Hurricane IRENE is just two days away and the area emergency management planners are getting ready to meet her.
Although it has been a very long time since a hurricane has dramatically affected the Tri-state area NY/NJ/PA, it is still sound thinking to prepare for that "what if" factor.
NOW is the time to put your plans in place.
Gather those items you my need should the power fail. Get your shopping done NOW before the crowd and panic buying sets in.
Batteries, food, bottled water, gas for vehicles should be in good supply. Check for items around the home that may become missiles in high wind. Do Not park vehicles under tree limbs or power lines.
If you have elderly family or friends, neighbors, perhaps you might see to it that they are ready for the storm. Maybe invite them to spend the weekend at your house.
Be prepared for communications disruptions both land lines and cell phone and computer.
Get your laundry done and check on pet supplies.
If you require regular medications, Oxygen check your supply and visit your pharmacists NOW if low. Check your first aid supplies while at the pharmacy and restock as needed.
Gather Flashlights, lanterns and Lamps. Check their condition and remember to use them safely. Keep fire extinguishers close at hand.
Put together a selection of books, games, toys for the kids in the event of power failure.
Maintain the charge in Cell phones, Laptops and Favorite Toys NOW....and keep em charged.
Riding out an unexpected storm can be a real hardship, with enough heads up notice the storm may be nothing more then a nascence. I look forward to saying Goodnight Irene some time early next week.
Lets hope that is all it is.
Stay safe
Good Luck
RJ
Thursday
Wednesday
East Coast 5.8 Earthquake
13:51 8-23-2011, An Earthquake begins doing it's shaky thing in Virginia and those shakes are felt as far North as the Canadian border.
I had not slept well the night before and was very tired, as the room began to sway I believed I was just a bit dizzy from lack of sleep. Not so. It was not long before others in the area were in the street seeking protection from what they thought would surly be falling debris and shattering glass. That didn't happen here in Orange County New York at least in the business district I was in at the time of the quake but the world DID shake.
I hit the closest TV and flipped on the news for the update, yup it was a quake alright. I went into alert and started assessing the situation. It was clear to me and others that we were safe for the time being but I could not help but notice that EVERYONE had their cell phones out doing double duty. Some were complaining about connectivity issues while others had text options but no voice capabilities. I checked my cell and found I was still connected and had full service so I guess my phone lucked into a clear trunk but it was obvious that luck was on my side, most were forced to wait and hit redial.
On the TV news, I saw some political conference "Live" from near the epicenter. The room full of press and suits swayed and vibrated as the group stood facing the cameras with a "what the f*&@" look on their face. One woman grabbed her female compatriot and dragged her off the stage and out via the nearest door.......BRAVO! a survivor! Clearly she had lived through something like this before, at least she reacted as if she had.
So what is today's lesson? Well obviously it is to be aware of your surroundings, expect the unexpected no matter how "unlikely" it may be and be prepared to act!
We seem to have been "programed" to believe that anything that makes a loud noise, produces smoke or makes the ground shake is a terrorist attack. That's a shame because the way we react to an "event" might make the difference between being injured or reaching safety.
In short as always, keep a small emergency kit on your person, in your car/office/home just in case. Recommendations for the assembly of such kits are on this Blog, read up and be ready.
Live in the ORANGE mode and with your emergency plans thought out well in advance.
RJ
I had not slept well the night before and was very tired, as the room began to sway I believed I was just a bit dizzy from lack of sleep. Not so. It was not long before others in the area were in the street seeking protection from what they thought would surly be falling debris and shattering glass. That didn't happen here in Orange County New York at least in the business district I was in at the time of the quake but the world DID shake.
I hit the closest TV and flipped on the news for the update, yup it was a quake alright. I went into alert and started assessing the situation. It was clear to me and others that we were safe for the time being but I could not help but notice that EVERYONE had their cell phones out doing double duty. Some were complaining about connectivity issues while others had text options but no voice capabilities. I checked my cell and found I was still connected and had full service so I guess my phone lucked into a clear trunk but it was obvious that luck was on my side, most were forced to wait and hit redial.
On the TV news, I saw some political conference "Live" from near the epicenter. The room full of press and suits swayed and vibrated as the group stood facing the cameras with a "what the f*&@" look on their face. One woman grabbed her female compatriot and dragged her off the stage and out via the nearest door.......BRAVO! a survivor! Clearly she had lived through something like this before, at least she reacted as if she had.
So what is today's lesson? Well obviously it is to be aware of your surroundings, expect the unexpected no matter how "unlikely" it may be and be prepared to act!
We seem to have been "programed" to believe that anything that makes a loud noise, produces smoke or makes the ground shake is a terrorist attack. That's a shame because the way we react to an "event" might make the difference between being injured or reaching safety.
In short as always, keep a small emergency kit on your person, in your car/office/home just in case. Recommendations for the assembly of such kits are on this Blog, read up and be ready.
Live in the ORANGE mode and with your emergency plans thought out well in advance.
RJ
Friday
EDGED DEFENSE
Colonel Colt may have made all men equal but carrying a firearm is not always possible, easy or legal. At these times the edged weapon can be a life saving equalizer.
Rule number One: Never bring a knife to a gun fight, at all other times, never be without one.
The CRKT Hissatsu folder is one serious knife.
The Ka-Bar TDI (Tactical defense Institute)knife is purpose built as a weak hand last ditch defense blade. Fast on the draw and with a unique Kukri type leverage advantage, the TDI is a great self defense option. I wore the TDI in uniform for years and never knew it was there, it travels so comfortably in almost any direction or location on (or under) your duty belt. It carries just as well on jeans under a loose shirt.
Another great option is the Cold Steel "Spike" series. These thin easy to carry fixed blades can be worn as a belt, neck or boot knife. Sharp and needle pointed, they can be a surprise to an attacker and a down right nightmare to any mugger.
Rule number One: Never bring a knife to a gun fight, at all other times, never be without one.
Without exception, each and every Police Officer, Security Guard, Military Operator and Emergency Responder I know carries an edged "Tool" of some kind. Either as a back up weapon to their primary arm or as a response tool for EDC work or to affect self rescue.
In some areas large fixed blades may not only be acceptable, it may be the norm. However, for off duty or even civilian carry, the "small" fixed blade or folder is king. Consult local laws for carry in your region.
Pocket or belt clipped tactical knives such as these provide their owner a edge (no pun) in a self defense situation when out numbered, out gunned or bushwhacked.
I have no loyalty to any particular brand, If I have faith in a particular knife, I'll use it. The CRKT M16-10kz is my EDC and one hell of a handy knife. Fast, Lite, Strong and well thought out. It's a fist full of security when you need it most.
The CRKT Hissatsu folder is one serious knife.
Fast thanks to the "OutBurst" feature. An assisted opening devise that springs the blade into action.
The Hissatsu is by design, a penetrating weapon with great slashing characteristics. Strong and over built. Made for the Professional.
I doubt you'll need to stab a tree, Plywood or an automobile hood, but you never know. Thick clothing doesn't stand a chance.
Both of these folders incorporate a secondary lock system that virtually ensure they will never close during use no matter what. A great safety feature.
The Ka-Bar TDI (Tactical defense Institute)knife is purpose built as a weak hand last ditch defense blade. Fast on the draw and with a unique Kukri type leverage advantage, the TDI is a great self defense option. I wore the TDI in uniform for years and never knew it was there, it travels so comfortably in almost any direction or location on (or under) your duty belt. It carries just as well on jeans under a loose shirt.
Another great option is the Cold Steel "Spike" series. These thin easy to carry fixed blades can be worn as a belt, neck or boot knife. Sharp and needle pointed, they can be a surprise to an attacker and a down right nightmare to any mugger.
The self defense knife is a personal choice, only you know what you will be comfortable with. Training and practise will result in competence and confidence. Seek out a professional or train with a partner to better learn the skills necessary to make those few fast moves that can save your life.
Keep in mind, should you be forced to use a weapon in your own defense, you will be responsible for your actions. There is no free pass just because you were picked on. You better be sure this was a life or death situation that you could not avoid or escape without taking action. I would NEVER use or even display a weapon without needing to save my own life, you shouldn't either!
RJ
watch your six
BLACKOUT.........NOW WHAT?
It's mid summer, the drain on the power grid is at dangerous levels. Every A/C and fan on the block is cranking, the refrigerator is opening and closing all day, lights are on in many rooms because it's to hot to be outside.
What else is new? It's summer and it's hot, what do you expect?
Well what you should expect is interruption of power. A hot summer Tuesday night might not give you a second thought unless the lights go out. Then, it will be the only thing on your mind. 
All of a sudden the little things you take for granted become paramount. First thing we notice is of course the lights. We don't do dark as well as our ancestors did. If you are at work when the power goes out the chances are you will have some sort of generated back up power and or emergency lighting. This will not last long. Unless you are in a health care or corrections environment, you are not on the must resupply list.Plan for a long trip home. Traffic lights will be out, the sub way will not be running. It may be dark. It's really going to be a challenge.
Always carry a personal flashlight, even a small LED is better then nothing. This will help you reach your car, the bus stop or even a stair well.
Always carry a personal flashlight, even a small LED is better then nothing. This will help you reach your car, the bus stop or even a stair well.
I recommend the Stream Light Stylus Pro. Handy size and very good output, the price is right to boot. If you are lucky enough to be home, life need not be terrible, just inconvenient.
During hot summer months always keep freezers full of ice and iced drinks. Keep some foods that are edible once thawed out, such as veggies and fruit. meats may be usable if used right away. Keep a grill or at least a small Hibachi and charcoal for cooking. You may have gas to cook on but have a back up plan. Don't forget a "percolator" style coffee pot and a hand powered can opener.
Coolers should be available to store food and supplies, Your refrigerator is big and once power is out it is not efficient at keeping contents cool, coolers are actually better, you can fill them with ice or Frozen items from you freezer and it will keep cool for a long time.
Chemical ice packs or "Gel" packs work well but I think frozen water is much more useful, you can't drink Gel!
Store water now! Should things get worse for any reason, water may be disrupted. Any "Mart" store will sell five gallon water jugs. They are worth keeping, I suggest at least two for one person for two days. 
Candles, Lanterns and Flashlights with Fuel, Batteries and Safety Matches should always be on hand. These items will not stay on the store shelves very long IF the stores are even open.
Candles in glass are always safer then exposed flame.
Electric lanterns are safe, keep batteries fresh.
High Quality White Gas Lamps such as this are worth the money, They put out a lot of light and I think they are stylish.Flash lights (LED) are cheap and small. Buy many for the home, car, office, garage, basement, bedroom. Keep a few all around the house. I never move them unless I'm using them. In this way, I don't need to hunt for them, they will always be where I need them in the dark.
Oil bottles are safe and spill proof. They store well and are inexpensive.How long will this last?
Only the crews working on the problem know for sure. So listen in on the game. Portable Radio Frequencies Scanners with Police/Fire/Ambulance frequencies are great but having your local Utilities provider and municipal workers radio frequencies will keep you in the know. These frequencies can be found on the Internet.
Keeping Cool, Hydrated, Reasonably Well Fed and Securely Informed. That's all you need for the moment. Grouping with friends or family helps time pass in the company of those you trust and can be comfortable in the dark with.Very last but not at all least, keep some form of self defense close at had. Darkness brings out the dirt bags and should one of these wolves come a knockin, the sheep need to bite as well.
RJ
Monday
JAPAN! Triple Threat, Earth Quake, Tsunami, Radiation
What do you say when a disaster and catastrophe of this magnitude occurs?
Our hearts and prayers go out to our Brothers and Sisters in Japan. The projected losses due to this Earth quake and subsequent Tsunami are expected to be above 10.000. A conservative number to be sure, I believe it to be well above that number
.The Japanese know where they live and what the ground below them has proven capable of. The building of earthquake resistant structures has been the norm for decades. I like to think the losses would have been worse had they not turned on the survivor mind set when they did. The planning and prevention must have made some difference. Of course no one could have predicted such and triple threat, the Earthquake / Tsunami and the nuclear reactors safety features failing in such a way. Only time will tell what this represents to the Japanese people. The Japanese have proven to be a strong and capable people, surviving both war and natural disaster for centuries. Let us hope they will pull though this with strength and courage.
Now as always the race seems to be for food, water and shelter. The "recovery" teams search more for the dead then for survivors and clear the area for safe travel of support and relief services.
The water itself burns as debris raked in by the tide from hell carries fire wherever it goes.
With the fire and debris come the bodies, thousands of bodies are beached by the tide.
The crematoriums cannot keep up with the disposal of the dead. At just eighteen persons per day per crematory, it will be some time before all the deceased are tended to.
Like some kind of horror movie, the carnage is medieval and macabre. I only hope they can some day forget the sights they are witnessing today.
As always the children suffer most. At this point, all a survivor can do is think hour by hour and maybe day to day. Hoping for a word from family and loved ones. Chains of contact are important for both emotional relief and logistical support.The threat of radiation exposure is constant now. Our own military may have been exposed accidentally while responding to requests for assistance. The Navy had a ship inadvertently pass through a possible contaminated zone. Although the exposure time was brief, one never knows what long term affects may come of this.
Potassium iodine is being distributed to flood the Thyroid glads of survivors and emergency teams. This provides some protection from radiation exposure. With the thyroid saturated in such a way, radio active contamination can not occupy this area of the thyroid. This level of protection is slight and only protects the thyroid itself but is critical due to the thyroids ease of contamination and what that represents to the body.
Finding suitable shelter and supplies is what is most important now. Japan is not a large land mass and no area of the island was left totally untouched.
Where does one go when there is no place to go? Who do you turn to when you need everything and have no resources?
As always we as Americans do what we do best, we help. Once again we have sent emergency services teams and support to do what must be done. But it is an unimaginable task and no contribution no matter what size will be ill spent.
Open your hearts, There but for the great grace of God we tread.
Wednesday
MIKE JONES Chief of Security
CHIEF MIKE JONES..............
One of my new heroes.
Well done Brother, Thanks for walking the walk.
A happy and safe holiday to you and yours, many others will have one thanks to your actions.
GINGER LITTLETON.....Super lady! Another hero, more guts then Wonder Woman. I'm sure your family is proud of you. It's clear you don't take any crap do you?
Quote of the day: You wake up one morning and you make a difference. and things will never be the same.
(RJ Mosca)
Update from live School Board news conference...
Mike Jones' two shots that hit gunman Clay Duke saved the lives of Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt and other board members, Husfelt said moments ago at a live press conference.
"If you'll watch the video, when Mike Jones (the district's chief of safety, security and police) comes in (Duke's) still shooting and getting ready to reach over and start shooting again," Husfelt said. "Mike shoots him twice before he finally turns around and Mike, I'm telling, Mike saved our lives.
"It doesn't get any more real than that."
Husfelt said bullet holes marked both the area behind school board members and the door and hallway where Jones entered the room. He has no doubt that Duke intended to kill.
Asked about security procedures for future board meetings, Husfelt said he did not want to overreact.
"If you could've seen that gentleman's eyes, this was gonna happen," Husfelt said. "We could've had this place like Fort Knox and he would've shot us when we came out of the building.
"There was nothign we could've done to stop him. It was a tragedy and we're very thankful and blessed to be alive."
Board Member Ginger Littleton told the media she just reacted when she swung her purse at the gunman after he had ordered her out of the room.
"I don't think anything was going through my mind but these were sitting ducks, pigeons on a wire," Littleton said. "I couldn't leave them without trying to divert (Duke) ... or trying to buy some time until someone, or Mike Jones, bless his heart, could get there to help us."
"Put yourself in her shoes," Husfelt siad. "What would you do?"
Board member Ryan Neves, the second person Duke shot at, said he didn't sleep Tuesday night.
"I think all of us are probably dealing with the situation in a different way," he said. "It's surreal. Everything is stillmoving in slow motion in my head.
"When you're put in that situation where your putwith a gun direclty at you, if you haven't been in that sitaution you'd never understand."
Neves, along with everyone else at the meeting, remains almost stunned that no one was injured other than the gunman.
"I've seen the room and it is nothing short of a miracle that our superintendent is alive and well and with us today," Neves said. "It's nothing short of a miracle that God protected him and stood in front of him and took that bullet for him.
"If you don't believe in miracles, watch that tape again," he continued. "Everybody that ... was in that room, this is something that changes your life. It's going to be something you carry with you."
Husfelt said while security procedures will be reviewed, and perhaps enhanced, he believes the board will approach it reasonably.
"We don't want to overreact," he said. "We don't want to have TSA checking people when they go in. That's not what this country is about."
There were 14 bullets let loose during a wild exchange of gunfire but only three found their mark, police said this morning: two fired by Mike Jones into gunman Clay Duke and the 14th shot, fired by the Duke into his own head, ending his life.
Panama City Deputy Police Chief Robert Colbert this morning said Duke had 12 rounds in his 9 mm pistol, and most of them had been fired. It was unclear how many shots Jones, the district's chief of safety, security and police, fired after Duke started shooting. But two rounds from his 40-caliber pistol hit Duke moments after he fired point-blank at Bay District Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt and other board members.
news source: NEWSHEROLD.COM (Panama City)
Watch your six
One of my new heroes.
Well done Brother, Thanks for walking the walk.
A happy and safe holiday to you and yours, many others will have one thanks to your actions.
GINGER LITTLETON.....Super lady! Another hero, more guts then Wonder Woman. I'm sure your family is proud of you. It's clear you don't take any crap do you?
Quote of the day: You wake up one morning and you make a difference. and things will never be the same.
(RJ Mosca)
Update from live School Board news conference...
Mike Jones' two shots that hit gunman Clay Duke saved the lives of Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt and other board members, Husfelt said moments ago at a live press conference.
"If you'll watch the video, when Mike Jones (the district's chief of safety, security and police) comes in (Duke's) still shooting and getting ready to reach over and start shooting again," Husfelt said. "Mike shoots him twice before he finally turns around and Mike, I'm telling, Mike saved our lives.
"It doesn't get any more real than that."
Husfelt said bullet holes marked both the area behind school board members and the door and hallway where Jones entered the room. He has no doubt that Duke intended to kill.
Asked about security procedures for future board meetings, Husfelt said he did not want to overreact.
"If you could've seen that gentleman's eyes, this was gonna happen," Husfelt said. "We could've had this place like Fort Knox and he would've shot us when we came out of the building.
"There was nothign we could've done to stop him. It was a tragedy and we're very thankful and blessed to be alive."
Board Member Ginger Littleton told the media she just reacted when she swung her purse at the gunman after he had ordered her out of the room.
"I don't think anything was going through my mind but these were sitting ducks, pigeons on a wire," Littleton said. "I couldn't leave them without trying to divert (Duke) ... or trying to buy some time until someone, or Mike Jones, bless his heart, could get there to help us."
"Put yourself in her shoes," Husfelt siad. "What would you do?"
Board member Ryan Neves, the second person Duke shot at, said he didn't sleep Tuesday night.
"I think all of us are probably dealing with the situation in a different way," he said. "It's surreal. Everything is stillmoving in slow motion in my head.
"When you're put in that situation where your putwith a gun direclty at you, if you haven't been in that sitaution you'd never understand."
Neves, along with everyone else at the meeting, remains almost stunned that no one was injured other than the gunman.
"I've seen the room and it is nothing short of a miracle that our superintendent is alive and well and with us today," Neves said. "It's nothing short of a miracle that God protected him and stood in front of him and took that bullet for him.
"If you don't believe in miracles, watch that tape again," he continued. "Everybody that ... was in that room, this is something that changes your life. It's going to be something you carry with you."
Husfelt said while security procedures will be reviewed, and perhaps enhanced, he believes the board will approach it reasonably.
"We don't want to overreact," he said. "We don't want to have TSA checking people when they go in. That's not what this country is about."
There were 14 bullets let loose during a wild exchange of gunfire but only three found their mark, police said this morning: two fired by Mike Jones into gunman Clay Duke and the 14th shot, fired by the Duke into his own head, ending his life.
Panama City Deputy Police Chief Robert Colbert this morning said Duke had 12 rounds in his 9 mm pistol, and most of them had been fired. It was unclear how many shots Jones, the district's chief of safety, security and police, fired after Duke started shooting. But two rounds from his 40-caliber pistol hit Duke moments after he fired point-blank at Bay District Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt and other board members.
news source: NEWSHEROLD.COM (Panama City)
Watch your six
Radiological Dispersion Device or the RDD
The Dirty Bomb
The primary damage will have been done by the explosive itself. If you are inside a building STAY THERE! Do not displace unless directed to do so by authorities. If you are outside find cover inside the first shelter you can find, it needs to be a place away from doors and windows. While moving through the streets cover your mouth and nose. This is when a filter mask rules but if you don't have one, at least breathe through your shirt or other fabric. NOT OUTER WARE! this will be dust covered.
Baby type or non alcohol medial wipes can be kept in the office or vehicle to do a self decontamination.
The RDD is nothing more then a conventional explosive dispersing a radio active substance. It is not a nuclear explosion. The chances of this kind of weapon being used in a terrorist incident is far greater then a state sponsored military first strike.
Although the SUIT CASE BOMB (a man portable low yield atomic bomb) is a real and actually threat, it is far less likely then a dirty bomb.
A dirty bomb requires just a few elements to achieve its purpose "terror". It need not do much damage or contaminate a large area. The news of the devise detonating spreads faster, farther and can do more damage then the device itself.
Waste "hot" material is carefully monitored and stored, however radioactive bulk material can be had on the black market in many countries overseas. Material may be obtained domestically from industrial or even medical labs. It is estimated by the government that over 19,000 sources of radiation exist in the U.S. alone. Most of these locations have adequate checks and procedures to guarantee the safe storage of material. The same cannot be said for the former Soviet Union.
Iraq tested a type of dirty bomb in 1987 and found it did not do extensive enough "radiological" damage to be worth their while. The UN claims Iraq gave up on the idea shortly after testing.
BUT seeing how the real worth of such a weapon is not that of mass destruction but rather "terror" even a small RDD will accomplish their mission.
It's about fear not fallout.
First steps in surviving a RDD attack is to be aware of what,where and when. This is the time your emergency alert SAME code radio will be worth it's weight in gold. Knowing where tells you how far you are from the incident and in what direction the wind (and subsequent hot cloud) is traveling.
The primary damage will have been done by the explosive itself. If you are inside a building STAY THERE! Do not displace unless directed to do so by authorities. If you are outside find cover inside the first shelter you can find, it needs to be a place away from doors and windows. While moving through the streets cover your mouth and nose. This is when a filter mask rules but if you don't have one, at least breathe through your shirt or other fabric. NOT OUTER WARE! this will be dust covered.If you think you may have been exposed to the hot cloud fallout, decontaminate as soon as you can. Get out of your clothes, wash...well...head to foot with particular attention to your hair, hair holds dust. Do not swallow wash water. Have someone lend you a jacket, sweater or whatever you can find to change into. Your clothes should be gathered and kept away from you and others. Seek medical attention ASAP.
Some experts advise us to carry KI or Potassium Iodine but this is not practical and may not protect you (or your Thyroid) from radiation exposure. Not to mention it is dangerous to some people and could actually be worse then taking nothing.
The bottom line is simply this:
If not near the blast, move across or up wind to escape the area.
If in a vehicle, stay inside, windows closed and the A/C - Heat OFF.
If near the blast, take cover inside ASAP, preferably in a lower inside room away from doors and windows.
Use a filter mask or breathe through clothing (use clothing next to your skin) don't breathe through a jacket that might have radioactive dust on it.
Baby type or non alcohol medial wipes can be kept in the office or vehicle to do a self decontamination.Decontaminate ASAP, change and sequester clothing in bags, boxes or any container that can be closed, keep others away from your dirty clothes.
Seek medical attention as soon as its safe to do so.
Watch you six
RJ
Tuesday
DON"T ADVERTISE
Most criminals are not smart enough to make elaborate plans as Hollywood would have us believe. The truth is most are opportunistic predators that happen on their victims. They live in a "why not" world where if you happen to be in the wrong place at the right time they automatically click into criminal mode. Should they target you? Why not?
If you are a person that often travels alone, is forced to park in "out of the way" places, is known to walk the dog or jog after hours, flashes fine jewelry or wrist watches, you may not be doing yourself any favors.
The criminal mind is a free thinker, he does not have the restrictions and restraint that law abiding citizens consider normal civil behavior. He does not look at the world as the rest of us do.
You throw your tennis racket in the back seat with your gym bag, it means nothing, but he sees something very different. If it's November and you're playing tennis, well then you must be a club member someplace. To him you qualify as a person of leisure and privilege. It does not matter if that's true or not. He has just "qualified" you as a potential target.
If you are lucky enough to receive expensive gifts this Christmas like computers, high end audio equipment, cameras, firearms or anything worth allot "on the street" you might consider cutting up the boxes they came in and discarding the cardboard with printing facing IN so you do not advertise your good fortune to passers by while it sits on the curb waiting for the trash collector.
Don't openly discuss vacation or travel plans. Even in an environment like the cafeteria at work, school, Doctor's office, check out line at the local market......shut up.
Make plans to have your mail stopped or collected by a neighbor. Ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway while you're away. Use automatic lighting in the KITCHEN (try going two days without turning on the kitchen light) and only use garage door window glass that is frosted or textured. Make arrangements for the kid next door to shovel the walks or put out trash cans while you are away. Pay him well and in advance!
When shopping in casual clothes (unless you are in Harrods, you should always shop in casual clothes) consider using a "Butt bag" instead of a handbag, you need not carry all your regular stuff in the mall, just the credit cards, check book and cash. Ware it with the bag up front and pass the belt through at least one of your belt loops. This makes it hard to grab, leaves both your arms/hands free to defend yourself and makes running easier then carrying a regular handbag. Some woman like to "be seen" while shopping and actually dress for the occasion. Think Sneakers! It's more comfortable and far safer then heels or clog type shoes. FLIP FLOP sandals are for the beach or shower and should never be considered for street use.
being able to run away from an incident is important. Have you ever heard the expression "he looked me up and down"? well that's the wolf checking out the sheep. he will check your shoes, jacket, hair style. All these things can work in his favor. You need not look like a wolf but you should never appear to be a sheep.
Be wise, Don't advertise.
Watch your six
RJ
Friday
PORTABLE HEAT
I've been Cold and Wet and Warm and Dry, I like warm and dry much better.
let's face it when it's cold outside and service has been disrupted due to storm damage, you might need to spend quality time with a wool blanket and cuddled with the family hound.
OR you could go straight to plan "B", alternative heat.
Without power (or generator) furnace functions wont work. If you are the type that has a wood stove (and I suggest you do) you are ahead of the pack. The wood stove for all it's glory is not the easiest thing to sling on your back and relocate to other parts of the house/garage/basement/Mom's house, or any place heat is urgently needed.
Here "portable" heaters are the rule.
Manufactures like Kero Sun (Toyotomi) Corona (Manning) or Dyna-Glo (Northern) Dura-Heat and others produce stand up units that generate 10,000+ BTU of warm wonderful waves of comfort. Today's heaters are far safer and more reliable then the units your Dad used years ago. They burn cleaner, and are liter and more efficient then ever before. A Kero heater kept well stored in the garage/basement can be a God send when and if the temp drops.
Kerosene itself can be stored in safe quantities for years without chemical degradation like gasoline does. I know it is common knowledge but it's worth repeating for the sake of neophytes: NEVER PUT GASOLINE IN A KEROSENE HEATER....you will only blow yourself up along with most of your house and part of the yard outside. These are oil heaters only.
Kero heaters burn fairly cleanly and only really smell of fumes while lighting and extinguishing. I find if you turn them on and off outside, you will never detect an odor. Moreover there are additives that cut the odor down considerably and help the wick burn more efficiently. By keeping the crown of the wick clean of crust and carbon (that build up after long term use) and trimmed even, the heater will work long and well. I use a small steel brush to "groom" the edge of the wick once in a while. At the end of each season, my wife takes the heater apart and cleans any parts that need it (they seldom do). Always store the heater with some kero in it to keep the wick from drying out and have spare wick on hand.
Now on to "Catalytic" heaters:
Coleman, Elston, Brinkmann, Olympian, and others manufacture small portable heaters just perfect for "area" heating. Although these small heaters are not as good as Kero at putting out high volumes of heat, they are fair at providing localized comfort. 3,000 to 5,000 BTUs are the expected output of heat. Most of these units use propane that can be stockpiled. kept on a shelf in the garage, they take up little space and are worth owning two or three.
NOTICE: these units will use allot of the oxygen in the room, so use these units only in well ventilated areas. There have been reports of these units producing headaches and in some cases death due to carbon monoxide fumes. They are illegal in some parts of Canada for this reason. Reports vary, but claims of improvements to the latest designs have reduced the hazards associated with these heaters.
Think Small: Personal Warmers (Hand warmer) these suckers get HOT!
Jon-e and Zippo as well as others are small, cheap and they work!
Units that fit in your pocket can help you get through a cold night. I have put one of these in my sleeping bag more then once and was thankful for it. Some of these units burn lighter fluid type fuel while others actually burn preformed charcoal sticks. Light em, let them come up to temp, put them in their safety bags (so you wont be burned) and enjoy the warmth. They can burn for four to eight hours depending on type and size.
This may not the answer to warming the home but for lack of anything else or while in your Car/R-V or while roughing it on the floor, these units are the ticket. The cost of personal heaters is not high and they can be found in any sporting goods store/department. Stock up on a few and the fuel you will need NOW. keep one or two in your car. Don't forget a lighter, you'll need it to get em started.
Warm your six
RJ
let's face it when it's cold outside and service has been disrupted due to storm damage, you might need to spend quality time with a wool blanket and cuddled with the family hound.
OR you could go straight to plan "B", alternative heat.
Without power (or generator) furnace functions wont work. If you are the type that has a wood stove (and I suggest you do) you are ahead of the pack. The wood stove for all it's glory is not the easiest thing to sling on your back and relocate to other parts of the house/garage/basement/Mom's house, or any place heat is urgently needed.
Here "portable" heaters are the rule.
Manufactures like Kero Sun (Toyotomi) Corona (Manning) or Dyna-Glo (Northern) Dura-Heat and others produce stand up units that generate 10,000+ BTU of warm wonderful waves of comfort. Today's heaters are far safer and more reliable then the units your Dad used years ago. They burn cleaner, and are liter and more efficient then ever before. A Kero heater kept well stored in the garage/basement can be a God send when and if the temp drops.
Kerosene itself can be stored in safe quantities for years without chemical degradation like gasoline does. I know it is common knowledge but it's worth repeating for the sake of neophytes: NEVER PUT GASOLINE IN A KEROSENE HEATER....you will only blow yourself up along with most of your house and part of the yard outside. These are oil heaters only.
Kero heaters burn fairly cleanly and only really smell of fumes while lighting and extinguishing. I find if you turn them on and off outside, you will never detect an odor. Moreover there are additives that cut the odor down considerably and help the wick burn more efficiently. By keeping the crown of the wick clean of crust and carbon (that build up after long term use) and trimmed even, the heater will work long and well. I use a small steel brush to "groom" the edge of the wick once in a while. At the end of each season, my wife takes the heater apart and cleans any parts that need it (they seldom do). Always store the heater with some kero in it to keep the wick from drying out and have spare wick on hand.
Now on to "Catalytic" heaters:
Coleman, Elston, Brinkmann, Olympian, and others manufacture small portable heaters just perfect for "area" heating. Although these small heaters are not as good as Kero at putting out high volumes of heat, they are fair at providing localized comfort. 3,000 to 5,000 BTUs are the expected output of heat. Most of these units use propane that can be stockpiled. kept on a shelf in the garage, they take up little space and are worth owning two or three.NOTICE: these units will use allot of the oxygen in the room, so use these units only in well ventilated areas. There have been reports of these units producing headaches and in some cases death due to carbon monoxide fumes. They are illegal in some parts of Canada for this reason. Reports vary, but claims of improvements to the latest designs have reduced the hazards associated with these heaters.
Think Small: Personal Warmers (Hand warmer) these suckers get HOT!
Jon-e and Zippo as well as others are small, cheap and they work!
Units that fit in your pocket can help you get through a cold night. I have put one of these in my sleeping bag more then once and was thankful for it. Some of these units burn lighter fluid type fuel while others actually burn preformed charcoal sticks. Light em, let them come up to temp, put them in their safety bags (so you wont be burned) and enjoy the warmth. They can burn for four to eight hours depending on type and size.
This may not the answer to warming the home but for lack of anything else or while in your Car/R-V or while roughing it on the floor, these units are the ticket. The cost of personal heaters is not high and they can be found in any sporting goods store/department. Stock up on a few and the fuel you will need NOW. keep one or two in your car. Don't forget a lighter, you'll need it to get em started.Warm your six
RJ
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