Cleaning Up (Part 2 -Air)

Wednesday September 30, 2009

The unprecedented flooding in Georgia (where the river rose to 12 feet above flood stage) has left many of the state's residents facing a major clean up. Natural disasters have a way of quickly reducing everyone's needs down to the most basic. Yesterday's blog dealt with one of these basic needs---clean water. Today the air you breathe is the topic. Fresh, clean air is one of those free and nourishing gifts we usually take for granted. Usually it is only when the air quality falls and we become sick that we stop to think about it.

This is one of those times when we need to stop and think. Catastrophic flooding provides the damp moist conditions which are perfect for the growth of mold. As the flood waters recede and people return to clean up the mess, the danger of mold-associated illness are a real possibility. Molds can release their spores when they are disturbed (as during cleaning)where you can breathe them in. There is skin contact if you handle any moldy items without gloves. Mold can even be ingested as you eat or drink if you don't exercise proper hand washing after handling moldy material.

When cleaning up following flooding you should protect yourself with goggles, gloves, and an OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) approved particle mask. It is also wise to dress in a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and covered shoes to avoid skin exposure to the mold.

People with allergies or asthma will be particularly sensitive to the mold. A higher risk of an infectious disease is possible for people with more serious conditions, such as lung disease or an immune suppressive disease, after contact with the mold. Some nasty little molds even have the ability to produce mycotoxins which can cause toxic ramifications in people. If after exposure to the mold, you feel your health is being affected you should consult with a medical professional as soon as possible.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Cleaning Up (Part 1-Water)

Tuesday September 29, 2009

When the massive flooding in Georgia recedes there will be a huge mess left to clean up. It will be important for all those impacted to take precautions to safe guard the health of themselves and their families during this clean up. You must assume that the floodwater was contaminated. As much as is possible, you should try to avoid direct contact with the flood water during cleaning by wearing rubber boots and gloves. If there is direct skin exposure with the contaminated water, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and clean water is essential.

Of course don't consume any food or water which you even suspect has been contaminated. During the recent flooding raw sewage was washed into the Chattahoochee River when a sewer treatment plant was flooded. Several sewage pumping stations were also closed down during the flooding. Contact your local water system to determine if your water supply is safe to drink. If you have any doubts, continue to boil the water. (The water should be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute and then allowed to cool.)

Any possessions which have been in flood waters will have to be thoroughly cleaned. You can mix up a cleaning solution of 5 gallons of water and 1 cup of bleach and use this to disinfect items. If you have children, make sure their toys are completely cleaned since young children often stick toys in their mouths. Any belongings which cannot be washed or cleaned will have to be discarded.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Listen To Your Mother!

Monday September 28, 2009



I bet most people can remember their mothers nagging them over and over about something. I know I did. Some of the things my mother told me repeatedly were:

"You don't leave this house until you make your bed."
or
"If someone is nice enough to give you a gift you must
be nice enough to write them a thank you note."
or
"Stand up straight and hold your stomach in."

Of course what mothers are trying to do is prepare and protect their children. Their hope is that if they say something enough times it will become imprinted into your brain. Then when you really need this wisdom it will be there to guide you. I'm not your mama but I am trying to get you to learn some important lessons so you will hear me say some things over and over. My hope is that when it matters you will remember.

Today I want to go over the dangers of trying to drive through flood waters again.The flooding in Georgia has caused many of the state's roads and interstates to turn deadly. People have died and more will die if everyone doesn't exercise extreme caution.

Should you have to evacuate from a flood zone please remember to drive around any flooded area. If you are unable to see the bottom of the road it could be washed away. Even if the road is not washed away you will not be able to determine how high the water is. Six inches of water is all it takes to reach the bottom of most cars. When the vehicle gets in this much water you can lose control of the car and it will probably stall.Only a few inches of water can make a car's tires lose traction with the ground. Then you are at the mercy of the water. A foot of water will float most cars.

Everyone needs to remember what emergency workers are always telling us,
"TURN AROUND AND DON'T DROWN."

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

How a Bottle of Wine Can Update Your Wardrobe.

Friday September 25, 2009

I lured a nice fashionable friend of mine over last night with the promise of good wine. I was very happy to see her because I needed some wardrobe help. After the first glass of wine was gone and her resistance level had been reduced I asked if she would mind helping me pick out an outfit for an upcoming event. The wine had done its work and she agreed.

The first thing she did was ask me is what I had thought about wearing. So we go to my closet and I pull out what I thought looked like a perfectly nice outfit. She studied the ensemble through narrowed eyes, sighed, and said let me go through your closet. The next couple of hours were happily spent with her taking apart my “outfits,” mixing them all together, and magically producing fresh new looks. I participated by pouring the wine and serving some chocolate. By the end of the evening I had newly coordinated clothing which looked great!

This interaction reinforced my belief that every woman should have good core pieces, such as a basic dark suit, to build her wardrobe from. If you have to evacuate take these clothing core pieces with you. Should you lose everything, it would be much easier to rebuild and expand your clothing if the basics are already in place. Even if you are like me and have a difficult time accessorizing and coordinating, with the core clothing pieces, a fashion-crazed friend, and a bottle of wine you can look like a million bucks!

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

NOT THE BOX!

Wednesday September 23, 2009

When it comes time to pack up your valuables during an evacuation, I would like to encourage everyone to think outside the box but not use the box. That's right, I said no boxes! Every inch of transport space needs to be filled wisely. It is not wise to give space to disposable items, such as paper boxes and tissue, which will just be thrown away once the evacuation is over.

Instead of using cardboard boxes and tissue papers, you should pack your possessions with materials and containers of value. The packing supplies should be capable of protecting your items during the evacuation and then serve a useful function afterward. Once you realize how foolish the whole tissue, newspapers, and boxes packing thing is, you will begin to see that many unconventional, but perfect, packing materials are in your own home.

Here are a few examples for you to consider:

1. A large painting could be wrapped in a set of sheets and blanket instead of the usual bubble wrap. If your home is burned to the ground at least you have some sheets and a blanket to sleep on.

2. A fragile glass object could be cocooned in layers of clothing rather than tissue paper and secured within a soup pan. If the flood waters engulf your residence at least you have some extra clothing, and a pan for cooking.

3. If you have a stack of framed photographs to evacuate, go to your bathroom and collect your nicest towels along with the matching shower curtain and waste can. Now start layering the framed photos inside the towels and shower curtains and placing them inside the waste can. Should you need a bigger container go back and get a dirty clothes hamper, laundry basket, toy box, etc. A category 5 hurricane might blow the house away but you are still going to have a cute bathroom.

Are you starting to get the idea? I hope so because I promise there is packing genius in my compulsions.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Past, Present, and Future

Tuesday September 22, 2009

People often ask me how to choose which items to take when they evacuate. My advice is to tell people to consider their past, present, and future when selecting evacuation items. In my past category I always take my grandmother and great-grandmother’s quilts. They are an emotional link to family members who have passed on. I could never replace them so they are some of the first things I pack.

From the present category I would take whatever tools or clothes are necessary for my work. For example, if you are a hairdresser evacuate with your license, professional tools, and work clothing. After the disaster you will eventually have to return to work. This is much easier to do if you have the tools of your trade with you.

The last category, future, deals with a person’s hopes and dreams for the future. If you dream of becoming a designer you should take your designs with you. If you are sure that one day you will be an inventor then definitely pack up the plans for your invention. Maybe all you want for the future is to successfully manage your savings so you can retire to an easy chair. If this is the case, you better take copies of all pertinent financial papers when you evacuate.

Whatever your future dreams might be, take them with you when you evacuate. I have met too many people who left the building blocks of their future dreams behind only to have them destroyed. Unfortunately, many of these people never recovered and rebuilt their dreams because they also lost hope. Don't you become one of them.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Attention All Book Lovers

Monday September 21, 2009

I am a serious book lover. My love affair with books started as a small child when my grandmother would read me stories. I would gaze at the pretty pictures and confusing letters, not yet able to read, but already certain that this was an activity which could bring me great joy. I was right. My literary love affair has endured for over half a century.

I consider some books to be faithful companions who have accompanied me through different phases of my life. Given my enduring devotion to my books, it is wrenching for me each time I must leave them during an evacuation. I worry that this might be the time Mother Nature will claim all my old friends. If anyone has similar feelings for their books, let me share the best plan I could come up with to safe guard your volumes.

You must start by deciding if you will have any available transport space to evacuate your books. If so, record the dimensions of your transport space at the back of your Wine and Chocolate Evacuation Plan book. Next spend some time with your books and decide which ones you would want to evacuate. This can be a difficult decision. Should you take a much loved book you have already read several times, a favorite book from childhood, or a first-edition which has monetary value?

There is no right or wrong answer. If you are strongly attached to a certain group of your books then these should be taken. If you are having a difficult time deciding, you might consider taking a representative book from each category. Perhaps you could take one book that was a favorite from your childhood, one book that is a prized first edition, one book that helped you through a difficult time, etc. These books could then serve as the foundations for a new library if you were to lose everything.


If there is adequate time, you should transfer some of your remaining books to a more secure location. After I have disconnected the water hose, I load up my washing machine with some of the books which must be left behind. The weight of the books gives the washing machine a better chance of not being washed or blown away. The water tight interior of a washing machine also helps to protect the books from damage.

As I said at the beginning, "I am a serious book lover." If anyone out there has additional suggestions on ways to safe guard your library, please write me and I will pass the information on.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Friday September 18, 2009

I love a good fairy tale. I am also superstitious and really want to believe there is still some magic left in the world. However there is one area where we need to stick to just the facts and that is related to disaster planning and evacuation.
Since it is Friday and everyone is tired (including me), I will keep this brief. I will just make sure that you know the truth related to these three issues.
1. A difference in the air pressure does not make a house explode. The damage happens when the wind gets inside a home through a window, door, or damages roof.
2. Taping up a window will only keep it from shattering. It will not keep it from breaking. It is recommended that the outside of the windows be covered with shutters or plywood.
3. Your homeowners’ insurance policy will not cover flood losses. You must have a separate policy.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and will see you next week.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Does Anyone Like to Pay Bills?

Thursday September 17, 2009



I would think not. It is a depressing tedious job that has to be done way too often. You sit there writing check after check as each freshly paid bill drains the life out of your bank account. I decided to challenge myself to find a way to make the whole process a little more tolerable. Here is what I came up with.

I went and got my copy of The Wine and Chocolate Evacuation Plan. Each time I paid a bill I would record the account number and contact information of the company in the blank pages at the back of the book. I felt smug with each new addition. I realized that a list of all of these utilities and credit card companies would be invaluable should my home and possessions be destroyed in a natural disaster. I was making steady smug progress through the stack of bills when I came to the homeowner’s insurance policy. It was easy enough to record the policy number and agency contact information. The problem started when I tried to ready the policy and couldn’t understand it. I suspect that they don’t want me to understand. However, I am determined and will keep you posted on my progress in translating an insurance policy into English.

In the meantime, I decided to grab the video recorder and start documenting all of my household possessions. I decided to open up closets and drawers and record the contents stuffed inside. I suggest you do the same thing. If you don’t have a video recorder then make a written inventory. This list could help you prove the value of what you owned if those possessions are damaged or destroyed. A copy of this record should be stored in your safety deposit box.

The bill paying still wasn’t fun but at least I felt like I had accomplished something important when I was finished.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

When Not to do Yardwork

Wednesday September 15, 2009


When not to do yard work

Oh the joy of waking up to the mechanical screaming of a lawn mower directly outside my bedroom window! My eyes fly open, my heart starts pounding, and my half asleep brain frantically tries to identify what danger is approaching me. After I understand that my house is not under attack, I scramble out of bed and grumpily peer out the window at the lawn mowers operator. My intention was to make eye contact with the man and make him stop with my furious, piercing glare. Well that didn’t work out. He never even noticed me because in addition to cutting the lawn he was singing along with his iPod. This big man had an even bigger smile on his face as he pushed this loud machine around and sang, “We are family, I got all my sisters with me.” At first I thought I had to be mistaken, but no, those were the lyrics coming out of his mouth. How could I possible yell at him? I mean this man obviously has enough issues in his life without me adding to them. So instead I will simply dedicate today’s blog to when not to do yard work.

Just before a major storm or hurricane leave the shrubs and trees alone. It is too late to cut away dead or weak branches from trees and shrubs. There will not be enough time for the debris to be picked up by garbage services prior to the storm. It will only be blown around and could cause additional damage to people and homes.

What you can do is remove anything in the trees or bushes which can be safely stored inside your home until the storm is over. The coconuts in trees are especially hazardous in high winds because of their weight. Some other items to remove, if possible, are outdoor lighting, wind chimes, hanging plants or bird houses which are hung from tree branches. All of these things could become dangerous missiles if caught up in the high winds.

One final note of caution, do not do yard work outside my window early in the morning. It’s not nice and could be embarrassing if I decide to come out and start singing along with you.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com
Posted by Brenda Barnes at 11:25 AM
Labels: general evacuation planning
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JUST THE FACTS

Friday September 18, 2009

I love a good fairy tale. I am also superstitious and really want to believe there is still some magic left in the world. However there is one area where we need to stick to just the facts and that is related to disaster planning and evacuation.
Since it is Friday and everyone is tired (including me), I will keep this brief. I will just make sure that you know the truth related to these three issues.
1. A difference in the air pressure does not make a house explode. The damage happens when the wind gets inside a home through a window, door, or damages roof.
2. Taping up a window will only keep it from shattering. It will not keep it from breaking. It is recommended that the outside of the windows be covered with shutters or plywood.
3. Your homeowners’ insurance policy will not cover flood losses. You must have a separate policy.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and will see you next week.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

You know you are getting old when...

Tuesday September 15, 2009

You know you are getting old when you start to worry about your parents as if they were the children rather than you. My mother had been at my house visiting and wanted to drive back to her house during a thunderstorm. Mother does very well to be 77 years old but her hearing is diminished and her reaction time isn’t what it once was. The idea of her driving in a thunderstorm did not seem wise. I finally convinced her to wait until the storm had passed before leaving.

What would happen if my mother had to evacuate by herself? She would probably need to drive through the very weather conditions I now was trying to keep her out of. The car would also have to be loaded during bad weather. Great! Now I have a brand new issue to worry about. I guess we all need to be concerned about how our elderly relatives would manage in an evacuation. Maybe a lot of these seniors could not handle an evacuation and this is why they decide to stay in unsafe conditions.

In Florida the law requires that evacuation assistance be available to individuals with special needs. All elderly persons who would not be able to evacuate by themselves are urged to contact their local emergency management agency. It is important to determine if you qualify for this critical assistance. Registration with the local emergency management agency before a disaster hits is required so don’t wait. You don’t want to end up as a statistic. You want to be a survivor.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING

Monday September 14, 2009

It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring"

As I drove through a nasty thunderstorm to yoga today, the beginning line of this old nursery rhyme was playing over and over in my head. When I was a child I would laugh at the snoring part of this rhyme because it reminded me of my Daddy's snoring. However, I wasn't laughing today. The frequent thunder and lightning was only causing me anxiety.

I kept trying to remember the counting rule regarding lightning safety. I knew there was a rule. It was something about counting after the lightning to a certain number. I couldn't remember the formula and it bugged me all through my yoga class. (I know I am supposed to have a clear mind for yoga but I didn't quite make it today.) The minute I got home I looked up the information to share with you. I would not want you to be aggravated as badly as I was.

Flash-to-bang:

*When you see the FLASH, count the seconds to the BANG

*Divide the number of seconds by five to get the distance between you and the
lightning. Every five seconds equals one mile.

*If you count to 30 or less go inside.

*If you count 15 seconds or less, a lightning strike could occur where you
are (three miles away or less).

After I had found the formula, I listened intently determined to figure out how far away the lightning was. Wouldn't you know it; the storm had ended while I was engrossed in my lightning research. Oh well, next time I'll be ready!

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

"Anything you can get in one laundry basket."

Saturday September 12, 2009

"Anything you can get in one laundry basket."

A woman, who had grown up in hurricane country, told me that before every evacuation her mother would hand each child a laundry basket. She would tell them, "Anything you can get in one laundry basket you can take with you." I suggest that all parents who are evacuating children follow this wise and compassionate mother's example.

How often do we refuse or forget to evacuate our children treasures? During an evacuation we are desperate to try and save as many of our cherished possessions as possible. If your child is old enough to understand the approaching danger, they will be equally desperate to save the items they value. One laundry basket's worth of transport space seems to be a fair amount to set aside for them. I would allow an older child to choose what items should go in the basket. You may or may not know what is important to the child. It is much safer to give the power of selection to them.

Don't forget to take some things for a younger child. A younger child will not be able to pack their own laundry basket so you will have to take a few minutes to help them. You probably will know which toys are the most important to your younger child. Always pack the playthings which comfort and soothe your young child. It could be a stuffed animal they like to sleep with, a favorite doll, or a few of their favorite books.

Thanks to the woman who was kind enough to tell me about her mother and the laundry baskets. I'm sorry I am unable to remember your mother's name so I can give her credit for reminding us to consider a child's needs during evacuation. However, I definitely remembered her story. I hope all the parents out there will also remember when it comes time to evacuate with the kids.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

Thursday September 10, 2009

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

I am just back from taking my husband for a doctor's appointment. The "doctor's visit" was really a nurse practitioner's appointment. Perhaps someone in this country gets to see a real doctor but it certainly isn't us. It seems my husband will survive but, God help me, I am not sure if I'm going to make it. Let me explain....My husband is an ADD toddler who is off his medication stuffed into the body of a 67 year old man. No he doesn't have dementia, this is just how he is. On top of it he has a severe aversion to anything related to medical care.


Finally, after being sick and coughing for 6 weeks, he consents to a doctor's appointment. Since I don't trust him to actually go to the doctor or tell the truth if he should make it there, I decided to take him myself. The trouble begins in my car when he punches every button "just so he can see what it does." Once inside the office he paces and fidgets in the waiting room threatening to leave every 2 minutes. After some time we are escorted into an exam room to wait some more. In this smaller space there isn't adequate pacing room so he begins to look through the cabinets. A nurse and then the nurse practitioner come in to examine him and he suddenly decides to become charming. He wants to talk about everything but why he is there. (How's the hunting? Do you like to fish?) I have to take over reporting his symptoms, asking for his prescription refills, reminding them he needs blood work drawn, and having them look at a suspicious mole. We leave with almost everything accomplished but the staff is now giving my husband small tight smiles of condolence over his bossy wife.

The fun is not yet over. We go to the pharmacy to get his medication. It is not yet ready and my husband actually says, "Well slip us a viagra and we'll wait in the car." I drag him away from the counter before he can embarrass me or the young pharmacy clerk any more. He is not embarrassed. No, he chuckles to himself as he walks up and down the candy aisle getting peanuts and candy to go with his cholesterol medicine. Of course he makes it back to the counter in time to hear the huge amount the medication costs and fuss about it.

I eventually did get him and the appropriate medication home. I have to admit that during the entire drive home I was thinking, "I'm going to kill him if he doesn't start acting better." However once I had calmed myself with an emergency glass of wine and a wee bit of chocolate, I realized that obviously I had no intentions of killing my husband. I knew this because I found myself carefully counting out a week's worth of his medication to keep with our evacuation supplies. I guess I really love this cranky old man. Maybe I should just go back to the pharmacy and ask them for some tranquilizers? If not for him then for me.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Can We Make Infrastructure Sexy?

Wednesday September 9, 2009

Can We Make Infrastructure Sexy?

It is very unfortunate that there is nothing sexy about infrastructure. If infrastructure was sexy and visible maybe we would spend some money and effort trying to maintain it. However, we usually don't even notice infrastructure until it suddenly breaks and isn't there to support us. This is what happened yesterday in Los Angeles, a water main which was installed in 1914 broke and millions of gallons of water rushed out. Giant sinkholes appeared in the streets and a fire engine was swallowed. Homes and businesses in the Studio City area of the city were flooded. Innocently parked cars were swept away in the torrent and Ventura Blvd. had to be closed. Los Angeles is getting slammed. First the massive ongoing wildfires and now the floods. Let's hope the plague is not next on the list.

Maybe we can't do anything about repairing large scale infrastructure (bridges, water systems, highways, etc.) but we can take responsibility for our own homes. Start by taking a good hard look at your house and yard. You should identify the weak points and figure out how to strengthen them. Perhaps you have a broken window which needs to be repaired. Do you think it could withstand a hurricane force wind without blowing out? Perhaps your gutters are all clogged up. How much tropical storm rain can they be expected to carry? Maybe you have allowed a lot of undergrowth to build up in your yard. Are you trying to feed the wildfires? Get to work and and make the needed repairs. Home repairs might not be sexy but they will keep you safe.

Photo by Al Seib

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Don't Be Fooled

Tuesday September 8, 2009

DON'T BE FOOLED

It is easy to forget that we are still in hurricane season when you have a lovely peaceful day at the beach. Well, don't be fooled, we are. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Although it is possible for a hurricane to strike at other times, 97% of tropical activity happens within this time frame. This means there is still over 2 months left in the season.

By this time in the summer people have become complacent. After all we have just finished up the hectic Labor Day holiday weekend. Everyone is tired and ready to take a break. I understand. So here is a suggestion to get double duty out of the work you must do. As you clean up from your Labor Day cook-outs or picnics place all the supplies that would be useful in an evacuation into a separate container. Items such as paper plates, napkins, and plastic utensils are always needed during evacuations. You should get a big plastic container and start putting these things inside. Any non-perishable food (juice, juice boxes, sealed snack food, canned items, etc.) that were not consumed over the long weekend should also be tossed in. While you are packing go ahead and put in the batteries and manual can opener you bought at the beginning of the season.

Now store this container away in a closet. You won't have everything you need inside for an evacuation but you will have made a good start. This evacuation container will save you work and time when you are faced with a real evacuation.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Stay Safe at the Beach

Monday September 7, 2009 Labor Day

Stay Safe at the Beach

I was at the beach two days ago and couldn't help noticing how unusual the waves were. They were rougher and from a different direction. As I stood there studying the waves, a family of tourists fueled up on excitement and alcohol rushed past me and straight into the water. I tensed and reached for my cell phone ready to call 911. I didn't have to make that emergency call because after only a minute or two the people decided that swimming wasn't such a great idea. I watched as they struggled out of the surf and up to their beach towels and beer cooler. Only after they were safely plopped down on the beach did I relax and go back to my study of the waves.

I was trying to see if I could detect any rip currents in the water. Many times rip currents can be difficult to identify. I have been taught to look for the out of the ordinary features within a body of water. Perhaps the abnormality will be a different color, a churning channel, a line of debris headed out to sea, or just an irregular wave pattern. If I have any doubts about the presence of one of these dangerous currents I don't go in. I am always more cautious after any big storm because I know that storms increase the risk of rip currents.

Here are a few important facts about rip currents.

If you are caught in a rip current don't panic or swim against the current.
You should swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current and then swim towards shore.
If you are unable to break free of the current, float or tread water.
Try to draw attention to yourself by waving your arms and yelling for help.

Everyone have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Tailgaters and Evacuations

Saturday September 5, 2009

Tailgaters and Evacuations

Today the college football season is starting and I couldn't be happier! I have been a fan of the sport for most of my life. This always seems to surprise people but it is the truth. I grew up in a football family and have spent many happy days and nights at various football fields cheering on my teams. These days I mostly stay home and watch the game from the comfort of my couch. On TV today there was a segment showing a group of excited tailgaters partying before the start of a game. As I watched them I realized that tailgaters are probably excellent at evacuation.

Seasoned tailgaters have the skill of compact packing down to an art form. They are adept at cooking and feeding large groups without the need of any power. Tailgaters always seem to be prepared for any sudden weather shifts with the necessary additional clothing, blankets, or rain gear. These are a group of people who have thoroughly considered what items will be most essential to them. They then drill week after week in the quick and efficient loading of their precious cargo. We can all learn some valuable evacuation skills by observing the tailgaters during this football season.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Shoe Shopping is Required

Friday September 4, 2009

Shoe Shopping is Required

Today I started my walking routine again. I put on my tennis shoes and started trudging around my neighborhood with a scowl on my face. I hadn't gone three blocks when two of my decade younger friends whizzed by on their bikes. They were all tanned, toned flesh and cheerfulness. They recovered from their shock at seeing me out and upright this early in the day, called out words of encouragement and sped off. As I watched their firm legs pedal away I thought, "This is a lot to put up with first thing in the morning." However I resolved to remain persistent and just trudged on scowling and thinking.

I was thinking that shoe shopping should be part of evacuation preparation. Every natural disaster requires the wearing of sensible shoes to evacuate safely. Usually tennis shoes are the first choice for evacuations but hiking boots or walking shoes could also serve. A closed shoe with a rubber or non-skid sole is important. There could be dangerous debris on the ground which you wouldn't want to expose your feet to. It is also vital to not fall and injury yourself during the chaos of most evacuations.

Now that everyone realizes they need good walking shoes, you must next decide how many pairs you need and where you will store them. One pair might be fine if you will keep them in your car whenever they are not on your feet. If you are stranded on the road due to a disaster the tennis shoes at home won't help. This is a real concern if you spend a lot of time driving. It would only take one disaster (wildfire, flash flooding, earthquake, etc) combined with an unnavigable road system and you might have to get of your vehicle and walk to a safe location. So go shoe shopping and stick a pair of walking shoes and socks in your car.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Sunset in the Country

Wednesday September 2, 2009

Sunset in the Country

I am not a country girl. I was raised in the city. My early childhood was spent in an urban apartment situated above my family's restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. I was surrounded by good food, memorable characters, and amazing music but no safe place to play outside. Eventually my family did move to the suburbs where I became acquainted with this place called a yard. I learned that a yard contained many pretty things (grass, bushes, flowers, and trees) which had the ability to instigate horrible attacks of sneezing in me.

My allergies have gotten much better through the years. This is a good thing because, as luck would have it, I fell in love and married an outdoor, country boy. Most of the time everything is fine because I make him play outside without me. However last night he asked me to go on a drive with him and watch the sunset. I mean come on, who could say no to a romantic request like that? Not me.

So off we went to the country with the car windows down and all the fresh air rushing in. We drove up and down wooded lanes and past crop fields. Finally we pulled off the road, and the car bumped through a pasture and to the top of a hill for our sunset view. My husband jumped out of the car to view the huge orange globe descending in the sky. He excitedly called out for me to join him.

I tried. I really did but by this time I had sneezed 15 times and couldn't see. My mascara had turned into a toxic liquid substance which had blinded me. I started stumbling towards him sneezing violently and shedding copious amounts of black tears. My husband, glancing back to see what was taking me so long, blinked when he got a good look at me. There was my face with a red nose in the middle and mascara and snot smeared all around it. It must have been lovely in the full orange illumination of the setting sun. To his credit he didn't comment on my ravaged face. Instead he guided me back to the car where we finished watching a beautiful country sunset.

Later, after a hot bath and an allergy pill, I was recuperating on the couch when the news announced that the air quality in some of the wildfire areas had reached dangerous levels. It seemed to be an omen that I should share a little information related to air quality with you today.

Basically the air quality index measures the level of 5 major air pollutants in the air and how this air might impact your health. The measurements are from 0 (perfect) to 500 (find an air tank immediately!). Generally speaking, anything below 100 is okay. However, when the numbers go above 100 you need to take precautions. If the A.Q.I. (air quality index)is 100-151 there could be moderate danger to sensitive groups. A.Q.I. of 151-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and 301-500 is hazardous. Special care should be exercised to limit the amount of outdoor exposure for active children and adults and people with lung disease and asthma.

Clean air is one of the most fundamental requirements for health. If you are living in an area where the climate has been impacted by the recent wildfires, please take care.

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

WHERE ARE THE ANGELS?

Tuesday September 1, 2009

WHERE ARE THE ANGELS?

The name Los Angeles (as in the city and county where some of the major western wildfire are blazing) is Spanish for The Angels. I have also often read that the nickname for the city of L.A. is the city of angels. I certainly hope that the county and city are ready to live up to their name. All available angels are urgently needed to assist their namesake area through a difficult time.

The residents of the Los Angeles area are facing some tough times in the coming days. The wildfires just continue to grow despite the hard work and best efforts of the firefighters. The last report puts the number of acres burned at 100,000. More and more areas are threatened. More and more people have had to evacuate their homes with very little notice.

Several days ago I wrote about the danger to several critical communication towers. The fires are within a few miles of these towers now. There is very little which can be done to protect these towers because of the rough mountainous terrain. I urge everyone to make a plan now of how they would communicate with loved ones if phone reception is lost. Instead of heading back into a dangerous area to find family, you should pick a safe meeting place well outside the fire area for everyone to head towards. If you have to leave your home or work unexpectedly due to the fires, please leave a very visible note stating that you have gone and where. Many people are injured or lose valuable time searching for family or friends who have already departed.

Yes all the angels are needed. Perhaps you will encounter one in the midst of the dense smoke which is covering the area. If you don't see one materialize when needed then it is time for you to step up and strap on some angel wings. Many of your neighbors are in distress. You should aid and comfort them in any manner you are able to.

Here are just a few examples of how you could help.
-If you have time then volunteer at a shelter
-If you have money consider donating some of it to a local relief group
-If you have extra clothes or household possessions share them with a family who has been burned out
-If you love animals give a home or supplies to an animal shelter

Where are the angels? They are everywhere. All you have to do is catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror after an unselfish act of assistance and you will find one.

There is more evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com