Zenia Platten, Author at Total Prepare Inc. Canada

12 Feb

Case Study: Otipemisiwak Métis Government FREE Emergency Kit Program

February 12, 2024
Posted by Zenia Platten

Highlighting a collaborative effort between the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Total Prepare, this article delves into a significant initiative that saw the distribution of 500 Emergency Kits to Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government within Alberta. This partnership not only delivered essential resources but also fostered education and empowerment within the Métis community.

In this post, we will explore the intricacies of the project, from its inception to execution, shedding light on the impactful results and drawing insights for those considering similar initiatives. The collective efforts showcased in this program emphasize the significance of proactive preparedness and the strength of partnerships in enhancing community resilience during challenging times.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta is the oldest continuous Métis government in Canada. It was originally established in 1928, and has been built by Alberta Métis over generations. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government delivers programs and services to Métis Citizens living throughout Alberta through its governance structures and affiliates.

Figure 1.President Andrea Sandmaier of the Otipemisiwak Metis Government.

For this project, Total Prepare had the privilege of working alongside the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Environment and Climate Change Department. Among their many initiatives, this department hosts a variety of Speaker Spotlights, offering expert presentations to their Citizens on a variety of environmental topics. These presentations are customized to focus on Alberta-specific issues, through a Métis lens. Total Prepare’s very own Isabel Wood was honoured to give one such presentation on emergency preparedness, which will be discussed later.

The Need

According to Kimberly Mosicki, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Environment Manager:

“Our staff started brainstorming ideas of what could be done with [our remaining budget] that would be of most benefit to our Citizens. Over the years, we have heard increasing concerns about wildfires and the wildfire season, and emergencies are getting more and more severe in Alberta.”

Knowing that Emergency Kits are a great resource during all kinds of emergencies, including wildfire and evacuation scenarios, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government team decided to embark on an initiative to provide 72-hour Emergency Kits to as many families as they could with their remaining budget, prioritizing households in rural or remote communities.

“We want to empower them to feel safe in the event of an emergency.” – Kimberly Mosicki during a February 2023 interview with CBC Radio, discussing the Emergency Kit initiative.

Choosing a Partner

Kimberly’s team researched possible partners for the project extensively, creating a spreadsheet with a wide variety of vendors.

“We went through our top three or four choices, prioritizing ones that were local – either to Alberta, or at least Canadian based – and had the kinds of kits that it looked like we would be interested in purchasing.”

They sent requests to three different companies for a quote on 250 emergency kits. Two of the vendors broadened the conversation, learning more about the project, and providing expertise to help the Otipemisiwak Métis Government curate the best kit possible for their needs.

Total Prepare offered to participate in the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s ongoing Speaker Spotlight series, giving a webinar to help educate interested Métis Citizens about emergencies local to Alberta. The presenter, Isabel Wood, worked together with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to tailor the presentation to their preferences.

Total Prepare was also able to provide customized documents and free resources, as well as handling final delivery to households. These value-adding services, and the relationship built over the planning of the project, made Total Prepare the final choice for the project vendor.

A Note on Price

While Total Prepare was not the cheapest option for the specified 250 emergency kits, their team was able to exercise economies of scale to provide 500 emergency kits, at a price point only slightly higher than the original quote. This made the per-kit price very competitive. Combined with the value-adding services mentioned above, the new price helped to cement Total Prepare’s place as the partner for the initiative.

Sourcing & Kit Building

To build the best kit at the best price, Total Prepare sourced several non-stock items from trusted partners. While Lunar New Year celebrations slowed some acquisitions from overseas, delaying assembly, everything arrived complete and in good condition.

Total Prepare’s warehouse team called in additional resources, utilizing secondary locations, and working non-stop to build all 500 kits as quickly as possible. The goal became to mitigate the sourcing delay as much as possible. The team assembled all kits in half the scheduled time.

Logistics

To ensure that the Emergency Kits arrived to those with the greatest need, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government put out a call to their Citizens. They received over 1,600 requests, further reinforcing the need for the initiative. They then prioritized those in rural communities with vulnerabilities such as a lack of access to emergency services, mobility issues, or households with small children – anything that would add more challenges during an evacuation or emergency.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government then confirmed the citizenship of each recipient, along with their shipping information. The latter was gathered into a spreadsheet and sent to Total Prepare, who handled distributing the Emergency Kits to their final destinations. To be prudent, Total Prepare planned for up to 5% of orders to encounter courier problems, but issues occurred in less than 1% of shipments.

This process was scalable and error free thanks to new software at Total Prepare. All addresses and customer information could be uploaded directly to the shipping software, eliminating manual errors, and ensuring the couriers received all information exactly as it was entered.

Of the logistics, Kimberley said:

“[Ed from Total Prepare] was very responsive. And, honestly, the shipping was fantastic. We gave numbers and names – that was it… and we got to wash our hands of the situation after that, which was very nice because shipping is a lot to organize! It was nice to have a partner who was able to handle that for us.”

Education

Providing educational resources for their Citizens was top of mind for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government throughout the project. In addition to the Speakers Spotlight, they were able to provide Total Prepare’s comprehensive emergency guide to their Citizens, along with a Pocket Emergency Plan.

Every kit that shipped was also packed with a booklet of information, designed, and produced by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Environment and Climate Change Department, with information on all the available resources, and explanations of the less common items in the kit.

The Result

All the emergency kits were able to be delivered to their new owners, and the Emergency Preparedness session of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s speaker series has been their most-viewed video. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive as recipients of the kits reached out with comments. Here are just a few:

“Good evening. I received our emergency kit safely and just wanted to say thank you so much to yourself and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. We feel so very fortunate to have received this package and will treasure having this kit in our possession. Recently our family had to evacuate not under provincial wildfire people’s order but on our own due to our 7-year-old son having severe allergies to fire smoke. Our friends in town had to be evacuated in Valleyview, Alberta and they are the ones that received the package for us. Due to your generosity, we received ample provisions, and we were able to share one of the backpacks with their family as well so you guys provided for two families thank you so much, and may the blessings be bestowed on you as well.” – Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen

“I picked up my … very full and heavy… box with two unbelievably amazing kits this afternoon from our local hardware store. I was so happy and relieved to get these!!! Once getting home and looking at them I am floored at the careful planning and expense put into these. I honestly felt overwhelmed by getting such an amazing gift. You are bringing so much peace of mind to me and my family. I just really wanted to thank you for doing this and all the work you put into it. I am beyond grateful that we were selected and want you know how having these supplies has made me feel so much better. Thank you for everything. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” – Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen 

“I just wanted to say thank you to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government for the Emergency Preparedness kits that I was fortunate to have received. These kits are really incredible and have everything our family would need in case of emergency evacuation or situation. I am extremely grateful and hope that you can pass on my thanks to the appropriate persons!!” – Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen

Kimberly confirmed that she would do a similar project again if given the opportunity. When asked what advice she would give others embarking on a similar program, she recommended targeting March and April for delivery to avoid kits arriving during flooding or fire seasons.

A Comparison

Total Prepare had the unique experience of seeing how our services added value when a second organization reached out to our team. We’ll call them Org B. Org B heard of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s wonderful initiative and wanted to do a similar project, but they opted to go with another vendor.

To keep the project as economical as possible, Org B opted to handle the shipping themselves, having all kits sent to a central location for distribution. After months of delays, the kits were received at the home of an employee. Distribution costs quickly climbed out of control and Org B was left scrambling for additional funding, as they were a grant-reliant organization.

Seeing that the need for more emergency kits still existed after the first distribution, Org B reached out to Total Prepare. At the time of writing, it seems likely that Total Prepare will handle distribution and provide similar customized educational resources to Org B that were provided for Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Total Prepare and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government stands as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing community needs, especially in emergency preparedness. The successful distribution of 500 Emergency Kits and tailored educational resources underscored a commitment to enhancing safety within the Métis community. This initiative highlighted the profound impact of strategic partnerships. The close collaboration between Total Prepare and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, clear through detailed planning, streamlined planning, and shared dedication to education, yielded tangible benefits that resonated deeply with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Citizens. The heartfelt responses from kit recipients reflected the immeasurable value of such initiatives in fostering a sense of security and preparedness amidst uncertainty.

29 Jan

Business, News

An Enduring Democracy: A Look into Emergency Preparedness at Elections BC

January 29, 2024
Posted by Zenia Platten

Behind the scenes of British Columbia’s electoral process lies a carefully crafted emergency plan designed to address unforeseen challenges. In an exclusive interview, we explore the pragmatic approach of Elections BC towards emergency preparedness. Through insights from Elections BC’s communications team, we uncover the strategies, adaptations, and practical measures that underpin the organization’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the democratic process.

“Our emergency plan is based on ensuring business continuity,” their team explains. At its core, Elections BC prioritizes accessibility to the voting process, safeguarding the constitutional right of every citizen. Despite emergencies, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating a seamless voting experience for as long as the safety of its staff can be maintained.

Planning for Fluctuating Circumstances

With almost 20,000 temporary staff members and numerous temporary locations, Elections BC navigates a landscape of fluctuating dynamics every election. “Our processes and procedures are designed carefully to ensure they meet the requirements of the Election Act,” they wrote. “Our reference materials and escalation processes recognize that many of our key frontline staff only have a few days or weeks on the job. This is vital to ensure British Columbians receive a high level of service when they go to vote.”

Preparing Diverse Voting Locations

From bustling urban centers to remote corners of British Columbia, Elections BC prepares over a thousand voting places, encompassing schools, places of worship, and community centers. These locations are typically well known by the community and accessible to voters, removing barriers that might otherwise discourage voters.

Mitigating Risks on Multiple Fronts

Elections BC’s meticulous event planning covers a wide variety of risks, including weather-related disruptions, public health emergencies, staffing issues, physical security threats, and cybersecurity risks. Each risk is meticulously cataloged in a risk register: “The risk register rates the impact if the risk were to occur, the actions we will take to mitigate the risk, and the actions we will take if the risk occurs.”

Best Practice Spotlight: Elections BC’s risk register is an excellent example of a well thought out emergency plan. This documentation is a great way to lower the burden and risk of emergencies in any organization. Well distributed and detailed plans provide direction and allow coordination between teams, even when communication might not be easily accessible.

Navigating Weather-Related Challenges

In the face of extreme weather events, Elections BC remains agile, ready to adapt voting processes to ensure voter safety. From relocating voting places to offering alternative voting methods, such as Assisted Telephone Voting, Elections BC is prepared to do what it takes to keep voting accessible and safe, whatever the weather.

Responding to Major Disasters

The Chief Electoral Officer of British Columbia holds the authority to issue orders in response to emergencies, including the potential postponement of deadlines established by the Election Act. While it has never been necessary to postpone legislated deadlines because of a major emergency, such measures ensure the continuity of democratic processes even in the wake of serious disasters.

Prioritizing Public Health

During recent public health emergencies, Elections BC implemented rigorous medical protocols at polling stations, including the provision of PPE, sanitation supplies, plexiglass barriers, and physical distancing measures. They also have communicable disease prevention plans in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of voters and staff alike.

Addressing Cybersecurity Concerns

With a robust cybersecurity program in place, Elections BC collaborates closely with the Office of the Chief Information Officer of British Columbia to fortify electoral systems against cyber threats. Systems and processes are tested for cyber security vulnerabilities before being deployed in an election. Ballot tabulators are used to count paper ballots and are never connected to the internet. Paper ballots are retained in case of a recount. This ensures the integrity of the voting process while providing a fail-safe against potential cyber intrusions.

Lessons from Experience

Elections BC’s resilience was tested during the 2020 provincial election amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Every election takes years of planning and coordination to conduct and having to adapt 20,000 temporary staff and locations across the province presented a monumental challenge. Elections BC rose to the occasion, rapidly deploying comprehensive safety measures, training, and a concerted public awareness campaign to ensure the successful execution of the electoral process amid unprecedented circumstances.

The Role of Total Prepare

Elections BC tracks the contents, locations, and expiry dates of their earthquake kits to ensure the contents remain fresh and relevant. Recently, Total Prepare was chosen to help resupply some of the emergency kits where supplies were ready for replenishment. When asked about the experience, Elections BC’s team said:

“We had a positive experience working with Total Prepare. We provided them with all our headquarters emergency supplies and they were able to replenish the expired supplies and return them to us quickly. They also provided guidance for us in how we could update our inventories to keep pace with current emergency preparedness best practices…

… We live and work in an earthquake zone and it is important that our staff have access to what they might need if an emergency occurs at work. We also encourage our staff to consider personal emergency preparedness at home. Total Prepare provided our staff with earthquake kits at a discount in the event they wished to purchase them for personal use.”

Best Practice Spotlight: In a large organization with a lot of moving parts, it is extra important to keep your emergency supplies well organized and documented. Check them annually to ensure they are where they will be most useful, not nearing expiry, and that there is enough to account for any increases in staffing.

Looking Ahead

As the provincial general election on October 19, 2024, approaches, Elections BC continues its commitment to upholding democracy with diligence. Through proactive planning, adaptability, and steadfast dedication, the organization stands as a testament to the strength of democratic institutions.

To learn more about the upcoming provincial general election, visit elections.bc.ca and join us in shaping the future of democracy in British Columbia.

14 Dec

Severe Weather & Floods

Winter Safety Tips

January 16, 2024
Posted by Zenia Platten

As the temperature drops and the frost begins to settle, it’s essential to keep safety in mind during the winter months. Whether you’re building snowmen, hitting the slopes, or simply navigating icy sidewalks, staying safe is paramount. Here are some key tips to ensure a secure and enjoyable winter season:

Dress Appropriately: The chilly weather demands appropriate clothing. Layer up with thermal undergarments, a cozy sweater, and a waterproof, insulated jacket. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, scarf, and insulated boots to keep your extremities warm. Dressing in layers helps regulate body temperature and provides flexibility to adjust clothing based on varying conditions.
Stay Dry: Wet clothing can quickly lead to loss of body heat, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Invest in waterproof or water-resistant outerwear to repel moisture. If clothes get wet, change into dry ones promptly. Keep an extra set of clothing in your bag when venturing outdoors.
Be Aware of Ice: Icy surfaces pose a significant hazard during winter. Walk cautiously on sidewalks, driveways, and stairs. Use footwear with good traction or attach ice cleats to your shoes for better grip. Be especially careful on black ice, which is nearly invisible and extremely slippery.
Drive Safely: Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility can make driving challenging. Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with snow tires, adequate antifreeze, and good windshield wipers. Drive slowly, increase your following distance, and brake gently to avoid skidding. Always have an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, a flashlight, water, and non-perishable snacks.
Practice Fireplace Safety: If using a fireplace or space heater, keep flammable materials at a safe distance. Use screens to prevent sparks from flying and causing accidents. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and never leave fires unattended. Keep a class A fire extinguisher nearby.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and alerts. If severe weather warnings are issued, consider staying indoors. Plan your outdoor activities during the warmest parts of the day and be prepared to alter plans if conditions deteriorate.
Hydrate and Moisturize: Cold weather can be deceptively dehydrating. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers to combat dry skin. Protect your lips with lip balm containing SPF to prevent chapping.
Be Prepared for Emergencies: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures, especially in case of power outages or extreme weather conditions. Have a family emergency plan (free template here!) and ensure everyone knows what to do and where to meet if separated.

Remember, winter safety is about being prepared, staying vigilant, and taking precautions to avoid accidents and health risks. By following these tips, you can make the most of the winter wonderland while staying safe and warm. Enjoy the season, but prioritize your well-being above all else!

Christmas safety tips - room with hearth and Christmas tree

06 Dec

News

Christmas Safety Tips

December 6, 2023
Posted by Zenia Platten

The festive season brings cheer, warmth, and an abundance of joyous moments shared with family and friends. Amidst the merry atmosphere, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to safeguard those precious moments. Whether it’s the dazzling decorations, sumptuous feasts, or the exchange of gifts, a few precautions can ensure a secure and delightful Christmas celebration. Let’s dive into essential safety tips to make this holiday season not only joyous but also safe for everyone involved.

1. Decorating Safety

The sparkle of lights and ornaments adds magic to our homes. Yet, when decking the halls, ensure safety is the top priority. Use stable ladders for hanging decorations, secure them properly, and avoid overloading electrical outlets to prevent fire hazards. Eliminate tripping hazards caused by trailing cables and use indoor and outdoor lights as directed for utmost safety.

2. Fire Safety

Candles, fireplaces, and heaters are enchanting but demand cautious handling. Always supervise lit candles, turn off decorative lights, and extinguish candles before leaving or heading to bed. Equip your home with fire extinguishers or fire blankets, and acquaint yourself with their usage.

3. Tree Safety

Christmas trees, the centerpiece of festive décor, demand attention. Keep them away from heat sources to minimize fire risks. Ensure live trees stay hydrated by watering them regularly. If children or pets are around, be cautious of ornaments that could pose risks if broken or ingested.

4. Gift Safety

Selecting gifts involves more than just the joy of giving. Consider age-appropriateness and safety warnings, particularly regarding small parts that might pose choking hazards to young children. Dispose of packaging promptly and store edible gifts away from pets to prevent any mishaps.

5. Cooking Safety

The heart of Christmas resides in the kitchen, where sumptuous feasts come to life. However, never leave cooking unattended and maintain caution with flammable items near the stove. Ensure meats are cooked to safe temperatures. Equip your kitchen with class K fire extinguishers or fire blankets specifically designed for grease and cooking oil fires.

6. Travel Safety

For those journeying during the holidays, safety is paramount. Plan travel meticulously, considering weather conditions and potential traffic. Avoid drinking and driving, ensuring a safe return for all.

Remember, the holidays embody joy and togetherness. By embracing these safety guidelines, we can ensure a splendid and secure Christmas season for everyone. From our family to yours, may your holidays be merry, bright, and, most importantly, safe.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

From all of us, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

25 Oct

Zombies

Preparing for a Zombie Apocalypse?

October 26, 2023
Posted by Zenia Platten
0 comments

Today we’ll be looking at the history of Zombies, the likelihood of a Zombie Apocalypse, and best practices if you find yourself in a real-life horror film. While zombie apocalypse is purely fictional, these preparedness measures can be applied to real-life emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest. Always prioritize safety and legality when preparing for any scenario.

Did you know that the word for a fear of the walking dead is kinemortophobia? I happen to have that fear – as I believe all sensible humans should. But, as always, I’m aiming to be (say it with me) Prepared, Not Scared!

Want a quick reference? Check out our Infographic on the Zombie Apocalypse!

Click on Image to view

Defining a Zombie

Throughout the centuries there have been many different versions of Zombies. They are classified as undead, a grouping they share with vampires, mummies, and ghosts. Generally speaking, a zombie is a reanimated dead body – usually human – that can walk and often has an insatiable hunger for the living.

Depending on the mythos, zombies can be directed by whoever woke them (a witch doctor or necromancer) or they might be independent, mindless hunters. There are two ways a zombie is usually created: magic, and science.

In the original zombie stories the dead are usually woken by a priest or a sorcerer who wishes to use empty bodies or trapped souls as servants. This usually pulls a lot of themes from the Voodoo (or Vodou) traditions in Haiti. We’ll explore that more in a moment.

As belief in magic has become scarce in modern times many story-tellers are taking a new approach to the idea of the zombie. These creators looked at the traditional shambling, unkillable zombie of pop-culture and thought to themselves “How can we make these things EVEN SCARIER?” and they correctly decided the answer was to make them contagious. These creatures birthed the ‘pandemic era’ zombies and in turn, the newest wave of undead media (think Walking Dead and Shawn of the Dead).

How it all Began

It would be remiss to discuss Zombies without mentioning their origins. Many believe that the word Zombies comes from West African languages. Ndzumbi for example means ‘corpse’ in the Mitsogo language of Gabon, and nzambi translates to spirit of a dead person in the Kongo language. This makes sense as the idea of the modern zombie is believed to have originated in the slave trade.

West African peoples were among the hardest hit by European slavers looking for forced labour in the sugar plantations of the New World. Many slaves were required by law to convert to Catholicism, but they held fiercely to many of their old beliefs. The result was a spiritual cocktail mixing different traditions like Voodoo in Haiti, Obeah in Jamaica, and Santeria in Cuba.

In early mythos of Martinique and Haiti, zombies could be a spirit or ghost, or just a disturbing presence that could choose its form. Over time the beliefs took the form of a bokor, or witch-doctor, rendering a victim apparently dead and then reviving them as personal slaves. According to the BBC: “The zombie, in effect, is the logical outcome of being a slave: without will, without name, and trapped in a living death of unending labour.”

At the end of the American occupation of Haiti, American forces brought home pieces of the ‘zombie superstition.’ The first American movie to feature a zombie was a 1932 film called White Zombie. It paved the way for a pop-culture fascination with a possible Zombie Apocalypse.

Preparing for a Zombie Apocalypse

As we mentioned, more modern versions of the zombie story point to disease as the cause for a contagious invasion of the dead. This version of the myth is what we’ll center our preparedness discussion on. It is more likely to occur than a magic-fuelled apocalypse and would affect a lot more people.

It’s safe to assume that if a zombie virus were to develop it would follow the patterns of existing infections. For the purposes of this post we’re going to assume the virus matches the rabies-flu hybrid proposed by the National Geographic Society. Here’s the gist:

Symptoms would resemble those of rabies victims (anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, paralysis, culminating in violent madness.)
Symptoms would begin to show within hours of infection.
The virus would be airborne like influenza to allow a pandemic spread.

For the diehard zombie fanatics out there who are limbering up to argue for transmission through biting, keep in mind that regular rabies transmits that way and it simply doesn’t get far. For our scenario, we need something more potent.

This proposed virus, let’s call it ‘the Z strain,’ would spread rapidly and create large groups of confused, incoherent, violent people. For arguments sake, we’re also going to say that victims of the Z strain are more likely to take their violent urges out on healthy people, to more closely resemble the myths. We’ll also say that the virus causes death at a similar rate to rabies, 7-30 days after symptoms show.

The Chances of a Zombie Apocalypse

So, how likely is the Z strain to occur in real life? While it’s not impossible, it is highly unlikely. The rabies virus would need to take on several aspects from other viruses. This has practically no chance of occurring in nature. It might be possible in a lab under human direction, but even then it would be a long shot. To borrow once again from National Geographic’s research into a rage virus, the University of Miami’s Samita Andreansky said:

“Sure, I could imagine a scenario where you mix rabies with a flu virus to get airborne transmission, a measles virus to get personality changes, the encephalitis virus to cook your brain with fever”—and thus increase aggression even further—”and throw in the ebola virus to cause you to bleed from your guts. Combine all these things, and you’ll [get] something like a zombie virus,” she said.

“But [nature] doesn’t allow all of these things to happen at the same time. … You’d most likely get a dead virus.”

The Kit is Real

Like all major emergencies a well supplied kit will be crucial for surviving an outbreak of the Z strain. Going to the grocery store and running errands will be a dangerous proposition until the virus has been eradicated.

The rules for building a kit for a Zombie Apocalypse is very similar to building any kit. You’ll need food, water (in case the people running the water treatment/distribution networks become infected), lights and radio in case power fails, and first aid supplies. It would be a very bad time to go to a hospital, so you may also want to stock up on antibiotics. What’s different about a pandemic kit? A concentration on sanitation and face masks. Pack a box of latex or nitrile gloves, a LOT of hand sanitizer, and plenty of N95 masks.

There is one other HUGE advantage that a zombie kit has over any other emergency kit: It’s fun. Zombies are a gateway topic to get kids and adults thinking practically about preparedness. Not having any luck getting junior to learn about your earthquake or flood preparations? Well, now those kits are for zombies, and much more interesting.

Best Practices for Zombie Attack

So, you have a kit, you know all about zombies, and you’ve just spotted the first mention of an outbreak in your area on social media. What do you do?

Learn the Signs

Research is one of your best tools against pandemics. Look into how the disease spreads, and what early symptoms to watch out for. Map out the areas where it is known to be spreading and avoid them. If the situation turns full zombie-movie and you wind up living with a small group of survivors it will be important to know when one of you is infected.

Wash Your Hands

Keep clean, don’t shake hands with anyone, wear your N95 masks, and if possible stay in your home. An apocalypse is a bad time for house guests, so keep visitors to a minimum – there’s no telling who might be carrying the deadly virus.

Be sure to keep cooking areas clean, and to deal with your waste appropriately if your plumbing stops working. Even if the Z strain only travels by air, exposing yourself to more mundane sickness can lower your immune defenses, making it easier for zombification to take hold.

Location, location, location.

In extreme zombie situations, you may need to evacuate your home to avoid exposure or attack. In these instances, a bug out bag will make your life 100x easier. Having a grab and go option for evacuation means that you will not need to rely on central supplies, like muster stations, where crowds may gather and risk of infection is high.

Head away from population centers where zombies will gather in greater numbers to look for victims. If you have access to a boat, head to an island with no land access, or live on the boat itself. Unless your undead are like those in the Pirates of the Caribbean, they probably won’t brave the water to reach you.

If boats aren’t an option, head for places with difficult terrain and plenty of cover. Wooded mountains are good, as are remote cabins, or taking a motor home to the far end of a logging road.

City dwellers may find it impossible to leave the city without risking infection or attack. In these cases sealing your home off from any marauding zombies and staying in central rooms is good. If that is not an option, try to find a way to get up high, where it will be difficult for a zombie to follow.

Build a Team

If we’re going full zombie movie, you’ll need a team of survivors to ride out the zombocalypse with. Cinematic case studies would suggest that the strongest teams have at least one of each of these roles: weapons expert/brawler, doctor, tech-whiz, a diplomatic leader, an antagonist, and someone likeable who dies early to invest the audience. Try not to be the latter.

In a real life scenario you will likely not get to pick and choose who you get, but you can assign roles and work together to make your hideout safe. Avoid infighting at all costs – it never ends well.

The Right Tool for the Job

On the off-chance that an actual, honest-to-goodness, walking-dead style zombie apocalypse occurs, you may need to kill things that are already dead. According to most mythos, detaching the head from the zombie usually does the trick. Because of this, pack an axe or other slashing weapon to your zombie kit, and avoid piercing and bludgeoning weapons as they will have little effect.

*Total Prepare does not condone the use of weapons against infected or other living persons. Only against actual reanimated bodies in life or death situations.*

How Long Will the Zombie Apocalypse Last?

The lifespan of our DIY apocalypse varies depending on the type of zombie. According to the Zombie Research Society (yes – that’s a thing) if the zombies are of the shuffling dead variety, they could be gone from the earth in as little as 5 weeks. This assumes that the bodies still decay at the same rate as their non-infected counterparts.

The University of Leicester’s Journal of Physics Special Topics published a peer-reviewed student paper that analyzed how the world would fair against an epidemic-like spread of zombie infection. The results were not promising for humanity. According to their estimations, human populations would crash to a few hundred people left on earth. The zombies would die off 1000 days after the beginning of the epidemic. 10,000 days after the epidemic begins, humanity would begin to recover.

What’s Your Plan?

Whether it’s an outbreak of the Z strain, or a rogue necromancer raising the dead, it helps to have a plan, a kit, and a safe place to go. Do you have a zombie plan in place? If so, let us know in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

This article was written by Zenia Platten – Author of Tethered (which has zombies!), and emergency preparedness professional.

11 Apr

Earthquakes

Can Our Pets Detect Earthquakes?

April 11, 2023
Posted by Zenia Platten
0 comments

When it comes to natural disasters, earthquakes are some of the most unpredictable and dangerous events that can occur. They can strike suddenly and without warning, leaving behind widespread destruction and devastation. As humans, we rely on technology and early warning systems to detect these quakes, but what about our pets? Many people believe that their furry companions have the ability to sense earthquakes before they occur, but is there any scientific evidence to back up this claim? Let’s explore the topic further and see if our pets really can detect earthquakes.

The Mystery of Earthquake Prediction

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. Despite significant advances in technology and scientific research, we are still unable to predict when and where an earthquake will occur. Earthquake prediction is one of the biggest mysteries in the world of science, and researchers continue to work tirelessly to find ways to predict these natural disasters before they happen.

While we may not be able to predict earthquakes with any level of accuracy, there are some signs and signals that can give us a clue that an earthquake might be coming. These include changes in animal behavior, gas leaks, and strange sounds or vibrations. This is where our pets come into play.

Can Pets Really Sense Earthquakes?

Many pet owners claim that their animals exhibit strange behavior before an earthquake occurs. This includes pacing, barking, whining, or hiding in unusual places. While this behavior might seem random or odd at the time, it could be a sign that something is about to happen. But is there any scientific evidence to support these claims?

Research into the matter is limited, and the scientific community is divided on whether or not pets can really sense earthquakes. Some studies have suggested that dogs, cats, and even fish might be able to detect the subtle vibrations and changes in the environment that occur before an earthquake strikes. These changes could include changes in air pressure, the release of gases, or the movement of underground water.

One study conducted found that dogs were able to detect earthquakes before they occurred by detecting subtle changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. The study found that dogs were more likely to behave strangely before an earthquake if they were located closer to the epicenter of the quake. Another study conducted found that catfish were able to sense changes in the Earth’s magnetic field before an earthquake, causing them to become more active and move around more than usual.

Despite these findings, there is still a lot of skepticism surrounding the idea that pets can detect earthquakes. Some scientists believe that the behavior exhibited by pets before an earthquake is simply a result of anxiety or fear, rather than an ability to sense the quake itself.

The Verdict: Can Pets Really Sense Earthquakes?

So, can our furry friends really detect earthquakes before they occur? The answer is, it’s still unclear. While there have been some studies that suggest that dogs, cats, and even fish might be able to sense subtle changes in the environment before an earthquake strikes, the evidence is still inconclusive. Some researchers believe that the behavior exhibited by pets before an earthquake is simply a result of anxiety or fear, rather than an ability to sense the quake itself.

However, it’s important to note that our pets are incredibly attuned to our emotions and can pick up on subtle changes in our behavior and environment. They may not be able to predict an earthquake, but they can certainly sense when something is off or when we are feeling anxious or upset. This means that if you are feeling uneasy or nervous before an earthquake, your pet might be able to pick up on those feelings and exhibit strange behavior as a result.

What Should You Do If You Notice Strange Behavior in Your Pet?

If you notice your pet exhibiting strange behavior before an earthquake, it’s important to remain calm and vigilant. While it’s still unclear whether or not pets can detect earthquakes, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan in place and to make sure that you and your pets are prepared for any potential disasters.

If you notice your pet behaving strangely, such as hiding in an unusual place, pacing or whining, it’s important to pay attention to these signs and take action if necessary. Move your pet to a safe location, away from windows or other potential hazards, and make sure they have access to food, water, and a comfortable place to rest. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand for both you and your pet, including food, water, medication, and other essentials.

Final Thoughts

While the question of whether or not pets can detect earthquakes remains unanswered, there is no doubt that our furry friends are incredibly attuned to our emotions and can pick up on subtle changes in our behavior and environment. Whether or not they can sense an impending earthquake, it’s important to pay attention to your pet’s behavior and take action if you notice any signs of anxiety or distress.

In the end, it’s always better to be prepared for any potential disaster, whether it’s an earthquake or some other natural disaster. Make sure that you and your pets have a plan in place and are prepared for any potential emergencies. And remember, if you’re feeling uneasy or anxious, your pet might be able to pick up on those feelings and exhibit strange behavior as a result. So, stay calm, be prepared, and always keep an eye on your furry friends.

Useful sources:

Some pets may begin displaying behavior changes several minutes or even days prior to an earthquake, such as unprovoked anxiety, stress, pacing or increased activity1. This phenomenon is called Seismic Escape Response and may be linked to a dog’s ability to hear high-frequency sounds of rocks moving and breaking beneath the earth1.

However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that dogs can predict tremors, and nobody is certain of the mechanism they could be using to do so2.

Another example is that some researchers have found that certain fish species can detect earthquakes by sensing changes in water pressure and seismic waves3.

Potassium Iodide Pills are a good measure for accidents at nuclear power plants

07 Feb

Man-Made Emergencies

Potassium Iodide Pills

February 7, 2023
Posted by Zenia Platten
0 comments

Potassium Iodide Pills are a great preparedness item if you are concerned about nuclear emergencies. They are cost effective, lightweight, and handy to have on hand if a public order is given to take them, so you do not need to go to a potentially crowded/overwhelmed distribution center. Potassium Iodide Pills are a proven way to reduce the risk of certain cancers after radiological emergencies.

What do Potassium Iodide Pills do?

Potassium Iodide is chemically known as KI and is a salt of stable iodine. Our bodies need small amounts of of stable iodine for our thyroid glands to function properly. If taken just prior, or shortly after, a radiological disaster it can block the thyroid glands from absorbing harmful radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine is often present in the water and air after some nuclear emergencies and can cause cancer and other conditions if absorbed. Children are especially at risk of developing thyroid cancer later in life if they were exposed to radioactive iodine in their youth. Because of this, children, pregnant women, and teens are usually given priority when administering potassium iodide.

If Potassium Iodide is taken, it is absorbed by the thyroid gland, effectively ‘filling it up’ to capacity and blocking harmful iodine from being absorbed. Your body then excretes the radioactive iodine harmlessly through your waste.

Will Potassium Iodide protect me completely in a nuclear emergency?

Unfortunately, potassium iodide is not a silver bullet offering 100% protection from all types of radiation (wouldn’t that be cool?) It only protects the thyroid gland, and only from radioactive iodines that have been inhaled or ingested. The most common way to be exposed to radioactive iodine is from emissions created during accidents at nuclear power plants, though they can also be released when a nuclear bomb is detonated.

If a nuclear emergency occurs, you will probably be notified promptly by officials through TV, radio, and social media. The best course is to listen to directions and take potassium iodide as directed. Potassium iodide pills are not a substitute for evacuation or proper sheltering in place procedures.

Are there risks when taking potassium iodide pills?

Potassium Iodide is generally considered a very low-risk medication, and the odds of side effects in healthy individuals is low. As with all medications, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before preparing with potassium iodide, especially if you have a pre-existing condition that effects your thyroid. Emergency officials agree that “the overall benefit during a nuclear emergency outweighs the risks of side effects.” These potential, usually mild, side effects include gastrointestinal effects or hypersensitivity reaction.

Where can I get Potassium Iodide Pills?

Look no further! Total Prepare offers RadBlock Potassium Iodide Pills here. The tablets have a 12 year shelf life and are a great way to gain peace of mind for those concerned about nuclear emergencies. RadBlock pills have been produced since 2003 and are Health Canada approved. This brand is the trusted go-to for many Canadian nuclear power organizations and providers, such as Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power, and the Canadian Government.

17 Jan

Earthquakes

An Earthquake TODAY? Would you know what to do?

January 17, 2023
Posted by Zenia Platten
0 comments

If there was an earthquake today – right now – would you know what to do? While Canada does get its fair share of earthquakes, many Canadians are not prepared for them, or any other type of emergency. According to Statistics Canada, only 47% of Canadians have an emergency supply kit in their home. There were 22 “felt” earthquakes in Canada in 2022, and an average of 4000 total earthquakes in Canada annually. Combine that with the fact that Canada’s west coast sits on a locked fault line and is part of the Ring of Fire, and 47% starts to feel pretty low!

What to do if there is an earthquake today

During an earthquake it’s important to stay calm and follow the safety procedures outlined in your emergency plan, if you have one. Make sure to stay away from windows and outside walls and get under a sturdy table or desk if possible. Stay away from any heavy furniture or objects that could fall on you.

If you’re outdoors, move away from any buildings, trees, or other objects that could fall on you. Don’t try to run or drive during an earthquake, as this could be dangerous. Instead, find a clear area and stay there until the shaking stops. Always avoid downed power lines and don’t enter puddles that may hide liquification.

During the shaking, follow the Drop, Cover, Hold on, model:

Drop to the ground so you are as stable as possible.
Get under a sturdy piece of furniture if possible. Protect your head and neck with one hand, and with the other…
Hold on! Grab hold of the furniture providing you cover, or whatever else might be around that is secure and sturdy.

If there is no sturdy furniture around, some of the safest places to shelter include:

In a hallway
Archways
The corners in a room

When the shaking stops

Once the earthquake ends, it’s important to check yourself and others for any injuries or signs of shock. Make sure to also check your home and the surrounding area for any damage. To help avoid injury, stay clear of windows or mirrors that can shatter, cupboards (especially in the kitchen) where objects can fall out, doorways, since they can slam shut on you, and near any objects that can fall on you. The kitchen can be an especially dangerous area with fridge doors opening and where sharp utensils can be thrown about. If your home has gas lines, watch for the smell of rotten eggs that could indicate a gas leak.

Tune into your emergency radio, TV channel, or social media account – wherever you can get information from officials. They should let you know if you need to take special precautions or evacuate. If you feel a significant earthquake, and live in a tsunami zone, don’t wait for officials, just get to high ground.

After an earthquake, aftershocks can occur. An aftershock is a smaller earthquake that can come within minutes or days of the main tremor. Aftershocks can be extremely dangerous, toppling things that have been weakened by the initial shaking. In an aftershock, follow the same guidelines set out above.

Reunification

If there was an earthquake today, where would your household be? Are you all together, or in separate workplaces, schools, or day cares? If you were separated from your cell phone, the cell towers were damaged or overwhelmed, and power was out, how would you find out if they are alright? These are all questions that should be answered in an emergency plan.

Have three meeting places picked out: one outside your home (eg. end of the driveway), one in your neighbourhood (eg a neighbour’s house or nearby park), and one further away (eg grandma’s house or one of the children’s schools.) Always aim for the closest meeting spot, but go to the others if your routes are blocked. If you have to leave a meeting place, leave a message for anyone else that arrives letting them know where you have gone.

Why earthquake kits are recommended

While most towns and cities have well established emergency preparedness plans, the reality is that these aid agencies may not be able to reach you right away. In fact it can take several days and even when they do arrive, they are unlikely to have supplies and electricity for everyone. Emergency preparedness is a personal responsibility, after all.

Earthquakes can cause fires, power outages, and floods, along with damaging buildings and infrastructure directly. In many situations, it is not safe to re-enter a home after a major earthquake, making it dangerous to go in and gather crucial supplies or essentials. Because of this, it is recommended that every household keeps enough supplies on hand to be self-sufficient for at least a week in case of an emergency.

Having a kit is the third part of any good emergency preparedness strategy:

For details on how to build your own emergency kit, or what to look for when buying a professionally compiled kit, check out What You Need to Know About Emergency Survival Kits.

05 Jan

Fire

Fire Extinguishers: A Guide

January 5, 2023
Posted by Zenia Platten
0 comments

What is a Fire Extinguisher and why would I need one?

Fire extinguishers are used to stop or contain small fires. They are not meant for fires that have grown too large, or that need the expertise of a fire brigade to put out. Considering that there are over 7000 residential fires reported in Canada each year, it’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible in your home. Fire creates heat, toxic fumes, and smoke that can damage property and take lives – so it’s a sound investment! There are a few types of fire extinguishers: water, dry chemical powder, foam, or aerosol.

Water

Some fire extinguishers use air pressure or pump systems to shoot water or antifreeze mixes at a fire. These are most common in places where freezing is a concern, like in barns or outbuildings. Water-based extinguishers cool the burning material below its ignition point to put out a fire. This is effective against ‘common combustibles’ including wood, paper, fabrics, or furniture (class A fires). This type of fire extinguisher should not be used for grease or oil fires as it can push the oil around and spread the flames.

Chemical Powder / Dry Chemical

Dry chemical fire extinguishers discharge a powder containing a variety of chemicals designed to stop the chemical reaction that creates fire. There are various chemical mixes available for most classes of fire (more on fire classes below.) These are the most common type of extinguisher and usually look like a red metal cylinder with an attached hose and handle.

Foam

Foam extinguishers create a blanket of foam over a fire to prevent the flames from getting any oxygen. These can be used against the common combustibles fires we discussed before (paper, wood, furniture, etc) and on flammable or combustible liquids. This does not include cooking oils and grease as they have a higher burn point, but does include oil and gasoline.

Aerosol

Aerosol fire extinguishers use a similar method to chemical powder – breaking up the chemical reaction that creates fire. Condensed aerosol suppressants are sprayed to smother the fire. Aerosol options tend to have much easier clean up than the other options, and the containers are smaller and lightweight. Total Prepare carries a wonderful aerosol option – the Element E50 – if you’re looking for a recommended option!

What are the Different Classes of Extinguishers and How Do They Work?

Fires are classified into different classes based on what they are burning. Fire extinguishers are designed around different classes of fire, so plan to have the right extinguisher to hand, depending on what kinds of fire are most likely. If you travel oversees, keep in mind the classifications are a little different – you may want to look them up before you go.

A Class A fire involves ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, furniture, and trash. These can be extinguished with plain water, or an extinguisher.

A Class B fire burns flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, kerosene and other petroleum products.

A Class C extinguisher is designed to put out electrical fires involving live wires or equipment that uses electricity for power. Water or foam extinguishers are not to be used on electrical fires as they can conduct electricity back to the user or spread a conductive layer of water on the floor that electricity can use to jump. Many fire fighting deaths have been caused by electric shock.

A Class D extinguisher is designed for use in a metal-working or chemical laboratory where the combustible materials might be metals or certain chemicals. Some elements burn on contact with water or air, which makes them tricky to fight! Happily, most people won’t need to deal with this kind of fire in day to day life.

A Class K extinguisher is designed for use on cooking oils with a high flash point such as almond oil and sesame oil. While these are technically flammable liquid fires (class B) they are denoted as a separate subclass the high flash points were important enough to recognize them separately. Fire blankets can be effective against these kinds of kitchen fires, as well as extinguishers. Never use water to avoid scattering the flame.

How to Choose the Best Type of Fire Extinguisher for Your Needs

As we have covered, there can be a lot of variation between one extinguisher and the next. When trying to figure out which is best for your household, there are a few things to consider:

1. Where do you need a fire extinguisher?

The kitchen is always a good place to have an extinguisher, but will you need them in other areas of the home? If you have a fireplace, like to use candles in a certain room, or have a workshop/garage where fire is a possibility, they are good places to have a fire extinguisher handy. Think about which rooms need one, and which areas are close enough together that they could share.

2. What kind of fires would you expect?

Go through your list of rooms where a fire might occur. What might start the fire? What would be likely to burn? Look through the classes of fires above and mark down what classes you think you’ll need in each place. Commonly, people will have a class K extinguisher in the kitchen, and a combination A/B/C extinguishers in other areas – but consider your unique needs before deciding on a course of action.

3. Are you prepared to do regular maintenance?

All traditional fire extinguishers should be checked annually by a professional to make sure they are in good working order. They also expire (usually ~10 years) so be prepared to replace old canisters.

4. Total Prepare’s recommendation

As already mentioned, Total Prepare carries the Element E50 Fire Extinguisher. We don’t usually sell fire extinguishers, but we couldn’t help ourselves when we saw what this small yet mighty extinguisher could do. No mess, no expiration or maintenance, non-toxic, longggggggggg (5x others) discharge time, and extinguishes class A, B, C, and K fires. All of that and it’s a fraction of the size and weight of a traditional extinguisher? You can keep it in a hot car? Safe around kids and pets? Sign us up!

So, while we might be a little bias, we genuinely think this has to be one of the best extinguisher options on the market (if not THE best.) Want to learn more? You can see all the product details, or pick up a few for your home, here.

NOTE: If you’re looking for an extinguisher for a business, you’ll need a traditional canister extinguisher. Most regulations have not been updated to include anything that’s not contained in a metal cannister. Hopefully they’ll catch up to the latest innovations soon!

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Safely and Effectively?

It is important to know how to use a fire extinguisher in an emergency. The last thing you want is to get to a blaze, and then need to stop and read instructions. For traditional extinguishers, you will want to pull the pin on the extinguisher (it should have a little loop on it to make it easy.) Remove the pin completely. This breaks the tamper seal so the unit won’t work until this is done.

Next, aim the extinguisher’s nozzle at the fire’s base. Don’t shoot the top of the flames – the heart of the fire is at the bottom. Traditional extinguishers only discharge for around 10 seconds, so aiming first is really important!

Squeeze the trigger to start discharging your extinguisher’s contents (water, foam, or dry powder) and move the spray over the fire’s base in a sweeping motion.

A fire extinguisher can be used on small, contained fires. It should not be used on large or extreme fires. Fire extinguishers are designed for specific types of fire, so don’t use them for fires they are not designed for. In some cases this can make the fire worse or introduce new hazards.

When using a fire extinguisher, it is important that you read the instructions carefully because there may be additional safety precautions when using the extinguisher in certain situations such as when there is a gas leak or if you are below ground level.

Using the Element E50 Fire Extinguisher Safely and Effectively

The Element saves space by keeping it’s entire design in one small tube, so there are no nozzles or triggers. Simply remove and discard the cap, remove the striker from the bottom of the tube, and scratch the striker to the tip of the extinguisher. This will trigger the gas to begin pouring out and it can be aimed at the fire.

Because the Element uses a gas to deny the flames of oxygen, it’s best to create a cloud around the fire to prevent any new oxygen from reaching it. The Element has a long (50 second) discharge time, and it is best not to rush the process. Start at the outside of the fire and work your way in.

See the Element in action:

Thanks for reading!

21 Dec

Food

Ration Packs and Emergency Food

December 21, 2022
Posted by Zenia Platten
0 comments

What is a Ration Pack?

While the term ‘ration pack’ can include things like calorie or ration bars, people most often use it to refer to military-style rations. These are shelf-stable meals that are lightweight and portable. Perfect for soldiers on the move, but also great for first responders, emergency kits, emergency operation centers, and hiking. This style of meal can also be called: MRE – Meal Ready to Eat, field ration, combat ration, survival rations, or food packets.

Some ration packs come with canned goods, but many are packed in plastic and mylar pouches. Canadian military rations are packed into heavy-duty folding paper bags. Rations usually include several items like crackers, drink mixes, and an entree. Many countries have specific rations for their own military, though it can be more difficult to find these commercially.

Ration Packs for Emergency Preparedness

Many emergencies do not leave time for cooking. Power may be out, or kitchens may become inaccessible. In these cases, it is great to have ration packs on hand. Many countries use MREs and survival rations to supply people in need after disasters strike, and they are a favourite with people preparing their own households for emergencies.

A common practice is to store enough ration packs for the first 24-48 hours of an emergency. This gives you time to evacuate or set up alternative cooking solutions. After that, some people stick with MREs, while others swap over to freeze dried food. Ration packs are also popular with fire fighters during wildfire season, so they can keep their crews fed on the move.

Self-Heating Ration Packs?

Many of the MRE-style ration packs come complete with a Flameless Meal Heater. Just add water to the sachets and a chemical reaction creates heat! Watch your fingers during opening though, the steam is hot! The heater sits beside the sealed meal pouches and warms up the meal over several minutes. The heater itself produces warmth for quite a while after the meal is hot too, so they make excellent hand warmers. Since the heater never actually touches the food, you can use any type of liquid to activate it. Even snow!

When shopping for MREs and ration packs, keep in mind that some heaters produce a lot of odour, and some are hotter than others. Look for options that state low-odour and high heat in their descriptions.

Where to buy MREs and Emergency Food?

Total Prepare offers two great options for Meals Ready to Eat. We have our premium Total Prepare MRE, and the smaller XMRE. Both use low odour, high temperature heaters. Both options contain sides, drink mixes, accessories, a meal heater, and breakfasts/entrees. Want to see a Total Prepare MRE in action? Check out my lunch in the short video below!

Want to know more about the differences between our MRE brands? Check out the handy infographic below, or check out the product pages: TPMRE and XMRE.

*Please note that this infographic is correct as of posting and may not be updated (though we’ll do our best!) If you have any questions or concerns about MREs or other emergency products, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks for reading!