Disaster kit: Self-Defense beyond the mat

Disasters can strike at any time, both natural and man-made. Part of self-defense is being as prepared as possible, and self-defense is one of the founding purposes of Elite. We don’t just teach Krav Maga on the mat; we host survival camps to teach essential skills, and we try and bring relevant survival and disaster preparedness information to our students on a regular basis. Keeping yourself and your family safe is self-defense, whether it be against an attacker or the elements.

Today’s blog is an excerpt from the government’s

Home as your Disaster Kit-

You can find some valuable resources available to you in case you ever need them.

Water heater: A typical home water heater can provide 30 or more gallons of clean drinking water. To use the water in your tank, first turn off the electricity or gas to the water heater. Then, close the supply valve to preserve the cleanliness of the water in the tank. Next, get the air out of the tank by opening any hot water tap such as the kitchen sink. (Caution: The water coming out of the tank may be very hot.) You can use a short water hose (e.g., the supply hose to a washing machine) to drain the water from the tank. Use a screwdriver or coin to operate the drainage valve. If you do not have a hose to transfer the water to jugs or pots, use a shallow pan to collect the water. Allow the tank to fill before restoring power to the water heater.

• Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers filled with ice can prolong the shelf life of meat and dairy products if your refrigerator is not operating because of a power outage.

• Use insulated lunch bags with ice to keep temperature sensitive medications cool if power is out.

• A bucket with a lid can serve as a portable toilet.

• Household chlorine bleach can be used as a disinfectant (dilute 9 parts water to 1 part bleach) to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches, or those with added cleaners.

• Trash bags make good ponchos. Remember to poke a breathing hole over the mouth and nose before putting the bag on. Trash bags are also useful for sanitation and separating dry goods from wet ones.

• Use sticky notes and markers to notify family members where to meet.

• A tape and ruler splint can temporarily immobilize an arm. Alternatively, cardboard and nylon socks or a book and tape can immobilize a limb.

• Hydrogen peroxide or vinegar can be used to clean wounds. Clean water can also be used to clean wounds.

• Diapers and sanitary pads can be placed over wounds.

• Holding a scarf over your mouth will reduce smoke inhalation in the event of a fire.

• Baking soda helps to neutralize acids.

• Use plastic wrap to dress burn wounds. The wrap prevents infection.

• Do not forget can openers if relying on canned food. Granola bars, dry unsalted nuts, seeds and dried fruit (like raisins) are all options when refrigeration is unavailable. Avoid foods with high salt content.

• CDs or other shiny objects can be used as mirrors. Their reflections in the light can also be used to signal for help.

Extra Batteries

can be found in remote control devices for small led flashlights

Click on the link below for a great resource concerning emergency information and information for your disaster kit.

http://www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams