A SKIP (Safety Kept In Place) Kit is much smaller than a Go-Kit.  It’s just a few simple items in a ziptop bag, stashed wherever you spend time. Under your desk (where you would Drop, Cover and Hold On); in a glove compartment; in the couch cushions; or in a purse/backpack, etc.  Customize and make your SKIP Kit your own.  Any small item that that will help you stay safe, calm and comfortable in those first moments after something happens can go in your SKIP Kit.  Some ideas:

- whistle
- flashlight/glowstick
- marker
- bandana
- tissues
- mylar blanket
- hand sanitizer
- water pouch & medicine
- paper & pen – for reminders, information or inspiration

Wherever you are, have a little safety kept in place!

Share

August 10th, 2009 | Tags: personal, SKIP Kits, supplies | Category: STAT 5MM | 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.

Share

August 3rd, 2009 | Tags: diversity, go-kits, supplies | Category: STAT 5MM | Leave a comment

Many preparedness items that will prove valuable to you could be tempting for others, too. Storing a few key items in secret places can help you feel doubly safe – you’ll have access to what you need and won’t have to fear losing it.

This could be something as simple as putting some money inside the sole of your shoe! Paper, cash or spare keys can be stored in tiny spaces: inside seat cushions; sewn into fabric lining; or taped under or behind innocuous objects.

One piece of paper can hold much valuable information: contacts; medical needs; financial accounts; and even passcodes. That single sheet can then be rolled, folded or stashed where no one would ever think to look.

Look for secret spaces in your life. Feel safer by knowing others won’t find your secret safety places!

Share

June 29th, 2009 | Tags: Information, space, supplies | Category: STAT 5MM | Leave a comment

This weekend is Daylight Savings Time again! On Sunday, March 8, most people in the United States will set their clocks FORWARD one hour (officially, at 2:00AM).  Because this happens twice a year, it is an excellent time to remind your community to update their preparedness supplies in several simple ways:

• Check and refresh your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Check the expiration date on your food and water. If needed, cycle it out and replace it.
• Check the expiration date on your medication(s).  Be sure your saved medications are for your current prescriptions and conditions.
• Use markers or stickers to note expiration dates on items, so updating is quick and easy.

Remember: when you set your clocks FORWARD, be FORWARD-thinking and check on items that can help you stay safe and healthy!

Share

March 2nd, 2009 | Tags: DST, reminders, supplies | Category: STAT 5MM | Comments (1)

While desks are great for storing supplies and they provide some physical safety, you may spend little or no time at a desk or permanent work space. Simple choices in how you travel around can leave you feeling healthier, safer, more confident and better able to handle any situation. You might: stay well-hydrated and carry a water bottle. Keep a cell phone programmed with all your important numbers, a paper copy of emergency contacts, or both. Wear comfortable shoes. Put some emergency response information in your wallet or purse (basic First Aid & CPR or CARD’s emergency CUE card are good choices.) Walk the world with some simple practical portable preparedness — you’ll feel more confident and you’ll be ready to keep yourself and others calm, comfortable and safe.

Share

February 23rd, 2009 | Tags: carry, CUE, supplies | Category: CARD Tools, STAT 5MM | Leave a comment

One of the fastest, easiest ways to renew or increase preparedness in your organization is to make sure all staff (paid and volunteer) are carrying a whistle and flashlight on keychains, or in their pockets or bags. Pocket whistles and flashlights offer many advantages: from making sure you can be seen, to providing basic communication, to being able to warn others. If you can afford to invest a dollar or two in everyone’s preparedness, provide them for your team. If not, encourage people to carry them and provide information on where to purchase individually and in bulk. Make a point to ask people if they have theirs with them, and teach everyone the emergency code: 1=Yes, 2=No, 3=Help! It works with flashlights or whistles – or anything else.

Share

January 26th, 2009 | Tags: staff, supplies, whistle & flashlight | Category: STAT 5MM | Comments (1)

On June 30th, 1906, the United States Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act. This legislation was initially concerned with proper labeling of products to protect the public. Use this anniversary to properly label your emergency food, medical items and other supplies.

Label the location of supplies, so you and other people can find them quickly. Put the expiration date (and if needed, the date of storage) on perishable items in your emergency kits. All medicines should be clearly marked with the name of the patient; the condition the medication is used to treat; and any contra-indications or other warnings. Label your supplies now, while you are calm and clear thinking, for use when you may be under stress. Take a few steps now to keep things clear when it counts.

Share

June 30th, 2008 | Tags: Emergency, legislation, supplies | Category: 2008, 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).

Share

September 17th, 2007 | Tags: strangers, supplies | Category: 2007, STAT | Leave a comment