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SACRAMENTO Withalarge storm set to move into Northern California this week, the American Red Cross is encouraging resi- dents to take action now to be prepared. Rains in the region last week caused flooding in many areas and offered a preview of what this lat- est storm may bring. Red Cross volunteers provided shelter and assistance to several residents affected by the storm and are cur- rently working closly with emergency officials to en- sure resources are in place to assist impacted commu- nities. "Strong winds and rain are expected to cre- ate a number of hazards throughout our region, so it's critical everyone takes steps now to be ready," said Kathleen Weis, Chief Exec- utive Officer for the Amer- ican Red Cross Gold Coun- try Region. "Having an emergency kit filled with necessary items such as food, water, a radio, flashlights, batter- ies and more are essential to keeping you and your family safe during an emer- gency." Buildanemergency kit An emergency kit should contain enough supplies to sustain you and every mem- ber of your household, in- cluding pets, for a mini- mum of 72 hours. This in- cludes food, water, a first aid kit, and a battery-pow- ered radio. More info about building an emergency kit may be found at http:// www.redcross.org/pre- pare/location/home-fam- ily/get-kit. "Emergency kits are not 'one-size-fits-all,', says Weis. "Along with the ba- sics of food and water, ev- ery family has specific needs and your emer- gency kit should account for those specifics." Other suggested items: Flashlight Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) Extra batteries First aid kit Medications — 7-day sup- ply Multi-purpose tool Sanitation and personal hygiene items Copies of personal doc- uments — medication list, deed/lease to home, pass- ports, birth certificates, in- surance policies Cell phone with chargers Family and emergency contact information Extra cash Emergency blanket Map of the area Flood safety This week's storm is ex- pected to bring a large amount of rain to the re- gion in a short period of time, which increases the risk of flooding. The ongo- ing drought has left much of our landscape unable to absorb large amounts of water quickly, which also adds to the flood risk. Ad- ditionally, areas affected by wildfires over the sum- mer are vulnerable to mud and debris flows. It is im- portant that residents are aware of the risks and take steps to prepare their home and family. Flood watch vs. flood warning Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in prog- ress or other critical infor- mation from the National Weather Service (NWS). It's also important to know the difference between a flood watch and warning as it will impact how you respond: Flood/flash flood watch— Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. Flood/flash flood warn- ing—Flooding or flash flooding is already occur- ring or will occur soon in your area. Be prepared If your area is vulnera- ble to flooding, there are several steps you can take to be prepared, in addition to having an emergency kit: Clear leaves from storm drains and rain gutters in advance of the storm. Know your city's and county's protocol for is- suing sand bags. Not all areas offer them and re- sources may be limited. If they are not available, check with your local hardware or home improvement store. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there. Stay away from flood- waters. If you come upon a flowing stream where wa- ter is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contam- inated water. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger. More information about flood preparedness may be found at http://www.red- cross.org/prepare/disaster/ flood. Flood mobile app Earlier this year the American Red Cross launched its new Flood App to help save lives and reduce losses from floods and flash floods. This free app gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a flood. The con- tent is available in English and Spanish based on the user's language settings on their mobile device. The app includes loca- tion-based, audible NOAA flood and flash flood watches and warnings — even if the app is closed. Other features of the app include: One-touch "I'm safe" messaging that allows us- ers to send a message let- ting family and friends know that they are out of harm's way; Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile con- nectivity; Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm to let others know where you are; Locations of open Red Cross shelters; Real-time recovery re- sources for returning home and cleaning up; and Badges users can earn through interactive quiz- zes and share on social net- works. RE D CR OS S Preparednessurgedforincomingstorm Tehama Shooters and Nor Cal Jr. Clay Buster am- bassador, Carrie Patter- son presented the Nor Cal Think Pink Board of Direc- tors checks totaling more than $1,600 at the breast cancer awareness non- profit November wrap-up meeting. The proceeds were from the third annual Nor Cal Top Shot contest Pull the Trigger on Breast Cancer 2014, held at the Tehama Shooters range on the Long Ranch near Manton. The contest pitted shoot- ers against each other with handguns, rifles and shot- gun targets, some as far away as 600 yards. A knife throw and tomahawk toss station as well as archery were included. Nice Shot indoor shoot- ing range was on site with FFL III firearms including M-16 and M4 automatic ri- fles. The contest was domi- nated by Josh Sutherland who has won the contest two years running. Proceeds of the con- test play a part in defeat- ing breast cancer through early detection and inter- vention. Proceeds from 'Pull the Trigger' contest go to fight breast cancer COURTESYPHOTO Pictured is Tehama Shooters and Nor Cal Jr. Clay Buster ambassador Carrie Patterson presenting a check to the Nor Cal Think Pink Board of Directors. TEHAMA SHOOTERS PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER. Hi Mary: You mentioned in a re- cent column that there are times it is advisable to buy sheets separately rather than in a set that includes fit- ted and top sheets plus pillowcases. I need a king-size flat sheet and two extra- long twin fitted sheets for our Tempur-Pedic king- sized bed. Could you pro- vide a resource for where you bought single sheets? I have been a faithful fol- lower of your column since 1998 and I really do appreciate your good advice, recipes, helping hints, etc. Thank you for any help you can provide. — Dee C. Dear Dee: I have had excellent results order- ing Utopia bedding on- line. These sheets are 200 thread count and 100 per- cent cotton. This Uto- pia King flat sheet is cur- rently $17.99. When you receive the sheet, I sug- gest laundering them before use. I found the sheets to be lovely and soft once laundered as that removes the sizing, added as part of the man- ufacturing process. These are the sheets I use in my guest rooms (when I have guest rooms, and I will soon!). They launder up beautifully and hold a nice, crisp crease. Ironing is not necessary, unless of course you just happen to love to iron, as I do. These XL Twin fitted sheets from Atlas with generous 12-inch pock- ets and 180-thread count are $19.83 each currently, and should fit the bed well. They are 55 percent cotton and 45 percent polyester, with great re- views. If you prefer 100 per- cent cotton, these XL Twin sheets by Wamsutta are 360 thread-count, 100 percent Egyp- tian cotton, fit- ting up to 15-inch mattress are cur- rently $35.99 each, with a vari- ety of reviews you should read and consider. Thanks for being such a loyal follower, Dee. I hope this information helps. Thanks, too, for trusting me to advise you. (For more information on the sheets mentioned in this column please visit www.everydaycheapskate. com/bedsheets) Dear Readers: In re- sponse to a recent col- umn on making your own laundry detergent, many of you sent in questions. I thought it would be help- ful if I respond to all of them right here, assum- ing that many other read- ers may have wondered the same things: Dear Mary: What would the measurement for this soap be if you have a water softener? — Margaret Dear Margaret: I did have a water softener at the time I created the tu- torial (in the house we re- cently sold, if you've been following along). I exper- imented, and suggest you do the same. It depends on a lot of things such as the capacity of your washer, the soil level of the clothes you are wash- ing and of course the wa- ter's hardness. Just be as- sured that you aren't go- ing to ruin anything if you use too much at first. I would start with cup of the concentrated liquid laundry detergent. If your clothes come out fresh, clean and lovely, you've nailed it. If they seem a little scratchy, you are likely using too much. So cut it back. If your clothes don't seem quite clean, increase a bit, to say cup. Soon you'll know ex- actly how much to use with that water softener. Hi Mary: My cousin just forwarded your laun- dry detergent instruc- tions to me, and I have a quick question: Can you use a little bleach and a little Downy softener, us- ing the container/dis- pensers for each one in the washing machine? I wondered if there's any kind of reaction. My ma- chine is a front-loading machine, HE. — Thanks. S.F. Dear S.F.: Yes to all of your questions. Use this just as you would any liq- uid commercial laundry detergent. Just do it with a big smile because it is costing you a fraction of what you'd be paying for a name brand. Dear Mary: Can your homemade detergent be used in machines that say to only use HE detergent? Thank you. — Evelyn Dear Evelyn: Yes! This homemade laundry de- tergent is very low-suds- ing and that is what is re- quired for a front-loading High Efficiency wash- ing machine. I have an HE washer, and this de- tergent works extremely well. Dear Mary: Can this liquid be used in an old- fashioned twin-tub wash- ing machine? — JJ Dear JJ: By all means! I don't know what type of detergent you are using now, but I am 100 percent confident you can substi- tute with laundry deter- gent you made yourself. Not only will you have nice clean clothes, you're going to feel downright proud of yourself for be- ing so thrifty. 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We are the only fitness center with college educated Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS). This certification is one of only two that are accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Of the four hundred plus organizations in the United States that purport to certify personal fitness training, most are internet courses or weekend retreats. At TFFC, we care about your well-being. We want to improve your quality of life. We have the professional staff to get the job done safely and scientifically. You will have a well defined program, purpose and plan. In conclusion, anyone can give advice or teach regarding wellness, but the true predictor of a facilities' knowledge is certification by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). (Malek et al. 2002). 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