Autumn Darkness

How to Prepare for Darker Days

With fall officially here the days are getting noticeably shorter and darker. For many Canadians, daylight savings will take effect on November 6th, blanketing us in long, sleepy nights.

For some, the shorter days and longer nights are anticipated with gleeful plans of sitting around a cozy fireplace and catching up on neglected reading goals. Others might simply feel sad that the long days of summer are over. However you feel about the incoming autumn, it’s happening. Slowly, gradually, until the sun doesn’t rise before 8am and leaves us in grey dusk by 4pm!

For those who live in Canada’s Northern regions, the sun may only make an appearance for an hour or two a day—if at all! For communities who live in this kind of darkness, a strong reliance on man-made light is necessary. And even for those of us who live where daylight and nighttime are split fairly evenly throughout the year, it’s important to remember than an emergency could very well occur at night, when all your defenses are down and you’re lost in the fog of sleep.

Waking up to an emergency in the middle of the night can be extremely disorienting. It might take longer to get your thoughts sorted, so it’s best to prepare for these occurrences so that you can leap out of bed and act without needing to think.

Ideally, this preparation for a nighttime emergency includes a kit that you keep near your bedside—perhaps in your night table?

In fact, your night table may even be the perfect, accessible place for you to store your entire emergency kit, if it’s big enough. We’ll leave that to you though.

What you WILL want to make sure you have in your night stand is a flashlight. You’ll also want to include a radio, or perhaps an instrument that is both a flashlight and radio—so that you can check into the weather forecast before even leaving your room.

If you’re feeling low about the impending darkness, why not cheer yourself up with some handy new gadgets that are so useful and potentially life-saving that they’re bound to be guilt-free purchases!

Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io

rainy bird

How to Stay Safe During the Rainy Season

rainy bird Whether or not you’re a planner, if you live in a rainy region—like we do on the west coast of British Columbia—it’s a necessity to plan ahead for the rain. If you don’t, it’s not a matter of if you’ll get caught in the rain, it’s a matter of when.

And with summer drawing to a close, rain is most definitely on the horizon.

The very basics of a rain gear collection are a waterproof jacket and gumboots, but if you’re wanting to be prepared for getting outside in all seasons—whether you’re commuting on a bike or  even camping during the fall and winter—you’ll want to invest a little more.

  • If you’re biking in the rain, it’s an especially good idea to wear a safety vest or some kind of reflective clothing.
  • If you’re in the outback without access to internet, it’s a good idea to have a radio of some sort to let you know what kind of weather to expect. Our Kaito Voyager Classic II is a good multi-purpose instrument that will help keep in you informed and safe.
  • Even if you’re just on a short camping trip, it’s pleasant and even necessary to build a fire to keep you warm and make hot food possible. But when the weather is wet, you’ll need to plan carefully to ensure that you are able to build a fire despite it. Waterproof matches are a good step towards making fire possible in the rain, and we encourage you to check out our other heat, stove and cooking products as well, to sort out what will be most useful to you.

Whatever level of adventure you’re committed to, rain gear of some kind is always essential. So even if you’re out enjoying a sunny, summer day today, remember that nothing lasts forever.

If you’re prepared, you’ll find yourself no longer waiting for storms to pass, instead you’ll find yourself learning to dance in the rain!

Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io

non-perishable Legacy Essentials

How To Prepare With Non-Perishables

non-perishable Legacy Essentials

If you’re about to make emergency preparations, in case of an earthquake, tsunami, hurricane or whatever other disaster might be pending, you’re already on the right track, just by thinking about it and doing some reading and research. Kudos to you!

Now to get serious. The top two components of emergency preparedness are water and food. (If you’re interested, the other six, in order, are heat, shelter, light, communication, first aid, and sanitation.) We’ve talked about water a bunch lately, in recent blog posts, so today we’re here to talk about food. Specifically, non-perishables.

There are a number of options, when you’re stockpiling non-perishable food, but you’ll always want to consider the shelf-life and nutritional value of whatever food you’re considering including.

At Total Prepare, we recommend starting with a few basics, including some top-of-the-line products that we carry. Whether you’re stocking up on freeze-dried fruit with a shelf life of 10-15 years, or freeze-dried veggies and sides, you know that you’re getting quality with any Legacy foods. (You may even find some of our select food items on SALE right now so get it while the price is right!)

Of course, you may be more into foraging or creating your own supplies, and that’s okay too! We don’t want to quash your creativity! If you’re looking into creating your own non-perishable food packs, you may want to consider some of the foods listed in this article on Survivor’s Fortress, including brown rice, dried beans, energy bars, and powdered sea vegetables.

Then you may want to do a little research on the best methods of food preservation, including the big one: food dehydration.

Whatever method you choose, you’ll probably find that you have fun in the learning process!

We hope this has helped get your wheels turning! Please feel free to share your own food preservation methods in the comments below, or share other articles that you have found helpful in your own emergency preparedness efforts.

How to Prepare for Power Outages

candle in case of power outage

Summer storms can crop up, unexpectedly, out of the bluest of skies, and lead to power outages. While a storm rages on, focusing on avoiding the immediate danger is, of course, the most important thing. But when the storm is over, sometimes the power remains out for the following few days or even a week.

In the summer, you may not miss your heating as much, but it’s still important to be able to cook proper meals and have access to hot water.

Of course, you could build a fire outside and cook your meals that way. Or you can use a camping grill or stove that you might have on hand.

But today, we’re here to introduce you to another option that’s more exciting and super environmentally friendly! It’s our Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator, and it’s the epitome of reliable, unlimited backup power. It can soak up energy from your wall, your car or (and this is ideal) from the sun. And with a capacity of 1200Wh and 100Ah, it’s perfect for charging whatever appliances you can’t do without! It’ll charge…

  • Yeti 1250 is perfect for power outages Laptops
  • Fridges
  • Other kitchen appliances
  • TV’s
  • Lights

The Yeti 1250 can also power your devices through USB, 12V or AC Inverter so you’ll never be without power.

This may not be a spontaneous purchase, but if you’re interested in minimizing your carbon footprint and going green this generator might be for you! We also carry some other similar products, so please check them out as well.

You won’t regret the consideration. And if you find yourself without power one day—which is pretty much inevitable—you’ll be prepared for the emergency!

-Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io

Rain

How to Thrive While Camping in the Wet

Rain If you’re an avid camper, you’re not afraid of a little rain. In fact, if you’re from anywhere near Victoria BC, where Total Prepare is based, you have experienced for yourself why so many people call the West Coast the “wet coast.” It’s really no joke!

Just as this nickname exists for a reason, so too do camping supplies that will get you through the wettest weather!

When a disaster strikes and you find yourself displaced, you won’t get to choose the weather, just as you won’t get to choose the date of the disaster. So it may very well be a rainy, dreary occasion. To prepare you for this, we’ve come up with a list of solid tips that will help you brave the rain and come out the other end warmer, drier, and more well-fed than you would have expected.

Although some of these tips may seem a bit basic, they’re lifesavers and ultimately should go on your emergency checklist as soon as possible!

  1. Pack appropriate outerwear for the rain. Think layers!
  2. rainy bridge Find shelter from the wind and rain as soon as possible. If you can find a valley or a good spot next to a bluff, you can block a lot of the wind. Trees are also brilliant at sheltering you from the rain.
  3. Remember to pack food items that do not need to be cooked to be eaten. This could include energy bars such as our SOS food bars, or others that can be consumed wherever and whenever you need, right away.
  4. You might also consider bringing Waterproof Matches with you. A reliable source of fire is both a survival necessity and a creature comfort. Emergency waterproof matches are a strategic addition to your emergency kit, camping supplies or hiking pack, and they weigh next to nothing.
  5. Make sure your electronics are in a dry, watertight place.
  6. Bring plastic bags! They pack light and are reusable again and again. You can use them to cover your backpack, store your firewood, or protect smaller items like digital memory cards, matches, licenses, cell phones and other important papers.
  7. Bring newspaper. Along with being good reading material if you’re stuck somewhere, a bit of dry newspaper can really help get a fire going. You can also use it to soak up extra moisture from your shoes, overnight.
  8. Place a ground tarp inside your tent, for an even better water barrier.
  9. As soon as possible, air out your wet stuff!

If you follow these tips and get yourself gear that’s created with rain in mind, your preparedness will no doubt pay off. And when you inevitably get caught in the rain, you’ll be so glad that you didn’t just hope for the best!

Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io

How to Prepare for Summer’s Severe Weather: Fog & Frost

Fog over city

Flickr / Daniel Parks

In the last post of the series, we’re here to talk about the dangers of fog and frost. For the most part, these weather conditions are only truly dangerous when you’re driving, so that’s what we’ll focus on today.

When tiny water droplets are suspended in the air, right above the earth’s surface (fog), visibility can be drastically reduced. When this atmospheric moisture crystallizes directly on the ground and exposed objects and temperatures fall below freezing (frost), the ground can become very slippery.

During the summer season, in most parts of Canada, frost is a lot rarer than fog. But when driving during either of these weather conditions, it’s wise to reduce your speed. If you’re driving through marshy areas or low wetlands, fog can become increasingly thick and prevalent, so you’ll want to slow right down to a crawl. Otherwise, you could easily end up hitting a pedestrian or driving off the road.

If conditions are extremely bad and you want to play it really safe—which is never a bad idea—you may even want to consider pulling off the road and parking for a while, until the weather clears up a little.

Of course, your decision to pull over and stop is probably dependent on a few factors, such as…

  • Not needing to be anywhere, by any particular time
  • Or, having the ability to change plans (eg. a way to communicate with people who may be waiting for you)
  • A blanket if it’s late out and you want to pull over and nap for a while
  • Food, if you’re hungry
  • Water, for when you get thirsty
  • A good book to keep you entertained
  • Games or toys, if you have kids with you

We recommend outfitting your vehicle with all of the items that you might need, even during a low-risk emergency such as waiting in your car for safer road conditions. Why not start with an auto safety kit and add the other items as you think of them?

We hope you’ll consider your safety carefully—as well as that of your passengers—whenever you’re driving, and that you’ll visit our online store for any of your emergency preparedness or adventure needs!

Please also take a moment to check out some of our other blog posts on similar topics!

Aviator Sunglasses

How to Prepare for Summer’s Severe Weather: UV & Air Quality Health Indexes

Sunglasses Both a high UV Index reading and a high Air Quality Health Index reading spell out health risk for us humans if we can’t find shelter. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause sunburn, with long-term exposure increasing the likelihood of skin aging faster than normal, eye cataracts, weakening of the immune system, and skin cancer.

Meanwhile, air pollution (or low-quality air, reported as higher numbers on the Index) can affect people who are over 65 years old, people with asthma, or people with diabetes or lung disease.

While staying indoors is pretty much the only way to avoid breathing in polluted air—aside from traveling to another location where the air is pure—there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from the sun’s glare, with the UV Index reading is high  (11+).

Here are just a few basic tips to keep in mind:

  1. Limit your time in the sun. UV rays are particularly strong during midday (11am-4pm) in the summer months (April through September).
  2. Check the UV Index for the day, before going outside.
  3. If you go outside, find shade as often as possible. A tree or a building will do the trick. Optionally, you can create your own shade—at least for your head, face and shoulders—by wearing a broad-rimmed hat or carrying a parasol.
  4. While you’re at it, why not wear wrap-around-sunglasses—especially if you have light-coloured eyes—and long-sleeved shirts.
  5. Know your skin type. Some people have skin that is a lot stronger than others. If you are fair and burn easily, be extra cautious about spending any kind of extended time in the sun. Even with a very low UV Index reading, you could burn in under an hour. And with a very high UV Index reading, you could burn in less than 10 minutes!
  6. When choose your sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” variety, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. You should always choose a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Remember to re-apply it every 2 hours, as well as directly after exercising or swimming.
  7. Remember that water, sand and snow reflect UV radiation!
  8. When the UV Index is forecasted to be 3 or higher in a day, Environment Canada will report it. So listen in regularly to be prepared and keep yourself healthy and safe!

UV knowledge and protective measures are just one way to keep yourself safe this summer! For more tips on staying safe during summer’s variety of severe weather types across Canada, visit our blog to read some of our other, recent posts!

Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io

Sun with thermometer

How to Prepare for Summer’s Severe Weather: Heat & Humidity

Sun with thermometer Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour in the air, and during the hottest days of summer, higher levels of humidity can pose some major health risks if you’re not careful. On humid days, people feel even hotter than they would on a dry day because their perspiration doesn’t evaporate as quickly in muggy, saturated air.

The humidex—a parameter developed by Canadian meteorologists to combine temperature and humidity—reflects how hot it really feels… the perceived temperature. Although extremely high readings are rather rare in most parts of Canada, the southern parts of Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba are all “hot spots.” The highest recorded humidex reading was 52.1 in June of 1953 in Windsor, Ontario.

But even in relatively cooler regions of Canada, heat and humidity can be dangerous, causing dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If the humidex is showing temperatures close to, or above, 40 degrees Celsius, then you’ll want to be aware and careful. Here are a few ways to avoid risking your health, when you’re living through some hot and humid days.

  1. Avoid physical labour or intense exercise if it is very hot or humid outside.
  2. Find a cooler place if your body is becoming overheated where you’re situated.
  3. If you need to be outdoors, ensure that you drink liquids regularly and rest often. If you are away from home a lot during the summer, it’s a good idea to keep water in your car so that you can always be sure of staying hydrated.
  4. Avoid high-protein foods.
  5. Keep up your body’s salt levels, because you’ll be losing excess salt through your perspiration.
  6. Keep an eye out for any medical conditions developing, either in yourself or the people around you.

These tips are especially important to consider if you’re traveling during the summer and find yourself in a place that’s hotter than what you’re used to! Please use extra caution in unfamiliar regions and have a safe summer! Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io

Hail stones

How to Prepare for Summer’s Severe Weather: Hail

Hail stones

Wikimedia Commons / FCB Excalibur

Do you know why hailstorms happen? Updrafts in thunderclouds will sometimes carry raindrops or snow pellets upwards to where it’s so cold that the raindrops freeze and combine into lumps of ice. Then, when they get too heavy to be supported by the wind any longer, they plummet to earth at speeds of sometimes more than 100km per hour!

Rain and snow can be dangerous in large quantities, but hail can cause injury just from one hail stone striking you! In Canada, hailstones as large as grapefruits have been reported, with one of the largest recorded (in Canadian History) falling in Saskatchewan, at 290 grams. So if you live in the Prairies or Ontario—the Canadian regions most prone to hail—it’s wise to know your facts about hail.

Find out more about hail in Canada here, and make sure you read on for some life-saving tips on staying safe during a hailstorm!

  1. As always, stay tuned in to relevant weather forecast.
  2. If the weather is threatening, find shelter in a solid building as quickly as possible. Once inside, it’s best to stay away from windows or any glass, as the hail may break through and shatter it.
  3. If you are in a vehicle, pull over quickly and shield yourself from possible shattering glass.
  4. If there is no shelter in sight, it’s best to crouch down, face away from the wind and cover you head and neck as best you can.
  5. Be on the lookout for heavy flooding, as hail and rain combined can quickly plug up storm drains. On a side note, if there is flooding, you may very well need some flood barriers for your home. You can get them here!
  6. If the hailstorm is also a thunderstorm, be aware of how far away the lightning is, and avoid tall or metal objects as much as possible. For more information on lightning, you can also take a look at this article from the CDC.

When it comes to summertime, it’s easy to slip into an idyllic sense of everything going right. And while we don’t want to spoil anything for you, it’s a great idea to prepare while everything’s going right, because nothing lasts forever!

Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io

TORNADO!

How to Prepare for Summer’s Severe Weather: Tornadoes

TORNADO! Throughout most of Canada’s inland, southern regions, tornadoes are an all too common occurrence. For those of us who live outside of this tornado zone, this kind of weather can seem exotic—even exciting—something we only see in movies. But for people who live in the Prairies, or in southernmost Ontario or Quebec, they are very real.

In fact, each year on average, approximately 43 tornadoes occur across the Prairies and 17 occur across Ontario and Quebec, with most of these swirling across these regions from June through August.

They’re measured on a Fujita (F-) scale which is based on the damage caused along with estimated wind speed.

And while tornadoes often don’t cause fatalities because they’re speeding across wide open spaces, if a tornado does catch up with you, it can be lethal. They can change direction very suddenly and travel at up to 90 km/hour. They can vary wildly in strength, speed, direction of movement, duration and appearance, which makes them very difficult to forecast.

Although tornadoes are incredible to witness, being outside during a tornado is not a wise idea. Below are a few more basic tips to help you out, in case you are traveling or moving to an area where they are common:

  1. Most tornadoes develop in the late afternoon and early evening, so in June through August, this is when you should really keep your eyes and ears open.
  2. Listen to Environment Canada’s Watches and Warnings regularly, especially during the summer. Tornadoes can develop very quickly.
  3. If you see or hear a tornado, or are warned that one is coming, take shelter as soon as possible. Underground is safest, or the lowest levels of the nearest building. This is where storm cellars come in handy!
  4. Keep an eye out for flying debris and glass, which are the most dangerous part of tornado weather!
  5. Try to shield your head with your arms, if you are caught outside. And find a ditch or low-lying area if you can. Get as flat to the ground as possible.
  6. Close windows and doors in your home, or whatever building you’re taking shelter in, securing them with as much strength as possible.
  7. After the tornado is over, check yourself and everyone you’re with for injuries, and treat even the most minor cuts and bruises with a first aid kit.

Tornadoes can arrive and leave very quickly—but wreak a lot of havoc—so being able to think on your feet is key. And of course, planning ahead is what will enable you to do so.

So please consider getting prepared today!

Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io