How well prepared are you if it's just those in your household alone? Try to put yourself in a scenario where nobody else can help you, not the neighbors, not your cousin down the street, nobody. Are you and those that live with you prepared? Does everyone know first aid? Do they know where the supplies are? Can they get the generator started? You get the idea, many of us might be counting on friends or family to help but that might not be feasible.
I think everyone in your household should know first aid, check with the Red Cross they have courses all the time. Make sure you have a fully stocked First Aid bag. Everyone should know how to set a broken bone and to treat for shock. If certain family members require special treatment show others what needs to be done.
A lot of this may seem obvious but it never hurts to go over the basics and it makes everybody in the household feel like part of the team.
yep. Got ammo, shotguns for every member, and they all know first aid. plus, we would haul @$$ for the gramps, who are always running a compound-like home lol.
Great points!!! There is great peace of mind in having a capable family! Not only is my wife a veterinarian (equine), she's a better shot with a 1911 than many members of our sportsmen's club. I'm proud to know she can take care of herself. Personally, in a situation where injuries are multiple and modern treatment facilities are unreachable, I'd rather have a vet stopping the bleeding than any general physician.
For my part, I participated in a pretty cool program that offers free EMT certification and emergency management techniques to five county residents per year. You commit to a two year course, and actually received an associates degree in applied science (crisis management) from the community college where the classes are conducted. ALL for free! Of course, I am a named member of a list that will be called upon should disaster strike, and should the need arise, you've gotta help out.
My obligation is to help out my neighbors in a disaster (of course, there are no rules implied or otherwise that mean I've got to stick my head out until I'm certain that my people are taken care of). Help restore order by directing community members to shelter, food, transportation and lodging is key. Providing security and protecting the community from those that might take advantage of a compromised infrastructure are also part of the training (since I hold tactical instructor certifications, I was able to test out of that part of the curriculum).
It is my suggestion to ANYONE interested in such to call their county courthouse or civil action league to learn if there are similar programs available in your area. It is a great learning experience and confidence builder! Best, you don't have to hold any past L.E. or military credentials, so any good citizen (there are background checks that are fairly extensive) can do it!
With regards to personal safety, my Remington 870 Marine P has never failed. It is what I teach with and keep four cases of magnum loads for in the basement. It has a twin right beside it with a collapsible stock to fit the wife's smaller frame, and she shoots that even more aptly than her pistol.
I'd say we're pretty well prepared for chaos.
Last edited by Scot Van; 05-01-2007 at 12:16 PM.
Reason: added text, spelling boo-boo
Where my Wife works, they just had a certification class for CPR, my Wife of course took the class and was amazed at how few others their were. You can probably call your local fire department and ask them to give a first aid class to your group. We pay for a lot of resources with our taxes, get your money's worth out of it, take advantage of the Red Cross or the local EMT. Ask around your community and find out who gives these classes or take the initiative and have them teach a class. This goes for your local FEMA agency also, they probably have classes or at least fliers that may contain important information for your family. Basically the information is all out there it's our duty to find it and put it to good use.
My job requires me to be certified in first aid every 2 years and CPR anually, also Blood borne Pathogens and Universal Precautions, and I am Qualified for Emergency Services in The Civil Air Patrol. I guess I am as prepared as I can be for now...
Rich
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[I]You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!:( [/I]
No, I work in a school...Guess they want me ready for Shootings...
Hehe... no joke.
Hey Mooseman, you ever come down to the continentals; more specifically WA?
And, so I'm not hijacking too much... My mom is a registered nurse of over 33 years, my sis is taking a First Aid/Emergency Aid class, my father is a Vietnam Vet, and I've got boy scout and shooting experience.
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B.S. Chemistry UofWA '09
CETME Owners - Founder
AK-47 - Member
The Mosin Men - Member
KF7GEA
We just went through the pantry throwing out dated cans away, replacing them with more. I notice the expiration dates are getting shorter and shorter. Our pantry is full, the reloading is going well, and we are getting debt free. I have some friends that will help and look out for us as we will do for them. Cpr class is a good idea. Better stock up on first aid, herbs, vitamins, socks, clothes and medications.
Are you kidding Me ? No Reason to leave Heaven to get in he!!...!!! LOL
LOL!!!
Geez, then I guess I'm going to have to figure out a way to visit you up there sometime. That'll have to wait at least until after Summer of '08, when I'm scheduled to finish my bachelor's degree.
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B.S. Chemistry UofWA '09
CETME Owners - Founder
AK-47 - Member
The Mosin Men - Member
KF7GEA
