Thankfully, most of us will never have to deal with the unimaginable devastation that some areas have experienced over the past several years., and certainly the past several months. This doesn’t mean that we should not try to be as prepared as we can for disasters. When we think about disaster preparedness, many people may think about the structure of their home and their property. Some may consider vehicles and other large investments. These are very important, yet there are other areas to consider when developing a comprehensive disaster plan, like important documents, medications and medical equipment, adequate insurance coverage, income replacement or supplementation, pets and livestock, and most importantly, your own physical safety.
Disasters are often caused naturally (floods, fires, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, etc.) though they may be caused by humans (fires, riots, wars, power outages, etc.). If you do not know which disasters the area you live in or may be visiting is prone to, you can use this interactive map to determine for which ones you might want to prepare. It is important to know which disasters are most likely so you prepare your disaster plan accordingly. For instance, here in Ohio, tornadoes are one of the most likely natural disasters. Since there have been several tornadoes of varying intensity spread across the Buckeye State the past few years, this is definitely a natural disaster you want to include in your disaster preparedness and planning. Other disasters you might consider when making your plan listed below.
According to the map, everyone should prepare for the following disasters:
Flood: NEVER walk, swim, or drive through flood water.
Home Fire: Test smoke alarms monthly and practice your fire escape plan.
Extreme Heat: Stay aware of the heat index, drink plenty of fluids, stay inside and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on neighbors and family.
Power Outages: Keep battery powered lamps and flashlights handy. Do NOT use candles. Know how to properly use a generator and NEVER use one indoors or in other enclosed spaces.
Thunderstorm: Seek shelter inside. Designate a safe place to gather away from windows or glass doors.
Winter Storm: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Avoid driving when possible. Stay indoors. Dress in layers and cover your extremities if you must be outside.
In October, the most common emergencies across the nation are hurricanes, home fires, and floods. SE Ohio is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions and almost the entire county I live in is still experiencing the highest drought level. So, the last thing on anyone’s mind around here right now is flooding! Which highlights the importance of knowing the current risks wherever you are and doing what you can to be prepared for the unexpected and possibly the unimaginable.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 27). Preparedness & Planning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/index.asp
Common natural disasters across US. The Most Common Natural Disasters Across The U.S. | Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/common-natural-disasters-across-us.html#all
FEMA. (2018, July). Document and insure your property. DOCUMENT AND INSURE YOUR PROPERTY. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf
FEMA. (2019, September). Emergency financial first aid kit (EFFAK). Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK). https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_effak-toolkit.pdf
FEMA. (n.d.). Safeguard critical documents and valuables. Safeguard Critical Documents and Valuables. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_safeguard-critical-documents-and-valuables.pdf
Pet disaster preparedness & recovery. American Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html
Protect your home with Flood Insurance. FEMA.gov. (n.d.). https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/protect-your-home-flood-insurance
Tornadoes. Tornadoes | Ready.gov. (2024, June 24). https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes
Turner, T. (2024, October 9). Ohio State assists farmers as drought, rain create challenges for soybean crops. https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-assists-farmers-as-drought-rain-create-challenges-for-soybean-crops/
Types of emergencies. Types of Disasters | American Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html
Winter Weather. Winter Weather | Ready.gov. (n.d.). https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
Written by: Misty Harmon, Assistant Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, [email protected]
Reviewed by: Ryan Kline, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, [email protected]
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Many of us will see trick-or-treaters visiting our neighborhoods this week. When you do, consider starting a new Halloween tradition. My sister, Debbie is a great hostess for trick-or-treat night. She fixes a big pot of chili with healthy beans, lean beef and tomatoes. As the soup simmers, family members can stop in for a bowl of soup and some veggies before hitting the streets. A fun veggie tray encourages everyone to try a veggie dipped in reduced fat ranch dressing. The kids and their parents have a healthy meal to get them started on their journey. 
Did you know? A research study from Yale University found that children are just as likely to choose a small toy as candy when offered both of them. Given the choice between lollipops, fruit flavored candy, tart hard candy and stretch pumpkin men, glow in the dark insects, Halloween-themed stickers and pencils, 50% of the children chose the toys.
November 21, 2024
Positively Positive | Live Healthy Live Well
maximios Blog
January 2, 2018 by Misty Harmon
The holiday season is one of the most giving and positive times of the year. Many people have the ‘Spirit of Giving’ during this festive time. The students of Somerset Elementary School are no exception. A few of weeks ago the principal, and some of the students stopped by our office to deliver poinsettias. They were going to businesses and residences in the community to spread some positivity with the flowers and a little note. The students of Somerset Elementary; however, have been practicing positivity for a couple years. They piloted the Positivity Project for Northern Local School District last year. The district implemented the project in the other two grade schools this year due to the great results from Somerset Elementary.
The visit from the students inspired me to encourage others to be more positive. Overall, I tend to be a positive person, but positivity does not come naturally for everyone. Some people have to work harder at it, but we all can become more positive with some small changes. To become more positive, try some of these tips from the Mayo Clinic:
Identify areas to change.
Check yourself.
Be open to humor.
Follow a healthy lifestyle.
Surround yourself with positive people.
Practice positive self-talk.
With practice, you may be able to develop a more positive attitude and become less critical of things around you.
There are many health benefits to having a positive outlook/attitude for you. These may include:
One study showed that the most optimistic group of women had a nearly 30% overall reduced mortality compared to the least optimistic group.
Gratitude can also help with developing a more positive outlook/attitude. People who are more grateful tend to have a more positive demeanor. If we can continue the practice of gratitude that many people seem to have during the holiday season all year long, it may help us to become more positive overall. The week after our office received the visit and the flowers from the students, I walked over to the school to deliver a Thank You note to the principal to share with the students. I wanted to make sure that the students understand that their gesture was appreciated and acknowledged. I will be sharing this blog with the principal as well so that he can show the students how they were my inspiration for writing it. The simple gesture of positivity by them, has already spread beyond their little school and town.
When you find yourself struggling to be or to remain positive (as we all do at times), remember Winston Churchill’s famous quote that “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Sometimes just re-framing the situation can help us to see things in a more positive light.
Comment on your favorite tips to stay positive.
Written by: Misty Harmon, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension , Perry County.
Reviewed by: Michelle Treber, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County.
Photo Credit: Debbie Goodrich, Office Associate, Perry County OSU Extension.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950?pg=2
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/08/positive-emotions-your-health
http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness/positive-thinking/
References:
Bryan, Jeff & Erwin, Mike (2017). #OtherPeopleMatter, The Positivity Project.
Mayo Clinic Staff (February 18, 2017). Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) News in Health (August 2015). Positive Emotions and Your Health Developing a Brighter Outlook.
Feldscher, Karen (December 7, 2016). How power of positive thinking works, Harvard Gazette.
Mindfulness and Positive Thinking (2016). Pursuit of Happiness, Inc.