emergencies

by Emily Co

My office sent my colleagues and me to an earthquake training 101 class yesterday — it was very interesting and a little bit terrifying. For one, the presenter showed us a simulation of what the Bay Bridge in San Francisco will look like if there was an earthquake that rated a 7 on the Richter scale rippling through the city. Suffice to say, the image of the bridge bending like playdough seriously scared me. I'm going to start being more prepared for natural disasters, and you should do the same with these tips:

• Sensible Footwear: If you're a heel-loving gal, make sure you at least keep a pair of sensible shoes with thick soles at the office. This is so when you walk home, your feet will be protected from the rubble and glass bits.
• Masks: If parts of buildings have collapsed or fallen, the air is bound to be dusty. Get a mask that will filter the dust out so you can walk home.
• Food and Water: Make sure your office has a storage of water and food to sustain you for 72 hours (it's the most critical time for an earthquake).
• Duck, Cover, and Hold: The most dangerous thing that can happen indoors is falling objects, so make sure you get under your desk when the ground shakes and hold onto it.
• Wait For It: Check with your building if this applies to you, but they should have earthquake announcements that will inform people when it's safe to leave by the stairs. Although your immediate impulse will be to go home and get away from your office building, wait for the building to announce if it's safe to leave. Sometimes the stairs might not be reliable, and your building will let you know if there are any problems with it.

For more tips to get you prepared for an earthquake, read on.

by OnSugar Blog

Check out this post from the OnSugar blog The Adventures of Our Fur Babies.

I received my free pet safety pack from the ASPCA yesterday.  It took a while (oh about two months) but better late than never, right? I first learned about this pack in one of Pet Sugar's posts. It's from last year, but thank goodness I chanced upon it. Whenever I watch the news and see a home that caught on  fire, or an area affected by an earthquake or like lately, the gas leak explosion in San Bruno, I also wonder if they had pets in those homes.  What about them? =(

Being a stay-at-home mom, I'm almost always home. But there are still some days when I would be out doing some errands or spending some quality time with the family. So should something happen while we're not at home, though there are no guarantees, it's good to have this sticker/decal on my balcony sliding door  or window as a precaution in case of an emergency (earthquake, fire, etc). It contains info like what kind of pets you have at home and contact number.  I also plan to make one so I can stick it on my front door.

Just for picture purposes. Filled it out after.

Learn what else is in the pack and read more

by babysugar

Doctor's offices and hospital emergency rooms are always flooded over the holidays. Fevers flare up, and ear infections appear out of nowhere. When mom and dad are worried about their wee ones and it's past office hours, they often head to the nearest ER. Instead of sitting in a waiting room surrounded by other infected visitors, try visiting a 24-hour emergency clinic.

Fast becoming popular, many 24-hour clinics are often much faster, cleaner, more convenient and overall easier to deal with than a large hospital. In most cases, they accept insurance and charge the same co-pay as any emergency room visit and parents won't have to fret and entertain their ill child as they will most often see a physician quickly upon arrival.

Have you been to one of these types of emergency clinics?

by babysugar

Sound the alarms! Lil Bobby fell out of a tree and broke his collarbone! Or maybe little Susi swallowed a hair clip. Sooner or later, most every parent will have to take his or her tot to the emergency room for immediate attention. It's only natural that babes suffering broken bones, high fevers and stove burns will be frightened to visit the hospital, but moms and dads can make the experience a bit easier with a few words and tricks from home. On the way there, take a breath from the chaos and explain the process and if you have time so your child knows what to expect. If you have the chance to grab goodies from home bring some snacks and something comforting (think teddy bear, video game, blanket) so your child feels comfortable.

Has your wee one made a trip to the ER yet?

by POPSUGAR Moms

Teach your children what to do in an emergency, because you never know when lightning may strike. Nine-year-old Tristan Coxwell called 911 when his mother, Kimberly Krone, was struck by lightning in the family's Texas kitchen. The calm child kept his cool and an eye on his siblings while he gave the operator information. Help arrived and after a brief hospital stay, the 29-year-old mama of six is said to be doing fine. How have you prepared your child for these types of situations?