Preparedness Tip - Prescription Eyewear

When speaking with Optician Robert Hoffman at Empire Vision in Dewitt recently, we were reminded about having a spare pair of glasses....thanks Bob.

When preparing your emergency evacuation kit make sure you include a pair of glasses that will hold up in a variety of conditions. Also make sure you include the prescription information you get from your most recent eye exam on your Emergency Medical Information Form (http://www.ice4safety.com/) and Critical Information Document as backup data that can be placed on a Portable USB Drive. You might even note that on your ICE Medical Card as well.

Since we advocate redundancy in preparation - back that up by writing the prescription on the hard case your store the glasses in with silver metallic or black Sharpie marker along with your name. If you rely on "cheaters" from the drugstore then make sure you note the magnification factor on the case to avoid confusion later on.

If you can afford new glasses or your insurance coverage allows you to offset the purchase with insurance, then having a dedicated pair of glasses is an excellent idea. As we all know, looking for what we need or THINK we need when evacuating is a practice fraught with failure in most cases.

Spare eyeglasses can be as ugly as the military combat glasses (aka birth control glasses) or trendy transitional lens designer models. Remember that you won't need to be styling much in an emergency but you will need dependable (durable) and effective vision wear - if you don't need any vision assistance...that's one less hassle.

All of us will however need protection from UV light whether or not you require vision assistance. Spending time outside in bright sunlight can cause you to lose your effective vision in very short order (sun blindness).

If you are really economizing here or need something inconspicuous in a small emergency kit, there are paper thin sunglasses you can get from your optician (like 3D movie glasses) or online from Brigade or Nitro-Pak. You will be severely hampered in your self help survival efforts if you suddenly become blind.

Glasses having a transitional lens (vs. bifocal), photochromic UV protection (vs. separate sunglasses or clip ons), polycarbonate (vs. glass), ANSI Z87 or Military High Velocity Impact Resistance (vs no impact resistance) lenses may be your best all around bet. A pair of eyeglass retainers are in order if you are on the move - also make sure you can wear ski or protective goggles over the glasses.

Prep Tip:
Dedicating as little as 10 minutes every day to complete at least one act of preparation will result in your spending 5 hours of effort toward your preparedness goals in one month.

Snowmobile Safety - Using ICE

It is definitely that time of year again and for those of you lucky enough to have snow like Oswego County and the Tug Hill Regions of New York - ICE can play a roll in improving your odds of getting the correct medical treatment in that critical "Golden Hour" of intervention.

Just so you would know how the new ICE stickers would look on your "sled" we had Ed Coombs, a professional NASCAR photographer take some representative photos of a fully decked out snowmobile and rider to demonstrate the various locations where ICE can be used on the machine. Notice (hard not to) the helmet is clearly marked with a large ICE Sticker and can be seen for a considerable distance.

ICE Cards are carried by the rider, his cell phone has emergency contacts programmed in using the international E.123 Standard, an Emergency Medical Info Form is carried and marked with an ICE sticker as well. A completed ICE Card can also be attached to the inside surfaces of the snowmobile to provide instant access to the information. If you would like to keep the card out of plain sight for when you park outside the gathering spot - try the storage compartment or an alternate document holder on board.

Ed says because the plastic cowlings are so slick on the new machines you might want to place the stickers on some equally visible surfaces that weren't designed to resist stickers. As you can see, this did not present any problem.

Now, see what kind of looks you get from the Sheriff's Patrol when you stop at the inspection checkpoint! ICE - we deliver! Thanks Ed!

Preparedness Tip - Canned Food Storage

A useful tip from CampingSurvival.Com and ICE4SAFETY.

Canned food labels have tendency to peel off over time, especially if they are kept for years in your basement.

In order to prevent this, put a coat of shellac over the label as soon as you get them. This way, you will always know what's in the can years later.

Also, use permanent marker to identify the can contents in case you have a (clean) water leak that washes the labels off your normally stored food (also used in an emergency).

You could use the code "P" to denote purchase date for food rotation purposes

[such a P 1-14-09].

You can use the code "X" for the manufacturer expiration date [such as X 5-10-12]

Simple - easy to understand and easy to see if you lose your glasses.

ICE4SAFETY has stressed labeling tips to help you recognize equipment and items that in an emergency may be overlooked or that because of your heightened state of anxiety may fail to recognize. In any event you may not be able to see the expiration dates on small cans of food because the print is so small.

If you or your organization has a unique and helpful safety tip such as this, you are welcome to submit them to ICE4SAFETY and we will post them with you. We will also make a Tool Box Safety Discussion for others to use as well.

ICE CUBE Training Aid

That is indeed an "ICE CUBE" and one that can be constructed easily and used for training and awareness purposes as well as promote uses for ICE. Maybe some insurance carrier or workers comp TPA or health insurer will make up a bunch of these for stress blocks or something useful for office workers.

We will place this file online as well and include it in an instructional tool kit to make it easier for all of you instructors and scout leaders etc.. ICE4SAFETY will develop a large display oriented ICE Cube to be used in convention like settings for sponsoring organizations to use. A floating ICE Cube should get some attention....."service after the sale" - we keep devloping ways for you to use and promote the spread of the ICE concept.

You'll be seeing these more going forward.....whatever helps spread the word.

2009 ICE Calendars

Want to show off your groups involvement in using ICE?

ICE4SAFETY can make your group or business a custom calendar to show a specific set of scenes (like the "Adopt a Hydrant" Program) or events related to promoting ICE and send it electronically to you.

One simple example is show here....plenty more. We will place a few online at the website for you to use. You can make these up in your color laser of inkjet printer and give them away. Very Cool!

ICE at South Florida Fair 1-15 to 2-1

For the second consecutive year, ICE will be at the South Florida Fair and promoted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department and Fire Rescue!

PBSO and PBFR have been successfully promoting the use of ICE for the delivery of emergency medical services in the many communities they serve since last January 2008!

Click on Logo to Visit the Fair Online!

ICE Vehicle Safety System & Snowmobiles

While we are on the topic of winter sports, here is a perfect use for ICE.

Snowmobiles work in remote areas often outside the range of cell phones or radios...mostly in underpopulated areas of some of the snowbound states.

County Sheriff's and State Police with sled patrols have a perfect opportunity to spread the use of this preparedness tool during their operator safety training sessions and trail interventions (aka "roadblocks").

A few hours on a trail and some distance by foot from civilization in below zero weather takes some advance preparation. When accidents or mechanical failure or medical issues come up it certainly is wise to have more than plan "B". Add too much alcohol and some drivers may become your worst nightmare on the snow.

Place an ICE Sticker on your sled, complete the ICE Cards, program your cell phones, attach a small ICE Sticker to them as well and complete a medical information form online to carry with you always! Simple. Never travel without a basic survival kit, tools and 1st aid kit.

Hey, we'll let the Sheriff's tell you about the rest for right now...

Snowmobile groups? By now you should have figured this out already....have fun and be safe!

Link to the New York State Snowmobile Association - NYSSA.

ICE Promotional Displays

Winter Fire Safety Posters - Adopt a Hydrant

After we had assembled a group of winter fire safety posters we came upon the idea of adopting a hydrant as a theme....seems it was not an original idea - but one we liked nonetheless!

We found two Adopt A Hydrant programs online - Fairfax, Virginia and Southfield, Michigan and we salute your cities for doing this.

ICE4SAFETY would like everyone with snow to venture out to their nearest Fire Hydrant and Shovel or Snowblow the little fellas out. It may be double digits below zero with wind chill when you shovel, but imagine the firefighter who may have just been roused from his warm home to fight your fire in that temperature come 0300Hrs.

You can find the new posters on the ICE website http://www.ice4safety.com/diy.html in a zipped file. Want to design some for others to use? Have some neat pics we can use? Use your email and send them along. Full credit given.

Slide show is temporarily down - please visit the ICE4SAFETY website to download the fire safety posters.

NEXT TIME YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS A PANCAKE BREAKFAST OR SOME OTHER PUBLIC FUNCTION, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER POPPING A FEW OF THESE POSTERS ON TABLES FOR PEOPLE TO SEE - THEY WILL GET THE HINT. LOCAL BOY SCOUTS CAN PASS THESE OUT DOOR TO DOOR IN AREAS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT MIGHT NEED A HELPING HAND COME WINTER! THIS IS REAL EASY FOLKS.

ICE Displays for Medical Offices

Another convenient way for ICE to be displayed and given out at medical facilities, ski resorts, office lobby areas, waiting rooms, dentist offices and the list goes on. Eye catching and appealing , the display fits right in and can carry the name/logo of the organization that is sponsoring the giveaway - the cards can bear the same promotional information as well. These pics are from a participating physicians office.

Drug Vial Program Considerations

Fact: Vial Safety Programs are Essentially Target Marketing of Persons Who Take Prescription Medications.

They persist because they help promote drug sales by drug stores and have done so since the early 1970's. Naturally, the drug vial is the medium of choice for use by this type of merchant.

Some of the regional drug chains may actually now be venturing into creating an auto vial that expands the use of the concept to the automobile.

The problem now is recognizing the myriad of competing symbols and marketing information to promote the various regional programs.

Here are three (3) simple benchmark questions for checking out the Vial Program you are evaluating to see if it is marketing or public service:

#1 Is the Drug Chain Logo the same size or larger than the symbol being used to denote the purpose of the device?
If Same or Larger - It is Advertising.

The main purpose should be to identify the emergency vial - not advertise the drug chain. Now ask yourself - do I or my police/fire/ems organization want to serve as a pimp for a store chain?

#2 Are the people creating this program advertisers or safety professionals with experience? Are they using your agency to get street cred? Can your agency help the distribution of these vials through other merchants or outlets in your area? What about other drug chains - since not everyone uses just one of the say 8-10 major chains in most cities and suburbs? Not likely if the design involves advertising for another chain!

#3 What is the "service after the sale" - in other words what kinds of programs, tools or control over how your(?) program rolls out. You get billboards, some radio and people to visit the store.

Having most of the device consist of advertising compromises the effectiveness of the idea and the ability of responders - especially those from outside your district, to recognize the symbol - which is the whole purpose. You might eventually see one small line of text on the ICE Sticker to identify the source (ICE4SAFETY) or the agency using the system. We don't need to advertise because we aren't planning to spend $500K on a marketing campaign.

Still considering placing that advertisement on your ski helmet, bicycle, car, or snowmobile? We have conditioned ourselves to advertise the likes of Nike and North Face on our shirts and jackets, so maybe that is what you have come to expect......but this about safety - right?

How about if your fire/police/city/non profit were to have their name on stickers and posters and brochures that promoted a safety program? Would that make more sense? Will the program sponsor allow you to place your name on program materials or just be a supporter endorsing their product?

Also you may want to consider how you might improve the distribution of the Vial Materials through other outlets - if advertising conflicts are a problem then you are hampered in your overall effectiveness.

Most charities will have an event and feature multiple sponsors on a brochure, banner or poster - some undoubtedly will be competitors. Consider how this might affect your rolling out your Vial Program if you are counting on multiple community sponsors using a proprietary advertising based program.

Depending on the type of design offered, you by all means would NOT want to display a picture of a drug vial on your car, your home or apartment door for all the local robbers and burglars to see given the widespread problem with prescription drug misuse.

Let's face it, most people are unwilling to take (much) time when it comes to making sure they are equipped to survive. Look around - people wearing flip flops or bedroom pajamas and slippers out in public malls or when travelling......is this stylish or simply clueless? So it comes as no surprise really that many people will follow the path of least resistance - even with their own safety...and often with the same predictable result.

So, if you are a large drug chain and want to gain a competitive marketing advantage over other chains in this area - simply don't spend $500K -$1M in advertising start up to establish (not maintain) a new image - just use ICE.

Some advantages to using ICE to improve vial program effectiveness:

• It is more flexible and has many more uses than representing one system or method
• Superior recognition by design and through widespread use
• The design (ICE) is not going to change like Vial Programs - then what do you do????
• Not limited in the use of the image for one emergency purpose
• Encompasses all disciplines of emergency action planning, safety and preparedness
• Not limited to representing first aid kits or Drug Vials
• Has applications for the home/auto/work/your person / recreational equipment etc...
• Image can be uploaded to cell phones or other electronics for increased program efficacy
• Doesn't suggest drug use or disability
• Co-Branding of promotional materials (like large stickers) already developed - saves money and resources not to mention makes perfect sense for business
• Designed by safety professionals with field experience not marketers
• You have control over expanding your program to home/auto/person/boat/workplace
• Not limited to the geographical region where the drug chain only promotes the program
• Can be supported online at ICE4SAFETY where it is viewed by thousands of people in over 70 countries!
• ICE is not language dependent using E.123
• ICE is designed to be a public service and has been for almost 4 years.
• Less (if any) chance of conflict with design use by business sponsors to support program.

Bottom line - using ICE for HOME/AUTO/TRAVEL/WORK is still the simplest and most cost effective solution for preparedness and one that continues to find new uses. If your organization wants to be an extension of the marketing department of any retail chain, then hopefully you brainstorm out all the details.

Applications using RFID and 2D Barcode are also available.

This may have been a tough love article for some whose hearts are in the right place - if it helps you make a more informed decision that ultimately better serves the community, then that is a good thing.

ICE Card Posters for Stand Alone Displays

Just when you thought it couldn't get any easier....now we have taken the guess work out of how to get the ICE Cards on display in places where people can see them.

Using a plastic poster and card display found at office supply stores ($11) we made up posters that allow you to place your organization's name/logo on them and place them on counter tops and point of sale areas for people to learn about ICE and acquire the cards easily.

We have made up posters for the basic contact cards, medical info cards, international cards, health care proxy cards and for whatever card you feel like displaying.....the display units have clear plastic card holders built right into the lower right corner of the units making it easy for people to see and take a card. The cards themselves make up the display in that corner of the poster.....smart, huh?

We are getting them out there to police departments, doctor offices and a host of other places....

Let us know what you want on your poster and we will send you the file (free of course) in MS Word or PDF and you can print your own. We will place them online soon.....

Large Multi-Use ICE Stickers Available Online

You asked for them, so now we have them online for you to purchase. It is a lot easier than making your own. We waited three years but it was inevitable that in order to get the job done we also had to DIY.

UV and Weather Resistant 2" x 2" Stickers can be located and obtained at http://www.ice4safety.com/purchase.html

Snow and ice is not included.

ICE Medical Cards Available - January 2009

The ICE Medical Info Cards are now available in quantities online at http://www.ice4safety.com/ as promised in response to your requests.

The cards actually have only one line for allergies to accommodate the printing on the top two lines...still plenty of room.

OK, at this point people have more than a few options: Basic and Medical Cards, Small and Large Outdoor Stickers, Card Holders, Posters, Medical Info Forms, Brochures, Tool Box Talks, Roll Call Training, Videos, PowerPoint, Multi-Lingual Cards, RFID Solutions....and the list grows.....seems to be working for a number of you out there so we will keep it up. Thanks for the continued support.

Ski Safety Ideas - Winter 2008/2009

Since we are on the topic of ski safety and using ICE for winter recreation, here are some ideas for you on simple safety poster creation and actual use of and ICE Sticker on a ski helmet.

These pics were taken at Labrador Mountain in Truxton, NY [http://www.labradormtn.com/] recently where the ski patrol was conducting training.

This poster took just a few minutes to make and if rotated with some other posters around the lodge, might get some attention and reinforce the "be nice" signs you'll see on the ski lift towers.

Face it, you can be nice as they come and still get whacked pretty bad by some totally irresponsible (or novice)person on the slopes who is not.

Time during an emergency is important - sometimes communications in remote ski areas is less than ideal - cell phones won't work, radio system interoperability is not established or staffing shortages causes a delay. Family plans often do not include what to do in an emergency - just when to meet for lunch.

For the five or ten minutes it takes to complete an ICE Card, place an ICE Sticker on your helmet (or skis) and fill out a Medical Info Form you can improve your odds of survival markedly. No program where you are? No problem - SASE to ICE4SAFETY gets you the ICE Materials FREE.

Parents? Are your children participating in a school ski program after school? Is your school safety plan as comprehensive as you'd like it to be. If not, then it might be time to speak up.

We are full time safety professionals that review and recommend safety programs all day long for a living. BS is simply one thing that won't pass muster in an emergency. Nice part about ICE - when ski season is over, you can use it for rollerblading and kayaking next summer.....

Take control of your own safety and don't take it for granted or entrust it to people who don't place that as upmost in their business plan. Ask yourself what level of safety preparedness are you willing to settle for? (Answer: The Best of Course!)

Let your ski mountain know about ICE and that you are using it. The Local and National Ski Patrol is a truly dedicated group of people - some of the best in fact...we know first hand about that! So, help them out will ya please! Snowmobilers and Ice Fishing is next.....

Ski Helmet Equipped with ICE Sticker

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.

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.