Flood Health: Other Illnesses

When a natural disaster strikes in your area, you have to be careful to prevent illness and other injuries. Safe food and water is a priority. Here are some things the U.S. Centers for Disease Control suggest to help keep you and your family safe and healthy during a flood or other disaster. Avoid floodwater — don’t drive vehicles or equipment through standing water because you don’t know how deep it is. If you will be working in or near water, be sure to wear a life jacket. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants or using an … Continue reading

Flood Health: Food and Water

In light of flooding in the Midwest, this is a good time to look at how to stay safe and healthy during a flood. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control suggest looking at preventing illness from three different perspectives: Preventing illness from food Preventing illness from water Preventing other illness and injuries Make safe food and water a priority after a flood. If the power is out, try to keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep the cold air in. If the power will be out for more than four hours, you can add block … Continue reading

What Do Pets Know That We Don’t?

Do animals have a sixth sense when it comes to natural disasters? We can see how our pets are sensitive to human moods; are they also sensitive to the planet itself? Some scientists are skeptical, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. In 1975, animal behavior prompted an evacuation of the city of Haicheng in China days before an earthquake, saving more than a hundred thousand lives. Ancient Greeks noted that even rodents, snakes, and insects fled the city of Helice before an earthquake in 373 BC. Even the folks who do believe that animals can sense disaster aren’t sure … Continue reading

Planning for Your Business in Case of Emergency–Part One, Natural Disasters

Unexpected things happen–fires, floods, tornadoes. Or a shift in your family or personal life can have a very direct effect on your home business. It helps if you have a contingency plan and are prepared in case an emergency presents itself. While this won’t always be possible or probable. Thinking through what you might do in case of an emergency can help you feel better prepared. One of the realities of running a home-based business is that if there is a house or home emergency, both your family life and your livelihood can be affected. Whereas, if you work outside … Continue reading