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Health & Fitness

A Wake-Up Call: The Unanticipated Results of Flooding

With natural disasters all around us, are you prepared? What can you do to enhance your safety? There's a 3-hour Tactical Emergency Medicine Seminar at Masada Tactical in Pikesville.

I truly wanted to discuss the shooting of the Guardsmen in Nevada in my post this week, as that is much more up my alley.

But the truth is that as relevent as I think it may be, most of the readers will be much more interested in the ridiculous amount of water that has been falling on Pikesville for over two days now.

The Incas/Aztecs may have had it right.

Find out what's happening in Pikesvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This year, 2011, so far as been the year in which mother earth has chosen to get even with us. From earthquakes to floods, and everything in between, this year has had it.

Natural disasters are problematic to begin with. Homeowners are worried about the structural integrity of their domain, civil workers are trying hard to assure electricity is restored and roads are open, and that all of the obstacles are negotiated while still having to lead a "normal" life with all that entails.

Find out what's happening in Pikesvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, from a security standpoint, these natural disasters pose some new and serious issues we must consider:

  1. Medical emergencies. With roads being partially blocked, traffic that resembles the Lincoln Tunnel during rush-hour, and emergency medical aid strained as is, in the event of a medical emergency are you ready to take care of the situation on your own? Do you have the means to access higher level of care if needed? Do you have medical supplies in case you need to stay put for a while?
  2. Looting. We have seen in during Katrina, and it is a known fact that when chaos reigns some people in our society will try to take advantage of it. Did you secure your business from potential looters in your absence? Is your home safe? Do you have a safe place to hide if needed, or the means to fight back if forced?
  3. Evacuations: Whether you're told to do so by the local government, or your house becomes unlivable as a result of the natural disaster, where would you go? What would you take? Can you travel with your family?

I am sure most of you thought of these potential consequences to any natural disaster, I would like to offer my few tips for preparedness:

  • First and foremost: Have a plan. No matter how elaborate or simple, but have a plan. At the very least your plan should include where you would go, how you would get there, who will go with you, and rally points in case you are not together at the time.
  • Drill the plan. Once you have a plan, drill it at least a couple of times. Most importantly, get involved any individual who may have to take part in your plan, including other family members.
  • Make sure you have the following:
    • First Aid kit. It should include basic first-aid, some trauma treatment supplies, and any prescription medication you or your family need.
    • Drinking water and food for at least 48 hours.
    • Chemical potty.
    • What I consider "Basic Survival Gear."  This may include blankets, knife, shovel, ropes, etc.
  • Make sure your car is in operating order, and never allow it to go below 1/2 fuel tank in case no immediate way of refilling is available.
  • Cash.

Last thing you may want to do: With the increase in security-related events, from crime to natural disasters, you may want to seek training to increase your overall preparedness and confidence for dealing with such emergencies.

On Sunday, September 18, Masada Tactical will be holding a 3-hour Tactical Emergency Medicine seminar.

This class is open to all of our community members and we encourage you to participate and learn how you can handle some of the most common traumas in the event no medical assistance is available.

In the meantime, Stay safe!

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtien

www.MasadaTactical.com

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