Always carry your E&E kit

Check out this bit from the news archives:

Kidnapped teen's family describes safety pin escape

BRADENTON, Florida (CNN) -- A 13-year-old boy left bound and gagged in a remote patch of Florida countryside used a safety pin, a stick and his teeth to free himself from captivity, his family said Tuesday.

Clay Moore's stepfather, Steve Kelle, gave reporters details on how the teen escaped after being abducted at gunpoint from his school bus stop in Parrish, Florida, on Friday morning.

The key to his escape was a safety pin that was holding together a rip in Clay's jacket, Kelle said. (Watch how teen used hidden pin to help get himself free )

While his abductor was driving Clay away from the bus stop, the boy took the safety pin off his sleeve and nervously played with it, Kelle said.

When Clay was taken from the truck into the woods, he put the safety pin in his mouth, his stepfather said. Asked later by his parents why he did that, he said he "just thought it would be helpful," Kelle said.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/27/florida.abduction/index.html

This kid did an amazing job with a field-expendent piece of gear, but it would have been much easier if there were a few basic items in the kid's pockets. Not all of these are legal for kids to carry in school, but it's up to parents to decide if the risk of the kid getting into trouble is worth the added safety factor of having the items. In either case, only responsible individuals should carry weapons and tools - whether they are adults or children. I have been around kids who were mature and adults who were not. Mileage varies with conditions in the field.

So what should a basic kit contain?

- Folding saw blade: I am sure a lot of folks would differ on this, but I think a folding hacksaw blade is more versatile and safer than a folding knife blade - especially for smaller hands. Most kids aren't going to be able to carry a knife, but if they can having a small saw is a great addtion. You can sew it to the back of your pants (inside the belt), which helps if your hands are bound behind your back. In the event your hands are bound in the front - you'll have most of their use anyway. It's also small enough to avoid a non-professional search (read: criminals, commies, and shit), though it may be found by a more professionally trained criminal.

- Pocket knife: I carry a blade with me everywhere (see article - What's in Your Pockets?). It's great for most uses, but also very likely to be taken away in the event of capture or kidnapping.

- Another pocket knife: Preferably smaller than the first and in a different location - like your shoe.

Ok, this is basic, but the reality is that if you have a kit that contains everything A) you aren't going to have it with you in an emergency and B) it will likely be taken away as soon as you are captured.

The best thing to help you avoid being the victim of a kidnapping is situational awareness. Teach your kids at a young age to look out for danger and to trust their instincts when they feel like something is wrong.