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Show Outsmarting a Disaster If Oscar the Grouch can do it, so can you. Oscar, the grumpy Sesame Street character lives in a garbage can. And while you don't need to take up residence in one, living out of a garbage can could save your life in a disaster. However, the garbage can has to be one you've stocked carefully with emergency supplies. Admittedly, not everyone will experience earthquakes, floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes or flat tires in his lifetime. But if you do, will you be ready? Statisticans are gloomy about survival odds under disastrous conditions. But the worst part of a disaster may not be the event itself. Often the aftermath takes the largest toll on life and health. Lack of food, clean water, heat, light, first-aid equipment, trained medical help it's the lack of preparation, not the disaster itself, that often kills. At a general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, church members were instructed to include among their recommended year's supply of food, clothing and fuel an emergency two-week supply. And a good place to store much of it, they were told, is in a garbage can. A sufficient stash of food, medical supplies, flashlights, blankets and other necessities can be unobtrusively stored in a clean garbage can in a corner, in a garage or under a table. If disaster strikes, you're prepared. Just grab the garbage can and head for shelter. If a can would be too heavy, use a backpack for the same purpose. Have it packed and ready to go, conveniently stored where it's accessible. If you have a car, consider keeping part of your trunk stocked with emergency supplies. This is a wise idea for times other than disasters, too. If you have a flat tire or a suddenly dead engine in an isolated place, your emergency supplies might help. Under some conditions, however, relying solely on a cache in your car won't help unless your trunk storage is packaged in an easily carried form. You couldn't take much with you if you had to carry heavy cans and bulky sweaters in your arms. But a backpack makes it simpler. Your emergency supply should include several essentials. Consider water purification tablets, matches, candles, a filled canteen, a flashlight, batteries, warm clothing, a first-aid kit, a transistor radio, needed medications, an area map, food and if you have canned food a can opener. You might also include a poncho or other protection against rain, first-aid instructions, a list of emergency aid locations in your community, basic tools, flares and a sleeping bag. Probably the heaviest item on the list is food. Light, freeze-dried foods that need only moisture and cooking are avail-ble, although they can be expensive. Avoid carrying food in glass containers. Store foods that are not easily perishable and are high in calories and nutrients. Also include vitamin talbets. Once you've organized an emergency stash, spend an afternoon with your family or close friends discussing what steps to follow. Choosing a central meeting place in case of disaster will save you anxiety and worry, it's also wise to instruct family members in turning off gas, water and electricity sources. This can help protect your home from the backlash effects that often accompany disasters. You might never experience a catastrophic disaster that will pit your life against your preparation and ingenuity. But if you do, this simple supply 5 might save your life. |