Disaster Prep 101
By Paul Percell
Reviewed by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it HSO Contributor
Percell opens with a list of grim reminders: "Chernobyl, Bhopal, Three Mile Island, Hurricane Andrew, California earthquakes, Mississippi flooding, Texas tornadoes, western wildfires, northern blizzards, rolling blackouts, Mad Cow, West Nile, September 11th, Anthrax, DC Snipers, SARS, and asteroids." Toss in terrorists setting off a suitcase nuke in a major city, or a ship with a dirty bomb blowing up a port and you've got to ask yourself, "Am I prepared?"
The answer, for most of us, is probably not. Enter Paul Percell and Disaster Prep 101.
500 plus pages of dense information, forms to complete, workbooks, checklists, notes, auxiliary information and appendixes make this personal and family security textbook staggeringly comprehensive, but at the same time a formidable challenge that only the most motivated security consumer will be willing and able to navigate, much less complete. The author suggests that if one is diligent the entire process can be achieved in three months working just on the weekends; possibly a reasonable projection, but still a daunting task.
Percell suggests that the book should be read twice before beginning the physical aspects he advocates -- filling out forms, making purchases, lining up training, etc. This initial read-through is probably a good idea as the formatting and lack of clear design discourages flipping through and dipping into the material at random.
The book is divided into five main sections: Foundation, Reaction, Evacuation, Isolation, and Cooperation. Within these sections are subheads -- health, basic training, manmade misfortunes, weather disasters, and many more. While there is much advice here that is so basic as to be almost unnecessary, Percell carefully expands each topic into intricate, useful detail. One commonplace suggestion often butts up against three tricks of amazing inventiveness.
Let's take, for example, a tiny section on visual signaling to give you an idea of his inclusiveness and ingenuity. A disaster has occurred, a flood, perhaps, or a dirty bomb has been detonated. You're trapped in your home awaiting rescue. How do you visually attract attention to your plight?
Smoke signals; you can buy colored smoke distress signals and military surplus smoke grenades, or you can simply build a fire on any open ground. Three evenly spaced fires indicate to rescuers that you are stranded. No smoke? Try dust. Talcum powder or coffee creamer dumped out a window can draw attention. Aerial flares are useful (Orion Signals carries a wide selection) as are skyrockets and other common fireworks. Tracer ammunition works well if you're into firearms. Don't own a gun? Buy or make yourself a bow and arrow and attach a chemlight stick to the arrow and shoot it into the air. Use your porch light, if you have electricity, to send Morse code signals. Mirrors, laser pointers, and even low-tech solutions such as brightly colored towels and blankets can save your life. Pack old bed sheets and spray paint to make signs visible from the air and at a distance. Hang a bed sheet with a painted message from a billboard. Fly a kite with chemsticks attached. These are just a few suggestions from a list of many; one miniscule subject in Percell's vast sea of security preparedness.
There's plenty here that one could make fun of, such as the suggestion that you stockpile oven roaster cooking bags to put over your head as a smoke shield in case of fire, (don't forget to poke breathing holes in the bag) but really, if you're in the middle of a fire and it saves your life, who's to say that it sounds silly?
Detailing a long list of Percell's more inventive suggestions is tempting, but there's far too much information to go into in this review. It's clear, though, that even the most casual reader who spends a little time digging around will find something of interest here.
The HSO Takeaway: Dense, barebones design and the sheer volume of material makes the book difficult to use if readers don't want to devote a fair amount of time to the project. That being said, if readers are interested in an encyclopedic approach to every aspect of personal security in a dangerous and uncertain world, it would be difficult to find a more useful book. The reasonable price: $59.95, makes this a wise investment and an interesting and even entertaining read.
Note: The book includes two CDs that contain references to 500 additional books on the subject and a number of training manuals.
Availability: The book can be obtained for $59.95 from InfoQuest, 6300 Powers Ferry Rd., Suite 600-294, Atlanta, GA 30339 or through the website, www.disasterprep101.com
Allen Appel is a book and media reviewer who lives and works in Washington, DC. He specializes in reviewing thriller fiction and homeland security and terrorism issues. See his literary book blog at The Thriller Guy.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Company