I chose Carr McGuire House, Houghton House and Carriage House because I spend most of my time at those places. In this animation, I mapped out most of the escape routes at those places. In emergency, breaking the windows will be considered as well. When I was shooting, I realized there are more fire extinguishers than I thought.
[What is in my backpack on a regular basis?]
A wallet: Some cash, HWS ID, Wegman’s Shoppers Card, art dept key card, Chautauqua Institution gate passes ‘09 and ‘10, credit card, a piece of paper with my contact info.
Sketchbook, notebook (a binder actually), Italian textbook;
Triplus fineliners, technical pens, iPod, Italian study cards, a thumb drive, hand cream, a watch, menthol, post-it, sunscreen lotion, mechanical pencils and leads, a cell phone; keys
A point ‘n shoot camera.
[Strengths and Weaknesses]
Cash, shoppers card, key card, and gate passes would not be very helpful when a catastrophe happens. With my sketchbook, pens, and a camera, I would be able to record what happens during the catastrophe. Whether I can survival or not eventually, I will have something for people who want to know what happened. Menthol is useful, as it helps relieve stuffy nose, insect bites, chapped skin, minor skin-burns, abrasion, sunburns and skin irritations.
Strengths are: calm; not afraid of death; always have snakes around; not selfish
Weaknesses are: I will freak out if I am alone; not an outdoor person
[Essential Survival Skills]
CPR certified; know how to start a fire with matches or a lighter; able to build some easy constructions; always wearing flip-flops will hurt me if I had to walk for a long distance
I appreciate how thorough your escape routes have been considered. Amanda Ripley's book talks a lot about how the simple act of momentarily considering an escape route can drastically improve your ability to avoid a disaster. Practicing the route is even better. Your observation about the extinguishers is a good one. Now that you are aware of the number and location of extinguishers you may prove to be the most valuable person in the room if a fire were to erupt in any of your locations.
ReplyDeleteI was struck by the amount of glass your entryways seem to have in general. That's another plus in that daylight could guide you through a smoke filled hallway. You will also be able to quickly detect a blocked exit.
I think your backpack could use work - so could your shoes. However, if you are a common size you could always take a pair off a corpse and use your lotion to sanitize you hands (assuming there is some alcohol in it). You also have a number of ways to start a fire already in your bag - if you add a couple items and learn some tricks. For example, any device with a battery can start a fire if you carry some very thin wire or steel wool. You should also check the flammability of your lotion, sunscreen, menthol, and inks.I'd also look to add a simple container (like a small water bottle or bladder). You can fold a cup from the paper, but you would have a hard time boiling it.
So where do you go? Who do you go to, and over what time frame? Will this person/place be expecting you? Will your survival odds go up or down if you band with another person or grup?