Originally published at: https://boingboing.net/2020/04/01/using-colored-paper-help-a-ne.html
…
7 Likes
Definitely difficult times, glad to see some people are keeping an eye out for their older neighbors 
13 Likes
This is such a good idea. It would be nice if it caught on as a somewhat universal standard.
3 Likes
I hope the neighbor takes the green paper down every night, otherwise it’s “she’s been green for two weeks… Everything must be under control over there, right?”
21 Likes
Good point. How about Green for odd numbered days, Blue for even. Then you’d be able to tell if someone went inactive.
12 Likes
Question, what if someone is color blind?
3 Likes
Is there no phone service in Nova Scotia?
8 Likes
These days I keep my toilet paper rolls on the window sill. When it’s gone, the neighbors know I need help.
15 Likes
I suppose old people find this easier than texting. But surely they can use a phone.
2 Likes
Who has colored paper in their house?
3 Likes
Parents of young children, who have colored paper on hand as art supplies?
If you don’t have any, stores probably have some on hand (it’s not like paper towels or toilet paper, the shelves of which were bare when I went grocery shopping yesterday.)
Barring that swatches of wrapping paper, white printer or notebook paper drawn on in crayon or colored pen/pencil, pieces of clothing (T-shirts, socks) or dish towels in different colors, or even books or magazines with distinctly colored covers would probably work too.
4 Likes
I was going to ask the same question.
I can do yellow legal pad, or brown paper bag, but all the other paper in the house is white.
1 Like
If she has turned green then she probably isn’t alright.
It is a nice non-coercive/invasive way of keeping a light communication going, especially the changing the “good” colours every day.
The kids (and some adults) round my way have been drawing rainbows to show appreciation for the NHS. And yesterday I saw a truly impressive hop-scotch assault course on the pavement (sidewalk).
3 Likes
Cut out shapes?
Circle (or Heart?) = Green = OK
Square/Rectangle = Yellow = Concerned
Diamond/Upside Down Heart = Red = Emergency
6 Likes
I suppose the code does not have to be based on colored paper, just on whatever you have around. The point is to work out a code that can signal if there is a problem.
8 Likes
Here’s the possible source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-Qh0YEj6_7pG6BTTGWN7EwYkfw2CfpRYheL8mzvk_ZU/edit
Not sure who created it. Making Working Families party? https://twitter.com/NelStamp/status/1239267052310929409
Well, now I have plenty of time to practice my semaphore… 
2 Likes
4 Likes
The baby was my favorite part. 
3 Likes
