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Resolve to Be Ready in 2011 *Giveaway*

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This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Kim M. Congrats!

I love living in Southern California. We have amazing weather and no shortage of things to keep us entertained. We live in a quiet, family-friendly community where the people are genuine and the focus is on children. And while I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, there is always that little reminder in the back of my mind that we live in “earthquake country.”

Nearly every part of the world faces a potential disaster….whether it be earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes or floods.  Are you ready? I can honestly say that for the first time, that answer is yes in our home. Last year, my husband and I compiled an earthquake kit filled with food and emergency supplies.

The New York City Office of Emergency Management wants to ensure that you are ready for all types of emergencies.  By following three simple steps, you and your family will be better prepared to face any emergency.

Make a plan:  Develop a disaster plan with your household and family members for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency

Get a kit:  The NYC OEM recommends keeping enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for at least three days.  We keep ours supplies in a separate container outside of the house, in the event of an earthquake. 

Be informed: Learn how to keep informed about the hazards you face in the city you live.  You can follow your city’s radio and television stations online via Twitter, Facebook, and other social networking sites.

Regardless of where you live, the website is incredibly resourceful.  I learned some very helpful tips including the fact that I should be checking expiration dates on the food and supplies in our kit and changing them out when we change the clocks during daylight saving times.

The OEM’s Facebook page offers information on preparing for an emergency.  If you live in NYC, you can use their My Meeting Place Facebook application to select and share your meeting place in case of an emergency.  You can also submit a photo to demonstrate how you’re preparing for emergencies this year.  Lastly, you can download a Resolve to Be Ready preparation calendar from the site which contains quarterly, monthly, and weekly reminders to help prepare for emergencies.

Win It! One of you will win an emergency preparation kit which includes a $25 Target gift card, flashlight, AA batteries, travel first aid kit, and protein bars.  Simply visit the OEM site or Facebook page. Then leave a comment with a specific emergency tip you found useful (other than the ones listed above).  Comments will close on February 1, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.  US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  Giveaway items supplied by the company.

Caryn Bailey
Latest posts by Caryn Bailey (see all)

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269 Responses to Resolve to Be Ready in 2011 *Giveaway*

  1. I learned: Traditional flashlight bulbs burn out after a few years. (LED) flashlights are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs–a good thing to have in your emergency kit

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  2. This is the tip I found useful ~ Eat. Food provides your body with needed energy to produce its own heat and drinking helps your body avoid dehydration.

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  8. I realized I never designated one of our out of states family members as the person to call if a disaster separates our immediate family and we need a phone number that can work as a relay center. Good tip!

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  9. I like that they list items that you should have in case of an emergency, like the phone that does not rely on electricity. We’ve had to use our old rotary dial phone several times when we’ve lost power (in storms)-great advice! 🙂

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  15. I liked this tip: Ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

    My daughter would think that was great. She loves being prepared.

    Reply

  18. Useful emergency tip:
    Every household should pack a Go Bag – a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

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  19. I learned and liked the recommendation that all of the children be involved in the plan and practice using games…. to reinforce that.
    1prizewinner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. I found the Go Bag idea is ultra useful and important.
    Every household should pack a Go Bag – a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply

  37. I learned Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)

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  38. LEARNED – Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area, or heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms.

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  40. I found this tip helpful: Gather emergency supplies – some to keep in your home and others to keep in backpacks in case you must leave your home in a hurry.

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  45. i like their tip on donating blood..not something i had thought of but when disaster strikes it is needed
    nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

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  48. I thought it was really neat that they had links for CERT training classes in NYC. I’m in CA, but I just started CERT training tonight. The first class was great and I already learned so much! I reccomend that anyone who wants to be preparred to help others and themselves in an emergency, look into CERT classes in your area! My local CERT training is FREE and the whole course will only add up to about 18 hours. There is something everyone can learn to do to help in CERT. I can’t think of a single reason why everyone shouldn’t do it!

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  50. Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship.

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  52. the tip to have bleach for disinfecting water made me think…i don’t normally keep bleach in the house because of its toxicity but i should get some for this purpose

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  65. The go bag is a great idea. We had one in our house when I was a teenager, but I have yet to do that with my family. I hope I win to get my bag started.

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  66. A great tip I have heard is to have a “secret” word that your kids know…so incase of an emergency and someone else needs to pick up the kids, they can use this word and the kids will know its ok to go with them.

    Thanks!
    Samantha
    [email protected]

    Reply

  68. My FIL is a dialysis patient and the OEM site recommends finding out the dialysis provider’s emergency plan. We will definitely do this on our next visit.

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  73. What i found that was useful isto keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for at least three days 🙂

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  76. I like the unplug unused appliances tip. Makes sense that you use more electric so why not save your self a few bucks!

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  81. I like the idea of having a Go Bag: Every household should pack a Go Bag – a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation.

    Reply

  85. The tip that I found useful was to ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  96. It’s interesting to have a “go-bag” prepared with all the important things one needs not directly related to survival.

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  97. Gather supplies is a great tip by OEM. Making sure you have enough water, medications, and hygiene items for a couple of days per person is very important. Also, in colder climates, keep a blanket and some extra clothes in your car as well as a bottle or two of water and a granola bar in case you get stuck!

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  99. I learned that in your go bag you should keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages.

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  100. I liked the tip about keeping enough in your home to survive for at least 3 days. That’s a good benchmark for me to reach for my family.

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  103. I like the tip about Deciding where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood.
    Thanks so much.

    Reply

  105. I think that ensuring that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks is a good tip.

    Reply

  111. “The NYC Citizen Corps Council’s preparedness activities are managed by an executive committee and four task forces, each of which focuses on a different demographic group: immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency, people with special needs, youth, and volunteers.” I love that they are looking specifically at certain groups that might need extra attention in an emergency situation. I’d like to see “the elderly” added to that list (although maybe they fall into the “special needs” category?)
    Alicia Webster
    [email protected]

    Reply

  113. I’m also in So Cal, and think I’m fairly prepared (for both earthquake and fire), but learned that I need to have a phone that does not rely on electricity! Never thought of that one… off to dig in closets to see if I still have one!

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  116. Staying “calm” is a “buzz word” in the Ready Word Search because it is key in an emergency/disaster.
    momznite_at_yahoo_daught_com

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  117. Designate an out-of-state friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster. If New York City phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make. This out-of-state contact can help you communication with others.
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    Reply

  120. I like the tips to: 1) designate two areas for the family to meet…once close by and one farther away, like a church or library….and 2) designate an out of state family member as a point of contact for everyone to contact if separated. I never would have thought of the second one. Good info. (Actually….all of it is! )

    Thanks for the information!

    Reply

  123. Great tip : Ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

    Thanks for sponsoring this contest !

    Reply

  124. When developing your family’s disaster plan, you should assemble and make copies of vital contact information for each family member.

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  128. This tip was helpful: Gather emergency supplies – some to keep in your home and others to keep in backpacks in case you must leave your home in a hurry.

    txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  130. I live in NY and the tip I found useful was: Designate an out-of-state friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster. If New York City phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make. This out-of-state contact can help you communication with others.

    Reply

  131. I have a first aid kit on hand and inside is our personal info with stuff such as medications we take, alergies, and other pertinent info. I even have a copy of our medical insurance cards.

    Reply

  132. I learned that the emergency kit should be prepared as such:

    Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight-saving times.

    Reply

  136. I learned that Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights are more durable than and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs in flashlights. I have one LED flashlight now, the rest are the old type. I need to replace them with the LED type. I notice they seem brighter as well.

    dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

    Reply

  138. We have 6 kids, four of which have rooms in our basement. They each have a rechargeable flashlight plugged into a wall socket, so if there is no power for any reason they have a flashlight to at least safely get upstairs.

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  142. I learned to check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight-saving times.

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  145. The tip to agree on a specific place for family members to meet is my favorite tip.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  149. I found the tip about using a shovel to clear snow away from fire hydrants near your home so that emergency workers can access them to be really helpful. Thank you for the lovely giveaway.
    sewmuchstuff at ymail dot com

    Reply

  158. I especially liked the tip about keeping a picture of you and your pet together in case you are separated, I never would have thought of that but it is a must because I would never want to lose my dog and that could help locate them.

    Reply

  162. I found the tip about downloading the 2011 Ready New York Downloadable Calendar useful, as it is full of reminders on being prepared.

    Reply

  163. I like the idea of designating an out-of-state family member for everyone to call in case you get separated

    erroneous02(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  165. I found it useful that you should have a go bag with copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container.

    Reply

  167. Though I know how difficult it can be to call someone when the cell lines are overloaded, it never occurred to me to use an out of state contact to ensure that my family is safe. In Utah, we’re due for a big earthquake and I’m taking some of these measures to heart! Thanks

    Reply

  171. A great tip is to have extra house and car keys in your emergency kit. I never thought about it before, but I don’t want to be searching for my kids so we can evacuate in a hurry!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

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  174. I learned about readying yourself financially with tips to make a financial emergency kit. One tip on creating a financial worksheet, which includes bank account, credit card, and insurance policy information as well as electronic backup for financial information stored on the computer I found useful.

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  175. Camille and Katrina have made me very aware of keeping emergency supplies on hand. We are currently waiting on a possible 2 in. of ice, and 6 to 7 inches of snow along with high winds. My additional supply will include gathering emergency supplies – some to keep in your home and others to keep in backpacks in case you must leave your home in a hurry. I will start collecting the individual back packs when weather allows.

    Reply

  178. I learned you should have an out of state friend or relative for everyone to check-in with.Thanks!
    lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  179. I like the tip about keeping chlorine bleach on hand to disinfect water–also works for other disinfection, in case there is danger of disease.

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  183. I like the this tip, using odine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)

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  184. I learned we should have a “go bag”. Ive often wondered how fast we would have to get things together if we had to leave in a hurry!

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  186. I never realized that out of state family members should be designated emergency contacts as well! thanks for hosting such a great contest!

    Reply

  193. I learned that you should clear away snow from the fire hydrant by your home, if applicable, so that firefighters can easily access them if needed.

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  198. I learned that it is a good idea to ‘Arrange a Family Night to make sure your kids are prepared for emergencies. Review your emergency plan.’
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  201. Eat. Food provides your body with needed energy to produce its own heat and drinking helps your body avoid dehydration.

    Reply

  207. I learned that you should have extra sets of essential keys like house and car and keep those in your emergency kit. Great idea!

    Reply

  208. The best plan make sure you have enough food and water when you know bad weather is coming and go out before and make sure you have what you need! Great giveaway thank you.
    tishajean@ charter.net

    Reply

  218. Ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

    Reply

  219. I learned that LED flashlights last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. Thank you for the giveaway!

    Reply

  223. Tip: Ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

    Reply

  227. I found out that they have a program to teach regular people how to help: NYC CERT is a public program and training is available to all city residents, as well as those who work in NYC, provided they are interested in becoming a resource during disasters.

    Reply

  229. LED flashlights last longer than traditional flashlight batteries. Looks like I need to replace the ones in my kit!

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  230. Good idea I found “Designate an out-of-state friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster.” NEED to do that!

    Reply

  234. A useful tip I found was to decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship.

    Reply

  240. I like the tip that everyone in the family should have a bag that’s ready to go filled with things they’ll need.

    Reply

  241. I love that they are so thorough in the pet guide I learned that ”
    TIP: Pets in carriers are allowed on MTA subways, buses,
    and trains. When an evacuation order is declared, pets
    too large for carriers will also be allowed, provided those
    animals are muzzled and controlled on a sturdy leash no
    longer than four feet”
    This is good to know –I remember when they evacuated New Orleans –that was an issue many elderly people wouldn’t leave without their pets–pets were not allowed. I know I couldn’t possibly leave my animals behind.
    [email protected]

    Reply

  248. Thanks for the giveaway…a working Carbon Monoxide detector is essential for every home / apartment that uses oil / gas / wood fired combustion sources for hot water & heating !

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply

  251. the tip i found most useful: Ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

    Reply

  252. The OEM has some great brochures that you can download. I looked at the one for Pet Owners. They make some really good points, like making arrangements with a neighbor to care for your pet if you can’t get home, and even if they’re indoor pets, make sure they have collars and tags, so rescue workers can return lost pets to you.

    Reply

  254. Love this giveaway. Have been looking for preparedness giveaways. I attended a preparedness class a few weeks ago and learned also to have a Whistle.
    Molino7atmsndotcom

    Reply

  259. One tip I learned was never heat your home with a stove or oven, and do not use kerosene or oil-burning heaters indoors
    because of monoxide poisoning

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  265. Designate a family member who lives out of state as an emergency contact number if the family gets separated.

    Reply

  266. OEM urges New Yorkers to assist clearing snow and ice from fire hydrants. That makes sense.
    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply

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