On January 29, 1856, Queen Victoria introduced the Victoria Cross, to recognize acts of valor by the military during the Crimean War. The medal is Britain’s highest award for valor, and is always presented by the monarch. We reward and praise what we value, and in so doing, encourage more of that behavior. But while professionals bravely responding to great crises are almost always recognized, most acts of preparation and mitigation go unheralded despite their vital importance. Ironically, there would be much less need for heroic response in disasters if we were truly prepared. Create mechanisms — certificates, medals, plaques, events, awards, etc., — to honor and recognize the people who prepare your agency for emergencies. See the heroics embedded in preparation and mitigation.

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January 28th, 2008 | Tags: Emergency, mitigation | Category: 2008, STAT | Leave a comment

Guglielmo Marconi gave the first public demonstration of his radio equipment in London on December 12, 1896. Exactly 5 years later, Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio signal from Cornwall, England, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, ushering in a new era of speedy and accurate communication.

Radios can be extremely important in an emergency. They can provide immediate information about what happened, where to go, and how to secure help or supplies. Include a portable radio in your emergency supplies, along with fresh batteries. Mark the frequency of your local emergency radio station with a sticker, and program pre-set buttons on car radios. Hand-crank and solar powered radios are battery- and stress-free, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional models.

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December 10th, 2007 | Tags: communication, Emergency, Information | Category: 2007, STAT | Leave a comment

In 1992, the UN established December 3rd as “International Day of Disabled Persons” to increase understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. The UN hopes the observance of this day will raise awareness of the benefits of fully integrating persons with disabilities into society.

View your office from the perspective of disabled consumers. Is it easy to reach and enter your office? Are pathways clear and navigable – with no hazards or obstructions? Are escape exits clearly labeled and accessible? Are staff and volunteers properly trained to assist people with disabilities in an emergency? If you answered no to any of these questions, take action! Aspire to move beyond being ADA-compliant to being ADA champions!

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December 3rd, 2007 | Tags: awareness, disabilities, Emergency | Category: 2007, STAT | Leave a comment

The American Express Company was founded this week in 1850. AmEx is a diversified global financial services company, perhaps best known for their charge card, Traveler’s Cheques, and the famous advertising tagline “Don’t Leave Home Without It.” Many people have long come to depend on the safety and convenience of not carrying cash. In many emergency situations however, coins and cash are absolutely essential. Encourage everyone to keep a small stash of cash with them. Even a few coins, to make phone calls, can make a huge difference in an emergency.

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March 19th, 2007 | Tags: Emergency | Category: 2007, STAT | Leave a comment

One of the most important needs in an emergency is information, and one of the best tools to get it (for those who can hear) is a simple radio. Emergency radio stations will provide news about major events: what happened, what you can expect, where to go and information about resources. Learn your local emergency radio station – it may be an all-news station normally, or a dedicated wavelength – and mark it on your radios and in your emergency supplies. A simple sticker on your radio, or programming one of your pre-set buttons, is all it takes. If you have a dedicated emergency radio, leave it set to that station.

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November 27th, 2006 | Tags: Emergency, radio | Category: 2006, STAT | Leave a comment

October 27th is etiquette maven Emily Post’s birthday (b. 1873). Etiquette can be defined as the code of conduct established for a particular community or occasion. Proper preparedness etiquette dictates that guests should be welcomed with a short explanation of your safety measures, and how they should respond in case of emergencies while visiting. For example, point out the emergency exits and the locations of first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

Work out your simple, gracious safety welcome, and share it with your staff and/or volunteers. Remind them of this preparedness etiquette rule, and lead by example. Making this a habit will protect (and impress) your guests and help ensure that safety remains part of your organizational culture.

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October 23rd, 2006 | Tags: Emergency, Preparedness | Category: 2006, STAT | Leave a comment

On August 7th 1955, Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering (what would later transform into Sony) started selling transistor radios in Japan. Radios of all sizes and types become critical resources in an emergency. On this anniversary, remind people in your circle of influence about the importance of reliable ways to receive information. While you’re at it, look up and share with friends your local emergency radio stations. It’s helpful to mark radios with the local emergency station number (using pen or a sticker), and you can pre-tune radios kept specifically for emergencies.

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August 7th, 2006 | Tags: Emergency, Information | Category: 2006, STAT | Leave a comment

Memorial Day was first officially observed in 1868, with a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers, both Union and Confederate. The holiday is dedicated to remembering those who died in war, and it helps us never forget their contributions. Human memory can be a fragile thing, so we are wise to give it a little support. Whatever you have memorized today may not come to you during a time of great stress.

Write down information that is valuable to you that you might need in an emergency – contact numbers, plans, account information or passcodes – and keep it in your emergency Go Kit and/or another safe location.

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May 30th, 2006 | Tags: Emergency, Memory | Category: 2006, STAT | Leave a comment

May 14th was Mother’s Day, when many people took the time to call or visit with their mothers or important mother figures. A simple call or visit is a lifeline to the outside world for many seniors and people with disabilities. In your circle of influence, encourage people to adopt a “buddy system” — a short, simple, daily call or visit — for those who will most benefit from this level of connection. A “buddy” can be a friend, family member, neighbor, or other trusted person. If an emergency ever stops them from connecting, or if something sounds suspicious or just not right, a buddy can take action and alert the designated emergency contacts. A short, simple, daily call can be a real lifesaver!

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May 15th, 2006 | Tags: Buddy System, Emergency | Category: 2006, STAT | Leave a comment