Safe-Home.com

Question about choosing a survival kit and survival supplies for home use.

Answer: For a family of 4, the Small Business/Family Support Emergency Survival Kit would give your family a complete survival kit for 5 people for up to 3 days. You could supplement this with food you have on hand.  The food bars and water packets have a 5 year shelf life.

This 3 Day/5 Person Survival Kit Contents Include:

• food bars which are Kosher and meet Halal standards
• water rations
• matches
• emergency blankets
• candles
• emergency guidebook
• work gloves
• infectious waste bags
• pliers
• whistle
• playing cards
• water purification tablets
• duct tape
• utility bags
• carrying case
• tissue packs
• AM/FM radio with battery
• flashlights with batteries
• rope
• candles
• survival knife kit
• pry bar
• adhesive bandages
• instant cold pack
• mouthwash
• alcohol wipes
• adhesive tapes
• sanitary pads
• anti-diarrhea tablets
• scissors
• aspirin
• splints
• dust masks
• tongue depressors
• elastic bandage
• toothache kit
• first aid cream
• towelettes
• gauze pads
• tweezers
• gauze rolls

You could also purchase the food bars and water packets separately. For example, a good choice would be the Survivor Industries Mainstay 3600 Emergency Food Bars, 90 Bars This package contains 90 food bars that each supply 400 calories. So depending upon the size of the person and his/her activity level, 3 to 6 bars per day would keep this person with proper nutrition. If you were remaining at home,

Mainstay 3600 Emergency Food Bar Key Benefits:

• 5 year Shelf Life
• Non-Thirst Provoking
• Withstands Temperatures of -40° F to 300°F (-40°C to 149°C)
• Ready to Eat: Each package contains 9 pre-measured 400 calorie meals.
• Individualized Portions eliminate the messy breaking-up that occurs with other bars
• Allows for on-land emergency consumption in a high-stress active situation.
• Contains no cholesterol or tropical oils.
• Meets the US Coast Guard standards (160.046/23/0). Its new modern packaging even meets the stringent guidelines set by the Department of Defense (SOLAS 74/83).
• Enriched with vitamins and minerals exceeding the RDA requirements.
• Pleasant lemon flavor which appeals to everyone.
• Mainstay™ meets the dictates for Halal and is Kosher

I suggest that you either purchase the Survivor Industries Mainstay Emergency Drinking Water Pack, 4.2 Oz, 60/CS or an AquaPod Kit Deluxe Emergency Water Storage Kit. Minimum water requirements for survival are two of the 4.2 ounce packets per day. The AquaPod Kit is unique: prior to losing power from your well, you place this kit in a bathtub and fill it with cold water.

Each Aqua Pod Deluxe Kit Contains:

• 3 disposable tub liners, each 40 inches by 80 inches. This will fit in a Jacuzzi tub or standard 5 feet tub. An average tub holds 70 gallons.
• 3 disposable tie clamps to hold the bag to water spigot during the approximate 10 minute time that it takes to fill the bag. (Dependent upon water pressure.)
• 1 reusable pump with locking system. Locks the pump to the liner bag.

The AquaPod liner is made from FDA approved plastic, i.e. LDPE Plastic (Low Density Polyethylene Plastic). The shelf life is up to 10 years depending upon storage. Made in the USA.

I also recommend you purchase a copy of Wallace Guidebook for Emergency Care and Survival. This inexpensive book may literally save your life.

Thank you for your questions:

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Duracell 852-2007 Portable 600 Watt Powerpack 600HD

Answer: The versatility of this unique and the fact that it is made under the respected Duracell brand are two great reasons to begin with. The units we sell are not from the "old" batch that have old batteries and are left over from the former owner of the brand. This is an emergency preparedness product that gives you about all you need to deal with situations at home and on the road. 450 watts is a minimal power pack/inverter unit.

Duracell Powerpack 600HD Product Features Include:

•  Runs 115-volt AC (3 outlets)
•  Runs 12-volt DC (1 outlet)
•  Built-in 600 power watt inverter
•  Sealed, non-spillable 28 amp-hour AGM battery
•  AM/FM radio
•  Digital alarm clock
•  Jumper cables designed for safe and efficient jump-starting
•  Built-in light provides illumination in emergency situations at home and on the road
•  3-digit display allows for easy battery status monitoring
•  Audible alarm signals overheat and under voltage conditions
•  Overload and over-temperature protection to ensure longer inverter life
•  AC charger stored in the unit. Recharge at home or from a vehicle 

With a six month warranty from the manufacturer, you cannot go wrong with this unit for camping, emergencies where you need a nebulizer and the power is out, etc.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Res-Q-Me Keychain Emergency Escape Tool, ORANGE and the LifeHammer® Escape Tool, Original, ORANGE

Answer: Yes, you are correct. All these shows emphasize safety in the home, in the workplace and while traveling. The products come in many colors. There are discounts on quantities. In fact, you can have them personalized although we recommend this be in a minimum of 100 units as set up fees must be charged. Both products can be used to cut seat belts and to break out non-laminated, i.e. side windows of cars. Often emergency personnel like firemen and police use them in rescues as well.

The available colors for Res-Q-Me escape tools include black, orange, pink, red, yellow, and blue. Part of the profit from each pink one sold goes to National Breast Cancer Detection.

Lifehammers are now made in two other colors besides orange i.e. black and in pink. Part of the profits from every pink LifeHammer are given to support Breast Cancer Awareness month with free exams for those who cannot afford them otherwise.

The Res-Q-Me in made in the USA. The LifeHammer is the original which is made in the Netherlands.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about carbon monoxide alarms.

Answer: The best choice for your needs is the CoStar 9V Battery UL Home and RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Unless it gets below 40 degrees below zero or above 151 degrees, this is what you need. We sold these when astronauts were doing training in Alaska many years ago.

This unit is UL listed both for homes and for RV applications. A 9V Duracell alkaline battery is included.The Costar 9RV carbon monoxide detector cannot be mounted without a battery installed. Meets RV Standards for higher humidity and temperature limits plus current UL standards for home use. Approvals: UL2034 (Oct 1, 1998), C-UL for Canada and CE for Europe, RVIA Approved, CSA 6.19-01

Features:

• Detection Technology: Solid-state Infrared (SIR) sensor with reservoir system
• U.S.-Based CO Sensor Manufacturer.
• Installation Method: Mounting plate, screws and anchors included for easy mounting. Remove tamper resist pin to replace battery. Battery installation required to close door and attach to mounting bracket
• Power Source: 9-Volt alkaline battery
• Battery Life: One Year (Normal Use)
• Operating Environment: -40 degrees F to +151 degrees F 15% to 95% RH
• Warranty: 6 year limited by manufacturer

Remember that you should have a unit in each sleeping room. Without knowing your cabin's lay-out, I suggest a minimum of 2 units.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the AquaPod Kit Deluxe Emergency Water Storage Kit

Answer: The AquaPod fits in any bathtub and is easily filled using the tub spout. The AQUAPODKIT-DELUXE model lets you store 65 gallons of water, a 14 day supply for a family of 4. There is a hand pump so you can take out what you need without wasting water. Taste tests from customers say the water may take on a bit of a plastic taste after a month or so. Rarely is someone out of water for that long a time! Most toilets today can be adjusted to flush on 3 gallons of water or less. So if used wisely, only for the "big" uses, you can get quite a few flushes from one AquaPod filling.

Remember that reusing juice containers, milk bottles, etc. increases the risk of bacteria growing that could cause intestinal and other issues.

The Aqua Pod Kit Deluxe is reusable: it comes with three liners. Additional liners are available at a reasonable cost. This water storage kit is a closed system made of a low density polyethylene bag and a manual hand pump is a practical way to solve emergency storage needs without buying, carrying and storing 65 gallons of bottled water.

Each Aqua Pod Deluxe Kit Contains:

* 3 disposable tub liners, each 40 inches by 80 inches. This will fit in a Jacuzzi tub or standard 5 feet tub. An average tub holds 70 gallons.

* 2 disposable tie clamps to hold the bag to water spigot during approximate 10 minute time that it takes to fill the bag. (Dependent upon water pressure.)

* 1 reusable pump with locking system. Locks the pump to the liner bag.

* FDA approved plastic, LDPE Plastic. Low Density Polyethylene Plastic.

* Shelf Life of the Kit and Liners : Up to 10 years depending upon storage.

* Made in the USA.

Thanks for your questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Safe Escape Fire Smoke Hood ASE30,Soft,20/CS

Answer: The shelf life is 5 years from the date of manufacture. All units will have a minimum warranty of 48 months. This is because they are made in China and shipping to the USA warehouse, to us and to our customers takes time. If an order is 5 or more cases of 20, the products can be shipped directly to our customers in the USA, Canada and other countries. The reason for the maximum shelf life of 5 years is that the chemicals begin to deteriorate over time. This happens even though each smoke hood is vacuum sealed in a pouch inside the carrying or storage case.

The Safe Escape 30 minute and 60 minutes smoke hoods have a 3 part system that protects against:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
• Hydrogen Chloride (HCL)
• Acrolein (CH 2 CHCHO)
• Anthrax
• And many other toxic gases and smoke

Additional Warranty: If this unit is used in conjunction with an actual documented case when either fire or smoke are present, submit a fire or police report. We will forward this to the manufacturer and you will receive a replacement unit with a 5 year shelf life direct from the China manufacturing facility. This replacement will be free excluding shipping, duties and taxes. 

The units you purchased have a maximum 30 minutes escape time. If you are concerned you may need longer time to descend to the first floor to escape, then consider the Safe Escape Smoke Fire Hood ASE60 Soft Case 60 min.. The other smoke hood options are the Safe Escape 30 minute in the hard case and the Safe Escape 60 minute in the hard case. We also sell a Safe Escape Chem Bio Smoke Fire Gas Escape Hood. The hard case units can be mounted on the wall. Othewise they are identical to the soft case ones. This provides 30 minutes' escape time. The additional protection offered is against more than smoke as you see below.

5 Part Chem Bio System Protects Against:

• GREEN: Sarin, Hydrocyanic Acid, Hydrogen Arsenide, Phosgene, Diphosgene, Chlorpicrin, Pestmaster, Dichloromethane, Hydrogen Chloride (HCL), Lewsite Gas, Mustard Gas, Sarin, Benzene
• RED: Benzene, Chlorine, Acetone, Alcohol Class, Aniline Class, Carbon Disulphide, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chloroform, Methyl Bromide, Chlorotoluene, Nitroalkaline, Chlorpicrin, Ammonia Gas, Suphur Dioxide, Chlorine Gas, Hydrogen Sulphide, Oxides of Nitrogen, Phosgene, Phosphorate or Chlorine organoagricultural chemicals.
• WHITE: Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• PURPLE: Radioaerosol, Bacteria aerosol, Other Toxic Smoke, Fog, Dust

Shelf Life: 12 year on hood. 4 year on replaceable filter. Warranty: If this unit is used in conjunction with an actual documented case when either fire or smoke are present, submit a fire or police report. We will forward this to the manufacturer and you will receive a replacement unit with a 5 year shelf life direct from the China manufacturing facility. This replacement will be free excluding shipping, duties and taxes.

Contact us and we will be glad to provide you with a quotation for any quantity of smoke hoods of any type we ell.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question Submitted to Ask Barbara Contest: "What are the top items you recommend for an emergency kit to keep at home?" Jacqueline

Answer: As I noted in my response to Jacqueline, giving an accurate list is difficult without more specifics. For example, does she live in a house or an apartment? Is it a cold or a hot location? Is it rural or city? Is she on well water or city water? (Some rural residents have propane or gasoline powered generators so that water or some power is available no matter what the situation.) Is she living in an earthquake zone, a flood plain, a tornado area?

This is an expansion of my response to her.

I do not know where you live or I could be more specific. These are not necessarily in the correct order. All homes should have these, in my opinion. The brand is not as important as having the items there. You can use rechargeable or battery lights.The Energizer Solar Lantern This unit has charging options that include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors.This is an LED lantern with adjustable light output.

If you live in a southern climate, using solar panels to keep batteries charged to power a 12volt Koolatron cooler would be a great addition so you could have cool beverages and keep some food items from spoiling until the power returned. The solar panel I've included has a regulator on it so the 12V battery of your car, truck or RV won't be overcharged. What you don't want is a dead battery when you need to leave your home for a shelter or to get supplies when the emergency is over. A less expensive solar panel is the 50 watt Go Power solar panel with regulator

1. Flashlight or flashlight lantern and extra batteries

2.Weather Radio and extra batteries

3.Emergency medical kit. Also include at least a 7 day supply of Rx medications that you or family members require.

4. A survival kit either made by you or a company that includes drinking water,food bars,etc. Survivor Industries makes a variety of survival kits for different needs. The food and water both have a 5 year shelf life. This is a 3 day kit for 2 people This is a 3 day kit for 2 people. For a remote location or a flood or earthquake zone, I suggest you plan for a longer time without access to fresh or frozen foods. Small Office or Family Emergency Survival Kit by Survivor Industries offers both a medical kit and provisions to keep up to 5 people healthy and fed for up to 3 days. Both food and nutrition bars are included plus a deck of cards, tissue packs, flashlight, radio, etc.

5. The Aqua Pod fits in a bath tub and gives you water storage if you live in a hurricane, tornado or flood zone where your tap water will either not be available or its safety is in question. This unit includes a hand pump. The capacity is 65 gallons, enough for a family of 4 for 14 days. The unit includes three liners.  

Thank you for your question and your entry into the Ask Barbara Contest.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the HeartSine AED units

Answer: The Heartsine units are entirely automatic. The Samaritan PAD (Public Access Defibrillator) system senses when the electrode pads are applied to the patient. The it automatically analyzes heart rhythm, advises whether or not therapy should be applied, and delivers carefully defined electrical shock designed to return the heart to a normal rhythm.

The standard Samaritan PAD pack comes with 1 Adult Pad Pak for use on those 8 years of age or older.

Samaritan PAD Features:

• Visual prompts: Attach Pads, Stand Clear, Perform CPR, Shock Now, Self tests Pass -
• Ready State Indicators: Low battery voice prompt, (at least 10 discharges remaining), audible prompt (alerts user of electrode disconnect), service icon stops flashing if self-tests fail, no battery, or when service required
• Voice/icon prompts: Extensive voice and icon prompts guide the user through the operation sequence
• Waveform: SCOPE (self-compensating output pulse envelope) Biphasic waveform. Optimized biphasic waveform compensates energy, slope and envelope for patient impedance
• PAD Paks have 3.5 year shelf life
• Warranty: 7 years by manufacturer

Along with the unit, you do need a simple AED wall holder or a cabinet holder with alarm module if you are concerned about theft. Definitely, you need AED signs.

It is recommended that there be at least one AED unit per floor of a building. For larger buildings, you need more. Usually there is one in every restaurant area, bar, golf shop, etc. These are not inexpensive. However, insurance liability is less with these on premises and the question is how much is a life worth?

The Samaritan Training Pad System is recommended for AHA/ERC Guidelines for 2005 and 2000. It is pre-programmed in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian. Security guards, managers of restaurants or golf clubs, etc. should be trained so there is familiarity with the units before action is required.

Packages of 10 Electrodes or Single Pairs of Electrodes are available. Remember it to mark the unit to replace electrodes every two years. Childrens electrodes can be used only with the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 300P. Childrens electrodes are for children 1-8 years old and weighing under 55 lbs. (25 kg). Can only be used on units designate with Adult/Child label, Model 300P.

A prescription is needed for each unit. We can arrange for the prescription through HeartSine physician consultants if needed.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Eliminate monthly monitoring fees with the HouseEvolve home monitoring system by FreeVolve. This system improves home safety and allows you to monitor and manage your home from anywhere in the world. Other features include being able to call to check on current conditions, receive warnings of developing problems, and adjust environmental conditions at any time.

Question about operating a TV from a portable power pack.

Answer: First, learn the watts you'll need both to turn on your portable TV set and to keep it powered until the game. Next, how many hours do you plan to operate the TV? Do you plan to operate other AC appliances as well? For example, a 400 watt power pack typically is advertised to operate a 5" Color TV (20 Watts) for about 8 Hours.Or is this a 12V TV?

Most customers are purchasing the 600 watt power packs such as the Duracell or the Duracell XPower Powerpack 1500 Watt Inverter. If you camp a lot or lose power often and have lots of sunshine, add the Go-Power 80 Watt Solar Kit with Digital Regulator to keep the unit charged. A digital regulator is necessary or you may overcharge the unit and ruin the battery.

Thank you for your question. Feel free to contact us once you know the wattage requirements of your TV set.

Sincerely, Barbara