BP, the government and the people of this nation have run out of time.  The media blackouts cannot erase the proof of oil tides and dead carcasses washing up on the coast of the Southern Gulf States.  Many are beginning to call this a modern day “Black Death.”  There is no quick fix for this diabolical mess and no amount of money can be thrown at the problem to wish it away.  Let’s examine what we do know: the waters are toxic, the air is toxic, the rains are toxic, and soon the water sources will become toxic (We will not even go into the speculation that the methane in the water could cause an exponential explosion, thus creating a tsunami).

According to an article, emergency planners are dealing with a prospective “dead zone” within a 200 mile radius from the Deepwater Horizon disaster datum in the Gulf.  Therefore, mass mandatory evacuations are being planned by government agencies. 

The article indicates that government insiders are suggesting that “plans are being put in place for the mandatory evacuation of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville, Hammond, Houma, Belle Chase, Chalmette, Slidell, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pensacola, Hattiesburg, Mobile, Bay Minette, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Crestview, and Pascagoula … The toxic rain from the Gulf is expected to poison fresh water reservoirs and lakes, streams, and rivers, which will also have a disastrous impact on agriculture and livestock, as well as drinking water, in the affected region.” 

The mass exodus and relocation of millions of families will happen.  It’s just a matter of when and where these displaced citizens will go.  

Wake Up and Be Prepared to Evacuate

Evacuating a Community –  With the threat of thousands of communities being displaced, there will be widespread chaos.  If a mandatory evacuation is announced, the faster a person begins traveling to their destination the better chance of dodging traffic and any unnecessary stressful situations.  If a person can evacuate before a mandatory evacuation has been announced, the better off they will be.  

To expedite the process of preparing for a mandatory evacuation: 

• A well defined preparedness planwith maps and alternative routes in place.  Do not leave unless there is a plan in place.  Additionally, prepare multiple plans if the initial plan does not work.
• Purchase maps to use during the course of the journey.
• A 72 hour bag that is ready to go for the family as well as a bag for any pets.
• Collect any family heirlooms or memorabilia.  There may be a chance you will not see your home for a while.
• Have a small supply of food and water (at least 3-5 days worth).
• Leave as soon as possible.  Do not wait until they have opened up the contraflow lanes to evacuate.
• Have some money set aside for an emergency.  Prepare for some ATM machines and banks to be closed. 
• Make sure the Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) is well maintained.  Having the proper items to keep it going can be of great value in a disaster situation.  Items such as an oil, extra tire, fix-a-flat, collapsible shovel, etc.

Source - fertilefotos

Those that live on the Gulf coastline are growing concerned with the possibility of coming in contact with oil from the oil spill.  Although the CDC says that brief contact with oil or crude will not pose a serious threat, it is recommended to clean the oil off the skin promptly with soap and water, baby oil, petroleum jelly or a widely used, safe cleaning compound such as a cleaning paste (sold at auto part stores) to avoid further skin conditions, such as dermatitis. 

Persons that have prolonged contact with oil or from the vapors from the oil spill have more serious symptoms and the possibility of serious health issues.  Recently, fisherman who have taken the tedious task of trying to clean to crude off of the Gulf surface have gotten extremely ill from being downwind of the oil spill.  The same symptoms the fisherman were complaining of are listed on the CDC website for inhalation exposure to crude. 

The wife of the fisherman explains the fisherman had to come home early because “the men had all the same symptoms at the same time — vomiting, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath.  Could it be a coincidence?… Here we are over a month and he’s still not completely well.” 

Source – www.cnn.com

According to the CDC, coming in contact with crude, tar balls, etc can effect one’s health moderately to severely depending on how long that person has been exposed and how they came in contact with it:  

Prolonged Skin Contact

Prolonged skin contact with crude oil and petroleum products can cause skin erythema (reddening), edema (swelling), and burning.  The skin effects can worsen by subsequent exposure to sunlight, because trace contaminants in the oil, such as the PAH’s are more toxic when exposed to light.  Skin contact can result in defatting of the skin, increasing the possibility of dermatitis and secondary skin infections. 

Some persons may be, or may become, sensitive to the crude oil.  Depending on the amount and duration of exposure, skin contact with crude oil may be mildly to moderately irritating; in a sensitive individual, the skin effects may be more pronounced after a small or shorter exposure. 

Ingestion

Swallowing crude oil, unless in large quantities (less than eight ounces) is unlikely to result in more than transient nausea, possibly vomiting, gastrointestinal tract disturbances, and self limiting diarrhea.  However, vomiting and subsequent aspirations of hydrocarbons such as crude oil may result in significant lung injury. 

Casualty Care Issues

Skin Contamination: Generally, the presence of crude oil on the patient should present no major complications; it can be wiped off whenever convenient in the treatment process.  Even so, two warnings should be noted: 

• Oil and oxygen-enriched atmospheres are potentially explosive. Hands oily from removing oily clothing from patients can be sufficiently contaminated to contaminate also fittings on oxygen-using treatment equipment, with potentially disastrous consequences. Oil on the face of a patient does not contraindicate O2 treatment, but it is important to remove oil-contaminated clothing and wipe the oil from the head, neck, and chest of the patient before placing the O2 mask. Because an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may exist for up to one foot from a nasal cannula or face mask, sources of ignition should not be used near oil-contaminated persons or clothing. In particular, before using a defibrillator, excess oil should be wiped off of the patient, particularly from the trunk and neck areas.
• Oil-contaminated clothing removed from patients, and oily cloths or rags used to wipe off patients, represent a potential fire hazard due to the risk of spontaneous combustion. Such material should be stored in a metal container with a tight lid. Contaminated clothing and rags should not be left to accumulate but should be disposed of frequently.

Wound Contamination: Current industrial practice for external and superficial wound cleaning is being modified to include use of waterless hand cleaners, white petrolatum, mineral oil, corn oil, or Neosporin (triple antibiotic) ointment. These agents must be removed as completely as possible from within the wound after efforts to remove the crude oil have been completed. 

Ocular Exposure: Ocular exposure can result in slight stinging and temporary redness. No permanent damage should result. The immediate treatment is to flush the eye with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. If the person wears contacts, these should be removed first. 

Ingestion Exposure: Following ingestion of a small amount of crude oil clinical signs of toxicity are generally limited to mild stomach disturbances. The main danger of swallowing crude oil is that can also get into the lungs causing chemical pneumonitis for example if ingested oil is vomited and subsequently aspirated into the lungs. To treat patients exposed via ingestion, do not induce vomiting as this may lead to aspiration of the crude oil into the lung. 

Inhalation Exposure: Inhalation of fresh crude oil could result in inhalation of associated volatile hydrocarbons. Symptoms including headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or vomiting, may occur from breathing vapors given off by crude oil. Inhalation of weathered crude oil is of less concern because of the loss of volatile hydrocarbons. Remove the patient to a clear area and provide supplemental oxygen if needed.

An economic calamity is brewing, and as Brian at Survive Right points out, “ the articles are becoming more urgent, more prevalent and from more mainstream sources.” The collective consciousness senses that something is not as it’s supposed to be.

Paul Farrell at the Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch describes the coming global-debt-bomb explosion:

The Big One is coming soon, bigger than the 2000 dot-com crash and the 2008 subprime credit meltdown combined. A huge market blowout. And as Bloomberg-BusinessWeek predicts: “The results won’t be pretty for investors or elected officials.”

After the global-debt bomb explodes don’t expect a typical bear correction followed by a new bull. Wall Street’s toxic pseudo-capitalism is imploding. Be prepared for a massive meltdown. Yes, already the third major bubble-bust of the 21st century, triggered once again by Wall Street’s out-of-control Fat Cat Bankers. And it’s dead ahead.

We’re glad that more mainstream media outlets are warning investors of the destruction to come. While most will continue to believe the fairy tales spouted on CNN, CNBC and ABC News, at least some will survive the financial destruction to come with their retirements intact – or at least not completely wiped out.

Mr. Farrell asks if your family will survive the anarchy that follows:

This is no joke, folks. Are you prepared? Or preparing? Will your family survive in a post-apocalyptic world, when anarchy is rampant in America? Look at Washington, Wall Street and Corporate America today. You know it’s already begun.

You are witnessing a fundamental breakdown of the American dream, a systemic breakdown of our democracy and our capitalism, a breakdown driven by the blind insatiable greed of Wall Street: Dysfunctional government, insane markets, economy on the brink. Multiply that many times over and see a world in total disarray. Ignore it now, tomorrow will be too late.

The politicians will continue to play games up until the very minute the system falls apart. Whether that happens this Summer, or in 2012, or in 2015, it will happen. The system as we know it is unsustainable. We have overdrawn our ChinaCard Visa and eventually there will be no one left to lend.

In the near future we won’t be able to service our debt anymore.

The the US Dollar collapses.

Foreign nations will no longer be able to trade with the US, because our currency will be worthless.

Production, transportation and consumption of goods, essential and luxury, will cease.

The economic, political, and social systems in America will descend into chaos.

Only the prepared will have a fighting chance.

Not to worry, though, because Mr. Farrell does provide a bit of advice similar to what we have suggested to readers since SHTF Plan came into existence:

So what can the average Joe and Jane, the other 299 million Americans do? Warning: In anarchy, nobody knows. Period. The only possible strategy: “Think Swiss Family Robinson.” Stockpile like a “Happy Conspiracy Insider.”

The engine is running out of motor oil. Are you prepared for what happens when it seizes up?

It is the Human Condition

When a massive, unplanned disaster occurs, societal breakdowns, gang driven crime and chaos are all a part of what happens when a society is turned upside down.  It is actually the people, and not the disaster that creates societal breakdowns.  Unfortunately, some who participate in the breakdown of society feel their desperation is a justified reason and opportunity to steal.  While some participate out of desperation to get what they need for their family.  However, the running theme in these scenarios is that  desperation has no boundaries.  This is the human condition and a harsh reality.  When a person is in a desperate situation, they will stop at nothing to get what they need to survive.  This is the entire point of preparing for disasters.  A person cannot rely solely on their country to rescue them. There has to be some sort of self sufficiency if a person wants a better chance at survival.  The government of Haiti is already showing examples of government’s mismanagement to plan the proper plan in aiding their citizens.  According to a news source, Haiti is situated along a strike-slip fault between two great plates of earth’s crust, just like the San Andreas fault.  Did the Haitian President set up an earthquake disaster plan?  No, there was nothing. 

There are some ways to prepare oneself if a societal breakdown were to occur:

• Having as much self sufficiency as possible and relying on preparedness items that are in the home, having an evacuation plan and having a means to defend oneself is vital in a massive disaster.  Have as much food and water as possible.  Having a water filter during a situation like the Haitian crises would be helpful beyond words.  Having a stockpile of one’s very own medical supplies would also be useful.  As many are reading, certain disaster organizations are running out of medical supplies.  Additionally, having access to a communication source such as a radio, police scanner, etc in order to hear about what is happening would be an invaluable resource.  If a communication system is still functional, the government will be broadcasting news on an emergency channel.
• Find a group that one can trust.  It could be a group of neighbors, friends and family members.  Once the disaster has occurred.  Meet at a pre-planned location.  There are power in numbers.  If a group can band together to create conflict and chaos, then a group can band together to defend themselves against this foe as well.
• Have a plan in place.  Everyone should have an emergency plan of action.  If no plan is in place before a disaster hits, irrational decisions based on confusion and shock will lead to a dangerous situation. 
• If a person can leave, go to a safe house outside of the disaster location.  If a person is unable to leave their home, stay in and prepare as much as possible.  In the immediate aftermath of a breakdown, venturing out is extremely dangerous and all precautions should be taken to keep a person safe.  Stay as close as possible to the home or shelter. 
• Be aware of one’s surroundings and if someone is getting too close to the property, take necessary precautions.   Until necessary help arrives, a person is literally on their own in a case such as this.  Safety and rational thinking are the keys to staying alive in a breakdown.  A person must be mentally prepared to handle an uncertain situation as rationally as possible.  As nice as it would be to stay inside a shelter until the conflict is over, sometimes that is more difficult than realized.
• Prepare to defend yourself, your family and your property. 

 The devastation of the Haiti is a sad reminder that the threat of a breakdown and a disaster of this magnitude is real and can happen almost anywhere.  As James Wesley Rawles, the writer of Survival Blog writes:

“The aftermath of the recent earthquake in Haiti has underscored the fragility of modern societies.  In the event of a major disaster, it doesn’t take long for ‘the thin veneer’ of civilization to be peeled back.”

Each citizen of this world must face this and realize that even though the disaster may be different, the threat of a breakdown is still present.  Preparing for this and knowing what to do to keep a person and their family safe will give them a better shot at surviving.

Charities Helping the Haiti Eathquake Survivors

Effectiveness of Tamiflu and Relenza In Question

Let’s back up for a moment, on April 26, 2009 when the Administration declared the swine flu a public health emergency, they allowed the shipment of roughly 12 million doses of flu-fighting medications from a federal stockpile to states in case they eventually needed them.  These stockpiled flu-fighting medications were two antiviral treatments, Tamiflu (oseltamavir) and Relenza (zanamivir).   Part of the reason for the use of these particular medications was due to the massive government stockpiles of these drugs that occurred in preparation for the bird flu (2006) that never came about and is due to expire by 2010.  In response to this problem, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined and authorized the use of these medications beyond their expiration dates under Emergency Use Authorization.  With the expiration of these drugs nearing, many would wonder how effective these medications would be.

Is It Worth It?

In a recent study conducted by Oxford University, questions arose to the previous studies done on the effectiveness of these medications and state that the risks are likely to outweigh the very slight benefits.  (See full study).   The study researched the effects in treating children (under the age of 12) with Tamiflu and Relenza.  The results were modest at best.   The drugs were found to reduce the duration of the flu by a day.  However, complications such as asthma, or the need to use antibiotics due to secondary infections were not alleviated.   This data alone suggests  benefits are very weak and offer far less protection than basic proactive medical care such as vitamins, rest and continuous hand washing.  According to the study, a full level treatment dose needs to be given to 13 children simply to prevent one case of the flu.

Unrelated to this study,  the FDA added a warning label to Tamiflu and Relenza back in November of 2006, based on numerous reports of delirium and suicide mostly in children under 17.  Side effects occurred within 24-48 hours of taking the drug and included panic attacks, delusions, delirium, convulsions, depression, loss of consciousness, and even suicide.  None of the cases had any reported psychological or neurological problems before taking the medication. 

Back in 2006 the FDA said “We are concerned that when/if the use of this drug increases in the U.S. … there may be increasing cases of adverse consequence in the U.S.” 

The revised FDA warning states,  ”Children and teenagers with the flu may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior early during their illness.  These events may occur shortly after beginning TAMIFLU or may occur even when flu is not treated.  These events are uncommon but may result in accidental injury to the patient.  Therefore, children should be observed for signs of unusual behavior and a health care provider should be contacted immediately if the patients shows any signs of unusual behavior.”

The FDA has a similar warning of the use of Relenza:

“People should be aware of the risk of increased difficulty breathing, especially among people with a history of underlying breathing problems.  If patients have increased difficulty breathing, they should stop Relenxa and get medical attention right away.  People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior early in their illness.  These events may occur after beginning zanamivir or may occur when fly is not treated.  These events are uncommon but may result in accidental injury to the patient.  Therefore, patents should be observed for signs of unusual behavior and a health care professional should be contacted immediately if the patient shows any signs of unusual behavior.”

There are multiple cases of these ”unusual behaviors”.  Specifically, three people  fell to their deaths after taking the drug, including a 14-year-old boy who climbed on top of the railing of his family’s condominium.  The report also tells the story of an 8-year-old boy who, after taking a single dose of Tamiflu, wouldn’t answer to his own name and was growling. Another case involved a 14-year-old girl, struck with paranoia, who swore someone was watching her from outside her home and that her salad had been poisoned.  The report also cites two men fell to their deaths after taking Tamiflu, and one of them left a suicide note. 

Japan Bans Tamiflu in 2007

The reports came mostly from Japan because Tamiflu was prescribed far more frequently than in the U.S. (24.5 million times in 4 years in Japan, versus 6.5 million prescriptions during the same period in th U.S.).  If this medication is so effective, then why in 2007 did Japan ban teenagers from using Tamiflu?  Although, these psychiatric side effects are a rare occurrence, they occur nonetheless.  The person in charge of banning this medication from Japan’s teens is Masato Tashiro, head of flu at Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases.  His reasoning for banning the flu medication was:

“My personal concern is that Tamiflu might invade the brain through the blood-brain barrier.”

 When making this comment, Tashiro was speaking to New Scientist Magazine.   The article says,  the barrier forms a highly impenetrable layer of tissue that prevents many chemicals from crossing from the blood into the brain. In 2004, Roche (the company that makes Tamiflu) said the drug should not be given to infants under one year of age, after experiments in mice showed it depressed brain activity and caused death in animals too young to have a fully-formed barrier.  Normally, Tamiflu cannot penetrate the barrier.  But it becomes more permeable when the tissue is inflamed, as can happen in flu.  Japanese doctors fear that Tamiflu might be getting into the brain, depressing activity and “disinhibiting” some behaviors.

Conclusion

 The world’s next pandemic is occurring as we speak.  But, if the medication that many leading countries are prescribing have modest effectiveness, and occurrences of bizarre psychiatric behavior, and a possibility of the medicine invading the blood-brain barrier, is it worth it?  Are there other measures that can be suggested by our doctors?    Pro-active measures need to be made.   But it seems that the negatives points outweigh the positives in this case.  Perhaps, before everyone gets on a “vaccination wagon” and heads to the local medical facility, try some of these suggestions:

• Boost your natural immune system with herbal teas (kombucha tea, echinachea, etc).
• Take your vitamins.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Say home if you are sick.
• Use a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
• Maintain healthful habits — get ample sleep and exercise, drink fluids, eat well.