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Prepare Kansas

Author: dekiss4

From the Archives: Handwashing

Posted on by dekiss4

This post was written by Londa Nwadike, State Extension Consumer Food Safety Specialist for Kansas and Missouri. It was originally published in September 2016

Handwashing is very important for our health, and is especially important after touching foods that have been contaminated with flood water.  Some researchers estimate that handwashing reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 31%. The following steps should be taken to wash hands properly:

  • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
  • Lather your hands (including the backs of your hands, between your. fingers, and under your nails) by rubbing them together with the soap.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air drying.

Save for the Unexpected

Posted on by dekiss4

Making a plan and building a kit are two aspects of being prepared for  disasters and emergencies. A third is to save for the unexpected. The challenges of rebuilding our lives after a disaster or other emergency can be smoothed when we have at least some money set aside.

Consider this…If you have a savings account with at least $400 accessible, not only will the “unexpected” only be a minor inconvenience (or a mad dash to grab those concert tickets), but you will have more savings than approximately 60% of Americans.

Don’t have an emergency fund or looking to grow your emergency fund? Take the Kansas Saves Pledge and commit to successfully building an emergency fund of just $500. Embrace the “Start Small and Save Big” mentality.

Since 2007, America Saves Week has been an annual celebration as well as a call to action for Americans to commit to saving successfully. This year, America Saves Week is from February 24 – 29, 2020.

Wildfire Awareness Week, February 3-7, 2020

Posted on by dekiss4

 

 

Wildfire Awareness Week reminds Kansans to remain vigilant as wildfire season approaches.

 

The Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies suggest the following to mitigate the risk of wildfire and reduce potential impacts if a wildfire does occur:

  • Create defensible space around homes by removing leaves and other plant debris and flammable material that could catch embers. Replace or repair loose or missing shingles. Provide adequate space between the home and trees or other landscaping.
  • Establish a community or neighborhood group to participate in or be a part of creating a wildfire mitigation and response plan.
  • Prevent wildfires from starting by avoiding activities that can spark fires near buildings and potential fuel sources.
  • Write and follow your burn plan for prescribed fire including checking the weather forecast, and continue to monitor the burn area to make sure it hasn’t reignited.
  • Consider volunteering with your local fire department. Quick responses by local fire departments prevent what could become a devasting wildfire.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed Feb. 3-7, 2020, as Wildfire Awareness Week in partnership with the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and multiple state agencies. Read the full release here.

Traveling during the holidays?

Posted on by dekiss4

Are you traveling by car during the holidays? Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to get prepared. Do these things:

The Ready Campaign is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement. Many campaign resources are available at ready.gov Many of them are available in languages other than English. Access a drop-down menu of languages at the top right hand corner of the web page.