The Alternative Broadcasting Online News Station

If you are wondering how to fight spyware for safe web surfing, this Internet privacy article will answer some of your questions. By now you have probably heard about the dangers of spyware.

Spyware has become so common, it has now moved ahead of viruses as the number one danger facing computer users today. But with these safe web surfing tips you can learn how to fight spyware.

Anything you download from the Internet is a potential threat but a few types of downloads are particularly notorious for infecting your computer with spyware and adware.

Music file-sharing programs used to trade music are a major problem. Other downloads like free games, screen savers, and even smiley face packages are usually loaded with adware.

Be aware of any product that claims to be free because it’s very possible that the publisher generates revenue from sources like pop up ads while you surf.

Also quickly look at the end-user license agreement that comes with a download. During the installation process you’re asked to check a box to indicate that you agree with the terms. Although very few people ever read these, you may get clues that spyware and adware are part of the download.

If you see third-party software, anything ad-supported or if you are asked to agree to multiple end-user license agreements, cancel the installation process. This is almost a sure sign that ads will pop up and your safe web surfing will become history.

There are a few other ways to learn how to fight spyware. Go into Microsoft’s windowsupdate.com site at least once a month to make sure your system has the latest security patches. It just takes a few minutes and this alone can save your computer.

It’s very important to run and keep your anti-virus programs up to date. But with spyware and adware as the number one danger facing computer users today, you need to arm yourself with spyware protection software and keep it updated.

Our site as well as many other spyware sites offer to kill spyware free to get rid of the spyware and adware that you have on your computer now. But if you don’t install spyware protection software, a spyware program could reinstall automatically within minutes from being cleaned from your computer.

You and your family deserve to be able to surf the Internet without your privacy being at risk. If you really want to fight spyware, invest into quality spyware protection software and keep this threat away from your computer.

Copyright © 2005 Spyware Information.com All Rights Reserved.

This article is provided by http://www.spyware-information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, valuable tips and updated articles about adware and spyware removal programs to protect your identity. For other informative spyware and adware articles go to http://spyware-information.com

Introduction

Part 1 of this article on preparing for weather emergencies discussed forming an emergency plan to reduce the stress and worry of facing a full blown weather crisis.

The focus was on safeguarding your family by planning well in advance of any threat.

This, the second half of the article, looks at two things.

• Preparing your home to survive severe weather, and securing it in case you have to leave.

• Coping with evacuation or temporary isolation, and assembling one or more emergency kits.

Home Security

Some forms of weather related emergency are capable of destroying your home no matter what you do - floods, tornadoes and Category 5 hurricanes come to mind.

But long term preparation and a clear plan for when severe weather is approaching can do a lot to protect your home from damage or destruction. Or to protect you if you are inside.

So put together a plan about securing your home and loading valuables and essential supplies into your vehicle in case you have to leave quickly.

Such tasks are made easier if you have been able to assemble suitable tools and equipment well before the problems arise.

Long term plans could include adding roof ties or even strapping down your house if strong winds are likely, or reinforcing an interior ground floor room to provide refuge from destructive winds.

Between a threat developing and dangerous weather arriving, there is usually some time to add protection to your home. Boarding up windows if faced with strong winds, or cutting back flammable vegetation and cleaning gutters if faced with a wildfire are worthwhile tasks if you have the time.

And as a last minute job, store outdoor furniture securely - apart from the probability of loss, a strong wind can turn them into effective missiles that could be directed at your home.

Finally, know how and where to turn off utilities - water, gas, power - and make sure other family members know it too.

Emergency Kits

An Emergency Kit is a pre-packed container which you can grab instantly if faced with a threatening situation. It should hold everything you will need if you are cut off from utilities and supplies, and should be kept separate from products and tools which you use everyday or for recreation.

It is also worth considering permanent kits for your car and workplace, but let’s focus on those kept at home.

Depending on the types of threats you may face, you could need two sorts - one if you have to leave and another if you are staying.

They should be designed to meet the particular needs of you and your family in the sorts of emergency you are most likely to face. For more information, visit the FEMA website, and check out their excellent manual at http://www.fema.gov/areyouready

Here are a few suggestions.

If you have to evacuate, your destination will probably provide food and shelter. Clothing and special needs - baby and infant needs, prescription and basic medical supplies - are the most important. Include extra warm clothes - heating may not be efficient. Food treats and special toys will make things easier for children. Some basic food and a couple of gallons of bottled water are always worth including just in case. A “keep your hands off” supply of emergency cash is also a great idea.

Alternatively, if you are likely to be isolated and unable to leave your home for a while, assemble a kit which will keep you supplied for at least three days. Assume you will have no power, heat, water or waste disposal.

The essentials are plenty of water - allow 1 gallon (4.5l) per person per day, of which half will be drinking water. Commercial bottled water is a good choice. Include non perishable food, preferably low salt, and don’t forget a manual can opener. You’ll need a battery powered radio and a flashlight, both with plenty of extra batteries, and a first aid kit.

A camp stove and gas bottles are a great addition, and you’ll need some cooking gear and some matches in a water proof container. Make sure you have enough infant or special needs, plus any necessary medication. And warm clothes should be included, plus strong shoes.

Now much of this gear will be in your house anyway, but the point of this kit is that it can double for an evacuation kit, and will be ideal if your destination is somewhere other than relatives or an emergency shelter.

And Finally…..

OK, you’ve given up some of your valuable time and made your plans for all likely eventualities. Chances are you’ll never have to use them, but things happen, and the hundred year flood may turn up next year. You can now relax and know you’ve done your best to protect your family and your home.

One more thing. Include in your plans some time in a year or so to review everything, to make sure everyone understands the plan, and to go through the emergency kits and replace anything that’s damaged or out of date. It won’t take long, and you’ll be ready for anything.

©2005, Graham McClung. This article is adapted from a free special report on weather emergencies. It can be downloaded from http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/tyvm.html

While you’re there, check out the rest of the site for more information on dangerous and spectacular weather.

Are you aware of the need for security?

Your awareness of the need for security, is the best place to begin a discussion on physical property security. What is security awareness? Our definition is multi-faceted, and includes the ability to identify known and unknown threats, being aware of the technologies, products and services that can defuse those threats, knowing how to operate the products and systems you have, and most importantly the awareness that these systems must be used, and must be used all of the time. This security awareness may be more important to the security of your home and business than any of the security hardware or systems you install. Why is this? Any lock or security system, will not do you any good unless, You use it!

An old adage states that “locks only keep honest people honest”, and is possibly very true. If the “bad guys” really want to get in, all we can really hope for is to slow them down. If you, with our help, choose and have installed the correct hardware and/or systems, we CAN slow them down - or at least discourage them from threatening your loved ones and your property.

We’ve all heard the stories, usually from older relatives, about never having to lock our doors or cars, because the town was so safe, and they knew everyone. Well it is sad to say, but those days are gone. When people choose not to secure their property, they are not doing only themselves a disservice, they are also hurting their community. If any one of us makes it easier for the “bad guys” to prosper, they will multiply, our communities become less safe, our property values decline, and our quality of life suffers.

Yes that’s right, if a lock is not locked, it’s only a decoration. You need to be aware of using your locks every time you leave as the “bad guys” don’t advertise what day they are coming!

In medieval times security was easy; the property owner built a castle, dug a moat, and erected a drawbridge. Today these measures are not practical, or even desired. In today’s society, if you lived in a castle, and made all of your decisions based on safety and security, you would at the very least be labeled as paranoid. It is important that you balance the level of security you install, and how it operates, with your unique situation. You and any other persons need to fully understand how your systems operate - does it require you to lock it manually or will it fortify your property automatically. If you have too much security, you will not use it; too little security, and it will not do the job.

Back to our medieval castle. The property owner recognizing that he might have to increase the level of security at a moments notice, made provisions to place his archers along the walls. We don’t have any archers, but we can be sure that systems and plans are in place. Thus, we can increase the level of security and protection if the threat level increases.

You can combine this security awareness with properly chosen and installed hardware and/or security systems. And with the general security tips provided at this site. Then you can take this information and apply it to your particular situation. With a little initiative and the use of this new security awareness you will be on the way to creating “Peace of Mind” for your family, business and community.

Please visit http://www.SecureYourStuff.com for links to manufacturers sites and crime prevention sites, many of which have additional security tips.

Jim Newell a Security Professional and Consultant for over 35 years, operates a wed site who’s mission is to bring you information about security systems , security devices and security hardware. To help you to make informed and educated decisions about securing your personal property, your home and your business property. Visit http://www.secureYourStuff.com for more info.

Nanny Cams have, undeniably, a positive impact on the safety of children under the supervision of hired caregivers. And as any review of articles and news reports will show, nanny cams fulfill another important role besides the very real benefit of protecting small children: protecting parents’ peace of mind. Parental comfort level at leaving young children with a professional nanny or even a casual babysitter increases dramatically when they know the caregiver’s behavior is being monitored.

Some professional childcare services are beginning to install nanny cams. According to the web site of Tutor Time, a franchise childcare outlet, “classrooms are equipped with observation windows and security cameras.” (www.tutortime.com)

For childcare businesses like Tutor Time, the motivation for using surveillance cameras is probably mixed. Having the cameras in use is a great selling point for customer comfort, and they serve the twofold purpose of watching over the children while also protecting the company. For, just as a nanny cam can help prove misbehavior by hired help in the home, a videotape can be a powerful defense against unjust accusations of abuse leveled at professional providers.

The cameras protect Tutor Time and similar companies in two ways. Not only do they have a record of their safe and appropriate care, but management will be the first to know if one of their employees is, in any way whatsoever, behaving inappropriately – whether committing a serious crime of abusing a child, or a petty one of, say, stealing supplies.

Of course, some homeowners who install security cameras have discovered other crimes being committed – cleaning service personnel or maintenance workers caught on tape as they have stolen money or valuables. Without question, there’s a lot to be said for the safety and security factor of home security systems like nanny cams.

What about privacy issues, though? Is it an intrusion on anyone’s right to privacy to be spied on in the workplace, even if that workplace is another individual’s home? According to about.com’s childcare page (http://childcare.about.com/cs/evaluations/bb/nannycam.htm), 15 states (see list below) prohibit recording someone’s speech without his or her consent, but “using a hidden camera to record silent video” is legal in every state. And our question is, “Why not?”

Most nannies are professionally trained and licensed, and the vast majority do their job well and honorably. Many, in fact, are accustomed to being watched at work, either while providing ongoing care in the company of parents or in public when children are taken to the park or other activities. But what of the neighborhood teen who agrees to watch your five-year-old for per hour? Whether the reputation is deserved or not, teenagers are notoriously irresponsible. Doesn’t it make sense to see – even at a remove and after the fact – whether or not they’re doing their job?

The fact is, there’s a huge difference between invasive surveillance of your home by an outsider and your decision to surveille your own home to protect it from outsiders. It’s really a question of trust: I hire you to come into my home to do a particular service, whether housecleaning, caring for my child, or fixing my furnace. That’s what you’re expected to do, and that’s what I trust you to do. My home is now your workplace, no different from the 7-11 or any other business with security monitors. If you – the service provider – fulfill your part of the bargain, you shouldn’t have any objection to being watched while you do the work.

Is there, in fact, any real difference between my personal habit of watching a plumber or furnace repairman (and asking what are to him, no doubt, endless and irritating questions), and my neighbor’s decision to monitor the same work by the same worker using a camera instead?

Yes. The difference is slight, but real, but it can easily be overcome. The difference is the knowledge by the observed person that he or she is being observed. My plumber knows I’m there, watching, asking, monitoring his work, and giving him a headache; my neighbor’s housekeeper probably does not know that she’s under observation.

The easiest way to eliminate concerns about privacy is to make no secret that a video camera is in use. Post a sign, or verbally inform the visitor that for security reasons your home is protected by a security camera system. Or place cameras in a visible location where they can be seen – but not tampered with.

That solution raises the natural objection that informing people they’re being watched will put them doubly on their guard to try to avoid detection. But you might be surprised; you might find that caregivers, maintenance workers (at least from reputable companies), and housecleaners are glad, even relieved, to know that they can’t be falsely accused!

States in which it is illegal to record speech without a person’s consent: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Originally Published: http://www.vertexsecurity.com/news.php?id=38

The subject of home security is very important and should be given plenty of advance thought regardless of whether you live in an apartment or house that you own. You want to be sure that your possessions and personal safety are well protected at all times. All of the best home security measures in the world cannot help you after a crime has been committed. They can only be of use to help prevent the crime in the first place. So here are some simple ways to help increase your own personal safety:

* Install a home security system that can monitor all of the entry and exit areas of your home and sound a loud alarm if someone breaks in. If you happen to live in an apartment where you are not allowed to run wires through the walls, you can get a wireless home security system instead that will still do the job and has the advantage of being able to be removed and taken with you when you find a new place to live. Because of being wireless, these kind of security systems can also be very easy to install by the average person and they are inexpensive as well.

* Get a watchdog that will bark when someone they don’t know approaches the home. It doesn’t even have to be a big or ferocious dog at all, just one that makes noise when it feels threatened by a stranger. This one simple tip can be incredibly effective in protecting your personal safety as most criminals that have bad intentions do not want to have to deal with the loud noise and attention that a vocal dog can cause. They would rather choose an easier target instead.

* If you have valuables that are very expensive, it may be wise not to keep them at home at all. You can rent a safety deposit box in a bank instead for such high dollar or high value items. For other valuables you may want to consider a home safe as this lessens the possibility that a burglar can get at your valuables quickly and leave undetected. Speed and stealth are very important to home burglars and anything that you can do to slow them down improves your chances of protecting your valuable items.

* Lastly, always keep home security in mind. The best home security system won’t help you if you forget to turn it on. Likewise, you are only inviting trouble if you forget to lock your doors and windows at night. Hiding a key in close proximity to your front door is a way to allow intruders easy access to your home. So just try to think about home security as much as possible and make it part of your routine to actually use the home security equipment that you have, and practice safe home security measures as part of your daily life.

If you plan in advance for increasing your personal safety and then carry out your plans on a daily basis you will greatly improve your chances of keeping both you and your possessions safe and protected.

Jim Johnson is a successful author and publisher on consumer related matters. You can find out more about wireless home security and wireless home security systems by visiting our Home Security website.

Everyone is talking about online shopping. It’s easy and a lot less hassle than a trip to the mall. It puts unbelievable choice right at your fingertips. Despite the advantages, there are certain things you do and don’t do when it comes to your money and your safety. Street smarts are the rule online and off when it comes to safe shopping. Online that goes double.

Online shoppers, just like those in the physical world, know to be aware of the neighborhood where they are shopping. They know the reputations of the places where they do business. They watch their wallets, and they know to be aware of who might be scrutinizing them just a little too closely.

Do a little research. Anyone can build a website. If you encounter an unfamiliar company where you want to shop, find out who they are. Look for an address. Be wary of any company that does not list one. An address is no guarantee, but you can use it to check references with the Better Business Bureau, BBB. Their online site at http://bbb.org/ has nationwide listings.

Sometimes you may want more information than the BBB provides. In this case, after the BBB check, use your favorite search engine and try an “about search.” The difference in an “about search,” and just looking for the site, is that you already know where the site is; now you want to find out what people are saying about it. Generally, just putting “about” in front of the company name will get you started.

For a very small purchase, you might want to dispense with all this investigating. But do use a low limit credit card. That way if anything does go awry, it isn’t that far awry. Yes, we all know about the $50 liability limit, but the low limit card can be a hassle saver online.

You may choose not to use a debit card online at all. Many debit cards do not offer the same protections against fraud as credit card companies. You could be putting your whole bank account at risk.

While you are at it, be sure to check out the return policy and guarantee. Online and off, most good companies do accept returns, either by providing a cash refund or product exchange. Note, however, shipping costs are typically not refunded for online purchases.

Online Security:

After you’ve found exactly what you have been looking for, checked out the seller, and their return policy; the next thing you need to do is make sure the site is secure. Secure means your personal information is encrypted in transit to the seller’s server. This prevents unauthorized (hacker) access and possible misuse of your credit information.

Examine the URL in the address bar. If the site is encrypted you will see an “s” directly after the http – like https://. The whole site will not be encrypted, but the order page for the transaction should be.

Other things to look for – depending on your browser, you may see either an open or a closed padlock, or a whole or broken key. If the key is broken or the lock open, you should assume that the site is not encrypted.

Sometimes security issues get tricky. Suppose you personally know the owner, it is a solid local business, but there is no encryption system in place and they expect you to transmit your credit information online. With small businesses, this is most often a case of not knowing better, that does not, however, mean that you do not. In cases like this, look for a phone number and call in your order. If there is no phone number and no mailing address, you should seriously consider whether you want to risk an unsecured transaction.

Common sense is the rule online and off. Guard your personal information, including Social Security Number, bank account information and passwords. No reputable merchant has a need for your Social Security Number and it is not standard policy to ask for it when you buy your groceries for instance. Requiring this for a routine purchase should send up a red flag. You should immediately take your business elsewhere. Some will do whatever they can think of, in all kinds of official looking ways, to get you to provide private personal information. If you call, they may personally assure you that they do indeed need your bank account and password to sell you that CD. No way, just because it looks good, and they sound sincere, doesn’t mean that it is or they are, and you may not know there was ever a problem until you see your credit report.

The last big rule is to keep copies of everything. Print out the pages with the description and prices of items you order. Print out your credit card receipt. Most companies will email you a copy as well. Keep that too, and make sure it matches your online information.

And remember, online and off, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t let the heat of the offer lull you into abandoning your good common sense. Of course, you could miss the deal of a lifetime, and that is exactly what the unscrupulous want you to think. Likely as not, online and off – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Shopping the net is destined to change the way we do business, but it is still a new frontier, with many of the uncertainties that go with it. The only way to really be secure online is to develop your street smarts and sometimes, that may not be enough. It will certainly level the field though, and by keeping your cyber smarts well honed, you should be able to safely shop the net.

Regina Garson has lived and worked on the Internet for many years. She teaches computer classes at Virginia College in Huntsville, Alabama. Online and off, she has helped many learn their way around the net. For more about online shopping, you can visit her website: LaFindz of the Net at http://lafindz.tripod.com

Because of the prevalence of door-to-door solicitation in some communities, criminals seeking to “case your place” for some future action and investigators hoping for a quick look inside often use the guise of a solicitor.

Furthermore, even “legitimate” solicitors may be difficult to get rid of until you agree to purchase whatever they are hawking or support the group they are advocating.

To keep unwanted company from knocking on your front door, it is necessary to place a barrier between thepublic street and your front door. This barrier does not need to be a 12-foot-tall electric fence, but rather anything that keeps people from easily approaching your home from the public street.

A decorative fence around your yard combined with a locking gate will keep solicitors at bay.

Not everyone however has a yard around which to erect a fence. A gate blocking the steps onto your front porch can prove just as effective, as can a locked door at the main entrence of an apartment building. The idea is to make the approaching your front door more effort than it is worth for the solicitor, salesman, or snoop.

That said, the effectiveness of a dog in deterring solicitors, trespassers, and other door-to-door nuisances cannot be overlooked (altough a dog does not have the same effect as a physical barrier). Of course, the effectiveness of a dog in discouraging people from approaching your door depends a great deal on the disposition of the dog.

Almost any dog will bark at the approach of a stranger; however, a barking dog may not prevent someone from approaching your door unless it is clearly of a mind to do so. Many door-to-door solicitors are used to dealing with dogs and many simply ignore the dog’s bark unless the dog appears ready to back the bark up with some bite.

This does not mean that your dog must be Cujo on steroids to deter solicitors, but it must give enough of an aggressive appearance that solicitors won’t be willing to tempt fate and the dog’s temperament for the sake of a sale.

Even if you dog happens to be Cerberus who guard the gates of hell, there should be still be a locked gate for him to guard.

I strongly believe that dogs provide an excellent addition to your personal and home security, and their acute senses detect trespassers where people may not, but a dog is not a replacement for a physical barrier. Rather, he is an addition to it!

For any type of surveillance and security needs, Max Penn’s “Spy Equipment Buying Guide” is here to help. To find more check out spy gear.

The phone tap is one of the more common types of surveillance
activities. The military, government agencies, and police use
phone taps to listen to conversations. Additionally, there are
private investigators and amateur spies who each use some sort
of phone tap to obtain information. It is even possible for
regular people to participate in phone tapping, if they have the
right equipment. This can be helpful in amassing evidence in
divorce cases that my include allegations of infidelity or in
instances of feeling threatened by someone else.

In order to set up an effective phone tap, however, it is
important to know what types of taps there are, as well as what
each kind of phone tap does. You should carefully consider your
situation and your budget, and then choose the type of phone
surveillance that works best for you.

Soft. This type of phone tap is becoming more and more prevalent
as technology advances. This is because a soft tap uses special
listening software. The idea is to tap into the phone system of
a company or a home. Even tapping into the software at the phone
company (even many land lines are now serviced at the phone
company by digital lines) can be done. By modifying the software
that acts as the “switchboard and eavesdropper can obtain access
to conversations. It is fairly easy to find this sort of phone
tap, as long as you have unrestricted access to the system that
is affected by the tap.

Hard. The hard phone tap is one where there is actual physical
contact with a wire. For instance, a secondary wire is attached
to a PBX cable or to a transfer box containing the desired line.
A third location receives the signal via a bridge. There is no
way for the parties on the line to detect any interference, and
it is very difficult to use a bug sweeper to detect a hard phone
tap.

Transmit. A transmit phone tap is one that sends information
using airwaves. This means that there is no hooking into a line
and there is no need to hack into a software system. However, a
transmitter gives off a great deal of RF energy. Nearly any
person can use a bug sweeper to detect this type of phone tap.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about:
Phone Tap

If you’ve been on the internet for any length of time, you’ve
collected about a zillion accounts and their associated
passwords. Personally, I have over 500 different active accounts
all over the web and probably a thousand more inactive or unused
accounts.

Most people don’t have anywhere near that number, but I’ll bet
you have at least a couple of dozen. Let’s see, you’ve probably
got an account at your bank’s website, a few credit cards,
egroups, perhaps a few webrings, your ISP, email, hotmail,
perhaps AOL, and a few others that you don’t use as often.

If you are like most people, you cannot even come close to
remembering it all. In fact, a lot of people simply create the
same account name and password everywhere … and that’s
extremely dangerous.

Let’s say a hacker figures out your AOL account and password. If
every other account that you own has the same username and
password … well, you get the idea. Now all he has to do is
figure out where you have accounts … but he could just try it
at a number of say, banking sites or credit card sites, and
perhaps he will get lucky. You may make it even easier for him
by mentioning your sites in your AOL emails or on your web site.

So how do you protect yourself? First, make sure your passwords
are all different. Don’t use the same password on all of your
accounts … and try and use a few different usernames if you
can.

Next, be sure and choose some password that are not so easy to
guess. Avoid names (husband, wife, kids, cats and so on), social
security and phone numbers, addresses and anything else that
someone could figure out if they knew anything about you.

Also avoid some common words. Did you know that the most common
password is simply “password”. “God” is also common, especially
amoung system managers. Avoid common words such as these.

All right! Now you’ve got all of your 30 or so accounts set up
with different account names and different difficult-to-guess
passwords. How are you going to remember them all?

Rule number one is be prepared for disaster. Write down all of
your usernames and passwords in a notebook (yes, on paper). No,
really. You need to do this because computers sometimes die, and
when they do it’s at the worst possible time. You may not even
have a backup, and if you loose all of your passwords you could
lose a lot.

Keep this notebook safe, perhaps locked in a drawer. It’s
probably a good idea to keep a copy in your safe deposit box -
so someone can get to your accounts after you die, perhaps, or
if you are in the hospital or something else happens.

Now keep a computer record also, which you will maintain more
up-to-date. I like using a program called Password Tracker,
although you could just as easily use Excel or even notepad. The
idea is to record all of your account information as you create
or change it. Password Tracker is great because it also gives
you tools to enter the data for you.

A product to avoid is Gator (I use both Password Tracker). This
program is handy for saving passwords and filling in forms, but
it is spyware and transmits details of your surfing habits to a
corporate database.

Be sure and keep backups of the Password Tracker database …
believe me, you don’t want to lose this information if you can
avoid it.

By the way, I’ve learned to avoid the automatic account and
password features of Internet Explorer. Why? Because there is no
way to save, print out or get to the information. Thus, if the
computer dies I lose my passwords with no way to recover. I
don’t use Netscape much, but I would guess the same thing
applies.

To conclude, use different account names and passwords for your
various web sites. Record them on paper and store that somewhere
safe. In addition, you can use programs link Excel, Gator and
Password Tracker to save all of this information for you.
Finally, and very importantly, be very prepared for disaster.

The hurricane season will be upon us shortly and it is wise to begin preparations for all consequences associated with these catastrophic events. Timely and proper planning will avoid much of the stress resulting from hurricane damage and may well avoid injury and loss of life.

The Hurricane Season

Many people do not realize that the hurricane season is lengthy and spans the six month period from June 1 to December 1 each year. The frequency of major storms has been escalating recently in cycles that increase and decrease over 10 to 20 year periods. Most weather forecasters acknowledge that we are presently in a cycle of increased hurricane activity with the potential for as many as 15-17 named storms forecasted in 2006.

Areas of Risk

Hurricanes and tropical storms are a worldwide phenomenon. The storms affecting the United States and the Caribbean are called hurricanes while the storms in the Pacific are called typhoons and tropical storms in the Indian Ocean are designated tropical cyclones. Low lying coastal areas are at increased risk but inland areas as far as 200-300 miles can still suffer heavy damage. In the United States the coastal areas of the Southeast are at risk and all areas of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have historically seen extensive storm damage; areas as far north as Massachusetts and Rhode Island have suffered direct hurricane hits. In 2006, at least one major storm is forecasted to hit the Middle Atlantic and Northeast states.

Hurricanes are Serious Events

Anyone who has experienced a hurricane will attest to the fact that these are serious weather events.

Hurricanes are ranked from category 1 (sustained winds in excess of 78mph) to category 5 (sustained winds in excess of 155mph); even a category 1 storm can create extensive damage. Damage from wind, flooding and storm surges can destroy buildings and cause widespread flood damage. By far the most serious cause of impairment however, is the storm surge created by wind pressure and wave action. Storm surges as high as 30 feet are not uncommon in major storms.

In 2005 a category 3 storm (Katrina) destroyed a large portion of New Orleans and, notwithstanding substantial Federal Government aid, the area has yet to recover. In 2004 a deadly category 5 storm (Ivan) destroyed many of the homes and buildings on a number of islands in the Caribbean and the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Ivan was particularly dangerous with 24 hours of sustained winds of 165 mph and wind gusts recorded as high as 207mph. With a storm surge of over 20 feet, approximately 1/3 of a particular island was covered by water and disappeared from radar as the storm passed.

Hurricanes generally result in at least some loss of life both at sea and on land even for relatively minor storms, however major storms can be much more devastating. At the turn of the twentieth century, an unnamed storm took the lives of between 6,000 to 10,000 people in Galveston, Texas. The worst recorded loss of life resulted from a tropical cyclone that hit East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) with over 200,000 lives lost.

At a minimum, hurricanes result in the loss of water service, electrical power and communications for a period of time during and after the storm. Frequently, this period can extend for weeks and even months in some cases.

Modern Technology is Good News

Modern computer technology and forecasting techniques have increased the period of warning that allows preparation for the impact of the storm. These types of warnings allow preparation and even evacuation in the event of a powerful, threatening storm.

For those who remain in place during a storm, advance preparation is required in order to survive the aftermath of the storm. This requires stockpiling of the proper supplies prior to the storm because demand for supplies immediately before a storm increases rapidly and shortages occur. Therefore, advance preparation is the key to survival success.

A Three Step Disaster Plan

In order to survive a hurricane disaster, proper planning is critical and takes enormous effort. In addition to assembling supplies as early as possible, a plan must be devised and also practiced. A simple but effective plan developed by The Harvard Medical School is as follows:

1) Collect disaster supplies

The devastation incurred by Hurricane Katrina is graphic evidence of just how destructive natural disasters can be. Those affected are without electricity, water, domestic gas, telephone and even shelter. To be prepared, collect the following items and store them so that they will easily be found in the event of an emergency — but not so easily that you end up depleting the supplies without realizing it. Some people store these items in a section of the basement or a closet that is used infrequently. Decide what will work best for you.

Disaster-supply list

– Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day; three-day supply ideal)
– Cash (ATM and credit cards may not work or be accepted by businesses)
– Cellular phone (with non electrical charger, such as a car charger or AAA battery pack)
– Clothing and underwear
– Phone numbers of friends and family
– Important Documents (driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, etc.) in a waterproof container
– Dust mask (one per person)
– Eating utensils (plastic or disposable)
– Emergency numbers: local, state and federal
– Financial inventory (a list of bank and investment accounts, mortgages and loans, including account numbers and location of original documents)
– First-aid kit (see “Your first-aid kit,” below)
– Flashlight with extra batteries
– Food (canned goods and other nonperishable items that do not require cooking)
– Masking tape, duct tape
– Medical information (list of your medications, any chronic conditions and medical history)
– Medications (three-day supply of all daily medications)
– Paper towels, toilet paper and sanitary products
– Pet supplies and carrier (include food, water, leashes and records of shots)
– Plastic sheeting
– Radio (battery-operated) with extra batteries
– Scissors
– Sleeping bags or blankets (one per person)
– Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
– Tools (can opener, knife, pliers; a Swiss army knife may suffice)
– Trash bags

2) Create a portable supply kit

In case you have to evacuate your home, it is good to put the supplies you think you would need the most in a portable container. Some people try to fit all of the supplies listed above in a large rolling trashcan with a lid or a large rolling cooler. Another option is to store the items in several small coolers or boxes. Think about what supplies you need, what you can reasonably carry or store in your car, and how many people will be available to help you transport the supplies.

3) Develop and practice an emergency plan
All the planning in the world will not do much good if you do not prepare ahead of time. Not only does this enable you to go through your plan while you are calm and thinking clearly, but it also enables you to modify it before you have to put it into action.

– Identify emergency evacuation routes and shelters in your community and near your workplace.
– Decide where family members should meet if you are separated in an emergency.
– Identify a backup location to meet at, in case the first location is impossible to reach.
– Identify a point-person in the family who will serve as the central contact to call in case of confusion.
– Choose an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as a backup contact, in the event that local lines are tied up or out of service.
– Provide every member of the family with a cellular phone or prepaid phone card to make sure they can make a call in the event of an emergency.
– Consider family members with special needs while making plans. (For example, who will help someone in a wheelchair?) Do not forget your pets, either. (For example, where can you leave pets if you have to evacuate to a hotel that does not allow them?)
– Practice the plan at least once per year.

Source: Harvard Medical School (hms.harvard.edu)

Water is Critical

Of all the supplies listed the most critical by far is an adequate supply of drinking water. Everything else (including food) is secondary to water because the body needs a large and continuous supply of fresh water. After a hurricane, water service is interrupted for lengthy periods of time because of lack of power and the fact that existing water supplies are often polluted. Pure and fresh water is mandatory to ensure proper hydration and avoid disease spread through polluted water.

Plan to collect and store water supplies that exceed the minimum and use the highest quality water possible. Ultra-pure distilled water can be stored for long periods because there are no minerals or bacteria in the water; supplies can be maintained almost indefinitely if stored in a cool dark place.

Estimate supplies for more than your immediate needs because in times of emergency and hurricanes many people move to safer structures or higher ground, which may burden existing supplies of safer locations.
Plan for the worst as your life and well being may be at stake

Jon Stout is the Chairman of the board for Element H2O, a bottler in Chantilly, Virginia offering only Ultra Pure bottled water products and private label opportunities for small and large businesses in all 50 states and Canada.

Elements H2O’s clients include businesses in the health and fitness and hospitality industries, fitness centers, gyms, large and small hotels, day spas, catering companies, and many others.

You can reach Jon Stout at 1-866-4-PURITY, or by email at jon.stout@ElementH2O.com