First class 7d: Utilities

My family uses several utility services including gas, and electric. there are many potential hazards that can arise from these utilities.

• Gas: Gas leaks can be very harmful. you need to evacuate to a safe distance, call your gas utility or another professional. 
• Water: Water can be a serious problem if it causes the house to flood. If this happens, turn off the house water You should also call the professionals.
• Electric: If there is a problem with the power lines there is a power outage. If this happens you should use battery powered light sources.

Requirement 7e: Emergency plan

With my mom, I helped develop a plan for a fire, storm, power outage, and water outage.

• Fire: Evacuate the house and meet at the park across the street from our house, then call 911
• Storm: Go to the closet underneath the stairs and wait. If the storm causes a flood in the house go into the bathroom upstairs
• Power Outage: In the event of a power outage we will light candles and use battery powered lamps and flashlights.
• Water Outage: Prepare by filling bathtubs with water and filling old milk and juice jugs with water. Once the outage hits, get the stored water and drink that instead of the tap water.

First Class - Requirement 5a-b: Weather

There are many ways that I can get a weather forecast.

• Online
• Radio
• TV
• Outside

 Weather forecasts can tell you how to properly prepare for an event like a campout.

• If we should go - Weather like hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, tropical storms, and sandstorms can be very dangerous on a campout or other event and should be avoided if possible.
• What food to bring - If it is going to be rainy, you should bring food that does not need to be cooked or is precooked
• What equipment to use - if there will be bad weather, you will want to use a cabin or  a rainfly for your tent. You might also want extra powerful flashlights that can shine through the sand/water/snow.
• What clothing to bring - if it is going to be hot you should bring light clothes but if it's cold you should bring plenty of jackets.

 Three signs of hazardous weather.

• Storm Clouds - Dark clouds indicate that a thunderstorm is coming. Heavy rain and high winds may cause flooding and can uproot and tip over trees and power lines.  One should take cover in a secure structure for protection.
• Lightning - Lightning can cause fires and can electrocute people. The proper response is to go inside or, if no shelter is available, get away from trees or other tall things and get low to the ground with minimal contact with it.
• Birds - The birds can sense higher air pressure and fly lower to the ground indicating stormy weather.
• Fires - High pressure can also cause campfires smoke to hang low to the ground and not rise into the sky like usual.
• Red sky - if the previous night had a red sky, the next day will be clear. this will result in a sunny day so go enjoy it.

Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly! is how to not leave an impact on the environment. There are five principles of Tread Lightly!

1. Travel Responsibly
Stay together and stay away from dirty or muddy areas so that plants don't get stomped on. At the most recent father-son campout I camped in a designated camping area. 

2. Respect the Rights of Others
If an area is restricted, do not go in there. Also, don't be too noisy, "cough cough" my troop! Be courteous like the Scout Law says.

3. Educate Yourself
Be aware of what dangerous plants and animals you may encounter where you're camping. I have researched dangerous plants and animals.

4. Avoid Sensitive Areas
Stay on marked trails and away from historical sites. At my most recent father-son campout, My friends and I went "exploring" and stayed on marked trails.

5. Do Your Part
If you leave a mess, clean it up. I helped break camp at the most recent campout.

First Class Service

2nd Class Physical Activity

For Second Class requirements 7a and 7b I had to track my physical exercise for four weeks and afterwards, reflect on my experience by discussing the victories and losses on the way.  I tracked my exercise time and type and my steps each day. I had a goal of riding my bike to school every day and walking 11,000 steps (see above chart and spreadsheet).

I was not able to make my goal every day for several reasons. I was not able to ride my bike to school one week because it was super rainy and I was unable to meet my step goal a few of the days because I left my Fitbit at home.  Some of the successes were that the days I didn't bike to school I decided to bike after school and the days I forgot my Fitbit I still got the steps but they just weren't tracked.

Respecting the flag of the USA

The American flag is a symbol of many things including freedom, liberty, and justice. It flies at schools and other businesses. with such a magnificent symbol we must respect is as much as we can.This includes not letting it touch the ground as well as things like, when displayed sideways the stars must be in the upper left hand corner. If you are in uniform always salute the flag, if not place your right hand over your heart. people have worked hard and died to give us the freedom that this flag represents and we have to respect it at all times.