Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Definitions, terms and explanations (a sort of a FAQ)
Here are some terms used in emergency and disaster planning:
The common abbreviations are listed after the term (like this)
24 hour pack -- What Search and rescue teams carry. Its a backpack they can live out of for 24 hours. (Related to , but not the same as a Bug Out Bag.)
72 Hour pack -- See above, just add more of what you'd need for 72 hours withou outside support.
911 --the emergency phone number you call for help. ( In offices, its sometimes 9-911)
9/11 -- A Terror attack on the US. A big wake up call
AIDS -- A disease.
Bug out bag (BOB) -- A small bag or container of essentials that a person would take when leaving his/her house.
Car kit --Emergency supplies carried in yur car. Basics, plus first aid, plus some tools and repair items. Key components include tools, spare parts, a fire extingusher and spare clothing. Add a big sleeping bag as well.
Disaster --
Every Day Carry (EDC) -- Tools and supplies that are carried each day ( At work, school, on your commute, etc.) Stuff that you would always have with you -- think pens, cell phone, cash, etc. Some folks add more to be more prepared.
First Aid -- Care given to injured. Usually given right away ('first') before being moved to professional care. Training is important here as decisions must be made quite quickly.
Homeland security, dept of. --
Katrina, Hurricane -- Hit the gulf coast of the us in August, 2005. Most damage occured after the storm had passed when large parts of New Orleans flooded after multiple levee breaks. Notable for lack of an organized goverment response including 10,000 plus persons left at shelters.
Knife -- A blade with a handle. There are many, many types and long discussions on what's best. See my suggestions and predjucies here (LINK)
Milspec
Multitool-- A pliers/ knife /screwdiver tool, useful for minor repairs. Popular brands include Leatherman and Gerber. Again, get the best quality and one with locking blades.
Optics -- A term for binoculars, scopes and telescopes.
Prepardeness --
Purell -- Brand name of an alchol bases hand-sanitizer.
Search and Rescue ( SAR) -- Groups trained to find and rescue people. Mostly thought about in wilderness situations, but becoming more prevelant in recovery scenarios.
Shelter in Place -- A newish term. It means that instead of going somewhere after a disaster, you're asked to stay put, at home. ( You should assume some of your utilities may be out for the duration.)
Socks, dry -- A surprisingly comforting piece of equipment.
Survalist -- A person who expects the collapse of the current society -- and one who prepares to survive afterward. Most folks who prepare are not survalists.
SAK -- Swiss Army Knife. I prefer the locking blande models. Get a real one. ( Victronix or QQQ)
Towel -- Know where yours is.
UV -Abbreviation for ultra violet.
VLE -- Very large event. A disaster or emergency affecting a large group of people or area.
The common abbreviations are listed after the term (like this)
24 hour pack -- What Search and rescue teams carry. Its a backpack they can live out of for 24 hours. (Related to , but not the same as a Bug Out Bag.)
72 Hour pack -- See above, just add more of what you'd need for 72 hours withou outside support.
911 --the emergency phone number you call for help. ( In offices, its sometimes 9-911)
9/11 -- A Terror attack on the US. A big wake up call
AIDS -- A disease.
Bug out bag (BOB) -- A small bag or container of essentials that a person would take when leaving his/her house.
Car kit --Emergency supplies carried in yur car. Basics, plus first aid, plus some tools and repair items. Key components include tools, spare parts, a fire extingusher and spare clothing. Add a big sleeping bag as well.
Disaster --
Every Day Carry (EDC) -- Tools and supplies that are carried each day ( At work, school, on your commute, etc.) Stuff that you would always have with you -- think pens, cell phone, cash, etc. Some folks add more to be more prepared.
First Aid -- Care given to injured. Usually given right away ('first') before being moved to professional care. Training is important here as decisions must be made quite quickly.
Homeland security, dept of. --
Katrina, Hurricane -- Hit the gulf coast of the us in August, 2005. Most damage occured after the storm had passed when large parts of New Orleans flooded after multiple levee breaks. Notable for lack of an organized goverment response including 10,000 plus persons left at shelters.
Knife -- A blade with a handle. There are many, many types and long discussions on what's best. See my suggestions and predjucies here (LINK)
Milspec
Multitool-- A pliers/ knife /screwdiver tool, useful for minor repairs. Popular brands include Leatherman and Gerber. Again, get the best quality and one with locking blades.
Optics -- A term for binoculars, scopes and telescopes.
Prepardeness --
Purell -- Brand name of an alchol bases hand-sanitizer.
Search and Rescue ( SAR) -- Groups trained to find and rescue people. Mostly thought about in wilderness situations, but becoming more prevelant in recovery scenarios.
Shelter in Place -- A newish term. It means that instead of going somewhere after a disaster, you're asked to stay put, at home. ( You should assume some of your utilities may be out for the duration.)
Socks, dry -- A surprisingly comforting piece of equipment.
Survalist -- A person who expects the collapse of the current society -- and one who prepares to survive afterward. Most folks who prepare are not survalists.
SAK -- Swiss Army Knife. I prefer the locking blande models. Get a real one. ( Victronix or QQQ)
Towel -- Know where yours is.
UV -Abbreviation for ultra violet.
VLE -- Very large event. A disaster or emergency affecting a large group of people or area.
