What do you think is the best way to write instructions for those that are not trained in emergency techniques?

I'm going to include in my bug out bag (b.o.b.) instructions for how to use the items in the b.o.b. for my loved ones and friends (or worst case, anyone that finds my b.o.b. and needs to use it). Most of the items in my b.o.b. are multipurpose i.e. bandana... or their uses are not very obvious i.e. vasoline soaked cottonballs... or they must be used with other items i.e. emergency blanket + black cup = solar cooker/ solar water-still. This is why I want to include these instructions.

My questions are these:
I have to consider the reading abilities of whomever uses the b.o.b. What level of reading skill do you think the instructions should be written for? 5th grade, maybe?

Should it be written in an informal personal style i.e. You should stay hydrated. This style seems like the author is speaking directly to the reader.
Or
Should it be written in a formal instructional style i.e. Stay hydrated. This style seems like stereo instructions speaking AT the reader.

Which style do you think would be most effective. Both styles can relay a message to the reader so s/he can survive the emergency. One might keep the reader at ease and the other uses less space, which equals less weight. But, does that weight savings justify sacrificing possibly keeping the reader at ease?

With the above considerations in mind do you think numbers should be written out i.e. three feet of duct tape ... or shown as characters i.e. 3 feet of duct tape?
I know there is a grammerical rule that states that all numbers below 11 should be written out and all numbers above ten should be shown with characters, but that rule didn't take the considerations above into account.

Here is a major consideration that I've been toying with. Should instructions for each item be attached to the item?

Well, that's all for right now. I'll write more later. I look forward to reading your replies.

Thanks
Wayneburg

On whether to Write Out Numbers in either Word Form, or as "Direct Numbers", -I'd Think that Using Actual "Direct Numbers", are Better! They're Far More Familiar, Far More Readily Visible, and Unambiguous! They Have a Stand Out Visibility and Contrast!, -that "Word Form Numbers" Just Can't Match!

Also, an Illiterate Person / andor One who Doesn't Speak or Understand English, -Will be Far More Likely to be Able to Read a "Numerical Number", rather than a "Word Number".

Though some Won't even be Able to Read These,-Nor by the Definition of Illiteracy, -So Much Else that you Write.

Of course and Fortunately, -a Majority of People are Not Illiterate! And here in America, Britain, and some Other Places, -Most People can certainly Understand English.

Also, Drawing Pictures and Diagrams, -often as Simply as Possible, -Can also be Done either In Place Of, or In Addition To, your Words. You can even Do various Mixtures of Such.

Do Go for something like a 5th or 6th Grade Level. This is What Newspapers typically do, I've once heard. (Despite some Unavoidable Use of some Big Words.) And your Average Newspaper Reader Doesn't Feel Insulted, or as if They were Being Talked Down to like a Child!

Once again, I would Much More Suggest "Direct" or "Numerical Numbers", in Place of Written Out "Word Numbers" [color:"black"] [/color] [email]Wayneburg[/email]

Ahem...as a professional corporate trainer, book author (The eFactor, search Amazon) as well as a firefighter and secretary of the fire company, I do more than my share of writing in a variety of situations.

Basically, for instructional communications (that's what you're doing with emergency instructions) you use a rather terse, clipped language, and if it's really important don't leave room for any interpretation.

WRONG: If there's a smell of fuel near your crashed plane, don't light a fire anywhere near it.

RIGHT: No open flame near the plane if fuel is spilled.

Similarly, numbers take up less space and are unambigous. Thus:

WRONG: When ventilating a room using hydraulic methods, ensure that your fog spray fills eighty to ninety percent of the window.

RIGHT: For Hydraulic ventilation, use a fog spray to fill 80% to 90% of the window.

The best instructions are printed right on the toor or equipment to be used. I have an old beat-up Ford F-250 that I loan out to lots of people. It's loaded with labels for the untrained:

PRESS CLUTCH HARD TO FLOOR BEFORE STARTING
GET FUEL IMMEDIATELY IF GAS GAUGE MOVES
CHECK OIL WHEN GETTING GAS
TO REMOVE KEY PRESS BUTTON ->

Thank you for your replies.

I like the idea of having simple illustrations with the instructions.
I now understand that the formal style leaves no room for errors or interpretation.
And you've both shown why using numbers exclusively not only leaves less room for error, it also takes up less room. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Here are some more things to consider:
In what order should the instructions be presented to the reader?
-Highest priority subjects to lowest priority subjects
-Subjects listed alphabetically

Should there be a glossary?

I want the instructions to be as short and clear as possible not only for the weight savings, but because I don't want the instructions to be so long that it is intimidating to the reader. Should this even be a concern?

That's all I can think of right now. I'll write more later.

Thanks
Wayneburg

I think I'll weigh in on this thread, too.

I used to be a software technical writer and software documentation analyst in my previous employment incarnation. I worked in the field for 12 years. Having learned some plain and fancy swimming in that time, I feel qualified to pass on some advice. The most important consideration is to make what you write as readable as possible to your audience. Don't worry so much about grammar, but be very careful that your reader knows what you're talking about at all times. Here's some more:

• List priorities first. When describing how to satisfy those priorities, tell the reader what he or she needs, then go through the procedure step by step.
• Create an index of available equipment. Then describe the uses of each piece of equipment.
• Create a FAQ with various functions. Then describe how to perform those functions. (See bullet 1 for method.)
• Reader's Digest assumes 7th grade level literacy. This is not a bad guideline. But consider the literacy level of your probable audience. If you have a 3rd grader in your household, pitch it to him or her.
• Get a copy of Colin Fletcher's The Compleat Walker . Use what you can, especially his upbeat quotations and readings in the back of the book.
• Include in your survival kit spiritual sustenance such as the Bible, the Quran, or Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah.
• Make use of a "professional idiot": someone who is not knowledgeable about survival, but is articulate enough to identify puzzling spots and describe them to you. Submit chunks of material to your PI from time to time and listen to and incorporate what you get for feedback.

What a wonderful project! Keep us informed! I'll check this thread from time to time, so if you need some help, I'll be available.

Tahirih
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