February isn't just about sweets and flowers—it's also American Heart Month, a time when the Salt Lake City Fire Department aims to spread care by encouraging everyone to brush up on their CPR and AED skills. Surprisingly, 73% of cardiac arrests happen at home, underscoring the importance of immediate bystander CPR, which can dramatically improve survival rates, potentially doubling or even tripling them.
Here's an interesting tidbit: using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) alongside CPR significantly boosts survival odds. The Hands-Only CPR method is not only effective but also easy to learn, proven to be as impactful as traditional CPR during those crucial initial moments. Plus, it encourages more bystanders to take action in cardiac emergencies.
For those who enjoy learning at their own pace, the American Heart Association offers convenient online courses with minimal time commitment. Explore their life-saving resources at https://www.heart.org/en/nation-of-lifesavers.
If you're more hands-on (pun intended), join us for our in-person CPR classes! These one-hour sessions are not just educational but also a chance to connect with others. And yes, they're free for everyone. Follow @slccert and on Instagram to get class opening announcements and register at https://www.slc.gov/em/.
Take care of your heart this month!
Winter Emergency Preparedness
According to FEMA, canned food is a crucial component of emergency preparedness, ensuring that residents have access to a reliable, shelf-stable food source during times of crisis. In Salt Lake City, where our region is susceptible to various emergencies—such as earthquakes and severe weather events—having a stockpile of canned goods is essential to a well-rounded emergency kit.
February is National Canned Food Month, established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making it the perfect time to evaluate and enhance your food supply in your emergency kit. Building a well-balanced and nutritious stock of canned goods ensures that you and your family have access to essential food in the aftermath of disasters when fresh options may be limited. Why Include Canned Goods in Your Emergency Kit?
Long Shelf Life – Canned goods often last for several years, making them ideal for emergency situations where fresh food may be unavailable. Their airtight packaging helps prevent spoilage and bacterial contamination, keeping them safe to eat over time.
Convenience & Portability – Compact and lightweight, canned goods are easy to store and transport. This is especially helpful if you need to evacuate quickly or relocate to a temporary shelter.
No Refrigeration Needed – Unlike perishable foods, canned goods don’t require refrigeration, making them a dependable option during power outages or when cooking facilities are limited.
Nutritional Variety – Canned foods include fruits, vegetables, meats, and ready-to-eat meals, allowing you to maintain a balanced diet even in an emergency.
By incorporating canned foods into your emergency preparedness plan, you can enhance your ability to weather unforeseen challenges with confidence. Just be sure to add a can opener to your emergency kit! 😉
For more information on National Canned Food Month, visit: USDA Blog and Build A Kit | Ready.gov for more information.
Be sure to follow @BeReadySLC on Instagram, Facebook, and X for more preparedness tips!
