Suggestions for Emergency Kits

This article gives lots of good ideas for various kits you can make yourself or purchase to be prepared for anything. I suggest that this could be a project that can be worked on at a community gathering so people can support each other in being prepared. Some things could be bought in bulk. Some people could print out the lists. People could check in each week to see how each other are doing, and have a brief discussion. Maybe someone knows where to get cheap stuff. I know that it is hard for me to think about anything but what is happening in front of me–hard to imagine something happening to me. Yet look at the weather and people experiencing floods and so many other natural disasters. I say prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.

http://www.outdoors-magazine.com/spip.php?page=article&id_article=103

Children need to be outside–and so do adults!

Great article about children being outside

http://www.parentmap.com/content/view/526/110/

 

Jon Young on Mentoring-fantastic article

 

http://www.jonyoung.info/S08_Young_InvisibleSchool.pdf

 

Bird language-learning

http://www.unf.edu/recsports/nature/Language%20of%20the%20Birds.html

 

tom brown’s tacker school for kids

 

http://trackertrail.com/publications/truetracks/1999fall/tt1999fall.html

 

test for neighborhood awareness

http://www.earthwaynetwork.org/tourist_test/tourist_test.html

Relocalization: An overview of an answer to peak oil crises

Relocalization

To reach the goal of Sustainability, we advocate for the process of Relocalization. RELOCALIZATION means becoming self-reliant (not self-sufficient) at the local level and rebuilding our communities based on the local production of food, energy, and goods as well as the relocalization of governance and culture. It moves one step further than the strategy of Localization (increasing the local production of goods and services in order to fight the detrimental effects of globalization) in that Relocalization also makes a firm commitment to reducing consumption and improving environmental and social conditions. In this way, communities begin to develop a greater degree of economic self-reliance and stronger sense of community.

The Goals of Relocalization:

* Increase community energy security
* Strengthen local economics
* Dramatically improve environmental conditions and social equity
* Operate well inside eco-system limits
* Address the fears of scarcity and redefining the concept of “needs” and “enough.”
* Implementation of the Earth Charter – a sustainable framework and progress measure

The Results of Relocalization:

* A self-reliant local economy run by local stakeholders.
* A healthy community for ALL.
* A healthy and intact ecosystem that can sustain us.
* An increase in local manufacturing and energy production.
* Living wage jobs that fulfill the desire for right livelihood, and opportunities to reclaim lost skills.
* Healthy food grown locally on family farms.
* An improved quality of life—meeting the basic needs of all.

In these times of uncertainty, are you interested in actively helping to create the systemic change necessary to ensure the continued quality of life we enjoy so much here in Whatcom County? Yes, this is a challenge. But, together, it’s one we can meet. We have more in common than our needs for clean air and water, and nourishing soil.

We can work locally to create a microcosm of sustainability than can serve as an example for all the people that are fleeing the areas they live in now because they’ve been destroyed. Together, we can build a society that is ecologically wise and socially just. Our grandchildren will thank us for it.

Join us–because it is going to take us all to create the change we want to see in the world.

Sustainable Bellingham is a member of the Post Carbon Institute’s Relocalization Network.
http://www.relocalize.net/groups/bellingham

For more, read Global Relocalization - A Call To Action, from the Post Carbon Institute.
http://www.postcarbon.org/informed/relocalization

And Relocalization: A Strategic Response to Climate Change and Peak Oil, by Jason Bradford of WELL.
http://www.theoildrum.com/node/2598

And Relocalization and Reconnection, by Dave Ewoldt.
http://sustainablebellingham.org/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=RelocalizationAndR…

All Together Now: Overview of a great book on a program for emergency preparedness for neighborhood in NYC

All Together Now: Handbook for Neighbors

I trust the Empowerment Institute to publish worthwhile materials. This looks like a very worthwhile handbook.

What I like about these folks is that they really have learned how to get folks together and give step-by-step instructions on how to do everything.

What Is All Together Now http://www.empowermentinstitute.net/atn/index.html

All Together Now is a program designed to help New York City residents create disaster resilient communities in their building and on their block.
How Is Disaster Resiliency Accomplished?

Using simple, easy-to-do actions neighbors work together as a team to prepare for any kind of emergency. Resiliency is strengthened through the cooperation, trust and support of the team.
How Do Residents Get Started?

Residents volunteer to start the program in their building or block. Click here to learn about Program Managers in your area that can assist you.
Already A Building or Block Leader or a Team Member?

This web site provides you the program information and resources you need.
How Can I Bring This Program to My Community?

If you live outside of NYC and would like to bring this program to your community, contact Empowerment Institute at <!– var prefix = ‘ma’ + ‘il’ + ‘to’; var path = ‘hr’ + ‘ef’ + ‘=’; var addy92800 = ‘info’ + ‘@’; addy92800 = addy92800 + ‘empowermentinstitute’ + ‘.’ + ‘net’; document.write( ‘‘ ); document.write( addy92800 ); document.write( ” ); //–>\n info@empowermentinstitute.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it <!– document.write( ” ); //–> .
Purchase All Together Now workbook
For more information on the program please read the Overview below.
All Together Now DVD

Overview
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Create Disaster-Resistant Communities… Building by Building, Block by Block

If Hurricane Katrina had hit New York City causing an extended blackout or need for evacuation would the residents in your building or block have been ready? If the avian flu or a terrorist incident occurs in New York City will you and the residents of your building or block know what to do? These threats are not the fiction of Hollywood’s imagination, but the actual reality of our daily lives as New Yorkers. While many of us accept this as the new description of our world, few of us have done anything to prepare ourselves, neighbors, buildings or blocks.

One of the foremost lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina was that many lives could have been saved and social disorder reduced if residents had prepared themselves for that disaster. Over the past two years this is exactly what a pioneering group of 3,800 New Yorkers located in 40 buildings and blocks throughout the five boroughs have been doing. Participating in a pilot program called All Together Now, they have systematically developed disaster resilient communities at the building and block level.

This program was developed by Empowerment Institute (experts in community-based behavior change and disaster preparedness) in partnership with the NYC Office of Emergency Management. Funding for the pilot came from a congressional appropriation secured by Senator Hillary Clinton through the US Department of Justice. Borough presidents, community boards, coop and condo boards, building and block associations and a number of city agencies and community-based organizations provided leadership and support for this initiative. Much was accomplished and learned.

Households were motivated through the easy-to-use program to prepare themselves and their families for emergencies. They purchased extra food, water and flashlight supplies to last 3 to 7 days. They created evacuation kits, called “go-bags,” which they could use if they had to evacuate their homes with very short notice. They developed a plan for how to relocate their family and loved ones if they were separated. They learned how to shelter in place in case of a biological or chemical attack. They formed teams of neighbors to support one another in taking these actions and to serve as a support system in an emergency. They identified and helped the elderly and disabled in their building or on their block prepare and create evacuation plans. And they created building or block committees to sustain these changes.

Claresa Fisher, a building leader, described her experience. “I found the program exceptional and incredibly important. It provided structured detail on how to prepare for potential emergency situations. It was simple and did not make a stressful process overwhelming. The support and communication with my team was extremely helpful. I am so over committed in my life, if I can do this anybody can.”

Another participant Deborah Queller, said: “I was impressed with the organized layout of the materials. The individual actions were terrific. Each one was easy to do and the step-by-step outline was very user-friendly. The presentation allowed me to calm down about the ‘what ifs.’ My favorite part was the meetings. I got a lot of ideas and felt very supported by the group.”

The program has shown so much promise that funding was secured from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to help it prepare to scale up city-wide. Currently Empowerment Institute is recruiting, training and coaching 20 volunteer program managers from around the city to lead this program in their communities. For more information click here.

The premise of the program is simple. Taking prudent precautions against blackouts, natural disasters, terrorism and emergencies is nothing more than a form of insurance. The program’s title, All Together Now, reflects the belief that by far the best insurance is the group insurance you get from teamwork, because our neighbors security is tied to our own.

Should we take reasonable steps to protect ourselves and families against these risks? This choice seems clear. It is better to have a plan for an emergency that doesn’t happen then to have an emergency but no plan.

The steps that make the most sense in preparing for an emergency are a good idea, anyway. These actions will restore the kind of personal and community resiliency to our lives that we never intended to give up. What could be more important in today’s world than to live in a building or on a block where the residents are working together to create a strong and resilient social fabric. Living in a disaster resilient building or block represents the new quality of life indicator for New Yorkers. This is not only the ultimate defense against disasters, but a great way to build relationship rich buildings and blocks that can improve our quality of life right now.

The time we live in requires us to radically rethink our urban expectation of dependency and separation. What the future will bring is uncertain, but what is certain is that being prepared and connected will enable us to face that future with greater confidence and security.

How to organize your neighbors for emergencies

This is a great guideline for step by step how to have a neighborhood meeting to prepare for emergencies. I highly recommend that you print this out.
http://www.americaninsurancedepot.com/protectyourself/neighborhood.htm

Here is more of a description:

NOW is the time to share this information with every neighbor and
form a neighborhood group that can help each other. Anarchy and
riots could break out and law enforcement agencies may be operating
sporadically if at all as we have witnessed in New Orleans.
The NeighborhoodSurvival Plan
By Hugh Simpson
Chief Magination Officer

A Nature Awareness Mentor in Every Neighborhood: Jon Young’s Goal

The Wilderness Awareness School shares my vision of having someone in every neighborhood who wants to nurture community building. I want to collaborate with this organization and its founder, Jon Young (student of the famous Tom Brown) explore possibilities of combining efforts to reach our common goal of thriving community for all living creatures in every neighborhood.

I believe that everyone would benefit from learning how to live in the wild. We can also learn about wild edibles in our own neighborhoods, and how to connect with nature so that we can better steward this earth which so benefits us.  We can start living more simply now by learning how to be more hardy and less dependent on our creature comforts such as electricity. Turning off the TV and going out in our own neighborhood to have a real adventure in tracking or survival would be a great first step! Let’s get our children more involved.  That will inspire us adults to get involved!

Here is an excerpt from their website:

Our Vision

Our vision is to reach out with our teachings until there’s a related nature awareness school in every region, a mentor in every neighborhood, a naturalist in every family and compassion for each other and the earth in every heart.

Our Core Values

Wilderness Awareness School conducts business and educates students rooted in these core values.

PEACEMAKING (North)
In all our interactions, we strive to begin with thanksgiving, to cultivate peace in ourselves, to appreciate what others share, and to communicate honestly and clearly. When we act through peace and appreciation, we can come together to make decisions with the strength of unity for the good of our communities. In this way, we steward the earth and our children toward peace and well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

VITALITY (East)
Connecting with nature awakens a health and vitality that helps us discover our own gifts and talents. As mentors we cultivate this personal relationship with nature, appreciate and empower discovery of these gifts, and nurture their expression. When we use our gifts in service to community, we are filled with passionate aliveness—a sparkle in the eye that is visible to everyone.

NATURE MENTORING (South)
We use “Coyote Mentoring” and “The Eight Shields Model” to engage people in place-based education to deepen their relationship with nature. Our curriculum includes naturalist and survival skills, animal tracking, edible and medicinal plants, and interpreting bird language. Our students are immersed in nature, utilizing all of their senses in all seasons and weather. We maintain a low student to teacher ratio to facilitate individual mentoring. By asking skillful questions, we empower students to find their own answers. Nature Mentoring develops stewards, mentors, and leaders who will foster sustainability for both humanity and the earth.

COMMUNITY (West)
We nurture an ever-deepening awareness of the vital interdependence of nature, community, and self. With this awareness, we learn to honor and appreciate the richness that a diversity of life experiences, ideas, backgrounds, and gifts bring to the whole community. We encourage genuine relationships, work-life balance, service to community, and living in rhythm with nature.

 

Wilderness Awareness School is a national not-for-profit environmental education organization established in 1983 and based in Duvall, Washington. We are dedicated to caring for the earth and our children by fostering understanding and appreciation of nature, community and self.

Our dynamic wilderness education courses combine ancient and modern ecological wisdom, and empower people of all ages to become stewards, mentors and leaders. Over the past two decades, Wilderness Awareness School has grown from a small group of visionary individuals to a leading national organization impacting the course of nature education, and inspiring many schools and individuals across the country and the world to share our teachings and curriculum.

 

 

Neighborhood Survival Kit

 

“Remember, it’s not only how well you prepare, but how

well your neighborhood prepares that will ultimately affect

your survival and your property”.

This is a very comprehensive manual of ideas, forms, and checklists that your neighborhood can use to prepare for any storm possibilities by organizing your residents to be more self-sufficient, neighbors helping neighbors, not just hunkering down and waiting for Uncle Sam to meet all of our needs. This carefully composed document surely deserves your thoughtful study. This was made in hurricane country, but the applications can be adapted to every neighborhood.

 

I have not read this thoroughly, so use your discretion. The great thing about this is that you can print it out immediately to get some ideas.

 

http://clearwatercoalition.com/Neighborhood%20Survival%20Kit%202006.pdf

or

Go to www.clearwatercoalition.com and click on the link: 2006 Neighborhood Survival Kit.

 

Table of Contents

Neighborhood Survival Kit

Table of Contents i-ii

Cover Letter from Coalition iii

Sponsors iv

Before the Storm

Neighborhood Plan 1-2

Telephone Tree Format 3

Who to Notify 4

Preparing for Special Needs Neighbors 5-6

Personal Disaster Plan 7

CERT Training 8-9

Hurricane Shutters 10-12

Pet Shelter Info 13-14

Host Home Program 15-19

During the Storm

3-Day Supply Kit 20-22

5-Day Supply Kit 23-25

 

After the Storm

Returning Home 26-28

Disaster Related Stress 29

Generator Information 30-31

Chain Saw Safety 32-34

Source Credits 35

 

World Peace Begins With Your Neighbor

Richard Flyer, founder of Conscious Communities in Reno, Nevada, states,

“Why does it take a disaster to bring us together? Recent tragedies like 911, Hurricane Katrina, and the Tsunami remind us of who we are deep inside— a spiritually connected part of a large extended family, a web of living beings, sharing a tiny biosphere, on a small planet.”

“As Albert Einstein reminded us, “our separation from each other is an optical illusion of consciousness.” Disasters jolt us out of the sleepwalking that can happen as we focus on the daily business of life and survival with our self focused agendas, even our higher spiritual ones. Disasters also can open our hearts, as spiritual energy comes through us and is released in the form of compassion to others. Collectively, a chain reaction of goodness can come as a flood, but then, after the crisis, a “spiritual dam” may form once again within us and we go back to the sleep of our busy lives.” If you want to read more of this marvelous article which truly inspires me (and I hope you) to work to cooperate and overcome my resistance to cooperate with my neighbors) check out:

World Peace Begins With Your Neighbor