Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

Below is an alarming statistic with regard to the lasting effect disasters have on our nation’s youth.

February 3, 2007

NEW ORLEANS — A review finds up to 35,000 children — one-third of those across the Gulf Coast still displaced by Hurricane Katrina — have mental health, behavior or school issues.The report released Friday also finds many of their parents are depressed as well, leaving them less able to help the children.

The study was done by Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness and the Children’s Health Fund.Figures released last fall found nearly 21,000 evacuees remain enrolled in Texas public schools, including about 2,700 in Houston and almost 1,000 in Dallas.The report said more than 60 percent of the parents and caregivers who were asked tested high for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Source: http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6031814

Many parts of the country are experiencing treacherous winter storms and blizzards. State police are warning drivers to stay off the roads. However, we know that is not always possible. There are times when staying home is not an option.

You’ve heard it before, but for good measures, here are some vital considerations:

Don’t travel alone if at all possible and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.

If you are trapped in your vehicle due to impassible roads or vehicle breakdown:

Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.

STAY in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.

Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.

Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.

If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.

If you don’t have a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle – blanket, water, flashlight, food at a minimum, stop reading this right now and go take care of that!

“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart.” - Erma Bombeck