Advanced First Aid

That’s a word no one wants to hear, but if and when you do, preparedness is essential.   Some statistics estimate that there is a residential fire every 80 seconds. The National Fire Protection Association has estimated there are over 350,000 house fires each year that kill or injure almost 17,000 people.  Firefighters are hardworking and heroic people who save all the lives they can, but they can’t always make it to everybody in time, particularly in a multi-level building. 

Having a smoke alarm is essential to alert you to potential trouble, but physically escaping the fire is the most critical part of a fire safety plan once you have become aware of its burning.  The majority of fire-related fatalities result from smoke inhalation by people trapped above the first floor of a burning building.  Fire escape ladders are a particularly worthwhile investment in light of these facts.  Even if you reside in a modern building equipped with elevators, they typically become unavailable when a building fire alarm is activated.

When you’ve had a power outage, the car breaks down in the dark, or you’ve run out of batteries, a hand crank flashlight is a welcome sight.  Some models have radio capability, which definitely comes in handy—and a few are even able to power a cell phone.

In safety kits for every situation, a hand crank flashlight is a sound idea.  Whether automobile, RV, camping, backpacking, hunting, household, or any other use—food, water and shelter are essential for people, but they’ll be happier if they have some light, too.