I know, spring is here, we all enjoy being outside more. We don’t want to think about the coming hurricane season.

Fire departments respond to 1,750,000 fires each year in the United States. On average, 4,380 people are killed and another 17,000 are burned or injured.  Home fire threats must be taken seriously.

Winter storms can knock out power and heat for many homes. One way to prepare is to buy extra blankets. You don’t need to go to Wal-Mart or Penny’s for extras that may cost a fair amount of money.

Any car, new or old can break down, or if we get careless run out of gas. Often, staying in the car and calling for help on your cell phone is a good idea.

We use Smart Phones for more things. The power is incredible. You can now download a free App from the Red Cross for emergency first aid.

Many common injuries are covered, some with how to videos. Content can be preloaded, so you can easily reference anyplace, any time.  When I was growing up our parents had a first aid book that would come out if I got into poison ivy, or needed a burn treated. Now, you can literally get a free fist aid book on your phone, or IPad.

Readers of CEN blog know we recommend everyone have an emergency kit stocked with supplies for between 3 and 14 days. Most of us like to build, or buy a kit, and then just forget the thing, until needed.

In our personal bags we keep an inventory of contents and refresh regularly as needed. One problem is food bars. We keep our bags in the car and in Phoenix the tempers get pretty hot in the summer. Even in cooler climates, car temperatures can get peaty hot resulting in shorter shelf life for stored food. 

During an emergency you don’t want to discover your emergency food is useless.