The Prepared Community2024-03-29T13:49:00ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhitehttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1591235277?profile=original&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://communitypreparedness.org/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=2xxl4x16zdxab&feed=yes&xn_auth=noFury Warrior Weapon Sheathing Visual BUGtag:communitypreparedness.org,2018-03-23:6454093:Topic:202252018-03-23T10:21:36.981ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>My Worgen Warrior, being in Fury Spec, after combat always remains visually with his weapons out. And even if the jump animations and so on show his hands as if he has no weapons, visually they are still there. Imagine how it looks doing the Running Wild mount after combat, running around in four, having both weapons in hands. This is a visual bug, I don't know if this happens to other races as well, but to my worgen sure does.</p>
<p>For More You Can Go:…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>My Worgen Warrior, being in Fury Spec, after combat always remains visually with his weapons out. And even if the jump animations and so on show his hands as if he has no weapons, visually they are still there. Imagine how it looks doing the Running Wild mount after combat, running around in four, having both weapons in hands. This is a visual bug, I don't know if this happens to other races as well, but to my worgen sure does.</p>
<p>For More You Can Go:</p>
<p><a href="https://blog.advids.co/20-online-promotional-advertising-campaign-examples/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Promotional Advertising Campaign Examples</a></p>
<br />
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p></p>
<p></p> Multitool Tech Reviewstag:communitypreparedness.org,2013-09-29:6454093:Topic:126012013-09-29T01:45:56.353ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p><a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275128399?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250"></img></a> Review of the <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">Leatherman Surge Multitool</a><br></br> <br></br> <br></br> Performed by: Alan Rock Sr.<br></br> Date of Review: August 16 - 30, 2013<br></br> Location of Review:Germantown, MD, USA<br></br> Coordinates: 39.1833° N, 77.2667° W<br></br> <br></br> <br></br> My first impression of the <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">Leatherman Surge</a> was that it was solid and well constructed. The model…</p>
<p><a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275128399?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-right"/></a>Review of the <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">Leatherman Surge Multitool</a><br/> <br/> <br/> Performed by: Alan Rock Sr.<br/> Date of Review: August 16 - 30, 2013<br/> Location of Review:Germantown, MD, USA<br/> Coordinates: 39.1833° N, 77.2667° W<br/> <br/> <br/> My first impression of the <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">Leatherman Surge</a> was that it was solid and well constructed. The model I was shipped to review came with an all leather sheath and 2 spare interchangeable blades (more on that later). Out of the box, the tool was hefty and a little sluggish to open and close. I knew how to fix that though.<br/> <br/> A quick boiling bath in my pot, followed by a good wipe down and a quick application of <a href="http://amzn.to/17fnaHp" target="_blank">WD40</a> and the <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">Leatherman Surge</a> is ready to use. Each tool now opens and closes readily. I began inspecting each tool to assess its form and function.<br/> <br/> First the pliers. The needlenose pliers are strong with an aggressive grip pattern. The 'regular' pliers have a decent sized opening and even deeper-gripping grooves than the needlenose. At the base of the plier tools are three sets of wire cutters: standard, hard wire, and stranded wire cutters. There is also an electrical crimper. At this point of the review, I feel they are all sufficient for the tasks they were designed for.<br/> <br/> <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275129435?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>Next, I inspected the knife blades. The straight edge blade is a drop-point shape in 420c steel. The tip is plenty sharp, as was the blade itself with just the factory sharpening. The serrated blade is a sheepshead-shaped blade, also in 420c steel. I like the sheepshead, as it allows for some additional safety in close quarters cutting (for example cutting a seatbelt to extract someone from a car wreck). The locking mechanism for both knife blades, as well as all the 'opening tools' was sturdy and strong. I am disappointed however that Leatherman has not opted for a better steel on the blades such as 154cm or S30v which they offer on some of their other tools, but I am a knife person, so take that wish as you will. 420c steel will cut nearly everything you need it to, you may just have to sharpen more often.<br/> <br/> Moving on to the blade exchanger with the saw, spare saw blade, and the diamond file. The mechanism for changing the blades is well-constructed, yet very secure. I was impressed by the sharpness and aggressive cutting pattern of the saw blades and the file is a nice touch. With a wood/metal file on one side and a diamond file on the other, it allows you to sharpen other hand tools, or in a pinch, even sharpen the straight knife blade of the Surge (but not while the file is in the blade exchanger). I was concernedI would lose the spare blades, but a quick check of the sheath showed me what I had hoped for... A little side pocket inside to store the spares together with the tool.<br/> <br/> I decided to look at the screwdrivers next. The large bit driver is featured on many of the Leatherman full-sized tools. <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">The Surge</a> comes with a single bit for the large driver, Phillips on one side, standard flat on the other? The fact that you can interchange between any of the <a href="http://amzn.to/17fnmqk" target="_blank">Leatherman large bits</a> you may have from other tools or the bit driver set (a separate purchase), makes this bit driver very versatile. The small bit driver is small enough to repair eyeglasses. I don't see much other use than that, unless you are working with small remote control vehicles or computer accessories with micro screws. Both bit drivers hold on to the bits snugly, so I was satisfied it would be hard to lose a bit from it just falling out. Finally, is the dedicated flathead screwdriver. It is solid, and wide, a nice compliment to the skinny and narrow flathead on the included bit for the large bit driver.<br/> <br/> Lastly, a look at the remaining tools. There is an awl with a thread loop. This tool is very solid, yet sharp and looks like it would readily punch through some thick leather (more on this later). The bottle opener/can opener/wire stripper is a clever use of space, being combined into a single opening blade. The ruler measured a true 9 inches, and it was time to begin some real world testing.<br/> <br/> I began by opening another Leatherman tool that arrived in a clam-pack (hard plastic packaging materials, designed to prevent theft in retail stores, but very difficult to open). The straight blade easily punctured and then opened one side of the package, then I switched to the other side with the serrated edge. It was harder to pierce the packaging with the sheepshead-shaped blade, but once inside, the packaging just 'zipped' open. Next, I pulled out some of my retired rappelling gear and located a length of 11mm static rope, and a retired piece of webbing. With moderate pressure and a little effort, the straight blade was able to cut through both materials. The serrated blade performed better, as I had expected in this test, easily cutting both materials.<br/> <br/> Over to the workbench to cut some wire. The <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">Leatherman Surge</a> easily cut through a variety of stranded and hard wires from thin speaker wires, to thick stranded lipo battery wires, to large gauge household copper wiring. The crimper and wire stripper performed as expected as well.<br/> <br/> Pulling out my somewhat old and dull camp axe, I positioned the wood/metal/diamond file in the blade exchanger and went to work. It took a lot of strokes to get the axe to the sharpness I desired, but that was due to the length of the file, not the quality of the tool or cut pattern. Switching back to the saw blade in the Surge's blade exchanger, I stepped out front and made quick work of some 1.5 inch thick branches in the front yard. Once again, many strokes, but the cutting pattern was aggressive and sawdust was flying.<br/> <br/> Screws, screws, and more screws... How do you review screwdrivers? Well, I grabbed a random handful of screws (old and new) from my junk drawer and started driving them into a spare 2x4 I had lying around. The large bit driver and large flathead driver were able to drive all the screws I had in my drawer relatively easily, but I did notice a little wear on the Phillips large bit after this experiment. I don't know yet if it was stripping out or just some of the black oxide finish was coming off. The small bit driver tightened my eyeglasses up nicely with no issues.<br/> <br/> I went inside to grab some leather and returned with some buckskin and some thick <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNuRGp" target="_blank">latigo leather</a>. The buckskin was no match whatsoever for the awl, as it poked through repeatedly. I was pleasantly surprised with the ease the awl punctured the latigo as well. The grip from the tool, and perhaps the weight of the tool itself helped make a tough task fairly easy.<br/> <br/> I opened a can of dog food with the can opener with no problem, so there was just one tool left to test: the bottle opener. I grabbed an adult beverage from my refrigerator, slowly applied the bottle opener to the cap, and POP! Success!<br/> <br/> I performed one final test, a 'carry test'. I put the tool on with my other hiking gear, and trekked 10 miles each of two consecutive days. The purpose of this test, was to determine what scenarios I would carry the Surge on a regular basis.<br/> <br/> Here are my ratings of the Leatherman Surge full-sized Multitool (as compared to other full-sized Multitools):<br/> <br/> Construction: 4.5 stars out of 5<br/> This tool is very well put together, very solid and functional. Better steel for the two knife blades would shift this to 5/5. The Leatherman workmanship exceeds many of the other Multitool makers.<br/> Ease of Use: 4.5 stars out of 5<br/> The tool was a little hard to work at first, but once lubricated properly, it was very easy to use. I don't see the initial stiffness itself as a detractor, but for those buyers without the knowledge or handy WD49, the tool is initially harder to use.<br/> <br/> Functionality: 5 stars out of 5<br/> This tool has the best 'toolbox' replacement assortment of tools I havebeen able to use or review to date.<br/> Value: 5 stars out of 5<br/> With the <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">Leatherman Surge</a>, you certainly get what you pay for. With 21 tools in a 15 ounce package that you can put on your hip and a 25 year factory warranty, you can't go wrong.<br/> <br/> Back to those hikes I took... I had a lot of time to ponder the weight, form, and function of the Surge while walking 20 miles. I decided I wouldn't carry the Surge while hiking, unless there was a destination where I would be homesteading or long term camping. To be fair, I wouldn't carry any full size Multitool except for the same reasons.<br/> <br/> I would leave the Surge in my glove box for emergency repairs roadside and emergency seatbelt extractions.<br/> I would leave the surge in my hunting pack, provided I was doing single day hunts.<br/> I do carry the Surge in my fishing bag now.<br/> And I do keep the <a href="http://amzn.to/1eNtGH2" target="_blank">Leatherman Surge</a> on my dresser or home office desk so I don't have to run to the garage all the time for my big, heavy toolbox.<br/> I do highly recommend the Leatherman Surge to anyone looking for an excellent full-sized Multitool.<br/> <br/> Mr. Rock is an avid hunter, fisherman, backpacker, camper, and general outdoorsman. He is an American Red Cross certified First Aid/CPR instructor, as well as a Cub Scout Pack Committee Chairperson. He grew up in the woods of Western Pennsylvania and now spends his evenings and weekends teaching his son and the other scouts all about camping, survival, fire-making, and general outdoors skills. He can be contacted at AlanRockSr@gmail.com</p> Flashlight Tech Reviewstag:communitypreparedness.org,2013-09-29:6454093:Topic:125382013-09-29T01:27:43.371ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p>Review of the <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">Fenix LD01 R4 Keychain Flashlight</a><br></br> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275128417?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275128417?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250"></img></a> <br></br><br></br> Performed by: Alan Rock Sr.<br></br> Date of Review: August 9&10, 2013<br></br> Location of Review: Calvert Cliffs State Park, MD, USA<br></br> Coordinates: 38.4019° N, 76.4239° W<br></br><br></br><br></br> My first impression of the LD01, was that the LD01 was light, yet had high…</p>
<p>Review of the <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">Fenix LD01 R4 Keychain Flashlight</a><br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275128417?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275128417?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-right"/></a><br/><br/> Performed by: Alan Rock Sr.<br/> Date of Review: August 9&10, 2013<br/> Location of Review: Calvert Cliffs State Park, MD, USA<br/> Coordinates: 38.4019° N, 76.4239° W<br/><br/><br/> My first impression of the LD01, was that the LD01 was light, yet had high quality construction. The <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">Fenix LD01 R4</a> is packaged with a pocket clip, spare O-ring, a 3/8 inch split ring, and a Duracell battery. The battery seated easily in the flashlight and the clip was easy to attach. I weighed the flashlight fully assembled and it was just under one ounce. So far, it was meeting my expectations for a micro flashlight: quality construction, easy to begin using, and light.<br/><br/> <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275129348?profile=original" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>Now to begin checking out the functions. A simple turn of the end cap brought the flashlight to life. I intentionally did not read the instruction manual, as I wanted to determine how intuitive the functional design of the flashlight would be. At first, I could not figure out how to cycle between the different modes, but a quick review of the entire flashlight showed me the only moving part was the end cap, so a quick turn off and back on indeed changed the mode. After playing with the flashlight for a few minutes, I determined the pattern to begin at medium intensity, followed by low, and then moving to high. While I personally will use medium most, so starting there is very convenient, I think it would be more intuitive to start with low and progress to medium, then high.<br/><br/> With the functions sorted out, now was the time to figure out how to carry the <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">Fenix LD01 R4</a> in the field. The included clip mounted securely and provides for a great pocket carry option or probably even mounted to the bill of a baseball cap. I already have an every day carry (EDC) knife that I keep in my pocket, so I decided to utilize the lanyard loop built into the aircraft aluminum body of the LD01. I attached the included split ring and quickly made a para cord lanyard and hung the flashlight around my neck.<br/><br/> Off we go! I hiked a few miles down to the beach with my son, fossil hunted for a few hours, and hiked back to our campsite while it was still daylight. I completely forgot I was carrying the LD01, it was light and snug against my chest with the lanyard. I imagine, it would be just as convenient pocket-mounted with the clip. As night began to settle in, I began using the flashlight for its intended purpose: lighting the path before me.<br/><br/> It was a fairly dark evening, under heavy cloud cover that opened into severe thunderstorms (more on that later), so it was nice having a flashlight since the paths were not familiar to me (first time at this campsite). I found in the more open areas, I could turn on the LD01 to low and allow it to swing freely from my neck lanyard, giving me plenty of light on the trail. This method not only saved on the battery, but also allowed me to retain much of my night vision. When the trails closed in a bit, I used the same method with the LD01 on medium intensity. The trails lit up well, and were easy to follow. I had to invent a need for the high intensity beam, so I went searching for animals. This little 1-ounce light was throwing a surprisingly powerful beam across open fields and lighting up the groves of trees. I found a raccoon and was able to clearly see eye-shine from about 75 yards.<br/><br/> Lightning, thunder, and torrential downpours ended the animal spotting adventure, so we retreated back to shelter. The <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">Fenix LD01</a> on low intensity is perfect for reading books in the tent. The letters were crisp and clearly visible and the reflected light off the pages didn't bother my eyes at all. With no end in sight for the storm, I decided to test the waterproof qualities and battery longevity simultaneously. I took out a brand new <a href="http://amzn.to/16y5VgJ" target="_blank">Duracell AAA</a> battery and installed it. I visually inspected the O-ring at the same time and all was in order. I turned on the LD01, cycled it to high intensity, and dropped it in a cup of water in the rain. I then started my stop watch.<br/><br/> One hour and thirty seven minutes later, the flashlight shut off. There was no gradual dimming of the light, just a quick flicker or two, then out. That's good, because it was time for us to sleep anyway.<br/><br/> In the morning, I plucked the flashlight out of the water, dried the outside, opened it, and installed the original battery back inside. A quick turn of the end cap and the Fenix was alive again. Cycled through all three modes and the flashlight worked as expected!<br/><br/> <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275129532?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>Here are the factory-published run times for the LD01:<br/> Here are my ratings of the <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">Fenix LD01 R4 micro flashlight</a> (as compared to other micro flashlights):<br/> Construction: 5 stars out of 5<br/> To be so light, yet so well constructed, it deserves a 5.<br/><br/> Intuitiveness: 4 stars out of 5<br/> The cycle order of M/L/H may be confusing to some, as was the method for changing between intensity levels. To be fair, the manual did explain everything clearly when I read it afterwards.<br/><br/> Brightness: 4.5 stars out of 5<br/> There was an LD01 made with a Cree Q5 bulb which put off 80 lumens, but at a cost of nearly 1/3 the runtime on high.<br/> Versatility: 4 stars out of 5<br/> The 3 cycles are very convenient, but I felt the lack of a distress signal, whether a simple strobe or a true SOS flash, detracted from the overall versatility of the flashlight.<br/><br/> Value: 4.5 stars out of 5<br/> While the price tag for the <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">Fenix LD01</a> is higher than say a <a href="http://amzn.to/16y5jYq" target="_blank">Maglite Solitaire</a>, the form, features, and functionality of the Fenix are far superior.<br/><br/> In the end, the <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">Fenix LD01 R4</a> exceeded my expectations. I am so impressed that I have a new EDC item on my keychain... <a href="http://amzn.to/Hjvrjg" target="_blank">The Fenix LD01</a>!<br/> Mr. Rock is an avid hunter, fisherman, backpacker, camper, and general outdoorsman. He is an American Red Cross certified First Aid/CPR instructor, as well as a Cub Scout Pack Committee Chairperson. He grew up in the woods of Western Pennsylvania and now spends his evenings and weekends teaching his son and the other scouts all about camping, survival, fire-making, and general outdoors skills. He can be contacted at AlanRockSr@gmail.com</p>
<p> </p> Looking to start a Careertag:communitypreparedness.org,2012-12-17:6454093:Topic:97042012-12-17T04:58:52.610ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p>Hello All! I am very excited to have found this community, and I hope that I am able to learn a lot from it.</p>
<p>I am thinking about pursuing a career as a paramedic, but I really have no idea where to start. I know that there are a number of options open to someone looking to become an EMT in Montgomery County, and I was hoping I could get some guidance.</p>
<p>Hello All! I am very excited to have found this community, and I hope that I am able to learn a lot from it.</p>
<p>I am thinking about pursuing a career as a paramedic, but I really have no idea where to start. I know that there are a number of options open to someone looking to become an EMT in Montgomery County, and I was hoping I could get some guidance.</p> Family "Safe" Word - Safety With Adultstag:communitypreparedness.org,2012-08-26:6454093:Topic:79742012-08-26T17:32:05.737ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p><strong>Give your kid a safe word as part of their back to school kit.</strong> Revisit old safe words if you have them and remind everyone what the safety routine is. Now is a great time to check that proverbial seat belts are fastened. </p>
<p>Just about every parent of a school aged kid has been to the store by now to pick up school supplies. New clothes, pencils, maybe a reference guide or two. Going back to school is an exciting time!</p>
<p>It's also a time where you and your kids will…</p>
<p><strong>Give your kid a safe word as part of their back to school kit.</strong> Revisit old safe words if you have them and remind everyone what the safety routine is. Now is a great time to check that proverbial seat belts are fastened. </p>
<p>Just about every parent of a school aged kid has been to the store by now to pick up school supplies. New clothes, pencils, maybe a reference guide or two. Going back to school is an exciting time!</p>
<p>It's also a time where you and your kids will be exposed to new people, new traffic flows, new activities, and new dangers. Changes in family routines can create confusion. Make sure no one can take advantage of that fact. </p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><strong>Have a family safe word.</strong></span> A safe word is a secret word that only you and your kids know. It's passed off to other trusted adults when necessary to communicate to the child that this adult can be trusted. </p>
<p>A good example: You drop your son or daughter off at school. They have soccer practice after school and you plan to pick him or her up once practice is done. Something comes up and you physically can't get to your kid. In a panic, you call someone you know who is close by. You ask them to go pick your kid up from soccer practice and take them back to their house until you can get to them. They agree. </p>
<p>Fast forward to the pick up. The person you trust pulls up in their car at that intended pick up point. Your son or daughter has no idea you aren't coming. </p>
<blockquote><p>Hey <your kid's name>! Your Mom asked me to pick you up and take you home today. C'mon! Hop in!</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That should make your cringe. If you've done you're job right, there is no way your child is going to get into that car. It doesn't matter if they recognize the face as a neighbor (all child molesters are somebody's neighbor). Your kid is going to go get another adult and report the fact that they've been approached... right?</p>
<p>Anyway, if you had a safe word, you would have passed that to your trusted adult. Your child should be taught to challenge an unknown adult (or an adult acting in an unfamiliar scenario like the one above) for the password. If the adult has no password, your child knows this is not good. If the adult has the password, your child knows that it's okay to get in the car. Make sense? </p>
<p>If you do implement this system, be sure to change the password once the family gets together again. In my family's world, each password gets one use. Show up with an old password and sorry, Charlie. My kid's going to the authorities. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you in the new school year!</p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>If you have any other good ideas for keeping kids safe in the new year, please hit reply and share your idea below. </strong></span></p> Ideas for National Preparedness Monthtag:communitypreparedness.org,2012-07-12:6454093:Topic:72902012-07-12T13:23:09.510ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p>National Preparedness Month (September) is only a couple of months away. Now is the time to come up with some cool ideas for what we can do to raise awareness. </p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><strong>Do you or your friends have a cool idea or two you'd like to share? </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I'm betting we can come up with some awesome things to do. </span></p>
<p>National Preparedness Month (September) is only a couple of months away. Now is the time to come up with some cool ideas for what we can do to raise awareness. </p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><strong>Do you or your friends have a cool idea or two you'd like to share? </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I'm betting we can come up with some awesome things to do. </span></p> Keeping Your Gear Freshtag:communitypreparedness.org,2012-07-12:6454093:Topic:72832012-07-12T12:48:48.483ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p><span>Water, food, batteries, gloves, even bandages.... There is a component of every gear bag that is perishable. This is especially true if you carry your gear bag in the trunk of your car - exposing it to heat, cold, crushing forces, and a lot of banging around. </span></p>
<p>It's a terrible thing to open a gear bag when you need it most, only to find the granola bars crushed; water bottles leaking; gloves weak and breaking down; and bandage wrappers wet, torn, or otherwise compromised.…</p>
<p><span>Water, food, batteries, gloves, even bandages.... There is a component of every gear bag that is perishable. This is especially true if you carry your gear bag in the trunk of your car - exposing it to heat, cold, crushing forces, and a lot of banging around. </span></p>
<p>It's a terrible thing to open a gear bag when you need it most, only to find the granola bars crushed; water bottles leaking; gloves weak and breaking down; and bandage wrappers wet, torn, or otherwise compromised. What can you do to prevent this?</p>
<p><a href="http://communitypreparedness.net" target="_self"><img width="200" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275127963?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="200" style="padding: 5px;" class="align-right"/></a>One simple step is to use what you've got. Instead of going to your well preserved gear stash under the sink in your bathroom - when you need a bandaid for your kid's knee, go to the trunk of your car instead. When you pump gas, slip on one of your gloves. When you need a drink of water, grab the one from your gear bag. Just be sure to replace the supplies you use regularly. </p>
<p>By making it a habit to use gear from your go-bag, you're not only rotating your stock, you're also regularly checking in on the status of your supplies. If something leaks or gets broken, you'll know it when you go get a bandaid or a glove. </p>
<p>As an added bonus, you'll be familiarizing yourself with the content of your bag. When you need your gear and time is of the essence, you're less likely to be rooting around in your bag looking for something you KNOW is in their somewhere, or for something you thought you had, but don't. </p>
<p>Preparedness is more than gear or classroom training. Good basic habits can give you a tremendous advantage and hep you be as prepared as you want to be. </p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>What other tips do you have for keeping your gear fresh?</strong></span></p> Preparedness Storiestag:communitypreparedness.org,2012-06-18:6454093:Topic:72402012-06-18T20:24:14.670ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p>We all want to make a difference. We get trained. We get the word out. We pack our kits in our trunk, collect a reasonable amount of supplies and keep our eyes on our environment. Action is what being prepared is all about through, right? We want to be ready to respond. </p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Tell one story of how being prepared has helped you or someone you love. </strong></span></p>
<p>We all like to hear success stories. They energize and motivate us. What's YOUR…</p>
<p>We all want to make a difference. We get trained. We get the word out. We pack our kits in our trunk, collect a reasonable amount of supplies and keep our eyes on our environment. Action is what being prepared is all about through, right? We want to be ready to respond. </p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Tell one story of how being prepared has helped you or someone you love. </strong></span></p>
<p>We all like to hear success stories. They energize and motivate us. What's YOUR story? </p> Be Prepared for the Heattag:communitypreparedness.org,2012-05-28:6454093:Topic:69032012-05-28T15:06:04.169ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<div class="im"><p>As I write this, it is a great day for BBQ's, getting together with friends and family, and remembering those who have sacrificed so that the rest of us can enjoy the freedoms we have and live in peace. My flag went out this morning. It's Memorial Day. </p>
<p>Today is also a pretty hot day for many areas in the country. My own home town in Montgomery County, Maryland is under a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service, and people are being urged to take…</p>
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<div class="im"><p>As I write this, it is a great day for BBQ's, getting together with friends and family, and remembering those who have sacrificed so that the rest of us can enjoy the freedoms we have and live in peace. My flag went out this morning. It's Memorial Day. </p>
<p>Today is also a pretty hot day for many areas in the country. My own home town in Montgomery County, Maryland is under a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service, and people are being urged to take precautions. There is no doubt in my mind that there will be heat related illness today. People just aren't ready for 90+ degree weather.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>"...the first stretch of Summer-like heat will peak today. Since individuals have not yet acclimated to hot conditions, it is important to take extra precautions to prevent heat related illnesses. Participants in Memorial Day activities should be mindful of the heat index and alter plans accordingly."</em></p>
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<p>Heat exhaustion and Heat stroke are both very real dangers in this time of year. Even though the temperatures are not as hot as they can get, they are hotter than many people's bodies are ready for. We have not acclimated, so our ability to thermoregulate (control our own body temperature) is being stress tested for the first time in a good while. </p>
<img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1275127879?profile=RESIZE_320x320" align="right" width="300"/><br/>
<p>A person with <strong>Heat Exhaustion</strong> will usually present with heavy breathing, <span>sweating a lot</span>. They may be getting cramps, headaches or feeling dizzy. They just won't seem right. They may look tired, weak and stressed. These people need fluids, shade, air conditioning, electrolytes (like Gator Aid or Power Aid, salty foods, coconut milk, or a nice juice mango, etc). Take action with these people before things get worse. You may be saving their life.</p>
<p>A person with <strong>Heat Stroke</strong> will usually present red faced, hot to the touch, with a rapid pulse and <span>dry</span>. They may not be sweating because their fluids are on empty. They may have already sweat out their fluids and much-needed body salts, but lack of sweating is not a definitive sign. Sometimes, these people are still sweating. The key is to look for decreased mentation (they may be confused, dizzy, etc) in the presence of a high heat environment. They may also have seizures or be found in a coma. A person suffering from heat stroke has a thermo-regulation system that is in serious trouble, and their core temperature is pushing up over 103 degrees. Brain damage and possibly death is right around the corner. This is a medical emergency that you should call 911 for. </p>
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<p>You can begin treatment for Heat Stroke by aggressively cooling the victim and getting them ready for transport. Place cold compresses to the neck, under the arm pits, and in the groin. Get them into air conditioning or at least shade. Lay them down. Elevate their legs. Get their clothes off, get a wet sheet over them and blow air over the sheet with a fan or whatever else you can find. This is a dire medical emergency that requires Advanced Life Support. This patient will need cardiac monitoring, oxygen, IV fluids, and rapid transport. Make sure you call for help!</p>
<p>As Prepared Community members, many of us are already thinking through the day. I like to bring 3 liters of ice water in my Camelback with me when I'm traveling about. I don't wear the thing everywhere, but it's usually in my car or tucked away somewhere in a quiet corner or against a tree. I may not drink all three liters myself - or even half of it, but it's nice to have that cold water nearby to help others who get into trouble. I've used my cold water for this purpose quite a few times over the years.</p>
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<li><strong>A sheet in your car</strong> can provide shade and act as an emergency cooling system when combined with air flow (like from a fan). If you doubt this technique, try it sometime. Wet the sheet, turn on a fan and crawl underneath with little clothing on. Even if it's killer hot outside, you will find yourself getting cold pretty quickly. I did this to myself when I was stationed in Puerto Rico with no air conditioning on really hot days. It works!</li>
<li><strong>Give yourself a little extra TLC</strong>. Don't let the rescuer become a victim! You need electrolytes. Eat a banana or some fig newtons. Drink lots of water or power drinks. Carry a bandana that you can wet with your water and put it around your neck or on your forehead. Keep yourself cool!</li>
<li><strong>Take care of your family and friends</strong>. Cut up some orange slices for snacks today. Make sure people are drinking plenty of fluids. Limit play time outside and infuse frequent breaks into your kids routine. Give them popsicles. These are great snacks for hot weather that not only cool down the body, but usually pack electrolytes as well.</li>
<li><strong>Check on your neighbors</strong>. Not everyone is going to be as prepared as you are today. Both the young and the old are going to have less resistance to weather related injuries. Offer a cool drink (even if they don't accept, this might whet their appetite for a cool drink they may get themselves). Offer work breaks with a cool drink if you notice someone working real hard in the heat & showing signs of exhaustion. Definitely check on folks if the power goes out.</li>
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<p>Today can be a good day for memories and fun with family and friends. Let's be prepared and be safe out there today! Have a great Memorial Day holiday!</p>
<p> </p> Preparing the Community - Those in Needtag:communitypreparedness.org,2012-03-20:6454093:Topic:56052012-03-20T18:16:50.470ZLezlie Crosswhitehttp://communitypreparedness.org/profile/LezlieCrosswhite
<p>Being prepared is something all of us on this site endorse. We get ourselves ready, get our families ready, and help our communities get ready. Part of getting a community ready is watching out for those who can't get themselves ready. </p>
<p>In just about every community, there are elderly and infirm. Getting to know our neighbors, asking around, and sometimes canvasing a neighborhood can help to reveal where there are people living who may need extra help in an emergency. </p>
<p>Here are…</p>
<p>Being prepared is something all of us on this site endorse. We get ourselves ready, get our families ready, and help our communities get ready. Part of getting a community ready is watching out for those who can't get themselves ready. </p>
<p>In just about every community, there are elderly and infirm. Getting to know our neighbors, asking around, and sometimes canvasing a neighborhood can help to reveal where there are people living who may need extra help in an emergency. </p>
<p>Here are some ideas that might help your community be better prepared:</p>
<ul>
<li>Identify people in your community who might need help during an emergency</li>
<li>Mark areas of special needs on a map. Make that map available to rescuers or other community support teams.</li>
<li>Keep a record of pets, medicines, phone numbers and emergency contact numbers for people who live nearby who need extra help. </li>
<li>When an emergency does occur, send runners to those special need areas in your community to check on residents living there. </li>
<li>Create a volunteer network of people who are willing to take in a neighbor in cases of power failures or natural disaster. </li>
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<p>There are lot's of ways to help neighbors in need.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>What are some ways you can think of - or have already tried that protect people in your community? </strong></span></p>