Let's face it, disasters happen.

This post is part of my spring cleaning routine today, as I remind you to "make a plan" in the event of a disaster.  It doesn't have to be a big plan or kit, but the basics cover enough.

It's early spring here in Ohio and for me that means updating our disaster plan.  Yes, I know that sounds paranoid, but it's part of my spring cleaning routine.  I worked on the Red Cross disaster team in my area while in college and before I had kids, so trust me, disasters happen more than an average person may know.  I believe most people when they hear the word disaster think of the recent earthquake in Japan or the tsnami that hit soon afterward.  For me, a disaster is a house fire in which a family is displaced.  It's a thunderstorm that contained high winds that knocked a tree over onto a person's home.  A ton of rain or snow melting that happens to flood homes.  For me, those are the typical disasters I think of.

As anyone from this part of the country knows, spring brings the threat of tornadoes and high winds.  Thunderstorms and lightening are another threat.  Spring in Ohio can be dangerous and I like waking up each day knowing that in the event of an emergency or disaster my family is prepared.  Now, I'm not one of those who dwell on a disaster.  Not even close.  I'm more of the "if it happens better be safe than sorry" crowd.  I think that mindset happened once I starting volunteering for the Red Cross.  In order to be a part of the disaster team, they require you to take classes on preparedness.  I took what they said to heart and went home and prepared a kit for myself.  That kit has now expanded to include my entire family, PLUS our 2 kitties. 

I'm sure you may know, but then again you may not, in the event of an emergency, disaster, etc, the Red Cross can't help animals.  So, if it comes down to you getting to safety, you need to have other plans for your animals.  Only service animals are allowed in disaster shelters.  Personally, this bothers me because our kitties are like our "first kids".  Yet, I'm not so niave that I wouldn't get to safety if that was necessary.  Instead, I've made a plan for the kitties should something come up.  Depending on the situation, they will go to a relatives or to their vets office.  I love our vet and he is such a wonderful man that he makes it a point to post a sign in the office that says "in the event of a disaster, please bring your animals here for safe keeping". 

The one plan that I can't stress enough is what to do/where to go in the event of a fire.  That was the first thing we did once we got settled into our house.  We made the effort to connect with neighbors, so that if something happened to us or them, we had friends.  We told the kids that if a fire ever happened (all the while reassuring them it wasn't likely), that we needed to get out of the house and to meet at the designated spot.  We actually practice this!  Once a year Chuck will randomly push the smoke detectors and we practice how to get out of the house.  Along with being educational for the kids, it reminds them of our meet up spot. 

On a different matter, they already know where to go for a tornado warning.  We had "real life" practice of this two times last fall when sirens went off during some really awful storms.  They were scared, but kept calm and went where we told them to and A (in her wise Kindergarten experience) showed the little ones how to cover their heads. 

So, this is just a nice spring reminder that things can and do happen.  For the safety of your kids, if nothing else, having a plan in place is a good thing.  Here's a couple links to the FEMA website and the Red Cross to help you in designing your plan, should you choose to do so!

**Please note my kids aren't afraid of storms, sirens, or anything.  Although I could seriously kick my Mom for allowing A to watch something about the tsumani in Japan because she's been having nightmares. **

Geckos: Tails to Toepads

Are your kids getting tired of being indoors all the time?  Are you running out of ideas on what to do?  Well, I have a solution, especially if you're in my area (Ohio).  It may be time for you and your family to make a trip to Columbus and visit COSI (Center for Science and Industry).  Think about it.  It's probably only a couple of hours away, at the most.  You could make a whole day of it. 

We will be heading up that way soon to check out the newest exhibit Geckos: Tails to Toepads.  If you're kids are as curious about everything as mine are, they are sure to love it.  Some of the highlights of Geckos: Tails to Toepads include

• A hands-on adventurewhere you get to test out gecko night vision, listen to their voices and try to spot camoflaged geckos.


• Explore all aspects of geckos including their role in human culture, their importance in ecosystems and how they may be able to help out in the bio-technology field.


• Spectacular photos of the geckos taken close-up by renowned wildlife photographers (I personally think I will adore this!)

This is from their website:

Bulging eyes for night vision, 'sticky' toepads that can climb glass, extreme camouflage, squawking voices, and disposable body parts. There are more than 1,000 species of Geckos living across the globe from balmy tropical beaches and lush rainforests to frigid mountain slopes and parched deserts. They range from shadowy nighttime hunters to neon-colored nectar eaters that scamper around in daylight. Welcome to the Geckos world!

Geckos: Tails to Toepads exhibition is going on now at COSI and continues its run through May 8, 2011, so you have plenty of time to get there!  The exhibit is included in the cost of admission to COSI, but you can purchase tickets to the exhibit only.  COSI is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10AM to 5PM and on Sundays from 12PM to 6PM.  Ticket prices vary and discounts are available.  To see the full pricing list, click here. 

Their website is chock full of information.  My personal favorite is the Itinerary page.  It helps you with planning your visit by providing a sample itinerary based on your kids ages.  Great help!!  Also, while you're there check out the Mysteries of the Great Lakes, running through May 27, 2011 on the 7 story high Extreme Screen!  This is something Chuck is going to love, while I will probably check out the Legends of Flight which runs through March 13, 2011. 

Now, onto the fun part!  How would you and your family like to go see Geckos: Tail to Toepads for free?  We have a family 4 pack of passes to giveaway!  Here are the ways to enter:

1. Let me know what COSI experience you think you'd enjoy.  Whether it be on the Extreme Screen or and exhibit.


2. Follow COSI on Facebook or Twitter.


3. Follow us on Facebook


4. Tweet #MommyConfessionsBlog is giving away a family pack of tickets to @COSICols.  I entered and can't wait to get my Gecko on! @MomConfess

Make sure you leave one comment per entry. 

This giveaway will run through February 8 at 9PM and I will be using random.org to choose the winner.  The winner will be notified by email and have 24 hours to respond.  If the winner does not respond within the 24 hours, a new one will be selected using the method above.  Thanks for entering and good luck!

***was given 4 tickets to attend Geckos: Tails to Toepads at COSI for writing this post.  My family is super excited to attend!  I can't wait to come back and share photos of our experience!***