Ready for Emergencies

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A police officer sees a lot of trouble. Some of it just drifts on by in an ordinary flow of people frustrated by mundane day-to-day problems. Some of it shatters lives, or families, or massed crowds in public tragedies  – or sometimes in quiet ways that no one else will know. Thankfully rare are the things that have widespread effect, even massive – war or terrorism, earthquakes, destructive storms, floods, fires, long-term electrical failure. Our neighbor Ken Fischer has dealt with a full share of troubles in his service as a sergeant with the Lakewood Police Department. One thing he has learned is that being prepared saves lives. In this article Ken presents some commonsense precautions – and look at the bottom of the article for an opportunity to learn more., courtesy of the City of Lakewood. 

By Ken Fischer

Emergency Preparedness — isn’t that maybe a worry for the folks with all those faults out there in shaky California?  Or Tornadoes ripping through trailer parks in the Southeast, or the people freezing in blackouts in the Northeast? We hardly ever think of earthquakes, and tornadoes spring up “somewhere else” but are soon forgotten by most. We live in a safe, stable neighborhood, after all.

What could go wrong?

Oh, how many sad stories begin with that question, “What could go wrong?” Things do go wrong. We’ll have to admit those tornadoes are getting more frequent, and they’re not just in Kansas anymore. Wind and hail, and even wintertime blizzards, can leave us in the dark for extended periods. Even breaking down on a remote mountain road is something to consider. Hey, how about a pandemic? Nah…

Here are some basic things to think about, in the event of a short-term emergency situation. The list below is for preparedness at home, but you’ll find some of the ideas pertinent to when you’re on the road as well.

• Candles: 100 hour safe burning candles are available for $4.95 each on campingsurvival.com. It’s a good idea to have several on hand, with several ignition sources (lighters). We’re used to the sky-glow of the big city, and having street lights around, but in a serious emergency scenario it will be dark at night.
• Mirrors/emergency lights: a small mirror may be your most critical item if stranded or broken down. Harbor Freight stocks small lighting units (often free with any purchase) which provide a bright light with an AA battery and will blink or oscillate for use as a signal. You should have at least two backup fresh batteries, and dedicate these lights and batteries for emergency use only.
• Consider a whistle.
• Knife/utility tool: multi-functional “Leatherman” type combination tool can be very useful, along with a simple can opener.
• Portable radio: mid-sized battery operated radio with at least 2 sets of fresh batteries stored outside the radio. Unit used only for emergency. Replace batteries at least yearly.
• Water purification/charcoal tablets with quart sized dedicated bottle for mixing, and a sturdy metal pot.
• 200’ roll of duct tape.
• Firestarters: compressed bricks or sectioned fire logs for ignition are more reliable than kindling.
• Be certain your chimney is clear of buildups, nests, and any other obstructions.
• Space blanket/poncho: conserve body heat. Waterproof rain jacket.
• First aid kit (not merely bandages).
• Propane fuel fired heaters (It’s critical to vent them properly.)
• Good neighbor consideration. Check on your neighbors. Better safe than sorry.

A good survival supply of water and storable food should last at least a week, and all items should be stored several feet above floor level. Generators should be mobile (on wheels) and be matched to the power need. NEVER run one inside your home or garage, to provide proper venting. The American Red Cross provides extensive guidance for recommended survival kits. Click here for info and recommendations. A set of reviews on survival kits may be found here on Etramping.com. These are ideas that can help us all stay safe, and be friendly, and continue to be good neighbors even in difficult times.

The City of Lakewood will conduct an Emergency Preparedness Workshop on March 19, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. It’s free, and a light dinner will be provided. For all the information and to register, click here: Emergency Preparedness Workshop.

Ken Fischer holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Iowa and was involved in organizing Iowa’s first Law Enforcement Training Academy. He was on the SWAT Team in the Lakewood Police Department, and retired as a Senior Sergeant. A longtime resident of Southern Gables, he is an experienced woodsman and now runs a firewood business. 

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