Email provides us a convenient and powerful tool to communicate. Regrettably it also allows scammers and other dreadful individuals a means of luring potential victims. The scams occur through phishing schemes using a combination of emails, bogus web sites, as well as focusing on worldly events such as major disasters that take place and then establishing illegitimate charity businesses to donate to.

“Natural disasters, political campaigns, and global health issues are often the focus of donation phishing scams. For example, in recent years, cyber criminals have taken advantage of earthquakes and tsunamis to create illegitimate “charity” businesses to help the survivors of these events…”

The following information explains further on what to look for and how to avoid falling victim to an email scam.  

http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/phishing-interests.aspx

Nate Silver is a statistics guru. He correctly predicted the US presidential winner in 49 of 50 states, all 35 US Senate races, many of the winners of the 2013 Oscars, developed a system for predicting the outcomes of baseball players careers and a wide variety of other statistically challenging events.

So, when Nate Silver makes a statement like – “If you live in Seattle, you should probably have an earthquake plan ready; it is more earthquake-prone than many parts of California” – you should probably listen.

Are you prepared? See our article on Personal and Family Disaster Planning for tips on what you can do to be prepared.

By the way, Nate Silver also picked the Seahawks to make it to Super Bowl XLVII (that’s the next one).

Check out his interesting book: The Signal and the Noise.

For Peace of Mind & Because You Care

Before a disaster occurs be prepared to take care of yourself, family, pets and business. The Two Person 72 Hr. Emergency-Pac contains over 65 items of supplies and equipment for first aid, warmth, protection and more.

And, if you purchase a Two Person Emergency-Pac between 11/7/12 and 12/31/12, we will make a $5.00 Donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief .

Already have an Emergency-Pac? Consider purchasing one for a gift! And, please  go to Amazon and make me a star by writing a review.

Purchase Emergency-Pac on Amazon.com

It is hard to think clearly following a disaster. We can have a tendency to think that disasters will not happen where we live. In recent years however events have proven it can – wild fires, heat waves, severe winter storms, floods, and extended power outages have occurred across our state. We must accept this as reality and assume responsibility by taking action to prepare ourselves, our loved ones, homes, pets and neighborhoods.

The Red Cross has developed a Preparedness Quiz to help you find out “are you a preparedness pro…or a disaster waiting to happen?”

The quiz is only 5 quick questions so it should only take you a minute or two to complete.  And you may learn something that could help protect you in a disaster!

Take the Red Cross Preparedness Quiz!

It has been brought to my attention that many people correlate having an emergency backpack during the winter months when the weather is more inclement with dark rainy, windy days and low temps. Everyone should be prepared year round for any disaster or emergency.

No matter what the season is we never know when our car or RV might break down or if a tropical storm, flood, house or forest fire, windstorm and of course, an earthquake will impact us. We need to plan ahead to be prepared so we can respond accordingly.

It is vital that everyone needs to keep their emergency kit updated, appropriate to the season and to have a family plan in place in the event of an emergency. Each car should have an Emergency-pac and other personal supplies.

Business offices and schools should always have supplies available for their employees/staff and students.

With 4th of July next week be careful with fireworks, have a hose near the house (in dry areas you can even spray down your roof).Wear shoes so you don’t walk on burned out sparklers. Let me tell you that it is painful! Keep your pets inside if they are sensitive to loud noises.

Enjoy the Holiday and Happy 4th of July to all of you.

When putting together your emergency supplies one of the hardest tasks is organizing your food. How much do I need? What kind of food?

For most disasters, we recommend a minimum of three days preparation. This should include an adequate supply of non-perishable foods and a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or minimal preparation. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

In a health crisis such as a pandemic flu this requires longer planning. There is a chance that grocery stores could be closed so not to spread the disease. The Washington Departments of Health and Emergency Management recommend preparing for these types of disasters for a minimum of one week.

Since this is a problem that people struggle with, we have been asked repeatedly for recommendations. As a result we sought out solutions and potentials supplier and now offer – ready-made freeze dried and dehydrated meals, including the 72 Hour Emergency Food Kit. The meals are delicious, nutritious and lightweight and ensure freshness for up to seven years. They are ideal for adding to your Emergency-Pac and including in your emergency supplies.

FOOD: The minimum amount of food is two cans of food per person, per day and one gallon of water per person, per day. 

Here are some convenient suggestions:

• Ready to serve WISE Emergency & Outdoor Meals, canned meats, fruits and vegetable
• Canned juices, Datrex Water Packets, soup, milk (if use powdered milk, have extra water)
• Staples – salt, pepper, sugar
• High Energy Foods –Datrex Food Rations, trail mix, granola, peanut butter, crackers
• Vitamins
• Food for infants, elderly and people with special diets
• Comfort Foods – cookies, hard candy, instant coffee & tea

Even outdoor enthusiasts use the 72 Food Supply for camping, hiking, boating, fishing and RV travelling.

Let us know what foods you add to your emergency kit. We all plan a little different depending on our needs.

Paula Spence

Cats, dogs, birds, lizards, rabbits are just a few of the animals we love to have as pets. We go to great lengths to make sure they have food, water, vaccinations and shelter every day. Consider that during a disaster, the pets we love will rely on us more than ever. Be prepared with an Emergency Pet Care Kit!

EMERGENCY PET CARE KIT SUPPLY LIST

If you have ample warning of an event, such as possible flooding or severe weather, be sure pets are brought inside.

If you must leave your pet in your home after a catastrophe, be sure to leave plenty of food and water. Automatic food dispensers work well. Plan to check on your pet regularly or have a neighbor help.

If you are away from home when a catastrophe occurs, call a neighbor to check on your pet to make sure they are safe and secured inside.

Mark your door or window with a pet decal or hand-made sign that alerts emergency personal to the fact that animals are in the house, and how many they should look for.

After a catastrophe, leash your pet when going outside. Familiar scents and landmarks can be different and pets can get confused and lost.

If your pet requires medication, be sure to include an extra supply in your pet kit. The general supply list should be sufficient for most cats and dogs. If you have other pets, consider their unique needs.

• Food and water for at least 7 to 10 days - 1 gallon of water per day for an animal the size of a large dog.
• Spare collar, current ID and leash
• Pet Carrier – Be sure your name and current phone number are marked on the pet carrier.
• Place veterinarian, kennel, vaccination records, etc, in waterproof plastic bag and tape it on the carrier.
• Name and phone number of veterinarian
• Copy of vaccination records
• Current photo of you and your pet in case you are separated
• Pet chip identification number
• Name and phone of nearby kennels & animal shelters
• Blanket
• Medications and stress/anxiety reducers
• First aid kit
• Bags for waste clean-up
• Plastic litter box if needed, along with clumping cat litter