**With the 2 large earthquakes happening in Southern California last week, (when I was conveniently out of state visiting my family…thank goodness) I thought it would be a good time to repost my blog I wrote about natural disaster preparedness. Enjoy and get your bug out bag ready!
I am super-stoked to share with you a new project that I have had the honor to be involved with. I am now an official contributor for Health Union’s newly launched website parkinsonsdisease.net This site has become a great addition to the Parkinson’s community because you can find information about research, diagnosis, treatment, caregiver support, symptoms… basically, everything you wanted (or didn’t want) to know about Parkinson’s, including my latest post “Parkinson’s Natural Disaster Preparedness” hope you check it out!
September is National Preparedness month! With the devastation of Hurricane Harvey unfolding and the oncoming threat of Irma off the Atlantic coast, thinking of natural disasters is well… natural. But when you toss Parkinson’s into the party, thinking of the next big one can give you a panic attack.
As Parkies, we try to be ready for anything. This gives us a feeling of being in control over our unpredictable lives. However, preparing for natural disasters is crucial to ensure you and your family will be safe. First thing is to get your ducks in a row. Create a plan and then prepare for any disaster heading your way, including a zombie apocalypse.
I recommend creating a “Get home bag” which is a backpack to leave in your car and a “Bug out bag” which can be a large duffel bag or plastic tub that is easy for you to retrieve at home. So what’s the difference between the 2 bags?… {Click here to continue reading}
After the earth stopped shaking, I was glad that my husband was around to smell if there was a gas leak. I likely wouldn’t have been able to smell it. I quickly found out that they sell gas detectors online. It would be wise for those without a sense of smell to have one especially if you live alone. Just one more thing to think about…PD, the gift that keeps on giving.
Lauren,
Wow! That’s scary, but at least there is an easy fix.
Allison: Yes always make sure you keep your cell phone charged, and have a charger in your “Go bag”, but remember, If there are widespread power outages like thjose caused by the recent hurricanes, or a major earthquake, Your cell phone and charger will be worthless. Without power? cell towers will not be functional, and if you do fine one? You’ll find that they will more than likely unuseable due to EVERYONE trying to call. In face most emergency response agencys reccomend that you stay off your cell phone, so as to keep the lines free and avallible for emergancy use.
What I would suggest, is when you are out and about, maybe walking around your neighbourhood? Keep an eye open for those houses/homes with large odd looking antennas, as more often than not, you’ll find those homes occupied by an Amateur Radio operator. That radio operator normally has not just emergency power avalible, but also has emergency communications (with worlwide coverage) up and running at his/her fingertips, and would be more than happy to help you contact family and/or loved ones outside the area via radio and several other modes of communications. via the worldwide net of other amateur radio operators…..
Over the years? I have handled thousands of messeges, to family and loved ones from folks in many, many types of emergency situations… From the recent hurricanes, and earthquakes in Mexico, wild fires here ion Washington, as well as California, to local search/rescue operations for local emergency
servises like Fire/Police departments….. So make friends with a local “HAM”, it might save your life…
Thanks
Michael Hazelmyer
253-475-1704
K7SSC
member:
ARES/RACES/ARRL (amateur radio emergency services/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service/American Radio Relay League)
What a great idea Michael! Thank you for sharing, it’s definitely an important part of staying safe.