When disaster strikes, having the right tools isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Over my career, I’ve been on countless disaster scenes where the right equipment, combined with proper training, made all the difference. The Pry Bar is a critical tool, but it’s just one piece of a well-rounded emergency response toolkit. If you’re preparing for disasters at a school, workplace, or community organization, you need more than a single tool—you need a plan, the right gear, and the skills to use it effectively.
1. Clearing Debris to Access Survivors
In collapsed buildings or blocked areas, heavy debris can prevent rescuers from reaching people in need. A pry bar provides the leverage to lift and move these obstacles safely and quickly. It’s a lifesaver when paired with other tools like shovels and ropes from the Team Search & Rescue Kits, ensuring your team is fully equipped to respond in these scenarios.
2. Opening Jammed Doors or Windows
Disasters often leave doors or windows stuck due to structural damage. Whether you’re dealing with a blocked classroom door or a vehicle in an emergency, a pry bar can help you gain access in seconds. But remember, speed and efficiency come from having a coordinated team, which is why we recommend equipping both leaders and members with the Team Leader and Team Member Emergency Response Kits.
3. Creating Safe Egress Paths
Sometimes, the path to safety doesn’t exist, and you’ll need to create one. The Pry Bar is excellent for breaking through barriers like drywall or wooden panels, but as part of a larger team effort, tools like folding shovels and saws—found in our Search & Rescue Kits—can amplify your response capability.
4. Ensuring Team Safety During Cleanup
Clearing a disaster scene isn’t just about helping survivors—it’s also about keeping your team safe. A pry bar can remove sharp debris, but coordinating efforts with proper safety gear like hard hats, gloves, and safety vests ensures everyone remains protected. These items are included in our Team Kits, which are designed to keep your team members safe and prepared for any challenge.
5. Facilitating Efficient Rescue Operations
A pry bar is only as effective as the person using it. That’s where training comes in. Through Disaster Response Training, your team can learn not just how to use tools like pry bars, but also how to assess the situation, prioritize actions, and work together efficiently. This training covers everything from triage to basic first aid and search-and-rescue tactics.
While the Pry Bar is an invaluable tool, disasters demand a coordinated response with the right people, gear, and strategy. That’s why we developed tools like the Disaster Survival Calculator for Schools. This free tool helps schools assess their specific emergency preparedness needs, including the right number of teams, sub-teams, and supplies. By inputting details like the number of classrooms and staff, you’ll receive a tailored plan with recommended supplies such as triage kits, communication tools, and safety gear.
For full preparedness, equip your organization with the Team Leader and Team Member Emergency Response Kits. Together, these provide everything from advanced tools to safety supplies and medical essentials, ensuring that leaders can direct operations and team members can execute tasks effectively.