Not sure if this is on the right forum.

I'm a new guy but I've followed ETS for years. I'm fairly confident on the standard basics of being prepared but my situation is a bit unusual - I use a manual wheelchair - and I'd like your input.

My wife is able-bodied but we're not together all the time (part of the reason we've been married 25 years *smiles*) - she supports my preparedness obsession. I work in a very large public building (w/ attached parking deck) in an urban setting. I commute 10 miles each way. Winter weather in NE Ohio sucks. I drive a fair amount (east coast a few times a year, vacations, etc).

Since I'm not very mobile except on hard flat surfaces, my van (no lift) is my BOB. I have gear and supplies to last until the cavalry arrives. I have 2 cell phones (different networks), a CB, and an FRS. If I'm home I'll opt to bug-in unless forced out. I take no meds and need no special accomodations beyond the completely obvious.

Basically I rely on good communication, always having my vehicle nearby, and the ability to wait it out. Any suggestions?

Sounds to me like your well on your way to having it covered already!

First thing that comes to mind is do you have spare batteries for the comm stuff?

Lots of extra batteries - mostly lithium.

This is where I start thinking self defense. By that I mean from 4 legged critters like stray dogs. I spent a month on "wheels" and remembered thinking the business end of my German Shepherds was a lot closer than I realized. Maybe some good "dog" pepper spray. 2 legged critters need attention also, but that becomes mental first, purchase second. I really don't want to kick off a "best" concealed handgun discussion.

Batteries like the folks before said.

Maybe some form of reflectors for the back of your wheels. A guy I know uses one of the "racing" chairs and it is all black. Kinda hard to see at night.

My wife is allergic to dogs so I got a CCW permit - "always carry, never tell."

My chair is all black ... good point. Maybe a couple of reflective armbands in my EDC. I'll stop into my local bicycle shop.

HI.
It seems like the right forum.

It sounds like you know what you are doing.
I don't know what to suggest except maybe a few extra blankets. Thinking......

Maybe a help flag to run up an antenna?

We use flags something like these ones to increase visibility for our vehicles.
http://www.smsafety.com.au/flag_poles.htm
We use larger pennants, a lot of fluorescent orange for daytime, and a lot of reflective striping so they show up at night.
We try for a 12 foot height on pickup trucks and about 6 feet high on skidoos.
The skidoos because they get operated on roads with regular size vehicles and are too short to be seen among them.
A flag at 6 feet is in the eye line of most drivers and shows over most cars.
The trucks need 12 feet because they are getting operated in mining areas with heavy haulers operating.
Heavy haulers are dump trucks that carry between 350 and 500 tons of tarsand. They can run small trucks over and not even notice the bump in the road.

Since if you get stuck you might not want to try setting out road flares a couple of shorter flag whips might help you get noticed.
We just tie ours down to the racks on our trucks when we are not in mining areas.

I'd suggest instead of something that only reflects light, get something that actually makes its own, like a flasher/strobe. If you happen to be out near where cars are going to be driving, something flashing will be seen much sooner than something that will only reflect light from oncoming headlights.

Power Flare

Also, if you might end up stuck somewhere and can't walk very far...
Some type of toilet facility. When you gotta go, ya gotta go.

Greetings Wheels
First, let me offer the suggestion of using amateur radio (Ham) as a comms option. I question the effectiveness of the CB and FRS radios in the urban enviroment, mostly because of lack of range and power. Most amateur repeaters in the urban areas have a large footprint and afford more reliable communications than does the citizens band equipment. I have noticed that an increasing number of professional drivers have switched over to the amateur bands due to previously stated reasons and the conversations are by and large "G" rated, as opposed to some less regulated bands.
Secondly, 1+ on the two cell phones on different networks. I've had to do that for several years due to coverage problems in parts of NC / SC / GA where I travel.
Sounds like you have the rest of the bases covered. In reference to the winter weather, better you than me. If I never see anything white on the ground other than warm Caribbean sand I'll be extremely happy.

Clearly there are a number of topics in the forum that discuss the normal things you'd have in a vehicle kit, those would be a great place to start. Doug has a list of specific recommendations somewhere on ETS.

In addition to those recommendations on supplies/kit... I think that since your vehicle is so key to your gameplan, you might want to review whether you've done everything you can to make it as capable as possible, some examples would be:
-Is it a 4WD van?
-Do you have at least all weather, or snow tires?
-Might even consider upgrading to ride flat tires, I expect that changing a tire would be more challenging for your particular situation, and if you get a flat bugging out in poor weather, or on back roads, you might be in a very difficult situation.
-Does the manufacturer have a second fuel tank option?
-Do you have a way to warm the interior, without the vehicle heater? Even candles will work.
-I agree that relying on 2 cell phones is a start, but, the other 2 comms, CB and FRS, are probably not very reliable. I have a ham license, so I always have at least a tri-band handheld FM ham radio and a pocket sized repeater frequency guide that covers the entire US. I've virtually never found a place that I couldn't hit an FM repeater on the 6M, 2m or 70cm bands. I have a mag mount tri-band antenna that I can connect to the handheld for better coverage.
-A use for the CB might be to actually install a PA speaker on your van, most CB's have the ability to drive a PA, and it might allow you to get attention, and communicate with folks trying to help you.
-If you can, have a secondary battery installed. Some vehicles have a place already set up for them, just need the battery and cables installed.
-In addition to normal lighting like a headlamp and flashlight, you might consider having something with significant throw, like a handheld spotlight to identify things around you, and signal.
-Are you able to move freely to the back of van from the drivers seat? If not, you need to think carefully about how to access your gear if you "bug in" to the van under poor weather conditions where you might have trouble getting in and out to get to supplies that you can't reach from the front. (Not sure how it's configured, you mentioned no lift.)

Ok, well those are a few thoughts. I did some thinking about this to help my brother a few years back, he has a C6 level injury. It's not easy to think through all of this, almost requires a field test to see if you have what you need.

You'll get great advice from this group.

Welcome Wheels.

First, I think your thinking with regard to your best initial options is on. Bugging-in and using your vehicle to the extent you cannot are for most of us the right ideas to begin with.

I think the ideas reflectors and lights to make you more visible are good too. I had a bike light when I useed to ride in the evening that flashed like a red strobe. I'm sure you could find one, and I'd use both a light and a reflector or two. If the light fails, you'd still have something making you more visible.

One thing I think you should think about is what happens if you need to bug out and your vehicle is not an option. I like keeping as many options open as possible and considering the worse-case scenario.

Do you have supplies in case you want to bug-in at your office or elsewhere? Having a small amount of supplies or a backup kit might be a good idea. More is usually better, redundancy is often not a problem.

I little knowledge about maintaining a wheelchair, but do you carry any spare parts and/or tools for it?

Welcome Wheels, glad to have you aboard. One of my friends was in similar circumstances as a young adult. The 2 things he did that impressed me, he hit the local motorcycle shop and got a couple tool kit bags that attach to motorcycles handlebars. They are made to attach to any round tube frame, hold quite a bit and they look cool. The other thing he did I thought was good pre-planning, a set of folding ramps in the back of his van. Back in those days they were pretty expensive but now a decent set can be had from outfits like auto parts stores and harbor freight tools pretty reasonable. They don't take up much space when folded, can handle several hundred pounds and can prove worth their weight in gold if you have to go somewhere the terrain is a challenge. For that matter I can think of tons of times in an emergency that a pair of strong pieces of metal could be used for braces, supports, even mini bridges for pedestrian traffic. As for some lights on the chair he went to a skate board shop and replaced the front wheels with some spiffy looking clear plastic deals with lights that flicker when they roll. (he is a bit of a character lol)

Keep battery operated bicycle lights to hand, front and rear with means of attaching them to your wheelchair.
Remember that an emergeny may require you to use your chair outdoors in the dark, perhaps in a power failure, being run down by an auto could be a real risk.

As others suggest, keep supplies at your work place including water, batteries, spare clothing, long life foods, flashlight, radio etc.

Would funds and storeage space permit of keeping a spare wheelchair at you work place? Just in case yours suffers any damage that cant be readily repaired.

Look for the reflective material at a sign shop. Many carry the retro-reflective materials that appear a given color during the daylight and only reflect when hit with light at night. (like on LEO/EMS vehicles) Black is available. Does your ride have the Quick Detach wheels? If so, spare parts for that?? QD may only be a racing thing, I don't know.

Pepper spray for dogs is still a good idea. Lots easier to explain than a CCW discharge. (Or worse an accidental shooting due to shooting thru a dog.)



Edit: I just thought of this. What floor are you on at work? If not on the first floor, what plans do you have for evacuating from the building? I assume it does not include the elevator?

Looks to me like you have an advantage over a lot of folks who have the use of legs and don't exercise. They won't know they have limitations until it's too late. You have one you live with daily and have adjusted your life to accommodate.

Two things got my attention in your initial post: "manual wheelchair", "no lift". IMO, by not falling into the trap set up by technology, you did yourself a huge service. Electric wheelchairs and lifts require battery power; instead you have upper body strength.

Do you need elevators to get to/from your office? If so, how will you get from your office to your van when the power goes out? Maybe your building has a back-up generator and it's not an issue, but if it is, supplies in the office which would allow you to bug-in there might be appropriate. You know the situation, your call.

Look at the different situations that could arise with your vehicle and at work. I have the Powerflares mentioned previously in my truck because in SOCAL with all the wildfire danger, they seem like a better option than a road flare. Great signaling device and they won't start a fire next to your van. I'll assume you have blankets in the van and you always dress appropriately. You already carry so that's covered too. (I hope you get enough trigger time, but that's an issue for another forum.)

I guess the only other concern I would consider is sanitation. Depending on how chair bound you are, I would assume you've made suitable provisions for excretion and disposal. For most of us fully ambulatory folks, that is little more conern than finding some concealment, but for someone truly disabled, that might be problematic I imagine.

I'll reply to all so far in this post.

I like the idea of armband lights if I need to roll at night - getting run over would be bad. Also, increasing the visibility of my van (actually, two Toyota Siennas - mine and my wife's - set up the same way in terms of preparedness) is a good point; I'll look into reflective decals and maybe a flag to hang as an SOS. Also, a spotlight - birthday comin' up

A word about my van (2WD) - I've removed the seat behind the driver's seat and one of the way-back seats. I can move around inside easily - I have brittle bones but no spinal issues. I have blankets, sleeping bags, candles, food, Esbit sove, FAK, etc. plus shovel, road flares, tire puncture kit, air compressor, empty gas can, etc. in case my wife is with me or I get lucky in terms of a good samaritan. I have no lift - I put my chair through the left sliding door into the space created by removing a seat. I can stand briefly to do this but I can do it w/o standing if need be. I have room for some sort of compact camp toilet which I will get. The PA speaker is now also on my list to do pronto.

I have spare tubes/tools for my chair but no other spare parts - pretty expensive and since I weigh under 125 and buy very high quality, my chair simply doesn't fail (ok, now I've jinxed it). I have quick release hubs so changing a tube is easy. I have a bag/backpack for my EDC. I need to maintain a professional image for my job so my chair can't stand out in a crowd - everything is basic black. I wince enough with the chair's "quickie" name/logo on the back of the seat - real nice.

Finally, radios - I've had good luck with the CB (got me out of a jam some years ago) and the FRS is just to try to raise somebody (cheap). I don't know much about Ham but will look into it. I know some Ham operators and there have been threads here on the subject.

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions so far - good stuff!

Get your ham license and get a ham radio for your home and van, perhaps a handheld will work.

Had an experience just the other night where a fellow in a wheelchair was crossing a rural road to get to his mail box. The chair was dark, his clothes were dark and it was rainy and dusk. The low profile of the chair against the roadside hedges didn't help either. I did see him in time but some sort of light or reflector would have kept that lump in my throat from jumping up. Almost stopped to give a him flashing LED wand I carry in the glove compartment but he gave me the one finger salute instead. I felt bad about scaring him but he could have made it easier for drivers to see him.

Great question and I think it has got a lot of us thinking. I have two ideas. One would be some chemical/biological barrier gloves. Something heavy duty that protected your hands if your going through areas that might have contaminated water or fluid. Maybe even look for a type that has some extras protection of the knuckles and fingers.

Next is a step I think all of us would like to include in our EDC kit, a PLB.

Now that I think about it, On-Star might also be a good idea for your van.

As others suggest, keep supplies at your work place including water, batteries, spare clothing, long life foods, flashlight, radio etc.

Would funds and storeage space permit of keeping a spare wheelchair at you work place? Just in case yours suffers any damage that cant be readily repaired.

Do you need elevators to get to/from your office? If so, how will you get from your office to your van when the power goes out? Maybe your building has a back-up generator and it's not an issue, but if it is, supplies in the office which would allow you to bug-in there might be appropriate. You know the situation, your call.

[how do you get those boxes around quotes from replies?]

Regarding above: I have some gear and supplies in my office. I work on the 3rd floor mostly - we do have a back-up generator in our building but elevators go to street level and stay. We have three spare wheelchairs on site for the public. I can get up and down stairs if I have to (stayed on the 5th floor of a hotel when a fire broke out at 4 a.m. - it was their last room). We have at least one off duty police officer and at least four of our own security officers on site whenever we're here - they have police/local radios and I know them all very well. We've had a few alarm drops / bomb scares and evacs went well. I have a number of people who would remember I'm in the building.

One darkly humerous thing - We have "Areas of Rescue Assistance" in the building for those who cannot evacuate. These are most stairwell landings with additional fire protection. I thought - that's a good idea ... and it is except the intercoms from these areas go to our fire control center which is in the building! Oh boy.

On a related note - I fly a couple times a year and a talkative and honest flight attendant explained to me that if they need to evacuate the plane, I'm the last to get out. It would take too long to arrange for me to get to the exit and so on (a form of triage). Good to know, I suppose. As I thought about it, I would have written the same rule. Makes sense. Personally, I like to fly with my very strong 18 yr old son sitting next to me or, if alone, I hope to sit near some big strong friendly person.

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You seem to have most things covered pretty well.

I might suggest a racing pennant for your chair in traffic as well as flagging your van. They make them that just slip on and some come in sections like a fishing rod.

edit:
One of the most effective styles of reflective decal I have seen was reflective tape applied in a diagonal to the rear of the vehicle.
A friend who delivers rural mail has it on her car.

Here is a link about it being applied to a bike.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Bright_Bike/
The stuff they used on this bike looks like a solid colour (black) until the light hits it, then it lights up like a road sign.

Welcome to the forum Wheels. We're in the same neck of the woods, and yes the weather sure sucks right now. A little chilly!

It sounds like you are pretty well set. I didn't read all the posts, so I don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but I would find a way to stash some spare cash inside your wheelchair somehow in case you get held up.

I don't if this would be of any help:


FEMA-Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs

If you scroll down the page, there is link to download the document.

Pete

Welcome to the forum Wheels!

Things I would want and didn't see mentioned:

Freeze-proof containers with drinkable water
Coffee can to melt snow over a candle or stove
A book or two to survive the boredom

May sound odd but what pops into my head is EDC a length of rope (light weight but strong). Might give you some options in negotiating "not so flat" terrain.

Just a thought.

If you go with rope, don't forget some sort of equipment to anchor/pulley with. I can't comment much more on that...

Having had the "fun" of pulling a wheelchair down the aisle in a plane, yeah, it's a PITA. The chair is just small enough to squeeze between the aisle, has 2 wheels on the back. In fact, it looks a lot like the stair-chair we used in EMS, if you've ever seen those. Anyway, if you need to evac a plane, you might be better off just "standing" as best you can and swinging off the top of the chairs, if you're able to do that much (and hopefully not sitting in the back row). Or, at 125#, maybe just catch a piggy-back off the biggest guy (...uh...or girl...) you can find.

Something else caught my eye. You mention you have brittle bones... maybe some XS Tylenol, or Vicodin, and a few splints, in case you do manage to break something? I can't imagine how difficult that would be to get to and then apply, but just a thought.

Welcome!

I read the other posts, but I think what you're asking is not about bug in but what else you may be missing?

I'm also a big bug in proponent, I want to stay with all my stuff and, if can't, rely on whatever fraction of gear that I could successfully haul in worst case scenarios.

So you have the major stuff covered, it sounds like.

As far as your chair- do you have grade aids in case of hills that you could leave in the van and add on in a pinch?
Are you top heavy or could you sling a pack over the push handles without a tipping hazard? I'm sure you know anti tippers can be a hassle even on curb cuts and such.
If not, is there enough space on your lower front to handle extra gear? Like maybe a small, wide board to set and place your feet on that could extend past your toes and become your haul platform.
Are your front casters air filled or meant only for hard surface? You may want to get some quick release 3 or 5 inch inflatables for easier rough rides.
I'd avoid flat free inserts, very stiff, and go with a commercial bicycle anti puncture treatment, Mr Tuffy, Slime, etc. You could do that with your vehicle tires as well, I think.
Also, if you're in NE Ohio, Invacare is based in Elyria, see if you can become a product tester and score some free stuff. They used to manufacture some Quickie knock off's that were very reliable. I think they sold that division but may still have product.

If your concerns are vehicle based only, forgive my digression. I don't know what you've considered in case you have to push sans van for any length of time.

When I fly, I take notice of any unaccompanied minors and those with other limitations in my area. In the event of an evacuation or crash landing, and I'm capable, I would assist them after anyone else I'm flying with. I remember flying on a puddle-jumper once and thinking if anything happens, the 10-year old in front of me is going to hear "You're with me!" Yes, the flight attendant is responsible for the kids, but they're also responsible for everyone else too. Distributed Emergency Management, that's what this survival thing is all about, right?

Now that is the attitude that more people need to have! Kudos to you!

Wheels, I am curious to know what what your EDC is, & also what you would have in a Emergency Kit or FAK. I am keeping in mind that you have bags of some kind attached to your wheelchair, but overloading might slow you down or otherwise encumber you.

Tim

Tim,

My EDC might seem thin considering I have a bag hanging off the back of my chair (3"x14"x12") - -

Leatherman Charge
Whistle
Flashlights (4!) all mini size attached to various things
Cell phones (2) plus AA powered charger
SAK
Emergency contacts
Tums
Aspirin
Tylenol
Sig (ccw)
Water
Standard wallet stuff incl extra keys
Food (varies)
Lighter
Ipod


When I'm significantly away from home/office I carry a much more complete kit that includes FAK, water purificatin tabs, emergency "blanket," etc that's based on ETS suggestions (2"x4"x5") in a siliconized nylon kit bag with multiple pockets. I also would carry hot hands/toastie toes, hat, sunglasses, and so on depending on what I think I might need.

I try to keep the chair light and rely on being close to my van. A couple years ago we went out west (flew) for 10 days - that was different ... I carried all of the above plus maps, paracord, bandanas, and a couple of FRS radios for my wife and I to use. That all seemed good in hindsight.

From everyone's suggestions I'll add at least an armband light and nitrile gloves.

My FAKs are very complete but nothing special (I have a wonderful company FAK 40 ft from my office). Fortunately I don't have any real health issues (lookin' for some wood to knock on) beyond brittle bones, loose joints, and a fused back. I probably should carry some prescription pain meds but I get by on one aspirin a day a a couple Tylenol a few times a week. Mostly I wind up using my EDC and other stuff to help others
The people I know well ask me for a variety of things all the time. When my wife and I go out I carry her stuff too which sometimes includes her version of an EDC in addition to the usual (contact case/fluid, gum, brush, blah blah blah).

Welcome to the fire, newguy! It seems you have everything well under control. I might suggest a small radio though so you can keep up with any important news. That's my one problem with iPods, they don't have a bilt-in radio.

-Blast

It's kind of self-serving. It'll give me something to focus on in order to take in the situation. I know I have a tendency to freeze (as most everyone does), and with my knowledge and some experience, I need to be in a better position to help. The only way I could think of was to concentrate on someone else.