Ski Season Is Here!! Great Time for Using ICE

Whether you are going downhill on skis, boards or any winter sport or you are managing a ski resort operation, using ICE has never made more sense! ICE can benefit both the winter sport enthusiast as well as the businesses that provide the fun!

Being in a remote location, away from medical facilities and what we are normally accustomed to can increase your risk in an emergency. Using ICE and being prepared can reduce that risk and help others better serve you in an emergency. It also makes perfect business sense.

We are all on the slopes to have fun and getting sick or injured is not usually part of the thought process when arranging our day out. As safety professionals, we recognize that all too well and have provided ICE as a part of the solution to this potential problem. Being prepared in any venue that can be risky is simply being smart. It might also mean the difference between having a great time or a totally ruined vacation.

Ski managers can use ICE as a Safety Icon throughout their facilities - people can be trained in seconds to recognize the high visibility symbol that can represent safe areas, emergency equipment, communication centers, first aid stations and preplanned evacuation sites. Strategically placed posters can reinforce this message alerting downhill folks about ICE. These can be placed at lift sites, ticket kiosks, locker rooms, entrance ways and at the end of the lift so everyone gets the message. It works for seniors, juniors and staff.

This is really too easy - and for you managers facing tough economic times because of the weather, relax because this system won't bankrupt you or your customers.

Ski Patrols can sponsor safety programs by distributing ICE Stickers and ICE Cards to skiers and boarders (and patrollers) at their ski shacks and at the lodge when people are picking up lift passes. You can even integrate ICE into your ski pass system using 2D Barcodes or RFID and scanners can become a part of the emergency equipment and lift setup.

You can even mail them out ahead of season to schools using your facilities so when the inevitable injury occurs (not to you of course!) ski patrollers can respond more effectively and quickly in helping you. If you were a school risk manager and had to recommend a slope with a good safety program.....wouldn't you pick one that used ICE and insisted upon more than ski etiquette or the traditional adult left in the lodge carrying the emergency contact list.

What is your backup plan? ICE even has a workplace Emergency Action Planning Tool and weatherproof posters that can mean locating the information around your facility so everyone can become familiar with what to do in a mass evacuation or disaster.

ICE information and hyperlinks can be placed on your mountain website to show your commitment to safety and that you are taking it to a really personal level by providing your customers with more than simply a piece of mind!

ICE is truly international in scope, using the non-language dependent E.123 Standard http://www.ice4safety.com/unstd.html can help first responders recognize emergency information anywhere around the world. ICE is even linked from the well respected ski-injury.com website at http://www.ski-injury.com/

We won't get in to the various logistics and communications (not to mention LANGUAGE)challenges each ski area faces but you can be certain that getting information and making contact with someone who knows you and can help is one that can always be improved upon!

Managers - ICE can be as high profile as you like, it is inexpensive - but effective, the tools are easily adapted to your site in minutes, they are free (now you are listening) internationally recognized, easily understood, can be great for promotional events like Helmet Safety or Race Days and can be used by your employees, ski patrollers (their families too!) as well as your patrons. Your mountain can sponsor the distribution of this safety program for increased public recognition. Integrate ICE into your written safety program - we have that.

Customers will take this safety system with them off season as well - in their car, their wallets and to their friends and relatives.....that might mean more repeat business!

Did we mention you can place your logo or website address on the ICE items your distribute (free)? Yes, that too! Need a fundraiser for the patrollers? Use ICE in that event.
Designed by a skier, paramedic, public and industry safety professional, we know this works.

It has been a public service for over 3 years. Our hand is not in your pocket. We still provide free ICE Tools for those sending a SASE to us. If you want to sponsor part of the giveaway program - let us know and your business can benefit by free advertising on the ICE websites.

Skiers - This just makes great common sense - and the ICE Sticker on your board, skis or helmet with your Medical Info Form or ICE Card in your bibs or jacket ski pass window can be in addition to your cell phone being programmed with emergency contact information.

Be prepared - and have a really great ski trip! See you out there.....

Prep Tip - Auto Safety Kit - Road Flares

If you decide on using 30 minute road flares instead of/or in conjunction with the electronic flares then you might consider making your own road flare container or buy one from safety or auto parts store.

You would be surprised on how many people DO NOT have any form of emergency road signals in their vehicle.

Using some thin wall 4 inch PVC Pipe you can create a suitable container that allows you to store 9 flares inside. End cap, scrap pipe, threaded female adapter and a male threaded cap and an application of a high visibility plastic paint (Yellow or Orange recommended).

Some excellent options are to apply labels and DOT Reflective Tape (not shown) as well as one of the new Large ICE Stickers. Have those work gloves nearby as well - molten burning flares can wreak havoc on uniform wool pants or your bare hands.....trust us on that one.

This will protect the flares from damage due to shifting loads in your vehicle and you won't have to smell the obnoxious fumes from the chemicals in the flares.

A rope handle tied onto the tube might make it easier to carry around - commercial versions have a handle built in.

You can get a commercially made one for $11 online at Gall's - http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=HS208&cat=3145

Learn how to use these flares BEFORE the need arises because in an emergency you will not be able to read the fine print instruction on the side of the flare - learn how to fold over the wire stands that holds them in the air. Don't get the spike tip flares - you'll have problems either spiking yourself or making the mistake of punching them into the pavement when lit and burn yourself or your clothing.

Just don't forget to get the flares!

ICE Vehicle Emergency Info Kit

As mentioned on the website blog....we now have 2x2 inch UV and weather resistant ICE Stickers to enhance your use of ICE as a Vehicle Emergency Info Kit.

This is too simple and for free (one per family) you can have your vehicle outfitted with ICE. No, the stickers won't dial out for you when the airbags deploy.... but you can purchase OnStar for that.

What this simple method does is make it even easier for responders to notice that you have emergency information on board. You won't be able to do this with those medical bracelets or the phone stickers that no one recognizes....but the bright safety colors used in the ICE Sticker will attract attention. We had it on a dozen cars the first day and we must say it does actually look good!

You just cannot miss the sticker.....suggest lower driver side rear window and driver side back window lower left corner(toward front of car).

The theme here is redundancy...we will continue to use the word to pound that message home.....never rely on any single tool for your safety preparations. You can use multiple cards and forms in various locations if you are an active person and ski, boat, hike, camp, run, bike, roller blade, surf, snowmobile walk the mall......or go off roading.....the list goes on....you're covered.

That way when you get out of your vehicle....ICE is still with you.

Here's the Drill...

• Place large sticker(s) on the front and rear exterior of your car (optimally) - don't place them in the arc of your wiper blades or where it will obstruct your view and violate traffic codes as that would prematurely wear out the sticker. (One free by SASE)


• Outfit your glove box with completed ICE Cards and self sticking clear Card Holders. (Free by SASE)


• Keep a completed ICE Card (Basic Contact or the new Medical Info Card) in your wallet. (Free by SASE)
  
• Program your cell phone (if you have one) with contact info using the E.123 Method. (Free)
  
• Affix the smaller ICE Sticker on your cell phone. (free by SASE)


• Complete a Medical Info Form (free online)

See our previous blog about vehicle emergency kit contents...it is never too late. Yes, snow will cover up the stickers under some conditions, so clean off the snow before you travel. If you remember that nothing is perfect, your life will be less stressful.

Ok, that was pretty simple.....now see if you can get this setup for free anywhere else. We will be reporting on the various other uses for this sticker in subsequent blog articles and on the website.......this will make it much easier to organize and be prepared.

Public safety agencies take note.....this will be a great tool for your community safety programs.

Thank You OnStar

On Star advertisements on the radio recently were heard to say that "cell phone based" emergency contact systems were not reliable or useful in the event of an emergency.

There is some element of truth to that OnStar, so thank you very much for the free support of what we have said here all along...which is that basing your entire personal safety plan around (a cell phone or car based system) one single safety measure is foolhardy.

So, unless you live in your car or next to the refrigerator in your house - OnStar and Info Vial programs aren't going to serve all your safety needs. Both of these programs were meant to serve one purpose - increase sales of cars or prescription drugs.

GM is going bankrupt right now so maybe they felt it time to take a swipe against those folks who might not be able to afford the pricey $500-600 a year on vehicle based safety program - or the new car they come in either. What is the company's public service message? Buy more OnStar. (How does that work when you decide to travel in someone else's car anyway?)

Maybe the government initiated vehicle VIN# based ICE notification project started 4 years ago isn't moving along fast enough (or at all) now for GM - who knows and who is waiting anyway.

ICE4SAFETY's public service of providing a simple, yet effective emergency contact and info system (DIY) method is working - RIGHT NOW.

No, it is not satellite based but you don't have to purchase a car to get it either!

We also noticed Verizon Wireless Service being mentioned on the OnStar website.....reminds us about that old adage of doing something unpleasant where you eat.....Verizon is the only mobile service offering "cell phone based" ICE on their phones. Oh well.

Thank you for lending support to the idea of redundancy - even if that was not the original intent. And hey, there is nothing wrong with having OnStar on board.....like we said - don't make it all you count on in an emergency.

Purchase ICE Stickers/Cards Using Secure PayPal

We decided to allow people to purchase stickers and cards directly from us in smaller quantities that are convenient and based on prior requests.
You can do this safely using PayPal online payment services. Personal quantities are still FREE.

Winter Vehicle Equipment - Prep Tip 2

Most of us travel in some manner each day. This entry is for those that use automobiles.
Keep in mind that with the advent of smaller vehicles comes space and weight considerations.

Still, a visit to the local supermarket and mall shows that about 50% of the vehicles are SUV's, Vans, Trucks or Crossovers.

Travel distances, geographic location/climate, number of occupants will dictate additional vehicle safety requirements. Finances may also dictate how soon you can acquire what you need. you may have multiple vehicles in your family...so maybe a portable kit for longer travels?

Equipping all vehicles similarly will help you avoid getting stuck with nothing. Make choices from the list below. We had a little help from the Wilderness Learning Center of Chateaugay, NY

Items and vehicle checks to consider having on board for the cold winter season:

[ ] Ice Scraper/Snow Brush
[ ] AAA / CAA or similar emergency road hazard insurance membership
[ ] Spare Tire of Emergency Tire - Fully Inflated
[ ] Winter Wiper Blades - New for Winter
[ ] Winter oil/filter change suggested - Spare Oil
[ ] Radiator flush/fill (2 Years) - 20 degrees below lowest expected temp
[ ] Maintain low temperature wiper fluid - spare gallon in vehicle
[ ] Fully charged car battery - 5 years is rule of thumb for most
[ ] Engine belts/hoses/cables/connections should be new/not cracked
[ ] Mark headlight/signal bulb numbers on the housing - carry spares
[ ] Carry Spare 911 Cell Phone - Secure from Damage
[ ] Collapsible Snow Shovel - regular square shovel is preferred
[ ] Containerized ice melt - best on glare ice (5-10Lbs)
[ ] 30 Minute Road Flares 6-12 / Road Strobes with lithium batteries
[ ] Tire Chains - Mandated in some areas (e.g. Colorado)
[ ] Snow Tires - best in winter - studded for backcountry
[ ] Dry Gas additive - Isopropyl Alcohol suggested.
[ ] Reflectorized / Insulated Winter Work Gloves
[ ] Reflectorized Vest /high viz wind & water resistant outer wear
[ ] Tow/Recovery Straps - Know the difference!
[ ] Trailer Hitch Receiver Mounted Tow Hook/Tow Strap Loop
[ ] Radiator Stop Leak / Hose Repair Tubes/Clamp Kit
[ ] Tire Repair Kit
[ ] Emergency Tire Inflator/Sealer - (Be prepared to replace tire)
[ ] High Intensity Durable Flashlight - Spare Bulbs /Batteries (lithium)
[ ] Synthetic top/pants, layered shirts/jackets/liner & boot socks/thermal underwear
[ ] Watch Cap, Balaclava, Neoprene Face Mask or combination, liner gloves/mittens
[ ] Spare Winter Boots - consider distances you might walk in these shoes
[ ] Spare Gas Container 2 1/2 gallon - mark with name/vehicle reg #
[ ] High Visability Distress Flag
[ ] Water Displacing Spray Lubricant - Fluid Film/WD-40 Suggested
[ ] Fire Extinguisher - Dry Chemical 2A BC
[ ] Hatchet / Axe / Folding Saw(?)
[ ] Heavy Gauge Jumper Cables (4-6 ga)
[ ] Electric Power Supply - Jumper Combo Devise - Small Inverter
[ ] Garbage Bags - Large Contractor Colored
[ ] Canned Candles /Heaters / Coffee Can/Boat Matches/Windproof Lighter
[ ] Military 90MPH Duct Tape Roll of Bailing Wire
[ ] Self Heating MRE's or Food Rations Canned Nuts/Dried Fruit/Water
[ ] Tool Kit - Multi-function tools English/Metric /Torx/Hex Wrenches / Knife
[ ] Emergency Blankets/Bags & Wool/Fleece Blankets/Sleeping Bag
[ ] First Aid Kit - Spare Critical Medications 3-5 days
[ ] Road Maps - Compass - Spare Reading Glasses
[ ] Come - Along Device - two 3/4" Plywood Squares as Jack Support
[ ] Chemical Hand/Foot Warmers

Seems like a lot.....some of these items may be on board your go bag or part of another vehicle kit. There are a number of nylon higly durable containers/bags to house all this safely and neatly. If you have a truck and a tool box...you have room. Been there. Thule/Yakima boxes will allow you to carry this stuff as well.

ICE Sticker Tests

This sticker has been affixed to this traffic sign for about 6 months with no apparent UV damage. It was placed facing the sun and without defacing the sign.

The ICE sticker Affixed to the rear window of the SUV has been there for 3 months with no apparent wear...northern climate weather not hot & humid but now rain, cold and snow.

Update: ICE4SAFETY has 2x2 Stickers on hand now and will place them online for use in/on vehicles and for Emergency Planning and Identification requirements. 12-19-08

Prep Tip - Canned Food Supplements

As a follow up to the previous blog entry about MRE's, we would like to also bring to your attention another excellent way to supplement your food storage and preparedness efforts using high quality and nutritious canned foods. One brand we tested recently was Yoder's.

Canned cooked meats that can store for up to 10 years and actually taste good and don't "bite back" from gristle, bones and fat. Our understanding is that the manufacturers are Amish folks and our experience is they are quite particular in their food preparation efforts.

Having several cans or cases of bacon, turkey, chicken, hamburger (yes - and it is actually high quality) on hand versus a run to the local market in a snowstorm or other calamity can be an awfully welcome feeling and nutritional boost. Best part is the food is already cooked and requires little or no preparation.

From a cost effective perspective, the use of this supplemental foodstuff has merit and can be less costly than the production of hot meals for delivery. Social service agencies might provide some initial training and recipes for nutitional meals that will go a long way toward creating self sufficiency over dependency.

For a preparedness store - this is ideal for shelter in place or remote camping shelters or retreats. One concern there would be weight. Another is temperature. Storing these canned foods at below 70 degrees can significantly extend their useful shelf life. Stored below 60 degrees can extend shelf life beyond 10 years. Some foods found in cans over 40 years old have been found to be safe to eat...maybe not appealing to look at but they will keep you alive.

You can learn more about the Yoder canned foods and some taste testing at http://www.campingsurvival.com/

You can also learn about various MRE's and Yoder foods at http://www.mredepot.com/

More to follow....

Meals on Wheels Dilemma - An Interim Solution??

Watching the news tonight on WSTM TV Jim Kenyon told us that the Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) has a problem continuing the delivery of meals outside the more populated areas of the county for the Meals on Wheels Program for home bound persons and such who reside in the more remote rural areas of the county in upstate New York adjoining Lake Ontario. Good reporting from Jim as usual.

Factors affecting the situation cited fuel and food costs and the inability of getting the food to persons that live off the beaten path - especially during the heavy lake effect winter storms that frequently whip up on short notice. These storms can bring up to 8 feet of snow in just one day!

So, if you are home bound and your volunteer meals on wheels person cannot make it for a few days....what do you do?

Since we have had some direct experience with this very agency a few years back dealing with the production and safe delivery of these meals, we feel informed enough to at least comment and offer a suggestion.

MRE's....Meals Ready to Eat. Why Not?

If you can't afford to deliver the goods because of fuel costs on a daily basis then deliver them by UPS or on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. Fuel savings are realized. The people you are trying to keep from starving will have nourishing food (it works well for soldiers and campers - we have tested plenty of them - they are good!) and you can do this for the cost of about $5-6 retail which means buying in bulk will cost substantially less.

No prep costs, heating costs or labor costs - auto/liability insurance costs might be cut. Workers Compensation costs will be lower because you reduced the exposures for workers slipping and falling trying to lift the heavy coolers of food and trudging through the snow/ice. Oswego is notorious for snow and ice. Let them continue to deliver food in the more populated areas.

We can appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into this fine work. as our dad did this volunteer work for years.

So, here might be the best part....the MRE's are already in Oswego County. Our good friend and sponsor of the free ICE Stickers and Cards at CampingSurvival.com, Tom Sciacca is located right in Fulton, NY.

Tom can supply the MRE's, the money stays in the county and the people continue to eat and survive. The food lasts for 5-10 years if stored properly and there is a wide range of meals. You can see some of the civilian MRE's at www.campingsurvival.com

While some folks may have some dietary restrictions and such....for the most part a majority of the people can use these - it sure beats starving? One suggestion was to offer frozen foods to people but that also presents a storage and energy problem in itself. You have to heat them, use electricity to run the refrigerator and if the power goes out...there goes your food or maybe your ability to heat them. MRE's are self heating.... and they come 12 to a case. You can also purchase the component main MRE meals seperately without all the extras.

There are plenty of MRE's out there. Communities should continue to pull together and seek out realistic, common sense answers and not always look to and wait for government to solve the problems - as you can tell we try to promote independence as much as realistically possible.

The folks at OCO do a great job especially with those ever shrinking budgets.

To put some skin in the game - ICE4SAFETY.COM will donate the first two cases of MRE's if the county steps up to the plate to do this - before winter arrives!

This could also be a solution for other meal providers facing an unexpected crunch in service like this. The cost might be negligible in comparison...

Read the WSTM story or watch the video:
http://www.wstm.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=215553

Added 3Nov 08
In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, agencies and family members may also want to think about this unique option to relieve some of the burden for those providing constant care for relatives who might be able to resort to using these meals if the caregiver is taken ill or unable to travel in a snowstorm - being prepared for these occurrences is a good idea. The variety of meals available is quite surprising and their flavor quality is very good.

National Family Caregivers Month 2008

November marks the beginning of National Family Caregivers Month and a time to thank, support educate and empower family caregivers. WSEN/WFBL Radio in cooperation with a number of community and government organizations here in CNY and throughout the country will be "speaking up" about caregiver services and resources and promoting the good work of others that support family caregivers.

As you may already know, WSEN/WFBL is a yearlong sponsor of ICE for 2008 and has been instrumental in making ICE a household word in their CNY listening area.

Learn more about the activities for this month and the various organizations involved in this effort at the following link...

http://www.wfbl.com/wfbl-wsen_nat%27l_caregivers.htm

Prep Tip - Portable Generator Use

The use of generators has skyrocketed in the past 10 years with many new and "affordable types being offered at all the major hardware and superstores. Some are junk not designed to last more than 150 hours although you'd be hard pressed to find that prominently on the label.

While there are a multitude of generators, Onan (Cummins), Honda, Kohler, Baldor and Yamaha offer some superior models. You may also choose to acquire a multi fuel model that runs on LP, Gasoline and Propane. This allows you greater flexibility in an emergency as gasoline may be harder to acquire. Storing of large quantities gasoline in many neighborhoods may be impractical. Diesel is much safer and LP or Natural Gas more prevalent.

Older models (still in production) like this contractor/emergency services gasoline powered unit from Onan, can be easily converted to run on three fuels for about $300.

http://www.propane-generators.com/learn_more.htm

Regular maintenance items or specific connections that need to be readily identified in an emergency should be labeled conspicuously. Don't worry about your friends or relatives poking fun at you for having OCD because they will be the first to avail themselves of your smart pre-planning.

There is a high probability that you will be working in the dark or inclement weather conditions such as cold, rain, ice or under considerable stress and you do not want to make a mistake that could cause a fire, explosion - or an electrocution.

Some people will always try to find the owners manual when an emergency hits because even if you attach it to the unit, somehow they always end up missing.

Some newer models come with easy to spot labels already so look for them when selecting a unit.

Some helpful tips:

• Use high visibility labels that are oil/water/UV resistant.


• Label the oil type, oil filter, amount and viscosity needed for your engine.


• Identify the replacement plug / air filter type needed and have spares on hand.


• Store your spare parts in a well labeled ammunition box or container with your generator.


• Label Positive (+) and Negative (-) posts on any batteries and cables for your genset.


• Use a metal Sharpie marker to identify the bolt/nut size for any battery lug connections.


• Strap down or velcro your battery if it does not have a retaining strap to prevent mishap.


• Put your name on the generator and any accessory cables or outlets that go with it.


• Make sure your full power home cable connection is clearly marked as such.


• Engine Model / Generator Model #'s should be included in labeling.


• Simplified Instructions should be printed up, laminated and attached to the unit.


• Run your generator regularly - this will increase your familiarity. Do it monthly.
• If you store gasoline use a fuel stabilizer PRI-G for gasoline and PRI-D for Diesel is recommended and should outperform other brands we have tried.
• Rotate your stored gasoline into other gasoline powered equipment so you will have fresh stabilized fuel.
• If your gasoline generator does not have a fuel filter in the fuel line - install one. Keep spares in your parts kit - they are cheap insurance.
• Always use GFCI protected extension cords when supplying power to any device.
• Never hook up damaged or undersized extension cords to any generator.


• Train other family members or friends who will be joining you in an emergency.

Prep Tip - Fueling Vehicles

Many of you may already be carrying a spare fuel can or plastic fuel container just in case you run out of gas.

Many of the fuel containers now available at Lowe's or Home Depot or Tractor Stores will be equipped with new vapor/spill resistant spouts.

They were designed to prevent vapor escaping into the atmosphere from the spilling of gas....for home tractors, lawn mowers and small engine implements. They were NOT designed to refuel automobiles (read the label).

Passenger vehicles since the 1980's will most likely have an anti siphon flap and a nozzle door at the beginning of the fueling hose going to the tank. This will make fueling using one of these "lawn and garden gas cans" quite an exercise in futility. Fuel will spill all over you, the car and the ground. In some states we found the old fashioned plastic containers but they were cheap.

Even if you plan on using a military gas container (Scepter Plastics from Brigade Quartermaster) or a real safety can like that pictured here, you will still need to purchase the $3 funnel. It works and is hands free once inserted. Auto Zone, Pep Boys or similar auto stores will have them.

Prep Tip - Halloween Safety

What better time to encourage your kids to use ICE and to have a programmed cell phone and an ICE Card along on their trick or treat excursions. It is always best to accompany your children but once they reach a certain age they prefer to go it alone with their friends.

Groups like Neighborhood Watch have historically provided some extra level of protection for the kids during Halloween and schools often will provide places for children to check their candy for things that don't belong there.

The safety folks at WorkSafeBC have compiled some essential safety topic videos and information from various sources to make this event a safe one. Use the link to learn more....

http://www2.worksafebc.com/enews/081023/081023.htm

E-911 Center Using ICE

The Onondaga County Department of Emergency Communications 911 Center this week received new ICE Cards, Stickers, Posters and Roll Call Training for their entire staff.

Having had the honor of working closely with these folks for a number of years, there is no doubt that they are a very dedicated, hard working group of professionals who have done an outstanding job serving their CNY Community. It is a pleasure to be able to show a token of our appreciation for all the valuable work they do.

It goes without saying that all Emergency 911 Centers should be aware of ICE and also to share in the benefits by using it themselves! Tell your local Emergency Communications Commissioner about using ICE and have them conduct ICE Roll Call Training for their staff too!

Learn about this CALEA Accredited E-911 Center: http://www.ongov.net/911/

ICE rolls out "Roll Call Training"

With repeated requests for more information and training tools for public service providers and students ICE4SAFETY saw fit to adapt a roll call training used recently at a city police department located in New York State.

We placed it online for other law enforcement agencies, ems, fire/rescue - 911 centers / TSA units and the like to use and adapt.

For the sake of argument, let's not assume that everyone is as keenly aware of the uses for ICE as the readers of this Blog and visitors to the ICE4SAFETY website might be....

Drop off a copy to your local PD.....

Link to the document on main page.....HERE!

ICE Spreads Worldwide 2008

Website statistics have shown a significant increase in site traffic from over 68 countries worldwide.
With several thousand visits to the site in just a few short weeks, it is apparent that more people are interested in learning about the concept and spreading awareness in their countries.

Thank you .....Germany, Russia, Finland, Brazil, Chile, India, Pakistan, Australia, Italy, Spain, France, Indonesia, South Africa, Argentina, China, Mexico, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Poland, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Sweden, Ireland, Philippines, Israel, Croatia, Vietnam, Greece, Romania, Iran, Venezuela, Columbia, Malta, New Zealand, Serbia, Libya, Thailand, Hong Kong, Ecuador, Kuwait, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Austria, South Korea, Aruba, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Guam, Hungary, Slovakia, Columbia, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland, UK, Slovenia, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Chile, Croatia, Trinidad and Tabago, Dominican Republic, Lithuania, Turkey, USA....and it continues....

ICE Success - Hearing Loss Association - Florida

Another ICE Success Story and encouragement for other groups....it seems the Levi JCC provided some ICE Brochures and Stickers to Oscar Segal, the President of the largest chapter of the HLA in Delray/Boynton Beach Florida.

Oscar in turn created a PowerPoint Presentation for members using the information provided in the brochure at the monthly meeting of the HLAA on 9-19.

Oscar did so well presenting about ICE that he has now been invited to present at several other local organization meetings in his area! Go Oscar!

How perfect a match is this? ICE as a tool for use by those who suffer from hearing loss....add HLAA to the growing list of those recognizing the value of using ICE! You can learn more about this organization at the link below.

http://hladelrayboynton.org/

Germany Embraces E.123 ICE Standard!

Welcome Germany!

ICE4SAFETY is pleased to announce a fledgling new ICE Foundation in Frankfort Germany that is dedicated to promoting the use of ICE in Europe!

Jogger/Car Accident Suggests Need for ICE

This is another tragic example of how maybe running or biking in a highly congested traffic zone may not be the best fitness alternative and how not having any ID or ICE information on your person can cause inordinate delays in your receiving appropriate medical attention or having emergency contacts/family members or partners with you when you need them.....
ICE4SAFETY has left word online at the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle and with article authors as well so that maybe someone with influence in the public safety field there can spur on some realistic ICE initiatives and help advance personal safety in that area.

Prep Tip - Fire Starter Idea

FIRE FIXINS by Jay Boggs

Adapted for the ICE4SAFETY Blog with permission from CampingSurvival.Com

Fire Fixins started as a father and son project with my son Wyatt. Wyatt and I are both involved with Scouting and we both enjoy learning woodcraft stuff. I have always believed that fire making is a skill that everybody who ventures into the wild should be able to do. As with any skill, one must learn and practice.

The Fire Fixins kit contains Jute string that has been infused in wax, and a piece of fat wood that is easily lit because of the high concentration of pine resin. The idea is to take a piece of jute string, pull it apart into very small strands. Then take the fat wood and scrape wood shavings onto the jute making something like a birds nest.

Once completed, light with a lighter, match or my preferred method, magnesium/iron fire starting rod. This kit should help a person light many fires and give you ideas on how to make your own fire kit.

DIRECTIONS: FLUFF IT! SCRAPE IT! and SPARK IT!

This is a great fire starter and I will now include it in all my fire starting kits. In fact Jay also sent me a picture of the jute attached to his knife sheath. That is a great idea. Not only is the product great for what it is, but the jute has wax worked throughout it. Wax can be great for many things in the wilderness and survival. For example, the wax can be used with a fire bow to lube the handhold or socket that you use to put downward pressure on the spindle and keep it moving freely without getting friction on the top.

Several times since Jay sent me the first sample of his new jute and fat wood fire starter I tried it and every time, I find myself thinking, why didn't I come up with this? All I did was cut a about a 2 inch piece of the jute string and work it out a bit to fray it and spread it all out so it catches the spark easily. Then I scrape just about a half dozen pieces of fat wood. I throw a spark and every time, it goes right up and burns for a couple minutes. This stuff is great. Actually, both the wax/jute and the fat wood can work by themselves. The two of them together can't be beat for fire starting even when wet.

I highly recommend that you have this in every kit and with you every time you go into the woods.

Tom SciaccaPresidentJHL Supply / CampingSurvival.com

Back to School - Mobile Phone Know How

Not very much in this publication about teaching your kids some safety tips for the "back to school" publication by AT&T. There is however a big emphasis on texting and options for your phone.

Nothing at all about using ICE or programming safety contacts or messages into your new phone. AT&T should be able to do better than that.

C'mon!

The phone giant might also be better served by making their sales staff more knowledgeable about some of the "other" uses for their products. Show us your know-how AT&T.

Prep Tip - Vehicle Survival Kit - ICE Fishing Sled

Winter might not affect all the sates in the union, but in the northern most states and Canada, Winter is a reality for 4-5 months of the year. If your vehicle breaks down on a remote stretch and for some reason you need to relocate - being able to carry all the gear you want or need may be hard to accomplish.

One way is for you to have a backpack/daypack/rucksack to assemble what you need and move on but having an ICE Fishing Sled in your trunk can make a world of difference.

This molded polyethylene sled can play many rolls in your day to day activities as well.

It can double as a trunk organizer, beach gear carry all, snow sled and it can be outfitted with an elastic cover and tow bar. Carrying a small child might exhaust you in short order but being able to slide them along with you to safety can now be accomplished.

It can also be the foundation of a shelter or sleeping quarters for young children. They come in various sizes as you will see from the link below and will fit in SUV's and most mid sized and even smaller cars. These were made to be towed behind snow machines, ATV's or by hand.

We would recommend you place DOT strip reflective stickers on the sides and back. They come with a tow rope installed but you might consider having a front and rear rope to facilitate a two person operation that has more control.

http://www.cabelas.com/hprod-1/0010509.shtml

About $25 in Gander Mountain/Bass Pro/Cabela's

Prep Tip - Emergency Power Source - UPS

Don't overlook this source of emergency power. Maybe your home or office has a few around to power down sensitive computer systems and offer surge and line protection for phone and fax/printer systems.

Depending on the unit, the UPS will most likely have 2 sealed 12V 7aH gel cell batteries connected inside that provide the power to an inverter. This unit is rated in the 600-800 watts range.

Short Term - you can power a 15 watt (60w equivalent) fluorescent bulb for 6-7 hrs or charge up some important devices like cell phones or lights for short periods.

Long Term - remove the battery pack and recharge with solar panel or small generators that might be in use. Run other 12v devices. You may want to take a mental note as well as use your labeling device to note the location and the ratings of the batteries for that potential use.

If you find one of these for free.....you could swap out the old batteries and exchange them for new ones at an electronics supply house or one of the 330 BatteriesPlus Locations near you or online at http://www.batteriesplus.com/

Prep Tip - Vehicle Safety/Survival Kits - Part One

Let's get to it.
Having suitable supplies on hand in your ride is important. With severe weather emergencies a daily occurrence, having preparations on hand can be a life and death difference in some emergencies. Having the right equipment on hand is critical.

We will cover this in a few articles to make it more palatable.

Pictured above are just a few components of a kit found in one SUV vehicle. When you think "kit" you might be conceptualizing a big duffel or box filled with all kinds of gear. In some situations that may be accurate.

With so many types and sizes of vehicles on the road, you have to balance the size of your supply on hand with the reality of where you are most likely to drive your car. Where you are going, how far, how long and what kind of climate you will encounter will dictate some of the kit contents .

In some parts of the world you could be subject to multiple road/weather/climate conditions - snow/rain/heat/elevation.....all in one day.

Vehicle "survival" kits should reflect the type of climate you expect to encounter and the anticipated radius of operations. You wouldn't prepare for a winter snowstorm packing summer shorts & sandals on board.... You could in fact get stuck in your vehicle less than a mile from your home or other safety - and not survive.

Having some supplies on hand can make the difference and some everyday annoyances less so. You might want to purchase one of those made up kits from local car stores or the AAA but they were designed solely on price consideration. The best kits are the one's you make yourself.

Might this kit be a substitute for a full blown "go bag"? The basic elements of the car kit should reflect the model followed by you extended evacuation or "go bag".
Let's start with some of the basics:

Basic Car Emergency Supplies
[ ] First Aid Kit
[ ] Road Fusees or Electronic Strobe Flares
[ ] Fire Extinguisher
[ ] Durable High Intensity Flashlight - Battery Powered
[ ] Spare Batteries for Flashlight (Lithium)
[ ] Reflective Safety Vest
[ ] Spare 911 Cell Phone
[ ] Prepaid Phone Card
[ ] Emergency Blankets for All Occupants
[ ] Duct Tape
[ ] Spare Change (Roll Quarters)
[ ] Jumper Cables ( 6 Gauge)
[ ] Tow Strap/Receiver Hook (if equipped)
[ ] Leather Work Gloves
[ ] Spare Electrical Fuses (assortment)
[ ] Spare Tire - Inflated Properly
[ ] Spare Wiper Fluid
[ ] Tool Assortment (more on this later)
[ ] Permanent Marker
[ ] Coolant Hose/Belt Repair Kit (older cars)

9/11 - Never Forget!

E.123 Standard - How To Program Phone Poster

This poster should prove useful when providing instruction on how to program your cell phones with emergency contact information. A lot of uninformed sources are still advocating the old and less advantageous method of using the prefix "ICE".
You can retrieve a PDF Version online at the International ICE Standard page of the website http://www.ice4safety.com/unstd.html

Prep Tip - Cell Phones - Sim Cards - E.123

Quickly - some phone service providers use SIM Cards to store data on and identify phones with. These cards can be interchangeable with other phones offered by the same provider ( for instance AT&T). If you change cards between phones - the phone with your SIM card now is identified as being yours by the carrier. Verizon does not use this technology

So, what does that mean for you in terms of safety and using ICE?

If your phone is found on your person and the battery is expended but it is marked as having ICE Information inside then someone may be astute enough to retrieve the card and place it in a functioning phone - which is much more realistic than finding a spare battery somewhere that powers your phone. Phone numbers should be able to be retrieved using this method.

E.123 Tip!
If you follow the E.123 Standard to list your contact names and numbers in your phone individually this will allow them to be viewed immediately in the phone being used to read your SIM Card.

If your contact numbers are stored in a folder in your phone there is a chance that a potentially lower-tech non folder capable phone could be used to read your card which will only display one of the numbers in your ICE folder(s) and not the others.

That could make a considerable difference and should be investigated with your current phone.
Check it out.

Preparedness Tip - Home Evacuation Bag

How many times have you watched TV to see fire victims in their jams or a blanket outdoors at the scene of a fire? That could very well be you - and without shoes or boots. Some of the worst fires are in the winter months and your survival may rely on your being able to function in the cold. If you have great neighbors - wonderful! If not, or they are quite a distance away in deep snow or rough terrain in the dark...get the picture?

This colorful and water resistant fishing bag can be loaded with sufficient supplies, stored next to your bed and be filled with essential items that will help you escape and survive....and not be found frozen to the pavement in your pj's.

Rule of thumb for Fires - Get OUT - FAST!

Short List:

[ ] Easy on Shoes - Boots
[ ] Long Pants - Socks - Shirt - Underwear
[ ] Light Jacket-Rainsuit or Stuffed Down Jacket in Winter
[ ] Face Mask- Hat - Gloves
[ ] Glasses
[ ] Emergency Contacts List - Medical Information
[ ] Insurance Company and Emergency Contractor Contact Information
[ ] Spare 911 Cell Phone
[ ] Lithium Battery Powered Flashlight - Spare Batteries
[ ] Prescription Medicines properly labeled and in a zip lock bag
[ ] Keys to House/Car on Whistle Ring - Neighbor Key?
[ ] Secure Keys to Bag Securely with Good Steel Ring
[ ] Rescue Blankets for all occupants
[ ] Small First Aid Kit
[ ] Small quantity of high energy food or ration bar
[ ] Water
[ ] Spare Identification / Drivers License / Cash $$
[ ] Large Plastic Garbage Bags - Easy Open & Close
[ ] Bright colored water resistant duffel like bag - durable.


You might be lucky and live in a ranch home and can jump out or walk out with no problem. If you are already injured or ill and can't move quickly then discuss how you will evacuate. Practice if you can (almost everyone does not) and have a bag for young children or teens and instruct them on evacuation. Second floor evacuation may require a chain ladder be deployed - that requires some practice on how to.

Toss your bag outside and go. Don't carry it with you - it will cause you to fall off the ladder. It is brightly colored and you can see it easily. We wrote a real life evacuation story a while back which is online that depicts a Katrina survivor who bailed out in an evacuation for a leaking tank car without shoes, clothes or his prescription medicines he needed....not good.

This is an easy one.

Preparedness Tip - Refrigeration to Go

This might seem like a luxury during an emergency situation, but then every situation is different and everyone has different circumstances. Your situation may require you to maintain something essential to your health during an emergency or as a part of medical treatment or therapy when the alarms sound. That is no time to make ice or stop at the shop and rob - but you see video of this every storm....

If you have medicines that require refrigeration and you live in the Gulf States you might recall the 14 hour ride in your car during the Hurricane Gustov evacuation of August/September.

While you may not be able to stuff a large cooler in your car as tempting as it sounds - you may have to provide a refrigerated source for ill children or elderly folks on board.

Forget ice or plastic freezer packs because this cryo-gel dry ice replacement is better because it lasts longer - up to 96 hrs in some ideal situations.

We've had them out in the open over 5 hours and in collapsible insulated containers for days. They are used to ship food and drugs via UPS or FedEx. Non-toxic, water soluble and can be disposed of easily, they can be molded to a degree of usefulness unlike solid plastic containers.

See if you can get them at shipping stores like the UPS Store and save those you do get with your next birthday cake or steaks in the mail. Keep them in your freezer. We suggest placing them in a Ziploc bag while storing and in use.

Prep Tip - Marking Equipment for Safety

Recalling earlier articles here about keeping it simple and having substance rule out over style - well here are some additional examples. The photos here depict the labeling of an emergency household inverter circuit (IC#5) that can easily be identified in case of power outages as being back up power. Some circuits can use colored labels but we chose to be more subtle. In the shop use yellow - it stands out well.

This practice is common in commercial buildings for a variety of reasons. Suffice it to say having someone in your home/office/shop able to locate viable outlets might have a better chance if the circuits were labeled. Regular circuits should be identified this way also to help during repairs of other household electrical problems. Simple.

Make sure you test and affirm you have everything labeled correctly. Commercial circuits and medical facilities use colored outlet covers....but we suggest you keep it simple to avoid undue attention.

Battery charger or voltage converter input/output voltages are listed in notoriously small print or molded in black lettering to black cases making reading them in an emergency a ridiculously difficult and even hazardous.

The voltage converter with a similar 5.5mm tube connector may look the same as the one for your backup electronics but when hooked up (maybe by someone else helping you) could destroy the device in an instant. Also, if the unit is something you might want on an evacuation it could make matters worse if it was meant for a critical medical device or battery charger.

During an extended stay somewhere you might find additional uses for whatever it is you labeled because you are able to easily identify compatible components. If the component is something required in an emergency then mark it with an ICE Sticker ( still available free by SASE - see website) for rapid identification.

Having eyesight issues or working in low light can also warrant the use of large easily read (or marked with a marker) labels can make a world of difference. There is no need for eyeglasses. Label devices are less expensive today and sometimes you might be able to borrow one from work or a friend.

Having someone home who is not particularly attentive to electrical or utility details and faced with an emergency and needing power will find this preplanning a blessing. Trust us we tried it.
Preplanning and redundancy. Don't forget to label the circuit breaker box properly and keep a back up list/chart in a file. No electrician is required. DIY.

Prep Tip - X Date Codes Made Simple

The practice of revolving your stock of survival supplies on hand - medical/food/power/water etc can benefit from the use of simple date coding. In an emergency or when you are looking to expeditiously find something like the Benedryl that may need rotation - mark the various surfaces with the expiration - or "X" date as shown here. Simple no expense but if you are older or have poor vision then looking for the worn out or obscured date on the bottom of the box is an unnecessary chore. Spend time now to save valuable time later!!!

On dark colored containers you can use the silver colored Sharpie Metallic Marker 39100 described in earlier blogs here. Find them at Lowes or where construction supplies are found.

Preparedness Tips - National Preparedness Month

We are getting back to the practice of providing more practical preparedness tips - and since September is National Preparedness Month, we plan to do as many as we can that are both informative and practical. ICE has become so popular here that we have had to spend considerable time in administrative duties.

ICE4SAFETY is fanatically into substance vs style. The messages will be short succinct and to the point. We then will compile them and provide them online so organizations and business risk managers can use them for posters or newsletter items for the people they serve.

All of the discussions have either been vetted with professionals in the field or from our own expertise and experiences. We may be interjecting information from various sources to save you time in researching on some of the more technical or bizarre survival sites online.

The recent exodus from New Orleans for Gustov shows how important it is to plan ahead for all contingencies. Many did just that. Others still don't get it and many who live in denial or in la la land may never get it until it is too late. Your choice - but officials now have said that if you remain - you are on your own.

Reading about survival can be frustrating and downright painful at times - you know you have to do something to improve your odds and prepared but the very thought of it reminds us of our own mortality.

We will break the topics down to size so you can chose them in a more palatable form. We think you will appreciate that and we know it will be easier to accomplish in this manner. No crepe hangers here...just practical folks that want to share with others. Thank you for the overwhelming support we have been receiving from across the globe!

Gustov Tests Preparedness Plans

Update 9-4-08: By all accounts our local/state/federal government agencies interacted well and service to the mass evacuation was performed well. This should be the new standard for future events of this nature. Practice does improve those odds. More storms loom on the horizon as this is written and officials are poised to respond again. Job well done.


Gustov is approaching the Gulf Coast as a Category 5 Hurricane...this is powerful...more so than Katrina. Federal, State and local officials are now working together and ahead of schedule in evacuations and moving assets to the area.
The lessons of Katrina may have been learned.

Still authorities stress that it is personal individual preparedness and readiness to react to warnings that have improved the survivability of this type of event.

Hurricane IKE is now enroute to the coast as emergency crews wait nearby on the ready to provide service as needed.

Tiffiany's Story - A Reason to Use ICE

Link to Florida DMV Site

Link to Tiffiany's Story Website

Welcome to the ICE4SAFETY Blog

Thank you for visiting the original ICE4SAFETY Blog. Enjoy the articles you find here and use them as you see fit or share with others.

Schools Back !! Time to Prepare - Using ICE

It is that time of year again.....what has your school district done to increase the safety of your children...better yet, what have YOU done?

It is after all, YOUR responsibility...not someone else's.
The sooner you realize that fact of life the better.
So, don't wait for someone else to do your work for you.

Have a frank discussion with your children about their personal safety - remember, the effort you expend NOW will be a lot less than when an incident or disaster happens.

Start simple:
-Make sure they have a completed ICE CARD - especially if they have medical issues - don't rely on third parties to provide this information because they may be unable to when the chips are down or be delayed(them what??)!
-If they have a phone - make sure it has emergency contacts identified using E.123 Standard
-Place an ICE STICKER on the cell phone (free by SASE at ICE4SAFETY.com)
-Give them a plan to follow in case of an emergency - such as who to call or places to go or meet up.
-Conduct a question and answer session about what they would do in certain situations that relate to your area - make sure they know what to do. Conduct a practice drill and discuss alternate routes home and understand what they are - ahead of time.
-Discuss the concept of sheltering in place which may be the best approach in certain instances.
-Provide a number of safety items that your children can keep with them to give them some additional sense of security and self reliance (and that will pass school security measures).
-Knowledge is power and crucial in any survival situation - don't be afraid to use it.

There is no time like the present to get started.

ICE for Industry in 2008

ICE has more uses than those attributed to cell phones as most of you have now come to know.

Because of the world we live in and the increased vigilance about safety on job sites, using ICE as a safety tool for the workplace makes perfect sense.

Learn more about how you can use ICE as a workplace safety tool - one that you can develop yourself as well and not be committed or have to rely on a single vendor for your supplies!


Learn also about the International Non-Language Based E.123 Standard that ICE4SAFETY is assisting the United Nations to promote across the world.

Click on the PowerPoint Slide above to access the website and view the presentations!

New York State Fair Features ICE for 2008!

SUNY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY - UPSTATE EMERGENCY MEDICINE

The Emergency Medicine Department at Upstate Hospital ( A teaching hospital) has recognized for the second year in a row, that using ICE can be a valuable tool in your survival.

They have their poster and brochures prominently displaying that fact at the 2008 New York State Fair.

The New York State Fair is in progress as we blog this!

Stop by the Health Exhibit Building just inside the main gate and visit the SUNY Hospital Information Booth staffed by medical professionals.

Can you get a better endorsement than that to use ICE? A number of trauma hospitals across the country have endorsed the use of ICE as has Consumer's Reports (July '07).

Upstate Hospital Emergency Room Nurses Support Using ICE - READ IT HERE!

Yes, that is indeed the ICE4SAFETY Image!

Welcome Back Students! Vassar & ICE 2008

Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York is welcoming back students this Fall Semester with ICE! Incoming students will be provided their own custom designed ICE Cards in an effort to improve safety and prepredness amongst the student body and employees at this fine educational institution!

Welcome Aboard Vassar Students!

Educators around the world have been inquiring about the development of a course curriculum on ICE and ICE4SAFETY is responding....

Still time for other schools to bring ICE on board this Fall!