The purpose of Poetslife is to promote the art and discipline of American Tactical Civil Defense for families and small businesses and to contribute practical American civil defense preparedness guidance for all Americans through my articles in the The American Civil Defense Association (TACDA.ORG) Journal of Civil Defense and leadership as the volunteer Vice President of TACDA.

5/27/2019

4/30/2019

Useful Emergency Communication Tools

Click here: for the complete article on the tacda.org website.

Ask yourself, “How would I communicate with my loved ones if something really bad happens?
Most likely, you will use emergency communication tools, some that you have already, and others you could benefit from, such as those below.
What are emergency communication tools? They are hardware and software that connect you to your family, friends, colleagues and community as well as with first responders, support systems, and other family members.
Plan for what emergency communication tools you need BEFORE the event to be able to communicate and it will make your response faster, better, and more effective. Learning and using these tools will give you a higher chance of successfully dealing with an emergency.

Have a Plan

Your circumstances and emergency communication tool needs are as unique as you and your family, so think now about how you would communicate with your family in an emergency. Identify the communications tools you would need to be able to reach them in an emergency and make a plan for how to set those up.
Part of that plan must be to learn the communication tools that are the most useful for you and your family. Many of the ones listed below should be useful to you. If so, set up an account and begin to learn how to use them. That way you know how to use it, have exercised it, and are more likely to use it successfully before, during and after an emergency.
No one tool below is used by everyone, so use all or most of them to make sure you cover all the emergency threat matrix.

To Begin — Establish who you need to contact during an emergency. Make a list of them and distribute that list to all parties.
List phone number, social media addresses, email addresses, for everyone on your list. Make sure one or two contacts are out of state. Also make sure everyone on the list knows they are on it.
Identify a primary point of contact with whom you will work. Make sure they know your plan. Another option is a “call tree.” One person calls two more who call two more and so on. It lessons the burden on one person being responsible for making all the calls.

Emergency Communication with Local Officials — Local emergency management officials (police, fire fighters, emergency operations centers, public safety offices, emergency operations centers, and more) use all, some, or a mix of the emergency communications tools. Investigate those in your area and connect with them. Here are a few local ones I use.
https://www.facebook.com/MountAiryPD/ Mt. Airy, MD Police Department Facebook
https://twitter.com/MDMEMA Maryland Emergency Management Agency Twitter
https://twitter.com/MDSP Maryland State Police Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/CarrCoMDPubSafe/ Carroll County DPS Facebook

Cell Phones

Cell phones are obvious as we use them every day to communicate. Most of us have our loved ones and their telephone numbers in our cell phones. But cell phones require additional items in an emergency.
For example, have an extra power cable in your house and car. Keep a charging adapter in your car cigarette lighter outlet. If electricity is cut off you may need to use the battery in your car to charge up your phone. If power is out you may need to use your car to charge your call phone. A solar phone charger is another option for a power outage.
Instant Message
WhatsApp, Skype, ezTalks, Viber, Meebo+, Google Hangout, Kik, WeChat, and Messenger are examples of instant message apps and services. These and other instant message apps are available for both Android and iOS. They are useful and a basic tool for communicating normally and during an emergency.

Social Media

For sending loved one’s emergency messages and getting updates on their status, social media is useful. When cell phones do not work or the telecommunications networks are overwhelmed preventing calling and texting, social media apps offer an alternative way to communicate. Below are some ways.
Text Message — Text messaging is a mobile phone service offered by phone companies (Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) that usually have a 160 character limit. Android and
Twitter — Twitter offers instant updates about what is happening during an emergency. This makes it easier to know what is going on and to monitor developments. It provides timely information you and your family can act on. As such, it is invaluable. When you have a Twitter account already in place, it's just a matter of using the existing media during an actual emergency
To follow your tweets on your phone, you may want to text "Follow [Twitter handle]" Twitter's FastFollow has other options, like just getting the most recent tweet for a given Twitter feed. And you may want to have several emergency Twitter accounts, maybe one for alerts and one for information.
Use Twitter’s hashtag (#) feature to follow information that you may want to monitor (#civildefense, #emergecymaryland) so Twitter keywords are flagged with a # in the tweet.
NOTE: Twitter’s strength, instant information, can also be its weakness, incorrect instant information. Always compare what various people and sources are saying to best determine what is really going on.
Instagram — Half of the users of Instagram now use it as a Messaging App. Instagram allows you to private message other users on the platform using the feature called Direct Message. This feature lets you send messages to one or multiple people (a group). It is a good option to communicate using Instagram during an emergency.
Facebook — In addition to your existing Facebook account and your instant links to family and friends, Facebook offers a new feature useful to emergency communications. Called Local Alerts (https://www.facebook.com/help/publisher/572490746512593), it allows you to send a Facebook notification to page followers who live in your area, whether they have opted into that notification or not. They are used for urgent or emergency information.
Currently, Facebook Live is the only other post type on Facebook that sends out a notification. Local alerts are a valuable tool in emergency communications, one that should only be used to relay urgent information.

Emergency Communications Apps

There are a wide variety of emergency communication apps available you can download to your cell phone. Here are a few examples
Bugle — Helps your friends and family find you in case you have an emergency.
Life 360 — Establishes an immediate connection with your friends and family via text, email or voice call. It notifies them about your current location and comes with a panic alert feature.
First Aid by American Red Cross — Offers users basic first aid lessons, help instructions, and a red button to contact 911, disaster preparedness check-lists, and other American Red cross resources.
SirenGPS — Creates a collaborative network of emergency management and responses where the entire community stays connected to first responders.
Patronus – Shares your location with mobile 911 service dispatchers who can access your location.
ICE — The In Case of Emergency (ICE) stores crucial information about you for responders and hospital personnel. Lists your contact information so responders know who to contact.
Red Panic Button — It sparks off an early warning and vulnerability alert system, one-to-many communication the moment you push the red panic button.
Amateur Radio
Amateur Radio (also known as ham radio) is used to communicate without the Internet or cell phones. Therefore, it is an excellent way to communicate when other communications tools are not operating. Also, you can take radio wherever you go! In times of disaster. Ham radios have reliably assisted communications in emergencies for over a hundred years. When other communications tools fail, amateur radio is an excellent option.
Two Way Radio (Walkie-Talkie)
A two way radio is a portable, hand-held device that can transmit and receive radio communication. Even when cell phones are not working or the power grid is down, two way radios operate and convey critical emergency information. They are an excellent first use or backup emergency communication tool.
With their push-to-talk functionality for instant communication, they are much faster than cell phones. They come with extreme ease of use, just the push of a button can transmit your message to an entire group of people. And, they can withstand harsh environmental conditions like heavy rain and dust.
Two-way radios can send and receive text messages for quick and discreet communication. Lastly, the fact that two-way radios don’t rely on cell phone networks is a huge benefit in widespread emergencies, where reception may be congested or even stop altogether.
Drone with a Camera
This may seem like an unusual tool to include with the others here, but it has proven invaluable in emergency events communicating the extent of the damage. For example, when a tornado hit my own town of Mt. Airy, MD, (https://poetslife.blogspot.com/2018/11/ef-1-tornado-lessons-from-mt-airy-md.html), the video taken by a drone was invaluable to recording the damage done so homeowners and farmers could quickly file insurance claims.

Get Started Now

All these suggestions offer advantages as communication tools. It is important to set them up, use them, and know them before an emergency. I pray that for the health, safety and survival of you and your loved ones you take advantage of them. A small investment of time now will yield large dividends in safety, health and security when you experience an emergency.

4/10/2019

Civil Defense Drone UAVs

Good news.
The civil defense drone UAV market is growing rapidly, very rapidly according to this recent report from the market investment research firm The Ranger News by 360 Research Reports.
I'm especially happy to read they believe that there has been innovative use of UAVs in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear detection and mitigation.
When a tornado hit my home town of Mt. Airy, I was very impressed by the local UAV company's ability to rapidly respond and provide proof of damage for insurance claims.
Below is a summary of their report



Civil Defense UAVs market Manufactures, Types, Applications, Demographics, Size and Opportunities

Report Name: “Global Civil Defense UAVs Market Growth 2019-2024”
Civil Defense UAVs Market (2019 – 2024) report provides insights about industry Size, Production, Analysis, Price, Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin of Civil Defense UAVs Market. To understand all of it, this well researched report will reward the market situation in general, along with the future forecast of the market. It also concludes the forecast up to 2024 which shows market regions, Key players and much more.
According to this study, report provides 167 pages data analysis over the next five years, the Civil Defense UAVs market will register a xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ xx million by 2024, from US$ xx million in 2019.

Summary

“Civil Defense UAV is one kind of USAs for fire monitoring, Search&Rescue, post-assessment crisis and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) operations., The speed of development and growth of UAV use has been uneven across global regions with US and Israel still very much leading the way in the future.”
Some of key competitors or manufacturers included in the study are
AceCore Technologies, Aerialtronics, AirCover, Airelectronics, AltiGator, Atyges, BORMATEC, C-Astral Aerospace, Dragonfly Pictures, Drone Volt, ECA GROUP, Flint Hill Solutions, GRIFF Aviation, Latitude Engineering, OM UAV Systems, Prioria Robotics, Robot Aviation, SlidX, TEKEVER,
Civil Defense UAVs market Production Breakdown Data by Top Regions
  • United States (Canada, Mexico)
  • Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain)
  • APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Australia)
  • Africa (Egypt, Israel, Turkey)
The study objectives of Civil Defense UAVs Market report are:
  • To study and analyze the global Civil Defense UAVs market consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2014 to 2019, and forecast to 2024.
  • To understand the structure of Civil Defense UAVs market by identifying its various sub segments.
    Focuses on the key global Civil Defense UAVs market  manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.
  • To analyse the Civil Defense UAVs market with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.
  • To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).
  • To project the consumption of Civil Defense UAVs submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).
  • To analyse competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

Purchase Full report of Civil Defense UAVs market @ https:// www.360researchreports.com/purchase/14001215

By the product type, the Civil Defense UAVs market is primarily split into:
Rotary Airfoil, Fixed-Wing, Others
By the end users/application, Civil Defense UAVs market report covers the following segments:
Surveillance, Target Acquisition And Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Combat Support, Others
This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Civil Defense UAVs market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.
Table of Contents: 2019-2024 Global Civil Defense UAVs Market Consumption Market Report like,
  1. Scope of the Civil Defense UAVs Market Report:
  • Market Introduction
  • Research Objectives
  • Years Considered
  • Market Research Methodology
  • Economic Indicators
  • Currency Considered
  1. Executive Summary:
  • World Market Overview
  • Global Civil Defense UAVs Market Consumption 2014-2024
  • Civil Defense UAVs market Consumption CAGR by Region
  • Civil Defense UAVs market Consumption by Application
  • Global Civil Defense UAVs Value and Market Share by Application (2014-2019)
  • Others…
  1. Global Civil Defense UAVs by Players:
  • Global Civil Defense UAVs Market Sales by Players (2017-2019)
  • Global Civil Defense UAVs Market Sales Market Share by Players (2017-2019)
  • Global Civil Defense UAVs Revenue Market Share by Players (2017-2019)
  • Others…
  1. Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends:
  • Market Drivers and Impact
  • Growing Demand from Key Regions
  • Growing Demand from Key Applications and Potential Industries
  • Market Challenges and Impact
  • Market Trends
  1. Marketing, Distributors and Customer:
  • Sales Channel
  • Direct Marketing
  • Indirect Marketing
  • Civil Defense UAVs Customer
Continued…
In addition, Civil Defense UAVs market report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyses key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Browse or Customize Detailed TOC, Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies Click Here to Continue

In the end, Civil Defense UAVs market report undertakes the new project, key development areas, business overview, product specification, SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, return analysis, and development trends. The study also presents a round-up of exposures which companies operating in the market and must be avoided in order to enjoy bearable growth through the course of the forecast period.
#Civil Defense UAVs, #Civil Defense UAVs market, #Civil Defense UAVs market 2019
About 360 Research Reports:
360 Research Reports is the credible source for gaining the market reports that will provide you with the lead your business needs. At 360 Research Reports, our objective is providing a platform for many top-notch market research firms worldwide to publish their research reports, as well as helping the decision makers in finding most suitable market research solutions under one roof. Our aim is to provide the best solution that matches the exact customer requirements. This drives us to provide you with custom or syndicated research reports.
Contact Us:
Name: Mr. Ajay More, Email: sales@360researchreports.com, Organization: 360 Research Reports. Phone: +44 20 3239 8187/ +14242530807

2/18/2019

Get Out Safe Kit

If you travel and stay in hotels, this little Get Out Safe kit is an excellent idea. It provides most of what you would need to evacuate quickly from your hotel room in an emergency. As with any emergency kit, be sure to build the kit to YOUR needs (medicines, weapons, water, and whatever YOU need to survive)
The name of the kit is CG 91:11 Kit Order it here. It is $175.00 (Not cheap, but what's your life worth?)
Contingent Group offers a number of critical security services (Risk Assessment, Risk Management, Executive Protection, Background Checks, Emergency Planning, Security Design, Crime Prevention, Custom Training, GPS Tracking, Consultation, Protection, Training).
Find out about them here.


OUR TEAM Global &Specialized

We are a comprehensive risk mitigation service provider made up of highly trained, experienced Navy SEALs, Special Forces, Law Enforcement, SWAT, Intelligence Analysts, and other specialized security professionals.
Our exceptional network gives you access to world-class security expertise in every field across the globe.
Contingent Group is founded and led by a 20 year combat veteran and former member of SEAL Team 6.
Eddie Penney's experience consists of multiple deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa performing hundreds of operations including: Direct Action Ops, Medical Evacuations, Security Advances, Surveillance, and Protection of Dignitaries.

When things go bump in the night (or day), be prepared to bump back with this unique defensive pen trusted by the operators at Contingent Group. Constructed from aircraft grade aluminum with an anodized finish the 5.25” pen has a pointed end for maximized stopping power and a rounded end that can be used for controlling purposes. 
Most importantly the CG Executive Pen is designed to look and function as a writing instrument for those wishing to maintain a higher level of protection without attracting unwanted attention. Its Stainless Steel fittings and pocket clip ensure that it will remain securely attached in pockets or folders so that you will always be able to access it quickly if needed. 
The CG Executive Pen is perfect for anyone that travels for work or is often in environments where a concealed weapon is not a viable option. 

1/22/2019

Civil Defense Museum


Find a few simple necessary civil defense supplies (like potassium iodate)  at the American Civil Defense Association store here.Lest you think this is all in the past, go to Ki4U and here.


Eric Green has created an online Civil Defense Museum website and a Facebook Civil Defense Museum page for several decades.
He has collected and preserved artifacts of the Cold War Era Civil Defense program.
And he has uploaded multiple civil defense videos to YouTube.
Here is the home page to give you an idea of his collection.
See my youtube channel here.....
http://www.youtube.com/user/vanamonde2 with various CD related videos.
and the CDM Facebook page here... https://www.facebook.com/Civil-Defense-Museum-112365362134773/July 8, 2018 - Added a photo of an early version of a Medical Kit A to the shelter supplies section medical kit page Medical Kit Page.
June 2018 - Reformatted the Community Shelter Plan Pages with one main pages and all other CSPs on their own pages. Dallas is now the only CSP on the main Community Shelter Plan Page.
May 19, 2018 - Added a ColliCSP page.
n County, Texas Community Shelter Plan to the overstuffed
March 25, 2018 I think I have finally finished reformatting the site. Just added a few photos provided by Mr. Victor Lee of the GE NEAR Receiver to the NEAR Receiver page.
January 3, 2018 Still working on re-doing the whole site. Finally getting down to the end, I hope, with finishing the Warning Sirens Section.
I added some new pages to the sirens section with separate sections for Other Siren Projects. This section shows the Thunderbolt 1003 from Sherman Texas and I added two pages for the Thunderbolt 1003 I got from Arkansas and only had for a short time back in 2010 and I also added a page for the Thunderbolt 1000 I got from Fort Worth Texas. Thanks Bryan!
June 2017 - Started updating the format of this site.
May 2017 - Added a load of scanned documents to the very top of the Documents Page.
04-17-2017 - Added The Monroe County Indiana Shelter Study to the bottom of the Community Shelter Plan Page.
04-16-2017 - Added a FEMA Civil Defense Policy Monograph PDF File to the History Page.
01-8-2017 - Added photos of an old AF timer and PGA timer to the Siren Controls Page.
07-11-2016 - Added photos of another set of shelter models to the Fallout Shelter Models Page.
09-06-2015 - Finally adding a link to the Puget Sound Artillery Museum at Fort Worden page.
09-06-2015 - Added the Jefferson County, Washington CSP to the bottom of the CSP Page.
08-23-2015 - Added a PVK demonstration video to the Package Ventilation Kit Page.
This virtual museum is dedicated to the Civil Defense and emergency workers of the United States who worked to protect the public from nuclear attack. Thankfully, their services, in that aspect, were never needed. This virtual museum is for historical purposes and does not make fun of civil defense, however, I do throw in a few "light" comments here and there.
There are many aspects of the Civil Defense program that may seem funny today, but the period after World War II was a very scary time. Civil defense officials and volunteers during that time were very serious about their work and I believe they deserve respect for their efforts. They rendered emergency services after natural and man-made disasters and would have had an impossible task had there ever been a nuclear war.
The answer to the question I often get "where is your museum located?" is that this is only an online museum. I have only ever had one public display of any of my collection items in the almost 20 years I have had this site up and that was at the Allen Public Library for the month of February 2003. Sure I would love to be able to permanantly display this stuff but I have no idea where I could do that.
News photos and articles on the Dallas EOC Shelter tour pages were used with permission of the Dallas Morning News.
Photos on the Corps of Engineers Shelter Photos Page were used with permission of the US Army Corps Of Engineers.
All artwork in the Art Gallery is now public domain government artwork.

All photos I have taken in this virtual museum, along with any text I have written on these pages, are property of the Civil Defense Museum and are not to be used without permission of the Civil Defense Museum.
Thank You
Eric Green

For background, see the Wold War Museum and the Titan Missile Museum websites.

Eric Green has done a great job collecting Cold War Civil Defense artifacts that help explain this era. Visit to see what applied then and what still applies today. Here are the areas he covers on his online Civil Defense Museum..
Civil Defense Museum Site Index