We take for granted certain items that contribute to our daily comfort. But imagine for a moment that you had to evacuate your home during an emergency and you were left without some basic supplies for personal care. No toilet paper? Not so pleasant. Take a moment to gather a few space supplies to add…
Category Archives: Evacuation
Storm Surge: The Most Dangerous Part of Hurricanes
One feature that makes Atlantic beaches so appealing to sun-bathers and shell-seekers is their long, gentle slope, so different from the sharp, dramatic drop-off along much of the Pacific coast. This long gradual elevation means that a person can travel for miles inland and still be less than 10 feet above sea level. During Atlantic…
When It’s Raining Cats & Dogs – Caring For Pets in an Evacuation
Our pets depend on us for opening the refrigerator, tossing a ball, and love, among other things. They also rely on us to protect them if an emergency requires us to evacuate our homes. Keep in mind that human shelters cannot take animals, and consider how you can protect your best friend if disaster strikes….
Prepare for Atlantic Hurricane Season – tips for vacationers
A couple of years ago I spent two wonderful weeks in a beach house in South Carolina during September. Beautiful, warm, Atlantic water, palmetto palms, sea turtles, shrimp and grits for breakfast – and the possibility of hurricanes. North Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, making it coincide with prime vacation…
Vacationing in Earthquake Country? Pack These Tips
Are you planning a trip to earthquake country? Wondering what to do if you experience an earthquake in an unfamiliar place? Here are a few pointers to help you prepare for that unlikely event. Bring some things from your emergency supplies at home. Here a just a few items to tuck into your carry-0n: A…
More Lessons Emerging From New Zealand’s Latest Earthquake
Early Wednesday afternoon local time a devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s second largest city, Christchurch. The city has been suffering numerous smaller quakes, sometimes called aftershocks, since a major earthquake last September, and I have posted several items from my friend and Christchurch resident Wendy Davie, who has endured every day of it, sometimes…
Notes and Lessons from the San Bruno Blast
If the firemen knocked on your door to say you had to evacuate, what would you do first? My friend and professional organizing colleague Molly Brady, who lives in San Bruno, CA, was under an evacuation order on the night of September 9th this year, after a Pacific Gas and Electric pipeline exploded in a…
Help for Pets in the San Bruno Fire
A corporation has stepped up to fill a gap in emergency preparations. While emergency shelters cannot accommodate pets of any kind, Petco in San Bruno has announced that it will accept pets who need shelter from the San Bruno explosion and fire. This is a wonderful community service. Finding a safe home for pets during…
Lessons from the San Bruno fire
Sometimes we get fixed on preparing for “the Big One,” that devastating earthquake that has a 2-to-1 chance of hitting the Bay Area between now and 2030. The San Bruno explosion and fire, which originated in a 24″gas pipeline [update 9/12: pipeline now reported to be 30 inches] south of San Francisco, makes the point…