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New York-based distributor Axis Promotions (UPIC: axispromo)
who helped Boltwell launch its safety kits.
Ryan helped Boltwell select more than 15 industry prod-
ucts for its kits, which are sold online to consumers. The items
selected include: hand-sanitizer pens, ponchos, body wipes,
custom strainers, eyemasks, reflective pet leads, collapsible
pet bowls, pet bandannas, permanent markers, chamois, pet
waste bags, drawstring bags, utensil kits, lighted dog tags and
flexible spotlights.
A stand-out product in the kit was the “This is Not a Maxi
Pad,” which surprises consumers when they realize that a maxi
pad can be used for wound dressing, cleaning and even kindling.
Research and development for the kits took two years and
involved a team that included an emergency professor from
the University of Washington, EMTs and general preparedness
enthusiasts. launched in 2014 in Kansas City,
Missouri, as an online e-commerce retailer shipping internation-
ally, with plans to be in stores soon.
Since its 2014 launch, Boltwell has garnered over 1,800 fol-
lows on social media networks, held an average time on web-
site of four-plus minutes, sold 100 assorted kits and recorded
more than 40 press mentions, including Redbook magazine. It
also won a 2015 PPAI Pyramid Award.
“It’s a method of preparedness that every individual and
family at some point has to think about,” says Ryan.
“Businesses born out of need are an entrepreneur’s (and pro-
motional merchandiser’s) dream.”
This PPAI Pyramid Award-winning promotion includes more than 15
industry products ideal for use during an emergency or disaster.
Lip balm People get dehydrated in emergencies, which results
in chapped lips, but a petroleum-based balm aids in starting a
fire, too. Use the balm to saturate lint or any other fine, flam-
mable product before lighting.
Plastic bag Garbage or produce bags—without holes!—are
great for storing water. And clear bags can be used as magni-
fying glasses to start fires. Big bags make good emergency
ponchos.
Sharpie These are ideal for leaving messages, etc. My kids
know to draw a specific symbol on their hands if they become
lost and hold them in the air as they walk around. It makes it
easier to find them if we get separated.
Duct tape Build shelters with some tarps and duct tape, or
repair a ripped tent. Reseal food and water containers, secure
bandages or make a sling.
Basic pocket knife I’m amazed at how many people don’t
carry something so basic.
Books/games These distract kids or keep them busy—
something very useful at times. Try Rubik’s cube, coloring
books or blank pads of paper, which are essential and multi-
purpose.
Pre-paid phone Or keep a SIM card on-hand to plug into
any phone. Be sure to pre-load phone numbers.
Address book Most people rely on their phone’s contact
list—how many people could you call without it?
Kermit Jones, Jr. is a graduate of the Naval Academy, a
chaplain and author of four children’s books on emer-
gency preparedness. He is also an instructor at
.
EVERYDAY PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
You Can Use In An Emergency
By Kermit Jones, Jr.
80 • PPB • JUNE 2015 THINK