Yet Another Terrorist Incident in 2009

Terrorism Strikes Again for 2009.

Some things we do know that might help you assess if terrorism is still a valid concern for you:

80 Grams of explosives were found sewn into the underwear of the terrorist. The infamous terrorist shoe bomber had 50 grams of the same explosive in his failed bomb attempt.

His terror affiliation was reported to theUS Government in Nigeria by the man's father - a high ranking minister in Nigerian government. The father was told by his son it was his last communication. This info was known well in advance of the flight he took.

The English speaking Nigerian had paid $2800 CASH for a one way ticket to Detroit and NO luggage for his cross continent trip. He was on a watch list. He did not have a passport.

DHS Chief Napolitano said the "system" worked fine, then recanted a day later when she said there were systemic failures and it did not work.

The White House spokesperson said the government cannot watch everyone on the "watch list" of 500 thousand. Fed Ex/UPS can track 75 million packages worldwide in the course of one day.

1000 or more Al Qaeda are in Yemen.

US Sky Marshall guards were not allowed on the plane because the Netherlands will not allow it. It was a civilian from Holland who thwarted the attack.

The UK denied the terrorist a student visa because of his terrorist associations. The USA granted him multiple entry visas. His visa was expired.

More terrorists are being sent to the US according to British sources who indicate 25 more have been trained by the Al Qaeda network. The number of attempted/successful terror attacks has increased - 8 in 11 months for 2009.

President Obama calls the incident an "alleged" attempt to detonate an explosive by a "suspect". The FBI confirmed it was in fact Petn binary explosive that was sewn into the terrorist's underwear. Added 12-31-09: The "suspect" has been provided top notch legal representation at no charge by the USA despite his family being wealthy and his being a non-citizen terrorist combatant.

US government spokespersons have discounted the fact the bomber may be a "legitimate" terrorist. Added 12-31-09: News media continue to call the terrorist bomber a "suspect".

Two of the Art Therapy rehabilitated terrorists released to Saudi Arabia from Gitmo in 2007 travelled to Yemen where they claimed publicly to have recruited, trained and planned this terrorist bombing plot for the Christmas Day Bomber.

US Congress already voted against funding airport full body scan equipment as intrusive and it is estimated that it would now take about 5 years to implement. Added 12-31-09: Netherlands has now implemented full body scans for all passenger flights to the United States. 19 airports in the US have full body scanners.

The only airline to successfully use profiling to deter this terrorist threat is the Israeli Airline, El Al - which so far appears to have worked consistently for 30 years.

Added 1-1-10: Since Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed over Lockerbie, Scotland by Muslim men in 1988, all attacks on commercial airliners have been by foreign-born Muslim men with the same hair color, eye color and skin color. Half were named Mohammed.

In January 2010 the US Government is scheduled to prosecute 3 Navy Seals for "allegedly" punching a captured terrorist in the face. The terrorist killed 4 US citizens in Iraq.

Sending the police to arrest them after they blow you , family members and first responders up is NOT the way to deal with these fanatics. They are not deterred by flamboyant words, ignorance, appeasement or weakness.

The religious leaders in Saudi Arabia have to stop funding Al Qaeda and declare this terrorist war an Un-Holy War otherwise it will continue unabated.

Make your decisions on being prepared accordingly.

Gasoline Storage & Safety

GASOLINE IS TOXIC, HAZARDOUS AND HIGHLY FLAMMABLE!
FLASH POINT OF GASOLINE IS -45 DEGREES F

That being said, it is understood that many of you are contemplating or already storing gasoline for use in snow blowers, generators, tractors, chain saws etc. and are using many different means to do so. Some methods are hazardous and can cause a calamity.

Consider some basic safety facts when making your decision to store gasoline:

Many local codes prohibit residential storage of Gasoline in excess of 5 gallons.

Gasoline is explosive.

Transporting over 50 gallons of Gasoline on a highway requires permits and equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment is Recommended for Handling Gasoline - Gasoline Resistant Gloves - Safety Glasses or Face Shields

Never fill Gasoline Containers inside the bed of a truck or trunk - especially if it has a plastic liner - always place container on the ground when filling at a service station.

Do not get in and out of your vehicle when pumping gasoline - a static charge buildup and resulting spark can ignite gasoline fumes.

Do Not Store Gasoline inside your residence.

NEVER siphon gasoline by mouth using a hose.

NEVER store Gasoline in Glass Containers

Stored Gasoline develops tar, gums and degrades when stored for long periods and can impede proper engine performance.
Like survival food stores - Stored Gasoline needs to be rotated to ensure it will work.
Fuel Stabilizers need to be used if fuel is stored for any period of time over a month.
Gasoline absorbs water (hygroscopic) and can be detrimental to engine components and metal storage containers over time.

Spilling Gasoline into the ground in large quantities can be detrimental to the environment - especially if groundwater is used for drinking!

OK, so you know all that right? Good.

But you have already assessed that you can't survive long on just 5 gallons of gasoline and gas does not last long in storage - especially the gasoline purchased in summer months that is less volatile than that made with extra butane in Winter season.

You have decided that you want to store more without posing a substantial hazard to the community. That might be difficult to do and depending on how much you want to store and where - dangerous.

We can't recommend that you violate any laws or common sense. There are some standard industry practices you should be aware of and storage containers that are considered safe. One is pictured here.

The other is a larger volume idea - a 30 gallon drum with a non sparking pump and non sparking drum lock to keep honest people from pilfering your supply. This is an investment of maybe $140 (online) unless you live in an industrialized area and can get one much cheaper locally. Locks are about $40.

Larger drums can be difficult if not impossible to move around when full for the average homeowner. You will likely not get a code variance to store this much gas on your property in typical residential areas.

Pickup truck mounted construction fuel tanks or underground storage sound plausible but may also be prohibited and obvious in most neighborhoods. Vandalism is a reality as well so any tank not secured from opening is at risk. New tanks for underground storage are available in 100 gallons and up.....consider a vault if doing this so you can inspect the tank and remove it if need be.

If you ever have seen a boat explosion you will be very wary of storing large volumes of fuel - especially if unsafe. Gasoline evaporates in heat and storing fuel out of the direct sun in well ventilated areas is a must. Small quantities in explosion proof containers and storage cabinets is done in commercial environments - generally not homes.

Multiple 5 gallon cans will work if you decide to accept responsibility for more than 5 gallons of stored fuel. One for immediate use, one for storage and one to fill up to top off the others. Transferring fuel between containers requires a grounding and bonding procedure to ensure maximum safety. The US Forest Service has a suitable article about this that anyone can understand LINK HERE

Make sure your portable containers are RED for GASOLINE - BLUE for KEROSENE - YELLOW for DIESEL otherwise you will have serious problems. Make sure you understand the physical characteristics of Gasoline by reading the MSDS LINK HERE

If you need to relocate with some fuel then make sure the containers are DOT approved - not because anyone will be checking labels and issuing citations in an emergency, but for safety sake. If you can secure them on your vehicle or trailer all the better. Jeeps have had these aftermarket features for years and military gas cans are readily available and durable.

One other way to ensure you have some gas (20 gallons?) on hand is to keep your vehicle full at all times - especially in winter when water absorption can combine and cause starting and operating problems. Too bad you won't be able to readily siphon the fuel out of the tank because of new anti-siphon devices.

Consider using diesel for electric generators and kerosene for standby heaters as they are much less volatile but have some particular long term storage considerations as well. Natural gas and propane are other viable alternatives.

Amsoil, Sta-Bil and Pri-G all market fuel stabilizers and Pri-G says it can restore old gas to a useful state and preserve volatility up to 2 years. One Pri-G bottle can preserve around 250 gallons or more.

Added: Make sure you have a suitabable funnel that removes harmful water and debris from contaminating your fuel supply. Mr Funnel has just the product designed for this task (http://www.mrfunnel.com/Mr._Funnel/Home.html) and do a good job of this.

Always have a suitably large (10lb) dry chemical fire extinguisher on hand to extinguish incipient (small) fires.

We will add to this post - for now you should have some food for thought when considering this idea.

Bottom line....if you need to store more fuel....do it safely.

New Year - New Phone Reminder

Got Phone?

Make sure you remember to update the ICE features too!

You can upload the ICE Image onto your phone via the Micro-SD Card or via the Internet and make it your phone display wallpaper.

SmartPhone users can acquire an Application called smart-ICE that utilizes the ICE Image and can be viewed at http://www.ice4safety.com/smart.html or learn more at

www.ems-options.com

Remember to also include the ICE Sticker on the back of the phone like in the picture here. You can acquire them free along with ICE Cards and Card Holders by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to the ICE4SAFETY address on the website.

You can see more of how the ICE4SAFETY System Tools can be used at http://www.ice4safety.com/ or also by reading the many articles here on the Google ICE Blog.

As always, no gimmicks, no subscriptions or PC nonsense...just simple DIY, common sense safety and preparedness tips.

If you want the Preparedness Poster that demonstrates this tip.....it is here http://www.ice4safety.com/posters.html easy!

Who Are You Going to Call

Popular wisdom would have you believe that accidents just "happen" . They don't. All knowledgeable safety practitioners know that for accidents to occur, a specific chain of events in a specific space and time need to take place otherwise the accident will not occur.

Accident theory suggests that accidents involving people are complex and require a cumulative set of circumstances be met for them to occur. So what does this have to do with you and being prepared.

Simply that if you better understand how these events take place and why, you are more effectively able to assess and prepare by eliminating the circumstances necessary for them to occur.

Was your vehicle well maintained? Were the tires inflated properly? Mirror functioning? Seat belt worn as per company policy/state law? Were you late and speeding? Were you not driving defensively or distracted using a cell phone? The list can go on....you get the point.

Being clueless and not anticipating that something can go seriously wrong due to a variety of factors that have been in play for some time can cause you become complacent.

On the flip side we don't want people to go around yelling the sky is falling either...(there are plenty of nuts doing just that). Be cognizant of your risky behaviors that can contribute to accidents - modify them and be prepared for what you might reasonably need to do if an event were to occur.

Visit http://www.ice4safety.com/posters.html and download a new ICE Preparedness Poster using this picture.

To Be or Not to Be - Prepared

AP News Excerpt 12-18-09 about impending snow storm.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Hardware stores were selling out of rock salt, shovels and other winter supplies as a major storm moved up the Atlantic coast Friday, threatening a heavy coating of wet snow on the last shopping weekend before Christmas.

People also stocked up on groceries and other staples as the National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings from the Carolinas to New Jersey. Forecasters expected up to 20 inches of snow through late Saturday in the Washington metro area and the mountains of southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia.

Forecasters said it could bring the most snow in the nation's capital since a February 2003 storm dumped nearly 27 inches at Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

Up to a foot of snow was forecast in parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.......

In southern West Virginia, Ron Hart's hardware store had sold out of many supplies after a wind storm last week knocked out electricity for days. On Friday, he was swamped again as customers bought heaters, propane, generator cords and plugs, and insulating tape.

"People are having to spend money on bare essentials versus Christmas," Hart said. "Our Christmas sales are considerably down because of what people are having to buy."

Could these materials have been in place months/years ago and ready to go in the event of any such emergency. Sure could.

Not being prepared makes you reliant on government resources that might easily be stretched thin or unavailable depending on the severity of the event. You should realistically expect a three day event without assistance at minimum. Build your level of preparedness from there.

As for food supplies.....another no brainer.....having weeks, months or a years supply built up and being rotated in and out is a very sound best practice......

Swamping a hardware store last minute illustrates the level of unpreparedness that exists.....or that people are beginning to pay attention - however late...but paying attention.
That could be good.

Granted, 20 inches of snow is not a big deal to the Tug Hill Region of NY where 3-8 feet in one day is possible - but to a Mid-Atlantic State it sure is.

Good Use of Grant Money - ICE Programs

By WBNG News
Story Created: Dec 8, 2009 at 4:01 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 8, 2009 at 4:02 PM EST

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES NEW YORK ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE $344.7 MILLION IN FEDERAL HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State is eligible to receive more than $344.7 million in Fiscal Year 2010 federal Homeland Security Funding. The State is targeted to receive $113.5 million in State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) funds, the most of any state in the nation. The New York City Urban Area is slated to receive $151.5 million, a 4.4 percent increase from FY 2009. The final federal grant award announcements will be made by the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in mid-2010.

These grant funds will support first responders and communities across the State to better prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks, natural disasters and other emergencies.

“New Yorkers know all too well the evils of terrorism as the City and State remain a target for those who would cause us harm. And it is especially gratifying to see that our partners at the federal Department of Homeland Security recognize that too,” Governor Paterson said. “That is why these funds are so vital in the continuing effort to enhance our readiness and response capabilities to protect our citizens. These funds will help make sure that our valiant first responders have the tools and training they need to protect our State from potential acts of terror.

“I want to thank Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and our Congressional delegation for supporting New York State’s and New York City’s threat-based approach and making sure that New York receives the resources that it deserves,” the Governor added.

“These grants play a major role in our efforts to work with our state, local, tribal and territorial and private sector partners to build a national culture of readiness and resilience,” DHS Secretary Napolitano said in making the national target awards announcement this morning. “This year’s guidance focuses on maximizing efficiency and value while prioritizing risk in awarding grants to strengthen our nation’s security.”

Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Denise E. O’Donnell said: “These federal resources are critical, and will allow communities across New York State to continue to invest in equipment, technology, training and other projects designed to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers. We must remain on guard, prepared and ever vigilant, and I am grateful that the Obama Administration and our Congressional delegation have continued their commitment to New York and all of its residents.”

Read more details of the grant allocations:

http://www.wbng.com/news/state/78802217.html

Distracted Driving - Be Alert

Find more videos like this on Online Safety Community


Being a defensive driver is imperative as you can see by this video....being distracted in any way while driving can be extemely hazardous.

Always look both ways and back again before proceeding into the intersection - that 2 second delay can save your life. We speak from experience on that one.

Media Hype vs Reality Debunked

This is a fairly sensational entertainment flick to say the least. Just in case some folks confuse our preparedness message to think ICE4SAFETY might somehow adhere to some of the fringe or bizarre doomsday theories - we don't.

While we may recommend useful tips and techniques also shared by some of these purveyors of doom, we feel that if the end comes in this manner there won't be a whole lot you'll be able to do at that point - except maybe prolong the agony.

We are strong advocates of being prepared for the emergencies that we might reasonably face on a daily basis, working and playing safely and having the knowledge beforehand of how to act/help others in case of an emergency.

Enjoy the movie.

Preparedness Posters Debut - ICE 12-09

Simple - Right to the Point....Made to Order for your particular situation and emergencies in general. Can be posterized and can be used as a weekly preparedness safety topic of discussion or project.

ICE4SAFETY has a web page dedicated just to these posters so you can retrieve them whenever you want. http://www.ice4safety.com/posters.html

Got some poster ideas? Great! Feel free to let us know and we will include them going forward. Want some custom designed for your group? We can do that as well and deliver them....once again....free.

Remember - we can't and won't do everything for you - without some skin in the game you end up doing a disservice to your community by not taking an active role.

Once again....more free support for ICE users. It is not about stickers on phones anymore!