The summer heat and dry weather increase our fire dangers, so take some simple steps to increase the confidence and readiness of your staff to respond appropriately to a fire.

Keep the right fire tools to respond, just in case — AND have directions for use clearly spelled out.  You’ll notice many of the best fire response tools are plentiful and fairly accessible.  Make sure your people know what’s available and how/when to use these resources:

-    Fire Extinguishers (use ABC models for most household fires)
-    Water: hose, bucket or other source (NOT for grease or electrical fires!)
-    Baking soda (NOT flour or other cooking products)
-    Wet blankets or towels
-    Specialty fire-retardant blanket
-    When appropriate, a simple cover, such as for small pan fires
-    Sand or dirt, with a bucket and shovel

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July 20th, 2009 | Tags: Fire, skills, tools | Category: STAT 5MM, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Every summer, millions of people take vacations, visit the beach, go camping, or just pack up to attend a concert, fair or festival. The skills, knowledge and resources used to pack for these outings can help anyone be ready for an emergency. Some people are list-writers , who pack only what they need; others pack based on the space available. What’s important to realize is that people know how to do this, and that they can apply those same skills to being more prepared. Consider packing a Go-Kit when you pack for summer fun; picking up some spare, useful travel items; or moving unused resources into a Go-Kit upon return. Ditch the “impending doom” scenario, and think of it as always being ready for a worry-free, unscheduled camping trip!

http://www.cardcanhelp.org/gokits

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July 13th, 2009 | Tags: go-kits, skills, Travel | Category: STAT 5MM | Comments (1)

In many emergency situations, it’s best to Shelter-In-Place — get inside and protect yourself from toxins, hazards and threats.  Remember these key steps:

1) SHELTER by going indoors.
2) SHUT doors and windows.
3) LISTEN for information (TV, radio, internet, etc.)

If there is an airborne hazard:
- close vents and shut down fans or motors that create heat

- use an interior room, above the ground floor, with sink and toilet access (if possible)

- seal gaps in doors and windows with plastic sheeting, duct tape, and/or wet cloth

- use a damp cloth to cover your mouth and nose.

Choosing a room ahead of time and storing some supplies there (cloth, water, food, emergency radio) can make things much easier.  Remember: stay safe by staying Sheltered in Place until you hear that it’s “All-Clear”!

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March 30th, 2009 | Tags: SIP, skills | Category: STAT 5MM | Comments (1)

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March 23rd, 2009 | Tags: Evacuation, skills | Category: 2009, STAT | Leave a comment

Many emergencies cause the need to evacuate. These steps can help it go more smoothly in real-time and in a drill.

- Ensure all exits are clearly marked “EXIT”.
- Pre-designate and clearly label a “Rally Point” (and back-up location) — where everyone will meet.
- Make sure all people know about the Rally Points.
- Distribute maps identifying exits and Rally Points.
- Assign people to check that everyone heard the evacuation message and is able to comply.
- Do headcounts before leaving and again after reaching safety.  If you’re in a meeting or other event, sign-in sheets are valuable tools to account for people.

Remember to leave a note telling people where you’ve gone, the time you left, and the route you plan to take – so your friends, family and loved ones will not worry.

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March 23rd, 2009 | Tags: Evacuation, skills | Category: STAT 5MM | Leave a comment

For people who cannot safely DROP, COVER and HOLD ON in response to an earthquake, there are still many protective measures that can be practiced. Some of the most valuable:

• Use arms, to protect head and neck.
• Close eyes, as eyelids provide some protection from dust and debris.
• Lock wheels, if in a wheelchair, to prevent extra movement.
• Learn how to fall, to minimize injury if you are thrown to the ground.
• Reduce or remove hazards, to make the physical environment support personal safety. Example: use museum wax to keep pictures and breakable items in place.
• Practice “safety eyes”, taking care to notice and avoid any particular danger zones.

Have more questions about what to do if you can’t Drop, Cover and Hold On? Post a question to our blog.

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March 16th, 2009 | Tags: DCH, skills, what if | Category: STAT 5MM | Leave a comment

This month STAT is looking at basic skills. Knowing how to Drop (to the ground), take Cover (under strong furniture) and Hold On (to keep yourself protected) is great for earthquakes, and can also be the right choice for responding to intruders or workplace violence. Practice this so it becomes familiar:

- DROP to the floor: it’s safer to sit than to fall or to be thrown to the ground

- Take COVER under sturdy furniture: to help protect you from falling hazards – which is the most likely danger during an earthquake.

- HOLD ON to whatever you get under, because during shaking, furniture can “walk” away.

Remember: keep your head down, eyes closed, and keep your face turned away from the hazards. Ignore those pictures that show people with their heads up, eyes open, smiling for the cameras!

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March 9th, 2009 | Tags: DCH, skills | Category: STAT 5MM | Comments (5)