Summer Camp!

Hey folks,  Summer Convention and Camping Season is almost here!  If you run such a place then the season is essentially HERE!  In many cases it can be year round.

If you run a “summer” camp and don’t (yet) have a universally understood and easily recognizable symbol denoting Emergency Response Program elements ,then you might seriously consider using ICE.

In short,  ICE (in Case of Emergency) is a preparedness & safety process which utilizes an easily recognizable and specially designed non-language dependent symbol that serves to denotes the location of emergency information. This symbol can be incorporated into identification, signage, training memos, medical emergency documents, vehicles, equipment caches and whatever else your specific needs or imagination can come up with.  The system of having emergency info on hand in redundant mechanisms helps reduce confusion, improves timely (and informed) emergency communication. ICE can be used as a standalone concept or to enhance legacy systems already in place – quickly.

Let’s explore some benefits of adopting this simple yet effective process at your facility:

• During pre-registration your customers can learn about the safety process and complete an emergency medical form (with your logo embedded if you like) that they can carry even after they complete their visit.
• Emergency Medical/Contact information can be completed on tear proof, waterproof paper and duplicated without regard to HIPPA concerns.
• Users control the content of any emergency information themselves!
• No third-party service need be contacted for medical info which may be impossible in remote locations – it can be on hand.
• On arrival,  campers will immediately recognize the ICE safety/preparedness symbol through use of  use of reflective placards, stickers, posters, vinyl banners, hand out contact and medical cards to name just a few.
• ICE is transportable and can be used on multiple site locations without problem.
• ICE is non language dependent.
• The ICE image can be used by your organization in publications, newsletters, posters, handouts without concern. The only limitation is use of the symbol to create direct income or profit as the symbols are trademarked.
• There is a widely acclaimed ICE App – rated as one of the Top 5 Apps all parents should have!  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-ice-in-case-of-emergency/id315171830?mt=8
• The ICE App can be adapted to your company logo for a fraction of the cost of creating your own.
• The ICE symbol itself is customizable and in most cases will easily incorporate your organization’s name as well as a logo.
• ICE Contact Cards can be adapted to reflect the name or logo from your organization and which would typically be carried by participants well after their visit.
• Cell phones can be simply programmed using the international E.123 Standard promoted by the UN and ICE4SAFETY since 2009.  The ICE logo can be used as a screen background along with an ICE sticker on phones to increase visibility!
• The ICE program can be easily introduced to your local first responders – Police, Fire, EMS who would then recognize the location of emergency contact and / or medical information.
• EMS/Fire/Police can also benefit from using ICE to fund raise during yearly benefit drives and by showing support using 8×8″ ICE placards on emergency vehicles.
• Multiple redundant copies of information can be maintained by contacts and on the person of the participant.
• ICE is 24/7/365 and can be in use wherever you go and for the least cost of any emergency notification system.
• Carry ICE Cards in/on multiple locations – Wallet, Vehicle, Bicycle, ATV, Kayak, Segway’s, Canoe, Motorboats, Backpack, Laptops, I-Pads, I-Phones, Androids, Radios as well as helmets of all types.
• Affix small, large and huge stickers to emergency equipment, first aid and other supplies, firefighting equipment storage, life buoys…..
• Hang a 3′ x 3′ Banner to alert “newbies” about the use of ICE on site and at any safety rallies as a visual enhancement to efforts to increase safety and preparedness at your facilities and event locations.
• It has been said that ICE can make the process of learning about safety that much easier and intuitive.

In essence, ICE is something that is unlimited in potential as an emergency symbol and is easy to incorporate in a cost-effective upgrade to existing efforts or if you have no such system in place.

In this day and age being prepared for emergencies is a must.

Normalcy Bias – Overcome This!

ICE4SAFETY liked this explanation of the mental state many people suffer from and find it helpful to understand how this can cripple your efforts at being prepared or motivating others to be prepared.  It may account for the fact why only 7% of the US population is considered “prepared” (Red Cross) for disasters and emergencies.

Homer in Denial

The normalcy bias refers to a mental state people enter when facing a disaster. It causes people to underestimate both the possibility of a disaster occurring and its possible effects. This often results in situations where people fail to adequately prepare for a disaster, and on a larger scale, the failure of the government to include the populace in its disaster preparations.

The assumption that is made in the case of the normalcy bias is that since a disaster never has occurred that it never will occur. It also results in the inability of people to cope with a disaster once it occurs. People with a normalcy bias have difficulties reacting to something they have not experienced before. People also tend to interpret warnings in the most optimistic way possible, seizing on any ambiguities to infer a less serious situation.

Source:  Wikipedia

Poster – Normalcy Bias Explained

Critical Info Form – DIY

ICE4SAFETY has had this Excel based spreadsheet tool online for several years now and it is still a relevent document in light of all the potential for catastrophe to occur resulting from one source or another….you will find it here on the DIY Forms Page   

It is meant to be used by one or more family members.

You could complete the form as is or modify to your specific needs as directed in the “Read Me” comments inserted into the document.  Once completed you can upload into a USB Drive/DVD and secure with your as you evacuate or secure underground or in a safe or with trusted relatives or maybe a copy in a bank vault…..all the time remembering that the information would be a gold mine for identity thieves. 

No subscriptions required – no fees to pay – no membership to enroll in  -no third-party to call – you control it. This is strictly a DIY tool.  

Here are some pics:

User ID Page

Medical Info Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important Info Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Financial Info Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal/Business Contacts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the event of an emergency requiring your immediate relocation you could access this info and take it with you if it were on a USB or portable secure drive.  You could also place this information on an online file sharing database or backed up on a paid service that does this.  If the internet is down or access is not available you could still have this information with you to help begin the timely and more orderly reconstruction of your life if your worldly possessions were destroyed. (it is also a great way to get organized – especially if you are sick.)

Emergency Operations Manual

Sample Emergency Operations Manual

Critical information for the operation of  emergency equipment for industry is usually located in well defined, easily recognized and often mandated binders, manuals or laminated placards in close proximity to the equipment.

Many workers in construction industries often don’t read the instruction manual for the tools they use – often leading to serious injury or death.  We know this for a fact. You should read all your manuals after installation or storage and it is a good idea for everyone who may be required to use the gear to also become familiar with the manuals as well as have hands on experience that you can “exercise” in one of your preparedness drills. 

The average homeowner may have operation manuals for equipment located in a variety of places throughout the house or outbuildings or if organized it might find a notable place in a file drawer.  
We recommend a simple color coded file system to help identify various info in paper file form.   Under stress and when your home is in shambles, locating operating and troubleshooting instructions for such equipment as back up power systems, generators, custom electrical installations (wind/solar/turbine etc) needs to be expedient. 

Emergency Manual Cover Form Download This Easy to Use Document.

People afflicted with “normalcy bias” or  “it won’t happen to me” syndrome may assume others already know what they know. When disaster strikes and they are not available to figure everything out, the operation/repair of the equipment may be relegated to a spouse, child, relative or neighbor who may not be as knowledgeable or skilled.  In some instances your family’s safety and continued comfort might rely on a total stranger or “new friend” with skills.

Communications may be down (you can safely assume THAT) so having essential info in a conveniently located and easily recognizable binder will help make sure locating it is easy.  A secure but acknowledged family location for emergency gear and info can also help.

We suggest service company contact info (business cards), typed out procedural lists, inspection checklists, safety warnings and other reference / service manuals (example above).    This manual can/should be in addition to important info laminated or bound and already stored with the equipment.  

Always try and remember – Redundancy.

One surefire way to instantly recognize your binder as pertaining to emergencies is to have the ICE Logo on it…..that is what it was designed for.  Training is a snap…..everything identified with the ICE Logo pertains to emergeny use.  Simple.
Fancy artwork or cute graphics symbols usually add to the confusion.  Industry standard MSDS binders are simple too.   

You can certainly create a binder like this for home.  We have added a cover page (see above) you can download and print to use that incorporates the ICE Logo already – it’s ok to use in color, b/w or grayscale. 

One line is for your home address/name and you can define the other system or equipment you wish to include here….you may want to identify emergency and non-emergency info using color coded systems. 

Some typical suggestions:
Back Up Generators
Solar Chargers
Sump Pump Systems
Septic Systems
Water Systems
Inverter Circuits,
Chain Saws
Flood Water Pumps
Storm Shelter Operation
Phone and Radio Systems
Plumbing/Water Filtration Manuals
Emergency Respirators
Vehicle Operations (ATV, Boat, Tractor, Truck)

Download cover document.    Check out the other useful info on site there as well.

Radiation Exposure – Potassium Iodate Tablets

IOSAT Anti-Radition Medication

Nuclear Radiation incidents in Japan as a result of the massive earthquake there have prompted people here and around the world to review their planning for such an event. 

Japanese authorities are distributing Potassium Iodate tablets to citizens in the country where it is most likely radiation exposure would occur. 

We have had them in our Evac Bags as SOP for 12 years (these are “expired”).  The IOSAT Brand has been around for a long time and you can usually acquire them at pharmacies – we had to wait.   You can buy a variety of anti-radiation pills online that block absorption of Radioactive Iodine into your thyroid.

Read the FDA Guidelines on these products here:   http://tinyurl.com/4lbb52m 

More Info:  http://ice4safety.blogspot.com/2009/05/prep-tip-radioactive-fallout-protection.html 

CampingSurvival.Com has these available along with some other anti-radiation products, detectors as well as a very detailed explanation on how radiation affects your system and how this product works.

http://www.campingsurvival.com/iospotiodapp.html

We might suggest that if you are conducting a “drill” today you consider your actions in such an emergency and how you have prepared to evacuate or shelter in place. Many of us are living close to such reactors.

Pray for those people in Japan who have died as a result of the earthquake and tsunami and for those working in grave danger to restore the damaged reactors to a safe condition.

Product Evaluation – FoxLok

 

FoxLok by SierraBASE - Silver

 

Every now and then a useful preparedness DIY idea comes along and then someone improves upon it and markets it.  This is one of those ideas……  

With a property related crime occurring every 3-4 seconds in the USA and security costs rising like all else,  people have resorted to a variety of different ways to secure or hide their property and valuables.   Current violent turmoil in the USA and overseas may dictate your decisions.

An essential element of being prepared is securing assets and critical information in the event of a loss from man-made and natural disasters.  Struggling for months or years to reassemble your life as some others have had to do is not advantageous to your long-term mental health or physical well being.

Observations:

It is simple to use and anyone with property can take advantage of it.   Even if you don’t have property you can use it in remote locations. 

It is durable and made to withstand the rigors of being buried. 

It can be used for other purposes such as securing gear on a boat or similar craft if need be. 

You can secure cash, certain valuables, coins, data backups on CD or high quality MilSpec USB Drives and a host of other items.

Certain firearms can be folded up or partially disassembled and most handguns can be stored along with properly sealed ammunition.

Installing in Planting Bay

There are many places you can use this device…camps, homes, remote wilderness. 

Some precautions….if you live in flood prone areas or one is anticipated then you need to consider burying where it might not be subject to a river of fast-moving water or it could end up in another county. 

 

Suggestions:

Photograph all the contents (not where it is being buried or pictured with the container) and leave some contact information inside in the event it becomes unearthed and an honest person finds it. Consider offering a reward?

If you are considering longer term burial, try leaving a foot of #2 round stone around the device to allow for drainage.   

For winter retrieval in deep snow-covered areas consider triangulating some other landmarks or points to help you narrow down your digging efforts. 

Don’t bury this in plain sight of your neighbors or during daylight hours if you can be seen by others.  Don’t brag about having one of these to anyone.

Deep storage has advantages of keeping condensation to a minimum and items cooler in warm environments.

As added protection and piece of mind you should consider vacuum sealing your stored items and placing a fitted foam top or cover over the contents to prevent dirt from entering the enclosure when opened.

Now if you were considering securing your goodies in one of those big box store “fire safes”  forget it.  They can easily “walk away” from your home or apartment too. They might make a good diversion to keep a burglar occupied for about 5-10 minutes until they get spooked enough to leave.  We will discuss safes in another article.

Watch YouTube Video

Learn more or purchase click on logo below:        

 

 

Service Interruptions

We are not counting here but in the last 2-3 years there seems to have been an uptick in the number and severity of gas line explosions involving large natural gas feeder lines. The latest was a 36 inch main in Ohio.

While there are a number of safety features built-in to these marvelous systems to shut off the gas supply in an emergency but it doesn’t take a genius to imagine this having some terrorist target potential here. These deliver systems are usually situated in remote areas and have minimal security – but not all can be of course.  Some large pipelines are located adjacent nuclear power facilities and other metropolitan areas….and need to be.  Certain ratios of air to fuel must be met in order for any ignition to occur. 

The USA has been blessed with exceptionally massive reserves of natural gas (and coal) but our own government continues to inhibit us from accessing it.  This not only places us at a competitive disadvantage worldwide forcing us to rely on more expensive energy from foreign sources but it is also makes it an acute national security issue. Solar and wind power are just not going to take up the slack anytime in the near future.  So we remain dependent.

The country’s infrastructure has been in decline for years and getting worse in many areas making it more likely that we will experience more of these service disruptions for gas, electric, water supply or sewer.  These should be factored as well in your preparedness back up plans.  

Persons residing in some of the colder regions of the country would have to consider what they might do if such an event shut off the supply of heating fuel to their homes…..30-40 degrees below zero temperatures do not allow much time to act without a reasonable and safe backup heating plan – relocation would be required.  Most of the folks in the more remote persistent snow belts areas rely on delivered propane fuel and firewood to get them through the deluges of cold and snow.  Pretty safe bets if the equipment is maintained.  It is incumbent on anyone having these systems to be aware of how they work and the safety features involved.

Emergency alternatives sources of heat would be kerosene heaters, electric heaters, propane backup supply for your forced air furnace (available on modern furnaces) and water heaters as well as wood boilers and stoves for room heating. There are multifuel furnaces out there but not widespread use due to cost considerations. 

There may be local /state ordinances against the installation and use of some non-traditional heating equipment on a regular basis and absolute care should be observed when using any of these short term devices.  Wood stoves have been around for a very long time and it requires safe and sound installation.  All heating devices are dangerous if not used safely.  

If you are fortunate enough to own a camp or camper with propane heat and it is readily available you may find yourself relocated to your driveway for a while until the lines are repaired and service restored. That could be overnight or a few days….or longer depending on how remote the lines are, weather and if terrorists made it difficult to repair. 

The past several years has seen a considerable number of natural gas back up generator installations that are one-fuel only dependent. If you are considering a back up genset you should consider a multi-fuel model (gasoline, natural gas, propane). You can use kits to convert some of the existing higher quality models out there like Yamaha, Honda or Onan. We’ve done it and they work. You will never be able to do this in an emergency so it is something you need to consider (now) and plan for any future events.

Previous posts suggested families and business conduct “emergency drills” so you could experience what it might be like without heating fuel, power, water, sewer and other amenities most of us are accustomed to in our daily lives.

Most of us are soft and would balk at the lack of service and added hardship on our rushed overly reliant modern lifestyles.  This hopefully will spark some thought about the topic and generate some reasonable and safe alternatives for you going forward.

Adopting a Fire Hydrant – Yours!

NOTICE: SHOVEL READY PROJECT!

Certainly the best (or worst if you so choose) weather in years for advertising that people get out and shovel out their neighborhood Fire Hydrant.

With cold temperatures and mountains of snow burying everything including your local neighborhood fire hydrants people are getting sporadic and often unsupported messages to clean out hydrants while at the same time seeing pictures of fire fighters shoveling out hydrants. People think the fire department is supposed to do this chore?

With over 70% of all fire fighters being volunteers and having a life (sometimes) of their own it is hard to imagine people not wanting to help out by taking a few minutes to clear snow away from hydrants that might be used to save their lives and worldly possessions.

But surprisingly not so, every year seems like the same old, same old…

Maybe you don’t have a hydrant where you live but maybe there is one near where you work? Shovel that one out. How about where you worship? Shovel that one out too. You can envision the rest, family friends, invalid homes….. Don’t forget to dig out access to dry stand pipes in your local pond too. Mention to the snowplow contractor that seems to bank up all the snow on your hydrant to find someplace else…..and explain why.

We’ve made it easier for people to get involved directly by constrcting a Winter Fire Safety Kit that includes posters and forms to “adopt” a hydrant easily.  We took the work out of that aspect of it.

Attention ICE Fishing Derby Organizers!

This 15 inch Perch from Oneida Lake is a keeper!

So can your Ice Fishing Derby safety promotion.

Be the first legitimate Ice Fishing Derby organizer to send an email back HERE and get 250 Free Sponsored ICE Cards to distribute free at your next 2011 fishing derby event.  

We’ll ship them out right away.

In return we’d really like to receive some digital photos of your event, a web or blog hyperlink to your group and a confirmation the cards (pictures at the event work) were distributed so we can blog about it on this forum and place pictures of the event on the ICE4SAFETY website. 

Winter Snowmobile Safety 2011

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Once again the white stuff is here and in great quantity for those of you lucky enough to have snow like Oswego County and the Tug Hill Regions of New York. 
When you are having this much fun, few of us want to consider “emergencies” or “preparation” so the time to get that out of the way is BEFORE you head out.

Having a game plan and making sure that if you (or your sledding buddies) have certain medical conditions, take certain medications, have serious allergies, special needs or maybe just want relatives notified ASAP in an emergency – then ICE is for you.  

ICE can play a roll in improving your odds of getting the correct medical treatment in that critical “Golden Hour” of intervention. 

Even if you don’t live in the snow belts but travel to some of the other great white spots in the country for this recreation or sport, then being prepared beforehand is an absolute must.    This is especially important if you sled alone as some folks do. Having a well though out emergency kit on hand at all times and knowing how to use it ahead of time will go a long way in saving your butt!

In an emergency, First Responders or fellow sledders will notice this symbol and realize that you are equipped with emergency contact and medical information in the form of ICE Cards, ICE Medical Forms, Smart-ICE in their smart phones, or Emergency Contacts & prerecorded messages programmed in their cell phones.  ICE is also used in/on your vehicles where you can store additional information or back up copies as well. Redundancy works!

There is nothing worse than you or your buddies not having a clue about how to help each other out in an emergency – it could spoil your whole trip.  

Basic ICE Kits are free to those who send a SASE to the address below.  Your sledding group can also get quantities for members and make sure everyone is up to speed on using ICE and “carrying” – it is a no-brainer! 

Oddly, some people will spend $6-7K on a new sled and won’t take 5 minutes to prepare for an emergency….just don’t let that be you. 

Just so you would know how the new ICE Stickers might look on your sled we had Ed Coombs, a professional NASCAR photographer take some representative photos of a fully decked out snowmobile and rider to demonstrate various locations where ICE can be used on your machine. For effect, the helmet is clearly marked with a large ICE Sticker and which can be easily recognized even from a considerable distance.  We’ve had them outdoors for a few years on street signs and they still are looking good.

There are plenty of ways you or your club can use and help support the use of ICE as a preparedness tool in all seasons and in your home communities,  so check out this blog and the new website. 

Make every trip a round trip – be prepared!

Thank you NYSSA for bringing this message to your members and readers!

Check them out here.   http://nyssnowassoc.org/ 

ICE4SAFETY
PO Box 82
Dewitt, NY 13214 USA