Disaster Preparedness
Due to the increased numbers of disaster across the United States and the world, disaster preparedness has been added to the list of initial design criteria for architectural design and interior design. We have experienced several tropical storm events and earthquake tremors while living in the British Virgin Islands. The habits we have established during fifteen years of living there will be kept anywhere we decide to live.
There are three points with respect to disaster preparedness. It moves one into self-sufficiency. 1. Architectural design improvements include designing a place within the center of the home called the safe area. This area is away from windows but has ventilation. This area's walls and ceiling can protect inhabitants during a storm or event. 2. The environment should support life, not impact it with uncomfortable temperatures. Supplemental energy systems that do not rely on electricity should be collected and periodically used so that when they are required, they are fully operational. Include what every car in temperate to arctic environments should have: several Mylar blankets to retain body heat or for people in shock. Have the appropriate type of cover available for air circulation during warm months. 3. An interior space should be capable of storing supplies and material for such a time. Products should be rotated, tasty so they will be consumed heartily, provide energy and be nutritious. 
Another view of same building (first photo), Hurricane Omar, 2008, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days for consumption. Water for cooking, washing cookware, and flushing toilets is a guess depending on how many occupants and activities take place. During Hurricane Earl(Sept 2010) I used a disposable aluminum deep roasting pan to contain ice and placed one each in the freezer and the refrigerator. This piece of advice came from a man living in St. Thomas, USVI who was in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. I always placed the bags of ice inside the cooler only. We used the ice to maintain perishables; the melted water was poured into the toilet tank to accumulate for use. Unfortunately, I did not fill the tanks before the storm approached. Habitually, we keep the tank valve turned off because toilet tank water leaks into the bowl overtime. I learned to reduce water for bathing from a gallon and a half to less than a gallon. An architect shared his bathing experience on a naval vessel was limited to three minutes. I appreciate Dr. Bonner's Tea Tree Oil liquid soap because it is anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial, and concentrated. Squeeze a little on the body, use a nylon puff and it foams immediately. Start at the feet and massage towards the heart. Fill the washing machine for soaking clothes or linen.
Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days— non-perishable packaged or canned food. Food selection for disaster preparedness should consider the need to remain alert and for adults to sleep sparingly. Foods that cause allergic reactions should be avoided. - beverages packed in asceptic cartons - do not require refrigeration (i.e. Tetra Pak cartons, the corporation that developed the container)***
Non-electric can opener Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs Special Items – for babies and the elderly Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes Flashlights / Batteries Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio Telephones – Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards – Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods Keys Toys, Books and Games Important documents – – insurance records - medical records - bank account numbers - Social Security card, etc. Purchase laminating sheets and get those important papers sealed.Trim with at least 1/8" or 3/16" plastic to ensure water will not penetrate. The electric food saver, the device that removes air for packaging may be used for sealing important documents and copies.Consider using the device for sealing mementos also. Tools – keep a set with you during the storm Vehicle fuel tanks filled Pet care items - proper identification / immunization records / medications - ample supply of food and water - a carrier or cage - muzzle and leash - comfort items like toys, covers, etc. Various sizes of plastic bags for waste and storage
I am a wholistic health coach and it has been brought to my attention to reconsider including beverages stored in Tetra Pak cartons. The aluminum lining may interact with the contained substance. Because the Tetra Pak carton is relatively new when compared to metal cans, people ceased questioning what metal cans can do to food. Metal cans have a treated lining. I intend to provide objective information when I find it. During searches, however, it was found that the United Kingdom is recycling them. From the site: "Each year, UK beverage carton manufacturers produce 55,000 tonnes of paper-based cartons for milk, juice, sauces and other liquid food/drinks. This equates to around 2.3 kilograms of cartons per household. These cartons could be recycled instead of thrown in the rubbish bin." Visit
Tetra Pak Recycling Banks
to find out more.
Please visit my blog, FourTold. |
