Giving Thanks

I am getting ready to board a plane on Wednesday evening for the first time in 15 years.  It would be awful of me to leave without recognizing a handful of people. I am only where I am today through hard work and support from some people I hold very dear to my heart.

My Husband

My husband is my Number One supporter. He is letting me fly to Atlanta and leave him with all four children. He is willing to remote in at work so that we don't have to find a sitter while I am gone. He has worked INSANE hours for me to be able to be at home with the children and push my writing & blogging. He has helped me hone my dreams and boosted me back up when I felt like I couldn't continue. He has listened to my frustrations and offered me advice. He has listened to me chatter about excitement and simply smiled knowing that I am doing what I love.

Three Fellow Bloggers

There are three wonderful ladies up here in the KC Metro that have offered me support and advice over the years. 10 years ago, Kristin from Dine & Dish and I became friends through Johnson County FLYladies and stayed friends ever since. I have watched her start the blog and just watched it blossom. It is immense inspiration for me, even though I am not a food blogger. She does it with active children and I know that I can as well! Candy from Mommypalooza & KCMetromoms is another dear friend of mine. Birdcage Media is actually the name SHE came up with and I fell in love. She has been a huge source of support over the past seven years and I love following her family. Finally, Kerrie from The Kerrie Show and I have not been friends for long, only two or three years. However, she has shown me how it is possible to have a large family, home school, and still run a business. She offers support and is a sounding block. I am so thankful for all three of these ladies!

A Few Coworkers

While I do not work in an office, there are a few people whom I worked with through agencies and then developed friendships. However, I must start with Christina. She was the one who talked to me about her love for writing and how she thought I would be great for a specific job. She was right. I fell in love with it. While the project dissolved, my passion for writing has not, and I love ghostwriting for clients. Victoria is the face behind Giveaways 4 Moms and has also been super supportive. We met through another project and I later found out she was a blogger (which is why she falls in this category). Finally, my dear friend, Amber. I would not even be going on this trip without her. We are splitting the cost of the hotel and she is my chauffeur. We talk daily about clients, gigs, and so much more. She truly is my partner in crime and I cannot WAIT to hook up with her in a few days.

My BFFs

I have to admit, I do have a few BFFs. While I have more than a handful supportive friends, there have been a few people who have just been there through everything. Not only have they been by my side, but they have also provided me some side jobs to help fund this trip, and I am truly grateful. My friend of seven years, Andrew, will likely NOT be reading this post because he does not do social media, but he needs to be mentioned. He has been a babysitter, a travel companion, a friend, and a confidant. Finally, my friend Margaret. We have only known each other for a few years, but we have shared so much. Our friendship started with her nourishing my little Monkey, but it has blossomed into much more. She lets me share my dreams and is helping me to fulfill them.

Just a few other shout outs:

Rebekah B.

Stephannie S.

Taya E.

My March Moms!!

Heather S.

Maggie Y.

So ... to each of you ... thank you.

There are several others that have helped me on this journey. I hope they are not offended when they are not mentioned here. I do so love everyone in my life, and I feel that I am so blessed by having people who care about me and my family ... and want nothing more than to see us succeed.

Suicide Awareness Day

Today, September 10th, is National Suicide Awareness Day. This is my 2nd Annual post about suicide awareness. While I suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder, I am one of the lucky that do not have suicidal tendencies. However, somewhere in the world, someone dies of suicide every 40 seconds. That is 90 people every hour, 2160 people every day, or just under 800,000 people every year.

The World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) will co-sponsor World Suicide Prevention Day today. To commemorate this date, the MSW@USC invite everyone to participate in the 1000 Voices for Suicide Prevention. I am joining yet again.

Suicide claims the lives of nearly one million people every year ... this number exceeds the number of deaths due to war and homicide combined. Suicide awareness has become more noticeable due to the death of actor Robin Williams, but it is a shame that it took someone famous to bring awareness to such a terrible battle.

Source

While I take Prozac for anxiety and Lamictal to balance my moods ... I also talk to a therapist when I am struggling. The past couple years have been dark, and I have battled with thoughts in my head. While they have not been suicidal in nature, they have caused great disturbances and family strife. I know that my choices and my actions based on my irrational thoughts have caused others hardships that were not necessary. The worst thing is to feel outcast and judged for everything you do. It is important to let others know that when they are there for you, you are thankful. There is help and you are NEVER alone.

So this week, join the #NSPW movement and follow the events along with me!

Wednesday, September 10: Today is World Suicide Prevention Day! Follow the International Association of Suicide Prevention on Facebook for updates on their WSPD events.

Thursday, September 11, 6pm PT/9pm EST: @MSWatUSC will be moderating the #MacroSW tweet chat to discuss ways we can synchronize suicide prevention efforts between individuals and organizations around the country. RSVP for this event here.

Friday, September 12: Join us for a #NSPW Follow Friday! Tweet and mention individuals and organizations who you want to recognize as leaders in #suicideprevention and awareness advocacy work.



Spread the Word On Social Media:

For Collaborators:
Sample Tweet: I’m joining @MSWatUSC & 45+ experts for the 100 Voices for Suicide Prevention campaign. Read my post here: http://bit.ly/100Voices#NSPW

Sample Facebook Post: I’m joining over 45 experts in the field and USC School of Social Work for the 100 Voices for Suicide Prevention campaign. Check out my submission here:http://bit.ly/100Voices#NSPW

For Advocates:

Sample Tweet: @MSWatUSC joins together w/ 45+ experts for the 100 Voices for #SuicidePrevention campaign. Read Now: http://bit.ly/100Voices #NSPW

Sample Facebook Post: “USC School of Social Work has built a collaboration with over 45 leading voices in the suicide prevention field who have contributed guest posts, podcast interviews, PSA’s, and resources. Share the 100 Voices Campaign to raise awareness for this critical issue: http://bit.ly/100Voices#NSPW

Keep the suicide prevention and awareness conversation going on social media using the following hashtags:

• #suicideprevention
• #NSPW
• #stayalive
• #youarenotalone
• #itgetsbetter
• #saynotosuicide
• #stopsuicide
• #unsuicide
• #twloha
• #loveislouder

Thank you for raising awareness with us!

If you or a friend are considering suicide please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It is free and confidential.

What you don't see with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

I am sure you have seen the millions of ice bucket challenge videos that are going around right now. They are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and the list goes on. What you see are people being willing to freeze for just a few moments to raise awareness for a disease that few people really know about. What the videos do not show is the full effect of Lou Gherig's Disease.

What exactly is ALS?

ALS stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but most people know it as Lou Gehrig's Disease. While Lou Gehrig was not the first person to be diagnosed with the disease, in fact it was found 70 years earlier, he brought international attention to the condition. It is a progressive disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord's nerve cells. The continued degeneration of the nerves cause an early death … but not before the inability to control the muscles occurs. Patients near the end stages of ALS are often paralyzed.

Amyotrophic means No Muscle Nourishment. Without the nourishment to your muscles, the muscles will atrophy. It becomes impossible to move, speak, or eat. There is currently no cure for the disease. Just recently, the FDA approved Riluzole that barely slows the progression; however, it is a start. Anthony tells a little about the disease on his YouTube channel.

So, yes ... I did the challenge. Yes ... I am also donating money. I have a different challenge though!

Lock up your guns!

As a parent, you are constantly worried about keeping your children safe. You make sure the smoke detectors work, you put up baby gates, and you take care to make sure they are not exposed to vile things on the internet. However, 1.4 million homes in the United States contained guns that are not locked up or protected in any way.

According to a study released at the beginning of May, in North Carolina alone, pediatricians found that 99% of families made sure they had a working smoke detector in the home but only 57% of families ensured their guns were locked away.


Let's think of the items you make sure you lock up:

• Chemicals
• Art Supplies
• Make-up
• Alcohol
• Matches/Lighters
• Adult toys
• Knives
• Tools

So, why aren't your guns on there as well?

Gun accidents are preventable. Children and teens are curious. They want to know how things work, and they often think we won't answer their questions. A basic gun safety course is beneficial, just as making sure your child knows they can always ask questions. However, you want to take into consideration that they may not listen or ask. Just because you want to protect yourself in your own home from burglars does not mean that you should not think about protecting your children. Get involved!

When you place your gun in a drawer, you need to use a lock and store your ammo ELSEWHERE. For your benefit, here are some wonderful gun locks available on Amazon!

   

Apparoo App Update - Manilla!

On April 24, I told you about a financial organizational app that I love and use, called Manilla.

Unfortunately, I received an email tonight that they are closing down. Please heed the email and take care of your account and documents!

Dear Manilla User,
We are announcing today that Manilla will be closing on July 1, 2014. This was a hard decision given that, over the past three years, Manilla has won many awards and has been well supported by its valued user base. However, we were unable to achieve the scale necessary to make the economics of the business viable.
What you need to know:
Existing users will have access to the Manilla service through June 30, 2014.
On July 1, 2014 the Manilla service will cease ongoing operation.
What actions you should take:
We urge you to download any documents you wish to retain and deactivate your Manilla account prior to July 1, 2014.
To deactivate your account, please click here and select "Delete your Manilla account" at the bottom of the page.
Manilla will retain user documents through September 30, 2014.  You will be able to retrieve your documents (no other aspect of the service will be operating) from the Manilla website through September 30, 2014.  After that date, any remaining documents will be destroyed.
Please refer to our FAQ for more details.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at support@manilla.com.
We apologize if we are not able to respond to all emails.
We thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
The Manilla Team

Helping your children find their "Junga"

More television shows are coming out targeting teenagers craving for “reality.” Unfortunately, these shows display lying, cheating, sex, and other behaviors that I do not want my children to be watching. I do not want them thinking that they are okay, just because they see them on television. I know that as parents, we are to teach our children the difference between reality and fantasy (television), but the media is making it more difficult.

Fortunately, some programs are coming out to combat that. I have two children hitting the first stage of adolescence and I want to start them young. One such program geared for children aged 5-12 is in the KickStarter phase. I was given the ability to watch their video and you can download it on an iTunes single or on Google Music. It is super catchy.

Junga World is about six digital teenage characters that appear as animals and they are trying to discover who they are by forming a rock band. While on the journey, they teach compassion and acceptance through music videos, mobile games, and a web series. I am sure that Peanut will relate to Kiko, but I am not sure whom Bullfrog will relate to.

If you have had children who have been bullied, or have children who are unsure about themselves, this would be a great project to support. You can follow them on Twitter and if they are successful, they will develop their web site.

Basic Tips to Survive if You Are Snowed In

Today's blog comes from a guest blogger. Thank you Aaron for jumping in and helping out with my March Series!
With the increasing range and intensity of the types of extreme natural disasters we as a planet have faced over the past few months, there has been a notable surge in homeowners wanting to purchase equipment to ready themselves for any situation, no matter how far-fetched or unrealistic it might seem at first glance. Whether it is because of the immense flooding that occurred in certain parts of the UK or the recent polar vortex that attacked the east coast of the United States, many people now want to be ready at a moment's notice for all weather situations.

If your home was under attack from a blizzard, do you think you would be able to live in comfort for an extended period? If a snowstorm suddenly appeared, would you be anxious, worried and on edge, or would you feel calm and confident about living in your house or apartment? If you feel woefully incapable or apprehensive about your chances should these kinds of chilly weather transpire, here are some basic suggestions that may save your life if an icy freeze takes over your area and you are inadvertently snowed in.

Pack an emergency preparedness kit
Put together a kit beforehand that covers tremendous heat, extreme cold and everything in between. You will definitely need a few thick blankets, a large stack of first aid supplies, flashlights, matches, flares, a fire starter kit, water filtration tablets, and so on. A fully stocked emergency kit should also contain lots of non-perishable food tins, long-lasting energy bars and chocolate-based snacks that will help if you need sugar. For more tips on what to include when you make your own winter survival kit, ReadyWisconsin.gov's useful How to Make a Kit page can assist you.

Stay as hydrated as possible
It is vital that you remain hydrated so you do not fall victim to headaches, especially in times of high-stress. Cold temperatures and an overall decrease in your body temperature will facilitate the onset of dehydration, so try to raise your temperature whenever possible by drinking warm water, tea or hot chocolate. Stock up on food and drink that will last a long time.

Always dress suitably
You need to wear warm clothes that will keep you feeling comfortable during periods of immobility. The chances are that you may become inactive as the days pass by, and you will need to stay calm and content in order to keep your body temperature up in case you need to assist others. Layer up to keep your extremities warm by dressing in polyester thermal underwear as a "foundation" base layer. Dress in natural fiber layers, such as merino wool and wool-fleece blends, and wear a lightweight waterproof fleece jacket,and a breathable scarf.

Be aware of the conditions outside
This one is a no-brainer. If it ends up proving difficult to see what the weather is like outside, utilize multiple media platforms to stay conscious of the weather, either by way of the internet, the TV, different radio stations, or by talking to friends and relatives on the phone. If your windows are prone to icing over the minute it gets cold, many people wrap the area in bubble wrap or spare blankets to keep the heat inside. Furthermore, to prevent your interior water pipes from freezing as the temperatures drop, wrap them with insulating foam.

Be ready in case the power goes out
If you lose power, have plenty of candles standing by. Since this will probably mean that the majority of your modes of communication are eradicated too (TV, radio and internet), it would be wise to have a spare cell phone handy, as well as keeping a few dependable hoards of charged batteries in convenient areas that are easy to locate. As such, if your home phone service stops working, turn your charged cell phone off whenever you are not using it; your cell phone should be a dedicated line that you save for emergencies only. You can also invest in a few power banks for your devices. These store electricity and most of them can charge a phone for a full day, though high quality power banks can maintain a charge for several days. Be sure to keep these charged and ready to use.

Regardless of the area, a large sector of Americans will be prone to facing some type of severe weather conditions at some point during their lives, and heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. However, although the old adage states, "you cannot control the weather," you CAN control what happens when nasty weather rears its ugly head and challenges your daily life with inch upon inch.

When a powerful snowstorm hits, people typically perish either in traffic accidents on icy roads or of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold. During such dire times, you must be prepared to take the appropriate steps needed to survive against whatever Mother Nature throws at you. After all, if roads become icy and deserted, grocery stores will typically be picked clean before they shut down for the near future. Nevertheless, with some savvy forward planning and by using some of the above tips, you will be able to prepare yourself should a snowy encounter arise.


About My Blog Guest:

Aaron Bercovich is the owner of Primed Food, an online supplier offering a large selection of disaster food rations suitable for campers, hunters and hikers, including survival kits, military food, fire starter kits and water filtration products.

Worst-Case Scenario: How to Survive a Flash Flood

Today's blog comes from a guest blogger. Thank you Aaron for jumping in and helping out with my March Series!

You may have seen the news recently about the severe flash flooding that plagued the UK last month causing February 2014 to be officially reported as the "wettest winter in records since 1910." (
Source) Consequently, serious flood warnings are still in place and thousands of homes have been rendered uninhabitable due to the disastrous conditions that normally accompany such extreme weather. During its most dangerous and calamitous period, the UK Environment Agency set up its own interactive online map where you could input your zip code to gauge how much danger your household could be in if the flood waters continued to rise.

No matter your age, gender or social status, when the living conditions of people from around the globe are threatened, our collective "survival of the fittest" human nature becomes apparent, and we as a species endeavor to do our best to combat whatever Mother Nature throws at us. In cases such as this, when vicious conditions become more destructive and take a turn for the worse, any notions of complacency we experience in our everyday lives immediately crumble, and our fight-or-flight instincts kick in instead. We typically start imagining what we would do if we were in the same awful situation. If continuous rainstorms hit the city you reside in over the course of multiple successive days, how would your housing community cope? Do you think you would personally fare well?

If you believe that you would be ill prepared to survive if a flash flood strikes, here are some basic tips that will make your living situation more comfortable.

Before a flood:

1. If your home is flooded, it is essential that you keep as warm and dry as possible, especially if your temperature starts to plummet. Therefore, before a flood, have thick, warm clothes on standby so that you feel comfortable at all times, and make sure that they are easily located so you do not waste time looking for them during times of crisis.
2. Ensure you turn off the electricity source via the fuse box or main breaker, so you can turn it back on at your own discretion. If this is not possible, have your electricity turned off by the power company.
3. Be watchful for any up-to-the-minute changes in weather through the radio or TV, so you can be aware if the present conditions are about to get better or worse. Purchase a spare cell phone specifically in case of weather-related emergencies. Think of keeping a few spare batteries as well, and make sure that these are all fully charged and easy to locate.
4. Collect together an extensive group of items for a dedicated Basic Disaster Supplies Kit. It should include first aid supplies, warm blankets, maps, matches, a fire starter kit, a whistle, water filtration tablets, flashlights, candles and non-perishable food items. Also, make certain that you are familiar with the American Red Cross "Repairing Your Flooded Home" guide.

After a flood:

1. Stay away from any places hit by water damage, as you could unintentionally injure yourself or accidentally cause more damage to the surrounding area. Only move around within areas that have not been flooded (if possible). Remember that floodwaters may be filled with debris, raw sewage, gasoline or other unidentifiable things that may prove hazardous to your health.
2. When flood waters have ebbed away, take into consideration that there are still various risks and dangers present, so stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Be aware of roads that may have become unsafe or structurally unsound.
3. Do not use wet household appliances until they have completely dried out. In certain cases, some items may have to be taken apart and cleaned before you try using them again. Clean and disinfect as much as you can.
4. To help you to process any insurance claims, make sure that all-important paperwork is kept safely under lock and key away from potential water damage.

We will all face dangerous types of weather sometime in the future, be it a sudden blizzard, a relentless heat wave, or an unexpected flash flood. Flooding can unfortunately strike many parts of the world in different ways, and it will not matter if you live within a rural area or in the city, everyone will be affected when the waters start to rise. If a flash flood were to occur tomorrow, would you able to handle yourself and take care of your loved ones? With a little planning and through visualizing some of the worst-case scenarios you could encounter, you should be able to decrease the amount of danger you may find yourself in, as well as making your life a bit more well-organized and tolerable during the difficult days ahead.



About My Blog Guest:

Aaron Bercovich is the owner of Primed Food, an online supplier offering a large selection of disaster food rations suitable for campers, hunters and hikers, including survival kits, military food, fire starter kits and water filtration products.

#WomenInspire Blog Campaign

I’m celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by blogging for the #WomenInspire Campaign sponsored by USC’s masters degree in social work. Join the blog carnival to honor a woman who has inspired you!

 

USC has requested me to join two blog awareness round ups before (Suicide Awareness and #My3Thanks) ... and I was asked to join the Women's History Month carnival as well. I was asked to talk about someone who has been inspirational in my life. Some women will choose their mothers or teachers. However, my choice is a person who has been my friend through thick and thin over the last 2 years. Someone who barely knew me only 3 years ago and that meant NOTHING when the skies got dark!

USC’s Women Inspire Campaign
So, let me introduce my good friend Liz Hammond. This woman has taught me how to smile through the thunderstorms and dance in the rain. There are times I will turn to her just to see her smile so I can get through the rough patches! How is she my inspiration? Let me touch on it briefly!

1. She battled a heart condition for YEARS and it got very scary two years ago. She nearly lost her life, but it never slowed her down.
2. She has always seen the positive, regardless of what God is throwing her way.
3. She does not judge! When many of my "friends" turned their back because I was battling such a dark time that my children suffered, she was right there through every step.
4. She never makes you feel bad for needing help and support.
5. She has taught me how to make the best of every situation.
6. Her love and faith in God is overwhelming.
7. She has the BEST smile.

She is one of those people that it is just nearly impossible to be in a bad mood when you are around her. It is because of Liz that I have been able to see things from a different perspective. Patience is growing, but I have started to enjoy the little things. When I am having a difficult time, she is there to boost me back up. I am so thankful that the Lord has put Liz in my life ... and that he felt that her work here is not done.

 

Natural Disasters - Flood

Continuing on with the natural disaster portion of my March series, I am dedicating this post to floods. Floods can come in two forms, flash flooding and river floods. The scary part of flooding is that it can happen to anyone. They are known to cause massive amounts of damage and cause major financial set backs, especially if you are not prepared.

Flooding can occur after several hours of rain (flash floods), or after days of steady rain that has caused the bodies of water to overflow their banks. Those in low-lying areas are extremely susceptible to flood damage, but water damage is something everyone should know about. The first thing you will want to do is verify that you have insurance to cover flood damage. This is often not included in rental or home owner's insurance unless specifically requested.

There are several things that can cause flooding to occur, including:

•  Hurricanes/Tropical Storms - Hurricanes and tropical storms bring rain, wind, and debris with them. The storm surges and heavy rainfall cause massive amounts of flooding that can damage land thousands of miles inland. Some people will lose everything they own to the flood damage.
• Spring Thaw - Winter weather causes snow to pile and freeze the ground. When the weather begins to warm up, the snow will melt, but the ground is still frozen. Streams, lakes, and other bodies of water will rise from the runoff. In areas where hills or mountains are common, you are likely to see flash floods that occur as the runoff begins to pick up.
• Heavy Rain - The most common cause of flash flooding is due to heavy rain. In addition, the most common cause of heavy rain is Nor'easters. These are storms that occur in the Northeast and can bring massive amounts of rain.
• Levee/Dam Breach - Dams and levees are designed to hold water back to prevent flooding from residential and farmland. They weaken over time and break, but when the water is high enough, it can breach the top. Those who are in an area that are near levees or dams should obtain flood insurance.
• Flash Floods - Flash floods can be extremely destructive, clearing areas in a matter of hours. They follow thunderstorms that bring heavy rain, when the rain is falling too fast for the Earth to absorb it.
• New Construction - Anytime you change the landscape, you are creating an increased risk of flooding. The drainage system will be new and unfamiliar to the environment. In addition, when you decrease the amount of soil, you are decreasing the amount of surface area there is for the rain/snow to absorb.

Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do to prepare for a flood. You will want to make sure you have everything unplugged, power turned off of both electric and gas, and then move everything you can to the upper floors. You will also want to make sure you avoid any flood waters. Flowing water of over six inches can easily make you fall and lead to drowning. Never drive through flood waters because you can easily be swept  away ... regardless of how heavy your vehicle is.

The best way to prepare for floods are to have an evacuation plan in place and have an emergency kit prepared.

Natural Disasters - Hurricanes

Continuing on with the natural disaster portion of my March series, I am dedicating this post to hurricanes. Much like tornadoes, these monsters can have different category strengths and have the ability to destroy everything in their path. Hurricanes, however, bring with them water ... LOTS of water. Which after the hurricane has passed, leaves behind bugs, mosquitoes, mold, mildew, and many other problems.

Unlike tornadoes, hurricanes have a season where it is common to see them. If you have children who want to know more about hurricanes, I strongly recommend the Magic School Bus: Inside a Hurricane. Hurricane season is typically from the beginning of June to the end of November. Due to the possibility of flooding and storm surges, preparing for a hurricane is much different than a tornado.

First, the terms you will want to know:

• Tropical Cyclone: A cyclone with a non-frontal synoptic-scale shape. They form over the tropics and wind speeds are only at gale strength. The warm air is picked up from the bottom of the cyclone and transported up.
• Tropical Depression: These storms are tropical cyclones with a wind speed of less than 38 mph.
• Tropical Storm: Tropical cyclones with wind speeds between 39 mph and 73 mph are classified as tropical storms.
• Hurricane: Once the tropical cyclone surface wind speed exceeds 74 mph, it is considered a hurricane
• Storm Surge: When the sea level rises abnormally during a storm (hurricane or otherwise) it is called a storm surge
• Storm Tide: The actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.
• Hurricane Warning: Warning is issued when wind speed is above 74 hours and expected to hit within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Watch: A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before the hurricane is expected to hit.
• Tropical Storm Warning: As with a hurricane warning, tropical storm warnings are issued 36 hours before the storm is to hit.
• Tropical Storm Watch: Again, the watch is issued 48 hours before a tropical storm is to hit.

Hurricanes come in categories that talk about their strength. The categories (just like tornadoes) are ranked one through five.

1. Wind Speeds are less than 100 mph, but can cause damage.
2. Wind Speeds up to 110 mph. Roads become blocked, power outages, damage to homes, and trees may be uprooted.
3. Wind Speeds up to 130 mph. Most trees are uprooted. Water may become limited in supply.
4. Wind Speeds up to 156 mph. Structures are destroyed, areas may become impassable, and power may be out for months.
5. Wind Speeds are over 157 mph. Most areas become inhabitable until a complete rebuild can occur.

 So ... How can you prepare for a hurricane? There are many pictures of people boarding up windows (and that is what you see in movies/tv shows), but that is only part of it. In addition to the windows, you will want to do the following to prepare:

• Create a disaster kit (keep supplies stocked)
• Create an evacuation plan (this includes knowing your city's layout to avoid flooded areas)
• Fill up your tank and have an emergency kit packed
• Secure your home (bring items inside, clip the roof, trim trees, secure your boat, turn the fridge and freezer to the coldest setting and do not open it unless absolutely necessary, unplug unnecessary appliances, shut off the propane, set up a generator)
• Have FLOOD INSURANCE!

Flood insurance is not something that comes automatic on homeowner's or renter's insurance. You MUST purchase it. Find out more at www.floodsmart.gov.

If you are not told to evacuate, and you choose to remain at home ... please take care and be safe. Make sure you are in a secure area of your home with a emergency radio nearby. Put as much distance and protection as possible between the outside storm and yourself. Just because the storm has quieted, it does not mean that it is over. Listen for the all clear to begin checking for damage.

If you have sustained any water damage, make sure you get your property checked for mold and have it properly cleaned.

Natural Disasters - Tornadoes

To start my March series off, I want to talk about the natural disasters that lead to mass shopping trips. Those shopping trips drive me CRAZY. I call it French Toast weather ... everyone is out to buy bread, milk, butter, and eggs. So, heaven forbid the storm of the century comes ... at least you have bread, milk, butter, and eggs. Seriously!

So, let's start off with tornadoes. I HATE tornadoes and yet ... I live in Kansas. Call me crazy, but in reality, Kansas City does not get hit with that many. However, it is important that one is prepared for a tornado.

The first thing to know is that there is no "tornado season." Tornadoes can happen anytime of the year, but they are most common when the weather fronts are colliding. If you are looking for more information on exactly what a tornado is and what causes them, check out the Wikipedia article. I want to talk about preparing for one.

The first step in preparing for a tornado is to have a safe room (or area) designated for shelter and that all family members know how to get there. A safe room is any area that is free from windows, doors, and debris that could cause injuries. It can be in a basement, on the first floor of the home, or in a separate building (such as a cellar). When you own a home, you will want to consider having a safe room build into your home. There is a big difference between having a home that can withstand heavy winds, and having a room that is build with protection from tornadoes as its main purpose. FEMA offers tips on how to build a storm shelter, and what you should consider.

When you are listening to the weather, they will announce whether there is a tornado warning or a tornado watch. It is important to remember that tornado WARNINGS are more pressing than watches. Tornado warnings are often issued when tornadoes have been spotted in the storm system already.

Tornado Watch- It is possible for a tornado to occur. You should watch the sky and stay tuned to your local weather station for weather alerts.

Tornado Warning- Tornadoes have either been spotted or indicated on the radar. If a warning is issued, take cover immediately (preferably with a radio so you can continue to monitor the weather)

Where You Are At	What You Should Do
Any type of solid structure	Go to the designated shelter area (should be on a map if you are in an unfamiliar location). If there is no basement (such as stores), then you should go to the center of the room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. The idea is to have as many walls between you and the outside weather. Make sure you protect your head and neck with your arms. Do NOT open the windows!!
Trailers	If you have been warned of the tornado, evacuate. Trailers and mobile homes do not offer adequate protection from tornadoes.
Outside	Attempt to find the nearest shelter by getting into a secure vehicle and having the seat belt fastened. If the debris begins to fly, then you will want to park and make sure you cover your head with blankets, coats, or your arms. Anything to protect yourself from the debris. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Do not try to outrun the tornado. They are fickle creatures and can change paths at any time.

TORNADO FACTS:

1. Tornadoes often arrive when the sky is greenish and have a low-lying cloud (usually in a straight line that looks like a wall - aka. wall cloud)
2. You will hear a loud roar that is similar to a train.
3. They can occur with no warning
4. They are transparent until the debris is sucked into the circling winds.
5. Tornadoes can move in any direction, but favor southwest to northeast.
6. Tornadoes move between 30 to 70 miles per hour, so when warnings go out, you should be prepared to take cover immediately
7. Tornadoes are most common between the hours of 3pm and 9pm, but the deadliest are after the sun goes down.
8. Peak tornado season ranges from March to August, but they can easily occur at any time of the year.

MORE INFORMATION:

You can find more information at FEMA's website, NOAA Watch, and the American Red Cross.