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Posts Tagged ‘risk’

Nature’s Threats – All Creatures Great And Small

Nature’s Threats are some of the most varied and violent you will ever have the misfortune to encounter. From microscopic germs and viruses to giant, warm blooded mammals intent on eating you alive. Snakes, spiders, sharks, dogs, poisonous plants and insects that can kill you as sure as any assassin’s bullet.

Most of us live in cities and within those cities in homes that are, at least on the surface, free of pests and dangerous animal life. Yet even in the cleanest of homes, germs can survive long enough to cause harm. Some of the deadliest diseases known to modern science lurk in the cleanest of hospital wards, Golden Staph and many more we haven’t even learnt of their existence yet.

I have a saying, “If you don’t want to risk being bitten by a shark, simply stay out of the water!” This category covers all the creepy crawlies, bities, carnivores and things that can eat you. There is no creature on this planet that includes humans on their menu except if and when the opportunity arises. Imagine how different life would be if there were a species out there that actively hunted us for food, much as we hunt or farm many animals, birds and fish.

If you are visiting or living in an island nation then there will most likely be times when you either travel across the water or spend some time in it. Trust me, there are worse things in there than sharks!

Most shark attacks occur at dawn or dusk or night when sharks feed, in murky water and near the mouths of rivers. That’s where the fish usually are. On average 12 people every year are killed by sharks compared to millions of sharks being killed by humans. Mostly for the Chinese shark fin trade and one reason I never dine in any Chinese restaurant that serves shark fin soup.

I have dived with several types of shark and I hold the belief that you won’t get bitten by the shark you can see! If you can see it then you can confront it and most sharks won’t risk a confrontation just to find out if you are edible. Not worth the risk/reward equation for them.

What is far more dangerous are the unseen stingers that inhabit the waters. Box jellyfish and the almost invisible Irukandji marine stinger do inhabit some local waters. They can be lethal. Less dangerous but extremely painful are Hydroids. I was hit with a Hydroid sting on the leg (aka Hydrozoa) and five years later still have the scarring. It is a nasty, jellyfish like organism that stings and causes a lot of pain for a long time! They can have a medusa stage like a jellyfish and also a polyp stage and look like coral. Best advice is to wear a wet suit or stinger suit and never touch anything underwater!

There are stonefish, razor clams, cone shells and other assorted marine creatures that can do you harm but you have to be unlucky to fall afoul of one unless you try to play wildlife expert and catch something. Although highly venomous, the dozen or so species of sea snakes you may encounter are mostly timid and rarely bite unless roughly handled. So don’t handle them!

Should you retire overseas, say in the Philippines, on land there are ten species of venomous snakes including four types of cobra and three species of pit viper. There are also three species of Sea Krait that inhabit both land and sea! There are also constrictor snakes such as the Reticulated Python (up to 30ft long, with 20ft quite common) and they have been known to kill goats and dogs and even small people. In 1998 in Lucena a 2 month old baby was eaten by a python as he lay sleeping in his cot.

North America has several species of Rattlesnake as well as Cottonmouths,Copperheads, Coral snakes and more. Australia has more of the world’s most venomous species than anywhere else; Taipans, Death Adders,Browns, Blacks, Tigers and a range of sea snakes. Central America and the Caribbean also hold many slithering surprises with the Fer de Lance, various vipers and a collection of coral snake varieties. Costa Rica alone has 135 varieties of snake with 17 of them venomous!

The good news is that snakes prefer not to bite you as they can’t eat you and would muh rather be left alone. If you are bitten and you can safely kill and collect the snake (for identification purposes) then do so; however most people are bitten when they try to catch the snake for a closer look in the first place! If you want a close look, subscribe to Animal Planet on cable TV and sit next to the screen!

When it comes to spiders there are only two or three species to worry about, but never forget the vicious bites from centipedes and millipedes and numerous other insect species as well as the Dengue and Malaria carrying mosquitoes. You may also find yourself far enough in the boondocks to be at risk from crocodiles. In Palawan and Southern Mindanao in particular as well as tropical Australia the estuarine or saltwater crocodile can be found. Florida, one of the retirement capitals of the world has more Alligators than they can manage. As anywhere in the world, it pays to see if any of the locals are swimming before jumping in, no matter how hot the day may be!

Far more likely though would be an encounter with a dog. Although most Third World dogs are small and easily scared away, rabies is present in the country and you may be bitten by a rabies infected animal. I make it a rule never to pet stray animals and once you have seen the wretched condition of the average dog or cat roaming the streets I doubt you would want to get too close to one.

Monkeys can also carry rabies and other diseases and they have been known to bite the hand that feeds them. Unless you are on a primate studying expedition I would keep well away from them. Bats and rats can also pass on infections so keep covered up when you sleep in the boonies! Even domestic animals such as chickens, goats and pigs as well as the much larger cows, horses, donkeys and carabao (aka water buffalo) can pose a risk. Why bother? I leave the animal husbandry to the locals and have never had a problem. Of course when my inlaws and I were breeding pigs it got rather hands on at times but that to my mind is different to someone just visiting for a few weeks vacation.

If nothing else, be aware that ‘Nature” is unpredictable. My girls are forever asking me if this or that animal bites. I am forever reminding them that if it has teeth, then it can bite. Don’t feed it your fingers!

Man Made Direct Threats – Now… It’s Personal!

MAN-MADE DIRECT: Now, at last! We come to the threat list that most of us associate with when we think self defense or even personal protection. This category is about the times when you are at risk of some kind because of the actions of another human who has the intent to do whatever it is that is putting you at risk.

This includes robbery, rape, theft, embezzlement, fraud, frame-ups and various other situations where another person is involved and has their own agenda which may result in you suffering harm. Click HERE To Learn How Criminals Commit Their Crimes Against YOU!In many ways although these may be the most immediate threat situations they are often the easiest to avoid or manage simply because they involve another person. “Know your enemy and know yourself and you will be undefeated in 100 encounters”, according to Sun Tzu! There is a lot of truth in that ancient observation.

Man-made Direct is the one category you can have the most control over in two ways; you and them. You can avoid being a target by making yourself too hard to hit or handle. As simple as it may sound, don’t take any nonsense from anyone. Be polite and courteous but firm and in control of yourself and all the facts. Insecurity is often caused by doubt and if you know for sure X is X then you can stand your ground when it comes to dealing with X. When it comes to them you might have a chance to talk to them, change their minds. You might decide you can defeat them physically, financially or in some other way.

When standing firm, always keep smiling and keep your voice down and your temper in check. It is easier to be forgiven for smacking someone than calling them names and raising your voice! Many ethnic groups are big on ‘losing face’. Don’t lose yours by making a scene. No matter how right you are you will be the one in the wrong. It is an art and one worth developing as you will have a lot of chances to practise every time you want to be served for something!

Above all else, never try to stare down an armed criminal. He will take it as a challenge to his authority and feel he must take action. This will be emotion driven and often involving weapons and accomplices.

Information is both ammunition and the weapon to fire it with as well as the body armour to protect you from any incoming fire. Not knowing is akin to being naked and unarmed out in the open.

Another weapon in our arsenal as humans is the ability to reason; with each other as much as ourselves. You can’t reason with a cobra, hood spread and ready to strike, or an approaching typhoon.

Of the four categories none is more deadly than any of the others. The probability of your dying may be lesser or greater in one situation than another but the fact remains that dead is dead. None of the four categories are to be preferred over any other as you can’t pick and choose what life throws at you once you leave the comfort and safety of your own world of the known and venture into the great unknown. Life is an adventure, a gamble from the beginning. The only sure thing is you will not live forever.

More Than Sandbags And Squeegee Mops

Flood survival is often tied to surviving other natural disasters such as hurricanes or major storms. As well as the water posing the risk of drowning, many people are affected by the diseases carried on the flood waters or lingering in the muddy aftermath.

If you live on low lying, level ground then you run the risk of suffering flood damage to your home and property and potentially harm to yourself from the water itself. Debris such as tree trunks, cars and dead farm animals can multiply the risks faced in dealing with such a situation.

Additionally, you may be isolated and unable to get to help or help get to you for several days. Surviving such a situation is achievable if you take some sensible precautions before the event. First of all be aware of your location and whether it is at risk of flooding. Flood prone areas are known to authorities and inhabitants and often reflected in insurance premiums and building codes for the area.

Give some thought now, while the water isn’t lapping at your feet, as to what you would do to survive a flood.

Earthquake Survival Advice from the Earthquake Research Institute of the University of Memphis:

What to do before, during and after an earthquake, and preparing an earthquake survival kit for your home, automobile, and office.

WHAT TO DO

PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY NOW

Have an earthquake survival kit on hand. All family members should know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity. Plan family emergency procedures, and make plans for reuniting your family. Know emergency telephone numbers (doctor, hospital, police, 911, etc) Anchor heavy objects to walls (bookcases, wall units, mirrors, cabinets, etc.) Never place heavy objects over beds, and keep heavy objects lower than head height of shortest member of family.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE STAY CALM

Inside, stand in doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, well away from windows or glass dividers.

Outside, stand away from buildings, trees, telephones and electrical lines.

On the road, drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in safe area; stay in vehicle.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

Check for injuries-provide first aid. Check for safety-check for gas, water, sewage breaks; check for downed power lines and shorts; turn off appropriate utilities. Check for building damage and potential problems during aftershocks. Clean up dangerous spills. Wear shoes Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies. Use telephone for emergencies, only.

Earthquake Survival Kits

SURVIVAL SUPPLIES:

Water-2 quarts to 1 gallon per person, per day.
First Aid Kit-ample, and freshly stocked.
First Aid Manual-know how to use it.
Food-canned or individually packaged;precooked, requiring minimum heat and water. Consider infants, pets, and other special dietary requirements.
Critical medication, extra eyeglasses
Can opener
Blankets
Radio-portable battery operated, spare batteries
Critical medication and eyeglasses, contact cases and supplies
Fire Extinguisher-dry chemical, type ABC
Flashlight-spare batteries and bulbs
Watch or clock-battery or spring wound.

COOKING:

Barbeque-use outdoors ONLY-charcoal and lighter, or Sterno stove
Plastic bags-various sizes, sealable
Pots-at least two
Paper plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels

SANITATION
Large plastic trash bags-for trash, waste, water protection
Ground cloth
Large trash cans
Hand soap, liquid detergent, shampoo
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
Deodorant
Feminine supplies
Infant supplies
Toilet paper
Powdered chlorinated lime-to add to sewage to disinfect and keep away insects.
Newspapers-to wrap waste, garbage; may also be used for warmth.

SAFETY
Heavy shoes for every family member
Heavy gloves for every person cleaning debris
Candles
Matches-dipped in wax and kept in waterproof container
Knife-sharp, or razor blades
Garden hose-for siphoning and fire fighting
Clothes-complete change kept dry

TOOLS
Axe
Shovel
Broom
Crescent wrench-for turning off gas main
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Hammer
Rope or bailing wire
Plastic tape
Pen and paper
Mini Survival Kit for Automobile
Non-perishable food-store in coffee cans
Boiled water
First aid kit and manual
Fire extinguisher
Blanket
Sealable plastic bags
Flashlight-spare fresh batteries and bulb
Critical medication, extra eyeglasses
Tools-screwdriver, pliers, wire, knife
Short rubber hose
Pre-moistened towelettes
Feminine supplies
Sturdy shoes and gloves
Your emergency supplies should be adequate for at least 72 hours (3 days).
A 10-day supply of water, food, and medicine is recommended.

Personal Safety is Personal Risk Management- It’s About Being In Control Of You!

Personal Safety is Personal Risk Management. It means taking charge of your own destiny, being in control of your safety and well being. Managing threats and risks to your life from a range of possible causes.

Most of us think of risk in terms of insurance for our life, car, home or business. Others take a more financial planning based approach and consider their investment strategies. Cheap-Retirement-Living.com takes a more Holistic approach to risk management.

Our unique approach considers there to be FOUR major threat sources:

• Natural Threats
• Nature’s Threats
• Man Made Indirect Threats
• Man Made Direct Threats

We will cover each of these in detail in subsequent posts.