Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]

None of the above.

Great Grandfather Roberts is buried in Oklahoma and I have one photo of him...[Dad’s Grandfather] On the reservation.

Dad’s mother was a full blood Scots and from Virginia.

They also had connection to Mississippi, as that is where Dad was born, but then his Dad was one of the Cherokee’s working on the railroad.

Mother was from Texas, as were her parents and grandparents.

You do not have any doubts of their blood line, looking at the family photos, tall, dark and so proud.

Farmers mixed in on both sides.

I have not traced the line, and for years some of them tried to hide the fact that we are indian, but certain habits and thoughts made me start asking questions.

I asked my mom, she said not me, talk to your dad.

So I wrote to him, and found out he was half, but mom was a full blood and when I got to her side of the family, they all said they were Cherokee, that my mom had been tired of the indian label and moved to California for a new start, so she decided she was Irish/Spanish......

One cousin on mom’s side was working on it, but has died and we do not know what happened to her work.

My brother and I are the tall thin kind.

The rest are short and stout.

I never met my g-grandma, but the from pics I saw of her, and what I’ve been told by older relatives, I look just like her. I’m definitley on the stout side, and I have her moon face and high cheekbones and the silver stripe in my hair on the right hand side of my temple. The black hair and eyes didn’t make it to my generation. LOL Some of my aunts had black hair/eyes and the silver stripe.

Many in the family have an affinity for the land and growing things and creatures. Very creative and talented.

and I have written several books. Writing is the easy part—getting published is the hard part!<<<

Forgot to say that I am not surprised that you have them already written....

It is in our genes.

Can you self publish? What about selling them on CD’s?

I am super tired and not thinking clearly right now, I think the word that I want is manuscript, but the one I am talking about was printed on better paper and was being sold for a figure like $50.00.

I thought as i listened, what a neat way to make money, the guest on the talk show, said he had 50 manuscripts to sell, and he did in a few minutes and I always wanted to know how many times he sold them with numbers of 1 to 50.

The callers were wild to buy a “manuscript”.

I like the way the Soap Makers were publishing their books, in loose leaf notebooks, so they could send or sell you more information as it was written.

They were selling for $39.00, one of the writers, I would have paid that for her book, as I know what Rita’s writing is and it is worth it.

There are many, who swear by self publishing.

So do not give up, you will make it.

Here’s a recipe for an economical cream of brocoli or cream of asparagus soup using what would normally be thrown away.

Don’t throw away the scraps when you make fresh brocoli or asparagus. They can be used to make this cream of asparagus or brocoli soup.

I’m an Italian style cook (meaning I rarely use measuring devices except when baking) so these measures are approximate:

-1 quart of chicken broth
-The cuttings from 2 bunches of brocoli or asparagus. Save a spear or two or a floweret or two to chop up and add texture. Otherwise, you’re just using the scraps. Obviously remove spoiled portions.
-half cup of cream. Milk will do in a pinch.
-About 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
-A half cup of cold water/flour mixture as you would use to thicken a gravy.
-salt, pepper to taste.

Start by boiling 2/3 of the broth and adding the brocolli or asparagus, with the exception of the small portion of stalk/floret that you will add later for texture. Boil for 7-10 minutes.

Remove the brocoli/asparagus pieces from hot broth and put in blender. Add the remaining (cold) broth to the blender and liquify the asparagus/brocoli pieces. Add back to the hot broth. Mix. Continue to cook. Add in cream or milk and cream of tartar. Slowly stir in flour/water mixture to thicken. Add salt and pepper. Add in chopped asparagus/brocoli pieces for about 4 minutes before done.

Will be happy to add you to the “surviving socialism” pinglist. The articles are of more of a financial emphasis, but I think that saving money and living frugally will be a necessary survival skill in difficult times.

I haven’t given up. Even if I never get published, I get a lot of satisfaction from writing. I’ve created worlds, peopled them, lived and laughed and loved with my characters. And my sisters get a lot of free reading material! LOL I have more books than the library, because everything interests me! The internet is the coolest invention—it’s like having a library at your fingertips 24/7.

I know what you mean about tired—the greenhouse about whipped me today, and I have to go in early in the am to do paperwork. At least Sat is sposed to be cool and rainy. I’ll play catchup then!

It’s not even 9:00 and I’m struggling to keep my eyes open. I’m headed for beddy bye right here shortly! Sleep tight!

silver stripe in my hair on the right hand side of my temple.<<<

Dad’s sister Bess had the white stripe, and dark hair, can’t recall the side.

I was pure white by 30 years.

Yes on the gardens and crafts.

Yes on high cheekbones and esp.

saving money and living frugally will be a necessary survival skill in difficult times.<<<

Yes, you are correct, all the way.

Many of us are already feeling the squeeze.

When you look at this thread and realize that I started it on Sunday night, you get the feeling that we want the information that is out there, we want to survive, with the least fuss.

To some that is a larger garden for food, others are eyeballing things that are good trading stock, for a later date.

For me, I am interested in learning, so I have something in my head to fall back on.

Your recipe looks good and it will be twice as good, since it is free, almost.

When we lived at Wellton, once a month we went to Yuma for shopping, if we still had room, we would ask for the boxes of greens, for animal food and then the next day, my friend Mary and I had a meal of the good stuff in the boxes, the rest went to the animals....

Several times there has been so much celery, that we were able to put it in the freezer for soups.

I love getting a bargain.

I laugh at you, for being so much like me.

I need to know everything.

Bill and I would go out to dinner and work on my plots, one night I needed to kill off one of the men, but not by something common and we went back and forth “what if?”, “no, because” and
and then realized that the waitress was hanging on every word.

She was going to call the cops, we were her first murders to listen to......And I spoiled it for her by proving that I was writing.

The weather is going to change here too, my body says so and I will also give up and go to bed.

Sleep well.

This is one of my favorite greens, steam and eat:

http://www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/gepts/pb143/crop/amaranth/amaranth.htm

PLB143 - Crop of the day: Amaranth
The crop of the day: Amaranth (Amaranthus spp., Amaranthaceae)
© Paul Gepts and Cristina Mapes 1996-2002

[nice history and photos]

Broccoli Seedling, one of 25-seedlings

Another Zucchini Super-Plant. I love Zucchini!
(Didn't I already say that?)

And beans. I love beans. Everyone should love beans.
South Park needs a series about Beans. Any Beans, are good beans.

/Salute, Granny

“Several times there has been so much celery, that we were able to put it in the freezer for soups.”

I haven’t tried that cream soup recipe for celery, but I imagine it would work.

I wish you could have seen me, all of a sudden it dawned on me,
“you are less than 6 inches from the monitor”, I do not know if
I was attempting to ‘see the other side of the plant’ or smell the special smell new pots/seedlings have.

Your photos do draw one into them.

Do you know the work of Swamp Sniper? Do a Freeper person search for swampsniper and be prepared for the chance to look at all God’s creatures eye to eye.

Is there a website for your super squash? I am curious about it.

To SS, I haven’t had time to read my pings and have missed your threads this week, they are in my mind, but as you will note, it has been a busy week.....join us, if you want.

Your soup recipe should work with the celery, or any of the vegetables, even onions or corn.

Over the years, I have paid attention to the different countries cookings and it is amazing what some of them do with nothing.

I have often wondered if the countries that eat with chopsticks, do so, due to the fact that the pieces are cut so small that the mental effect of eating a lot of tiny pieces and filling up with broth, is enough to make you think you had a big meal.

I think they feed more people with less, than any group that I know of.

I have several times been able to make almost 4 gallons of soup, by putting it on the stove, and throwing the bits and pieces of things into it as I cooked for freezing, it is amazing what one can throw into it, bones, tough onion cores, tough peelings, the French cooks do it, a stock broth for cooking things like your soup.

I did it with the though of soup for the freezer, by the time you have every thing else going, you can look at your big pot, take out what you do not want to see again and now add what you do want in it, squash, okra, tomatoes, and at the end cabbage,
I used the big bags of the cheapest frozen mixed vegetables and of course tomatoes, and potatoes.........serve with corn bread and it is a gift from God.

And looks so good in the freezer.

Re: your post #625!

Just catching up on the thread... Great ideas on the making of bread! I really am looking forward to it and you are making my mouth water!

Thanks again!

"Just added lots of cukes, yellow (summer) squash, more tomato and bell peppers to the garden this morning. Onion sets going in tomorrow. Everything is looking good"

You lucky Lady you! I have to wait till mid May to start serious gardening... in fact it's snowing right now, and we are 'sposed to get 6 or more inches tonight! I can't wait for Spring to burst up here!

http://www.nationalterroralert.com/default/

How To Prepare For A Terrorist Attack

Preparing for a terrorist attack now, provides you your best chance of survival, in the event of an actual attack.
Introduction

Devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might happen next, increasing stress levels. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory action can reassure you and your children that you can exert a measure of control even in the face of such events.
What You Can Do to Prepare

Finding out what can happen is the first step. Once you have determined the events possible and their potential in your community, it is important that you discuss them with your family or household. Develop a disaster plan together.

1.Create an emergency communications plan.

Choose an out-of-town contact your family or household will call or e-mail to check on each other should a disaster occur. Your selected contact should live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event, and they should know they are the chosen contact. Make sure every household member has that contact’s, and each other’s, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers (home, work, pager and cell). Leave these contact numbers at your children’s schools, if you have children, and at your workplace. Your family should know that if telephones are not working, they need to be patient and try again later or try e-mail. Many people flood the telephone lines when emergencies happen but e-mail can sometimes get through when calls don’t.

2. Establish a meeting place.

Having a predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may even want to make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency. Be sure to include any pets in these plans, since pets are not permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them.

3. Assemble a disaster supplies kit.

If you need to evacuate your home or are asked to “shelter in place,” having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable. Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic trash can. Include “special needs” items for any member of your household (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older people), first aid supplies (including prescription medications), a change of clothing for each household member, a sleeping bag or bedroll for each, a battery powered radio or television and extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools. It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licenses) in your kit.

Copies of essential documents-like powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, life insurance beneficiary designations and a copy of your will-should also be kept in a safe location outside your home. A safe deposit box or the home of a friend or family member who lives out of town is a good choice.

For more complete instructions, ask your local Red Cross chapter for the brochure titled Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit

4. Check on the school emergency plan of any school-age children you may have.

You need to know if they will they keep children at school until a parent or designated adult can pick them up or send them home on their own. Be sure that the school has updated information about how to reach parents and responsible caregivers to arrange for pickup. And, ask what type of authorization the school may require to release a child to someone you designate, if you are not able to pick up your child. During times of emergency the school telephones may be overwhelmed with calls.

For more information on putting together a disaster plan, request a copy of the brochure titled Your Family Disaster Plan from your local American Red Cross chapter. You may also want to request a copy of Before Disaster Strikes . . . How to Make Sure You’re Financially Prepared for specific information on what you can do now to protect your assets.

If Disaster Strikes

* Remain calm and be patient.
* Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
* Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
* If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
* If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
* Shut off any other damaged utilities.
* Confine or secure your pets.
* Call your family contact—do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
* Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

A Word on What Could Happen

As we learned from the events of September 11, 2001, the following things can happen after a terrorist attack:

* There can be significant numbers of casualties and/or damage to buildings and the infrastructure. So employers need up-to-date information about any medical needs you may have and on how to contact your designated beneficiaries.
* Heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state and federal levels follows a terrorist attack due to the event’s criminal nature.
* Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained to their limits, maybe even overwhelmed.
* Extensive media coverage, strong public fear and international implications and consequences can continue for a prolonged period.
* Workplaces and schools may be closed, and there may be restrictions on domestic and international travel.
* You and your family or household may have to evacuate an area, avoiding roads blocked for your safety.
* Clean-up may take many months.

Evacuation

If local authorities ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this request, and you should heed the advice immediately. Listen to your radio or television and follow the instructions of local emergency officials and keep these simple tips in mind.

* Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible.
* Take your disaster supplies kit.
* Take your pets with you; do not leave them behind. Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative’s or friend’s home, or find a “pet-friendly” hotel.
* Lock your home.
* >Use travel routes specified by local authorities—don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
* Stay away from downed power lines.
* Listen to local authorities.Your local authorities will provide you with the most accurate information specific to an event in your area. Staying tuned to local radio and television, and following their instructions is your safest choice.

If you’re sure you have time:

* Call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
* Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so. Leave natural gas service ON unless local officials advise you otherwise. You may need gas for heating and cooking, and only a professional can restore gas service in your home once it’s been turned off. In a disaster situation it could take weeks for a professional to respond.

Devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might happen next, increasing stress levels. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory action can reassure you and your children that you can exert a measure of control even in the face of such events.
If you are advised by local officials to “shelter in place,” what they mean is for you to remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there. Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Get your disaster supplies kit, and make sure the radio is working. Go to an interior room without windows that’s above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed. Using duct tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

Additional Positive Steps You Can Take

Raw, unedited footage of terrorism events and people’s reaction to those events can be very upsetting, especially to children. We do not recommend that children watch television news reports about such events, especially if the news reports show images over and over again about the same incident. Young children do not realize that it is repeated video footage, and think the event is happening again and again. Adults may also need to give themselves a break from watching disturbing footage. However, listening to local radio and television reports will provide you with the most accurate information from responsible governmental authorities on what’s happening and what actions you will need to take. So you may want to make some arrangements to take turns listening to the news with other adult members of your household.

Another useful preparation includes learning some basic first aid. To enroll in a first aid and AED/CPR course, contact your local American Red Cross chapter. In an emergency situation, you need to tend to your own well-being first and then consider first aid for others immediately around you, including possibly assisting injured people to evacuate a building if necessary.

People who may have come into contact with a biological or chemical agent may need to go through a decontamination procedure and receive medical attention. Listen to the advice of local officials on the radio or television to determine what steps you will need to take to protect yourself and your family. As emergency services will likely be overwhelmed, only call 9-1-1 about life-threatening emergencies.

Granny’s note:

One of the most important items on this list, is the contacting of the schools.

When I did so about 1958 and told them that if there was a disaster, I did not want them to load my daughter on a school bus and take her to ‘safety’ driving through a military base, as at that time, all exits for San Diego, skirted bases.

I was told that the schools plans called for the school to move them and if I attempted to stop it from happening...........

I WOULD BE SHOT!!!

You can bet it has not changed, in fact they are still using the 1958 plans, would be a safe bet.

scan san diego.net on scanner #1, will allow you to listen to the San Diego Police and other San Diego departments, including the school bus drivers as they are assigned.

Thursday morning, in about 30 minutes, I heard:

“My bus quit running and I am on freeway #?”

“ARE YOU STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD? “

“WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?”

“No, I managed to coast to the side, I am out of the lanes, and there are no children, I cannot get to the stops, it won’t run.....”

Ten minutes later:

“HE CREAMED ME RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE”

“YOU HIT A CAR”

“NO, HE HIT ME, CAME BOUNDING OFF THE FREEWAY OFF-RAMP AND HIT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUS”

“are the children ok?”

Again we were lucky, the driver was alone, wanted the medics, as his back hurt.

5 minutes later, a report of a child, that had hurt her leg, running to get on the bus........

And 2 reports that I am not clear as to who the buses belonged to, the Police dispatcher gave them to the Officers to answer:

“TEN TEENS ATTACKED THE BUS DRIVER AND BEAT HIM, THEY HAVE LEFT THE BUS AND ARE RUNNING DOWN___STREET”....

A FEW MINUTES LATER:

” A TEEN HAS THROWN A LARGE ROCK THRU THE BUS WINDOW THE DRIVER HAS SOME CUTS FROM THE GLASS”.

And I would not allow a kid of mine on a school bus, not today and not in 1958, when I could stop it from happening.

granny

You are welcome to my thoughts any time.

Keep it simple in the beginning, as it can be very simple, and then you can go crazy and experiment.

Even before I started the health problems, I didn’t have time to waste, there was always a book, a craft, the garden and all the years before retirement, work. I learned to do some things quickly, if I cooked, it was all day till the freezer was full.

I did read today how to reconstitute the butter milk powder for use in recipes, LOL, I don’t, I just add it to the powdered ingredients, on top......Have never had any clumps or streaks of it in my bread.

For sugar I use brown sugar, it is cheap at the waltonfeed.com site and smells like pecan praline candy, comes in 25# pound bags and keeps well, if sealed.

It must have been 10 or even 15 years since I bought white sugar... also use honey.

When you get your machine, take it out of the box and put the pan in, so you will understand what locks it down and do not do as I did, put the pan full of ingredients in and hear strange noises, as I did not have a clue to how it got locked down.

I left my machine setting in its box for months after I bought it, just never felt like messing with another new gadget.

After the first loaf, it was easy.

I have tried to stay away from posting on sour dough bread, as it is a project of mine for the past 40 years.

And I am out of starter.

http://www.nationalterroralert.com/quickreference/

Quick Reference Guide

National Security Emergencies

In addition to the natural and technological hazards described in this publication, Americans face threats posed by hostile governments or extremist groups. These threats to national security include acts of terrorism and acts of war. The following is general information about national security emergencies. For more information about how to prepare for them, including volunteering in a Citizen Corps program, see the “For More Information” chapter at the end of this guide.

Terrorism

Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation,coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get immediate publicity for their causes.

Acts of terrorism range from threats of terrorism, assassinations, kidnappings,hijackings, bomb scares and bombings, cyber attacks (computer-based), to the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. High-risk targets include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers. Further, they are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the mail. In the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire and other officials for instructions. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other crisis events.

Preparing for terrorism

1. Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. The very nature of terrorism suggests there may be little or no warning.
2. Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leaveluggage unattended. Unusual behavior, suspicious packages and strange devices should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel.
3. Do not be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.
4. Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Notice where exits are when you enter unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get
5. out of a building, subway or congested public area or traffic. Note where staircases are located. Notice heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.
6. Assemble a disaster supply kit at home and learn first aid. Separate the supplies you would take if you had to evacuate quickly, and put them in a backpack
7. or container, ready to go.
8. Be familiar with different types of fire extinguishers and how to locate them. Know the location and availability of hard hats in buildings in which you spend a lot of time.

Protection against cyber attacks

Cyber attacks target computer or telecommunication networks of critical infrastructures such as power systems, traffic control systems, or financial systems. Cyber attacks target information technologies (IT) in three different ways. First, is a direct attack against an information system “through the wires” alone (hacking). Second, the attack can be a physical assault against a critical IT element. Third, the attack can be from the inside as a result of compromising a trusted party with access to the system.

Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on that could be disrupted—electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATM machines, and internet transactions.

Be prepared to respond to official instructions if a cyber attack triggers other hazards, for example, general evacuation, evacuation to shelter, or shelter-in-place, because of hazardous materials releases, nuclear power plant incident, dam or flood control system failures.

Preparing for a building explosion

Explosions can collapse buildings and cause fires. People who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following:

1. Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where emergency exits are located.
2. Keep fire extinguishers in working order. Know where they are located, and learn how to use them.
3. Learn first aid. Contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross for information and training.
4. Building owners should keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of the building.
* Portable,battery-operated radio and extra batteries
* Several flashlights and extra batteries
* First aid kit and manual
* Several hard hats
* Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas

Bomb Threats
If you receive a bomb threat, get as much information from the caller as possible. Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said. Then notify the police and the building management.

If you are notified of a bomb threat, do not touch any suspicious packages. Clear the area around suspicious packages and notify the police immediately. In evacuating a building, don’t stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. Do not block sidewalk or streets to be used by emergency officials or others still exiting the building.

Suspicious parcels and letters

Be wary of
suspicious packages and letters. They can contain explosives, chemical
or biological agents. Be particularly cautious at your place of employment.

Some typical
characteristics postal inspectors have detected over the years, which
ought to trigger suspicion, include parcels that—

* Are unexpected
or from someone unfamiliar to you.
* Have no
return address, or have one that can’t be verified as legitimate.
* Are marked
with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal,” “Confidential” or
“Do not x-ray.”
* Have protruding
wires or aluminum foil, strange odors or stains.
* Show a
city or state in the postmark that doesn’t match the return address.
* Are of
unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
* Are marked
with any threatening language.
* Have inappropriate
or unusual labeling.
* Have excessive
postage or excessive packaging material such as masking tape and string.
* Have misspellings
of common words.
* Are addressed
to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
* Have incorrect
titles or title without a name.
* Are not
addressed to a specific person.
* Have handwritten
or poorly typed addresses.

With suspicious
envelopes and packages other than those that might contain explosives,
take these additional steps against possible biological and chemical agents.

* Refrain
from eating or drinking in a designated mail handling area.
* Place
suspicious envelopes or packages in a plastic bag or some other type
of container to prevent leakage of contents. Never sniff or smell suspect
mail.
* If you
do not have a container, then cover the envelope or package with anything
available (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove
the cover.
* Leave
the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others
from entering.
* Wash your
hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
* If you
are at work, report the incident to your building security official
or an available supervisor, who should notify police and other authorities
without delay.
* List all
people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package
was recognized. Give a copy of this list to both the local public health
authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations
and advice.
* If you
are at home, report the incident to local police.

What
to do if there is an explosion

Leave the
building as quickly as possible. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions
or make phone calls. If things are falling around you, get under a sturdy
table or desk until they stop falling. Then leave quickly, watching for
weakened floors and stairs and falling debris as you exit.

1. If there
is a fire:
* Stay
low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
* Cover
your nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
* When
approaching a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the
lower, middle and upper parts of the door. Never use the palm of
your hand or fingers to test for heat: burning those areas could
impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).
o If
the door is NOT hot, open slowly and ensure fire and/or smoke
is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked,
shut the door immediately and use an alternate escape route,
such as a window. If clear, leave immediately through the door.
Be prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat rise. The air is clearer
and cooler near the floor.
o If
the door is hot, do not open it. Escape through a window. If
you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside
the window, alerting fire fighters to your presence.
* Heavy
smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. Stay
below the smoke at all times.
2. If you
are trapped in debris:
* Do
not light a match.
* Do
not move about or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief
or clothing.
* Rhythmically
tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use
a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort when
you hear sounds and think someone will hear you—shouting can cause
a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Chemical
and Biological Weapons

In case of
a chemical or biological weapon attack near you, authorities will instruct
you on the best course of action. This may be to evacuate the area immediately,
to seek shelter at a designated location, or to take immediate shelter
where you are and seal the premises. The best way to protect yourself
is to take emergency preparedness measures ahead of time and to get medical
attention as soon as possible, if needed.

Chemical

Chemical
warfare agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids or solids that
have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. They can be released
by bombs, sprayed from aircraft, boats, or vehicles, or used as a liquid
to create a hazard to people and the environment. Some chemical agents
may be odorless and tasteless. They can have an immediate effect (a few
seconds to a few minutes) or a delayed effect (several hours to several
days). While potentially lethal, chemical agents are difficult to deliver
in lethal concentrations. Outdoors, the agents often dissipate rapidly.
Chemical agents are also difficult to produce.

There
are six types of agents:

* Lung-damaging
(pulmonary) agents such as phosgene,
* Cyanide,
* Vesicants
or blister agents such as mustard,
* Nerve
agents such as GA (tabun), GB (sarin), GD (soman), GF, and VX,
* Incapacitating
agents such as BZ, and
* Riot-control
agents (similar to MACE).

Biological

Biological
agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock
and crops. The three basic groups of biological agents which would likely
be used as weapons are bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

1. Bacteria.
Bacteria are small free-living organisms that reproduce by simple division
and are easy to grow. The diseases they produce often respond to treatment
with antibiotics.
2. Viruses.
Viruses are organisms which require living cells in which to reproduce
and are intimately dependent upon the body they infect. Viruses produce
diseases which generally do not respond to antibiotics. However, antiviral
drugs are sometimes effective.
3. Toxins.
Toxins are poisonous substances found in, and extracted from, living
plants, animals, or microorganisms; some toxins can be produced or altered
by chemical means. Some toxins can be treated with specific antitoxins
and selected drugs.

Most biological
agents are difficult to grow and maintain. Many break down quickly when
exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors, while others such
as anthrax spores are very long lived. They can be dispersed by spraying
them in the air, or infecting animals which carry the disease to humans
as well through food and water contamination.

* Aerosols—Biological
agents are dispersed into the air, forming a fine mist that may drift
for miles. Inhaling the agent may cause disease in people or animals.
* Animals—Some
diseases are spread by insects and animals, such as fleas, mice, flies,
and mosquitoes. Deliberately spreading diseases through livestock is
also referred to as agroterrorism.
* Food and
water contamination—Some pathogenic organisms and toxins may persist
in food and water supplies. Most microbes can be killed, and toxins
deactivated, by cooking food and boiling water.

Anthrax spores
formulated as a white powder were mailed to individuals in the government
and media in the fall of 2001. Postal sorting machines and the opening
of letters dispersed the spores as aerosols. Several deaths resulted.
The effect was to disrupt mail service and to cause a widespread fear
of handling delivered mail among the public.

Person-to-person
spread of a few infectious agents is also possible. Humans have been the
source of infection for smallpox, plague, and the Lassa viruses.

What
to do to prepare for a chemical or biological attack

* Assemble
a disaster supply kit (see the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies”
chapter for more information) and be sure to include:
* Battery-powered
commercial radio with extra batteries.
* Non-perishable
food and drinking water.
* Roll of
duct tape and scissors.
* Plastic
for doors, windows and vents for the room in which you will shelter
in place—this should be an internal room where you can block out air
that may contain hazardous chemical or biological agents. To save critical
time during an emergency, sheeting should be pre-measured and cut for
each opening.
* First
aid kit.
* Sanitation
supplies including soap, water and bleach.

What
to do during a chemical or biological attack

1. Listen
to your radio for instructions from authorities such as whether to remain
inside or to evacuate.
2. If you
are instructed to remain in your home, the building where you are, or
other shelter during a chemical or biological attack:
* Turn
off all ventilation, including furnaces, air conditioners, vents
and fans.
* Seek
shelter in an internal room, preferably one without windows. Seal
the room with duct tape and plastic sheeting. Ten square feet of
floor space per person will provide sufficient air to prevent carbon
dioxide build-up for up to five hours. (See “Shelter” chapter.)
* Remain
in protected areas where toxic vapors are reduced or eliminated,
and be sure to take your battery-operated radio with you.
3. If you
are caught in an unprotected area, you should:
* Attempt
to get up-wind of the contaminated area.
* Attempt
to find shelter as quickly as possible.
* Listen
to your radio for official instructions.

What
to do after a chemical attack

Immediate
symptoms of exposure to chemical agents may include blurred vision, eye
irritation, difficulty breathing and nausea. A person affected by a chemical
or biological agent requires immediate attention by professional medical
personnel. If medical help is not immediately available, decontaminate
yourself and assist in decontaminating others. Decontamination is needed
within minutes of exposure to minimize health consequences. (However,
you should not leave the safety of a shelter to go outdoors to help others
until authorities announce it is safe to do so.)

1. Use extreme
caution when helping others who have been exposed to chemical agents:
* Remove
all clothing and other items in contact with the body. Contaminated
clothing normally removed over the head should be cut off to avoid
contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. Put into a plastic bag if
possible. Decontaminate hands using soap and water. Remove eyeglasses
or contact lenses. Put glasses in a pan of household bleach to decontaminate.
2. Remove
all items in contact with the body.
3. Flush
eyes with lots of water.
4. Gently
wash face and hair with soap and water; then thoroughly rinse with water.
5. Decontaminate
other body areas likely to have been contaminated. Blot (do not swab
or scrape) with a cloth soaked in soapy water and rinse with clear water.
6. Change
into uncontaminated clothes. Clothing stored in drawers or closets is
likely to be uncontaminated.
7. If possible,
proceed to a medical facility for screening.

What
to do after a biological attack

In many biological
attacks, people will not know they have been exposed to an agent. In such
situations, the first evidence of an attack may be when you notice symptoms
of the disease caused by an agent exposure, and you should seek immediate
medical attention for treatment. In some situations, like the anthrax
letters sent in 2001, people may be alerted to a potential exposure. If
this is the case, pay close attention to all official warnings and instructions
on how to proceed. The delivery of medical services for a biological event
may be handled differently to respond to increased demand. Again, it will
be important for you to pay attention to official instructions via radio,
television, and emergency alert systems. If your skin or clothing comes
in contact with a visible, potentially infectious substance, you should
remove and bag your clothes and personal items and wash yourself with
warm soapy water immediately. Put on clean clothes and seek medical assistance.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, www.bt.cdc.gov.

Nuclear
and Radiological Attack

Nuclear explosions
can cause deadly effects—blinding light, intense heat (thermal radiation),
initial nuclear radiation, blast, fires started by the heat pulse, and
secondary fires caused by the destruction. They also produce radioactive
particles called fallout that can be carried by wind for hundreds of miles.

Terrorist
use of a radiological dispersion device (RDD)—often called ”dirty nuke”
or “dirty bomb”—is considered far more likely than use of a nuclear device.
These radiological weapons are a combination of conventional explosives
and radioactive material designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal
amounts of radioactive material over a general area. Such radiological
weapons appeal to terrorists because they require very little technical
knowledge to build and deploy compared to that of a nuclear device. Also,
these radioactive materials, used widely in medicine, agriculture, industry
and research, are much more readily available and easy to obtain compared
to weapons grade uranium or plutonium.

Terrorist
use of a nuclear device would probably be limited to a single smaller
“suitcase” weapon. The strength of such a weapon would be in the range
of the bombs used during World War II. The nature of the effects would
be the same as a weapon delivered by an inter-continental missile, but
the area and severity of the effects would be significantly more limited.

There is
no way of knowing how much warning time there would be before an attack
by a terrorist using a nuclear or radiological weapon. A surprise attack
remains a possibility.

The danger
of a massive strategic nuclear attack on the United States involving many
weapons receded with the end of the Cold War. However, some terrorists
have been supported by nations that have nuclear weapons programs.

If there
were threat of an attack from a hostile nation, people living near potential
targets could be advised to evacuate or they could decide on their own
to evacuate to an area not considered a likely target. Protection from
radioactive fallout would require taking shelter in an underground area,
or in the middle of a large building.

In
general, potential targets include:

* Strategic
missile sites and military bases.
* Centers
of government such as Washington, D.C., and state capitals.
* Important
transportation and communication centers.
* Manufacturing,
industrial, technology and financial centers.
* Petroleum
refineries, electrical power plants and chemical plants.
* Major
ports and airfields.

Taking shelter
during a nuclear attack is absolutely necessary. There are two kinds of
shelters—blast and fallout.

Blast shelters
offer some protection against blast pressure, initial radiation, heat
and fire, but even a blast shelter could not withstand a direct hit from
a nuclear detonation.

Fallout shelters
do not need to be specially constructed for that purpose. They can be
any protected space, provided that the walls and roof are thick and dense
enough to absorb the radiation given off by fallout particles. The three
protective factors of a fallout shelter are shielding, distance, and time.

* Shielding.
The more heavy, dense materials—thick walls, concrete, bricks, books
and earth—between you and the fallout particles, the better.
* Distance.
The more distance between you and the fallout particles, the better.
An underground area, such as a home or office building basement, offers
more protection than the first floor of a building. A floor near the
middle of a high-rise may be better, depending on what is nearby at
that level on which significant fallout particles would collect. Flat
roofs collect fallout particles so the top floor is not a good choice,
nor is a floor adjacent to a neighboring flat roof.
* Time.
Fallout radiation loses its intensity fairly rapidly. In time, you will
be able to leave the fallout shelter. Radioactive fallout poses the
greatest threat to people during the first two weeks, by which time
it has declined to about 1% of its initial radiation level.

Remember
that any protection, however temporary, is better than none at all, and
the more shielding, distance and time you can take advantage of, the better.

Electromagnetic
pulse

In addition
to other effects, a nuclear weapon detonated in or above the earth’s atmosphere
can create an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), a high-density electrical field.
EMP acts like a stroke of lightning but is stronger, faster and briefer.
EMP can seriously damage electronic devices connected to power sources
or antennas. This include communication systems, computers, electrical
appliances, and automobile or aircraft ignition systems. The damage could
range from a minor interruption to actual burnout of components. Most
electronic equipment within 1,000 miles of a high-altitude nuclear detonation
could be affected. Battery powered radios with short antennas generally
would not be affected.

Although
EMP is unlikely to harm most people, it could harm those with pacemakers
or other implanted electronic devices.

What to do
before a nuclear or radiological attack

1. Learn
the warning signals and all sources of warning used in your community.
Make sure you know what the signals are, what they mean, how they will
be used, and what you should do if you hear them.
2. Assemble
and maintain a disaster supply kit with food, water, medications, fuel
and personal items adequate for up to 2 weeks—the more the better. (See
the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter for more information).
3. Find out
what public buildings in your community may have been designated as
fallout shelters. It may have been years ago, but start there, and learn
which buildings are still in use and could be designated as shelters
again.
* Call
your local emergency management office.
* Look
for yellow and black fallout shelter signs on public buildings.
Note: With the end of the Cold War, many of the signs have been
removed from the buildings previously designated.
* If
no noticeable or official designations have been made, make your
own list of potential shelters near your home, workplace and school:
basements, or the windowless center area of middle floors in high-rise
buildings, as well as subways and tunnels.
* Give
your household clear instructions about where fallout shelters are
located and what actions to take in case of attack.
4. If you
live in an apartment building or high-rise, talk to the manager about
the safest place in the building for sheltering, and about providing
for building occupants until it is safe to go out.
5. There
are few public shelters in many suburban and rural areas. If you are
considering building a fallout shelter at home, keep the following in
mind.
* A
basement, or any underground area, is the best place to shelter
from fallout. Often, few major changes are needed, especially if
the structure has two or more stories and its basement—or one corner
of it—is below ground.
* Fallout
shelters can be used for storage during non-emergency periods, but
only store things there that can be very quickly removed. (When
they are removed, dense, heavy items may be used to add to the shielding.)
* See
the “Tornadoes” section in the “Thunderstorms” chapter for information
on the “Wind Safe Room,” which could be used as shelter in the event
of a nuclear detonation or for fallout protection, especially in
a home without a basement.
* All
the items you will need for your stay need not be stocked inside
the shelter itself but can be stored elsewhere, as long as you can
move them quickly to the shelter.
6. Learn
about your community’s evacuation plans. Such plans may include evacuation
routes, relocation sites, how the public will be notified and transportation
options for people who do not own cars and those who have special needs.
See the “Evacuation” chapter for more information.
7. Acquire
other emergency preparedness booklets that you may need. See the “For
More Information” chapter at the end of this guide.

What
to do during a nuclear or radiological attack

1. Do not
look at the flash or fireball—it can blind you.
2. If you
hear an attack warning:
* Take
cover as quickly as you can, BELOW GROUND IF POSSIBLE, and stay
there unless instructed to do otherwise.
* If
you are caught outside, unable to get inside immediately, take cover
behind anything that might offer protection. Lie flat on the ground
and cover your head.
* If
the explosion is some distance away, it could take 30 seconds or
more for the blast wave to hit.
3. Protect
yourself from radioactive fallout. If you are close enough to see the
brilliant flash of a nuclear explosion, the fallout will arrive in about
20 minutes. Take shelter, even if you are many miles from ground zero—radioactive
fallout can be carried by the winds for hundreds of miles. Remember
the three protective factors: shielding, distance and time.
4. Keep a
battery-powered radio with you, and listen for official information.
Follow the instructions given. Local instructions should always take
precedence: officials on the ground know the local situation best.

What
to do after a nuclear or radiological attack

In a public
or home shelter:

1. Do not
leave the shelter until officials say it is safe. Follow their instructions
when leaving.
2. If in
a fallout shelter, stay in your shelter until local authorities tell
you it is permissible or advisable to leave. The length of your stay
can range from a day or two to four weeks.
* Contamination
from a radiological dispersion device could affect a wide area,
depending on the amount of conventional explosives used, the quantity
of radioactive material and atmospheric conditions.
* A
“suitcase” terrorist nuclear device detonated at or near ground
level would produce heavy fallout from the dirt and debris sucked
up into the mushroom cloud.
* A
missile-delivered nuclear weapon from a hostile nation would probably
cause an explosion many times more powerful than a suitcase bomb,
and provide a greater cloud of radioactive fallout.
* The
decay rate of the radioactive fallout would be the same, making
it necessary for those in the areas with highest radiation levels
to remain in shelter for up to a month.
* The
heaviest fallout would be limited to the area at or downwind from
the explosion, and 80% of the fallout would occur during the first
24 hours.
* Because
of these facts and the very limited number of weapons terrorists
could detonate, most of the country would not be affected by fallout.
* People
in most of the areas that would be affected could be allowed to
come out of shelter and, if necessary, evacuate to unaffected areas
within a few days.
3. Although
it may be difficult, make every effort to maintain sanitary conditions
in your shelter space.
4. Water
and food may be scarce. Use them prudently but do not impose severe
rationing, especially for children, the ill or elderly.
5. Cooperate
with shelter managers. Living with many people in confined space can
be difficult and unpleasant.

Returning
to your home

1. Keep listening
to the radio for news about what to do, where to go, and places to avoid.
2. If your
home was within the range of a bomb’s shock wave, or you live in a high-rise
or other apartment building that experienced a non-nuclear explosion,
check first for any sign of collapse or damage, such as:
* toppling
chimneys, falling bricks, collapsing walls, plaster falling from
ceilings.
* fallen
light fixtures, pictures and mirrors.
* broken
glass from windows.
* overturned
bookcases, wall units or other fixtures.
* fires
from broken chimneys.
* ruptured
gas and electric lines.
3. Immediately
clean up spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids, and other potentially
hazardous materials.
4. Listen
to your battery-powered radio for instructions and information about
community services.
5. Monitor
the radio and your television for information on assistance that may
be provided. Local, state and federal governments and other organizations
will help meet emergency needs and help you recover from damage and
losses.
6. The danger
may be aggravated by broken water mains and fallen power lines.
7. If you
turned gas, water and electricity off at the main valves and switch
before you went to shelter:
* Do
not turn the gas back on. The gas company will turn it back on for
you or you will receive other instructions.
* Turn
the water back on at the main valve only after you know the water
system is working and water is not contaminated.
* Turn
electricity back on at the main switch only after you know the wiring
is undamaged in your home and the community electrical system is
functioning.
* Check
to see that sewage lines are intact before using sanitary facilities.
8. Stay away
from damaged areas.
9. Stay away
from areas marked “radiation hazard” or “HAZMAT.”

For
more information relevant to terrorism consult the following chapters:

* The “Earthquakes”
chapter for information about protecting yourself when a building is
shaking or unsafe and the Fire chapter for tips on fire safety.
* The “Hazardous
Materials Incidents” chapter for information about sealing a home.
* The “Emergency
Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter for information about preparing
a disaster supply kit.
* The “Shelter”
chapter for measures regarding water purification.
* The “Evacuation”
chapter for information about evacuation procedures.
* The “Recovering
from Disaster” chapter for information about crisis counseling.

Homeland
Security Advisory System

The Homeland
Security Advisory System was designed to provide a comprehensive means
to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to federal,
state, and local authorities and to the American people. This system provides
warnings in the form of a set of graduated “Threat Conditions” that increase
as the risk of the threat increases. At each threat condition, federal
departments and agencies would implement a corresponding set of “Protective
Measures” to further reduce vulnerability or increase response capability
during a period of heightened alert.

Although
the Homeland Security Advisory System is binding on the executive branch,
it is voluntary to other levels of government and the private sector.
There are five threat conditions, each identified by a description and
corresponding color.

The greater
the risk of a terrorist attack, the higher the threat condition. Risk
includes both the probability of an attack occurring and its potential
gravity.

Threat conditions
are assigned by the Attorney General in consultation with the Assistant
to the President for Homeland Security. Threat conditions may be assigned
for the entire nation, or they may be set for a particular geographic
area or industrial sector. Assigned threat conditions will be reviewed
at regular intervals to determine whether adjustments are warranted.

Threat
Conditions and Associated Protective Measures

There is
always a risk of a terrorist threat. Each threat condition assigns a level
of alert appropriate to the increasing risk of terrorist attacks. Beneath
each threat condition are some suggested protective measures that the
government and the public can take, recognizing that the heads of federal
departments and agencies are responsible for developing and implementing
appropriate agency-specific Protective Measures:

Low Condition
(Green). This condition is declared when there is a low risk of terrorist
attacks. Federal departments and agencies will consider the following
protective measures.

* Refine
and exercise prearranged protective measures;
* Ensure
personnel receive proper training on the Homeland Security Advisory
System and specific prearranged department or agency protective measures;
and
* Institute
a process to assure that all facilities and regulated sectors are regularly
assessed for vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks, and all reasonable
measures are taken to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

Members of
the public can:

* Develop
a household disaster plan and assemble a disaster supply kit. (see “Emergency
Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter).

Guarded Condition
(Blue). This condition is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist
attacks. In addition to the measures taken in the previous threat condition,
federal departments and agencies will consider the following protective
measures:

* Check
communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
* Review
and update emergency response procedures; and
* Provide
the public with any information that would strengthen its ability to
act appropriately.

Members of
the public, in addition to the actions taken for the previous threat condition,
can:

* Update
their disaster supply kit;
* Review
their household disaster plan;
* Hold a
household meeting to discuss what members would do and how they would
communicate in the event of an incident;
* Develop
a more detailed household communication plan;
* Apartment
residents should discuss with building managers steps to be taken during
an emergency; and
* People
with special needs should discuss their emergency plans with friends,
family or employers.

Elevated
Condition (Yellow). An Elevated Condition is declared when there is a
significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the measures taken
in the previous threat conditions, federal departments and agencies will
consider the following protective measures:

* Increase
surveillance of critical locations;
* Coordinate
emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions as appropriate;
* Assess
whether the precise characteristics of the threat require the further
refinement of prearranged protective measures; and
* Implement,
as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.

Members of
the public, in addition to the actions taken for the previous threat condition,
can:

* Be observant
of any suspicious activity and report it to authorities;
* Contact
neighbors to discuss their plans and needs;
* Check
with school officials to determine their plans for an emergency and
procedures to reunite children with parents and caregivers; and
* Update
the household communication plan.

High Condition
(Orange). A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist
attacks. In addition to the measures taken in the previous threat conditions,
federal departments and agencies will consider the following protective
measures:

* Coordinate
necessary security efforts with federal, state, and local law enforcement
agencies, National Guard or other security and armed forces;
* Take additional
precautions at public events, possibly considering alternative venues
or even cancellation;
* Prepare
to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate site
or dispersing the workforce; and
* Restrict
access to a threatened facility to essential personnel only.

Members of
the public, in addition to the actions taken for the previous threat conditions,
can:

* Review
preparedness measures (including evacuation and sheltering) for potential
terrorist actions including chemical, biological, and radiological attacks;
* Avoid
high profile or symbolic locations; and
* Exercise
caution when traveling.

Severe Condition
(Red). A Severe Condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist attacks.
Under most circumstances, the protective measures for a Severe Condition
are not intended to be sustained for substantial periods of time. In addition
to the protective measures in the previous threat conditions, federal
departments and agencies also will consider the following general measures:

* Increase
or redirect personnel to address critical emergency needs;
* Assign
emergency response personnel and pre-position and mobilize specially
trained teams or resources;
* Monitor,
redirect, or constrain transportation systems; and
* Close
public and government facilities not critical for continuity of essential
operations, especially public safety.

Members of
the public, in addition to the actions taken for the previous threat conditions,
can:

* Avoid
public gathering places such as sports arenas, holiday gatherings, or
other high risk locations;
* Follow
official instructions about restrictions to normal activities;
* Contact
employer to determine status of work;
* Listen
to the radio and TV for possible advisories or warnings; and
* Prepare
to take protective actions such as sheltering-in-place or evacuation
if instructed to do so by public officials.

Dr. Bill Wattenberg [kgo.com], suggests:

If you are outdoors and exposed to chemicals or nuclear, run of course, but even more important to cover your face and mouth, a wet towel, but you will not have that, so any piece of clothing that will allow you to breathe, men’s under shorts are good. A shirt or anything.

He talks about a wet towel over the face being egual to a ____ type of respirator.....[may not be the right word] a face mask, designed to protect you.

When you do reach the shelter, home or?, you must not wear your clothes into it, or you will contaminate it.

Strip outdoors, put the clothes in a plastic bag, and in the trash, they are ruined and cannot be saved.

Take a shower and wash your hair, with a good laundry soap, none of these sissy soaps, you want it all off and bare skin.

I would not reach for lotions to apply, as what is still on your skin, would be locked in by the lotion......just my thought.

And then you wait for the rest of the events, after sealing as many cracks, as under the doors, windows etc, as possible.

granny........

Good morning, Granny...

Interesting article - and your personal observations are, as always, priceless.... ;~)

I envy those who live in rural or small-town settings — your survival problem is somewhat simpler....

After 9/11, I started doing ‘catastrophe planning’ based on the concept of ‘shelter-in-place’ ( “Assuming that I survive the original attack/incident, what will I need to survive until order and services are restored?” ) I invested quite heavily in canned foods and enormous quantities of bottled water, and the like...

Then, Katrina happened, and my thinking went through a sea-change — I realized that I needed to base my planning around getting as far away from the city, as quickly as possible.. That meant that *portability* needs to be a primary consideration in my stockpiles — shooting for the most nutritional value per pound/cubic foot (within some pretty severe budget restraints)....

So, the canned stuff, for the most part, had to go, to be replaced by dried foods - mostly rice and beans. Bottled water was replaced by buckets and pick-’n’-shovel, on the assumption that, when/if the day comes, I would be able to find streams or, in a pinch, dig a shallow well....

I also added some blue tarps, axes, and a set of essential hand tools, on the assumtion that I would have to camp out wherever I landed from the “bug-out”....

My plans and preparations are nowhere near complete - especially since quite often I’ll become aware of new considerations which change my thinking — usually in favor of simplifying and preparing to improvise, rather than sweating the details.... But at least, if the balloon goes up today, I won’t be caught flat-footed.... ;~)

Thanks for letting me share....