Would you survive a disaster? Read our exclusive Q&A with Amanda Ripley

If a disaster struck you right this instant — right now, right where you are — what would you do?

If you are like most people, chances are that you will freeze like a deer in headlights. The instinct to shut down when faced with a high-stress situation is common, according to Amanda Ripley, author of a recent book, "The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes — and Why." Freezing in place probably served as a form of defense for our cavemen ancestors, "but in more modern situations it is not as appropriate," said Ripley in a March Q&A interview with APHA's Get Ready campaign.

"We need to understand this better because it’s the kind of thing you can overcome, and it’s very, very dangerous in events like fires or plane crashes," Ripley told the Get Ready campaign. "We've seen this many times, we know that this is a bigger risk than almost any other behavior — certainly much more likely than panic — so we should start planning for it in advance."

So can you really do anything to prepare? Ripley says yes. Studies have shown some people react better than others in emergency situations and that training can help. To start, when faced with the worst, try controlling your fear by adjusting your breathing: "Breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, release for four counts, hold for four counts and you repeat, over and over and over again whenever you are under stress," said Ripley, who is a Time Magazine writer. Another tip? The best chances of survival in a disaster are usually to stick together and rely on those around you.

To read the full exclusive Q&A with Ripley, visit the Get Ready Web site. While you are there, check out our other helpful Q&As with health experts, including those that tell you whether your pets can give you diseases, what foods are healthy to put in your emergency supplies and how to keep your kids free of infectious diseases. Learn something new today with a Get Ready Q&A!

MRSA prevention is a good intention

Here's another reason for practicing good, basic hygiene: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA (pronounced MER-sa). Ever heard of it? You may know it as a "staph infection." Either way, it's a skin infection that's often easily treatable, but can sometimes lead to more severe infections. MRSA is a type of staph infection that doesn't respond to regular antibiotics. So that means it's trickier to treat.

A staph infection (PDF) shows up as a bump on the skin such as pimples or boils. To spot one, ask yourself: Is the infected area swollen and red? Does it hurt? Is there pus? If so, then contact your health care provider immediately to get the wound examined.

Basically, you're at risk of getting infected by the bacteria if you've touched infected people, surfaces or objects. You're especially vulnerable after surgery in a hospital when you're dealing with an open wound in a crowded place. Other crowded places with frequent skin-to-skin contact and lack of cleanliness, such as schools, dormitories, day care centers and households, are also frequent sources for spread of the infection.

The good news is a few simple steps can help prevent and reduce the spread of MRSA. To protect yourself, some basic hygiene rules apply:
* Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
* Clean and bandage all open wounds — minor cuts included.
* Stay away from other people's open cuts.
* Never share toiletries such as razors, wash cloths and towels.

If you get a staph infection, your doctor may drain the infection and possibly put you on an antibiotic. Always take all prescribed antibiotic doses. If you stop taking antibiotics in the middle, the infection may come back stronger and be harder to treat the second time around. Never skip a dose, give the antibiotic to someone else or keep it for later.

Remember, most staph infections are minor and easily treated. But sometimes they can lead to much worse. Follow the basic steps we've listed to help keep you and those you love safe.

Water supplies in a disaster: Quenching your thirst when things are the worst

This past weekend, countries and people around the globe celebrated World Water Day, drawing attention to this crucial, lifesaving resource. Here in America, most of us take it for granted that we'll have clean, instant access to water anytime we turn on a tap. But in the event of an emergency, water supplies can be in short supply — no matter where you live.

During a disaster, water lines can be damaged or blocked, shutting off the flow to our taps. Even if water lines keep operating, winds and floodwaters can drop chemicals and debris into water supplies and contaminate them, making them undrinkable. Think about the flooding of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, for example. The Environmental Protection Agency had to test and disinfect the water before it was declared safe, which took time. Until the water was drinkable, people had to find other sources of water, which is where planning comes in.

The best way to prepare yourself for a disaster is to include bottled water in your emergency stockpile. Experts recommend that Americans have at least a three-day supply of water stored at all times, with one gallon of water per person, per day. While relief agencies often help people following a disaster, it can be awhile until they reach your area — if at all — so it's best to have your own supplies.

If you run out of bottled water before it's safe to drink from the tap, you can use bleach as a disinfectant. When disinfecting clear water, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends mixing one-eighth of a teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water and letting it sit for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy, use one-quarter of a teaspoon of bleach, says CDC. But be very careful to follow the guidelines on the types and amounts of bleach that you use. People who get their water from a well should contact their local water company before using it following a disaster.

Even minor floods and hurricanes can contaminate drinking water, as can unexpected environmental disasters such as a chemical spill. So it's best to stay prepared. Take a tip from those around the world who are working to make water accessible to all by taking some time to think about your personal water supply.

Photo by Jocelyn Augustino, courtesy FEMA. A Federal Emergency Management Agency team walks through neighborhoods in Sabine Pass, Texas, that were flooded by Hurricane Ike in September.

Don’t be afraid to offer your aid with Hands-Only CPR

No one wants to be in a situation where someone's heart stops or they suddenly stop breathing. But knowing what to do if it does happen could make all the difference in the world. And luckily, you don't need a degree in medicine to help. For many situations, familiarity with CPR may be enough to get you ready to assist someone in need.

CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can be a lifesaving procedure when administered in time. Unfortunately, many people are worried about performing CPR in an emergency. To encourage people to help, the American Heart Association has started a campaign called Hands-Only. The campaign provides a basic CPR method for people who have not been trained.

Standard CPR consists of two parts: chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing. Hands-Only teaches people to immediately call 9-1-1 and then begin hard and fast chest compressions. You can watch a quick demo of the method on the Hands-Only Web site.

While relatively easy, the Hands-Only technique should only be used for adults who suddenly collapse — not for infants, children or anyone who is discovered unconscious. Take a few minutes to check out the Hands-On demo, or better yet, visit the American Heart Association Web site to locate a CPR class near you. You'll never have to be afraid to help out again.

Photo courtesy Microsoft Clipart Gallery

Only you can prevent — and prepare for — wildfires

We all remember learning about Smokey Bear and fire safety in school, but how many of us have taken that information to heart? With wildfires threatening lives both across the globe and closer to home recently, now is an excellent time to talk about preparing for a wildfire.

It is important to be prepared even if your area is not prone to wildfires, because they can occur almost anywhere during dry weather. In fact, this year's dry conditions across the United States have firefighters worried.

Fortunately, there are protective steps you can take before a wildfire occurs. Keeping dried leaves away from your home and out of your gutters will reduce the risk of your home catching fire. Create a 30-foot to 100-foot safety zone around your home that is free of flammable items, such as brush, woodpiles and propane tanks. Find out how wildfires are reported in your community and sign up for any alert systems that are available.

If a wildfire is reported in your area, the first thing you should do is find out how far it is from your home. This will help you decide whether there's time to evacuate immediately, or if you should stay at home. If told to evacuate, try to leave as soon as possible. Remember that your safety is more important than protecting your home and belongings. Always keep an evacuation "go-bag" packed and ready so you can leave quickly.

During evacuation, car trouble can leave you stranded. If this happens, don't leave your vehicle. Instead, roll up the windows, close the vents, and try to cover up with blankets or other available items. In situations where the fire is close, it is sometimes best to stay at home. Never try to outrun a wildfire.

These are just a few tips that can help prepare you for a wildfire. More information is available on the U.S. government's fire safety Web site or from Ready America.

Photo caption: Fire crews work to stop a wildfire in Southern California from advancing in October 2007. (Photo courtesy Federal Emergency Management Agency)