|
 |
We are each entitled to our own
opinions about our security, but not to our own facts.
Because it's impossible to know how and when a disaster will strike, the Dept.
of Homeland Security, FEMA, the CDC, and the American Red Cross have all taken
a proactive approach to educating the public on issues of disaster
preparedness. They have worked diligently and at an aggressive pace to get
citizens ready for a large scale disaster, whether natural or man made.
Collectively, they have published countless books, brochures, guidelines and
recommendations to better prepare citizens, and the staff at Banana Pack Disaster
Sack wholeheartedly commends and support their efforts.
With such efforts, why then are citizens still not ready? Why are government
warnings not taken more seriously? Why the complacency?
While it's a well known fact that education, training and preparedness are key
factors in any successful safety plan, we discovered that the problem doesn't
lie with the information or the organizations responsibly presenting
it. It does however have to do with the time, energy and work involved in
completing this enormous undertaking. As well as lack of the facts, fear and a
false sense of security. Take a moment to consider the following:
Time, Energy and Work Involved
Like you, we live the "American way of life" and understand how
stressful it is just to keep up with day to day obligations. We also know how
much time and energy it takes to research and navigate through all the
preparedness books, brochures, websites, guidelines and recommendations. Not to
mention the planning, preparing, organizing and countless shopping trips in an
attempt to locate the recommended items. It didn't take us long to figure out
that this was a major stumbling block for most people. So we eliminated these
obstacles for you. We've done the work... so you don't have to! With Banana
Pack Disaster Sack you'll finally have the peace of mind
and security your family deserves.
Lack of the Facts
Many of us simply don't know what we are up against as a nation or are
unaware of the urgency related to official warnings for personnel preparedness.
We may not watch the news, listen to the radio, or read the paper. We may not
want to know or worse, simply choose to ignore the facts.
The truth is, unless we have a better understanding of the challenges we face
we won't be motivated to obtain the necessary knowledge, tools, resources and
supplies to survive until help arrives. So, we strongly encourage you to
completely read through the facts listed below.
Fear
Often in life, we put off making decisions because we're afraid or we
feel we have no control over life's unexpected events such as earthquakes,
tornados, fires or worse a terrorist attack. Some people choose to deny that
the threat is real while others choose to believe it won't ever happen to them.
So, many of us continue to blindly ignore all the warning signs. We become numb
to the daily barrage of reports in the news, newspaper and on the radio. We go
about our business as if these warnings were just some random opinions instead
of the facts.
However, research has shown that fear and uncertainty actually increase stress,
and by facing our fears we are better equipped to develop a calm, organized and
responsible plan for ourselves and our loved ones. This is easily accomplished
by completing your "Family Plan of Action" kit, "Financial Preparation" kit and
studying the disaster specific "Quick Reference Guide" included in your Banana
Pack Disaster Sack.
False sense of security
Many citizens mistakenly believe that first responders, police,
fireman, hospitals, government agencies, military or disaster relief
organizations will come to their rescue in the immediate hours or days after of
a terrorist attack or natural disaster. However, government and disaster relief
agencies have actively and aggressively publicized and promoted individual and
community preparedness. They have openly warned citizens to be prepared to be
on their own and self-sufficient in the aftermath of a disaster. They have done
their part, now it's time to do yours! Be prepared... don't be scared, Order
your Banana Pack Disaster Sack today.
Yes, we understand why you put it off, but we also know that when precious
seconds count there is no higher priority than your personal safety or the
safety of your loved ones.
Our Name May Be Funny, But Our Purpose Couldn't Be More
Serious!
We developed Banana Pack Disaster Sack in a
grassroots effort to educate and prepare the public. Much of the information
addressed below was the basis on which Banana Pack Disaster Sack
was built. Our aim is not to promote fear nor are we alarmists; rather our goal
is to educate you on the gravity and urgency of our situation. As dedicated
medical professionals we're sincerely concerned about our lack of national
resources and our inability to adequately care for the citizens of this great
nation in the aftermath of a large scale disaster. How Safe Are We?
You be the judge. Invest a few seconds of your time to review the following
information, it could be the few seconds needed to open your eyes and save your
life.
-
Health Care Disaster - "Surge Capacity"
-
Terrorism and Homeland Security
-
Natural Disasters
Health Care Crisis
Most states lack "surge capacity" - that is, the capacity to evaluate,
diagnose, and treat the large numbers of patients that would be present during
a public health emergency.
Nurses are the backbone
of the healthcare system and play a key role in disaster
response. Shortages of nurses on any given day are causing ambulance diversions,
emergency room overcrowding and increased wait times for surgery." (First Consulting
Group Survey)
"The United States
is in the midst of a nursing shortage that is expected
to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health
care grows" (AACN: The American Association of Colleges
of Nursing, March 2007)
According to the American Red Cross, a disaster strikes every 8 minutes in
the United States.
The U.S. health care system is unprepared to respond to a mass casualty
situation "Hospitals do not have the capacity to deal with a sudden surge in
patient demand." "And the big problem is not beds as everyone seems to suppose
-- it is staff. And there is no way to fix that in the short term." ( Deputy
Director of the John Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense studies, Dr. Tara
O'Tool)
Nine hospitals forced to close down during or immediately after hurricane
Katrina. Charles A Cefalu, MD, MS Professor and Chief, Section of Gerontology
(Feb. 2006)
The General Accounting Office (GAO) told a congressional panel on February
12, 2004 that "no U.S. state is fully prepared to respond to a major public
health threat." (Janet Heinrich, GAO director of public health issues.)
The JCAHO report found that "nearly
25 percent of the unanticipated complications that resulted in death or injury
to hospital patients arose from the nursing shortage." (First Consulting Group
Survey)
"Few states reported having plans for sharing clinical personnel among
hospitals or having the capacity to rapidly establish clinics to immunize or
provide treatment to large numbers of patients. Furthermore, no state reported
having protocols in place for augmenting personnel in response to large
influxes of patients." (The U.S. General Accounting Office Testimony before the
Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives 2/12/2004).
The U.S.
healthcare system is on the brink of disaster. Twenty
years ago there were more nurses than there were
openings, today the United States is currently short
118,000 nurses, pushing hospitals to the limits and
threatening the entire health care system.
More than 1.2 million new and
replacement nurses will be needed by 2014, according to
the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics published in November 2005 Monthly Labor
Review (AACN March 2007)
Job burnout and dissatisfaction
are driving nurses to leave the profession. High nurse
turnover and vacancy rates are affecting access to
health care. (American Association of Colleges of
Nursing 2007) The Health Resource and Service
Administration (HRSA) released projections that the
nation's nursing shortage would grow to more than one
million nurses by the end of 2020. (HRSA April 2006)
"Nurses' are deeply concerned about their ability to provide safe, quality care
to their patients which is driving some to leave the profession. This
exacerbates a vicious cycle. When there are too few nurses to deliver quality
care, nurses experience high stress and low job satisfaction - leading to
burnout, high turnover rates and in some cases, leave nursing altogether . As a
result, while demand for inpatient care remains strong, many hospitals cannot
hire enough nurses to keep existing beds in operation." ( American Hospital
Association)
Emergency rooms are a major part of this nation's healthcare safety net.
From California to New York, many emergency rooms are reporting the same
problem; crowded hospitals turning away patients and ambulances. ER overflows
are now a year-round problem.
There is a nationwide shortage of hospital isolation beds and few hospital
personnel have been immunized against smallpox.
500 hospitals and 1,128 emergency rooms have been forced to close in the
past decade. Emergency rooms are a financial drain often relying on government
subsidies.
Managed Care, healthcare funding, staffing issues and regulatory issues have
all conspired to prevent hospitals from preparing for a large epidemic.
Half of the academic medical centers and one third of all hospitals in the
country are losing money, which people don't understand" said Deputy Director
of the John Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense studies, Dr. Tara O'Toole .
Despite efforts to deal with a possible civilian bioterror attack, our country
has only recently begun and has achieved only limited progress. Related
bioterrorism diseases include: Smallpox, Anthrax, Botulism, Brucellosis,
Plague, Tularemia and Viral Hemorrhagic Fever.
Only 1/3 of all states have plans that outline how they would distribute
antibiotics, chemical/nerve agent antidotes, and other materials to areas
within the state (Strategic National Stockpile-U.S. GAO.)
Few states have mechanisms in place for communicating with the general public
during or after a bioterrorism incident about such issues as when it is
necessary to go to the hospital. (The U.S. GAO 2/12/2004)
Bioterrorism as a public health threat. "The first evidence of such weapons
will almost certainly be cases in hospital emergency rooms." "Indeed, the
survival of physicians and health care staff caring for the patients may be at
stake." (cdc.gov 2/26/04/ The John Hopkins University, D.A. Henderson )
The SARS outbreak
of 2002-2003, highlighted the challenges in responding
to new and emerging infectious disease - especially when
the ability to identify the disease and a vaccine for
preventing it are lacking. The Anthrax incidents in the
fall of 2001, strained the public health care system
including surveillance and laboratory capabilities, as
well as the workforce, at the state and local levels.(US
GAO 2/12/2004)
Homeland
Security/Terrorism
It's impossible to predict when another catastrophic terrorist attack
will occur, but according to the CIA "it's coming". We can't know for sure what
shape future attacks may take. Consequently, raising awareness and individual
preparedness is an important component of our national efforts to defend
against terrorism and prevent unnecessary catastrophic losses. Personal and
national security must take precedence over anything else. It is the individual
responsibility and moral obligation of every American as well as international
citizen to stand up and do their part in the fight against terrorism.
In case you've forgotten "we are at war" and we are still very much in the
terrorist cross hairs. There can be little doubt that Al Qaeda is trying to
strike our homeland. Islamic extremists are promising an attack bigger than
9/11. These extremists are frequently referred to as "sleeper cells" and for a
good reason, they are patient! Waiting until our guard is down (which it is)
our enemy has the advantage.the element of surprise.
Twenty months in the making, the 9/11 Commission Report portrayed the 19 Arab
hijackers that killed 3,000 Americans as "sure footed and determined while the
nation they were preparing to attack was unprepared, sluggish and
uncomprehending of the imminent danger."
Since the brazen premeditated attacks on American soil, the threat to our
nation has only intensified. International sympathy has vanished and been
replaced with hateful propaganda and conspiracy theories.
Even our closest allies have jumped on the anti-American bandwagon.
Why should we care what they think? America's children, our troops, continue to
be in harms way throughout the world, not just in Iraq, to protect our
freedom. It will cost the U.S. dearly if we do not
challenge this extremist thought as well as prepare for the unthinkable. We are
fighting a long standing global war on terrorism where American citizens are
the primary targets, and the time for complacency is over.
The last line of our national anthem reads the land of the free and the home of
the brave. Well, it's time to be brave. We're fighting a battle we can't afford
to lose; Not only for ourselves, but for future generations.
Despite the grim facts we are not defenseless if we are informed and ready.
Understanding, combating and surviving terrorism is a matter of education and
preparation. There are important differences among potential terrorist threats
that will impact the decisions you make, and the actions you take. Without
advanced preparation and proper education, your instincts and initial response
could cost you your life.
Thankfully as citizens of a free nation, we are each entitled to our own
opinions but not to our own facts. Take a revealing look at why are threat
levels are so important and what we are up against as a nation.
Homeland
Security/Terrorism
It's coming" (CIA Director 3/24/04)
"We are not safe" (The 9/11 Commission Report)
Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, in a videotape broadcast on Al-Jazeera
television, claims full responsibility for the Sept. 11 attacks and warns
Americans that "your security is not in the hands of Kerry or Bush or al-Qaida.
Your security is in your own hands." (10/29/04 Breaking News on NBC, MSNBC)
The 9/11 Commission Report "carries a simple message about our current
state of security, for every American who remembers that dark September day; we
can do better. We must do better. And it's time to act -now." (John Kerry)
"We learned about an enemy who is sophisticated, patient, disciplined, and
lethal. The enemy rallies broad support in the Arab and Muslim world. Its
hostility toward us and our values is limitless. Its purpose is to rid the
world of religious and political pluralism, the plebiscite, and equal
rights for women. It makes no distinction between military andcivilian
targets. "Every expert with whom we spoke told us an attack of even greater
magnitude is now possible and even probable" We do not have the luxury of time"
(The 9/11 Commission Report - Kean)
On February 22, 1998, Bin Laden issued a fatwah stating that it is the duty
of all Muslims to kill Americans. This fatwah read, in part, that "in
compliance with God's order, we issue the following fatwah to all Muslims: the
ruling to kill the Americans and their allies, including civilians and
military, is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country
in which it is possible to do it."
Allies or enemies? You decide! The Saudi state religion is Wahhabi Islam, an
extremist, puritanical sect that plays a key role in fostering terrorism. Of
the 19 hijackers on 9/11 fifteen were Saudi. Osama Bin Laden is Saudi. Half of
the Saudi population supports Bin Laden. Al Qaeda's financing is largely Saudi.
Pakistan has been nicknamed the "Wal-Mart of nuclear proliferation" 65% of
Pakistanis have a favorable view of Osama bin Laden.
The 9/11 panel found that the "most important failure" leading to the September
11 attack was "IMAGINATION"
The biggest threat facing our nation is "Weapons of mass destruction" and
as a nation we are increasingly at risk and must "deal with the gathering
threats and stay on the offensive." (George Bush 2004 Presidential
debate. John Kerry concurred)
Terrorist are working to obtain biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological
weapons and the threat of an attack is very real." ( U.S. Dept. of Homeland
Security)
"Biological terrorism is more likely than ever before and far more
threatening than either explosives or chemicals. Official actions directed at
the threat to the civilian population (less than 2 years in the making) have
only been marginally funded and minimally supported." (CDC 2/26/04)
"Nations and dissident groups exist that have both the motivation and access to
skills to selectively cultivate some of the most dangerous pathogens and to
deploy them as agents in acts of terrorism or war." (The John Hopkins
University, D.A. Henderson/ cdc.gov 2/26/04)
Bioterrorism presents unique challenges because it differs dramatically
from other forms of terrorism. While explosions or chemical attacks cause
immediate and visual causalities, an intentional release of a biological weapon
would continue over the course of days or weeks, possibly causing a major
epidemic.
"The release of a small cloud of bacteria or viruses could easily and silently
infect tens of thousands of people, triggering fatal outbreaks." (Skye
Weintraub, ND author of Natural Defenses against Bioterrorism)
Porous and broken borders are accelerating the level of illegal immigration
and congress continues to vote down tighter regulations.
The United States military and port authority is stretched to the breaking
point further weakening homeland security capabilities.
Al-Qa'ida is also interested in radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) or "dirty
bombs." Construction of an RDD is well within its capabilities as
radiological materials are relatively easy to acquire from industrial or
medical sources. Osama Bin Ladin's operatives may try to launch conventional
attacks against the nuclear industrial infrastructure of the United States in a
bid to cause contamination.
Defense Official: "The (Al-Qa'ida) network continues to pose a threat, a
global threat. Bin Laden basically always thought three steps ahead -- would
have plans in the works -- multiple plans; not just one. Some of those plans,
we believe, are still out there. Some of them could be quickly implemented,
possibly, or at least reconstituted."
North Korea, Iran, Pakistan and Russia have nuclear capabilities, share a
common hatred of the United States, and are politically and economically
unstable.
While there is much debate as to what needs to be done to make our country
safer, there is little doubt that when disaster strikes, we will ultimately be
accountable for our own safety and the safety of our loved ones.
The good news is there are specific actions and simple steps that we can take,
and teach to our loved ones that will greatly improve our chances, even in a
nuclear disaster or other type of terrorist attack. We are not defenseless,
however the time to plan for a disaster is now and not after the fact. It's
that simple. It's time we work together to solve these problems.
But until there is peace on earth, get the peace of mind of knowing how best to
protect the fruits of your labor with Banana Pack Disaster Sack.
There's no smarter way to prepare your family, business or neighborhood. You
will be b etter equipped to employ lifesavings strategies and respond in a
calm, efficient and educated manner. Take action today!
Natural Disasters
"We are not as prepared as we need to be at all levels within the government:
federal, state, local, and individual". White House Report (Feb 23, 2006)
Katrina was, in fact, only a category 3 hurricane where it had been widely
reported and believed that it had been a category 4 hurricane.
5,192 children were separated from their parents and families during the
Katrina disaster. It took more than 6 months to complete the return of all the
children. Over 12,000 adults were originally reported missing with almost 1900
still missing. The Times Online (March 23, 2006)
Thousands of pets were separated from their owners during hurricane Katrina.
Very few were ever re-united. CBS News (Feb. 23, 2006)
Former Police Superintendent Eddie Compass claims over 500 police officers
abandoned their jobs during the Katrina disaster. Total New Orleans police
force was about 1300 people. CBS News (Feb. 23, 2006)
FEMA acknowledged that the Katrina response was "broken". Heavy rioting was
expected due to shortages from woefully low supplies CNN (Dec. 5)
The Western United States has been experiencing a severe drought for many
years, and partly because of this, fires have been ravaging the region's dry
forests. Virtually every state in the region has experienced forest fires in
the last four years. One state, Montana, has experienced some really
devastating infernos.
The raging Western wildfires of recent years have often been blamed on
management practices that promoted dense, over packed forests. But a new study
indicates global warming may be the main culprit.
The linkage suggests that as the climate warms, damaging wildfires will
continue to strike the West. "If we are just at the beginning of dramatic
warming... we can simply expect larger, more severe fires," said Grant A.
Meyer, a co-author of the study, published in Thursday's journal Nature.
Weather related disasters (WRD) are defined to include: drought, extreme
temperatures, famine, flood, insect infestation, wildfire, wind storm,
wave/surge, and slides.
Recent studies by University of Oregon Geologist Ray Weldon suggest that the
Southern California portion of the fault is at its highest level of strain in
1,500 years. Weldon believes the fault could release pent-up energy in a quake
or series of quakes. That's frightening news for the thousands of Californians
who live along the San Andreas Fault. "It's one of the largest faults in the
state and the larger the fault, the larger the earthquake it can generate,"
California is prone to earthquakes, this is something people should be aware of
and should take precautions to prepare for.
90 % of all natural disasters in this country involve floods, and 25% to 30% of
all flood claims come from low to moderate flood plains.
On average, more than 1,200 tornadoes have been reported nationwide each year
since 1995. Since 1950, tornadoes have caused an average of 89 deaths and 1,521
injuries annually, as well as devastating personal and property losses.
Hurricane activity in the six years (1995-2000) has together been the most
active six consecutive year period on record. This includes the total number of
named storms (79), hurricanes (49), and major hurricanes (category 3-4-5). This
trend manifests itself primarily in the form of more hurricanes forming at low
latitudes, more intense hurricanes, and more major hurricanes land falling
along the US East Coast, Florida, and the Caribbean region. We expect that this
trend will continue for several decades. The general warming of the North
Atlantic that has taken place during the last six years is in concurrence with
increased incidence of major hurricanes. (Professor of Atmospheric Science
Meteorologist with NOAA/AOML HRD Lab., Miami, FL Professors of Statistics,
Dept. of Atmospheric Science)
Behind the statistics, the lives of the people directly impacted by these
storms have been devastated. Many older people will never be able to recoup
their losses.
The reasons for increased incidence of hurricanes include everything from a
climactic condition called the Sahel rainfall cycle to global warming, which is
projected to raise hurricane losses by as much as 30 percent by 2010. And by
2010 (only six years from now), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration predicts more than 73 million people will be living in
hurricane-prone areas.
"We can be fairly certain that a warmer atmosphere will result in a greater
number of extreme heat waves. Additionally, a warmer atmosphere can hold more
moisture, so changes in the hydrological cycle could alter flood and drought
patterns.
We can't change the facts,
but we can change our attitude and ultimately our
outcome. Be safe and get ready. Order your Banana Pack
Disaster Sack today. You'll be glad you
did!
|
|
| |
|
|