We recently revised our IT’S A DISASTER! …and what are YOU gonna do about it? book (and PDF ebook) and are pleased to announce a new black & white paperback version is now available on Amazon using their POD system under a new ISBN (9781930131279).
This new option allows nonprofits, bloggers and social media influencers to earn money on the paperback if they are Amazon Associates, plus it complements our ebook affiliate program.
Fedhealth will continue to customize the color version of IT’S A DISASTER books and ebooks that are discounted 60% to 86% off list in bulk as we have been doing since 1999.
Learn more about our products, free customization and funding ideas at fedhealth.netor call 520.907.2153 with any questions or needs. Stay safe ~ j & B
We are excited to announce we are giving MORE MONEY BACK to affiliates!
Volunteer groups, nonprofits, social media influencers and others can now earn 40% on every 282-page digital preparedness and first aid ebook that your fans and visitors order from your sites, newsletters and social media ids using a special web link. (We can also do this with a customebook for you – see below!)
For over 20 years Fedhealth has been helping families and communities learn what to do before, during and after most types of emergencies and disasters with our customizable preparedness and first aid book and ebook.
We discount the PDF ebook down to $5.00 U.S.(70% off list) and now give 40% or $2.00 back to affiliates or a charity of your choosing.
There is no charge to join and SendOwl will assign a unique link for our It’s A Disaster! PDF ebook that you can program on a text phrase or banner on your sites, blog, social media, newsletters and apps.
If you have a large fan, member or customer base and would like to offer a custom ebook with your own custom cover + e-pages in front to promote your products, services, videos and links plus earn $$$ for you or charity, please visit fedhealth.net or call 520.907.2153.
We also pay $$$ on referredbulk ebook and bulk paperback orders too.
Please share these ideas with volunteers, youth groups, bloggers and others looking for ways to help raise funds and help educate fans and communities.
For over 20 years Fedhealth has been helping families and communities learn what to do before, during and after most types of emergencies and disasters including flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, infectious diseases, active shooter scenarios, civil unrest and more with our customizable preparedness and first aid book and ebook.
We have some funding ideas for volunteers, nonprofits, youth groups, businesses, bloggers and others including our easy Affiliate Program associated with our 282-page It’s A Disaster! PDF ebook. (We can also do this with a customebook for you – see below!)
You can earn 40% or $2 on each $5 U.S. digital ebook sold online! (We increased it from 30% to 40% in 2022.)
There is no charge to join and SendOwl will assign a unique link for our It’s A Disaster! PDF ebook that you can use on a text phrase or banner on your site, blog, social media and/or enews.
If you have a large fan, member or customer base and would like to offer a custom ebook with your own custom cover + e-pages in front to promote your products, services, videos and links plus earn $$$ for yourself or charity, visit fedhealth.net or call 520.907.2153 to discuss this further.
We also pay $$$ on referred bulk ebook and bulk paperback orders too!
No matter where you live there is a chance some type of disaster or emergency can (or at some time will) occur.
Whether it’s a flood, fire, hurricane, a chemical spill forcing an evacuation, active shooter scenario, civil unrest or your child getting a bloody nose … stuff happens.
The question is … what are YOU gonna do about it?
U.S. First Responders Association’s custom 284-page PDF version of our IT’S A DISASTER! preparedness and first aid manual provides families with instructional tips in 2-color format about what to think about and do before, during and after many types of emergencies and disasters, as well as how to administer basic first aid.
If more people would learn how to prepare themselves and their loved ones, it could alleviate some problems, fear and stress in the U.S. and Canada, plus lessen the burden on first responders.
Download a free 65-page portion of USFRA’s Family Preparedness guide and order the full interactive 284-page PDF for only $5 U.S. (~70% off) at USFRA.org and support our nation’s first responders, K9s and veterans.
We are changing the price of our 284-page PDF version of IT’S A DISASTER! preparedness and first aid manual to $5.00 U.S. (still ~70% off list) and discounting it as low as $2.00 in bulk with free customization.
Although price increases are never fun, in this case it’s good news for volunteers, schools, groups and individuals since there is more money available for them.
Our ebook (and book) provides quick-reference instructional bullets in 2-color format with tips on what people should think about and do before, during and after most types of emergencies and disasters (e.g. floods, hurricanes, infectious diseases [like flu, COVID-19, staph, etc.], wildfires, active shooter scenarios, civil unrest and more), and has an entire section about basic first aid.
And our new Affiliate Program lets groups, bloggers and others earn 30% or $1.50 of each $5 U.S. PDF ebook order using a special web link on your site, blog and social media ids.
Learn more and download a free 60-page portion of the 282-page PDF ebook at fedhealth.net
Did you know in Iceland the best Christmas gift is a book? Icelanders have a wonderful tradition of giving books to each other on Christmas Eve and the custom is so deeply ingrained in their culture that it is the reason for the Jólabókaflóð, [pronounced yo–la–bok–a–flot], also known as the “Christmas Book Flood”.
Jolabokaflod originated during World War II when foreign imports were restricted, but paper was cheap. According to Readitforward.com, Iceland’s population was not large enough to support a year-round publishing industry, so book publishers flooded the market with new titles in the final weeks of the year and citizens looked forward to perusing the book catalog similar to how kids look through toy catalogs.
Nowadays books are published and released throughout the year there, but many still continue the tradition of Jolabokaflod … and it is something we hope becomes popular in North America.
If you’d like to give the gift of preparedness this holiday season, our 266-page disaster preparedness and first aid paperback is discounted over 70% off list (or only $4.50 delivered in continental U.S.)
And we customize books for free (even in small quantity) so you can personalize them with logos and special messages to employees, colleagues, customers, members, volunteers and local communities.
We also offer our 280-page PDF ebook (70-80% off list) and have a free 60-page portion of IT’S A DISASTER! that people can download and share with others.
The quick-reference easy to use manual provides instructional bullets in 2-color format with tips on what people need to think about and do before, during and after specific types of emergencies and disasters (including active shooter scenarios), as well as how to administer basic first aid.
Plus a portion of book sales benefit the U.S. First Responders Association so purchases not only help educate your loved ones and the public, but also supports our nation’s heroes.
Please share these ideas and links with others and let’s start doing this cool book giving tradition here in America! Stay safe, j & B
Did you know fire kills more Americans every year than all natural disasters combined? At least 80% of all fire deaths occur in residences — and careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. And cooking fires (leaving food unattended or human error) is the leading cause of home fires.
Fire spreads so quickly there is NO time to grab valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes a fire can become life threatening! In five minutes a house can be engulfed in flames.
A fire’s heat and smoke are more dangerous than the actual flames since you can burn your lungs by inhaling the super-hot air. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you drowsy and disoriented (confused). Instead of being awakened by a fire, you could fall into a deeper sleep.
BEFORE A FIRE (FIRE SAFETY TIPS):
Install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors! – Test alarms 1-4 times a month, replace batteries once a year, and get new units every 10 years.
Make a plan – Create an Escape Plan that includes two escape routes from every room in the house and walk through the routes with your entire family. Also…
Make sure your windows are not nailed or painted shut.
Make sure security bars on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside…and teach everyone how to open them!
Teach everyone how to stay LOW to floor (air is safer).
Pick a spot to meet after escaping fire (meeting place).
Clean up – Keep storage areas clean – don’t stack up newspapers & trash.
Check power sources – Check electrical wiring and extension cords — don’t overload cords or outlets. Make sure there are no exposed wires anywhere and make sure wiring doesn’t touch home insulation.
Use caution – Never use gasoline or similar liquids indoors and never smoke around flammable liquids!
Check heat sources – Check furnaces, stoves, cracked or rusty furnace parts, and chimneys. Always be careful with space heaters and keep them at least 3 feet (1 m) away from flammable materials.
Know how to shut off power – Know where the circuit breaker box and gas valve is and how to turn them off, if necessary. (And always have a gas company rep turn on a main gas line.)
Install A-B-Cs and remember P-A-S-S – Install A-B-C fire extinguishers in the home since they work on all types of fires, and teach family members how to use them. Remember P-A-S-S = Pull the pin; Aim at the base of the fire; Squeeze the trigger; Sweep side to side.
Call local fire – Ask local fire department if they will inspect your home or business for fire safety and prevention.
Teach kids – Explain to children that matches and lighters are TOOLS, not toys… and if they see someone playing with fire they should tell an adult right away! And teach them how to report a fire and when to call 9-1-1.
Prevent common fires – Pay attention when cooking & don’t smoke in bed!
DURING A FIRE:
If only a small fire that’s not spreading too fast…
Try to put out…? – Use a fire extinguisher or water (unless it’s an electrical or grease fire) … and never try to put out a fire that’s getting out of control!
electrical fire – never use water… use a fire extinguisher approved for electrical fires
oil or grease fire in kitchen – smother fire with baking soda or salt (or, if burning in pan or skillet, carefully put a lid over it — but don’t try to carry pan outside!)
If fire is spreading…
GET OUT – DO NOT take time to try to grab anything except your family members! Once outside, do NOT try to go back in (even for pets) – let the firemen do it! Ask a neighbor to call fire department if not already called.
GET DOWN – Stay low to the ground under smoke by crawling on your hands and knees or squat down and walk like a duck… but keep moving to find a way out!
Closed door – Using the back of your hand (not your palm) always feel the top of the door, doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame before you open a closed door!
if door is cool – leave quickly, close door behind you and crawl to an exit
if door is hot – DO NOT open it … find another way out
No way out – If you can’t find a way out of the room you’re trapped in (door is hot and too high to jump) then hang a white or light-colored sheet, towel or shirt outside a window to alert firemen.
Use stairs – Never take the elevator during a fire … always use stairs!
If YOU are on fire – If your clothes ever catch fire, STOPwhat you’re doing, DROPto the ground, cover your face and ROLLuntil the fire goes out. Running only makes the fire burn faster!
Toxic gas – Plastics in household goods create deadly fumes when burned.
AFTER A FIRE:
Don’t go in there – Never enter a fire-damaged building until officials say it’s okay and watch for signs of smoke in case the fire isn’t totally out. Even if a fire’s out, hydrogen cyanide and other toxic fumes can remain.
Utilities – Have an electrician check your household wiring before you turn the power back on and DO NOT try to reconnect any utilities yourself!
Damage – Look for structural damage (roof, walls, floors, etc.) since they may be weak.
Call for help – Local disaster relief service (Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.) can help provide shelter, food, or personal items that were destroyed.
Insurance – Call your insurance agent or representative and…
Keep receipts of all clean-up and repair costs (for both insurance and income taxes).
Do not throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken by your insurance company.
If you rent – Contact your landlord since it is the owner’s responsibility to prevent further loss or damage to the site.
Move your stuff – Secure your personal belongings or move them to another location, if possible.
And learn more about fire safety and fire prevention visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s site www.usfa.fema.gov or contact your local fire department, emergency official, or your insurance agent / representative.
Since 1999 we (Bill and Janet Liebsch) have worked with city, county, state and federal agencies, businesses, nonprofits and others across North America providing our custom It’s A Disaster! books in bulk for their respective communities.
And, for the past few years, we’ve been offering our revenue sharing ideas associated with the larger custom book option (i.e. adding extra pages for advertisements, etc.)
Many clients want to do large custom book projects for their communities, but more often than not, coordinators are too busy to take on this type of project … or, in some cases, they aren’t allowed to ~ esp. agency coordinators.
So … we recently formed a new consulting company called Fedhealth Services Corp to help facilitate and manage custom book projects that will benefit local emergency management and first responder agencies, nonprofits, businesses and the general public at large.
FSC can help your community
Basically any agency, CERT, MRC, VOAD, nonprofit or other contact can provide FSC some key contacts in their community (e.g. Chambers, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis, LEPC chairs, EM coordinators, etc.), and we can reach out to them on that coordinator’s behalf and help manage a bulk custom book deal.
FSC can work directly with Chambers, Rotary Clubs or other business groups encouraging members to place ads inside books for pennies on the dollar. The goal is to offer discounts and freebies to local residents helping them save money year round.
The money raised can purchase custom books PLUS we will share revenue back with Chambers and other business groups / partners, local first responders and project coordinators.
We can also work with local emergency and city/county officials to ensure their preparedness messages, plans and other data for residents and businesses are included in custom books.
For example, let’s say a small city or county wants 5,000 customized books using 250 pages for coupons and discounts for the public + 50 pages for local emergency information wrapped around our 266-page disaster preparedness and first aid manual.
And the coordinator refers FSC to a local Chamber and their members pay only 16 cents per page (less than a postcard) for a color ad on glossy paper.
That means the total cost to advertisers would be $800 for a full page color ad (or $400 for 1/2 pg, $200 for 1/4 pg, or only $100 for 1/8 pg ad) that appears in all 5,000 books. Plus the Chamber (and others) will make money for helping put this deal together!
In other words… 5,000 books with 250 pages of color ads @ $0.16 per page could generate:
Benefits for Chambers and other partners
Chambers and other business groups who work with FSC on a custom book project can…
Earn revenue back from members’ ad purchases = new profit center;
Brand book project as a Chamber (or Rotary, etc.) sponsored whole community preparedness savings program;
Help fund your local first responders and emergency managers;
Promote Chamber (or Rotary Club, etc.) on a free page or 2 in book;
Recruit new members by offering a discount on annual dues if they purchase an ad;
Encourage members to offer discounts and freebies on day-to-day products and services;
Generate excitement in the community since people will save so much money they will want a new book every year;
Become a hero to your members for being involved in something so beneficial to the community and so affordable ~ especially since books and ads stay in front of people year-round. And, by offering extremely discounted ad rates as shown above, it allows all sizes of businesses to participate.
FSC can structure projects and donations back to the various groups in whatever manner works best for each community and partner.
It’s a true Whole Community public-private partnership program that generously funds nonprofits, agencies, volunteer groups, civic clubs and others while helping our nation become more prepared and resilient.
Learn more at www.fedhealth.net or call FSC at 520-907-2153 to plan out a book project for YOUR community … and let’s make a difference together!
At any given moment, there are almost 2,000 thunderstorms occurring over the Earth. It is estimated that 100 lightning flashes occur each second somewhere on the planet, adding up to nearly 8 million lightning flashes per day.
Lightning occurs most frequently during thunderstorms, but has also been observed during volcanic eruptions, extremely intense forest fires, and surface nuclear detonations according to NOAA.
How lightning forms
NWS’s Lightning Science page explains lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere or between the atmosphere and the ground. In the initial stages of development, air acts as an insulator between the positive and negative charges in the cloud and between the cloud and the ground; however, when the differences in charges becomes too great, this insulating capacity of the air breaks down and there is a rapid discharge of electricity that we know as lightning.
Did you know…
…lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall, pointy, isolated object?! For example, the Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year.
…the U.S. gets an estimated 25 million lightning flashes each year?!
…lightning can travel 60 miles or more, often extending up to 10 miles away from the cloud that formed it?! Generally, however, a bolt travels 10 miles or less.
…most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning.
Some tips to prepare your home for lightning include…
Install a Lightning Protection System
A lightning protection system does not prevent lightning from striking but does create a direct path for lightning to follow. Basically, a lightning protection system consists of air terminals (lightning rods) and associated fittings connected by heavy cables to grounding equipment. This provides a path for lightning current to travel safely to the ground.
Install surge protectors on or in home
Surge protection devices (SPDs) can be installed in the electrical panel to protect your entire home from electrical surges. Sometimes it may be necessary to install small individual SPDs in addition to the home unit for computers and television sets due to different ratings and voltage levels. If a home unit is too expensive, consider getting individual SPDs that plug into the wall for the refrigerator, microwave and garage door openers. Appliances that use two services (cable wire and electrical cord) may require combination SPDs for computers, TVs, and VCRs. (Better yet – consider getting an uninterrupted power supply [UPS] with surge protection and battery backup so you can shut down computers safely.)
Some basic lightning safety tips include…
Listen & watch – If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning – take cover as quickly as possible. Be aware that lightning often strikes miles away from the rainfall or thunderstorm cloud.
Hairy sign – If you feel your hair stand on end and feel tingly (which means lightning is about to strike)… crouch down, get on the balls of your feet and bend forward putting hands on your knees (BE SMALL). And do NOT lie flat on ground since that makes you a bigger target!
Unplug it – Before thunderstorms, unplug appliances if possible – even ones on a surge protector and it’s best to move plugs away from outlets.
IF INDOORS – Don’t shower – sounds weird, but wait since lightning travels easily through metal pipes and water can carry an electrical charge. Also avoid corded objects – corded phones, PCs or a mouse conduct electricity (could shock you). Cordless and cell phones or wireless devices are usually safe.
IF OUTDOORS – Try to get to safe shelter quickly.
Move away from tall things (trees, towers, fences or power lines) and metal things (umbrellas, motorcycles or bicycles, wire fences, etc) since they all attract lightning.
If surrounded by trees, take shelter in a safe shelter (or at least under the shorter trees.)
Get to a low lying area but watch out for flash floods.
Be small – make yourself a small target by crouching down and put your hands on your knees (and don’t lie flat on the ground since that makes you a bigger target!)
IF IN A BOAT – Get to land and to shelter quickly! Water is extremely dangerous when there’s lightning. If you are caught in the boat, crouch down in the center away from metal hardware.
IF IN A VEHICLE – Keep windows closed and stay out of a convertible, if possible (mainly since you may the highest target if lightning strikes).
If someone is struck by lightning:
Victim does NOT carry electrical charge – they CAN be touched.
Call 9-1-1 or local EMS (emergency) telephone number.
Check ABCs ( Airway, Breathing, & Circulation) … if victim is passed out – you may need to do Rescue Breathing or CPR.
Victim will have 2 wounds – an entrance and an exit burn. DO NOT try to cool the burn with anything. Cover burn with a dry sterile bandage or clean cloth.
The National Weather Service launches it’s annual Hurricane Preparedness Week during the last week of Mayso we felt this was a good time to share some information about hurricanes in general.
The Seasons
As mentioned in our May 2013 enews, experts are predicting an active 2013 Atlantic season with 18 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes. A typical Atlantic hurricane season averages 12 named storms, 6.5 hurricanes, and two major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Some experts are even predicting a few storms may strike the northeast (like Sandy did last fall) since conditions are similar to the 1950s.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as a major hurricane. And, while hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions also can be devastating.
The Pacific Hurricane Season runs from May 15th through November 30th(with peak season being July to September), and the Atlantic Hurricane Season starts June 1st ending November 30th(with peak season being mid-August to late October).
However, there have been instances where tropical storms and hurricanes have formed in May and December, plus typhoons and cyclones happen during other months in different parts of the world so our planet’s oceans stay active most of the year.
Hurricanes are tropical cyclones with torrential rains and winds of 74 – 155 miles per hour (120 – 250 km/h) or faster. These winds blow in a counter-clockwise direction (or clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere) around a center “eye”. The “eye” is usually 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 km) wide, and the storm may be spread out as far as 400 miles (640 km)!
As the hurricane approaches the coast, a huge dome of water (called a storm surge) will crash into the coastline.
Hurricanes can also cause tornadoes, heavy rains and flooding along the impacted coastlines as well as far into the mainland states.
Did you know…
…the deadliest hurricane (cyclone) on record struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), flooding the low lying areas?! At least 500,000 deaths are blamed on the November 13, 1970 storm, with some estimates rising as high as 1 million.
…the deadliest U.S. hurricane was the Great Galveston category 4 hurricane on September 8, 1900 that caused at least 8,000 deaths on the Texas coast?!
…the costliest U.S. hurricane was Katrina (category 3) in 2005 that impacted Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee causing over $105 billion according to NOAA?! Hurricane / Superstorm Sandy is second costliest at about $50 billion.
…the 2005 U.S. season broke records with 27 named storms (previous record was 21 in 1933) and 15 hurricanes (previous record was 12 in 1969). The National Hurricane Center states this cycle could last 10-20 more years similar to the above-average activity from the 1940s through the 1960s.
…9 out of 10 hurricane deaths are due to storm surge (a rise in the sea level caused by strong winds). Storm surges can get up to 20 feet (6 m) high and 50 to 100 miles (80 to 160 km) wide!
…the northeast part (or right front quadrant) of a hurricane typically has the strongest winds and highest storm surge?! If it’s high tide when the storm slams ashore you could have serious problems.
Hurricane basics
The ingredients for a hurricane include a pre-existing weather disturbance, warm tropical oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds aloft. If the right conditions persist long enough, they can combine to produce the violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains, and floods we associate with this phenomenon.
Each year, an average of 11 tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean and never impact the U.S. coastline. About six of these storms become hurricanes each year.
In an average 3-year period, roughly five hurricanes strike the US coastline, killing approximately 50 to 100 people anywhere from Texas to Maine. Of these, two are typically “major” or “intense” hurricanes (a category 3 or higher storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale).
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Hurricanes are classed into five categories based on wind speeds, central pressure, and damage potential. The chart below is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with sustained wind speeds and examples of damage (in italics) provided by NOAA:
Category 1 (74-95 mph / 119-153 km/h) Dangerous winds will produce some damage (Untied mobile homes, vegetation & signs)
Category 2 (96-110 mph / 154-177 km/h ) Extremely dangerous winds / extensive damage (All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, floods)
Category 4 (130-156 mph / 209-251 km/h) Catastrophic damage will occur (Roofs and mobile homes destroyed, trees down, beach homes flooded)
Category 5 (> 156 mph / >251 km/h) Catastrophic damage will occur (Most buildings and vegetation destroyed, major roads cut off, homes flooded)
Naming a hurricane
Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center and now maintained and updated by an International committee of the World Meteorological Organization. The lists featured only women’s names until 1979, when men’s and women’s names were alternated. Six lists are used in rotation. Thus, the 2001 list will be used again in 2007. The only time there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate and the name is retired by the WMO. Retiring a name means it cannot be reused for at least 10 years. Source: WRAL.com
NatGeo vid “Hurricanes 101”
This short video further explains hurricanes, and scroll down to find more resources.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2013
As mentioned above, National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2013 runs from May 26 to June 1. The National Hurricane Center has posted 7 Public Service Announcements (both Youtube videos and audio files in English and Spanish) with a specific topic designated for each day of the week.
PSA topics include: Hurricane Basics, Storm Surge, Winds, Inland Flooding, Forecast Process, Get A Plan! and After the Storm. Learn more and find other resources and tools from NHC at www.hurricanes.gov to help educate your family and community.
Download a free 60-page ebook portion of our IT’S A DISASTER! book with tips on hurricanes, evacuations and more at fedhealth.net
RT @OKCStormWatcher: This one is worth monitoring. Affects you if you're southeast of a Ponca City to Kingfisher to Verden to Lawton to Wal… Posted: 1 week ago
RT @iCyclone: #FREDDY Freak Show continues as it wanders Mozambique Channel. GFS says it'll stay over water & continue chugging for *weeks*… Posted: 2 weeks ago
Posted by itsadisaster 
Did you know in Iceland the best Christmas gift is a book? Icelanders have a wonderful tradition of giving books to each other on Christmas Eve and the custom is so deeply ingrained in their culture that it is the reason for the 
If you’d like to give the 
Fedhealth blog 