Many had grown comfortable in the knowledge that they could pick up the phone, that it would have a dial tone, that an emergency 911 operator would answer their call for and connect them with an available paramedic or other rescue professional. As we now know, nothing could be farther from the truth.

In Buried Logic, I often ask, “When you can’t call on anyone else, can you call on your self?” Survival through self-reliance is the key!

Day 5 of “The 7 Sins of Summer Safety” Week: Neglecting to prepare an emergency first aid plan with a wel-stocked first aid kit. READ MORE

What happens when you go to flick the switch or plug in your favorite appliance and NOTHING HAPPENS? Given the violent summer storms that often take down trees and subsequently the power lines that weave in and around them, and the frequent brown-outs when the sweltering afternoons heat up, black-outs that darken your nights beyond belief, these are the days where your power is not as guaranteed as you might think.

We need a plan. Actually we need a power pack and portable lighting for emergency situations, along with explorations into the great outdoors, to anchor that plan.

First, let’s take a look at a video focused on this very topic.

Today’s tips for portable-personal-power.

1. A portable power pack, I dig Duracell, is a must. Keep it charged and ready to go. Even in your vehicle, portable power is a must. In an emergency situation, if you vehicle battery is dead, you might very well need an alternative power supply to recharge you cell phone and call for help.

2. Keep a headlamp, I carry Princeton Tec, nearby in your kitchen drawer, night stand or glove box. Hands free lightning enables you to have light without having to hold it.

3. Home Land Power and Lighting is one thing. Traveling, visiting relatives or hotel stays are important to remember as well. Many hotels and travel stops, not to mention family members, do not have access to emergency generators. Be prepared wherever you sleep. Personal power is your responsibility.

4. Make a list of things that are “power must-haves” and amend it often. Power to keep medications chilled and effective or power to supply emergency communications. This list is up to you.

5. DON”T rely on candles, firewood or other combustible forms of light. They have an obvious danger that should be avoided if at all possible. If you fall asleep with a power pack or a head lamp, you needn’t worry about starting a fire.

Tomorrow on BuriedLogic: Day 5 of the 7 Sins of Summer Safety Week; Neglecting to prepare a emergency first aid plan with a well stocked first aid kit.

Yesterday on Day 2 of "The 7 Sins of Summer Safety" week we looked at mosquitoes and ticks and how to combat them. We highlighted both topicals and technical apparel you can use battle the bugs. Today, two of the 5 Tips for "Sidestepping the Sun’s Harmful Rays" will focus on both clothing and creams as well.

Before we get into the tips, let’s take a quick look at a video on how to personally protect yourself from these pesky, interplanetary rays.

Now for the 5 Tips.

1. Watch the clock, calendar and your compass . From 10am to 3pm when the Sun, most times of the year, is high in our sky, its rays should be avoided. Mission Implausible, I know! Remember that time of year, notably Summer, your altitude (the higher you climb, the thinner the air, the thinner your protection) and your latitude also plays a role.

2. For many of us, whether we work, play or explore outdoors, the first tip is good to have, but nearly impossible to heed. Our next best bet is to protect our skin and our eyes while outdoors. Eyes? Oh yeah! Eyes can get sunburn from direct and reflected rays . Sun burned eyes or worse can be waiting if you choose not to protect them. Wear sunglasses that are rated to block UVA and UVB.

3. When it comes to SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings, there is a bit of math, some fuzzy. As a general rule, the SPF rating stands for the amount of time, in minutes, it would take for your skin to "redden" in the sun. If your skin would burn in 20 mins without protection, then 20 x15 would mean you could theoretically go 300 minutes without burning. There are so many additional factors, age, skin type, geographic location, your best bet is to reapply a broadband spectrum (UVA and UVB) if there is any question.

4. UPF (Ulraviolet Protection Factor)-determines a materials ability to repel solar rays. Clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat, (I love my Tilley Hats) with an UPF of 50 only allows 1/50th of the UV radiation to reach out and touch you. In other words, it blocks 49/50ths or 98% of the UV radiation. Look for it it shirts, pants, scarfs and hats.

5. Don’t count on the clouds for anything other than rainwater hydration. Clouds do little to cover us from harmful UV rays, so don’t fall for the "Overcast is OK" mentality. If you’re out, you’re exposed .

Now, before we go, we need to look at the flip side of the coin.

We should remember the Sun helps our bodies in the generation of Vitamin D and numerous studies show that a deficiency in Vitamin D might lead to, according to a U.S. News and World Report, "a host of diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon. What’s more, sunlight has other hidden benefits—like protecting against depression, insomnia, and an overactive immune system."

As always, moderation is the key. We need to look at the full spectrum, the pros and cons, of Sunlight. Our focus should always be on our overexposure to UV rays not the total avoidance of them.

MORE 2 EXPLORE

Kids Health resource

Skin Cancer Foundation

U.S. NEWS and World Report

Tomorrow on BuriedLogic: Day 4 of the 7 Sins of Summer Safety Week; Neglecting to procure emergency power and lighting.

Click the link below on Thursday, July 2 at 9:30 am EST to hear the entire interview -

Talk to the Town featuring Brian Brawdy

They know how to create the B.E.S.T. chances for survival for themselves and those around them.

What does it take to be a crash survivor?

A practiced and proper mindset cultivated by what I refer to as “Mind-ups.” We’ll get to that in a moment.

Why is it that a seemingly large percentage of those that survive a deadly airline crash are children and crew? Continue reading full story on Buried Logic.

Spending some time this summer in Michigan, Brian had the fortunate opportunity to run into the crew from WGTO Radio out of Dowagiac, Michigan. Listen in live on Thursday, July 2 to Talk of the Town with Bobbi Jo Hartline as she interviews Brian about his background, life experiences, philosophies and adventures. This hour long interview can be caught live from 9:30 - 10:30 am EST.

Click the link below on Thursday, July 2 at 9:30 am EST to hear the entire interview -

Talk to the Town featuring Brian Brawdy

The Mosquitoes this time of year are voracious hunters. You can expect bites at a rate approaching 400 per minute on unprotected skin. YIKES!

Fortunately, you can take my word for it and use the skills I learned in the Everglades and apply them Everywhere, even in your own back yard.

Before we get to our 5 Tips, take a look at this quick YouTube video.

Now, to the 5 tips.

Read here.

According to Survival Expert Brian Brawdy, “Though there dozens, if not hundreds of myths that pertain to lightning, thankfully the things you need to know about lightning you can count on one hand.”

That said, here are the Top 5 suggestions on How To Sidestep Lightning.

Buried Logic contains the rest of the story!

My fellow Floridian had a handshake as strong as his smile.

Of late, 3 eye-opening headlines.

Michael Jackson Dead at 50.

Billy Mays Dead at 50.

Our best to the family and friends of Farrah Fawcett, The ‘Queen of Posters.’

Life should be lived every day like our last minutes are upon us.

Manjushri Michael.

Manjushri Billy.

Manjushri Farrah.

Perhaps, given the great anticipation and the excitement of the moment, we forget that Summer can be as dangerous as it is delightful. Excessive heat, violent storms, insects, impromptu emergencies and power-outages are not to be taken lightly. That said, your exposure to these calamities can, to a great degree, remain well within your command.

To begin with the launch of the 7 day series of indepth coverage of the 7 Sins of Summer Safety and How To Sidestep them, begin with today’s post on Buried Logic.