in your community: Sign up to get alert text messages on your cellphone and via email. Many local governments offer such services for free. Walk through your neighborhood and identify emergency routes that would facilitate evacuation. 
• Include information from your community and schools in your preparedness plan. Set a meeting place and time where your family can meet up to make the evacuation together easier.
• Practice and maintain your plan: It’s critical to involve your kids in the plan to determine if the plan works. Correct and actions and learn how to react naturally during an emergency. Remember that in an emergency, you need to stay calm. 

Preparedness can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. It’s important to develop a culture of preparedness among the members of your family and community. This must be a daily activity.

For more information on preparing for disasters, check out our Get Ready fact sheets.  Read this post in Spanish on APHA’s Get Ready Blog.

Guest blog: The most treacherous time of the year: Dig out and drive safely

Today’s guest blog is by Geico, which offers driving and other safety information on its website. While spring is on the horizon, recent ice storms and piles of snow in the Northeast attest to the fact that there are still a few more weeks of winter left. As you head out on the road, keep these tips in mind to stay safe and prepared.

 

From the driveway to the highway, getting your car unstuck and back on the road can be a pain. Unless you've already traded in your car for a snowmobile, you should be prepared for whatever the season throws at you — or piles on top of you.

 

First, make sure your car is winterized and ready for battle. Then follow these tips to make your trek into the winter wonderland a safe one.

 

Protect your windshield after Mother Nature's frosting

• The cardinal rule for de-icing your windows? Hot water is a no-no, unless you like that shattered glass look.
• To begin, start your car and turn on the front and rear defrosters to help soften the ice and snow. It will also help warm up your car while you work.
• When you're ready to begin scraping the ice, opt for a plastic ice scraper. Plastic scrapers are less likely to damage or scratch the surface of the glass.
• Your wipers weren't made for heavy lifting. Use them only after you've completely cleared off the snow and ice from your windshield.
• Make sure your car has plenty of windshield washer fluid before you get out on the slush, salt and sand covered roads.

How to take your car from snow-packed to road-worthy

• First things first...you want the snow off your car but you probably want to save the paint. Opt for brushes designed for auto snow removal and leave the shovel in the shed.
• Whatever you do — don't forget the roof! In fact, failing to clean off your car can be illegal. You don't want a block of ice the size of a mattress flying off your car into traffic.  
• Don't forget to brush off your mirrors, head and tail lights and license plates.
• Carbon monoxide is no laughing matter, so check your tailpipe to be sure it's free of snow whenever your car is running.
• When you are ready to hit the road, shovel around your wheels and under the front and rear bumpers to clear away any snow. And above all, please be careful out there.

On the road again: Driving tips for snow and ice

A winterized car is a great start, but it's only part of the safe winter driving equation. Follow these driving tips to keep yourself safe and secure when roads are slippery.

• Slow down. In normal conditions, you should maintain a following distance of three seconds between you and another car. On winter roads, increase that to a full 8 to 10 seconds. Yes, that may mean slow-going, but a little patience will keep you a lot safer on the road.
• Get unstuck the right way. Avoid the temptation to spin your wheels. You'll just dig yourself into a deeper hole. Instead, determine the path of least resistance between your car and solid ground. Then, clear the snow behind and in front of all four tires and liberally spread sand or kitty litter in front of and behind the drive wheels. Keep in mind that the sharper your front wheels are turned, the more resistance to movement in either direction you create. Consequently, try to keep the front tires as straight as possible.
• Tackle a skid the smart way. If your car skids, keep a cool head, and follow these steps:
  1. Don't panic.
  2. Don't slam on the brakes.
  3. Take your foot off the gas.
  4. Steer your car in the direction you want to go.
  5. Wait for the car to slow down so you can regain control.

You can prepare for a skid by practicing. Go to an open parking lot and practice braking on icy or snowy surfaces. (Yes, you are allowed to think this is fun.) More importantly, you'll better know how to handle yourself when you skid in traffic.

APHA members receive a discount on Geico auto insurance. Visit the Geico website for details.

 

 

 

Give the gift of preparedness this year

Have someone on your holiday gift list who is hard to shop for? Why not give the gift of emergency preparedness? Here are some simple, inexpensive ways to show you care and help your loved ones be more prepared in the new year:

1. Flashlight with extra batteries: When the power goes out, how many of us have gone rummaging in the dark looking for that flashlight? Or we find the flashlight, only to realize it doesn’t have fresh batteries? It might sound like a boring gift, but flashlights and batteries always come in handy. Consider a magnetic flashlight that will stick on the fridge, or a headband flashlight so that giftees can keep their hands free during an emergency.
2. First-aid kit: First-aid kits are always great to have around, but can be especially useful during a disaster or storm, when emergency responders can be delayed. You can purchase pre-made kits at most stores, or take a look at our tips for creating a useful first-aid kit and make your own! Plus, if you decide to make your own kit, you can personalize it. For a new mom, for example, include baby-related items. 
3. All-weather radio: Weather or emergency radios are battery- or hand crank-powered. They are specially designed to receive the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards broadcast, which is a 24/7 broadcast from the National Weather Service with official warnings, forecasts and emergency alerts. New versions include USB ports so you can charge your mobile phone when the power goes out!
4. Car emergency kit: For your favorite someone who loves to get behind the wheel, you can help them be safe on the road by gifting items for a car emergency kit. Items like a first-aid kit, car battery charger or jumper cables, and a flashlight are all important things to have in a vehicle. If the person lives in an area at risk for cold temperatures or winter storms, consider adding an extra blanket, a set of warm clothes and an ice scraper. 
5. Family emergency plan: Sometimes the best gifts are ones that money can’t buy. While you gather with family and close friends over the holiday season, set aside time to create an emergency plan with your family. Think about the possible disasters that could happen near your home and discuss what your family can do to stay safe. Make a list of important phone numbers, including someone who lives out of the area in case local phone lines are busy. Take a look at a map and pick both a local and out-of-town meeting place where you can safely meet your loved ones in the event of an emergency. Once you’ve got everything planned out, be sure to write it down and give everyone a copy. Ready.gov has a blank family preparedness plan that you can fill out, or create your own!

That’s our short list of preparedness gift ideas. Are you helping someone get ready this year with a holiday gift? What’s on your wish list? What was the best preparedness gift you have ever received?  Let us know in the comments!  Have a happy and safe holiday season.