Pandemic Survival
Two years ago in 2011, the film Contagion was released. The story is about a deadly virus that spreads around the world and wreaks havoc with society.
A few years earlier, ABC-TV presented the movie Fatal Contact, Bird Flu in America, a fictional account of the devastating effects of a bird flu pandemic in the United States. It followed the virus as it traveled from a market in Hong Kong and mutated into a human-to-human strain that quickly spread across the globe. After it was broadcasted last year, nearly 2000 of you wrote I.P.N. asking questions about the program and our official position on it. Normally, we would have dismissed programs like these as entertainment designed to attract viewers and exploit their fears about the subject for ratings & ticket sales. In this case, it wasn’t. It dramatically illustrated just how bad things could become if the H5N1 strain of flu mutates into a human-to-human transmissible form.
Currently, humans have no immunity to H5N1. Fortunately for all of us, this form of avian flu hasn’t spread yet, however, as most virologists & epidemiologists already know, the odds are high that very soon a global pandemic will develop and due to modern transportation systems, spread internationally with unprecedented speed. In past pandemics, influenza viruses have needed more than six months to spread. The recent 2009 H1N1 virus outbreak in Mexico spread in less than six weeks.
A short time after it was it was first detected in Mexico City in April 2009, H1N1 killed over 1,154 people worldwide. Most of the deaths were in the Americas. Eventually, there were over 1 million Americans infected.
The most troubling aspect of this development is that a virus of this type could conceivably combine with the avian flu H5N1 or other viruses and trigger a global pandemic similar to the Spanish flu pandemic (another avian flu virus) of 1918 that killed 675,000 Americans and approx. 50-100 million people worldwide.
With the numbers adjusted for the increase in world population, a similar pandemic would kill upwards of 2-3 million Americans over a period of 9-15 months and quite possibly, 150-300 million worldwide. As frightening as it may seem, it could even be much worse than this. In poor countries like Africa, Southern Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, there are no buffers to prevent the spread. It could sweep across these countries like a biological brush fire, leaving a trail of death and suffering in its wake on a scale not seen since the “Black Death” swept through Europe in the 14th century. See link: http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/plague.htm
The H5N1 Avian flu strain has a 50-100% mortality rate. See: http://www.medicinenet.com/bird_flu/article.htm this means that in a hypothetical situation where 100 people are infected, between 50% & 100% of them will die upon contracting the virus. Even a mild pandemic would increase the annual death for influenza by a factor of 10 from approximately 36,000 to about 360,000.
See link: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r030107.htm
The only question here is: Are you prepared if the worst happens?
(Or even the least?)
If you aren’t read on. The following document will outline all of the major survival strategies needed to help you survive any type of pandemic.
The highest urban risk areas listed below are marked with the bio-hazard symbol one indicates low risk, two medium, three high, and four very high:
The best way to avoid illness is to minimize your exposure to the contagion.
This is very difficult to manage in a crowded city, but it isn’t impossible. Continue reading to learn about how you must change your behavior during a pandemic to avoid contact with this potentially lethal contagion.
Tamiflu is not the answer!
Currently, the only medicine that has been somewhat effective in treating H1N1 is a drug called “Tamiflu” (oseltamivir). It has been shown to be useful in some cases when taken before serious illness develops, but the H5N1 strain is showing signs that it may be developing a resistance. New types such as the A(H1N1) type, found in Brazil, have a nearly 10% lethality rate for people with low risk factors. This recent development is forcing many governments around the world to rethink their H1N1 fighting strategies. Clearly, having stockpiles of Tamiflu will not be enough to combat this powerful virus. It will take a combination of methods to help keep it under control. Isolation and hygiene are the two best methods.
The following is a list of some of the others:
You must make your body as inhospitable to flu viruses as possible. If a pandemic breaks out, modify your diet to include as many flu fighting foods and beverages as you can. If you contract it, this will slow down the replication of the virus (viral load) in your system enough to keep it from spiraling out of control.
- A Korean fermented cabbage dish called Kimchi (pronounced Kimâchee) that has shown some promise after a study by scientists in Seoul, Korea who discovered that 11 of 13 chickens infected with the avian flu recovered after they were fed an extract of Kimchi. It might have the same effects on H1N1 see links:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4347443.stmhttp://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200510/kt2005101217270011950.htm, also see link:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1504289/posts http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2002608490_flucure07.html
- Dark grape juice may help to keep the viral load low if you contract it. It contains substances called tannins. This has been known to kill flu viruses in laboratories. Elderberries (known as the “Englishman’s grape) may also help to keep the viral load lower or under control if it is taken before the illness becomes severe. It contains a number of compounds that are effective against flu viruses. Never use Elderberry unless it is the commercially produced extract. The flowers, unripe berries, bark, roots and leaves contain enough cyanide to produce cyanide poisoning or even death. Look for elderberry capsules, juice or syrup in your local health food store. The preferred product is called Sambucol, a black elderberry extract that may help to minimize flu symptoms.
A recent study conducted by Dr. Erling Thom & his team at the University of Oslo in Norway demonstrated that 93% of flu patients that were given Sambucol lost all symptoms in 48 hours. It included 60 patients that were struggling with severe flu symptoms from two different strains of the virus for approx. two days. 90% had a “type A,” the others had a type “B.” 1/2 of the group was given 15 milliliters of Sambucol & the other half were given placebos four times a day for a five day period. The Sambucol patients’ conditions rapidly improved in 72 hours and 90% were completely cured during that period. In addition, the patients treated with Sambucol had no pronounced side effects (drowsiness, dizziness etc) as other anti-virals such as Tamiflu produce.
See link: http://www.elderberries.com/elderberries.html
The placebo group did not fare as well. They didn’t begin to normalize until six days later & they also took more symptom reduction medications. Elderberry extract could be one of the most effective and safe treatments available. Sambucol is the only form of elderberry that has had proven results in laboratory studies. It is important to note that some believe that elderberry can trigger a “cytokene storm.”
Simply stated, this is a hyper-reaction of your immune system. Essentially, Cytokines are molecules that function to signal your body’s immune system to respond to infections and invading microorganisms. The body uses white cells called macrophages that are activated by bacteria, viruses & circulating white cells called CD8+T-lymphocytes that attack when they are exposed to flu viruses and the proteins that they produce.
These cells create cytokines such as Interferon (gamma, alpha & beta) Tumor Necrosis Factor, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein and others that work to destroy the foreign invader. Too many cytokines are like a heavy rainstorm that floods the body with these immune cells that can cause major problems (tissue inflammation), and lead toward death. This particular strain of flu may provoke an abnormal immune system response that triggers a Some believe the elderberry can trigger a cytokine storm, but most reports are unproven clinically. Diabetics who use Sambucol should carefully monitor their blood sugar as it has the potential to increase the release of insulin.
At the heart of the stormy matter are macrophages (‘first responder’ white cells activated by damaged cells or foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses) and CD8+T-lymphocytes (circulating white cells that leap into
So, the human lung with too many cytokines is way too much of a good thing, causing swelling, hemorrhage, and tissue death which are ironically, more a result of the body’s defense mode than a primary flu-generated injury. Scientists theorize that young people may have a more robust cytokine response and less H1N1 immunity from previous exposure compared with older populations.
- As of today, 8 cases have been reported in the US from California and Mexico that have been identified as the swinish H1N1 flu but mild and self-limited illnesses in those affected. Remember, increasing evidence suggests that robust body levels of vitamin D are flu-protective, so this might be a good time to get your blood tested for vitamin D and step up your supplements under advisement with your physician.
One drug that does show some promise is an antiviral medicine called Relenza (zanamivir). It is inhaled through the nose and has been shown to produce fewer side effects.
- Take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) every day- some recommend mega doses (20,000mg per day) against Avian Flu “there is no comprehensive study to confirm this but some use the 1949 case of Dr. Frederick Klenner, a clinical researcher from Reidsville, North Carolina, who infused 60 polio patients with massive intravenous doses of Vitamin C (20,000mg daily for three days — today’s recommended daily allowance is 60mg) After the treatment and a period of rest, all 60 were cured.
NOTE: There is no way to tell if Vitamin C can have this effect on Avian Flu until it is tested against it under laboratory conditions. If you are ever infected and your treatments are unsuccessful, it may be your physicians’ best “last resort” method to help you recover. See the following links:
http://www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v01n12.shtml http://www.apfn.net/Messageboard/11-03-05/discussion.cgi.67.html http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2005/10/28/avian_flu_is_specialization_killing_us.htmhttp://www.worldwidehealthcenter.net/articles-361.html
For flu viruses, the primary methods of transmission will be pneumonic (by air — virus loaded droplets of their saliva float in the air and, are inhaled by someone standing nearby) and, by direct contact, hand to nose, eye & mouth. Most colds and flu viruses are caught when people sneeze, cough, exhale or, shake the hand of someone who is infected and touch the inside of their nose, eye and in some cases mouth.
The virus (in aerosolized droplets) can also be (in some cases) transmitted over longer distances if the air currents in the room are strong enough to keep the droplets floating and high enough to be inhaled before they settle on the surrounding surfaces (current data suggests that flu viruses can survive up to four days outside of a host (body) see link:http://vetextension.psu.edu/Newsletters/vn/vn0404.pdf.
Wash your hands frequently; almost compulsively during a flu outbreak check this link and follow the advice religiously see link:
Wash Your Hands Holiday Jingle http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Documents/WashYourHands_jingle.mp3
Keep a large supply of non-perishable food items and water stocked away in your home during winter months. Contrary to what you may hear from the federal government, two weeks is not enough. For a global pandemic, you would need from one (minimum) and for worse case scenarios, three months or even more. This will cut back on the need for traveling to supermarkets and grocery stores where you could encounter someone with the infection and acquire it. In addition, this will also allow you to stay inside of your home just in case your area became quarantined.
The only question here is: are you prepared if the worst happens?
Or even the least?
If you aren’t read on. The following document will outline all of the major survival strategies needed to help you survive any type of pandemic.
The highest urban risk areas listed below are marked with the bio hazard symbol one indicates low risk, two medium, three high, and four very high:
The best way to avoid illness is to minimize your exposure to the contagion. This is very difficult to manage in a crowded city but, it isn’t impossible. Continue reading to learn about how you must change your behavior during a pandemic to avoid contact with this potentially lethal contagion.
Tamiflu is not the answer!
Currently, the only medicine that has been somewhat effective in treating H1N1 is a drug called Tamiflu (oseltamivir). It has been shown to be useful in some cases when taken before serious illness develops but, the H5N1 strain is showing signs that it may be developing a resistance. New types such as the A(H1N1) type found in Brazil have a nearly 10% lethality rate for people with low risk factors.
This recent development is forcing many governments around the world to rethink their H1N1 fighting strategies. Clearly, having stockpiles of Tamiflu will not be enough to combat this powerful virus. It will take a combination of methods to help keep it under control. Isolation and hygiene are the two best methods.
The following is a list of some of the others:
- You must make your body as inhospitable to flu viruses as possible. If a pandemic breaks out, modify your diet to include as many flu fighting foods and beverages as you can. If you contract it, this will slow down the replication of the virus (viral load) in your system enough to keep it from spiraling out of control.
- A Korean fermented cabbage dish called Kimchi (pronounced Kimâchee) that has shown some promise after a study by scientists in Seoul, Korea who discovered that 11 of 13 chickens infected with the avian flu recovered after they were fed an extract of Kimchi. It might have the same effects on H1N1 see links:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4347443.stmhttp://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200510/kt2005101217270011950.htm, http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1504289/posts http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2002608490_flucure07.html
- Dark grape juice may help to keep the viral load low if you contract it. It contains substances called tannins. This has been known to kill flu viruses in laboratories. Elderberries (known as the “Englishman’s grape) may also help to keep the viral load lower under control if it is taken before the illness becomes severe. It contains a number of compounds that are effective against flu viruses. Never use Elderberry unless it is the commercially produced extract. The flowers, unripe berries, bark, roots, leaves contain enough cyanide to produce cyanide poisoning or even death. Look for elderberry capsules, juice, syrup, in your local health food store. The preferred product is called Sambucol, a black elderberry extract that may help to minimize flu symptoms. A recent study conducted by Dr. Erling Thom & his team at the University of Oslo in Norway demonstrated that 93% of flu patients that were given Sambucol lost all symptoms in 48 hours.
It included 60 patients that were struggling with severe flu symptoms from two different strains of the virus for approx. two days. 90% had a “type A,” the others had a type “B.” 1/2 of the group was given 15 milliliters of Sambucol & the other half were given placebos four times a day for a five day period. The Sambucol patients conditions rapidly improved in 72 hours and 90% were completely cured during that period. In addition, the patients treated with Sambucol had no pronounced side effects (drowsiness, dizziness etc) as other anti-virals such as Tamiflu produce.
The placebo group did not fare as well. They didn’t begin to normalize until six days later & they also took more symptom reduction medications. Elderberry extract could be one of the most effective and safe treatments available. Sambucol is the only form of elderberry that has had proven results in laboratory studies. It is important to note that some believe that elderberry can trigger a “cytokene storm.”
Simply stated, this is a hyper-reaction of your immune system. Essentially, Cytokines are molecules that function to signal your body’s immune system to respond to infections and invading microorganisms. The body uses white cells called macrophages that are activated by bacteria, viruses & circulating white cells called CD8+T-lymphocytes that attack when they are exposed to flu viruses and the proteins that they produce.
These cells create cytokines such as Interferon (gamma, alpha & beta) Tumor Necrosis Factor, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein and others that work to destroy the foreign invader. Too many cytokines are like a heavy rainstorm that flood the body with these immune cells can cause major problems (tissue inflammation, and lead toward death. This particular strain of flu may provoke an abnormal immune system response that triggers a Some believe the elderberry can trigger a cytokine storm, but most reports are unproven clinically. Diabetics who use Sambucol should carefully monitor their blood sugar as it has the potential to increase the release of insulin.
At the heart of the stormy matter are macrophages (‘first responder’ white cells activated by damaged cells or foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses) and CD8+T-lymphocytes (circulating white cells)
So the human lung and too many cytokines is way too much of a good thing, causing swelling, hemorrhage, and tissue death which are, ironically, more a result of the body’s defense mode than a primary flu-generated injury. Scientists theorize that young people may have a more robust cytokine response and less H1N1 immunity from previous exposure compared with older populations.
- As of today, 8 cases have been reported in the US from California and Mexico that have been identified as the swinish H1N1 flu but mild and self-limited illnesses in those affected. Remember, increasing evidence suggests that robust body levels of vitamin D are flu-protective, so this might be a good time to get your blood tested for vitamin D and step up your supplements under advisement with your
See link: http://www.elderberries.com/elderberries.html
One drug that does show some promise is an antiviral medicine called Relenza (zanamivir) it is inhaled through the nose and has been shown to produce fewer side effects.
- Take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) every day, some recommend mega doses (20,000mg per day) against Avian Flu “there is no comprehensive study to confirm this but some use the 1949 case of Dr. Frederick Klenner, a clinical researcher from Reidsville, North Carolina, who infused 60 polio patients with massive intravenous doses of Vitamin C “(20,000mg daily for three days — today’s recommended daily allowance is 60mg) After the treatment and a period of rest, all 60 were cured.
NOTE: There is no way to tell if Vitamin C can have this effect on Avian Flu until it is tested against it under laboratory conditions. If you are ever infected and your treatments are unsuccessful, it may be your physicians’ best “last resort” method to help you recover. See the following links:
http://www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v01n12.shtml http://www.apfn.net/Messageboard/11-03-05/discussion.cgi.67.html http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2005/10/28/avian_flu_is_specialization_killing_us.htmhttp://www.worldwidehealthcenter.net/articles-361.html
For flu viruses, the primary methods of transmission will be pneumonic (by air — virus loaded droplets of their saliva float in the air and, are inhaled by someone standing nearby) and, by direct contact, hand to nose, eye & mouth. Most colds and flu viruses are caught when people sneeze, cough, exhale or, shake the hand of someone who is infected and touch the inside of their nose, eye and in some cases mouth.
The virus (in aerosolized droplets) can also be (in some cases) transmitted over longer distances if the air currents in the room are strong enough to keep the droplets floating and high enough to be inhaled before they settle on the surrounding surfaces (current data suggests that flu viruses can survive up to four days outside of a host (body) see link:http://vetextension.psu.edu/Newsletters/vn/vn0404.pdf.
Wash your hands frequently; almost compulsively during a flu outbreak check this link and follow the advice religiously see link: Wash Your Hands Holiday Jingle http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Documents/WashYourHands_jingle.mp3
Keep a large supply of non-perishable food items and water stocked away in your home during winter months. Contrary to what you may hear from the federal government, two weeks is not enough. For a global pandemic, you would need from one (minimum) and for worse case scenarios – three months or even more. This will cut back on the need for traveling to supermarkets and grocery stores where you could encounter someone with the infection and acquire it. In addition, this will also allow you to stay inside of your home just in case your area became quarantined.
High Risk Areas
Crowded subway cars “ This is an extremely high risk area. The poor ventilation combined with the close proximity of the riders creates the perfect environment for transmission. One infected passenger that is sneezing or coughing can potentially infect a number of others standing or sitting nearby.
3M 8233 N-100 RESPIRATOR
Always wear an N-100 or N-95 masks and surgical gloves when riding. Do not be concerned about looking strange. You will look much worse if you contract avian flu.
If possible, wear eye protection to prevent touching eyes with contaminated hands. The spray from a sneeze can also deposit the virus onto the eye surface. Eye protection reduces this risk. The suggested eye-shields are military style or sports eyeglass goggles with protective barrier lining. They range in price from $20 to $100 dollars.
| Military style | Sport style |
Crowded subway platforms: Not as bad as a subway car, but still a high risk environment. Mask, gloves & eyeshields should be warned to maximize protection.
Crowded buses: Another high risk area, potentially as bad as crowded subways. The risk can be significantly reduced by opening windows.
Passenger trains & aircraft: One infected passenger in a railroad train can potentially infect others up to five rows ahead. On an aircraft, this effect is magnified by the compressed air in a sealed environment.
Taxicabs, limousines, ambulances, police cars with closed windows: An infected driver will fill the air with virus loaded micro-droplets upon exhalation. The droplets will settle on the hard surfaces contaminating them. When traveling in a cab always keep your passenger window open, wear gloves.
Crowded theaters, airports, bus terminals, indoor sports events, crowded outdoor events, concerts and other public gatherings.
All public contact surfaces: Presents a high degree of risk during pandemics this includes – doorknobs and handles, handrails (escalators & stairways), elevator buttons, sinks, toilets and every surface in a public bathroom, computer keyboards (internet café’s etc.) public phones, subway & bus poles, turnstiles, cab doors and any other hard surface (and some softer, as in the case of seating) you encounter publicly.
Money: Coins are often overlooked, but this will also be another source of transmission. After handling money, make sure to wash you hands or use your hand cleaning solution.
Restaurants: Highly subjective! A restaurant’s safety depends on the diligence of the workers, precautionary measures taken during food preparations and ventilation. As a rule, to be on the safe side, they should be avoided during pandemics. Fast food restaurants are also high risk. Food is served on trays that are rarely cleaned. Cleaning instruments (mops & rags) are not sterilized. Influenza viruses require up to 2 minutes of exposure (or more) to a disinfectant solution to kill them.
Elevators: High risk! One infected person who sneezes in a crowded elevator has the potential to infect nearly everyone riding with them.
Malls: A well-ventilated mall should be relatively safe during a pandemic if it is not crowded, the ventilation is good and caution is exercised while inside.
Offices: A crowded office is like an influenza superhighway. The dry air, poor ventilation and close proximity of the workers make another ideal transmission spot that is almost as dangerous as crowded subway cars & buses. Office workers will need to take extra measures to prevent contraction and transmission.
Hospitals: There will be a large concentration of infected people cycling through the hospitals. This will obviously result in the transmission of the virus to many patients and workers. When entering a hospital, always make certain to follow every protective protocol to the letter!
Nursing homes: Many elderly people will contract influenza and spread it to some of the workers and health care professionals.
Public Laundromats: Influenza can be transmitted by handling contaminated clothing.
Supermarkets: Relatively safe if the ventilation system is working properly and crowds are low. NOTE: Special attention must be paid to contact surfaces (products). During a pandemic, surgical gloves should be worn
Cats: Birds are not the only animal source of the avian flu. Cats can contract the virus and transmit it. See:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/09/0902_040902_birdflu.html and
http://www.fao.org/ag/AGAinfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/avian_cats.htmlhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/06/13/nflu13.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/06/13/ixuknews.html
Since they live in such close proximity to humans, they pose a serious threat to public health during a pandemic. A cat that is suspect must be avoided, or must be captured by professionals to be tested by the medical authorities. If you own a cat, you must not let it venture outside during a pandemic where it can be exposed to a possible source of the virus. If it is infected, it will contaminate your environment and spread the infection to anyone who comes in contact with it.
If your cat is infected, you must carefully throw out the litter and litter box. Wear a mask and protective clothing while moving it. Place it inside of a sealed plastic bag and tape a label on it marked dangerous biological waste to warn sanitation crews.
You must then thoroughly clean your home or apartment, taking note of every area where your cat would sleep or play. Use a strong disinfectant that lists its effectiveness against influenza. If you have a carpet or rug in your home, it will have to be thrown out or steam cleaned by professionals with PPE. (personal protective equipment)
NOTE: As grim as it sounds — in a pandemic, there may be a need for the mass culling of cats & any other animal that can contract the virus and transmit it to humans.
Playgrounds: They are rarely cleaned and some of the contact surfaces that are not exposed to direct sunlight (the UV radiation in sunlight kills the H5N1 virus) can become contaminated. Children will contract influenza by touching the surfaces and scratching their eyes, mouth and noses.
1/2 Gymnasiums: Machines that are not disinfected after each use can become contaminated. In addition, crowded gymnasiums with poor ventilation systems can be a very dangerous point of transmission for the avian flu virus.
All Delivery Services: Delivery service workers will be exposed to a number of dangers that not only place them at a higher degree of risk, but also to become part of the problem by helping to actually spread the disease to others after becoming infected.
Website links for information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
OSHA’s Guidance for Protecting Workers Against Avian Flu?www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html
World Health Organization?www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/
References
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2. Virus Transmission study for airplanes http://www.fluent.com/solutions/aerospace/pdfs/ja195.pdf
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33. Mangili A, Gendreau MA. Transmission of infectious diseases during commercial air travel. Lancet. 2005;365:989“96.
34. Miller JM, Tam TW, Maloney S, Fukuda K, Cox N, Hockin J, et al. Cruise ships: high-risk passengers and the global spread of new influenza viruses. Clin Infect Dis. 2000;31:433 “8.”
35. Marsden AG. Influenza outbreak related to air travel. Med J Aust. 2003;179:172“3.
36. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preliminary guidelines for the prevention and control of influenza-like illness among passengers and crew members on cruise ships. 1999 [cited 2005 Sep]. Available fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/travel/CDCguideflufnl.pdf
37. Olsen SJ, Chang HL, Cheung TY, Tang AF, Fisk TL, Ooi SP, et al. Transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome on aircraft. N Engl J Med. 2003;349:2416 “22.”
Ready-UP! America
The Ready-UP! program was created by self-reliance/preparedness/sustainable living expert Aton Edwards in Spring 2011 to function as a mechanism that trains the general public in the aforementioned disciplines. Edwards believed that the government created preparedness programs was not connecting with the public and that something more dynamic was needed to spark interest.
Drawing from his extensive experience in teaching preparedness to large audiences, he designed a program that he knew the public would enjoy. He then enlisted the aid of several of his colleagues who worked in the same field to join him; including his friends and radio partners on the KISS-FM (now WBLS-FM) popular radio program Open Line.
The creator of the Open Line, Peabody Award winning radio personality Bob Slade, convinced his management to sponsor the event. His partners two-time Grammy Award winning composer/musician and activist James M’tume, former Federal Judge and Garden State Association of Black Journalists award winner Bob Pickett also believed in the idea and, the first presentation was at St. Francis College on July 8th 2011.
It featured the program hosts, along with the participants: Bedford Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corp director Rocky Robinson and members of his organization. Representatives of the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Riverkeeper, and several other similar groups and organizations were also in attendance.
The event was a smash success. It was due to Sadly on August 13th 2011, Edwards mother, Doris succumbed to a stroke.
His mothers death combined with other family responsibilities forced Edwards to discontinue activities with the Ready-UP! program for several months.
He along with his friends and colleagues began to reactivate the program in late 2012, holding Ready-UP! workshops called “Escape From The Grid.” As they gained popularity, his group began to plan their next large forum corresponding television program and fundraiser, all slated to begin in the summer of 2013.
The upcoming main event is titled “Ready-UP! America” It will be held at a large capacity New York area venue. For the main live presentation, The Open Line radio show team will return along with most of the original participants & organizations. The target date for the kickoff program will be Saturday, June 1st – the beginning of Hurricane season.
Ready-UP! Events will continue through the summer and ending with a gala event in September, 2013.
Emergency Transportation
When the going gets really tough, you may need emergency transportation.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are forced to evacuate your home, workplace or wherever you may find yourself because of a disaster or emergency; you may not be able to use your automobile. Disasters and other emergencies often produce severe damage to buildings, bridges and roads that can make travel difficult and in many cases impossible.
It may sometimes be necessary to utilize other forms of transportation to move safely and swiftly to safe areas. If you have a short distance to cover to move to a safe area, walking is probably your best and most effective option.
However, if you need to travel longer distances, you will need a safe, tested and reliable form of transportation that you can use to move out of harm’s way quickly. On land, there is nothing more effective than the bicycle.
The bicycle pictured above is called the Montague Paratrooper.
This bike was originally developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for a light human powered infantry vehicle. The Montague bike is currently in use by the US Marines, Army and police departments across the United States. It is a full-size and folds. It can be easily packed inside of an automobile trunk, or slung over your shoulder and carried in its own bag!
(see video below)
A durable folding bike like the Montague Paratrooper is better than a fixed frame due to its light weight & portability. Smaller folders are great also but cannot handle the heavy loads that a full-size model can.
To make your emergency bicycle even more reliable, purchase “run flat” or “puncture-proof” tires.Britek Tires of Colorado will be marketing a new puncture proof tire soon.
There are many companies that make puncture resistant tires that you can look up on the internet.
Outside of bicycles, the only other reliable form of human transportation for land is something that can only be used by highly skilled and fit individuals. It is called an “all terrain roller skate.”
If you are an experienced roller skater and are physically fit enough to use them, this is another great option for emergency travel. Outside of a muddy road and sand, these skates can move across most surfaces.
Water Transportation Systems
In some cases, you may need to cross or travel on a body of water such as a lake or river. When you do, you’ll need a boat. For emergency transportation, inflatable boats are your best option. They are easy to use, set up, store away and are relatively inexpensive. Before purchasing an inflatable boat, you must know what types are best suited for emergency use.
To begin, there are four distinct types.
1. Yacht Tenders.
2. V-Hull.
3. High performance hulls.
4. Rigid hull or RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boats)
1. Yacht tenders are best for civilians that would like to own a small safe (6-20 foot long) inflatable boat that can be used for either emergency or recreational purposes. Currently yacht tenders have four types with different hull (floor) configurations. Most have floors with four inch wide fabric and wood or plastic inflatable slats that run across the beam.
This type of slatted floor is generally found in inflatables from about 6 to 8 feet in length only, because of this very light structure yacht tenders are not as strong as others with v-hulls or inflatable keels so they don’t work as well with motors or rowing.
2. V-hull (wood or inflatable keel) These are built with a longitudinal (across the length of the boat) inflation tube or wood keel placed directly underneath the floorboards. When it is blown up, it produces a stable V-shaped keel in the front (bow) of the boat this makes the vessel more stable and buoyant as it moves through the water.
3. High-performance hulls are inflatables that are specially designed for high speed use. Only experienced users should opt for this type of inflatable craft.
4. Rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RIB’s) These have a solid fiberglass hull joined to an inflatable collar giving it the benefits of an inflatable and rigid craft. They can also hold more weight.
Inflatable boats are especially useful in flood prone low-lying areas. Even urban residents who live near rivers may consider owning a small model (8-12) for use during emergency evacuations. In large cities, traffic may prevent rapid movement. An inflatable boat equipped with a small outboard motor could easily move a family of four up to 20 to 30 miles away from a disaster area in less than four hours. In NYC, it could be used to move up or down the Harlem, East or Hudson river to a safe area.
During a flood, it could be used by a family to move quickly out of the submerged zone.
Users of inflatable boats must always remember to carefully tuck away all sharp objects so that they do not puncture the skin. This could cause it to rapidly deflate and sink. Overloading is also a safety issue. Be sure to pay close attention to the manufacturers-weight ratings. If moving through flood waters, make certain to look out for dangerous sharp debris. Use your oars to move it out of your path if possible. If not, be very careful as you move around it.
There are small gas and electric outboard motors especially designed for inflatable boats. The motor that you choose should never be over or under powered; or, over the manufacturers performance rating.
Make sure that you match the performance of the motor with the tasks it will perform. If this is an emergency escape craft, you must purchase a boat large enough to haul all of your passengers & emergency gear. Always check the length of the motor shaft (short long or extra long) each inflatable is designed to work with one or the other — never both. If you use a motor, you must purchase an inflatable that can accommodate one.
Like all inflatable objects, there will be small punctures, tears and leaks. Each boat comes with a repair kit that will allow you to easily make repairs in the field if you need to. Large tears require a bit more expertise to repair, but, they can also be done effectively if you take the time necessary to do it properly. Always be mindful to use glue that is rated for use with the material your boat is manufactured from and make sure to keep your repair kit fully stocked and handy in a floating container.
Emergency Air Transportation
Disasters and emergencies can sometimes make certain areas inaccessible to any type of land or water vehicle. This is when only some form of air transportation system will do. Regular fixed wing aircraft may not have the space to land due to debris. In most cases Helicopters and “ultralight” STOL (short take off & landing) aircraft are the best forms of emergency air transportation.
There are several personal helicopters & other similar concept vehicles being developed for civilian use. The video below is a great example of what may be available in the near future.
There are many new forms of emergency transportation that are currently being developed. Be sure to check back in this section for new additions & updates!
RFA
I.P.N. 2013 ACTIVITIES UPDATE
By Aton Edwards, Executive Director I.P.N.
Happy belated new year to all of our members, friends and associates! I haven’t posted a information update in quite sometime so, I’ve decided to put together a short video that will not only fill you in on all the details regarding our upcoming activities in 2013, it will also allow me to avoid typing – a task that I dread…
Hurricane Sandy Aftermath Ready-UP! Workshops To Be Presented New York City-Wide Beginning November 12, 2012
By Aton Edwards, Executive Director I.P.N.
As my hometown struggles to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, I along with my friends, colleagues and associates have decided to stage several self-reliance and preparedness workshops across the New York City and tri-state area. This will provide the people who were hit by the storm with critical information about resources that they may need to recover, and others with details about how to prepare for disasters and, remain self-reliant after they occur.
Hurricane Sandy “Superstorm” Preparedness Tips
By Aton Edwards, IPN Executive Director
Hurricane Sandy is rapidly approaching!
Here are a few tips you can use to prepare. READY-UP!
”Superstorm” Preparedness Plan.
Make sure to have an emergency food & water supply on hand…
Special I.P.N. “Zombie Apocalypse” Training Day Event, September 29th, 2012 — New York City
By Aton Edwards, I.P.N. Executive Director, Zombie Slayer
I find all this “Zombie Apocalypse” talk quite fascinating. I thought it was quite clever when the CDC decided to utilize this tongue-in-cheek approach to help motivate people into preparing for disasters and emergencies. Ever since Max Brooks released his “Zombie Survival Guide” several years ago, people can’t seem to get enough of the undead. Movies like Shaun Of The Dead & Zombieland have been packing in the crowds and the upcoming World War Z will probably be a blockbuster despite some recent rumors concerning the direction and script…
I.P.N. Preparing For National Preparedness Month, New programs on the way
By Aton Edwards, I.P.N. Executive Director
I’m going to begin this piece by thanking all of our supporters/members for bearing with us while we re-configured our website and several other related technical and management issues.
Now that we’ve got them all solved, we’re good to go!
Quite a bit has been changed. I will reveal all of the details here at the end of the week. It’s quite exciting…
They’re Heeeere! The Official IPN 2009 Predictions … Read ‘Em And Weep … Or, Get Prepared!
By Aton Edwards

As we move into the beginning of another year, we can look back on all of the challenges we’ve faced in 2008 and take comfort in the fact that by and large …


































