RLSH Philosophy

“” and it’s practical applications, and will post it elsewhere.
The basic principles will be;
1) Protect and Serve as part of the community.
2) Protect yourself Legally. (worded deliberately so you may defend yourself via any legal means necessary.)
3) Protect the RLSH Community.
 
If the gun is Illegal for you to carry, don’t use it as you will break guideline 2 and 3.
 
Otherwise, do what you can to get one and train in it’s use, so you can fulfill guideline 1 and 2.
 
Just don’t be foolish, or you’ll break guideline 3.

Helping Stranded Motorists (In Cold Weather)

First thing to remember when helping people, keep in mind that they are in fact entirely too human. People make simple mistakes that can be dangerous to their safety, and to your’s. So you have to assume the safety of everyone in a situation when you arrive on the scene. You just might save someone’s life.. including your own!
Make sure the vehicle is safely out of the lane of flowing traffic. Either push it out of the road, or use tow straps. Be careful, as most people strain their back muscles during this phase and often have no clue, until later, that they hurt themselves pretty badly.
Make sure that that everyone from the stranded vehicle is warm and protected from the elements. A lot of people jump into their cars without a jacket because they think they’ll just be out for a few minutes and don’t need a coat. Make sure to carry a few heavy blankets in your trunk, if you don’t have a few old coats Some motorists also get soaked through even if they have a winter jacket, so they need to get them off immediately. Remember to stock extra gloves, knit caps, and scarves! Dress in layers so you can remove them as you heat up from working and shoveling. Stay away from cotton under layers as these retain moisture and keep you cold.
Having people sit in the vehicle you are working on isn’t a good idea. People move unexpectedly, they also add weight to the vehicle, and both conditions add stress to the support jack which can cause it to collapse. Have them wait in your vehicle if they have to stay out of the elements. And yes, I know.. you’re concerned about someone stealing things from your car. Take reasonable precautions, but safety and preventing cold related injuries are also important.
Even if someone has their own jack, I never use it. I carry my own, heavy duty scissor jack. I am familiar with it. It’s heavy duty so that I can use it even under a pick-up truck. And all I need to do is make sure it is secured in place on the frame to lift and support the vehicle. Even if someone has already jacked up their vehicle, I slide my jack under and tighten it up. Most people have changed very few tires, and if they have they might not have done so on their current vehicle, or with the current style of equipped jack they have.. this means they might not have done it right. Always assume that unless you’ve secured the vehicle yourself, it is not secure.
While I’m on the subject, I also carry my own tire irons, two of them. One standard measurements, the other metric. Never trust someone’s dealer equipped tire iron.. these are often cheaply made and likely to strip lug nuts, bend, or break. Wear heavy work gloves, and keep your first aid kit near by. Cuts and bruised knuckles are common injuries. You might even break a finger or hand if you’re not careful. Mother Nature loves to strand motorists in snow, or freezing rain, and these conditions make tools slip in the blink of an eye. Go at a steady pace.. this isn’t a race.
Wear a reflective, brightly colored vest if you can. Even in daylight you can go unseen, especially if there is snow blowing about. Some accidents happen because a driver passing by will unconsciously turn toward you and the vehicle you are working on because they have a tendency to steer slightly toward the direction they are looking. Wearing emergency colors helps, but does not eliminate this danger Have someone use a flashlight, or road flares, for warning traffic around you if you’re in or beside the road working.
Buy a good ergonomic shovel to help you shovel out. They’re worth the price! You can lift snow easier without killing your back. Have salt (and sand if you can get it) available too. Motorists often don’t have either a shovel or grit for traction, so you’ll have to provide both.
Standard Emergency Aid Supplies For Your Vehicle
Towing straps (cold, or old, chains sometimes snap and become shrapnel!)
Tire chains
Heavy duty jack
First Aid Kit
Heavy work gloves, and safety glasses (stuff gets splashed off the road, or rust flecks off tires and lug nuts)
Good ergonomic shovel
Salt and sand (grit) for traction
Extra blankets, old jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves
Granola bars, or other emergency food (some folks may have been stranded for hours without anything to eat)
Bottled water (though be careful storing in your vehicle in winter)
Flashlights (more than one is best), extra batteries too
Road flares
Emergency repair / jump-starting kit
Addendums:
In some areas you are not allowed to use tire chains while driving. But they can be used to help a stranded vehicle get unstuck, then remove them. Do not use tire chains unless they are in good shape, you are familiar with their use, and that they are secured properly.
Emergency battery powered glow sticks–which include a flash light, solid color, or blinking mode–can be used in lieu of road flares. (Thank you, Phantom Zero and Nyx, for this contribution.)

Gift Certificate Handouts

Usually when we go out on an Outreach to help the Homeless, we hand out such consumables as bottled water, sandwiches, and other cold foodstuffs. But with cold weather coming on, I’ve been thinking about how to get people hot food, hot beverages, and maybe a warm place to rest, even if for a short while. That’s when I came up with the idea of giving out McDonald’s Gift Certificates (or other certificates of your choice).
The certificates will allow the bearer to buy hot food and hot beverages. They may also rest awhile inside the warmth of the restaurant, as paying customers, so that they won’t need to worry as much about being chased off by the staff.
Some people worry that if they give money to the Homeless that it will be spent on drugs, or alcohol. But with Gift Certificates, this worry is pretty much eliminated. Also it allows the holders not to have to carry food on them like they would if you gave them a sandwich on the street. Sometimes having food on them attracts unwanted attention, or even rodents.
Now I already know McDonald’s fast food isn’t everyone’s meal of choice, but it is a darned sight better than nothing, or maybe even food gotten through dumpster diving.  Calories are needed to survive in cold weather and fat content isn’t a great concern.  The consumption of hot beverages reduces the need for the body to burn calories just to maintain body temperature.
The typical Outreach package I put together runs about $10, this is enough for two complete hot meals at most restaurants.
—–
The following remarks are from my colleague, Phantom Zero on this subject:
“FYI, just from personal experience, supplies can be cumbersome and heavy–so slips of paper as opposed to lugging a dozen plus bottles of water and sandwiches is more efficient. You can keep them handy for any-time homeless outreach.
However–no guarantee that any establish will let someone who is homeless in, as they may feel its disruptive to business and might drive customers away (regardless of laws or statutes stating otherwise).
BUT a lot of places do allow the homeless to “freecycle” foods which are past their due time (by virtue of standards and practices), but still perfectly good foodstuffs.”

Basic First Aid Kit

Before I begin, I will leave you with this word of caution: IF YOU COME UPON AN EMERGENCY FIRST CALL 911, OR HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DO IT! Then render aid only as your level of medical knowledge permits.  If a person is conscious and alert, you must ask permission before treating them, even if it’s just putting a band aid on.. you may not render aid if they refuse for any reason.
When you’re out on a patrol, or an Outreach, you should always carry a first aid kit with you as part of your standard equipment load out.
The typical First Aid Kit contains things like (and I’m using a general purpose military first aid kit as an example):

  • x2 2” x 6 yds. Bandage Gauze
  • x1 6” Elastic Bandage
  • x2 3” x 4” Sterile Sponges
  • x16 3” Bandage Strips
  • x1 Ice Pack
  • x1 Tweezers
  • x1 Scissor
  • x1 Pill Bottle
  • x1 Eye Pad
  • x1 Hand Soap
  • x4 Pain Relievers (I carry both Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen)
  • x1 Magnifying Lens
  • x1 First Aid Instructions
  • x6 Safety Pins
  • x1 Pair Examination Gloves
  • x4 Aspirin
  • x1 First Aid Cream
  • x1 Triple Antibiotic
  • x1½” Tape
  • x3 Alcohol Wipes
  • x3 Iodine Wipes
  • x3 Antiseptic Wipes
  • x3 Clean Wipes.

This is a pretty standard set-up that you will find in most $10 store bought kits.  I suggest buying additional items for refilling the kit, or adding extras for items you may need more of.  I also suggest a First Aid pamphlet, or handbook.  But make sure you are familiar with the information before hand, so you don’t have to desperately look things up while someone is bleeding.
As you can see, such a kit would quickly become depleted after a few uses. But many of the most commonly used items can be bought at a $ dollar store, so making a kit from scratch, and having more uses than a standard kit, is relatively cheaper and easier.
I strongly suggest a couple pair of blue nitrile gloves.  Never treat a wound without a barrier between you and bodily fluids. (At the time of this writing, KnightOwl is working on an article about applying medical attention in the field.)
Of course, keep the kit water proof.?

How To: Be a Real Life Superhero (With or Without the Cape)

The following was taken from an interview with Pepsi Refresh I did some time ago. . .some basic things i wanted to get across. . .and continue to try and get across. . .
dc
http://www.refresheverything.com/blog/2010/07/21/how-to-be-a-real-life-superhero-with-or-without-the-cape/
How To: Be a Real Life Superhero (With or Without the Cape)
By: Rebecca McQuigg Rigal of GOOD
So you want to make the world a better place? Maybe start with your block, or your neighborhood. Maybe start with an awesome costume. You don’t need superhuman powers or otherworldly resources to be a Real Life Superhero, just plenty of passion and a taste for the theatrical. We recently spoke with DC’s Guardian, about what it takes to be a costumed crusader for good. He had these six tips for making the world a better place, one neighborhood at a time.
1) Know what you stand for. It’s not a prerequisite to don tights or a mask, but every Superhero builds an identity around good morals and values.  Likewise, you’ll need a cause (or several) for which to crusade. Look around your community for action groups that need help.
2) Identify your weapons. And we’re talking personal skills here, not nunchucks.  After identifying a cause, ask yourself what you can bring to the table to help fulfill that need. Take stock of your interests and find a way to donate your time and talents in ways that will be compatible with your lifestyle.
3) Dress for the fight. While it doesn’t take spandex to be a Superhero, always come prepared for the task. Whether the job entails managing logistics for a fundraiser, educating local youth, or just showing up to the right place at the right time with the right supplies, you’ll want to be known as a responsible and accountable crusader.
4) Don’t get mistaken for the bad guy. Real Life Superheroes can be activists, volunteers, educators, or neighborhood safety patrollers, but in order to establish an identity as a community crusader for long-term success, you’ll have to work closely with local citizens, civic leaders, and law enforcement. Collaboration and communication are key.
5) Don’t break the law. Never go above the law, and always stand firm behind your actions. As DC’s Guardian says, “If you can’t stand up and say ‘I did this!’ you shouldn’t be doing it.”
 6) Be humble. There’s no such thing as a self-serving superhero, in real life or otherwise.
DC’s Guardian is prominent figure in the RLSH community and President of Skiffytown League of Heroes – a national network of original superhero characters dedicated to performing acts of community service.

Phantom Zero's Outreach Check List

NOURISHMENT (FOODSTUFFS/DRINKSTUFFS)
Foods need to make sense. They need to be “functional foods” which can be easily stored, easily stashed, or easily or eaten “on the go.” Most homeless people have no can openers, no heating elements, limited access to anything which would allow them to use anything with preparation beyond adding water (and even water is scarce). They usually only have personal storage space, so large items are out. The more compact, and the less perishable, the better.
Non-perishable items can be stored for a later time. Don’t overstock yourself on perishable items, as you may be overstocked with extras which will go to waste. This is especially so for the same type of perishable items–repetition is boring.
It is sometimes difficult to find that fine line between quality and quantity. Certainly, some of the cheaper, more basic things will keep someone alive (as attested to by the offerings of many homeless shelters), but I’ve found that the act of charity should also bring with it an acknowledgment that you care–and better quality and variety foodstuffs and drinkstuffs can mean just that.
The best way to serve these things is by making a large box with a variety of items, offering what you have, and letting whomever decide what they want. It’s always good to have someone stand by your main supply whose job at any given stop is to fill boxes when they run low on one supply, or need to be completely refilled. A box should be kept filled on standby.
Of all these items, clean drinkable water is the most important.
(You can live up to three weeks without food, but only three days without water). Expect to hand out twice as much water than any other item–more if the items you hand out require water to make.
_Food

__No Preparation (Pre-packaged; Individual Size; Non-Perishable)

___Cereal Bars/Granola Bars

___Cookies

___Crackers (plain or flavored)

___Dried Fruit/Fruit Leather

___Energy Bars

___Freeze-Dried Vegetables

___Jerkey or other Shelf-Stable Meat (or meat substitute equivalent)

___Nuts/Seeds/Baked Soybeans

___Peanut Butter/Nut Butter

___Shelf Stable Fruit Cups/Applesauce Cups

___Shelf-Stable Cheeses

___Shelf-Stable Pudding Cups

___Trail Mix/GORP

___Vacuum-Packed Fish & Chicken (pull-tab or pouch)

__No Preparation (Perishable)

___Fruit (sturdy, low-tooth fruit preferred)

__Requires Preparation (Perishable; Cold Service)

___Cereal Packs (how-to below)*

___Hard Boiled Eggs

___Logan Bread (how-to below)**

___Sandwiches

__Requires Preparation (Hot Service)

___Chili

___Coffee

___Soup

__Requires Preparation (Non-Perishable)

___MRE

___Ready-to-Eat Meals

___Soup In A Cup

_Beverages

__No Preparation (Non-Perishable)

___Bottled Water

___Juice Boxes

__No Preparation (Perishable)

___Bottles/Cans of Fruit/Vegetable
Juice

___Shelf-Stable Milk/Milk Substitute (High Temperature/Short Time Ultra Flash-Pasturized)

____Note: Once opened/made, these dairy products can spoil.

__Requires Preparation (Perishable)

___Powdered Milk

__Requires Preparation (Non-Perishable)

___Instant Beverage Enhancers – Cold (Iced Tea, Kool Aid, Lemonade, Powdered Gatorade, etc.)

___Instant Beverage Enhancers – Hot (Instant Cappuccino, Instant Hot Coco, Instant Coffee, etc.)

_Other Items

___Altoids

___Gum

___Hard Candy

___Plastic Sealed Packs of “fun sized” Candy (M&M’s, Reeces Pieces, etc.; loose foil wrapped chocolate melts)

___Sugar Packets (for beverages)

MISCELLANEOUS FOOD SERVICE

___Containers and Serving Utensils for Bulk Items (Large Stable Pots for Chili/Soup/etc. and ladles)

___Condiments

___Cups (Hot/Cold Beverage)

___Soup Cups

___Lids

___Utensils (forks, spoons, knives; individually wrapped preferred)

HEALTH

____Note: I’d advise caution before handing out drugs of any sort. Over The Counter drugs are still drugs. In high, or even moderate doses, they can have adverse health effects. If you do choose to hand these out, make sure they are clearly labeled and “single dose” packs, and never hand out more than one pack at any given time.

_Over The Counter Drugs

___Acid Controller Tablets (Pepcid AC)

___Antacid tabs

___Anti-Diarrheal Caplets (Imodium A-D)

___Antihistamine

___Pain Killers/Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory (Aspirin/Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen)

_Nutritional Needs

___Electrolyte Packets

___Multi-Vitamins

_Toiletries/Hygene

___Adult Diapers

___Baby Wipes

___Hand Sanitizer

___Lip Balm

___Toothbrushes & Toothpaste (travel size)

___Women’s Products

_First Aid/Other Medications

___Basic First Aid Kits (band-aids, antibacterial ointment packets, etc.)

___Cough Drops/Throat Lozenges

___Foot Anti-fungal Ointment

CLOTHING & SLEEP UTILITY
Clothes should be clean and preferably new (or well laundered).  For outer clothes, the less conspicuous and the better they blend with the background in an urban environment, the better.
_Undergear

___Socks

___T-shirts

___Thermal Underwear

___Underwear

_Basic Clothes

___Belts

___Jeans (the sturdier, the better)

___Shirts

_Winter Clothing

___Boots

___Gloves

___Hooded Pullovers

___Knit Caps

___Sweaters

___Warm Coats

_Sleep Utility

___Blankets

___Sleeping Mats

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
_Containers/Transport

___Backpacks

___Plastic Bags/Garbage Bags

___Refillable Containers  (Aluminum/Plastic)

_Tools

___Can Opener

___Duct Tape

___Flashlights

_Misc

___Clear Plastic Tarp

___Hand Warmers (chemical activated)

+++
*Cereal Packs (to be added)

**Logan Bread (to be added)

Hero Tips

Here are some helpful suggestions from superheroes that show how everyone can make a difference in their communities. You do not need a mask or cape to make an impact, just a desire to make a difference.
? Cleaning up litter or organizing clean up events
? Volunteer at your local libraries
? Volunteer at a nursing home
? Organize a blanket and clothing drive for local shelters
? Help find missing persons by flyering and asking questions
? Give out sandwiches, blankets or other emergency items to the homeless
? Donating blood
? Be a volunteer firefighter, police officer, EMT or any other civil service programs
? Participate in pre-organized charitable events
? Collect canned food for your local food bank
? Collect money for a charity of your choice
? Collect toys for children
? Contact your local board of education and participate in drug prevention
? Become a big brother/big sister
? Do minor things for people to generally improve their day, such as helping to carry heavy loads, helping ladies across the street, buying people who work outside coffee on a cold day, etc.
? Handout, post and/or e-mail wanted posters of known criminals
? Join your local neighborhood watch group

How to Be a Real Life Superhero

Originally posted: http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Real-Life-Superhero
By Anonymous
I mean all those comic books, movies, tv shows, you’d think that one eccentric loner would have made himself a costume. Is everyday life really so exciting? Are schools and offices so thrilling that I’m the only one who ever fantasized about this? Come on, be honest with yourself. At some point in our lives we all wanted to be a superhero.
Steps
1.
Be Realistic.While it’s great that you wanna become a superhero you should first be realistic, you obviously don’t have any superpowers so if you think you can just put on a costume and beat up some of the worst criminals your city has to offer then the only asshole who’s going to get hurt is you. Also remember that there is a thin line between superheroism and being a vigilante.
2.
Choose what kind of Superhero you’ll be.I know it sounds weird but without superpowers or incredible gadgets and training (like Batman) its impossible to save everyone in need everywhere. You should decide early on whether you’ll be the kind of superhero who gives food to the homeless or the kind who goes around fighting crime.
3.
Design a Costume.Make a costume that stands out and be original.If you go around dressed as Superman don’t be surprised if people think your going to a costume party.Remember you don’t need a costume made out of the best materials that money can buy, your costume can be made out of evrything from a wetsuit to bulletproof armor, be creative. Also you should carefully consider what kind of costume you will have, you can either have a costume that offers very little protection but is easy to put on and can be worn underneath normal clothes or you can make a costume that offers good protection but is hard to put on and can’t be worn under everyday clothes it’s your choice.
4.
Think up a name.This is definitely the hardest step of all. Once you choose a name for your superhero you’re stuck with it for good (you’ve never heard of spiderman suddenly changing his name to arachnidman or whatever) so try to choose a name that’s cool (or you think it is anyway), original (for god’s sake don’t be a dick and call yourself superman or batman) and try to give yourself a name that holds meaning to you and don’t be afraid of being a superhero without a name, if anything the idea for your superhero name will come while your out being an awesome superhero.
5.
Be confident.Not everyone can be a real life superhero. If anything the hardest part is people thinking your a joke. So always remind yourself of the good your doing for society and how you’ve made a difference. Also (and this is where everyone gets mixed up) you don’t need superpowers to be a superhero, famous superheros like Batman and Kick Ass <— My personal favorite, didn’t have superpowers and both were superheroes.
6.
Train.Whether it’s exercising, practicing your street running or trying to jump from one building to another , it’s a good idea to train before you become a real life superhero.
7.
Be well equipped.Buy pepper spray, a taser or even bulletproof armor. With being a superhero it’s much better to be safe than dead. If you want you can buy spy gadgets like tracking devises or secret recorders to catch a criminal. It really doesn’t matter as long as you have something to protect yourself with.
8.
Watch Kick Ass or look at Superheroes Anonymous.Ever since it came into existence it has become a well known fact that Kick Ass (both the comic book and the movie) is the most kick ass badassdedness thing on the planet even more than Chuck Norris. But seriously Kick Ass is the best movie I have ever seen and it basically explains what being a real life superhero will be like (if you don’t prepare for it, in fact Kick Ass is what gave me the idea to write this article) although I wouldn’t do what Kick Ass does… that’d just be stupid. Also theres a bunch of people who have already made costumes for themselves and are real life superheros, they have even formed a website called superheroes anonymous if you can’t find it just google superheros anonymous, they all mean well but personally I think it’s almost as if it’s a religious order with them, they talk about the right path of a superhero and enlightenment (it’s pretty weird).
9.
Don’t become a superhero for recognition or rewards. If you are becoming a superhero only because you want to be recognised or rewarded then don’t become one. A superhero does good because he knows it’s whats right not because he wants recognition or five minutes of fame. But if you do choose to become a superhero and you do become incredibly famous don’t forget to say how you were on the computer and you read my article and it inspired you to become a superhero. Now go and become the absolutely AWESOME superhero I know you can be. GOOD LUCK.