February isn't just about chocolates and roses—it's also American Heart Month! The Salt Lake City Fire Department wants to spread some love by encouraging you to brush up on your CPR and AED skills. Did you know that a staggering 73% of cardiac arrests happen at home? Immediate CPR by a bystander can make a huge difference, doubling or even tripling the chances of survival. Here's a heartwarming fact: using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) alongside CPR increases the odds of survival even more. The Hands-Only CPR method is not only effective but easy to learn. In fact, it's been proven to be just as effective as traditional CPR with breaths for the first crucial minutes. Plus, it boosts the likelihood of a bystander taking action in a cardiac emergency. For those who prefer learning in their PJs, the American Heart Association offers online courses with minimal time commitment. Check out their lifesaving resources at https://www.heart.org/en/nation-of-lifesavers. If you're up for a more hands-on experience (pun intended), join us for our in-person CPR classes! Held on the 3rd Wednesday of odd months, these one-hour sessions are not only informative but also a great way to make some new friends. Best of all, they are free to the public. Sign up through our website at https://slcfire.com/
and let's build a community of lifesavers together! Stay heart-healthy,
Emergency Preparedness
Salt Lake City Emergency Management would like to inform our residents that February is National Canned Food month, according to FEMA. Canned food serves as a crucial component of emergency preparedness, ensuring that residents have access to a reliable and shelf-stable food source during times of crisis. In Salt Lake City, where the region is susceptible to various emergencies, such as earthquakes and severe weather events, having a stockpile of canned goods becomes vital. The observance of National Canned Food Month offers an opportune time for residents to assess and bolster their emergency food supplies. It encourages individuals to create well-rounded and nutritious canned food reserves that can sustain them and their families in the aftermath of
disasters when access to fresh produce may be limited. Canned goods are highly useful in emergency kits for several reasons, making them a staple in disaster preparedness: 1. Long Shelf Life:Canned goods have an extended shelf life, often lasting several years. This longevity is crucial in emergency situations, where access to fresh food may be limited or unavailable for an extended period. The sealed, airtight environment of canned goods helps prevent spoilage and bacterial contamination, ensuring that the food remains safe to consume for an extended duration. 2. Convenience and Portability:Canned goods are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making them convenient for inclusion in emergency kits. Their portability is crucial in situations where individuals may need to evacuate quickly or move to temporary shelters. The easy storage and handling of canned foods simplify the process of managing and distributing emergency supplies. 4. Refrigeration:Canned goods do not require refrigeration, eliminating the need for electricity or other energy sources to keep them fresh. This makes them suitable for a wide range of emergency scenarios, including power outages or situations where traditional cooking facilities may be unavailable. 5. Versatility:Canned goods come in a variety of options, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and ready-to-eat meals. This diversity allows for the creation of well-balanced and varied emergency food supplies, meeting different nutritional needs and preferences. In summary, the durability, nutritional content, convenience, and versatility of canned goods make them a valuable and reliable component of emergency kits, ensuring individuals and communities are better prepared to face unforeseen challenges. For more information on National Canned food month, you can visit https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/blogs/national-canned-food-month. Be sure to follow @BeReadySLC on Instagram, Facebook and X for more preparedness tips!
