Fire and First Aid
I've seen a few articles written pre-corona virus about "preparing to shelter in place." Well, it's a bit late for that. We're here.
All things considered - from natural disasters to terrorist attacks - we're doing pretty good when it comes to having to shelter in place. We still have water and power. Even though the store shelves are mostly bare, shipping and restocking is happening. Manufacturers such as GM are switching from their primary business of making automobiles to making ventilators.
While many businesses are closed and the economic cost of this pandemic is so staggering that we'll probably never know exactly how much it's costing us. Guesses will be made, but it's irrelevant, it is what it is. The sooner we are out of this fear and panic mode the better off we will be.
For those of you who got caught a bit flatfooted, there are two areas where you may wish to put a bit of extra money: fire safety and first aid.
The more time you spend at home, the more likely you are to enjoy some candle light for a soothing mood and the more cooking you will be doing. Both can be completely safe, but do come with an increase in fire. Buy fire extinguishers. If not for you, your neighbors are under the same risk. One for the garage, one for the laundry, and one for the kitchen, minimum. Some people place one by their bed just as they do a defense firearm. Fire is more common than needing to shoot someone.
When it comes to first aid, you probably have the typical mishmash of supplies spread out from the bathroom to the kitchen. An EMT would put together a more specific kit, but most of us are probably best suited by hitting the easy button and ordering an Adventure Medical Gear kit - they are well thought out and have most of what you will need, some things you won't need. But, get one and you will be that much better off. The Weekender is good and I've used the World Travel to good end. I've added an Israeli bandage and and hemostatic gauze to my kit.
If you don't have a battery powered lantern, reliable and power flashlights, and a hand held radio should the internet be lost for whatever reason, I don't know what to tell you other than you haven't been paying attention. And, all of this assumes you have some sort of defensive plan in place.
All things considered - from natural disasters to terrorist attacks - we're doing pretty good when it comes to having to shelter in place. We still have water and power. Even though the store shelves are mostly bare, shipping and restocking is happening. Manufacturers such as GM are switching from their primary business of making automobiles to making ventilators.
While many businesses are closed and the economic cost of this pandemic is so staggering that we'll probably never know exactly how much it's costing us. Guesses will be made, but it's irrelevant, it is what it is. The sooner we are out of this fear and panic mode the better off we will be.
For those of you who got caught a bit flatfooted, there are two areas where you may wish to put a bit of extra money: fire safety and first aid.
The more time you spend at home, the more likely you are to enjoy some candle light for a soothing mood and the more cooking you will be doing. Both can be completely safe, but do come with an increase in fire. Buy fire extinguishers. If not for you, your neighbors are under the same risk. One for the garage, one for the laundry, and one for the kitchen, minimum. Some people place one by their bed just as they do a defense firearm. Fire is more common than needing to shoot someone.
