Prepper Survival

Tag: Evacuation

  • How to Protect Your Home Against Wildfires

    How to Protect Your Home Against Wildfires

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    Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases without any increase in price to you.

     

    Are you a homeowner in a fire-prone region? Wildfires can be terrifying, but understanding them and taking precautions can keep you and your family safe. This guide will explain how wildfires work, what puts your home at risk, and the specific actions you can take to protect your home against wildfires.

    suburban homes with wildfire in background

    Wildfires can be terrifying, but with knowledge comes power. Wildfire preparedness is just one part of overall emergency planning. Remember to create a family emergency communication plan to ensure everyone knows how to reach each other during an evacuation. Familiarize yourself with both mandatory and voluntary evacuations and plan accordingly. Finally, if you have furry family members, remember to pack essential supplies for your pet in your evacuation kit. By now, you should also have signed up for smartphone alerts and emergency apps. Taking these steps now, you can face any wildfire with confidence, knowing you’ve done everything possible to keep your family and home safe.

    The Growing Threat

    As I drink my coffee this morning in sunny California, our state fire agency “Cal FIRE” notes 18 large wildfires statewide, and tens of smaller fires that generally are handled by local fire departments. Some have required residents to flee wind-driven flames, and this early in the fire season have already caused injuries and deaths. While a number of these fires have some connection to July 4th fireworks, we know from experience that lightning, vehicle activity, and poorly-tended open fires will continue to fuel what’s expected to be a significant fire season in light of the drought-busting rain we received during the winter.

    What is a wildfire?

    Wildfire (also called “wildland fire” or “wildland-urban interface fire”) is a natural process that periodically renews forest and semi-arid landscapes, and allows certain plant species to propagate. When allowed to naturally occur, these fires thin seedlings in forests, and burn cool enough to be a positive force on flora and fauna.

    What is the human impact on wildfire?

    Enter mankind, and our predilection for building communities on the very edge of beautiful natural environments. Suddenly, the fires which are part of the wild environment are now a threat to our homes, and therefore due to public demands must be suppressed at all costs. Decades of development in historically fire-prone areas and routine suppression of all wildfires has resulted in artificial concentrations of highly-flammable vegetation in many areas which kick up the intensity of normal fires into what we call “firestorms.”

    What are firestorms?

    Firestorms are characterized by rapid spread, total consumption of natural and man-made fuels, and difficulty of control. Often wind-driven, firestorms can propel burning embers 5 miles or more in advance of the flame front, creating spot fires in vegetation and igniting vulnerable structures including homes. Firefighters facing advancing fire are forced to do “structure triage,” an assessment of an individual building’s ability to be reasonably defended.

    Components of structure triage include whether “defensible space,” a significant clear space between vegetation and the structure, is sufficient; if the roof is of non-combustible materials such as shingle or tile; if there is a water source such as a hydrant, pool or pond available to feed hose lines; and if the firefighters have a viable exit route should they need to evacuate. Other factors can include whether terrain is in the favor of the fire or the defenders, the proximity of combustible materials like firewood to the building, and weather conditions such as intense wind or thunderstorms.

    How to Harden the Target: Protecting Your Home

    Proactive Measures

    The good news is that many of the risks to structures can be addressed well in advance of a fire. Take advantage of any programs offered by your local fire department. Even the smallest volunteer fire departments welcome the interest of residents who want to make the firefighters’ job easier.

    A walk around your property with an experienced firefighter in exchange for cold lemonade is well worth the time. Trim some brush here, add smaller mesh attic vent covers there, and you see the benefit of a customized risk assessment and a fire crew who knows your property. Here is an example of a wildfire prevention program offered by the Orange County (California) Fire Authority.

    Awareness

    OK, so we’ve addressed the issues affecting your home. Now we have to talk about the safety of your family home.

    Factors Affecting Fire Risk

    The odds are in your favor that you will have some warning of an increased risk of wildfire. The biggest influences on wildfire risk are:

    • “Fuel moisture,” a measure of how dry vegetation is based on seasonal weather influences.
    • Wind, which can fan a small fire into a large one and quickly expand the fire perimeter.
    • The fuels themselves, ranging from light grasses to oily brush (chaparral) to forest. The terrain in which the fire forms is also a significant influence.

    Certain combinations of these characteristics can trigger wildfire warnings from fire agencies and weather forecasters.

    Definitions of Fire Weather Conditions

    The National Weather Service (NWS) has invested a lot of effort in what are called “Fire Weather” products. Since weather aspects such as humidity, wind, and lightning all have important influence on wildfire, it’s important that you are in tune with these items if you are in an area vulnerable to wildfire:

    • Fire Weather Watch: “A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions may occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.”
    • Red Flag Fire Warning: “A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now…or will shortly. These conditions will contribute to extreme fire behavior.”

    Fire Weather Outlook

    The Fire Weather Outlooks for up to a week in advance can be found here. The NWS doesn’t provide personalized alerts to the general public, but there are a variety of private sources that use NWS information to give you fire weather alerts. Local newscasts often include NWS Watches and Warnings in their local weather forecasts.

    Evacuation guide amazon bookEvacuation guide amazon book

    Importance of Local Communications

    Your awareness of weather that increases the risk of a wildfire in your area is very important to keeping your family safe. What is your child’s school’s plan for sheltering or evacuating in the event of a wildfire? Will they bus them elsewhere or call you to pick them up early? Are they monitoring Fire Weather warnings? These are all are valid questions for the Principal.

    Wildfire Preparedness Tips

    Here are some advanced tips to take your wildfire preparedness to the next level:

    • Roof Sprinklers: Consider installing a roof sprinkler system. While an investment, it can automatically douse your roof with water during a fire, creating a critical fire barrier.
    • Fireproof Vents: Standard vents can become entry points for embers. Upgrade to ember-resistant vent covers to minimize this risk.
    • Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Replace flammable plants with fire-resistant alternatives. Consider creating a “fuel break” zone with gravel or low-growing, fire-resistant vegetation around your property perimeter.
    • Fire Shutters: Invest in fire shutters for your windows. These metal coverings can significantly slow the spread of fire into your home.
    • Local Expertise: Consult with a fire mitigation specialist familiar with your specific area’s wildfire risks. They can offer customized recommendations for your property.

    Time to Bug Out

    Significant wildfires almost always involve evacuations of residents to a safer area. Residents frantically load up their cars in a rush and leave. Savvy residents of fire-prone areas plan in advance what is most important to take (photo albums, important documents, mementos) using these three key principles for building emergency kits, and have them ready to go during fire season. A modest investment in a fire safe ($80-$150) assures that even if fire strikes at the most inopportune time, impossible-to-replace items can be safeguarded.

    FAQ

    What are some ways wildfires threaten my home?

    Wildfires can threaten your home in several ways:

    Direct flames can engulf your property.
    Windblown embers can travel long distances and ignite flammable materials near your house.
    Radiant heat from a nearby fire can damage your roof and siding.

    How can I protect myself from smoke inhalation during a wildfire?

    Smoke inhalation is a serious health risk during wildfires. Here are some ways to protect yourself:

    Stay indoors if possible: Close windows and doors to keep smoke out. If you have an air purifier, use it with the recirculation setting on.
    Wear a mask: An N95 respirator is most effective, but a well-fitting dust mask can also provide some protection.
    Limit outdoor activity: Avoid strenuous exercise outdoors when air quality is poor due to smoke.

    I’m not sure if I can afford to make all the recommended property improvements. What can I do?

    Even small changes can make a big difference. Start by clearing flammable materials closest to your house and focus on creating defensible space. Many fire departments offer free or low-cost home assessments to help you prioritize improvements.

    Related Wildfire Preparedness Content

    Final Thoughts

    By now you’ve learned how wildfires behave, how they threaten your home, and what concrete actions you can take to safeguard your property and stay informed. Remember that no one is immune from disaster. The time and effort invested now will bring peace of mind and keep you and your loved ones safe when wildfires strike.

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  • Last-Minute Checklist for Hurricane Prepping

    Last-Minute Checklist for Hurricane Prepping

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    Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases without any increase in price to you.

     

    Are you facing an approaching hurricane and feeling the familiar pre-storm jitters? Even hurricane veterans like myself can miss something! This article is your last-minute checklist for hurricane prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or a newcomer to hurricane season, this quick guide will whip your hurricane preparation into shape in just 48 hours.

    last minute checklist for hurricane coming ashore

    It was a humid, warm day in 2020. Laura was simmering out there in the Gulf, and even though I’d been through this drill before (thanks, Hurricane Harvey!), the nerves always kick in. I started wondering, “Have I covered everything?” My family emergency communication plan was in place and I have emergency apps on my phone to get hurricane updates.

    Here’s the thing: even after a big one like Harvey (which our town bore the brunt of), you learn there’s always room for improvement. No matter how well prepared we think we are, it takes just one major crisis of one sort or another to reveal weaknesses and gaps when it comes to being prepared. So, with 48 hours to go before Laura hits, I did a quick pre-storm scramble. Plus, I had to send a little hurricane prep care package to my son who was down by the coast (Doritos are a must, obviously!). This is the last-minute hurricane checklist I used to be confident and have peace of mind that I had covered the essentials.

    Last-minute Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

    Here are the things I did in the final 48 hours to prepare for the hurricane:

    Solar Power and Backup Generator

    • Ensure all solar panels are charged.  Once they’re charged, There will be emergency power for our electronics, lanterns, and our emergency radio, among other things.
    • Double-check to make sure the generator is ready to go with plenty of extension cords. One of my husband’s many careers is that of a Master Electrician, and when I asked him if we had enough extension cords, without hesitation he said, “Oh, yeah.” I should have known. The three major appliances I want to have powered up no matter what are the refrigerator, our big, upright freezer loaded with a couple of hundred pounds of meat, and the wall air conditioning unit in our bedroom. We could exist for quite a long time with those three appliances running. The solar panels take care of smaller devices.

    Fresh Laundry and Meals

    • Fill about half a dozen gallon-size Ziploc bags with water, and once they’re frozen, slip them into small nooks and crannies in the freezer. This helps keep the freezer’s temperature cold just in case the generator fails (please, God, don’t let that happen!) Plus, if you need ice to see you through some particularly hot days, you’ll have those as an extra resource. Alternatively, you could plan to use one of these two ways to quietly run a freezer during a power outage.
    • Run your washer and dryer to make sure everything you wear is freshly clean. That way doing laundry in a power outage and/or a post-hurricane clean-up won’t be a concern for at least a week or more. Otherwise, have one of these three methods to wash laundry without electricity ready to go.
    • Cook several meals to keep on hand. You’ll want meal prep to be the least of our concerns, regardless of what happens. Also have several off-grid cooking methods ready to go , plus other kitchen items that don’t require power. In my food storage pantry, I have the best foods for a hurricane kit.
    • Run the dishwasher and wash pots and pans immediately after use for the same reason. In a crisis, the best plan will be the simplest one. Therefore, freedom from any chores that typically require appliances and, especially, hot water, is a priority. Conservation is critical so that your water storage lasts as long as possible.

    Fueling Up and Electronics

    • Top off the gas tanks of our vehicles and refilling gas cans with fresh gasoline. Gas is always in short supply with hurricanes, and if you need to evacuate there may not be fuels available along any of your planned evacuation routes. By the way, if your stored gasoline has become too old to be useful, some hardware stores may be able to dispose of it for you. Brush up on liquid fuel safety here.
    • Make sure all electronic devices are fully charged. That includes anything capable of being solar charged but is also USB-powered. USB is much quicker; use it while you can.

    Remember Pets

    FAQ

    What’s essential in the 48 hours before a hurricane?

    Double-check your hurricane kit (food, water, meds, radio, flashlights), secure your home, fill gas tank, pre-cook meals, do laundry, charge electronics, and assemble a pet emergency kit.

    How much water should I store?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends storing 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. This includes water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. Don’t forget to factor in the needs of pets when calculating your water storage! The Survival Mom recommends 2 gallons per person per day. Learn more about basic water storage.

    Power outage and my fridge/freezer?

    A full freezer can stay cold for up to 48 hours if the door stays closed. A half-full freezer will only hold food for about 24 hours. Discard any food that has thawed and reached an unsafe temperature (above 40°F for 2 hours).

    Related Hurricane Preparedness Content

    FREE Power Outage Survival Handbook

    Don’t let a power outage catch you off-guard. My guide, The Family Power Outage Survival Handbook, prepares you and your family for surviving without electricity whether the next outage happens in summer or winter weather.

    Final Thoughts

    Hurricane warnings offer a precious window for last-minute preparations. With 48 hours on the clock, it’s crunch time to double-check and ensure everything’s in order. Focus on essential tasks like pre-cooking meals and tackling laundry while the power’s still on. These proactive steps will significantly reduce stress and create a more comfortable environment when the storm arrives.

    What else should I have on my list that I may be overlooking?

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  • 21 Ways DeLorme Road Atlases Help Plan Emergency Evacuations- The Survival Mom

    21 Ways DeLorme Road Atlases Help Plan Emergency Evacuations- The Survival Mom

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    Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases without any increase in price to you.

     

    Worried about getting your family to safety in an emergency? Learn how to leverage the power of DeLorme Road Atlases! This guide will show you how to use their detailed maps to plan evacuation routes, ensuring you have options and peace of mind during any crisis.

    road map

    Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s  house is not a bad evacuation plan at all as long as you have a working vehicle, enough gas to reach your destination, and know how you’ll organize your emergency evacuation. However, not all evacuation routes are that simple, and sometimes you need a detailed map to plan primary, secondary, and even tertiary routes in times of trouble.

    Humans are creatures of habit and many of us could probably drive to work, school, the grocery store, or our favorite restaurant with our eyes closed. But in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest with the potential to riot, for example, could we get home or to another safe location from those places and how many different routes could we use?

    21 Ways a DeLorme Road Atlas Can Help Plan Evacuations

    One of the best resources I’ve found for this type of planning is my DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer. These very large atlases can be found in bookstores and online and there’s one atlas per state in most cases. I bought mine on Amazon.

    The DeLorme maps are extremely detailed and as I browsed through mine, I came across a multitude of helpful features. Here are some from my list, along with my notes for their potential usefulness:

    1. Hundreds of back roads, marked as thin, red lines, are included in the DeLorme Atlas. These little known routes might help you get from Point A to Point B, if other routes are blocked. However, it’s important to note that back roads may have restrictions, such as weight limits or seasonal closures. Additionally, these roads aren’t always suitable for all types of vehicles. Before relying on a back road as part of your evacuation plan, check online or with local authorities to confirm its current status and suitability for your car.
    2. Different types of roads are clearly marked using a legend with specific symbols. This is crucial for selecting the right evacuation route for your vehicle. While the atlas might show a network of roads, pay attention to the symbols used to indicate road types. For instance, a thin red line might represent a dirt path unsuitable for a sedan, while a thicker blue line could indicate a highway ideal for most cars. Don’t rely solely on the map. To be certain your chosen route is manageable, consider scouting it in person to assess the actual road conditions.
    3. Reservoirs are clearly marked, allowing you to plan a route that takes advantage of this water source or avoid a possible flooding area. To use as a water source, be sure you have methods to purify the water.
    4. Airports of all sizes are indicated. If flying away from the danger zone is an option, you can look for multiple routes to get to the airport. At smaller airports you might be able to find a pilot for hire. If a lot of people have the same idea, you may benefit from the tips in the guide to handling canceled and delayed flights.
    5. You can easily avoid bridges as your make your plans. Bridges can be washed out or become choke points in a mass evacuation.
    6. Because this particular map is so very detailed, it allows you to plan multiple routes with a pretty good idea of what you can expect to find along the way.
    7. Railroads are also marked. If you’re evacuating on foot, it could be handy to follow these routes, since you know they’ll lead to populated areas, and you’ll know ahead of time which areas those are so you can either avoid them or not.
    8. Military sites are indicated. In a dire emergency, you could head there for help.
    9. Along highways, rest areas are marked. At the very least, you’ll find water and toilets at these, but, depending on the location and circumstances, they aren’t always a safe place to stop.
    10. The road atlas include charts showing what types of wildlife are in the area for fishing and hunting. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be successful in your fishing and hunting endeavors, but at least you’ll know which animals to look for. Don’t know how? It’s possible to learn to fish from a Boy Scout Manual.
    11. A very important feature are the hiking trails that are indicated. There are certainly more trails to be found, but having these already marked is a big help if you must evacuate on foot. If do this, you may also need to know how to safely cross a stream.
    12. If you have absolutely nowhere else to go, you can head for campgrounds. With a head start on the majority of evacuating people, you might find a prime spot at a well-equipped campground. Otherwise, you can head for a lesser known campground at a state park.
    13. The DeLorme atlases are huge, which is a big help for seeing all the details. You can always tear out the pages you really need, laminate them, and keep them in an emergency kit. Keep the rest of the book handy, though, because you never know when you’ll need to expand your planned evacuation route further than you originally planned.
    14. Canal and dam systems are marked, making it easier to find water sources.
    15. Lakes, even small ones, are on the maps. If you know how to fish, be sure to include basic fishing gear in your emergency kits or just always have them packed in your vehicle emergency kit. Planning on drinking lake water? Be sure to have a really good water purifier/filter.
    16. The DeLorme maps provide topographical information, so you have an idea of the elevation of your location and route. During a rainy season or hurricane, this can help you avoid areas that are likely to flood.
    17. You’ll also find information about the type of terrain in different areas. At a glance, you’ll be able to locate wetlands, sandy areas, forests, and the like. All helpful to know when planning your route and where you’ll stop overnight, if necessary. If you’re planning to walk, this information can help you plan ahead for the right type of footwear, gear, and shelter, as well as some of the basic survival skills you’ll need for a particular type of terrain.
    18. There is a separate DeLorme atlas for every state. If you think your route(s) may take you into neighboring states, get those atlases as well. Since they are mapped by the same company, the map markings will be consistent from state to state.
    19. Where lakes and rivers are marked, you’ll also find boat ramps marked. This could be handy if evacuating by water is part of your plan. Also, where there are boat ramps there are also small businesses that sell food, water, and boating related gear.
    20. If you really want to get away from it all, you could head to state and national land.
    21. Detailed maps such as the DeLorme atlases are great for kids learning how to use a real, paper map. Teach them how to use a map key, compass rose (N, S, E, W), and have them help you plan different routes for evacuations, vacations, or trips to Grandma’s house. Our kids are already too reliant on electronics and map reading skills could save a life someday.
    Evacuation guide amazon bookEvacuation guide amazon book

    Tips for Using the DeLorme Road Atlas

    • Create a Communication Plan: Evacuation can separate families. Develop a family communication plan using your atlas. Identify designated meeting points marked on the map in case you get separated during the escape. This will provide everyone with a clear target location to reunite.
    • Factor in Time and Distance: Don’t just focus on the route itself. Estimate the travel time for each evacuation route considering factors like road type, distance, and potential traffic congestion during an emergency. This will help you determine the feasibility of each route and prioritize them accordingly.
    • Leverage Water Sources: The maps depict lakes, rivers, canals, and dams. This information is valuable for two reasons: First, you can identify potential water sources if your access to clean water is compromised during an evacuation. Second, knowing the location of dams can help you avoid areas prone to flooding downstream in case of dam breaches.
    • Mark Your Routes and Supplies: Don’t just plan your routes – personalize them! Use highlighters to mark your preferred evacuation routes. Additionally, consider noting down nearby gas stations, rest areas, or hospitals along the way. Keep a running list of essential supplies you’ll need for each route (food, water, first-aid kit) and store them near your atlas for quick access.
    • Weatherproof Your Atlas: Emergencies rarely strike on sunny days. Consider laminating your most critical pages focusing on your pre-planned evacuation routes and key reference points. This will protect your precious escape plan from rain, mud, or other elements you might encounter during an evacuation.
    • Stay Updated: The world changes, and so should your evacuation plan. Review your routes periodically, especially after significant weather events or infrastructure changes. Mark any updates or road closures directly on your map to ensure your plan reflects current conditions.

    Why Planning Multiple Routes is Important

    Evacuation routes can be planned well in advance, traversed multiple times to help with familiarity, and shared with family members. It’s vital to have multiple, planned routes, marked on a map, because the odds favor one or more of those routes becoming impassable.

    Reasons Escape Routes Can’t Be Traveled

    The problem with any passageway, be it a dirt road, city street, or interstate highway, is that it may not be open for travel for a variety of reasons:

    • Flooding
    • Large scale traffic jams
    • Rock or mud slide
    • Multi-vehicle accident — even an accident involving a single vehicle can easily stop traffic
    • Street damage due to an earthquake
    • Riots or violent crime
    • Wildfires
    • Blizzards
    • Roadblocks — by law enforcement or other authorities or by 2-legged predators
    • Events, like an eclipse, that draw massive crowds

    Vary and Prioritize Routes

    Alternate routes should head in different directions: north, south, east, and west. If you’re at home and learn of a wildfire just a couple of miles to the east and your only planned evacuation route heads in that direction, you’re in trouble! Also, the routes should be prioritized with Route A being the preferred route for familiarity, best direct route, ease of travel, access to gas stations, banks, grocery stores, etc. Route B, Route C, and so on should be marked on the map and be included on occasional practice runs, but those routes will be less preferable for any number of reasons: rough roads, a longer route, fewer amenities along the way, etc.

    FAQ

    Why use a DeLorme Road Atlas?

    DeLorme Atlases shine for evacuation planning. Their detailed maps, including back roads, offer alternative routes during emergencies. The legend helps you understand road types, terrain, and waterways for informed decisions. Most importantly, they’re paper-based, ensuring accessibility even if electronics fail.

    How can I keep my evacuation plan up-to-date?

    To ensure your DeLorme Atlas evacuation plan stays current, review it regularly, especially after major weather events or infrastructure changes. Mark any updates or road closures directly on your map. Additionally, talk to local residents familiar with the area to gain insights not reflected on the map.

    What other information can be helpful from my DeLorme Atlas besides roads?

    The atlas offers more than just roads. Look for lakes, rivers, and canals as potential water sources or even evacuation routes by boat. Railways and boat ramps might also be viable options in extreme situations. Finally, identify hospitals, gas stations, and rest areas along your route, which can be crucial during an evacuation.

    Are back roads always suitable for all vehicles?

    ack roads aren’t a guaranteed fit for all vehicles. Always check online or with local authorities for restrictions like weight limits or seasonal closures. Additionally, confirm if your vehicle can handle the terrain (e.g., dirt road vs. highway).

    Related Evacuation Content

    Final Thoughts

    While emergencies can be unpredictable, by utilizing your DeLorme Atlas and the tips provided, you can take control and create a well-informed evacuation plan. Remember, the key is to be prepared, not scared. With a little planning and practice using your DeLorme Atlas, you can navigate any evacuation scenario with confidence, ensuring your family’s safety comes first.

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  • Zello Walkie Talkie App for Emergency Communication: A Review

    Zello Walkie Talkie App for Emergency Communication: A Review

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    Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases without any increase in price to you.

     

    You’ve already built the foundation of your Family Emergency Communication Plan (FECP), but how will you talk to each other when disaster strikes? Use this review of the Zello walkie-talkie app to explore how the Zello app can be a powerful tool in your emergency communications toolbox, helping your family connect quickly and reliably during emergencies.

    woman using walkie talkie app on smartphone

    What is Zello?

    Zello (Friends and Family version) is a free app that converts your smartphone into a walkie-talkie so you can talk to anyone anywhere in the world, as long as you have an operating cellular network. You don’t need a lot of bandwidth, but you definitely need internet access through wi-fi or a cellular data network.

    Remember walkie talkies when you were a kid? One person pushes the button and talks while the other person listens and you alternate back and forth. The Zello app makes your smartphone act exactly like a “push-to-talk” walkie talkie–only it’s way cooler because your range is pretty much anywhere in the world.

    How Zello Works During a Crisis

    A major benefit of Zello is that contacting someone through the app is faster than calling during an emergency. Zello only uses a fraction of the bandwidth of a phone call so it works even when calls are getting hung up with busy lines. You’ll have to test it to see what I mean, but you don’t wait for a phone to ring because Zello allows your voice to come directly through the phone. Honestly, it’s a little startling to hear a voice suddenly coming through your phone the first time you use it, but you get used to it. So Zello is as fast as a text, but you get the immediacy of a phone call.

    Zello was first brought to the public’s attention by the “Cajun Navy” during flood rescue operations and is now widely used in natural disaster rescue operations. Like a walkie talkie radio system, Zello gives multiple people the ability to be on a channel at the same time. Participants can check in and hear critical information simultaneously, potentially saving precious minutes.

    Another useful feature of Zello is that all communications are recorded and stored on the app. This allows you to access the messages later or replay them to confirm specific details. I imagine this is handy if stress levels are high or multiple people are on the line.

    I think this ability to communicate as a group over vast distances is reason enough for families or prepper groups to have Zello as part of their communication plans. You can establish everyone’s status or confirm a rendezvous point with one “call.”

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Fast and efficient
    • You can talk to–not just text–your people even when phone calls get hung up
    • You can talk to several or all of your people at once with a Group or Channel
    • Everything you say is recorded and stored and can be played back
    • If you are not available, the message is recorded so you can hear it later
    • You do not need Wi-Fi or a lot of bandwidth for Zello to work, just a cellular data network

    Cons

    • Cell networks must be operating
    • Your people must have downloaded the app before an emergency

    Our Experience with Zello in an Emergency

    In an oddly timely turn of fate, my family had a chance to test out Zello when our power went down for two days during a massive wind storm. I can report that Zello worked as advertised! We were able to contact our children who live locally and one who lives across the country from us. Our son commented it was slightly disturbing to hear my voice unexpectedly coming out of his phone the first time. Definitely set up and test the app before using it for emergency communications.

    The Verdict

    Even taking into account its internet access requirement, for families building a Family Emergency Communication Plan, Zello emerges as a compelling tool. The app functions like a walkie-talkie, enabling reliable group communication across long distances. Even in areas with weak cellular signals, Zello allows families to quickly connect, confirm everyone’s status, or establish a meeting point with a single “call.” In situations where there is an ongoing threat, such as civil unrest or a full-blown riot where there is the possibility of being separated, it allows real-time coordination. While Zello shouldn’t be your sole communication method, it offers a valuable layer within a comprehensive plan for emergency communications.

    Tips for Using Zello for Emergency Communication

    • Proactive Communication: When adding contacts to Zello, avoid sending a generic invite. Text them first to let them know you’re adding them to your family’s emergency communication plan on Zello. This will help avoid confusion and ensure they don’t dismiss the Zello invite as spam.
    • Test Zello Regularly: Don’t wait for an emergency! Test your Zello app with family members to ensure everyone can communicate effectively. Use it at public events, such as music festival or concerts, or at public locations like a shopping mall.
    • Explore “Channels” for Wider Communication (Optional): If your community utilizes Zello channels for disaster response, explore joining them for broader situational awareness.
    • Use Offline Messaging: Zello messages are recorded even if unavailable. Use this feature to leave messages for family members to hear later.

    Non-emergency Uses of Zello

    My husband and I are now discovering different uses for Zello outside of emergency communications. We use it to talk from different areas on our property or if one of us is under the house. It’s faster than calling, especially when we need help with something quickly. We also plan on testing Zello at some concerts and a music festival this summer. It’s faster and easier than texting and calls don’t always go through at crowded events.

    Setup

    Downloading the app is free and easy for both iphone and Android users. It’s slightly confusing to add contacts, but after a few minutes of fiddling around, my husband and I figured it out.

    Once you add a phone number into the contacts list, the app will send a message to that contact asking them if they want to download Zello. It was an easy process from there to add our whole family. Hint: we texted people first so they wouldn’t think it was a spam and delete the text.

    3 Ways to Communicate

    Note that the app offers three ways to communicate:

    • one-on-one with a contact from your list;
    • create a Group; or
    • set up a Channel.

    Groups and Channels

    Groups are private conversations between contacts. Channels are a platform for communication with larger groups, including strangers. You can have up to 6000 people on a Channel. We are just using Zello as part of our Family Emergency Communications Plan so I didn’t explore the Channels feature.

    Status Options

    You can choose to keep the Zello app on “available,” like we do, without draining your battery. However, the app also has a feature where you can put your setting on “Busy” to silence messages coming in so you aren’t startled by a voice randomly coming out of your phone during a meeting. You are then notified that you have a message.

    Once additional status mode, is “solo.” If you have multiple channels, this allows you to focus on just one specific channel. Messages received in other channels can be retrieved from History at a later time. If you are using Zello for non-emergency communication, then in a crisis, you may wish to silence those in order to focus on the one you’ve set up just for emergencies.

    FAQ

    Why use Zello instead of a phone?

    It offers a faster, push-to-talk connection, works in congested networks, and lets you create groups for quick family communication.

    Does Zello record conversations?

    According to Zello’s support documentation: “Your conversation histories are stored on the individual device where the messages were received and cannot be accessed by Zello staff. Messages are only stored on our servers when you send a message to a user who is offline. In this case, messages are stored for a maximum of two weeks until retrieved by the recipient.”

    How far can you talk on Zello?

    Unlike walkie-talkies, Zello has no distance limit. With an internet connection (cellular data or wifi) and the Zello app, you can talk to anyone anywhere on the globe.

    How private is Zello?

    Per Zello’s support documentation: “All voice messages sent privately to your contacts are end-to-end encrypted on Zello Friends & Family…[However] channels are open to the public. This means that voice messages sent within channels are not encrypted.”

    Related Emergency Communications Content

    Final Thoughts

    Zello offers a fast and reliable way for families to communicate during emergencies, functioning as a walkie-talkie app on your smartphones. While it requires internet access via Wi-FI or a cellular data network, Zello can be a valuable addition to your Family Emergency Communication Plan alongside other methods. Remember, Zello is just one tool, but its ability to connect quickly and record messages definitely makes it an option to seriously consider for your emergency communication toolbox.

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  • Must-have Smartphone Alerts and Emergency Apps for Everyone

    Must-have Smartphone Alerts and Emergency Apps for Everyone

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    Have you ever worried about how your family would stay connected and informed during an emergency? Imagine a scenario: a sudden storm warning, a power outage, or even an unexpected medical situation. In these moments, your smartphone can be a powerful tool to protect your family. Make sure you have these must-have alerts and emergency apps on your phone to help you stay informed and safe during emergencies.

    get board with one white keys and one red key that says Get Alerts

    Even before disaster strikes, it’s crucial to have a plan in place to keep your family connected. This includes creating a family emergency communication plan that outlines how everyone will stay informed and reach each other if traditional communication channels fail. This plan should incorporate a variety of communication methods after disasters, like text messaging (as it uses less bandwidth than calls), ham radios for longer-distance communication if needed, designated meeting locations in case cell service is unavailable, and apps like Zello for quick push-to-talk communication..

    It’s amazing how smartphones have evolved into “do-everything” tiny computers. One fantastic evolutionary development in smartphone technology has been advancements in the ability to receive emergency alerts and the many apps with emergency capabilities. Both features are there to alert you to current or predicted emergencies, and give you tools to protect yourself and your loved ones. Let’s explore how to leverage these smartphone features alongside creating a family emergency communication plan, ensuring everyone stays informed and connected before, during, and after an emergency.

    Alerts

    Emergency Alert System (EAS)

    Most adults have seen and received test or warning messages from the Emergency Alert System (EAS) which uses broadcast TV, cable TV and radio to provide local, state, and national authorities the ability to warn specific populations of weather, natural disaster, and other hazards. In most areas in the U.S. the EAS has been upgraded to the current IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System).

    Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)

    Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) was established to meet Executive Order 13407 (2006), which in the wake of communication failures during and after Hurricane Katrina required an effective, reliable, integrated, flexible, and comprehensive system to alert and warn the public in situations of “war, terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other hazards to public safety and wellbeing.“

    IPAWS integrates and expands public alerting and warning from just radio and TV, to wireless devices, Internet applications, NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radios, and future communications technologies. IPAWS enables public safety officials at all levels of government to warn citizens via a diverse and integrated network of private sector communications systems.

    Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

    The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system delivers critical warnings and public safety information to the public on mobile devices. Participation by wireless service providers is voluntary, but most providers support WEAs. Those providers that participate adhere to technical and operational requirements established by the FCC.

    Authorized local, state, tribal, and federal alerting authorities send WEAs through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which then broadcast the alerts from cellular towers to mobile devices in affected areas. Specific features applicable to WEAs include:

    • Unique tone and vibration
    • Map-based alert capabilities with less than one tenth of a mile of overshoot
    • No need to opt in to receive WEA
    • No message congestion of mobile phone systemSupports up to 360 characters
    • Supports English and Spanish languages
    • Supports URLs and phone numbers
    • Rebroadcast of WEA for alert duration to assure receipt
    • Ability to update and/or cancel active WEA

    WEAs automatically appear on the mobile device screen and support up to 360 characters of English and Spanish, and use a unique ringtone and vibration designed to draw attention and alert people to an emergency. The unique vibration, which distinguishes the alert from a text message, is particularly helpful to people with low vision and/or hearing disabilities.

    WEAs are targeted to the specific geographic area of the emergency. If a WEA-capable mobile device is physically located in that area, it will automatically receive and display the message. For the alerting authority, their software allows rapid creation of a “polygon” around the exact area where the alert should go.

    All the major U.S. wireless providers are participating in WEA on a voluntary basis. Wireless device manufacturers are currently selling mobile devices with WEA capability included, and most cell phones currently on the market are capable of receiving WEAs

    Emergency Apps

    While the EAS and IPAWS systems are designed to push information one-way out to your smartphone, apps on your phone can be resources where you can draw information you want from the app itself or the internet to your phone. We call apps that are specifically made to help you in a crisis, “Emergency Apps.”

    Local Government Apps

    In most areas, your county and/or city emergency management, fire department or law enforcement agencies will have their own emergency apps. For example, in my area the app is called “Ready San Bernardino County” and is a free download from the Google Play Store for Android, or the Apple Store for iPod/iPad. It’s sponsored by the county Office of Emergency Services, and it has information on how to prepare for disasters. It also receives emergency alerts, which are saved for your future reference. It’s pretty typical for this type of app.

    Federal Government Apps

    The FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) app has features that help you prepare for disaster, resources during the crisis, and for major disasters it helps you find nearby life-sustaining assistance.

    Healthcare Apps

    Another type of local emergency app are those hosted by your medical group. Most of the big systems like Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health have proprietary apps; if you’re not sure if yours does, check their web site or search for it in the Apple or Play Store. These apps usually allow searches for locations where you can get care, order medication refills, and communicate with your doctor’s office.

    Specific Emergency Apps

    Below are descriptions of several emergency apps with different functions. It’s not possible to do an in-depth review of all of these apps; actually, I think the best way for you to determine those you feel are useful is to install them one at a time, and spend 10 minutes discovering their features. Use that wait at the DMV to check them out!

    Safety & Security

    Noonlight

    Available for IPhone and Android, this security app has a “button” that acts like a dead-man switch you can activate if you are or feel like you might be in danger. If you end up needing help, release the button and the app will contact 911 and send your location to the authorities. Basic functions are free, premium features are a small in-app purchase.

    First Aid

    Red Cross First Aid

    Available for IPhone and Android, this app has a lot of content onboard so it’s still useful with no internet connection. It can toggle from English to Spanish, and has written and video instructions to address common medical emergencies.

    I was employed by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for 13 years. At times during disasters, I either staffed or supervised our Regional Emergency Operations Center in Southern California, supporting local government needs to reduce damage and save lives. While you’d be right in assuming that we had access to all types of information sources, sometimes they all failed us and we had to creatively seek out critical details.

    For example, when evacuations occurred, emergency shelters were opened to accommodate the evacuees. One part of the Red Cross app allowed you to look up open shelters in a particular area; often the app revealed shelters that had been opened that we weren’t aware of. You can imagine how important that information would be to someone evacuated from their home in the middle of the night!

    PulsePoint

    PulsePoint actually allows you, as a good Samaritan, to help someone having a cardiac event. It’s connect to 911 and can alert you to someone in distress near you and identifies locations of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Perhaps most importantly, those trained in CPR can be notificed and perhaps provide life-saving care before paramedics can arrive on-scene. This is a particularly valuable app for those who know CPR. Be sure to fine-tune your settings to only receive alerts in the vicinity of your usual day-to day activities.

    Weather

    The Weather Channel-Radar

    Available for IPhone and Android, it’s self-described as a severe-storm tracker with live weather maps and alerts. Lots of basic functionality plus premium features put a meteorologist in your pocket!

    Weather.gov

    To receive a local forecast from the National Weather Service, download the mobile app by visiting www.weather.gov/wrn/mobile-phone. While it’s available for iPhones and Androids, it’s not available in their stores.

    NOAA Weather Radio

    NOAA offers real-time weather updates via livestream and is available for both platforms.

    Storm Shield

    Storm Shield delivers sever weather alerts to your exact location through voice and push notification. This is a paid app and the higher tiers offer more functionality.

    Medical Information

    Web MD Symptom Checker

    Available for IPhone and Android, as the title notes it allows you to input symptoms and returns with possible ailments that might cause them. That’s a great feature, but it also has a medication reminder, pharmacy locator, and discount medication finder.

    Navigation

    Google Maps

    Available for IPhone and Android, this is one of my most-used apps in good times and bad. Perfect for travel abroad, there are maps available for 220 countries! If you know a disaster is about to affect you, you can download an off-line map to use in case the internet or cell phone service goes down. On those occasions where you need to rapidly evacuate, this app can help you find alternate routes to avoid traffic jams. Definitely a favorite!

    However, it’s important to remember the “two is one, one is none” concept when it comes to preparedness. As I just mentioned, while digital resources are fantastic, relying solely on smartphones has inherent risk in disasters because of the potential disruption to cell service and internet access. In addition to having a variety of ways to communicate after disasters, having a physical backup, like a good old-fashioned paper map, is essential. Many national parks and even some cities offer printable maps of their areas. Keeping a paper map and a compass in your car emergency kit can be a lifesaver if you need to navigate without digital tools.

    Communications

    General

    An essential component of emergency preparedness is establishing a communication plan for your family. This plan should outline how everyone will stay informed and reach each other if traditional communication channels fail. This plan should also include ways to communicate after an emergency if cellphones don’t work.

    Students

    Don’t forget about your college student! Many colleges and universities have their own emergency alert systems that can reach faculty, staff, and students with important information during crises. These systems often rely on phone calls, text messages, and emails, but they may require opting-in beforehand. Before your student heads off to campus, encourage them to sign up for these alerts. If the college allows parents or guardians to also opt-in, consider doing so as well. This extra layer of communication can provide peace of mind during emergencies and ensure everyone receives critical updates.

    Recently, one Survival Mom reader shared how her son would get regular notices about evacuation drills through his school’s alert system. Then one afternoon, a few hours after a text about a drill, he received a text that the school was locked down. Later, they learned a knife-wielding assailant had attacked a woman in a commons area. These systems can work very well, so I encourage you to get signed up for them. Also, read more about preparing your student for campus emergencies.

    Pro Tips for Using Alerts and Emergency Apps

    Take advantage of the unique abilities of iPhone and Android smartphones by using both. In your household, you might have one person use an iPhone or iPad, and another have an Android phone or tablet. This strategy makes sure that in an emergency you have access to all apps and features that might be unique to one or the other system. For example, iPhone 14 and 15 models have a new emergency feature that uses satellite communication for summoning help when out of cell phone service areas. That’s incredible capability for something you can carry in a pocket.

    X (formerly Twitter) can be a tremendous source of information posted by ordinary people in a disaster area. While we in Emergency Services and Emergency Operations treated the information as “intelligence,” and not confirmed “information,” it was often that we could make a quick phone call to verify the post. The pictures posted by X users are also very helpful in visualizing what was actually going on close to the action.

    The best app for you will depend on your specific needs and location. It’s always a good idea to research and choose apps with strong reputations and positive user reviews.

    FAQ

    What kind of emergency apps should I download?

    There are a lot of emergency apps out there. I find it helps to think of them in terms of categories: local government, federal government, weather, first aid, navigation, safety& security, and communication. Look at each category and determine the app(s) that would be most useful to you. Download them AND learn how to use them.

    How do I receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on my phone?

    Most wireless service providers participate in WEA. These alerts deliver critical warnings directly to your phone, even if you’re not using it or haven’t downloaded any apps. No opt-in is required.

    Related Emergency Communications Content

    Final Thoughts

    In today’s world, smartphones are more than just communication devices. By leveraging built-in alerts and a vast array of emergency apps, you can transform your phone into a powerful emergency preparedness toolkit. These resources provide real-time warnings, critical information, and tools to help you and your loved ones stay safe before, during, and after emergencies.

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  • How to Prepare for a Hotel Emergency

    How to Prepare for a Hotel Emergency

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    When our eldest was five, the hotel alarm went off because someone burned toast. I can still remember his determination to drag us out the instant it started. We barely got our shoes on before he was opening the door to rush out. I didn’t even manage to grab my wedding ring before racing after him, although I did get a room key card and the shoes I had near the door.

    If the shoes and keycard hadn’t been easy to grab as I raced to the door, we could’ve been locked out. If there was an actual fire, it could just easily have been my husband or me that freaked and raced out if there was an actual fire. This experience, combined with traveling alone on business, made me consider how I should prepare for a hotel emergency.

    interior of hotel room with backpack, phone, and remote on bed

    Types of Hotel Emergencies You Might Experience

    Hotels are just large buildings. Like any building, bad things can happen, including bad luck. Power outages, floods, fire, blizzards, tornadoes, civil unrest, and all manners of other problems can affect your stay, and you need a plan if that happens. Hotel room safety doesn’t happen by accident, no pun intended.

    Hotel Safety Begins Before You Arrive

    Although there isn’t a need to check in to a hotel with a fully loaded survival pack, over the years, I’ve found that having a few emergency type items can improve hotel safety.

    Lighting

    It’s a good idea to have a flashlight with you. Assuming the battery isn’t dead, a cell phone or tablet will almost certainly have a flashlight app that is good enough to help you navigate through the room, down the hall, and down the stairway safely.

    However, I like to have one or two small LED flashlights tucked in my purse, a backpack, or even my toiletries bag. They just give off a wider and brighter beam. And if you have kids who would become very fearful in a hotel power outage or nighttime evacuation, these flashlights would be priceless. It helps that they’re inexpensive and easy to always have with you.

    Meals and Snacks

    It’s also a good idea to bring a few easy-to-make snacks or meals. My family was once stuck in a hotel at the center of a fairly large power outage, right at dinner time. No restaurants or grocery stores were open because of the power outage (credit card scanners and registers weren’t working) and we needed to eat. Luckily, I had cereal, oatmeal, cup-a-soup, and a few other items that were easy to make with just hot water, and there was hot water on hand for guests to make tea. Problem solved!

    Travel Tray

    This isn’t necessary, but it sure is handy. At home, you know where you keep things (like your glasses and keys) and can find them easily even half-asleep. Not so in a hotel. It’s a good idea to keep all your important small items together on the nightstand so you can grab them quickly and get out in an emergency. A foldable travel key tray is a great way to do this.

    Otherwise, find some other way to give those items a “home.” Some hotel rooms, especially mini-suites with small kitchens, will have a large, decorative bowl or tray in the entry area. That becomes a perfect repository for key items, such as room and car keys, wallets, phones, sunglasses, and the like.

    When You First Arrive

    When you first arrive, do the following:

    • If you carry a purse, leave that somewhere you can grab it quickly on the way out, not buried under a pile of coats or bags.
    • It’s important to have a room key with you so you don’t get locked out. The car key allows you to sit in your car in relative comfort (heating, air conditioning, radio, etc.) until you are allowed back into the hotel or leave to go somewhere else. Make sure you keep it easily accessible.
    • Keep a pair of shoes (preferably slip-on) next to the bed and leave jackets somewhere you can grab them easily if it’s cold or wet outside. Even if there is no glass or anything to worry about, no one likes a stubbed toe and the ground outside will probably tough on bare or stockinged feet, so shoes are a must. Even if it’s a false alarm, gravel, mud, damp ground, snow, and oil-slicked puddles are common and would suck to step in/on.

    Know How To Get Out Of A Hotel

    Step 1. Know where you are

    Every hotel room has a map on the back of the entry door. That map shows your room location and directions to the closest emergency exit as well as the location of the elevators, other rooms, vending and ice machines, and anything else on the floor. However, the main purpose of the map is to show the emergency exit route.

    When you check into the room, note where the nearest stairwell is, since that will likely be the safest escape route, especially in a hotel fire scenario. Count how many steps and doors it is from your room to that stairwell.

    When you check into the room, note where the nearest stairwell is, since that will likely be the safest escape route…

    Step 2. Study the stairwells

    Walk the stairwell and note where it exits on the ground level. Also note the following:

    • Does the stairwells have large banks of glass or skylights? In certain types of disasters, this glass could shatter and create an even greater hazard. Exiting your room with shoes on would be absolutely necessary.
    • Windows and skylights may shatter in an earthquake or tornado but also let in natural light (including moonlight), making it easier to move safely when the lights are out.
    • Is the stairwell door tricky or sticky to use?
    • Look around to see if there is anything else that might make it either harder or easier to use a particular staircase.

    Most of us remember where the elevator is because we use it multiple times. Using the stairs a few times will help you remember where the steps are in an emergency but even mentally repeating where they are located in reference to the elevator will help.

    In very large hotels, there may be other stairwells and routes out of the building that are not marked on the map in your room. Ask the front desk to show or tell you where unmarked exit routes are located. If they don’t know or can’t tell you for some reason, look around and find them or send the kids to find them.

    Step 3. Conduct a drill

    Practice evacuating. Especially if you have children, conducting a mini-drill is a powerful way to identify things you’ve forgotten and to help lessen panic should an actual emergency occur.

    TIP: If you are planning on traveling by car, read these tips about how to survive a family road trip!

    Hotel Room Safety in a Fire

    One of the first dangers that comes to mind is a hotel fire. According to the Center of Fire Statistics (CFS), there were an estimated 10,700 fires in hotels and motels worldwide in 2022.

    In recent decades, high-rise buildings, including hotels, have become increasingly safe in a disaster. Most are now designed to be extremely safe in a fire, which also helps them be extremely safe in other emergencies. Older hotels may have been retrofitted or even entirely gutted to meet modern standards. Old or new, use the stairwells in an emergency. That’s what they are designed for.

    Couldn’t the fire truck rescue us?

    One question that’s frequently asked is “Could the fire truck rescue us?” Or, put another way, how many floors can the fire truck ladders reach?

    In most cases, fire truck ladders reach up to around the sixth floor, depending on how tall each floor is. Many fire companies have 100-foot ladders, but that would be if it was next to the building with the ladder going straight up in the air. That won’t happen in a real-life fire.

    Hotels can be over a hundred floors tall in very big cities but in most areas, they top out at four to six floors. This is easily walkable for almost anyone–certainly going down–and reachable for a fire truck ladder. A basic hotel safety tip then is to request a room on the ground floor, or no higher than the third floor.

    The most important thing to know: Locate the closest stairwell and use it in an emergency.

    TIP: Learn more about one family’s experience and the 10 things you shouldn’t do in a hotel fire emergency.

    Help Your Kids Learn Hotel Safety

    It’s natural for kids to panic when faced with a scary and sudden event. The first and most important thing you can do is talk to them and conduct mini-drills with them. If your child is in school, even preschool, they will have had emergency drills.

    Adults remember the fire drills of their own youth, but your kids may have had other drills (earthquake, tornado, etc.) based on where you live. Doing your own mini-drill at the hotel will not freak them out. It might make them think you are weird, but that will probably happen anyway.

    The first and most important thing you can do is talk to [kids] and conduct mini-drills with them.

    How to Conduct a Hotel Safety Mini-Drill

    How do you do a mini-drill? Simple. Before you practice your hotel evacuation plan, you should have already identified the location of your emergency meeting place and clarified what items each person should take with them when they evacuate.

    1. Pre-place critical items so they are easy to grab on the way out.*
    2. Have everyone put their shoes on.
    3. Grab coats and anything else they need. As an adult, make sure you remember the car keys, purse, and wallet. In a real emergency, you won’t want to be without those.
    4. Head to the stairwell and descend the steps to whatever spot you decide is a good emergency meeting.

    Ideally, you can do this when you are about to head out for dinner, tourism, or whatever else you were already planning on doing so you can just keep going. If you aren’t going out again, then the mini-drill is just a little extra walking around.

    *Each person must train themselves to place those items it their designated spot each time they return to the hotel room. In an emergency, this could be a lifesaver. In the far more likely event of nothing going wrong, it will make getting going in the morning faster and easier.

    TIPS: Read this post for some excellent suggestions for conducting family emergency drills.

    A Note to Women Hotel Guests

    Hotels are generally safe for women travelers, but I always took precautions to learn about the surrounding neighborhood. Once when I was in Baltimore staying at a beautiful waterfront hotel, we were warned to not go out alone after dark. Naturally, I took that advice to heart!

    Final Thought

    With some intentionality, you can considerably improve your hotel experience, ensuring not just comfort but also a heightened sense of safety and preparedness during your stay.

    FAQ

    How do hotels handle emergency situations?

    Hotels typically have established emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures, communication systems, and trained staff to ensure guest safety in various emergency situations; guests are encouraged to inquire with hotel management for additional details on the specific procedures in place.

    How should I prepare for a hotel emergency when traveling with a handicapped loved one?

    When traveling with a handicapped loved one, ensure you are familiar with the hotel’s emergency procedures, communicate any special needs to the staff in advance, and have a personalized evacuation plan tailored to your loved one’s requirements. Also, staying on the ground floor might be the wisest option.

    Could the fire truck rescue us from our hotel room?

    Fire truck ladders generally reach up to the sixth floor, and although some fire companies have 100-foot ladders, practical considerations limit their effectiveness in real-life fire rescues.

    Originally published October 12, 2017.

    Some of this article is excerpted from the upcoming release 26 Mental & Urban Life Skills, second in the series that started with 26 Basic Life Skills. 

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  • How to Prepare for Mental Health Challenges in Emergencies

    How to Prepare for Mental Health Challenges in Emergencies

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    Embracing the prepper mindset attracts individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, each motivated by various reasons. Within this vast community of preppers, a significant number faces unique challenges, particularly in the realm of mental health. Whether confronting their own struggles or supporting a loved one, many preppers navigate the complexities of mental health issues. How do you go about preparing effectively when caring for those with mental health challenges?

    woman in fetal position with head in arms in distress

    Types of Mental Health Issues

    At a very basic level, there are two kinds of mental health issues: genetic and environmental. Depression, social anxiety, PTSD, and others often have their roots in life experiences (environmental), as well as possible genetic predisposition.

    Others, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are more purely genetic, and then there are issues such as autism, which may have roots in both. In these cases, medication is almost always part of the treatment and handling change is often a huge challenge.

    Challenges for Caregivers

    It can often be challenging to keep safe in everyday life those with mental health issues. Sometimes, their condition means they cannot recognize the danger of their actions. For example, they may not understand that running out in front of a moving car or jumping out of a second floor window is dangerous, or stop themselves even if they do know.

    In a survival life or death situation,  you as their caregiver may be forced to make choices that you would never, ever make in the normal ups and downs of life.

    You must be prepared to make difficult decisions, to accept the least-bad option, to keep everyone alive and safe.

    Least bad option examples

    You must be prepared to make difficult decisions, to accept the least-bad option, to keep everyone alive and safe. Here are some examples of what that could look like:

    • Use a child-leash  or a wrist-leash to ensure your loved one doesn’t run away, straight into a big puddle with a live electric wire in it, or worse.
    • Give them medication you usually avoid due to unpleasant side-effects.
    • Lie or trick them.
    • Administer a sedative if they really won’t leave a danger area or are endangering themselves or others. Moving an unhappy toddler is hard enough – forcing a full-grown man who is determined to stay is a whole ‘nother level of impossible! While it doesn’t work for everyone, Benadryl makes many people sleepy and could be very helpful at the right time, including mid-way through an evacuation. If you anticipate this type of situation, you should work out a strategy in advance with their doctor(s).

    Think hard about your loved one and what you may need to do if your choices narrow down to forcing them to go / not go somewhere, or possibly having them or someone else die. In a wide-scale emergency, there won’t be enough trained, experienced professionals to be everywhere they are needed. You need to be prepared to handle your loved one without professional assistance. Preparing in advance will make this easier.

    Do this FIRST: Medical Info Card

    Emergencies happen without advance notice. The number one thing you can do to help your loved one is to make a small card telling emergency care givers about their specific needs. (Bonus points if you laminate it. Fed Ex’s with print services often offer a self-service laminator.)

    Remember that in a wide-scale disaster, the first responders you see may not be trained professionals. They could well be local CERT volunteers. CERT trains people in handling emergencies within the community but even trained, experienced professionals have difficulty handling mental illness. A card providing simple, clear instructions is immensely helpful to any caregiver who may assist your loved one.

    For example, if first responders are warned that a person is autistic and flashing lights may set off a reaction, that may give them a small window to guide the person away before more emergency vehicles arrive. If there is specific music, pictures, a game – anything – that helps them calm down, list it. If it’s something they normally have with them (on their phone or tablet, for instance), include that.

    The number one thing you can do to help your loved one is to make a small card telling emergency care givers about their specific needs.

    Where to keep the medical info card

    They should keep this in their wallet or clipped onto their backpack or purse. In short, in or on something they have with them all the time. Adding an app with all their key information to their tablet or phone is another good step. This information will help anyone helping them. Make sure it’s easy to find and check it every six months or so to ensure the information is correct and up to date, and that the card hasn’t been misplaced or lost.

    Add important info on and to phones

    After my mother in law’s memory failures became critical, we added a sticker on the back of her cell phone with our contact information in case she got lost and couldn’t find her way home. My phone has an app with everyone’s basic medical information in case I am incapacitated or forced to evacuate in an emergency. These kind of simple steps can make life much easier in an emergency.

    Reduce Fear Through Practice

    When change is the enemy, familiarity is a friend. Practicing is one of the best ways to make change easier in stressful situations. Practice makes things more familiar. Here are some key things to focus on:

    Designated meeting space

    Identify a designated meeting space for emergencies and in case you become separate in daily life and, and assign tasks for each person in an emergency (more on the latter in a moment.) There is no way to prepare and practice for everything, but these two easy steps are appropriate for a lot of different, potential disasters.

    Stop by your designated meeting space on regular days, or having your loved one go there and meet you (so they are comfortable going there alone). This makes that task more familiar, more comfortable, and less fearful. The more you do it, the more comfortable, less fearful, and easier to remember it becomes. If a hurricane, tornado, or fire destroys your home, walking to the meeting spot may be a familiar activity that your loved one does just because they want to be in a place that is comfortable and familiar, IF you have practiced it regularly. If not, then you may find them walking around the house, stuck and unable to move on.

    Practice evacuation plan

    Practice your evacuation plan. Assign each person tasks to complete and make certain each person understands their tasks. That may be taking their own bag and emergency supplies to the car and staying there, or it could be something more complex like a list of chores to finish. If they have chores that are part of their normal life, they can still do them in an emergency. If feeding the cat / dog and cleaning up after their poop is part of their tasks, they can be responsible for putting their food and doggy poop bags in the car. If they help carry the bags to the car when you go on vacation, they can help carry them out in an emergency because it is still the same task.

    On the other hand, asking them to do something completely new amidst a chaotic and/or dangerous time is asking for confusion and delay, at a minimum. It could easily lead to a total meltdown. If you know a disaster will require them to do something outside of normal life, practice, practice, practice. You may need them to help cover windows with plywood. You can practice standing and holding the wood in place. Even if it feels silly on a day without a cloud in the sky, it could make a world of difference in an emergency.

    If you know a disaster will require them to do something outside of normal life, practice, practice, practice.

    Calling for help / administering aid

    Practice making 911 calls, going to a trusted neighbor’s house for help, and even knowing some basic first aid skills. In many cases, aging parents are caring for adult children with special needs, and those children should know what to do if suddenly mom or dad isn’t waking up or is injured.

    Whatever the novel task is, if it’s important in an emergency, find a way to practice at least part of it in advance. Even getting used to the feeling of work gloves and the weight / texture of the wood may make a huge difference. Baby steps in advance can make a huge difference later.

    Emergency Room Visits

    In addition to the emergencies everyone else has to be prepared for, those with mentally ill family members may need to be prepared for unexpected emergency room stays. Being seen in the emergency room can take a while for any person, but for those who need a psych bed (or – rarer still – a pediatric pysch bed), those waits can be interminable.

    Prepare an ER go-bag

    Keep a small bag in your trunk with supplies for your loved one and yourself. A basic kit might include:

    • pajamas
    • toothbrush / toothpaste / dental floss
    • a small pillow (or at the very least, pillow case)
    • comfort items
    • a throw blanket for each person
    • slippers or slipper-socks and an eyeshade for sleeping (nice little extras)
    • a spare charger or at least a cord (If you rely on electronic gadgets this could be a lifesaver.)
    • entertainment for each person
    • a copy of medical records, preferably on a thumb drive for easy access and less bulk

    Making Everyday Life Less Stressful

    A few more tips that can make going about daily life a little less stressful.

    • Benadryl, especially the rapidly-absorbed liquid kind, can be a life-saver, but it can also go bad quickly if left in a hot vehicle. Carry some with you, but be sure to rotate it, and any food or medicine you keep in the car regularly.
    • A small tub with play dough and a weighted blanket may also help when you run into the kind of irritations that barely register for a neurotypical family, such as stopped traffic or a flat tire.
    • Keep with you a small pill box with one dose of every pill they take, just in case you leave the house without taking them or can’t get back in time for the next dose. (Neurotypical or neuro-atypical, we’re all human and make mistakes.)
    • As mentioned earlier, set meet-up places near your home and anywhere else you spend a lot of time. If something happens and they have to run for their lives or simply get lost, this makes finding one another again faster and easier. Bonus points if you make a point of going to that spot on a regular basis.

    Important: Remain Calm!

    Once something happens, or is clearly imminent, the media coverage starts, and most media coverage could stress out Ghandi himself. Let’s not even think about how the sensationalistic media coverage could impact someone for whom even minor changes are stressful! Do your whole family a favor and turn off the TV and radio. If you need an update, listen using headphones or check online, then close your browser windows.

    Keeping calm is important. Use the 16-second survival breath to help yourself remain as normal as possible. Talk about ‘the plan’ if something happens during normal life so that when you need to talk about it during an actual disaster, it is still “normal.” This lessens the possibility of the conversation becoming a major stressor in and of itself. Don’t push stress levels higher by inviting the crisis-hungry media into your home.

    To reiterate, keeping an even temper and demeanor are important. If you are calm, it is easier for your loved one to stay calm.

    Final Thoughts

    Repetition is good for the soul, so here goes.

    Talk about possible emergencies in advance. Practice. Keep basic supplies in your car, and rotate food and medicine regularly before they go bad from the heat. Remain calm.

    Truthfully, these are the same steps everyone else takes, but with someone who is not neurotypical, you need to be more disciplined and repeat them a whole lot more. So much more that they become ingrained, normal even. You need to prepare for your loved one as well as yourself since you can’t expect as much help from them in a crisis.

    But, as in so much of life, the basics really are the same as they are for everyone else. Be prepared – for yourself and for them. Practice, and have them practice. And make sure there is clear, easy-to-find information to help others help your loved one if you are separated from them.

    How do you prep to help your loved one with mental health challenges?

    More Info About Prepping for Those with Special Needs

    Originally published February 15, 2016

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  • Preparing Elderly Loved Ones for Emergencies

    Preparing Elderly Loved Ones for Emergencies

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    Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    When it comes to prepping, age-related needs come at both ends of the spectrum. Small children and elderly parents can have very specific needs because their bodies just aren’t able to self-regulate the way a healthy adult in the prime of their life does. Elderly preppers have unique needs to take into consideration.

    Even when the needs are the same, such as pureed food or diapering, they have to be approached differently when it’s an elderly person with a lifetime of being independent, or even an adult who has been dependent their entire life. They either have memories of not being this way, or they know other adults are not like this. It’s important to never make them feel like they are being made fun of for something that is beyond their control, whether that is a physical or mental attribute.  

    woman helping old lady with walker get out of van

    A Continuum of Preparedness Needs

    There was a good discussion in the comments highlighting the diverse physical and mental capacities among older individuals. It’s important to note that a person in their late 70’s might have superior mobility compared to a person in their 60’s. This article presents preparedness needs on a continuum of care. Age alone does not dictate placement on this continuum.

    As with any preparedness information, it’s essential to think critically and tailor strategies to your specific situation.

    Get Paperwork in Order

    One of the key items to do in advance is paperwork. Try to have copies of these important documents:

    • Will
    • Advanced Directives / Do-not-resuscitate order (DNR), if applicable
    • Medical and financial powers of attorney
    • The front page of their passport
    • Copies of drivers licenses, insurance, and other basic IDs

    The truth is that these are good to have on hand largely in case something happens and they lose their wallet or purse, especially while traveling. (It would be a good idea for you to leave a complete set of all your IDS and basic legal documents with them for the same reason.)

    In addition to Advanced Directives/DNR for the state they live in, it’s a good idea to have one for any state you reasonably expect the to visit or travel through. (DNRs are different in different states and specify what should be done in a medical emergency in terms of pain medication, feeding, and life-extending measures.) Of course, also have copies of any prescriptions and diagnoses they have, and a complete list of all their doctors’ names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers.

    Expert Tip: Create a Grab-n-Go Binder for your elderly loved one, and store it in an easy-to-find location. Keep copies of its contents scanned and stored in the Cloud or on a thumb drive OR have hard copies in your own binder.

    4 Possible Living Arrangements

    Single family home

    Just because your elderly prepper is well enough to stay in their own home, doesn’t mean they will take care of emergency preparedness items. After all, most young people don’t either. Even small amounts of mental deterioration may make it hard for them to realize how dangerous certain situations are and what they need to do to be prepared. Sheer stubbornness may lead them to deny obvious danger signs.

    There are certain emergencies most people are prepared for. Almost everyone knows the importance of smoke detectors and being prepared for a fire. Depending on the location, it may also be common to prepare for:

    These familiar events are a good place to start if the idea of prepping is new to them. Let’s face it. It’s a lot easier to talk about preparing for a tornado than bringing up topics like bug out bags and how they can handle two weeks without access to medical care or their prescriptions.

    Check smoke detectors

    Smoke detectors are very nearly universal in all homes. Some, like the one linked in the last sentence, play a recorded message so you can direct family members what to do and where to go in a fire. Forgetting to check batteries in smoke detectors is almost as universal as owning them, so go ahead and do this when you visit elderly loved ones. They may find them hard to reach on their own, and testing the detector is also a good way to be sure they can still hear it. If they can’t, it’s time to switch to one with a strobe light.

    Check emergency egress

    Are there emergency ladders to get out of every bedroom in the house in a fire? If your parents have one, can they still safely climb down it? If they fall, how hard is the surface they will land on? Even if they can still safely climb down, you need to make sure they have a safe area under their window in case they fall to minimize the chance of breaking a hip or other bones.

    Discuss emergency preparedness improvements

    Once you have reviewed the preps that are in place, talk to them about any improvements you think they could use. As dull as it sounds, those might make a good gift. (Do you think they really want another coffee mug or dust collector?) A few suggestions for those are:

    • A bucket of just-add-water meals to provide food for a week or more. These meals are very lightweight and as long as your loved one can heat water to boiling, this food will provide the nourishment they need.
    • Large print road map. If the are still able to drive, this will be a huge help.
    • A “Panic Alert” emergency dialer
    • Waist pack, formerly “fanny pack”, to make sure they always have certain items with them, no matter what.
    • Small LED flashlights in each room. Velcro these to tabletops or other handy locations to make sure they don’t easily get lost.
    • Fashionable reading glasses, for the ladies.
    • A Kindle loaded with books, both for entertainment and reference. It’s easy to change the font size, so this really is a must-have for anyone with vision issues.

    You can also talk about the need to improve their tornado/hurricane/earthquake/whatever preps. Even if they aren’t open to all your suggestions, they are still adults and you need to respect their choices, even ones you know aren’t smart, as long as they aren’t endangering anyone else.

    Evacuating

    In an emergency, elderly loved ones who are living on their own, should be able to pack for an evacuation, but will almost certainly need an evacuation checklist to work from. Create a list with them (in a large font!), post 1 or 2 copies in handy locations, then review it with them every six months or so to keep up with their health. You don’t want to have their cane on the packing list, only to end up at your destination and find that they are struggling without their walker. Put the list inside a plastic sheet protector with a dry erase pen and a facial tissue. The dry erase pen can write on the sheet protector, and the tissue can be used to wipe it off, making the packing list reusable.

    TIP: I’ve written an entire, easy to read manual on the subject of Emergency Evacuations.

    Pets

    It’s very possible that your loved one will have a pet, and at the top of the list of their concerns will be caring for that pet in an emergency and knowing it will be taken care of. Please spend some time making sure grandma or grandpa doesn’t have to worry about getting food and other supplies via a delivery service like Chewy.com, and if the worst happens, who will take care of their pets when they aren’t able to do so.

    Apartment living

    Once your relatives can no longer care for a yard or remove snow from the driveway and sidewalk, it is probably time for them to move into a senior apartment, particularly if no one lives close enough to help. Their emergency preparedness needs will change when this happens. For example, even if they can still use an emergency ladder, it is time to replace it with something less physically taxing.

    Downsizing

    Part of moving from a home to an apartment is downsizing. (Note: They will have to get rid of a lot of stuff, some of which may be useful to you in your preps. Items I bought from an elderly woman moving into assisted living included wool throw blankets, high-quality hand-powered kitchen gadgets, cigarette lighters from back when they were daily use items, and really good gardening tools.)

    We all collect more stuff than we need, and your loved one may need help in sorting through their own household goods. If possible, and if there’s an urgent need for cash, help them organize and hold a yard sale.

    Revisit paperwork

    With downsizing, it’s a good time to review their paperwork. Some of their doctors may change when they move, so be sure to check their list of doctors both right after they move and a few months later, when they have settled in a bit more. It’s possible you may be the one to seek out new doctors, so be ready to ask for referrals and do some research in order to find the best care in this new location. Sometimes transportation can become an issue at this stage, and that is something to keep in mind as new doctors are found.

    Pets and evacuating

    Please see info under Single Family Home.

    Assisted Living

    When their condition deteriorates to the point that they can’t live on their own any more, they will need to move into assisted living. This option ranges from people with most of their abilities to live independently intact, just not enough to be on their own, to those with no ability to care for their daily needs. This move will also lead to another round of down-sizing.

    Whatever their condition, an elderly person should be able to pack their own bag, or direct someone else to pack it. Some may need to have a very detailed checklist to follow while others may only need to be told “pack enough clothing for at least a week” and they will have everything they need, including toiletries, spare shoes, and sunscreen. You need to evaluate your loved one’s condition and give them the support they need to successfully pack themselves.

    You should already have copies of all their prescriptions and diagnoses. Now it’s time to find out what medical equipment, if any, they will need. In this move, they shouldn’t need anything too large or expensive. The largest thing someone in assisted living is likely to need is an oxygen tank or wheelchair and keeping one or two spare tanks of oxygen handy. These don’t take a lot of space. Honestly, I have that much space dedicated to shoes I rarely wear.

    Assisted living residents can also have their own bug out bags assembled and ready to go. These should contain copies of all the paperwork discussed in the last paragraph.

    Nursing Home

    By the time your elderly loved one is in a nursing home, you can’t count on them doing anything to help themselves in an emergency. At most, they will be able to pick up and carry their own emergency bag. Realistically, most people in a nursing home will be hard pressed to hold onto a bag while someone else pushes their wheelchair to the exit. You will need to have everything ready for them.

    Few Personal Belongings

    Unlike a person in their own home, their room will contain very few personal items. They will have downsized as much as they possibly can and are unlikely to have anything substantial beyond clothing, toiletries, and a few small items. You won’t need to have clothing pre-packed because you can take a bag and empty their drawers/closet into that bag as you are getting ready to leave. You can clear out the medicine cabinet/bathroom sink into a toiletries bag, making sure you have all their key medicines. The upside of having few belongings is that it takes only a few minutes to pack them up.

    TIP: Prior to this move, be sure you have had discussions regarding personal belongings, real estate, and finances.

    Special Equipment

    You should already have copies of their key paperwork and medications (discussed above). At this stage in their lives, you should ask their doctors and the nurses who oversee them on a day-to-day basis to find out what else they need. Will they need a bedpan, catheters, IVs, or other medical equipment? If so, you can buy those and have them ready in an emergency or at least be prepared to make arrangements as soon as possible after leaving the facility. Check frequently with facility administrators, nurses, and orderlies to keep up with any deterioration in their condition.

    Expert Tip:
    Create a Grab-n-Go Binder for your elderly loved one, and store it in an easy-to-find location. Keep copies of its contents scanned and stored in the Cloud or on a thumb drive OR have hard copies in your own binder.

    A Word About Incontinence

    One Survival Mom reader shared this story about an elderly woman she helped care for:

    This elderly woman complained of “some leaking” when she woke up in the mornings. When we eventually moved her out of her apartment, her mattress showed how much she had been in denial about her incontinence problems. This is something no adult wants to admit, but it’s all too common among the elderly. If there is a chance you will be evacuating or otherwise in the car for a long time, you should pack disposable incontinence underwear for them, especially if there won’t be easy access to bathrooms.

    Incontinence issues affect many people of all ages, though.

    Before an emergency evacuation, tell the truth: You will be in the car for a long time and may not be able to get to a bathroom quickly. You have Depends, or some other brand, handy and let them make the choice whether or not to use them. If they are having problems, they will probably go ahead and use the Depends IF they can do it without being made to feel embarrassed or shamed. If they won’t do it for this reason, they probably won’t wear one for any other reason.

    If you are concerned about a possible incontinence problem and they won’t use Depends, cover your seats with bed sheeting fabric. It’s about $4/yard at the fabric store, is waterproof, and feels like flannel. (It’s also great as a diaper changing pad for toddlers.)

    “Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.”

    The elderly aren’t the only special needs people who need to be considered in emergency preparedness plans. Most of us can’t fathom leaving behind a pet — how much more important is a grandmother, autistic child, or a bed-ridden loved one? Here are some other articles for every family with loved ones whose needs have been overlooked by most other survival and prepper blogs and websites.

    If you have other, helpful suggestions for any of these special needs preppers, please leave your comments.

    Originally published May 16, 2016

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