38% Prepared

Mastering the 911 Call, You Hope Never to Make!

In this crucial episode of 38% Prepared, Leigh and Angie provide an in-depth guide on effectively using the 911 emergency system. This episode offers vital information for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the emergency services.

Remember: "Thinking is the first step of preparedness." Take time to implement these tips and practice your emergency response. Follow us on Instagram @38percentprepared for more preparedness tips and updates. Rate, review, and subscribe to never miss an episode!

How to Call 911: https://youtu.be/3bFspuNB3Y0?si=RVoiFWdneMVJx7pp

Key Topics Covered:

1. When to call (and not call) 911

2. Preparing for a 911 call

3. Step-by-step guide to making the call

4. What to expect during a 911 call

5. Special situations and features:

• Calling from a locked phone

• Setting up emergency information on your phone

• Teaching children about 911

• Text-to-911 services

• TTY services for hearing or speech impaired

6. Innovative solutions for accessibility (e.g., access SOS app)

Highlighted Tips:

• Stay calm and provide clear, concise information

• Know your exact location, especially when calling from a cell phone

• Don't hang up until instructed by the dispatcher

• Even phones without active service can call 911

• Practice emergency scenarios with your children

Sources: 

https://www.911.gov/ 

https://www.keithcountyne.gov/residents/911_calling_tips.php 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bFspuNB3Y0 

https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/how-to-call-911-with-a-locked-phone-for-someone-in-a-medical-emergency/article_a087099e-e4a2-11ed-8dd9-930751566c92.html 

https://www.eugene-or.gov/2892/9-1-1-Call-Scripts https://hsi.com/blog/teach-your-child-to-call-911 

https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/text-to-911_-_what_you_need_to_know.pdf"

Access to 911 Services 

https://www.nad.org/resources/technology/access-to-911-emergency-services/ 

Additional Resources:

• Smart911 (smart911.com):

Create an emergency profile. https://smart911.com/

• Kid's Practice 911 Dialer app

• Center for Childhood Safety website (https://www.centerforchildhoodsafety.org)

• National Emergency Number Association (nena.org) https://www.nad.org/resources/technology/access-to-911-emergency-services/ 

• FCC's Disability Rights Office website (https://www.fcc.gov/accessibility)

• Emergency App Makes 911 Accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing https://www.ameridisability.com/emergency-app-makes-911-accessible-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/ 

• AccessSOS app (accesssos.io)

• Text-to-911 availability map (https://text911.info/)

Action Items for Listeners:

1. Check if you know your exact address

2. Set up emergency information on your phone

3. Practice emergency scenarios with family members

4. Check if Text-to-911 is available in your area

In this final episode of water safety series, hosts Angie and Leigh confront the alarming rise in U.S. drowning deaths revealed by recent CDC data. After decades of decline, over 4,500 people per year died from drowning between 2020-2022 - a tragic 500 more annual deaths compared to 2019. Even more disturbing, the increases were greatest among highest-risk groups like young children, older adults across races/ethnicities, and the Black community.

Underlining the dire need for action, the episode dives deep into how to recognize drowning emergencies and respond safely, while providing a comprehensive blueprint for promoting vital water competency skills within families and communities.

Key takeaways include:

1. Recognizing drowning signs and responding: Identifying someone gasping for air or unable to call for help, using "Reach or Throw, Don't Go" techniques, administering CPR as the CDC notes it can save lives when every second counts.

2. Three pillars of water competency: Understanding risks ("water smarts"), developing essential swimming abilities as defined by the CDC and Red Cross, and learning to safely assist others in the water.

3. Glaring disparities: The CDC found substantial gaps, with over half of Hispanic adults and more than 1 in 3 Black adults never taking swimming lessons - highlighting the need for increased access and affordable options.

4. CDC recommendations: Revitalizing public pools, promoting affordable lessons through community organizations, outreach on barriers facing high-risk groups, hiring diverse aquatic staff, and implementing the National Water Safety Action Plan. 

5. Creating a water-safe culture: Designating sober "water watchers," enforcing CDC-aligned rules like using life jackets, organizing community training events and advocacy efforts to make preparedness the norm.

The episode provides a powerful call to action, underscoring how promoting water competency through education, skills training and community-driven initiatives can significantly reduce drowning tragedies - saving precious lives this summer and beyond.

References:

·       American Red Cross. Water Safety. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html

·      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning Facts.  https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html

·      Water Safety USA. Become Water Competency.  https://www.watersafetyusa.org/water-competency.html

·      Centers of Disease and Control and Prevention. (2024, May 14).  Drowning Deaths Rise in the United States [Press Release].

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0514-vs-drowning.html

Additional Resources:

·      Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety  https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming

·      Water Safety USA  https://www.watersafetyusa.org/

·      Water Safety USA https://www.watersafetyusa.org/water-competency.html#infographic

Connect with us:

Instagram: [@38percentprepared.Podcast]

Share your water safety experiences, tips, and stories of promoting water competency in your community by using the hashtag #38PercentPrepared.

Despite our best efforts to prepare and prioritize water safety, emergencies can still occur. In this engaging episode, hosts Angie and Leigh delve into crucial survival strategies for various water-related emergencies, including staying safe in flooded areas, dealing with cold water immersion, and navigating fast-moving water currents.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. Staying safe in flooded areas

Tips for safely exiting a vehicle surrounded by rising water, avoiding contaminated floodwaters, and following advisories from authorities.

2. Cold water immersion and survival techniques

Understanding the dangers of cold water shock, the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP), and floating techniques for calm water. Memorable mnemonics like the 1-10-1 rule aid retention.

3. Surviving fast-moving water

Defensive swimming positions, identifying safe exit points, and aggressive swimming techniques for fast-moving currents.

References:

• American Red Cross - Water Safety https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning Facts https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html 

• National Weather Service. Lightning Safety https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning 

• Royal Life Saving. Surviving in Cold Water. https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/post/surviving-in-cold-water#:~:text=Stay%20calm%2C%20rapid%20movement%20causes,head%20out%20of%20the%20water.

• U.S. Army. Tips to Survive a Fall Into Cold Water. https://www.army.mil/article/212474/tips_to_survive_a_fall_into_cold_water • Ocean Today. Rip Current Survival Guide. https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/ripcurrentfeature/ 

• Forest Service. Water Safety. https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/water-safety 

• National Weather Service. Survivor Stores. https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-survivor 

• National Weather Services. Rip Current Webinar. https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-webinar 

• National Weather Service. Surf Zone Fatalities. https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-fatalities Additional Resources:

• Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety resources: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming 

• Cold Water Boot Camp (survival techniques): https://www.coldwaterbootcampusa.org/ 

• Rip Current Safety for Kids https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/ripcurrentsafety/otkn_703b_ripcurrentsafety_sm.mp4 

• Rip Current Survival Guide https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/ripcurrentfeature/ripcurrent_feature_sm.mp4  

As summer approaches, families look forward to spending more time in and around water. However, the risk of drowning, which is the third leading cause of accidental injury death worldwide, should not be taken lightly. In this episode, hosts Angie and Leigh kick off a new series on water safety, exploring the risks, preventative measures, essential skills to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer and beyond, and the importance of understanding beach warning flags.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The episode also covers the importance of having an emergency plan, establishing and enforcing rules around water, being aware of potential hazards in different water environments, and following the guidance of beach warning flags when visiting coastal areas.

References:

·      World Health Organization. Drowning. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drowning

·      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 21). Drowning Facts.  https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html

·      American Red Cross.  Water Safety.  https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html

·      United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives.  https://www.poolsafely.gov/

·      Center of Disease Control.  Drowning Data. https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data/index.html

·      United States Lifeguard Association.  USLA Approved Beach Warning Flags.  https://www.usla.org/page/beach-warning-flags

·      Centers of Disease and Control and Prevention. (2024, May 14).  Drowning Deaths Rise in the United States [Press Release].

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0514-vs-drowning.html

Additional Resources:

·      National Water Safety Month campaign: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/water-safety-month-how-to-be-safe-in-and-around-the-water.html

·      Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety resources: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming

follow us on Instagram: @38percentprepared

Share your water safety tips and experiences using the hashtag #38PctPrepared.podcast

Remember, being just a little more prepared could mean the difference between a fun, carefree summer and a life-altering tragedy. Stay tuned for more episodes in our water safety series, where we'll cover surviving water emergencies, responding to drowning incidents and promoting water competency within your family and community.

Have a fun and safe summer!

One of emergency preparedness's most crucial but often overlooked aspects is having your important documents organized and accessible. By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive plan for digitizing, backing up and safeguarding all your critical paperwork to avoid bureaucratic nightmares during emergencies. Don't let missing records compound a crisis - tune in to get fully prepared!

Stay tuned for the bonus segment after the show!

Time Stamp: 11:53

Personal Identification Documents

Financial and Property Records

Medical Information 

Estate Planning Documents

Securing Your Documents

Emergency Contacts List

**Bonus Segment: Fireworks Safety for the 4th of July**

Happy 4th of July!!! Time Stamp: 11:53

As the 4th of July approaches, Leigh and Angie provide crucial fireworks safety tips in this bonus segment. They highlight alarming statistics like fireworks causing around 19,000 fires and over 9,000 injuries annually in the U.S. The hosts emphasize the importance of leaving fireworks shows to professionals, using only legal fireworks, being aware of surroundings and weather conditions, keeping water buckets nearby, and ensuring children use sparklers under close supervision. They also cover general fireworks do's and don'ts, from never lighting indoors to handling malfunctioning fireworks properly. With practical advice for protecting people, pets, and property, this segment aims to help listeners enjoy a safe and responsible fireworks season.

Reference

Ready.gov

 https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_safeguard-critical-documents-and-valuables.pdf.

"Legal Documents to Prepare for Emergency Preparedness." JustGreatLawyers.com

Firework Safety: 

https://youtu.be/cVS7AQ6yAMA?si=mikW7chyrWBLyUBL

https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/summer-safety/fireworks 

https://youtu.be/cVS7AQ6yAMA 

https://www.redcross.org/local/washington/about-us/news-and-events/news/rules-on-fireworks-safety.html 

https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/safety-tip-sheets/fireworks-safety-tips 

https://hsi.com/blog/top-10-fireworks-safety-tips

June is Pet Preparedness Month, the second installment of Pet Preparedness. Angie and Leigh discuss what to do to protect your pets during an actual disaster or emergency, as well as key considerations for the aftermath. It's important to include your pets or livestock in any emergency plans you make for your household. They are totally dependent on you for their safety and well-being.

During A Disaster
- Never leave pets tethered or caged where they can't free themselves
- Allow them to move freely in a secure space if possible  
- Keep dogs on leash and cats/small pets in carriers when with you
- Be prepared for pets to act differently due to stress and unfamiliar environments
- Avoid contaminated standing water

After A Disaster  
- Survey your property for any hazards before allowing pets back
- Watch for increased disease risks like rabies, Lyme, leptospirosis
- Get pets checked by a vet as soon as possible
- If you lost your pet, contact shelters, vets, and animal rescue groups
- Let pets decompress alone at first if overly stressed
- Have an emergency pet first aid kit and knowledge
They discuss special considerations for managing exotic pets or livestock during emergencies. Resources like the Humane Society and Red Rover are recommended.
With proper preparation and the right actions during and after a crisis, you can help keep your furry, feathered or hooved family members safe when disaster strikes.

For Part I, please see Episode 20:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/38pctprepared/episodes/20-Hurricane-Readiness-2024-and-Keeping-Pets-Safe-e2kbt9b

Timestamp:

27:50:Part I for Pet Preparedness

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/index.html

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/pet-disaster-preparedness#more

Squirrels may look cute and harmless, but these little critters are actually the #1 threat to the electrical grid in the U.S.! In this episode, hosts Angie and Leigh dive into the surprising phenomenon of power outages caused by squirrels (P.O.C.B.S).

You'll learn:

Even if they don't mean any harm, squirrels have the potential to create a crazy national incident just by doing what they do naturally. Don't let their cute exterior fool you - these critters are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the power grid! Tune in for this nutty look at squirrels' role in electricity reliability.

Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_disruptions_caused_by_squirrels

https://web.archive.org/web/20170903125355/http://blog.publicpower.org/sme/?p=730

In this episode, Leigh and Angie provide an in-depth look at predictions for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and key preparedness actions. They also cover a bonus segment on preparing for pets during disasters in recognition of National Pet Preparedness Month.

2024 Hurricane Season Outlook

Bonus Segment:

June is Pet Preparedness Month In this bonus segment, Leigh and Angie introduce June as National Pet Preparedness Month. They discuss the importance of including pets in your emergency preparedness plans, as pets can face unique risks and challenges during disasters.

Key points on preparing for pets:

Planning for Emergencies

Sources

Hurricane Season Ahead 2024https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/#ori https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/hurricanes-tropical-storms-may-up-wind-speeds-in-indiana-in-the-future#:~:text=Hurricanes%20and%20tropical%20storms%20may,are%20expected%20to%20pick%20up. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/coriolis-effect/ http://www.weather.gov https://tropical.colostate.edu/forecasting.html https://todayshomeowner.com/weather/guides/top-10-hurricane-myths-debunked/ 

Pet Preparedness: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/index.html https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/pet-disaster-preparedness#more

On this special episode, Angie and Leigh delve into the fascinating 80-year history and enduring legacy of Smokey Bear, the beloved bear mascot who has spearheaded wildfire prevention campaigns in America. Angie and Leigh trace Smokey's origins during World War II as an illustrated character created by the Forest Service to raise awareness about wildfires. You'll learn about the incredible true story of the real-life orphaned bear cub rescued from a raging wildfire in 1950, who became the living embodiment of the Smokey Bear icon. Discover how Smokey transcended generations to become a pop culture phenomenon, appearing on stamps, television shows, toys, and even traveling to outer space. His iconic slogan evolved from "Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires" to the modern "Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires," reflecting a broader environmental message. With insights from forest rangers, historians and Smokey Bear enthusiasts, this is a captivating tribute to an American advertising icon whose crucial mission of personal responsibility and environmental stewardship remains as vital as ever, 80 years later. So join us as we celebrate this milestone anniversary and gain a deeper appreciation for Smokey Bear's lasting impact. Because in his words, "Only YOU can prevent wildfires."

Resources:

"History of Smokey Bear" (PDF) by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources https://danr.sd.gov/ 

"True Story of Smokey Bear" by Village of Capitan, New Mexico https://www.villageofcapitan.org/ "The Orphan Cub" and "About the Campaign" from Smokeybear.com

Smokey Bear’s Birthday is fast approaching! Who’s Up for a History Lesson? https://www.stateforesters.org/2022/08/03/smokey-bears-birthday-is-fast-approaching-whos-up-for-a-history-lesson/#:~:text=The%20first%20Smokey%20Bear%20PSA,to%20clarify%20the%20distinction%20between https://smokeybear.adcouncilkit.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/70/2021/01/Smokey_FactsStats-1.21.pdf 

Give us Five stars for the episode and follow our show on Apple podcast and Spotify.

Connect with us on Instagram:[@38pctprepared.podcast]

Share your thoughts and experiences by using the hashtag #38PercentPrepared

On this episode of 38% Prepared, Angie and Leigh emphasize the significance of regularly practicing and maintaining your action plan over time. They provide motivating examples of how advanced preparation through an action plan allows families to stay calmer and make better decisions when faced with real emergencies.

It is important to have a solid action plan in place prior to a crisis to minimize panic and confusion. Here are some critical steps to creating an effective action plan:

1. Meet with your family to discuss preparedness and why it's important

2. Develop a communication plan for how you'll contact and reunite if separated

3. Research potential disasters for your area and their warning signs

4. Plan evacuation routes and designate meeting places

5. Post emergency contacts and info on shutting off home utilities

6. Assign responsibilities to each family member

7. Account for any special needs or disabilities in your planning

Additional Resources:

- Creating a Family Emergency Communication Plan (ready.gov)

- Emergency Preparedness Checklist (redcross.org)

- Your Home Evacuation Checklist (dhs.gov)