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 Thanksgiving should be Everyday!!
Being Thankfull each and every day.

Monday, May 31, 2010

ARE YOU READY??
In Kenpo we prepare to be ready for the unexpected. Below is the link to FEMA's page  where they have posted a Disaster Supplies Check List. Below I copied the different catagories.

Interesting is that the list does not mention items for defending yourselves. My advice is if you choose to legally obtain a weapon for self defense purposes, then you have an obligation to learn how to use the weapon properly and learn how to properly maintain it.

This check list also does not mention money or fuel. Depending on the type of emergency, there may not be electricity which means gas pumps and ATM's will not work. So have enough full gas cans on hand that you can fill your tank and leave if needed. [add Stabil, a gas perservative to the gas can with the fuel, it can be purchased at Walmart and it keeps gas good for 1 yr.]

Also, have some cash locked away so you won't be caught short if ATM's are down.

http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/appendix_b.shtm


The following list is to help you determine what to include in your disaster supplies kit that will meet your family’s needs.

First Aid Supplies

SuppliesHomeVehicleWork
Adhesive bandages, various sizesForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
5 " x 9 " sterile dressingForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Conforming roller gauze bandageForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Triangular bandagesForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
3 " x 3 " sterile gauze padsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
4 " x 4 " sterile gauze padsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Roll 3 " cohesive bandageForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Germicidal hand wipes or waterless, alcohol-based hand sanitizerForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Antiseptic wipesForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Pairs large, medical grade, non-latex glovesForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Tongue depressor bladesForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Adhesive tape, 2 " widthForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Antibacterial ointmentForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Cold packForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Scissors (small, personal)Form checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
TweezersForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Assorted sizes of safety pinsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Cotton ballsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
ThermometerForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricantForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
SunscreenForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shieldForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
First aid manualForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic

Non-Prescription and Prescription Medicine Kit Supplies

SuppliesHomeVehicleWork
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain relieverForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Anti-diarrhea medicationForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Antacid (for stomach upset)Form checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
LaxativeForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
VitaminsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
PrescriptionsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Extra eyeglasses/contact lensesForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic

Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies

ItemItem
Washcloth and towelForm checkbox graphicHeavy-duty plastic garbage bags and ties for personal sanitation uses and toilet paperForm checkbox graphic
Towelettes, soap, hand sanitizerForm checkbox graphicMedium-sized plastic bucket with tight lidForm checkbox graphic
Tooth paste, toothbrushesForm checkbox graphicDisinfectant and household chlorine bleachForm checkbox graphic
Shampoo, comb, and brushForm checkbox graphicA small shovel for digging a latrineForm checkbox graphic
Deodorants, sunscreenForm checkbox graphicToilet paperForm checkbox graphic
Razor, shaving creamForm checkbox graphicContact lens solutionsForm checkbox graphic
Lip balm, insect repellentForm checkbox graphicMirrorForm checkbox graphic
Feminine suppliesForm checkbox graphic  

Equipment and Tools

ToolsKitchen items
Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteriesForm checkbox graphicManual can openerForm checkbox graphic
NOAA Weather Radio, if appropriate for your areaForm checkbox graphicMess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensilsForm checkbox graphic
Flashlight and extra batteriesForm checkbox graphicAll-purpose knifeForm checkbox graphic
Signal flareForm checkbox graphicHousehold liquid bleach to treat drinking waterForm checkbox graphic
Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches)Form checkbox graphicSugar, salt, pepperForm checkbox graphic
Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel, and other toolsForm checkbox graphicAluminum foil and plastic wrapForm checkbox graphic
Duct tape and scissorsForm checkbox graphicResealable plastic bagsForm checkbox graphic
Plastic sheetingForm checkbox graphicSmall cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel (if food must be cooked)Form checkbox graphic
WhistleForm checkbox graphic  
Small canister, ABC-type fire extinguisherForm checkbox graphicComfort Items
Tube tentForm checkbox graphicGamesForm checkbox graphic
CompassForm checkbox graphicCardsForm checkbox graphic
Work glovesForm checkbox graphicBooksForm checkbox graphic
Paper, pens, and pencilsForm checkbox graphicToys for kidsForm checkbox graphic
Needles and threadForm checkbox graphicFoodsForm checkbox graphic
Battery-operated travel alarm clockForm checkbox graphic  

Food and Water

SuppliesHomeVehicleWork
WaterForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetablesForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Canned or boxed juices, milk, and soupForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mixForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
VitaminsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Special foods for infants or persons on special dietsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Cookies, hard candyForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Instant coffeeForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
CerealsForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic
Powdered milkForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphicForm checkbox graphic

Clothes and Bedding Supplies

Item
Complete change of clothesForm checkbox graphic
Sturdy shoes or bootsForm checkbox graphic
Rain gearForm checkbox graphic
Hat and glovesForm checkbox graphic
Extra socksForm checkbox graphic
Extra underwearForm checkbox graphic
Thermal underwearForm checkbox graphic
SunglassesForm checkbox graphic
Blankets/sleeping bags and pillowsForm checkbox graphic

Documents and Keys

ItemStored
Personal identificationForm checkbox graphic
Cash and coinsForm checkbox graphic
Credit cardsForm checkbox graphic
Extra set of house keys and car keysForm checkbox graphic
Copies of the following:Form checkbox graphic
Birth certificateForm checkbox graphic
Marriage certificateForm checkbox graphic
Driver's licenseForm checkbox graphic
Social Security cardsForm checkbox graphic
PassportsForm checkbox graphic
WillsForm checkbox graphic
DeedsForm checkbox graphic
Inventory of household goodsForm checkbox graphic
Insurance papersForm checkbox graphic
Immunization recordsForm checkbox graphic
Bank and credit card account numbersForm checkbox graphic
Stocks and bondsForm checkbox graphic
Emergency contact list and phone numbersForm checkbox graphic
Map of the area and phone numbers of places you could goForm checkbox graphic
7:10 pm edt 

Friday, November 13, 2009

Guns for selfdefense

I Haven't Shot It

"...When you make the decision to carry a gun for personal defense, you must also come to terms with this fact: Your firearm may someday end the life of another person...."

by Ray Hawk

Recently, a friend of mine stated, "I bought a 357 revolver but I haven't shot it in fifteen years." He bought it for self-defense. How many people buy a handgun and stick it in a drawer? The gun is never cleaned. It is never shot. Some are never loaded. Yet, it is there to provide protection for its owner if needed. Do you see something wrong with that picture?

Some people have the idea that if someone is breaking into their home, automobile, or place of business, they will retrieve the pistol and it will not only fire, but they will hit only what is threatening them. I am afraid most of us get our gun knowledge from Hollywood. That source is an inadequate teacher. In fact, such ignorance can get you killed.

How many folks buy an automobile and let it sit unused in their garage? How many purchase a car but refuse to learn how to drive? "Oh, I'll learn to drive when I need to take someone to the hospital." Sure you will.

If you are going to buy a firearm for personal protection, either to carry on your person or to keep at home, in your car, or business, take a handgun course. A good starting place is a class to obtain your carry permit. Once you have gained that permit, you need to take at least one advanced class. Is it expensive? Perhaps, but what price tag do you put on your life or that of your loved ones?

It has been proven that if you can stand and hit the bull's-eye at seven or ten yards, you will lose about 65% or more proficiency when your life is threatened. If you have no prior training or target practice, you will hit something, but probably not the criminal. Remember, the bad guy isn't concerned about where his bullets go, you should and must be. If your rounds go past the felon and hit an innocent person, you are legally responsible. You may be shot by the criminal and then sued by the innocent party.

You may think that you can buy a handgun and holster, strap it on and carry without some training. First, it isn't always comfortable to carry a gun. Second, in the beginning you will think everyone knows you are carrying. It will take time to build confidence. Third, if you don't have the practice of keeping your "cotton pickin' finger off the trigger," you may accidentally blow a hole through your holster and ruin a pair of trousers when reholstering! In a worse case scenario, you could shoot yourself in the leg. Fourth, it takes practice to throw back a shirt or coat, draw, get your sight picture and shoot in a life or death situation. That is why practice, practice, practice is needed. In a life threatening situation, you will revert to your least amount of training. If you have none, what would that be?

If you own a semi-automatic pistol, the dresser drawer or car glove box is not a good learning place. A semi-auto firearm may fire more rounds than a revolver and be easier to reload, but if the firearm's weaknesses are not learned, it can become little more than a paper weight. When you load the magazine, make sure you load the cartridges in the correct direction. Yes, ignorance happens! When you insert the magazine into the handle of the pistol, make sure it "clicks" to show it is fully seated. If not, the first round fired will dislodge it and it will fall to the ground. If you are a novice under fire, you will be perplexed as to why your gun will not fire when the trigger is pulled the second time. You need to know what to do if your pistol jams and why it did. Many jams are caused by "limp-wristing." You did not have a firm grip on the gun when firing. You need to practice reloading when the slide locks back after the last round is fired. All of these items are elementary if practiced. Without practice, it can mean the difference between a gun that functions and one that doesn't. Which would you rather have?

I used to have a neighbor that was an agent in the FBI. The department decided to issue a new firearm. It was the Springfield 1911. After being issued the pistol, the local office went to the range and put 1,000 rounds through the gun each day for two days, just to learn how to use it. That is a good lesson to us. If you are going to purchase a pistol, I have one word for you--Practice! Your life may depend upon it!

Ray Hawk is a minister, a member of the NRA, IDPA, and the Tennessee Sports Foundation in Jackson, Tennessee. He is also the webmaster for the Tennessee Sports Foundation web site.

10:23 am est 

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

[ The names in this letter have been changed due to an ongoing criminal investigation.]

January 15, 2009'

To parents, students, prospective students and parents of American Kenpo Karate University:

My name is Jane Doe and my daughter, Janet, has been taking karate from Mr. Walker for 2 years. When Janet is taking class, I sit in the back of the University and study for my college classes. I often stop to watch my daughter in class or to listen to Mr. Walker give the class instruction. One of the things I have always enjoyed the most about Mr. Walker's teaching style is that he will often instruct students on "street-wise" information. I have always enjoyed listening to this information. I never thought that it would one day save me from a violent crime.

On the 5th of this month, I was grocery shopping for a few items in Live Oak. It was latter than I usually go, about 9:45pm. As I was leaving the store I noticed a gentleman standing by his truck on his cell phone. I also noticed in the corner of the porch of the store a young gentleman watching me leave the store. At first I thought he was a worker from the grocery store but then I noticed he did not have on a uniform. I quickly assessed the situation and felt that I should approach the car with caution. If the other man had not been in the parking lot, I would have gone back in the store to ask someone to walk me to my car. I was thinking before I approached the car of what to do. I decided not to open the main part of the car but opened the trunk and quickly threw in the items and my purse as well. As I saw the man approaching, I quickly shut the trunk. I had my keys tightly in my hand with one keys sticking up so that I could use it as a weapon if need be. He asked me if I would give him a lift up town. I firmly said, "No!" and started to walk away. He walked back to the porch and I quickly got in my car and drove off.

Today, a week and a half after the incident, my friend at work showed me a newspaper article where a man at the same store on the same day [15 minutes after the man approached me] had given a man a ride and was robbed at gunpoint. That could have been me!

I am very thankful that Mr. Walker teaches his students to be "street-wise" and I am very glad I listen in class. Thanks Mr. Walker for saving me from an act of violence!

Jane Doe



This parent contacted the police and is helping identify this criminal. The man she mentions in the parking lot by his truck talking on his cell phone ended up being the one to give the younger guy a ride and ended up getting robbed. Someone else was robbed in a similar fashion at night in the WalMart parking lot 2 days earlier and they believe it was the same robber.

What we teach is not just about kicking and punching is it?? Yours in Kenpo, Tim


Timothy Walker, PSTD
4th Degree Black Belt
American Kenpo Karate University, Inc.
Branford, FL
386-935-3777   AKKUinc@juno.com
www.AKKUinc.com

10:20 pm est 

Monday, October 20, 2008



There are a LOT of things you can start doing immediately that will make your time away from home safer. Here are just a few quick tips on the matter.


*Be alert and attentive while unlocking your vehicle and getting in- this is a great time for an ambush, from a criminal perspective.

*Check the rear seat or area of your vehicle before getting in, and do a quick check to make sure your vehicle hasn't been tampered with.

*Lock your vehicle doors as soon as you get in- before you even start your engine.

*While driving, remain in "Condition Yellow". 

*Remember to always leave plenty of room between your car and the car ahead of you when stop at a traffic light, to allow you to 'get out of Dodge' as fast as possible in case something happens. Remember- it's always better to get out of the situation altogether than to have to get out of a fight.

*Try to never allow yourself to become "boxed in" between cars. There's a big difference between having to jump a curb and having to push a car out of the way. Stay out of the middle lane if you're going through 3 lanes of traffic that could stop.

*If someone cuts you off or honks at you, just let it go. It's not a big deal! Yes- they are probably ignorant jerks, but don't even react. Just go about your business.

*Be VERY attentive at traffic lights and stop signs- even in rural areas. These are perfect ambush points- so be ready, and don't linger any longer than you have to.

*Always be polite and extra courteous to other drivers. Pause for a moment to let people enter the roadway in front of you in thick traffic, and slow down to let people merge in front of you. Smile and use hand signals to communicate, and wave a "thanks" to those who let you in.

I'm not sure where the idea of "karma" came from, but I've done a LOT of traveling on the USA roadways, and I can sure tell you that on the road- what goes around comes around!

Being polite and forgiving can save from road-rage altercations, but it can't help against carjackers. Remember what I said about Condition Yellow!!


8:25 pm edt 

Sunday, October 19, 2008

3:52 pm edt 

2010.05.01 | 2009.11.01 | 2009.02.01 | 2008.10.01 | 2008.09.01

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