We often talk preparedness at the individual and occasionally at the family level, but what about the community as a whole? Have you ever engaged your whole neighborhood in a preparedness activity? Have preparedness actions been discussed with local groups like resident clubs, faith-based organizations, neighborhood watch groups…? The list of potential groups...

  You hear it every year:  “Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly” during extreme heat or cold.  As you get older, you become more susceptible to being overcome by extreme temperatures, due to a variety of causes.   Fixed Incomes:  The elderly are more likely to be living on a fixed income, and reluctant, or unable, to pay for higher...

Paws for Summer Safety   With the majority of the nation under extreme high temperatures, it is important to keep our faithful companions safe in the hot weather.   Never, ever, ever leave your dog (or cat, or rabbit, or bird, or llama) in the car in the summer. We all know that keeping your pet in a car is deadly in a matter of moments, even if you have...

First a few questions… 1. Do you have a family emergency plan? 2. If you answered yes, when was the last time you reviewed it? Did you review alone, or was the whole family (and maybe friends and neighbors) involved? 3. Do you have an emergency kit? 4. If you answered yes, are the supplies fresh? Have you thought of adding or deleting items as necessary for your...

The smoke from wildfires has a reach farther than the wildfire itself, and can cause problems for those with lung disease such as asthma or COPD, heart ailments such as congestive heart failure. Children and the elderly are also particularly sensitive to smoke. Even if you are completely healthy, smoke inhalation can cause severe discomfort. Be sure to monitor air...