Dehydration: Signs & Symptoms

In my experience, dehydration is one of the most easily preventable injuries. Unfortunately, most people only associate dehydration with extremely hot temperatures and low-humidity. Cold temperatures, varying altitudes, and humidity levels are also important environmental factors which should be factored when planning to prevent dehydration.

It cannot be understated that dehydration will eventually lead to shock. Shock is a life-threatening condition. The type of shock typically associated with dehydration is called hypovolemic shock, where the body’s volume of blood is compromised due to lack of fluid. The blood flows less readily throughout the body and blood pressure also drops.

What is dehydration?

Stedman’s Concise Medical Dictionary defines dehydration simply as the

deprivation of water [and/or the] process of losing body water…

The clinical definition would also include the mention of an imbalance in the body’s “fluid-salt” balance and emphasize restoring electrolyte levels along with the rehydration treatment process. But, since I am not a doctor, we’ll keep it simple & practical.

Signs of dehydration

Some common signs of dehydration include increased thirst, dry mouth & throat, chapped lips, decreased urine output, lethargic mood, constipation, and dizziness.

Severe signs of dehydration should be considered a medical emergency and professional medical treatment should be sought immediately. Mayoclinic says severe dehydration can cause the following:

• Extreme thirst
• Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
• Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
• Lack of sweating
• Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber
• Sunken eyes
• Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn’t “bounce back” when pinched into a fold
• In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby’s head
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• No tears when crying
• Fever
• In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness

Preventing Dehydration

Preventing dehydration includes maintaining adequate levels of hydration and providing enough water for the activity-level and environment to be pursued, as well as the age-level of participants.

Having “just enough” water to keep individuals hydrated is not the same as making sure everyone has his and her own water supply as well as enough water on-hand to replenish personal hydration supplies.

If outdoor activities include continued exposure to direct sunlight and heat, shelters such as canopies and tents should be provided. Ventilation via fans and air coolers can also help to maintain people cool.

-The Berkey Guy

Guest Post: How to Field-Strip & Reassemble a Sport Berkey Water Bottle

Ever wondered how to fully take apart your Sport Berkey and how to safely reassemble it for more use? Well, here’s a video that’ll help you do it.

-The Berkey Guy

TATTLER Reusable Canning Lids

I have been ecstatic about our newest addition to our preparedness products line…TATTLER Reusable Canning Lids! These lids are great! At the last Self-Reliance Expo in Denver, we had SO MANY men and women purchase and inform us of how pleased they have been with the product. Many long-time canners expressed their interest in trying these lids…many of them recognized the brand that they used in the late 70′s/early 80′s.

What’s so great about these lids? Here:

• They are BPA-Free
• They can be used indefinitely
• They are super easy to use
• They SAVE YOU MONEY$$$
• They give you a huge Return-On-Investment
• Regular & Wide-Mouth Lids are available

…ultimately, don’t take my word for it. Check out this video that YankeePrepper did using the lids (it’s a bit long but you can skip parts if you’re short on time).:

-The Berkey Guy

Denver’s Self-Reliance Expo 2011

This last weekend we attended the National Self-Reliance Organization’s Semi-annual Expo in Denver, Colorado. It was held at the National Western Complex and accommodated thousands of interested attendees, from near and far. We spoke with dozens of individuals and families who traveled from all over the United States and Canada in order to attend. One of the fascinating aspects of their travels was that they came from varied backgrounds and means. Their interests were also particular, ranging from the following reasons:

• Greater urban & rural Self-Reliance
• Strengthening their Food Storage & Water Filtration/Purification Preps
• Attending the Expert Workshops including Dave Canterbury of the Discovery Channel’s hit show Dual Survival, The Survival Podcast‘s Jack Spirko, Doom & Bloom’s Dr. Bones & Nurse Amy, and many, many more!
• Meeting with National Geographic and The Discovery Channel for possible T.V. appearances
• To enjoy the company of many, many like-minded folk from all over the USA.

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting with so many of you and appreciate your support at the Expo and Online. We were happy to give away more than $2,000 worth of Berkey Water Purification Products as well as other preparedness items we carry. We showcased our newest addition, The Country Living Grain Mill and hundreds of adults and children were able to try their hand at milling hard-red wheat the easy way with that mill.

The most significant value of attending the Expo was our ability to connect and begin relationships with the attendees and the exhibitors, and to strengthen existing relationships with like-minded folk. Some of the exhibitors we really enjoyed were:

• Amanda’s Damn Good Salsa
• American Prepper’s Network
• Doom & Bloom’s Dr. Bones & Nurse Amy
• Prepper Podcast Network with John M.
• The School of Natural Healing
• TrekLightGear.com

We will be attending the next Expo in Salt Lake City on October 7-8, 2011 at the South Towne Expo…Hope to see you there!!!

-The Berkey Guy

Guest Post: “Sootch00: Get Home Bag”

You’ve heard of BOBs and such, but the idea of a “get home bag” is simple and smart. Sootch00′s newest video was a great review of what he calls the “Get Home Bag.”

-The Berkey Guy

NRDC Recognizes Threat Posed by Hydro-Fracking

Where do you stand on the whole hydrofracking issue? THIS ARTICLE makes an attractive appeal which promises job creation and a nice bottom-line to New York’s potential revenue streams. Although I don’t necessarily agree with the idea of global warming, the National Resources Defense Council’s (NDRC) review of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s draft appropriately states:

“the draft study provides very limited protection, if any, to the critical aqueducts and tunnels that carry water from our reservoirs. From a public health and emergency preparedness standpoint, allowing risky drilling activities to occur near aging and vulnerable water supply infrastructure is an unreasonable risk.”

My whole opposition to hydrofracking is based upon the irreversible effects of an aquifer that becomes contaminated/compromised indefinitely. We are talking millions upon millions of water that will sustain life, agriculture, and land. Hydrofracking not only presents a risk to the surrounding environment and water supply, but it also utilizes millions of gallons of water in the process of drilling wells. Oh, and the almost 600 chemicals used in the drilling process are not legally required to be disclosed…I strongly recommend viewing the movie GASLAND. It’s not sensational and has plenty of facts which raise plenty of questions.

The whole debate about sustainability, environmental accountability, and stewardship does not revolve around “global warming.” My concern in this topic centers on potentially compromising and destroying natural water cycles…after all, our posterity will be stuck with the consequences of our short-sightedness, or they will become the benefactors to our forward-thinking accountability and ingenuity. The choice is ours, now.

-The Berkey Guy

Texas Wildfires and Smoke Alarms

Bastrop Fire Map courtesy of http://wildfiretoday.com/

The media coverage of the wildfires raging through Texas cannot emphasize enough the importance of being prepared for housefires and blazes. I spoke with a customer on Saturday who called about his proximity to the fires in Texas and the lack of water as a resource because of the drought. We are mindful of those who are suffering as a result of such fires.

As of today (09/06/11), thousands of people have been evacuated and reports of over 1,000 houses have been lost due to fire.

Check out this video which you can see on YouTube:

Today’s post includes life-saving and surprisingly simply information about residential smoke alarms. NOTICE- Smoke alarms and detectors are NOT exact synonyms. The International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) enlightens us perfectly:

“Smoke alarms are the devices typically installed in residential occupancies. These devices combine a smoke detector with a local notification appliance [smoke alarm]. When activated, smoke alarms emit an audible alarm to notify occupants of the presence of smoke.

Smoke detectors differ from smoke alarms in that they do not include a local notification appliance…” Fire Detection and Suppression Systems, 4th. edition, p.25

Here is some more great and simple information which is calculated to save lives as well as property:

Why should I have a working smoke alarm?

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2003-2006, more than 66 percent of home fire deaths occurred in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

What types of smoke alarms are available?

There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market, but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.

It cannot be stated definitively that one is better than the other in every fire situation that could arise in a residence. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different, yet potentially fatal fires, and because no one can predict what type of fire might start in a home, the USFA recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with:

• Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR
• dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors

In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.

What powers a smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms are powered by battery or they are hardwired into the home’s electrical system. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable 9-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. A backup battery is usually present on hardwired alarms and may need to be replaced.

These batteries must be tested on a regular basis and, in most cases, should be replaced at least once each year (except for lithium batteries). See the Smoke Alarm Maintenance section for more information.

Are smoke alarms expensive?

Smoke alarms are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save. Ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms cost between $6 and $20. Dual sensor smoke alarms cost between $24 and $40.

Some fire departments offer reduced price, or even free, smoke alarms. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number for more information.

Install smoke alarms in key areas of your home

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, so the U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.

Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Some fire departments will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number for more information.

Hardwired smoke alarms should be installed by a qualified electrician.

Smoke alarm maintenance

Is your smoke alarm still working? Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all.

A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:

Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system

• Test the alarm monthly.
• The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking

A smoke alarm is just doing its job when it sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam.

• If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:
• Open a window or door and press the “hush” button,
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or
• Move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.

Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

State-by-State Residential Smoke Alarm Requirements

The USFA compiled state-by-state residential guidelines for smoke alarms. Families can find life-saving fire safety tips required or suggested by their very own state. The guidelines include instructions on the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms. The tips will help families do their part to protect themselves and the firefighters who protect their lives!

The “State-by-State Residential Smoke Alarm Requirements” is available for download from the Campaign Materials page and is also available on the free Toolkit disc. (English only)

Source: U.S. Fire Administration Website-Learn About Smoke Alarms

-The Berkey Guy

Boil-Alert Issued because Automated Back-Ups Fail

Unknown to many Americans, boil-alerts happen several times a day throughout the United States. It should come as no surprise that automated systems commonly fail to perform as they were designed to, especially because such events that cause them to perform often damage the safeguards as well.

The unfortunate facts of this story though, is that 12,500 residents were alerted hours after the system was discovered to have failed. Read the story HERE.

It’s always best to have your plans A, B, and Cs.

-The Berkey Guy

National Preparedness Month: Wise Food Storage

Last week, I had the wonderful experience of touring the manufacturing facilities of one of our trusted partners, Wise Food Storage. It was a great experience! I’ll give a little background as to why we chose Wise Food Storage in the first place.

For quite some time, I had been looking for a viable product that would stand the test of time, especially since we specialize in the Berkey Water Purification Systems. It only made sense that we would offer viable food storage options in addition to our Emergency Seedbanks and other preparedness products. After extensive research among dehydrated and freeze-dried food companies and after speaking with them, we decided that Wise Food Storage was a good fit for our customers in the United States…fast forward to today.

September is National Preparedness month. The reality is that we should always be prepared! Well, I wasn’t prepared for how thorough the folks at Wise Food Storage are in the manufacturing and distribution of their products, WOW! When I arrived at their Utah manufacturing facility, the weather outside was hot. Once inside the building, the temperature was a nice contrast to the heat. I was escorted throughout the facility and donned the customary booties, gown, and cap. I maintained a comfortable distance with the protective observation barriers in front of me.

I observed that their complete operation exceeds regulatory compliance standards in packaging and production. One example is the content within the individual packages. Wise Food Storage has an exhaustive amount of quality assurance standards and practices which ensure not only that each individual package exceeds weight requirements, but that nothing but the best quality food storage meals results in every packet and container. The demand for Wise Food Storage is mind-boggling!

My visit to the facility lasted one half-hour, and it was well worth it. Getting the opportunity to have a first-hand tour of the products we distribute was a great experience. The fact that I personally use Wise Food Storage made it even more meaningful.

Wise Food Storage Benefits & Advantanges:

• Shelf Life: Guaranteed up to 25 years!

• Smart Packaging: Nitrogen-Flushed Pouch, Mylar Family-size 4-serving Foil Pouch, Square Plastic Container and Grab—and—Go Handle, Stackable Design,Re-sealable Pull Tab Lid
• Dehydrated & Freeze-Dried: Through extensive evaluation, research and testing, we have combined both freeze-dried and dehydrated products together to ensure optimal taste, texture and nutritional value.  Expensive ingredients such as peas and other vegetables are generally freeze-dried.  Other ingredients like noodles and rice actually taste better when dehydrated.

• Easy to Prepare: ready-made emergency meals, simply add hot water, wait 12-15 minutes, and you’re ready to eat.

• Affordable: ready-made meals run approximately $1.60 a serving, making them truly affordable.

If you’re considering Wise Food Storage, take advantage of our free phone consultations. Please call to schedule an appointment or to receive your consultation @ 877-886-3653.

-The Berkey Guy

Big Brother Giveth…and Big Brother Taketh!

I recently read an article that must have circulated quite well. MSNBC posted the story, The Mystery of the Double Eagle Gold Coins. Ultimately, the article reports on the United States Government’s efforts to recover a few of the almost 450,000 Double Eagle gold coins minted in 1933 but never publicly circulated.

Some of the most fascinating aspects of this event:

• President Theodore Roosevelt’s commissioned Augustus Saint-Gaudens to design the twenty-dollar art-piece in 1904.
• The US Mint produced the coins from 1907 through 1933, (unissued gold-coins intended for international trade).
• Saint-Gaudens dies in 1907 after finishing the design of the Eagles, but before his work is finalized for production.
• In 1933, Executive Order 6102-ironically issued by a cousin-become US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, globally bans Americans from trading and owning gold, with extremely limited exceptions.
• The Gold Reserve Act of 1934 facilitates the transfer of all gold possession from the Federal Reserve to the United States Department of the Treasury.
• Unbeknownst to the US Department of the Treasury, not all of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles were destroyed and melted into bullion! Some escaped and it is still unclear how many have never been recovered.
• The only known privately-owned 1933 Double Eagle masterpiece sold for $7,590,020 USD in 2002 to a private collector.

President Theodore Roosevelt’s historical interest in creating a coin that would match Ancient Greece’s artistry and beauty, seems somewhat romantic. In a day when so many Americans are ridiculed for a demanding a return to the Founding Principles of the United States of America, we nostalgically observe a prominent US figure adamant to literally coin America’s beauty and essence. Roosevelt’s lofty vision materialized quite simply into the production of Saint-Gaudens’ $20 masterpiece, largely due to his close-friendship with the renowned American sculptor. Positions of prominence pay-off don’t they?

Now, the curious unfolding of events in the recovery, exchanges, sales, discovery of more coins, trials, and judgments, paints an interesting canvas. Seen in summary, these gold coins were minted ultimately to return to bullion!The unfortunate losers of this whole charade seem to be Joan Langbord and family, but what have they lost when they were completely ignorant of their possession to begin with?…or so they say. Should they be entitled to some sort of compensation for having come forth with the coins? Did the US government do right in not returning the coins and in ultimately accusing the dead Israel Switt of criminal activity when not conclusively proven guilty? He did have a two-week window of opportunity to have legally obtained the coins…