In this section we will present selected videos and other media that may help you get a better idea about various parts and phases of emergency preparation. Often there is more than one way to look at things so look at more than one resource. Don’t be scared by longer videos. They may be more comprehensive. Also in the settings area at the bottom right of these videos you can increase the speed of the playback. Some of the Links may be Slide like presentations and will not have a specified length. Please realize that this is a growing site so there will be more information as we have time to add it. Also know that these are only examples of sites we found in a google search and the site may be trying to sell something to you. We do not profit nor are we trying to profit from any of these sites. They are here for information only and you should do your own research before buying things. We have tried to give you ideas that you can do on your own.
FEMA recommendations. This is a blog post about ideas for getting your mobile phone ready in an emergency.
If you buy your own long term food supply in large quantities that is not sealed in smaller cans or bags, this is a good video on how to use mylar bags and a sealer.
In an emergency your cell phone may loose calling capabilities but may still be able to function using other communication methods: Texting, Skype, Hangouts, Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
These methods of communicating have proved to be invaluable in allowing people to call for services or let family and friends know about their situation in large scale disasters. Learn to keep your batteries charged by alternative means so you can keep these services operational in an emergency.
READ THIS NOTE!! THERE ARE IMPLICATIONS YOU NEED TO ADDRESS WHEN ORGANIZING.
It is important to note that having all of your personal financial, identity, medical, and professional or school records in one place poses one very big problem. If you are robbed and this binder is stolen or you leave it someplace accidentally, you, and your family could be/will be at great risk of being exploited.
Some people have this kind of sensitive information (or at least a lot of it) in a safe deposit box. That is usually a very good idea, but if there is an emergency the very information that you need may not be available to you.
Some people are well organized and keep all the important papers and assets (keys, cash, check books, credit cards, licenses etc.) of their lives cataloged and easy to find when needed. However, many people, maybe even most people, often have important papers and documents or important objects in multiple places that are not easy to get to in an emergency when you need to grab and go — for example when your house is on fire or there is a chemical spill on your block and you are being evacuated and have 10 minutes or less to get out.
Once your important papers and things are organized in a binder, they are easier not only for you to access but they are also easier for people who want to rob you to access. .
****IMPORTANT****
You must take precautions to safe guard this material. Just because there are problems doesn’t mean you should not get organized. However, you may want to gather your documents and then scan them and put the material on a thumb drive (USB). And then decide whether you are going to use or not use the binder to keep the material organized.
Transferring to a USB drive can be done quite easily. I will add a video to the videos in the section below about how to put your important documents on a thumb drive and make note of it here when it is done. That gives you a back up or more than one if you make copies. However, since the thumb drive is not hard copy, it may not be easily accessible when you need it. This still leaves you with the responsibility of safe guarding both your binder and your thumb drives. In many ways, having all of your information in one binder is very attractive and helpful. However, you must think through the implications of doing this and do what you feel is best for your situation. You may decide that you want to organize important things in a different way.
23 minutes
Excellent video but a bit long winded. Put it on 1.5 speed and it takes less time but is easy to understand. You can change the speed in the settings button on the bottom right of the video there is a gear icon with a red flag on it. That is where speed can be controlled on any YouTube Video.
Check list of ideas for inclusion in an important documents storage binder for an emergency. This is just one idea with some sample specific pages below. Also look at the material to the right from the October RS Activity.
10 minutes
This is not as detailed but does give you an overview of an important papers binder with a view different ideas. Use what you like but get started today.
6.22 minutes
This is a good video with information about what can be in a kit. You don’t have to buy one from the Red Cross, you can put it together yourself but you can get an idea about what to include here. The Website referenced is no longer up.
This link takes you to the Ready.gov kit list. It is not a video but gives you a different idea about what can be in a kit. The standard recommendation for water is 1 gal/person/day but in Arizona that is increased to 2 gal/person/day. So 6 gals per person for a 3 day supply for drinking and sanitation.
17.44 minutes
Some information about food choices and the why’s of the choices. You can do food you already have to get started but may want to look at these ideas to move to as you can or want to.
7.35 minutes
Different Take on Food Choices. If you watch one, watch both. Some information about food choices and the why’s of the choices. You can do food you already have to get started but may want to look at these ideas to move to as you can or want to.
As can be seen from the variety of lists and ideas above, there is not a standard 72 hour kit. And in fact there are many different types of emergency kits. You could drive yourself crazy trying to get it perfect. Instead, counsel together with your family and decide what you want to do. Something is better than nothing. Take some of the ideas that you feel you can use and do the best you can. Remember: water, food, shelter (even if it is only an emergency blanket), a way to generate light in the dark, a way to heat water or the food you are putting in your kit, some comfort and/or entertainment items especially for kids, and a radio that can tune to the emergency channels.
Just over 3.4 minutes. Specific to Arizona, you may want to start here first.
The three handouts that we had in August are for Thunderstorms (part of Monsoons), Heat Emergencies (part of live in Arizona), and power outages. You can find them on the “Download Page”. Click on the image above to get there.
Just over 3 minutes. Basic but good. May want to start here first.
This is a family going through 10 steps of planning to plan for an emergency. It is just over 6 minutes and gives an overview with some good basic ideas. 6:14 minutes
3:20 min. Quick overview on having a Plan and Supplies, both mobile and Longer Term.
PDF Presentation from EPPIC (icanprepare.com) website. Good overview but slow loading and internal links may not work. You can also see all 6 check lists and the introduction right below and beside the Red Cross Template.
Your water heater may be different but this is a good basic introduction.
Introduction to his water level 1 information. Well organized system and the water information here is doable as a start. More info from the Urban Prepper is included later.
Very good information about water storage, containers, etc but a little lengthy. Time 15:41
Both are low cost but the flow rate is greater for the HydroBlu and used for a group allows more water faster. There are other filters so do your do diligence.
Your water heater may be different but this is a good basic introduction.
Clean water is a world wide problem and because of that water purification and filtration systems are getting better. Not all of the things said in the previous video is still accurate.