July 11, 2008

You know me by now, right?  There are certain things that I feel very strongly about!  You know how much I adore the wonderful piece of machinery that is my laptop.  You know that I think paper is the root of all evil.  You can probably gather that my handwriting is horrible due to the fact that I rarely wield a pen.  My entire life is stored on a 13″ wide piece of metal and plastic!  You better believe that I am religious about backing it up.  I’m here to tell you that you should be too! 

What would you do if your computer crashed today?  Do you have your pictures and videos stored there?  Do you have your finanical information stored there?  What about school documents, or work documents, a Powerpoint presentation that took you 3 months to complete?  No matter what it is, if it’s important to you don’t subject yourself to a single point of failure. 

Here is a fun story for you… early in my IT career I was thrown into a position I wasn’t quite ready for.  I had recently joined the IT department of a home builder, and my boss/mentor left the company.  I was the sole person left in the department.  Naturally, I was in charge since there was no one else.  A friend of mine would laugh at me because I would say “I AM the IT department”.  Anyway, I did not value backups at the time, and really wasn’t checking them to make sure they were running.  I just assumed they were.  One day 2 hard drives failed on our RAID 5 file server (which for my non-techy friends means the server that holds all of the company’s files crashed REALLY bad, and was basically un-recoverable).  Our last good backup was 6 months prior to that date.  11,000 dollars to a data recovery center later I learned the value of a backup!

So some quick ways to backup YOUR information….

External Hard Drive – Depending on the size of your important files, you might even be able to use a USB drive for this.  Just right click and drag the files you would like to backup from the folder on your computer to a folder on the external drive.  This will only backup your files (and only the files you actually copy to the hard drive)

Norton Ghost - This is actually my preferred method.  Ghost will take a snapshot of your entire computer, so all of your programs, settings and files are completely recoverable.  I just have mine set to run weekly and let it go.  This also requires an external hard drive.

Online Backups – For a fee you can use any number of online backup systems.  This will keep your files on a server at the company’s location.  You would not need an external hard drive for this option, but you might want to make sure your internet connection can handle it. 

CD – You can also place a CD or DVD in your disc drive and copy files to it to back them up.

Those are the easiest methods.  Please go and backup your computer today!  Trust me, you’ll thank me someday!

June 20, 2008

I’m working really hard to build up a food storage. The earthquake in China and higher gas/grocery prices have made me happy to have rice and wheat in the basement. But I’m trying to be more organized about it.

I decided to think of 7 meals I could make with mostly non-perishable items and then calculate how much of each ingredient I’ll need to have a year supply of each meal. I’ve used the Daily Home Planner to help (because you can put in your menu and it will generate the shopping list for you).

The plan then becomes my food storage inventory log. After I get what’s on the list, I put that portion of the list in the basement and mark it off when I remove something so I know what I need to replace.

So far, it seems to be a pretty good plan. I have a year’s supply of two meals; spaghetti and pancakes. I can’t tell you the peace of mind this is giving me.

I figure with this 7-meal plan and a stock of Peanut M&Ms (plain for my son and husband), we should be able to weather any market fluctuations or natural disasters.

I’ve been wanting to have some food storage for a long time but I had to figure out a plan that would really work for me. This seems to be the one. It doesn’t break my budget and I’m storing things I know I’ll eat.

I took an Economics course recently and my instructor talked about how she invests in stocks and then diversifies by storing wheat in her basement. I must not be the only one who needs the added security.

If you had to survive on the food in your home what do you wish you had an unlimited supply of?

March 28, 2008

After speaking with my friends over at My Family’s Disaster PlanI have realized how important having PERSONAL preparedness.  Anyone can give you a list of things you should have in place in order to be prepared… they can even charge you for this list in the form of a book or online.  While it will be good to at least have something in place, it’s not going to fully prepare you for any situation.  Can a list really tell you that in case of disaster from the South you will head to your Brother’s house in Oregon?  Or if the list tells you to buy a case of protein bars, that when you receive taste worse than eating a box of cardboard?  A list could also tell me that I need a set amount of food for each child, when we all know that one child can eat an entire pizza, while another child in family may only eat half a slice. 

Your preparedness planning NEEDS to be individualized.  What works for Corey & Sue and their 3 kids probably won’t work for Sarah & Trevor and thier one child.  Also different areas of the world are prone to different disasters.  So the point of today’s post?  If you have a list of some sort that you are using for your emergency preparedness that is great.   You are on the path to being prepared.  There is one step you may be missing though, and that is the personalization of your plan.  Make sure you sit down with your family and really discuss what your needs are and what could happen in your home or area!  If the task seems too daunting… call my friends. 

March 21, 2008

Some good friends of mine recently started a company, and I just could not be more excited about it!  It’s called My Family’s Disaster Plan, and be sure to check out their website here.  If you live in Utah you NEED to give them a call!  Karl was going to find a job with FEMA (he has all the certifications and everything), but realized that everyday people really needed the information that he had!  Sometimes the government can’t get to your right away, and therefore you need to be able to help yourself in that time frame!

“Many times while studying these mitigation efforts I thought about how individuals need to prepare so they do not have to rely on  city, state, or federal assistance that may be days away. If individuals are prepared for what may come their way, they will be able to take care of themselves and their family until assistance arrives. This will also help emergency responders to assist those in immediate need first.” – Karl Schempp

It is so important for families to have a plan in place, and he’s the guy that can help you get it done!  Contact him today and see what he can do for your family!  Even if you are out of state, I’m sure he can offer wonderful helpful advice.  I may even be able to persuade him to guest blog a couple of my Emergency Preparedness Friday posts! 

March 7, 2008

I briefly touched on this topic in this post, but I wanted to go into further detail as to what paperwork you should be able to take from your home at a moments notice.  I keep them in a plastic notebook sleeve in my big storage bin with my other emergency supplies. 

Legal Docs – You will want your marriage certificate, birth certificates, vehicle title, etc… You will also want your will complete with power of attorney, guardianship, and personal property.  If something happens to you during the evacuation process it will be nice to have this stuff on hand.

Financial Docs – Like I discussed in this post I keep mine in a folder.  Things to include with this are income statements, assets, stocks/bonds, tax returns, bank information, outstanding debts, etc.

Insurance – Definitely a copy of your agent and policy numbers!  This would be for your life insurance, auto, home, medical, vision, EVERYTHING. 

Special Items – Maybe you want to keep your diplomas, childrens recent pictures and fingerprints, school certificates, certifications, etc.  I also have a couple of our wedding invitations, and other special irreplaceable items like that.

What I’m Doing or Buying This Week to Prepare

• I’m starting to save for a tent!

February 29, 2008

Apparently not only are people nervous about flooding in my area, but there is talk of Earthquakes as well!  Now me being from the land of earthquakes (California), I’m quite used to them.  So used to them in fact that I have a funny story.  I used to work the help desk while I was pregnant at the IT company I worked at.  I was on a help desk call when she said “oh here’s an earthquake!”  I said “we haven’t gotten it yet” and then our office started shaking.  Not a single person stopped what they were doing in the office.  We all just kept working away.  No duck and cover, no running to the doorway, just like nothing was going on.  I laughed because I thought it was pretty funny that it was sooo not a big deal to anyone there.  My other funny earthquake story is when I was a little girl.  I was playing outside when the earthquake started and my Mom yells out the back door… SARAH!!  GET IN THE HOUSE RIGHT NOW!!!  I replied back that I didn’t do it!  Then I ended up falling asleep under the kitchen table waiting for aftershocks.  Our family was writing in our respective journals that night and I didn’t know how to write so my parents would write what I was going to say and then I would copy it… so my journal entry from April 24th, 1984 states that we had a 6.0 Earthquack.  I don’t remember who to blame… Mom or Dad?

So, now onto what to do in case of an earthquack. 

Prepare – Make sure large book cases and furniture are bolted to the walls.  Especially water heaters and gas appliances.  Store glass foods on the bottom of the pantry (if they fall they will be less likely to break).  Locate safe spots in the house (like under the kitchen table) or in doorways.

During – When you feel the ground start shakin’ don’t just sit there and continue your conversation like me.  Duck and cover.  That totally reminds me of elementry school when we would have earthquake drills in addition to fire drills… like I said, I’m from earthquake country.  If you are inside, stay away from windows, glass or anything else that could fall on you (bookcases that aren’t secure, etc).  Get to a doorway, or under something sturdy if they are close enough to reach.  You don’t want to be wandering all over the house finding the perfect spot to take cover.  If you are outside, stay where you are unless you are near a building or streetlights.  Our outside had a large tree that I was playing near, which is probably why my Mom wanted me inside.  Lastly, if you are in a moving vehicle stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.  Pull over (as long as it’s not under a building, overpass, trees, etc). 

After – If you become trapped under debris, try not to scream or shout.  You could inhale dangerous dust.  Try tapping or knocking on something.  You will probably be able to do that for a longer period of time, anyway.  Prepare for aftershocks.  The ground could still continue to shake for a little while, so make sure you stay near a sturdy location.  Use flashlights… DO NOT USE MATCHES OR CANDLES if the power goes out.  Earthquakes can cause gas leaks, and you could cause a major fire or explosion!  Be careful not to step on broken glass and debris (put on some sturdy shoes).  Check the house for any structural damage.  If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound then open a window and leave.  Report it to the gas company and stay out.  Open your cabinets cautiously as “items may have shifted during the flight”. 

I think I’m all ready for the next “big one”.  I’ve been hearing that since the day I was born in CA, and apparently Utah is not immune to the “big one” talk. 

What I’m Buying or Doing This Week to Prepare

• I’m going to secure our bookshelves to the walls

What are YOU doing this week to prepare?  Feel free to comment about it and it might actually get done!

February 22, 2008

My sister (who just got her plates in and they are available for sale today!) is very concerned that we will have a flood in our neighborhood this year.  While I usually could say that she’s just being a bit paranoid, a flood could very well take place in our neighborhood!  First we are already in a “flood zone” meaning we are pretty dang close to Utah Lake.  If it overflows it doesn’t take long for it to make it’s way to my sister’s backyard and my front door (we live about a block away from each other).  The other reason for the paranoia this year is that it has snowed A TON.  The mountains have a good bit of snow on them, and when the weather gets warm and all that snow melts, it’s headed right into the valley.  So today would be a good day to talk about what to do in case of a flood.  So, Amy, this one is for you!

First there are different types of floods and flood terms.  A flash flood is much quicker, and usually more dangerous than a regular flood.  The danger of a flash flood is that it usually carries a lot of rocks, debris and mud along with it.  If the news says you are on flood “watch” just be prepared, and it may or may not happen.  A flood WARNING means it’s happening and get out now.

It’s good to know if you are in a flood zone.  We already know that we are, so it’s time to prepare our homes!  First we need to be prepared to evacuate as quickly as we would if our house were on fire!  Have everything needed in a bin, which I  have previously discussed.  Have an evacuation route in mind and know where you can go to quickly find higher ground.  So… Mom?  Can we go stay with you in case of a flood in our neighborhood?   

Next thing to make sure you do in case of a flood is to shut off your electricy, gas and water.  So each family member that is old enough to do so, should know where these are located and how to turn them off. 

If a flood is on it’s way, first bring most of your outdoor equipment inside (so you don’t see it floating down the road later!).  Also move your important stuff upstairs if you have time.  This way you can prevent your expensive stuff from flood damage.  Turn off your electricity!  This is essential because you wouldn’t throw a hair dryer into the tub, it’s the same as with a flood, your electronics will be touching water, which could spell disaster.  Next fill your bathtubs up with water.  In case your local water becomes contaminated or there is no service you can have some clean water that you haven’t even had to store forever!

Now that you have some standing water where your house used to be, what should you do?  Avoid the flood waters!  It could be contaminated or even electrically charged from down powerlines.  Don’t touch it!  Also avoid moving waters, even 6 inches of moving water can sweep you off of your feet.  If you’ve ever been to the ocean and felt an undertow you know what I mean!  Stay away from the area if you can until authorities say it’s ok.  Then when you do return be extra cautious on roads that have been weakened by the water.  You could wind up on the bad end of a sinkhole!  Make sure to download and print this booklet from the American Red Cross about repairing your home after a flood.

Hopefully the floods will not come to our neighborhood this spring, but now my sister and I can be a bit more prepared if it does!

What I’m Buying Or Doing This Week To Prepare

• I’m going to figure out how to turn off our electricity

February 15, 2008

Since I did not get to continue this series last week due to illness, I’m continuing it now.  Many people find getting prepared to be an overwhelming task to undertake.  If you look at it like this giant thing you have to do then yes it will seem extremely overwhelming, but if you take it one step at a time I promise it is manageable!  The best way to accomplish this is to create a plan, and make sure you have deadlines for very small items.  Let me explain further…

First sit down and figure out each type of disaster that can occur in your area.  Don’t forget about personal disasters like unemployment, medical problems, death, etc.  We are in a flood zone, and my Sister is very concerned about flooding this year due to all the snow we have had.  Once those mountains start to melt it will all come down to the valley (where we live).  I promise Amy, I’ll touch on floods next week.

Now that you understand everything that can happen to your home/family then write down the supplies you would need in each scenario.  Some may be duplicates.  If you do have a duplicate put a star by the item so you know that you’ve already covered that item somewhere else (don’t put a star by it the first time you write it down, just one on the duplicates). 

Next you will put a plan into place on purchasing all the items necessary.  This plan could span 1, 2 or many years.  The point is to aquire the items according to your budget.  You may even put space in the plan to save for some of the more expensive items.  In your plan you should also place evacuation procedures (that I’ve already discussed).  Keep the plan in a notebook or on your computer (if you hate paper like some people I know.. )  When you purchase or accomplish tasks on your plan you can cross that off and know that you are one step closer to being prepared for anything that comes your way!

So don’t think of it as some big overwhelming project… think of it as creating a plan for being prepared in small chunks!

January 25, 2008

Again I take a tip from Lou and Lou Safety Patrol on Playhouse Disney!  We need to prepare our children in case they ever get lost!  My mom was recently talking to me about the time that I got lost at the Portland Air Show.  I had completely forgotten about that!  I think what happened is my family stopped to see something, I didn’t notice, and I kept walking.  Pretty soon I realised that I didn’t know anyone nearby!  It’s a very tramatic experience to be lost!  So how can we teach our children so that they don’t get lost?

Never Walk Away – Make sure your child knows that when you are out, especially in a crowded place, they should never walk away from you.  Maddie is notorious for this, and I’d love to hear some tips on how to keep a 2 year old from walking or running in her case, away!

Stay Put – I think this was one of the main problems I had at the air show.  I just kept walking up and down the aisles trying to find my family.  If I had just stayed in one place I may have found them sooner.  Tell them to stay in one spot and especially not to LEAVE the store or location!

Find Help – If you see a uniformed security guard or policeman, that is the best person to tell you are lost to.  Another good person to tell is a Mom.  Find a Mom with a couple of kids and tell them.  Most Mom’s can and would help out.

Know Numbers – If they are too young to remember your cell phone number (who doesn’t have a cell phone nowadays… I mean really!) then write it on something that they will have on them.  Make sure they know it’s there. 

Practice – I’ve said it before practice makes perfect.  Play a game at home where your child gets “lost”.  Your husband can be the policeman and everything.  This way if the situation comes up, they will know exactly what to do!

A great printout of these tips can be found at the Playhouse Disney Website. 

What I’m Buying or Doing this Week To Prepare

• Maddie and I are going to practice being lost

January 11, 2008

I may have been watching a little too much Dora this week.  It got me thinking though about more evacuation procedures.  I already discussed what things to pack up when evacuating, and I wrote about how to evacuate your house… but I failed to mention how to evacuate your city!  Do you know more than one way out of your neighborhood?  How about out of your town?  Do you rely on a major freeway that you would be stuck if it was out?  These are things you need to think about when you talk about evacuating for an emergency. 

First, Get a Map – You can get a map of your city and state at a AAA. 

Second, Plan – You should plan out your first ideal route out of town, which direction will you head?  For us we would most likely head for California (since we both still have family out there).  Then plan a secondary route… what if the way to CA was mostly blocked?  Then we would head North to Oregon.  Things like that.

Third, Color Code – Now color the route with a highlighter for your first, second and third plans.  You also need mulitple ways to get to the major road ways, so make sure you plan at least 3 routes out of your city too. 

Fourth, Plan For Pit Stops – Make sure you can find where the gas stations and other things of that nature are along your route, so that if you start out with only a half tank of gas, and three of the gas stations nearby are out of gas… you know where there may be additional places to get gas. 

The more you have planned out before disaster strikes the faster you can get out of harms way!

What I’m Doing or Buying This Week to Prepare

• Since I completely spaced this very important item, I’m going to the gas station and picking up some maps, and planning our routes out of town!