In the wake of the recent tragic events in Haiti, The Big Picture has published a brief but helpful post on some things people should be doing to prepare for a natural disaster -- before it strikes:
Start with the basics: Store in a cool dry place plenty of bottled water, batteries, flashlights, and a radio. Candles, waterproof matches, a can opener, a Swiss army knife, are also helpful. Formula or baby food if applicable. First aid kit, aspirin, disinfectant. If you have small children, simple games and toys will keep them busy as opposed to frightened. Depending upon the prescription drugs you take, a few days to a weeks worth. Pet food if applicable. Basic camping gear sleeping bags and blankets, water filters, dried foods are also helpful. (If using your basement, get them off the floor and onto shelves).
Popular Mechanics posted a number of special issues on disaster preparedness, with stories on:
• 7 Best First Aid Kits For Any Situation;
• Steps to save yourself when a natural disaster hits;
• Smart survival tactics that saved lives;
• Unexpected, But Essential Survival Kit Items
• Must-have survival gadgets and gear;
• SURVIVE ANYTHING: Guide to Worst-Case Scenarios
• 8 Tools and Gadgets to Prepare Your Home For Any Disaster
• There is an emergency preparedness guide by the L.A. Fire Department (pdf);• You can find more info at Ready.gov.
Another source of information is a recent book by Sean Brodrick, entitled The Ultimate Suburban Survivalist Guide, which offers some helpful insights on preparing for difficult times. Among the other items you might want to have handy: a fire extinguisher, copies of important documents (online or in sealed, waterproof bags), and a manual can opener.
Before Trouble Strikes. Sh*t everywhere (no pun intended)
Like Karl Marx, this one fits into the category of the
unmentionables.
2 1/2 billion people do not have access to toilet facility's
and poop wherever they can,so contamination becomes a serious
threat,like 79000 cases of cholera in Zimbabwe alone.
But what the hell,not my problem,epidemics can't touch me,right?
source Le monde Diplomatique
Posted by: roger | January 24, 2010 at 02:01 PM