On October 1st, 1975, heavyweight boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier met in the much-hyped “Thrilla in Manila.” Ali, the heavy favorite, did not train hard. Meanwhile, the highly motivated Frazier was a model of disciplined training. Ali consequently found Frazier to be his greatest opponent – the match lasted 14 rounds. Frazier’s determination impressed all and the fight is still considered one of the greatest sporting events of the twentieth century. Follow Frazier’s example: be highly disciplined in implementing your preparedness initiatives. Write out your goals and timelines; have specific, measurable objectives clearly articulated; and have someone hold you accountable. Prepare like Frazier and you’ll help your audiences win the fight against fear, complacency and other obstacles.

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October 3rd, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

The TV show Gilligan’s Island first ran from September 1964 to September 1967. For three seasons, seven castaways tried in vain to self-rescue off an uninhabited island near Hawaii. The show highlights some important truths which are often overlooked in emergency planning: perfect strangers may become part of your team; you may be away from your familiar location; you may be without supplies. Your priorities may have to rapidly shift. Use scenarios like these to brainstorm with your team and practice generating solutions. You could flex your capacity to: work in newly-formed teams; operate at a different location; find low-tech alternatives; or quickly re-evaluate your core priorities. And remember – always keep a radio with your supplies (coconuts may not do it).

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September 19th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

Since 1988, as degreed by Public Law 100-402, September 15th through October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Appreciation Month in the United States. There are over 40 million Hispanics in the US (over 14% of the population). Appreciating Hispanic heritage in emergency services includes understanding some special issues.

Outreach to Hispanic communities often includes translated preparedness materials which were originally created for English-speaking, American audiences. Not only are cultural values lost in translation, but the material simply never addressed certain key issues. Example: people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) should: have their medical needs written in English and their native language; list at least one bilingual emergency contact; and understand that second language proficiency usually decreases under stressful conditions.

If you serve Hispanic (LEP) communities, review your materials to make sure your audiences’ unique needs are addressed.

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September 12th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

On September 4th, 1957, the Ford Motor Company introduce the Edsel, named after Henry Ford’s son. It was such an expensive, multi-level flop that “Edsel” became a synonym for failure. Embarrassing, but a valuable guide to getting the next one right. With preparedness being so misunderstood, failures in preparedness programs are often buried and not shared, leaving other communities who adopt the program to repeat those mistakes for themselves.

Learn beforehand about programs you’re considering, and get feedback from trusted, experienced people. Be sure to ask key questions, including: does it leave participants immediately more prepared? How are you measuring success? How is it tailored to diverse needs? What weaknesses have you found? Has it been successful in real emergencies?

Both success and failures offer opportunities!

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September 5th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

On August 22nd, 1881, the first local chapter of the American Red Cross was formed in Dansville, N.Y. In 1905 — with 18 chapters — they were issued a U.S. Congressional Charter, under which they still operate. By the end of World War 1 in 1918, the American Red Cross had grown to over 3,800 chapters, and the International Red Cross had won a Nobel Peace Prize. Most recently they have consolidated to 760 chapters in the U.S. and they offer a great number of programs, services and classes. Find your local chapter by visiting www.redcross.org. Learn about the programs and resources they provide in your community; what they are not permitted to provide; and how to take part in such opportunities as disaster assistance, training, etc. For more on the history of their chapter system, visit http://snipurl.com/arcchapters.

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August 29th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

August 13th is International Lefthanders Day (first celebrated in 1976). The day brings awareness to some of the challenges and inconveniences left-handed people face in a world designed for the right-handed. Lefties must often take greater care to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them, since pocket knives, can openers, blood pressure cuffs, power tools and many other basic items are designed to be used safely by right-handed people. Protective features such as emergency cut off switches and safety latches are usually situated to be reached quickly with the right hand. When training people on the safe operation of various tools, equipment or devices, be sure to do the right thing: address left-handed safety issues. A quick internet search can find many stores selling left-handed, or reversible, products and solutions.

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August 22nd, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

August 10, 1948, was the first episode of Candid Camera, the show that gave us the phrase “Smile, you’re on Candid Camera!”. It also gave many people their first idea of what a difference it can make to have a camera ready to capture events. A camera can make a huge difference in your emergency preparedness and response as well. Photos of loved ones and pets can be literal life-savers (and better if you are in the picture, too). Photos of property, including buildings, make insurance claims easier. Take pictures like these to increase your preparedness and, if needed, do the same for your loved ones. After a disaster or accident, photos can document damage or actions taken, so if possible, consider storing a camera with your emergency supplies.

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August 15th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

The world-famous physicist Niels Bohr was born October 7, 1885 [d. 1962].  Bohr was a senior member of the Manhattan Project and helped create the field of quantum mechanics.  In attempting to explain quantum mechanics, Bohr said that “nothing exists until it is measured.”  For years, “having a plan” was the key measurement of preparedness. Several disasters have shown that simply having a plan does not necessarily lead to successful implementation. Be ready to articulate implementation in measurable ways. Some examples of meaningful numbers: people confident they can respond; tested ways your team can communicate; backup systems tested and in place. Choose actions that make a difference for your needs.  More than the presence of a plan, the measurable, tangible aspects of implementation are often what matter most to staff, funders, media and the people you serve.

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August 8th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

Packing an emergency Go Kit with basic preparedness supplies is good advice.  But while lists of contents are easy to find, details about the kit itself are often overlooked. To be practical and usable in an emergency, a Go Kit should be the right size, weight, and design for the person who will use it. Some of the best Go Kits are lightweight and flexible. For example: a backpack with roller wheels can be pulled or worn, and a tote bag with long handles can be carried, worn like a backpack, or tied to a wheelchair.  For people with limited strength, mobility or ability, emergency supplies can be divided into several smaller kits or stashed in the pockets of a safari-type vest or jacket. Everyone should have at least a small kit, with some critical preparedness or comfort items.

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August 2nd, 2011 | Tags: go kit | Category: 2011, STAT, STAT 5MM | Leave a comment