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Tonight, more than a half million residents of Arkansas and Kentucky are without electricity. Officials have warned them that they may be in this winter disaster and in the dark for at least two more weeks. Not only are they in the dark, it’s cold—still well below freezing in many areas—and there are roads blocked with down trees and power lines.

Could you survive two week under these conditions?

Of course, we used to live without electricity, but that was the norm. Pioneers prepared months in advance for winter. They chopped wood, prepped non-perishable foods; dressed in many layers, and made sure they had an adequate water supply, which most likely included melting the snow.

Things haven’t changed. Shelter, body warmth, food, and water supply are still priorities.

If you live in an area where winter disasters are likely, you should go ahead and prepare a 7 day emergency supply, at least. If you live in an area that’s prone to ice storms, blizzards, and severe cold, then prepare for more.

How to Live for Two Weeks without Electricity:

Water and heat are your top priorities.

Have some way to stay warm. A wood stove, a generator, or heaters will be necessary. Block off all rooms except for one and everyone stay together. Make sure there’s ventilation. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a real winter hazard, so don’t seal off the room so well that you’re putting your family in danger. Check on family members often. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, nausea, being lethargic, and non-responsiveness.

Dress in many layers and keep on your hat and glove and double, even triple socks. Your extremities are the most in danger of frostbite. Gather all the blankets and covers and keep them in the room with everyone.

Stock those gallon jugs in your garage prior to the storm, but you may want to move them indoors so they don’t freeze. (Average one gallon of water per day or each person). You might want to fill up the bathtub. Even if it freezes, it might melt during the day and can be used to flush the toilet.

Gather those candles, flashlights, and batteries. It’s best to have a hand cranked flashlight, and remember to conserve. You have no idea how long you will be in this situation.

Gather your prescription drugs and keep people who are ill on a structured medication schedule. Monitor them for signs of change since stress can make many conditions worse.

Let someone know outside your region where you are and that you’re safe. Other than that, turn off your cell phone and conserve the battery.

By preparing your home and family for a winter disaster, you have a better chance of surviving a severe storm.

President Obama signed a Federal Emergency Declarations on Thursday, January 29, 2009 to aid the winter weather disaster victims throughout the Midwest and Northeast. The devastating ice storm that ripped through Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and other states left 24 dead and millions of residents in the dark—and cold. Emergency crews are scrambling to restore power but many officials are saying to be prepared, it may take days, or weeks to get to everyone.

City governments are worried about the ramifications residents and businesses will have to endure. Shelters are packed and many of the roads are blocked or impassable. Water supplies, batteries, propane and other resources are now scarce. Hospitals and the Red Cross are trying to get the word out: beware of carbon monoxide poisoning, a colorless, odorless gas that is caused by improper ventilation and is a factor for those who are trying to stay warm by using portable heaters.

The state of Arkansas is the first area President Obama named as a federal disaster zone. This was his first federal disaster declaration since becoming president. President Obama made the decision after speaking with Arkansas governor Mike Beebe. One of the main needs in Arkansas is more electrical workers to help restore power to the 150,000 who are still in the dark.

Many are concerned that severe weather, including ice storms are on the rise. Remember the “Storm of the Century?” Close to 10 million people were left without power back in 1994. Many are concerned that global warming will continue to create more and more deadly disasters.

If you’re the unlucky duck who gets a busted pipe the first obvious thing you need to do is to stop the water flow. It’s wise to know where the cut off valve is before a disaster strikes. You should also know where your cut off valve is at the street. Some houses main valve is extremely difficult to find or to get to—or may have been sealed off during a renovation by a previous owner. If you can’t find it, call 911 and let the fire department assist you.

Some handy men and women like to fix things themselves, and that’s great, but determine if this is a “you do it” kind of job, or if you might be in over your head. Sometimes you need a plumber, or perhaps you experience water damage and need to contact a water restoration company to care for your flooring, walls, and furniture. Smart people admit when they need help.

If you’re dealing with more than a leak, then you might want to consider why the pipe busted. Are they old? Were they not properly installed in the first place? Is there electricity related (an appliance)? Sometimes you need costly equipment and certainly the right type of glue to hold the pipe in place and if this seems like too much, then leave it to the professionals. Trust me; you can make the situation worse.

Most busted pipe repairs (if there isn’t further extensive damage) take less than an hour to repair. Your home value and peace of mind may make calling a professional sound like a good idea.

How to stop a busted pipe leak:

Get a rubber hose about 5-10 inches long, depending on where you’re going to drain the excess water. (You can purchase small hoses like this at your hardware store).

Purchase 2 universal hose clamps; I suggest the screw type so you can adjust it). This allows you to stop or start the water flow.

You’ll also need a pipe cutter or hacksaw.

1. Cut off the water valve.

2. Cut the busted piece of pipe on both sides. Insert the hose and clamp each end to the section of pipe on each side to “seal” up the exposed area. * If it’s winter, be sure to leave a faucet dripping somewhere else in the house so you don’t wind up with 2 busted pipes).

3. Don’t use this sink/drain/appliance until you can assess whether you can make a permanent repair or call a professional.

4. It’s smart to put a small bucket under the area to catch any excess water.

5. Go ahead and check the rest of your house—you may have more than one situation to deal with.

This is only a temporary fix.

You won’t be able to use this area, but it should stop the leak.
Busted pipes are a major headache, but it’s a fixable problem.
Don’t let this disaster get the best of you. Be prepared, and when you can’t, keep a good sense of humor.

If you live in the Midwest or Northeast, you’re probably buried in a thick layer of ice this morning. Winter disaster victims are preparing for more ic and snow throughout much of the Northeast.

Limbs are popping and giant trees have fallen, taking out power limbs and house roofs as a major winter storm continues hammered the Midwest last night.

This ice and winter storm has already claimed 20 lives, and it’s not over. Schools are closing from the Midwest and up the East Coast in an effort to keep people off the slippery and dangerous roads.

Paducah and other cities in Kentucky were hard hit. Entire cities and communities are without power this morning, (January 27, 2009), and the streets are covered with down trees and electrical lines.

The hardest hit areas so far are Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Ice is three inches thick on many surfaces. Utility officials are warning the public that they may in the dark for days. A winter storm warning is in effect for the entire northeast corridor.

“The Division of Highways is knocking their socks off trying to keep the roads sort of clear,” said Paul Howard, director of operations for the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The ice storms have continued north and east and have impacted West Virginia causing at least 50,000 power outages. Ohio is expecting at least six inches of sleet and snow, creating hazardous conditions. Flights cancellations and airport delays are beginning to take effect.

Government officials are warning their residents to stay off the roads and prepare their homes and families for more winter weather. Winter storm disaster victims are beginning to gather at Red Cross shelters to wait out the storm.

During the first week of President Obama taking office, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security announced the National Disaster Housing Strategy for natural disasters. This strategy will cover FEMA’s plans to aid and assist victim’s of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes and other natural or man-made (including terrorist attack) disasters.

The National Disaster Housing Strategy is a document that lists the shelters and housing alternatives, principles, and policies that will be used as a guide for deciding the disaster housing process. The Strategy charts the direction and plans that will be utilized to coordinate and meet disaster housing needs of both individuals and communities in the United States.

The Strategy incorporates all levels of government, nonprofit and private sectors, who strive to meet the housing needs of disaster victims and communities so that they are able to rebuild their lives.

FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison said, “The National Disaster Housing Strategy recognizes that effective housing solutions are those that go beyond simply providing a housing unit to also address the complex needs of disaster victims.”

The Strategy will combine the efforts of National Disaster Housing Task Force, chaired by FEMA, which will be jointly with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National American Red Cross and will include experts from all governmental levels as well as the private sector and other key organizations.

This Task Force will give its full-time attention to addressing the concerns of disaster housing, the needs of disaster victims, and will emphasize the development of operational plans, building disaster housing capabilities, and achieving Strategy initiatives.

Today, January 25, 2009, ten climbers were killed in an avalanche disaster in northeastern Turkey near the village of Zigana. Seven other skiiers were saved as rescuers worked to free the survivors and bodies buried in the snow. What triggered the avalanche is not known but several witnesses attest that they heard gunshots prior to the avalanche. Since the initial collapse of an avalanche can produce a loud sound, there is still some speculation.

More than 20 people have been killed by avalanches in Europe in the last few days, officials stated. Severe winter weather has attributed to close to a 700,000 residents without power in the South of France. weather over the weekend left an estimated 680,000 homes without electricity in southeast France, Liberation newspaper reported.

An avalanche is a common winter occurance. If you love winter sports, it’s smart to review some avalance survival basics.

What to Do If You’re Caught in an Avalanche:

• Always tell others where you will be skiing/snowboarding. Keep your cell phone in a dry pocket. Stay with the group and don’t ski/do winter sports alone.
• If you hear a loud “pop” sound or feel rumblings that feel like an earthquake, throw down your ski poles, snowshoes, etc. and if you have a snow-mobile—get out.
• If you have time, lodge yourself against a large rock or boulder, tree (group of trees is best) or vehicle.
• Crouch and turn away from the avalanche, covering your nose and mouth with your hands. As the avalanche closes and hold onto any trees or vehicle if you can, but be prepared to tumble over cliffs and hard terrain.
• Be aware of where you are in the avalanche—try if you can to get to a side and away from the deepest, middle part.

If You’re Caught in an Avalanche:

• As the avalanche slows down, continue to cover your mouth and nose but puff up your hands and arms to create as much space around your face as possible.
• Start kicking hard! You want to create space with your entire body.
• Stay alert and move to the surface as soon as you can. Be aware of where “top side” is.

After the Avalanche Stops:

• Wiggle those fingers, then hands and wrists, then elbows—you want to create an air pocket around your face. Wriggle your head back and forth. It may not feel like much movement at first, but keep at it.
• Start digging yourself out immediately. You don’t want the snow to settle and pack in.
• Yell and call to your other ski mates. Find out who is conscious and start to try to locate them by where they’re calling from.
• Time is of the essence, so try not to freak out. Stay alert and work toward getting to the surface.

Once You Are Free of the Avalanche:

• Try to locate the other skiers. People typically fall straight down an avalanche, so look back up the mountain and try to locate here you were (by a rock, crag in the mountain, sun position, anything you can remember. Look directly down from there to begin your search
• Winter disaster victims have only a 50% chance of surviving for an hour so do all you can to get help fast. Start yelling, try your cell, if you can locate them by their calls, start digging.
• Try your cell phone. Don’t leave the site if you don’t have to—the others have more of a chance of survival if you can locate where they last were. If you were skiing at a resort or other populated area, officials will soon be aware of the avalanche and begin their search.
• If you do have to leave the area to seek help mark the route clearly (be aware of new falling snow) so that you can find your way back and note the time how long it takes you to arrive to get help—so that you can use that as a guide for your return time.

If you enjoy winter sports, these basic safety tips can save your life.
Surviving an avalanche disaster isn’t impossible, and being prepared increases your chances to walk out alive—and with a great story to tell.

Winter storms often mean winter damage. Protecting your home and property from the disasters brought on my snow storms, ice storms, and blizzards takes preparation. It’s not fun to have to get outside and catch up on these important items, but it’s worth it to avert the damage water and ice can do to your home and property.

Even if you didn’t get a head start to winter disaster preparations, there are still some steps you can take to stay warm and dry.

1. Start at the edge of your property and survey your land you’re your property heavily wooded? Then you have to imagine all those trees covered in ice. Trim back any limbs that pose a threat to your house, cars, and even your driveway.

2. Create run offs if your yard tends to flood. By creating a riverbed of pebbles or rock, you can divert the water way from your house and to other areas of your property that isn’t going to damage your home and bring danger to your family.

3. Does your house sit downhill, on a decline? Consider talking to a plumber or other water damage expert about ways to prevent flooding. You may decide to waterproof or put a plastic coating on the walls of your basement.

4. Are there any exposed pipes? Consider wrapping them in a foam wrap you can purchase at a local hardware store. Also consider putting a “jacket” on your water heater to prevent further heat loss.

5. Clean out those gutters before debris builds up and you’re dealing with an ice dam.

6. Turn off any outside hydrant valves, disconnect garden hoses and take them inside so they won’t crack in the cold.

7. Put any covers on the basement vents, if your home has them. This can save on fuel costs and prevent mild flooding.

8. Double check your batteries in your carbon monoxide monitoring system as well as your fire alarms. Water damage often occurs as a result of putting out a fire.

9. If you haven’t wrapped your pipes, then do the “drip” method and leave a couple of faucets dripping. It’s best to plan ahead and wrap, but this will help until you can get to the pipes.

10. Be aware that when the ice and snows begin to melt that you could be in for some flooding—even flash flooding. Flash floods can be extremely dangerous, so be aware of cars, trees, and other debris that could hurdle your way and destroy your property.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the winter months in the safety and warmth of your home.

Did you know that frostbite can begin within 30 seconds of being outdoors?

Of course, this is in the worst of winter conditions—severe ice or snowstorms, blizzards and below zero wind chill factors, but it can happen if you’re not prepared.

If you forget your gloves or hat, get lost, or separated from your group, be extra aware of the first signs of frostbite. A reddening of the area, numbing or tingling can be the first indicators that your skin has been exposed to the cold for too long.

If you do get frostbite, seek medical attention.

Frostbite is a lot like a burn in that it has three distinct levels of severity.

• First degree frostbite is also called frost nip: It looks a lot like a first degree burn—your skin is red, might grow numb, and then turn white or ash. If you continue to stay outdoors when you have frost nip, your skin (the most vulnerable areas are fingers, toes, nose, and ears—but it can occur anywhere on the body) might feel stiff and begin to tingle, but underneath there is still blood flow and warmth. If you stop it at the frost nip stage, your skin will most likely recover.

• Second degree frostbite is more serious and is sometimes referred to as superficial frostbite since it tends to affect the outer layer of the skin-if treated. The area turns from red to white, and can even turn gray or blue. The skin is stiff and as the tissues underneath begin to freeze, they become hard/frozen as well. Just as with a burn, you might blister. IF you get inside and care for the affected area as listed below, you can recover from second degree frostbite. You should seek medical help for this severity of frostbite to make sure that there are no tissues that are permanently damaged.

• Third degree is also referred to as deep frostbite: The skin is now white with blotchy patches of gray or blue, and most likely there are blisters. The tissue is hard and cold. This is very serious condition since most likely the person is also experiencing symptoms of hypothermia. In severe cases, the finger, toe, ear, nose, or limb may need to be amputated to avoid a serious, life threatening infection. You need to seek medical attention for frostbite that is this serious and realize that this condition could compromise your life. Second and third degree frostbite can sometimes carry lifelong effects.

If you think you have frostbite, follow the guidelines below and get to medical help

• Seek shelter and get inside as soon as you can—until you do, cover the affected area as much as you can in something loose and layered. If you can tuck your hand into abdomen area, skin-to-skin contact is always best.

• Once inside, call for medical assistance.
• Take off any wet or restrictive clothing.
• Yes, you can drink warm liquids such as tea or soup.
• Rest the injured area—if it’s your feet, elevate them
• Warm the area by placing it in warm—not hot—water. Keep the water warm and keep the area submersed for 30-45 minutes, or until help arrives.
• You may feel pain and the area might swell or change color (it may even become darker in color)
• Do not pop blisters
• Don’t rub the areas t create friction
• DO NOT warm the area if there’s a chance of getting it cold again—the change in temperature will further damage the tissue.
• Be aware that you may not feel the heat of the water because the area is numb, so make sure you don’t scald yourself.
• Do not use dry heat, such as from a heating pad, sunlamp, fire, or radiator, to try to warm the area. Because the skin is numb and will not feel the heat, it can easily be burned.

As winter bears down hard on many parts of the United States, it’s smart to know the signs of frost bite and how to prevent this winter disaster.

Frostbite is something that makes most people cringe, and during this severe cold snap, it’s wise to take some preventative measures to avoid this winter disaster. Don’t think that frostbite only happens in the woods–or in Alaska. You can get frostbite while you’re snowboarding, at an outdoor hockey game, or shoveling snow in your own driveway. Frostbite doesn’t happen too quickly, but you have to consider exposure (if you’re not wearing proper hand, head, or footwear), temperature and windchill–and the time factor.

What is frostbite? Simply put, it’s when tissue freezes and skin cells become damaged, and sometimes this damage is irreversible.

“It takes only minutes for exposed skin to become frostbitten if the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is blowing at 20 miles per hour or more,” states Taizoon Baxamusa, MD, spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Hands, feet, ears and nose are the most likely areas to get frostbite so don’t go outside during severe winter weather without covering these parts. If you live in the northern sections of the United States or in Canada, even five minutes of exposure can cause skin damage.

What does frostbite look like?

At first, the skin typically turns red and may feel numb or start to tingle—this stage if referred to as frostnip. If you ignore these symptoms, these area grows hard as the blood and tissues freeze—at that point the area may look gray/blue-gray or waxy.

Even in cases of mild frostbite, the affected area can remain sensitive to cold weather, feel numb or be plagued with pain for years to come. In extreme cases, the area may turn black, gangrenous, and will need to be amputated.

How to Prevent Frostbite:
• Dress in layers and make sure to wear a cap/hat with ear covers or ear mitts
• It’s best if your outer layer is waterproof
• Mittens are better than gloves, but do wear some kind of hand cover
• Consider warming pouches to put in your coat pockets
• Wear winter or hiking style socks if you’re going to be out for a while—or wear two pairs of socks—wool or cotton is best
• Make sure your footwear is also waterproof
• Children are more susceptible so don’t judge how much cold your child can take based on your tolerance
• If you’re going to be out for long, curb your drinking and smoking which can dull your senses
• Know your surroundings—you don’t want to get lost in frigid temperatures

On January 20, 2009, as Barak Obama placed his hand on Lincoln’s Bible and became the 44th president of the United States, more than 3,200 special agents of the Secret Service made sure that the president and other government officials remained safe. Inauguration day went smoothly and all of the disaster preparedness the agencies had done were well worth the effort.

In today’s political climate of terrorism and even “home grown” threats, making sure that the president, vice president and other governmental officials remain safe from harm is a serious consideration and one the Secret Service means to uphold. They know the risks and are ready to take action.

We barely notice them. They’re in black SUVs and limousines as they drive through our towns with our nation’s leaders tucked behind dark class. The Secret Service men and women are the ones in black suits and ear pieces standing to the side. But don’t let their stoic stance fool you—they’re ready to act.

The Secret Service began after the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901. Congress appointed this new division, the Secret Service to protect the President of the United States and to this day, that is their primary but not only mission.

The Secret Service does not act alone. They can request and enlist other federal, state, and local services to help provide a safe environment for the president of the United States and other “protectees” such as the Vice President and other members of the Cabinet.

How is the president protected?

The president is protected with the most advanced security techniques which also includes military support. Everything from bullet proof cars and shields to checking for any terroristic or other types of threats that may come through letters, the Internet, or through various sources are used to gather vital information. They also send out advanced teams for any city or country in which the president will be visiting and they comb the area and work in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies as well as other public safety officials to create and maintain a safe environment.

What you might not know about the Secret Service is that their other role is to investigate financial crimes such as counterfeiting, currency fraud, forgery or threat of U.S. Treasury check, bonds, and include computer fraud and identity fraud as well as other crimes that effect federally insured financial institutions.

The men and women of the Secret Service are highly trained, and they know that if the situation arises, they will lay down their lives in order to save those they protect.

If you hear or see a credible threat, plan or attempt by individuals, groups or organizations intent to harm a Secret Service protectee, contact your U.S. Secret Service field office or check the front of the phone book under “Emergency Numbers” section to find an office near you.