Effects on Mental Health during a Natural Disaster

Have you ever heard that during an emergency your mind will just be running on adrenaline? Well that might not be totally true, according to new research.
For a long time, researchers have known that cognitive skills have decreased when human made disasters occur. For example, researchers found that there was an increase in traffic accidents in the months following the Sept. 11th attacks.
Now, researchers in New Zealand were presented with a unique opportunity to track how a natural disaster – like an earthquake – effects people’s cognitive skills.

The authors were unexpectedly presented with a unique opportunity to investigate the impact of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, as they were performing a human performance study with community members at the time of the quake…
“In the midst of the study, between the two sessions, we had a substantial local earthquake, which resulted in the rare opportunity to do a before/after study. We were quick to seize the opportunity[,” said The University of Canterbury’s William S Helton.] …
Normally, participant performance would improve during the second session, but the authors found an increase in errors of omission following the earthquake…
“The article provides evidence for a phenomenon many people report experiencing after a major event like an earthquake,” said Helton. “People would find themselves zoning out and making more errors than usual after the quake.” (Read the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society article.)

The study showed that there was an increase in stress levels, depression and anxiety levels after an earthquake. Obviously, there was also a mental decline and a lowering of cognitive skills after a natural disaster.
While further research is needed to figure out this phenomenon, there are a number of recommendations that people can do to stay mentally healthy during an emergency.

1. Dr. Sandra Wartski recommends that people stay informed but try to avoid watching too much news. This can increase some levels of anxiety. She recommends that people find a relaxing place where they can process the information while still being informed. (Read her article here.)
2. Have an emergency plan. By creating a plan for your family, and practicing that plan, your mind wont have to dedicate as much time to processing what to do. Practice creates an environment where you already know what to do.
3. Have an emergency food/water supply. If you have peace of mind regarding what you’ll be eating, you’ll be able to process other things during an emergency. We recommend having a few freeze-dried meals on hand. That way, you can prepare meals by just adding water.

Article posted from TheReadyStore.com

Fire Extinguisher

The use of a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life and property saving tool. However, a majority of adults have not had fire extinguisher training and may not know how and when to use them. Fire extinguisher use requires a sound decision making process and training on their proper use and maintenance.

Should I Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Consider the following three questions before purchasing or using a fire extinguisher to control a fire:

1. What type of fire extinguisher is needed?

Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. For example, a grease fire and an electrical fire require the use of different extinguishing agents to be effective and safely put the fire out.

Basically, there are five different types of extinguishing agents. Most fire extinguishers display symbols to show the kind of fire on which they are to be used.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

	Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.
	Class B extinguishers are used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, and oil-based paints.
	Class C extinguishers are suitable for use on fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.
	Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.
	Class K fire extinguishers are intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, such as those found in restaurants, cafeterias, and caterers. Class K extinguishers are now finding their way into the residential market for use in kitchens.

There are also multi-purpose fire extinguishers - such as those labeled "B-C" or "A-B-C" - that can be used on two or more of the above type fires.

2. Is the fire at a point where it might still be controlled by a fire extinguisher?

Portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing material and need to be properly used so that this material is not wasted. For example, when a pan initially catches fire, it may be safe to turn off the burner, place a lid on the pan, and use an extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, however, these actions will not be adequate. Only trained firefighters can safely extinguish such fires.

Use a fire extinguisher only if:

• You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department;
• The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket;
• You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire;
• You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the escape route; and
• Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher.

If all of these conditions are not present, you should NOT try to use a fire extinguisher. Alert other occupants, leave the building following yourhome escape plan, go to the agreed upon meeting place, and call the fire department from a cell phone or a neighbor's home.

3. Am I physically capable of using the extinguisher?

Some people have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their ability to properly use a fire extinguisher. People with disabilities, older adults, or children may find that an extinguisher is too heavy to handle or it may be too difficult for them to exert the necessary pressure to operate the extinguisher.

Maintenance

Fire extinguishers need to be regularly checked to ensure that:

• The extinguisher is not blocked by furniture, doorways, or any thing that might limit access in an emergency.
• The pressure is at the recommended level. Some extinguishers have gauges that indicate when the pressure is too high or too low.
• All parts are operable and not damaged or restricted in any way. Make sure hoses and nozzles are free of insects or debris. There should not be any signs of damage or abuse, such as dents or rust, on the extinguisher.
• The outside of the extinguisher is clean. Remove any oil or grease that might accumulate on the exterior.

Additionally:

• Shake dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling or packing. Check the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Pressure test the extinguisher (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Find out from the owner's manual, the label, or the manufacturer when an extinguisher may need this type of testing.
• Immediately replace the extinguisher if it needs recharging or is damaged in any way.

Sound Decision Making. Training. Maintenance.

All are required to safely control a fire with an extinguisher. For this reason, USFA recommends that only those trained in the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers consider using them when appropriate. Contact your local fire department for information on training in your area.

Information posted from http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens

6.9 earthquake hits Philippines

A 6.9 earthquake hit yesterday in the Phillipines leading to a large landslide, damaged roads and collapsed buildings. The landslide buried an entire village and toppled a cement building that housed hundreds of people and their families.

Dozens of people were still missing Tuesday following a strong earthquake that triggered landslides and damaged buildings and roads on a central Philippine island. The death toll reached 22, but officials said it was likely to rise further as rescuers struggle to reach remote areas.
But Adrian Sedillo, a disaster council officer in Negros Oriental province, said the death toll was likely to rise. There were reports of at least 14 more deaths, but the number will be added to the official count only after authorities verify that the bodies have been recovered, he said. (Read the ABC News article.)

This number doesn’t even include the individuals who are missing or who can not be located. Over a million people live on the small island where the earthquake hit – Negros Island.

At least 73 other people are missing, many of them buried by landslides caused by the lunchtime quake. (Read the Wall Street Journal Article.)

Issues of water and food supply are beginning to hit as much of the natural food supply and electricity has been taken out.

“We have no water and power because electric posts were toppled,” he told The Associated Press by phone. “Many of our roads were damaged, including bridges, and stores are closed. We’re isolated.” …

Aquino ordered air force helicopters and navy and coast guard vessels to come to the aid of rescuers, some of whom were digging with picks and shovels to look for survivors.

Workers were clearing and fixing roads and bridges leading up from the coast to mountains so heavy equipment, food and medicine could flow to the worst-hit villages. (Read the Boston Globe article.)

This earthquake is a reminder to all of us to prepare for natural disasters in our neck of the woods. We should be prepared with reserve water and food as much as possible.
We pray that rescuers might be guided to find those who are still missing and that God will comfort those who have lost love ones in this disaster.

Article from TheReadyStore.com

Emergency Essentials In Store Classes

Emergency Essentials is offering classes to customers, FREE of charge. The classes will be held at all store locations (click here to see locations: http://on.fb.me/LocateEE).  The classes are offered at two different times per store and will last between 30 to 60 minutes. Registration is limited, classes that are full or cancelled will not appear as a choice on the form.

Here are the classes being offered for February 2012:

• Orem - Wed. Feb. 15th - 2 pm and 7 pm - Food Storage Smarts 
• South Jordan - Tues. Feb. 21st - 2 pm and 7 pm - Food Storage Smarts 
• Bountiful - Tues. Feb. 21st - 2 pm - Food Storage Smarts 
• Murray - Wed. Feb. 22nd - 2 pm and 7 pm - Food Storage Smarts

Click on this text to register

Food Storage Breakfasts

"Food storage breakfasts do not have to be bland and boring. Some simple tips can keep them interesting and delicious."

Follow this link to an article found in the Deseret News February 3, 2012

deseretnews.com/article705398609

Bonneville Hills C.C. CERT Meeting

Dear B.H.C.C. Residents Businesses & Friends,

B.H.C.C. CERT certified or people in the process of taking CERT classes are invited to a B.H.C.C.  community meeting to lay the groundwork for organizing CERT emergency preparedness in our community.

Eudo Atencio atencio65@gmail.com is our BHCC Leader for CERT in our community. The meeting will be at his home.


Date:         Wednesday, February 8th
Time:         7:00 pm.
Location:   Eudo Antencio home
                1481 South 2300 East


For more information, please email Eudo.

Thanks!

Updates to the Blog

I have made two updates to the blog...

• I have separated the blog into 3 area:  Emergency Preparedness, CERT and Amateur Radio.  This will allow for easier access to previous posts based on these catagories.

• I have added "Follow By EMAIL".  You can add your email address here and you will automatically be notified when there is a new posting on the blog.

As always, let me know what you think...

Dave

KE7ORB