Relocate! Magazine Winter 2015-16 by Publish in Paradise

4 MYTHS About Emergency Preparedness

Volume 1 Issue 2 | Winter 2015/16

Bringing You Destination Options for Relocation Relocate! Magazine is published by Publish in Paradise for the purpose of exploring the United States of America, our land, our people, and the opportunities available to bring you destination options for relocation. © 2015-16 Publish in Paradise PublishinParadise.com

Publisher: Angela J. Richards publisher@publishinparadise.com

For advertising inquiries, please email ads@publishinparadise.com or visit us online at www.RelocateMag.us

From the Publisher… In this issue we continuing on with where we left off in Helena, Montana. Helena is such a beautiful community, surrounded by beautiful land. I look forward to going back for a summer visit sometime soon. Since our first issue published, our company has relocated from Juneau to Ketchikan, Alaska, creating a few bumps along the way. We will continue with our Exploring Alaska series with the next issue in the Spring. For those who are searching for where the grass may be greener, you cannot find much greener land than in the rainforests of Southeast Alaska. The beauty of this land and its people will draw you in, mesmerize you and keep you in your own paradise in a land that many people only dream of visiting. For many of us who visit, we remain in a land we dearly love. We will be sharing more about this beautiful land of Alaska and its possible relocation destinations in the upcoming year. As for the rest of the United States, we continue to explore the possibilities for relocation.

Angela "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs." Matthew 24:6-8

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Departments Explore our Country Exploring Alaska! We will be continuing our series of Exploring Alaska in our next issue.

10 An Adventure to Remember 13

Helena, Montana: Taking Care of their Own

Preparation 4 4 Myths About Emergency Preparedness 15

DIY Car Care

18 Prepare Your Car for Winter

4 Find us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram & Twitter

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

s many as 40 percent of American families do not have a family emergency plan in place, according to Save the ChildrenÂŽ, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving children a healthy start and protection from harm. But emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, making emergency preparedness and safety education important issues for families to address, especially families with small children.

"There are many myths and assumptions that keep families from adequately preparing for emergencies, and the consequences can be devastating," said Dr. Gloria Julius, vice president of education and professional development for Primrose Schools(r), an early education and care provider with more than 300 schools across the country. "A disaster is no time to realize that you're not sure how to keep your family

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safe. That's why we've partnered with Save the Children to educate families and children inside and outside our classrooms on the importance of emergency preparedness, while engaging them in steps they can take to keep their children safe in times of crisis."

steps to ensure your family is ready to respond if a disaster strikes.

When disaster strikes, children are particularly vulnerable. Responding in a calm, organized manner not only helps your children know how to act, it conveys a powerful message that they are safe, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children will mirror your response and actions in times of crisis.

According to data from Save the Children, 90 percent of children in the United States live in areas at risk for natural disaster, and 54 percent of U.S. families have been affected by some type of natural or other disaster.

Make safety a priority for your family by learning about common misconceptions about emergency preparation and taking

Emergency Prep: Myths vs. Reality 1. It Won't Happen Here

For too many parents, the day they start thinking about emergency preparedness is the day they are faced with an actual disaster. Start now and take time to prepare for emergencies by completing simple steps like filling out emergency contact forms that can be tucked in your child's backpack at school, helping your children memorize emergency contact numbers and stocking your home with emergency supplies.

2. It's Scary Discussing emergencies can be daunting, but talking about it is an important part of helping parents prepare and protect their kids from disasters. "Many parents worry about the right way to approach those conversations without sparking undue fear in children," said Sarah Thompson, associate director of community preparedness with Save the Children. "By providing children age-

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appropriate education, you're providing them with lifelong safety skills and a sense of mastery that will help them effectively respond to and cope with emergencies. In our partnership with Primrose Schools, we are helping more parents feel comfortable starting these important conversations to help children feel safe and families get prepared." Thompson and Julius recommend an educational approach to these conversations as a strategy to relieve fear and stress on both sides. Discussions can also incorporate fun elements, such as coloring the back of an emergency contact form that includes personal information or helping count items for an emergency kit. As you talk about emergencies, you can also discuss what makes your child feel safe and explain how community helpers, like firefighters and policemen, help in times of crisis. "By teaching children basic disaster preparedness, you are demonstrating your love and care for them," Thompson said. "Children can understand and appreciate that."

You can help ease fear on both sides by teaching your children what to expect if a disaster strikes when you aren't together. Determine a meeting place should you be separated, and check with your child's school or child care provider to ensure they have a plan for emergencies. In your discussion, also verify where you can meet your child if his school or child care center is evacuated. Some schools and care providers also include emergency preparedness tips in their curriculum. Check with your child's school to see if they are already teaching some of these life lessons to your children - perhaps your kids could teach you a thing or two about disaster response.

4. We're Already Prepared You may feel like you've taken steps to protect your family, but keeping your family prepared for emergencies is an ongoing process, and it's hard to plan for every detail, especially the unexpected. According to a 2012 FEMA survey, only 43 percent of respondents have actually created a household emergency plan, and just over half (52 percent) have emergency supplies in their homes.

3. My Kids Are Safe with Me In reality, U.S. Census data reveals 59 million students are enrolled in nursery school through 12th grade - each spending a significant share of each day away from their parents. Add time spent away from home for activities and with friends, and suddenly the amount of time your children are by your side can start to feel small.

Reviewing emergency preparedness materials, such as those offered through Primrose Schools' 360 Parenting blog, can help you identify gaps or things you may have inadvertently overlooked. In addition, being prepared requires more than having a plan and making a disaster supply kit. It involves regular practice and maintenance, like practicing emergency

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drills with your children and keeping emergency contact information updated.

Emergency Prepared?

Checklist:

Are

You

If the unthinkable happens, your children will look to you to know how to react and respond. Use the checklist below to help your family prepare and keep children safe in a disaster. Make a family plan and determine: ■ The facilities that will be used as shelters in your community in case of emergency ■ A designated meet-up location if your family is separated ■ An emergency contact outside of your area who would not be affected by a local disaster

■ Remind family members that text messages often get through in an emergency, even when a phone call can't Find more resources, such as tips and activities you can reference and practice as a family, at PrimroseSchools.com and www.savethechildren.org/GetReady.

Create an Emergency Kit Save the Children suggests preparing a backpack or portable bag for each family member with essential hygiene items and contact information in case you need to leave home. It's important when packing this kit to also incorporate items specific to children, including: ■ Each child's contact and medical information ■ Recent photos of each child ■ Comfort food and snacks

Teach your children: ■ Basic personal information to identify themselves if separated from you

■ Activity items like books, puzzles and games ■ Comfort items like a stuffed animal or blanket

■ How to dial 911 ■ Your family's meet-up locations ■ How to reach your family's out-of-town contact

Source: Primrose Schools | Family Features

Have a communications strategy: ■ Program all family cell phones with "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) contacts ■ Include all family phone numbers plus out-of-town contacts

Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport 10 | Relocate! Magazine Winter 2015/16 ÂŠ Publish In Paradise | RelocateMag.us

dmiring the Statue of Liberty up close, hanging 10 in the Pacific Ocean or exploring Europe's most charming cities are just some of the experiences that may rank high on your travel bucket list. Creating that list is just the beginning - the real fun begins when you start making your travel dreams a reality. Inspiring people to make those getaways happen is the goal of a new effort by Hilton Garden Inn, which is helping plant the seed for travelers to embark on their next great adventure. "Through the Garden Getaway Tour, we are reminding people of all the exciting possibilities available for their next trip," said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of global brand marketing, Hilton Garden Inn & Hampton by Hilton. "Trekking your way through a list of all your favorite places is a great way to feel peaceful and alive, whether you spend your time discovering new places or reconnecting with loved ones."

Get on your way to creating the travel experience of your dreams with these tips: Chart your course. If you haven't already, make a list of all the destinations you hope to see, and post it someplace prominent so you are reminded of your travel goals frequently. You may choose to prioritize your most desirable locations, or simply keep your ideas random so you can seize opportunities when they arise. For

example, with its Garden Getaway Tour, Hilton Garden Inn is giving travelers the chance to win a getaway to Hawaii - a great way to check an island excursion off your list. Learn more at HGIGardenGetaway.com. Be sensitive to the seasons. Be aware that many destinations have peak seasons when the attractions they boast are in top demand. Crowds are heavier and prices are steeper, but on the flip side, there are more options for things to see and do. If avoiding the hustle is your ultimate goal, visiting out of season may be more your ticket. Don't ignore your own backyard. Though the temptation may be strong to journey far and wide, when your time away is short, you don't want to waste precious hours on travel. A bucket list excursion doesn't have to take you far from home. In fact, you may be surprised by what you find when you seek out the hidden gems near home. Check for special dates. Timing your travel to coincide with unique local events is a way to make your visit extra special. The jovial vibe of a fair or festival in your dream destination only adds to the excitement. Check the local calendars for events that are sure to deliver fun eats and lots of quirky, good times. Book accommodations wisely. Look for a hotel that you can count on to deliver amenities and services that make your experience enjoyable - but know that doing so can be affordable. Options such as Hilton Garden Inn (hgi.com), with nearly

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640 hotels worldwide, offer a Satisfaction Promise, along with all the amenities you need to remain comfortable and connected while on-the-go: full service restaurants, free wireless internet access, fully-loaded fitness centers and more.

your home office, or devise another way to capture all the memories you create along the way.

Rely on local experts. The knowledgeable staff at Hilton Garden Inn can also be a resource when looking to do as the locals do. Once you arrive at your destination, stop by local visitor centers and ask what is unique to the region; there are some spectacular things to see that you can't find in guide books.

Start planning your getaway to one of these top destination picks from the travel experts at Hilton Garden Inn:

Set a leisurely schedule. Save the frantic pace for the office, and leave your itinerary loose for your time away. If you must, plan one or two must-do activities each day, but give yourself permission to go with the flow. Wander and explore and take advantage of the freedom to pass the day at your own pace. Take in incredible new sights, sounds and flavors, and don't allow your mind to be distracted by anything but having a good time. Leave the beaten path. In each new location you visit, challenge yourself to try something new. Whether you gather the courage to parasail for the first time or sample the unfamiliar flavors of a favorite local dish, test the limits of your comfort zone and create truly unique experiences as you make your way across the country, or even around the globe.

Great Getaway Destinations

● The Colorado River at Yuma, Arizona: Spend a few days exploring the lake, spectacular scenery and canyons. ● Everglades National Park, Florida: Explore one of the most unique ecosystems in the nation, and look for your chance to spot a manatee in the wild. ● Krakow, Poland: Explore cultural attractions, such as the Cloth Hall, the world's first shopping mall, or the Rynek Market and Kazimierz historical district.

Source: Hilton Garden Inn | Family Features

Document the adventure. Take time to collect photos and mementos representing all the places you visit. If scrapbooking isn't your thing, consider a wall collage in 12 | Relocate! Magazine Winter 2015/16 © Publish In Paradise | RelocateMag.us

Helena, Montana

Taking Care of Their Own

f you are seeking a place to call home that is full of beautiful people and exciting events, as well as the opportunity to just get away off grid, or close to it, then Helena, Montana might be your destination for relocation. In the months that I spent in Helena, I learned about the land–which is gorgeous even in the winter–and the people, who are caring not just about their town and community but of one another, I had decided it would be a perfect place to lay down some roots and establish a home sometime in the future.

very proud of the community she calls home due to the fact that the community is caring of its people. “We take care of our own,” she explained as she pointed out the ways in which the community’s needs are being met. Besides job opportunities and available housing, for those who are struggling to find work or housing, Helena ensures its citizens will not go hungry.

When learning more about what the community has to offer and what needs are not being met, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the community has met just about every social need there is, with few exceptions.

The social services in this area are outstanding–a community food bank that is set up like a grocery store; the many churches in the area who have teamed up, regardless of denomination, to help homeless families with temporary shelter; the local abuse shelter offers assistance to those who need a fresh start and a way out of abusive relationships–regardless of gender; and this community even has a home for young pregnant girls who don’t have a home of their own.

When looking for business opportunities and speaking with a local realtor, she was

One resident explained it this way, “It’s like in the olden days when a community would

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Horses graze the winter grass on the outskirts of Helena, Montana.

gather their wagons around in a large circle, protecting and caring for everyone within the circle.” Does that mean outsiders are not welcomed? Not at all. But it is highly recommended that one find a job and a home before planning to relocate. For the homeless, wherever they find refuge, the winters are harsh and the struggles are real. You don’t want to be one of them. R!

To learn more about all that Helena, Montana has to offer visit HelenaMT.com

“Helena, Montana, is Montana’s Capital City and located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Helena has a rich gold rush history, and exploring Last Chance Gulch brings the history to life.” Source: www.helenamt.com 14 | Relocate! Magazine Winter 2015/16 © Publish In Paradise | RelocateMag.us

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

t's no secret that r e g u l a r maintenance helps prolong the life and performance of your vehicle, but you may be surprised by how many routine maintenance tasks you can complete by yourself at home. Get in the garage this winter and tackle that cabin fever with these DIY car care projects that can be done all at once and not only save money by helping prevent repair costs in the long run, but also help you save big on service fees.

1. Air Filters Not only do you want fresh air while you drive, so does your engine. If your air filter

gets too dirty or clogged, your engine won't be able to suck enough air into the combustion chambers. Engine performance will be reduced, especially when you are passing or merging onto a freeway. If an air filter becomes sufficiently dirty and damaged, it could also allow harmful, abrasive contaminants into the

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combustion chamber, accelerating engine wear. Changing an air filter requires no more skill than hanging pictures around the house and is one of the easiest DIY car care projects, regularly taking less than 10 minutes to complete. Changing your air filter every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, will provide better engine protection, but give careful attention to seasonal concerns such as fall leaves, debris hidden in dirty snow and road salt which can clog air filters. Designed and constructed with advanced features to capture and hold more dirt to keep engines cleaner in extreme driving conditions, FRAM Tough Guard air filters are ideal for strenuous driving conditions such as idling in heavy traffic, driving on dirty, dusty roads and towing heavy loads, all of which can put heavy strain on the engine. Learn more at FRAM.com and refer to the vehicle owner's manual for air filter location and specific instructions.

2. Oil Oil is one of the most vital components of your engine's overall health. It allows the engine parts to operate smoothly together, removes heat and prevents accumulation of things like carbon and varnish in the engine. Your owner's manual will guide you to the right oil for your vehicle, but you may need to do some comparison shopping to find the right performance blend for your specific driving conditions and needs. Today, many auto manufacturers tout intervals of 5,000 miles and longer.

However, those change intervals are based on using the correct oil and a quality oil filter, which should also be changed when changing the oil. A qualified repair technician can help you determine the best schedule for your vehicle and driving habits.

3. Transmission Fluid The transmission fluid is another liquid vital to your engine's proper operation. Gear shifting, cooling the transmission and lubrication are all critical roles that transmission fluid plays, and all that work causes the fluid to deteriorate over time, particularly with harsh driving conditions. Your owner's manual is a good starting point; it will tell you the change interval and the specifications for transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is highly specialized now and requires a fluid that meets the original equipment manufacturers' specifications.

4. Cabin Air Filter A cabin air filter cleans and circulates the air that enters through your car's ventilation system. Contaminants can enter your vehicle with outside air and become concentrated, exposing passengers to higher levels of dust, dirt and allergens while also potentially limiting the effectiveness of your car's air conditioner and defrost system, making it important to keep the cabin filter unrestricted. In general, a cabin air filter should be

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5. Spark Plugs

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

changed every 15,000 miles or once a year, but can vary depending on driving habits. Your owner's manual may list the recommended service interval for your vehicle, but replacing all of your air filters at the same time is good practice and winter is the optimal season to make a change after catching fall debris and allergens.

Install an Air Filter Like a Pro

Although many spark plugs are designed to last as long as 100,000 miles, certain conditions can damage the plugs, resulting in engine misfires, poor fuel economy and other malfunctions that affect overall engine performance. These performance issues indicate that at least checking, if not replacing, your spark plugs is in order. In addition, used car buyers should check the condition of spark plugs if no service history is available. Replacing spark plugs is a quick job requiring few tools, but it's important to change one at a time so you do not mix up the plug wires. Take note of the condition of the spark plugs you remove: they should be slightly dirty, but a white or oily appearance may indicate other problems. Choosing the right plugs for your vehicle is as simple as talking with the staff at your local auto parts store; they'll be able to point you to the right plugs for your vehicle. Always replace spark plug wires or boots that are worn, cracked or oilsoaked and reference your owner's manual for more information.

Replacing your own air filter is an easy way to save the time and expense of a trip to the repair shop. Follow these simple steps from the experts at FRAM to be on your way to cleaner air in your vehicle in just a few minutes: 1. Use proper protective gear. 2. Loosen wing nut or other fasteners to remove filter cover. 3. Remove old air filter. 4. Clean filter cover and housing using a shop vacuum. 5. Install new air filter. Be sure it is sealed around the perimeter. 6. Replace cover and fasten.

Source: FRAM Features

Family

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Tips to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Harsh winter weather can be tough on vehicles, and the last thing any driver needs is to break down. Ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready now is a sensible approach to avoid the inconvenience of being stranded out in the cold. "An investment of an hour or two to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind and help avoid the cost and hassle of car trouble during severe weather," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The experts at the Car Care Council recommend the following steps to winterize your vehicle:

● For good visibility, make sure that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed. Also check to see that heaters, defrosters, lights and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. ● Very cold temperatures reduce a vehicle's battery power so it's important to keep the connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail

completely, so if your vehicle's battery is more than three years old, it's wise to replace it. ● Have the brakes inspected and check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly. ● Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling, so have the problems fixed before the temperatures drop. ● Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system as needed and have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed. ● Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Consider changing to "winter weight" oil if you live in a cold climate. Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

● Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. ● Check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and medication.

To order a copy of the Car Care Guide or for more information on regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair, visit carcare.org.

Source: Car Care Council | Family Features

● Store important telephone numbers in your cell phone or glove box in case of a breakdown or travel emergency. Also keep a car care resource, such as the Car Care Council's 80-page Car Care Guide, in the glove box as a handy reference tool.

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