Yearly Archives: 2010

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WARNING TO TEENS ABOUT CONTROVERSIAL DRINK

If you’ve noticed this brightly colored canned drink on store shelves, looks can be deceiving.  A 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko is available in several varieties, such as fruit punch and blue raspberry.  But the “punch” comes from caffeine, and an alcohol content of 12% – equal to four beers.  It sells for around $2.50, but has proved to be more costly to several college students, who were hospitalized after consuming this drink.  

This controversial energy drink may have played a part in an accident that killed an Arlington, Texas, teenager.  It was reported that she lost her life when she was thrown from a utility vehicle being driven by her 14-year-old boyfriend.  (She was not wearing her seat belt.) The boyfriend has been charged with intoxicated manslaughter.  Two of the boys in the car admitted drinking Four Loko that night.  Underage drivers and underage drinkers are a danger to themselves and to everyone else on the road.  

The manufacturer of this drink said it will remove the caffeine from its products; however, it is anticipated that the Food and Drug Administration is ready to ban it.  Four states have already banned the beverages, and other states are taking into consideration in doing the same.

The FDA notified over twenty-four manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages that the addition of caffeine to alcohol drinks had never been specifically approved, and is debating whether it should be outlawed due to being unsafe.  The FDA is concerned about the growing popularity among college students, and the resulting health and safety issues.  Several state attorneys general contend the drinks appeal to underage drinkers and encourage reckless behavior.  

It is anticipated that the FDA may have found as early as yesterday, (Wednesday), that caffeine is an unsafe food additive to alcoholic drinks.  If so, that would essentially ban Four Loko and other drinks like it. 

There are many ways that harmful products are marketed, and this clearly seems to be one of them.  The Four Loko cans are very attractively designed, but “12% Alcohol” is displayed on the label.  How are underage kids buying them?  The abuse of alcohol or any other drug is a problem for people of all ages.  Many young persons are curious about drinking, and are probably going to try it sooner or later; but a canned drink that contains the equivalent of four beers is too much – for a novice or anyone! 

Parents, stop, look, and listen!  Check out the latest products that may be harmful to your kids.  That pretty canned drink isn’t as pretty as you think. 

Source: AP, ABC News

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

COMING UP: GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT!

By now, Americans are familiar with this important event that takes place every year on the third Thursday in November:  the Great American Smokeout!    This is the 35th year that the American Cancer Society has sponsored this campaign.  On November 18th, smokers and tobacco users are asked to put down those cigarettes, cigars, snuff, and chewing tobacco for that whole day, and hopefully, many days to follow. 

There’s no doubt that the use of tobacco causes some types of cancer.  Here are some disturbing facts from the American Cancer Society:

  • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2010)
  • Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in our society. (Source: Cancer Facts and Figures 2010)
  • Lung cancer estimates for 2010 (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2010):
  • New cases of lung cancer:  222,520 Males: 116,750
    Females: 105,770

             Deaths from lung cancer: 157,300

             Males: 86,220
             Females: 71,080

  • Besides lung cancer, tobacco use also causes increased risk for cancers of the mouth, lips, nasal cavity (nose) and sinuses, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterine cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2010)
  • In the United States, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths; this equaled about 443,00 early deaths each year from 2000 to 2004. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2010)

Not only the cost to ones’ health may be involved, but the financial expense as well, should be considered.  If you multiplied how much you spend each day on this habit, times how much is spent a year, think about what you could do with that much money in five or ten years?  Put the actual amount of money somewhere in a safe place.  You will reap the benefits later, as well as improving your health.

It has been reported that in 2012 the packaging on cigarettes will depict cancer patients and warnings of the dangers of smoking.  Some smokers interviewed said they’d probably keep on smoking despite the graphic warnings.  Let’s encourage everyone we care about who has this habit to get serious about their health.

We hope this information will help at least one person consider taking the necessary steps to make their life tobacco-free.  As with any habit, it will be hard to stop, but there are ways to make it easier.  There are many websites with all kinds of helpful advice.  Non-smokers should do all they can to encourage their friends and family members to make the commitment to stop. 

Please, don’t be a statistic!

Uncategorized

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE EIGHT QUESTIONS WHILE LOOKING FOR A JOB?

For those of you who are seeking employment, our guest author, Marie Duprey asks the following questions:
1. Have you reached out to your 50 warmest buddies to update them on what you’re currently doing ? 

Otherwise, send an email to your 50 closest friends, family, old clients and ex-colleagues to update them. Don’t contact them simply to send a “with your resume” seeking job leads, simply update them in order that they know your position.

2. If I glanced your Linked-In profile, would I understand you are
searching for job opportunities? Would I know what you are looking to do?

3. Are you currently posting some type of update on Linked-In at least one
time a week? (i.e. so that you are subtly on people’s radar.)  

Otherwise, get into the habit of posting something of value once per week.  Post status updates which would be valuable in your network, answer a question inside the answers section to demonstrate your expertise or put  in a valuable comment in a discussion within one of the groups you’re part  of.

4. Are you ‘out and about’ at least one time a week meeting people one on
one?
Otherwise, schedule time within the next week in order to meet with
ex-colleagues, clients and friends over coffee – lunch – drinks only to
get up to date.  You’ll stay on people’s radar for potential opportunities, often receive
some useful advice, laugh and usually feel much better about yourself than
you would sitting at home looking through project sites all day every day.

5. Do you get in touch with at least two of your fellow job seekers once a
week to share with you ideas and help one another?

6. Have you got a spreadsheet to trace each and every lead, contact or job
you’re pursued?
If not, setup a straightforward spreadsheet to aid to follow progress and
ensure you don’t neglect to follow up on a potential opportunity.

7. Do you religiously and systematically follow up almost every contact,
lead or loose conversation about an opportunity within a day? (two days at
the very latest.)
If not, how may you get more organized and disciplined in your follow-up?

8. Can you have permission to have a bad day or perhaps a bad week?

If not, go easy on yourself. It’s absolutely normal to become a little ‘up
and down’ emotionally when going through a career search or change
process.

Who am i ?: Marie J. Duprey writes for the <a
href=”http://www.humanresourcescareer.org/”>human resources career
planning</a> blog. Her mission should be to offer free info to help people
take control of the job search, build confidence and advance their careers
by connecting people looking for work with all the best minds in career
counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

We thank Marie for this excellent advice for all the persons out there who are looking for work.  Check out her website listed above for more ideas.  Being organized in pursuing employment is very important.  Good luck to everyone who desperately needs a job!

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

NOVEMBER REMINDS US TO BE AWARE OF THESE HEALTH PROBLEMS

To persons who suffer from any of these diseases, they and their families don’t have to be reminded that November is designated as National COPD Awareness Month, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Diabetes Awareness Month, and Epilepsy Awareness Month.  Most of us know persons who have one of these very serious health conditions, and want to do our part to make the nation realize that they can help by donating or getting involved. 

On behalf of the 24 million Americans living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and a disease that kills one person every four minutes, the COPD Foundation is leading the call for increased research initiatives, enhanced screening and diagnosis, improved treatment and therapies, and heightened public awareness during November, COPD Awareness Month and November 16, 2011, World COPD Day.  COPD encompasses a group of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma and bronchiectasis. The most common symptoms are breathlessness (or a “need for air”), abnormal sputum (a mix of saliva and mucus in the airway), and a chronic cough. Daily activities, such as walking up a short flight of stairs or taking a shower, can become very difficult as the condition gradually worsens. The primary cause of COPD is tobacco smoke (including second-hand or passive exposure).

Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness.  I have watched loved ones forget who even their closest family members are, and it is one of the most cruel diseases I can think of.  It takes away the person’s memory and gradually all of their abilities.  It is a disease where symptoms progressively get worse.  Beginning with mild memory loss, until the late stages, the person loses the capability to carry on a conversation or even respond to their environment.  Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.  A worldwide effort is being made to find better ways to treat the disease, delay it’s onset, and prevent it from developing.  There can be other reasons for memory loss, but if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, consult with your physician, to reassure you that there may be other reasons behind it. 

There are 23.6 million Americans with some form of Diabetes.   Persons with diabetes know that checking their levels every day is very important, and diet plays another important part of staying healthy. 

  • Type 1 – begins in children and young adults.  Type 1 is when the body does not produce insulin.  Five to ten per cent of people have this form of the disease.
  • Type 2 – is the most common form.  The body either does not produce enough insulin, or cells ignore the insulin.  After eating, the body breaks down sugars and starches into glucose, the basic fuel for cells.  Insulin takes sugar from the body into cells.  When glucose builds up in the blood rather than cells, it may lead to diabetes complications.
  • Gestational – sometimes occurs around the 28th week or later of pregnancy.  Most often it doesn’t mean that the mother will have diabetes once her baby is delivered.  It is important that the physician monitor the blood glucose (blood sugar) levels during the pregnancy, so mom and baby will remain healthy.

The Epilepsy Foundation of America is dedicated to the welfare of the more than three million people in the United States with Epilepsy.  The brain is the source of human epilepsy.  Seizures occur when the electric system of the brain malfunctions.  Rather than discharge electric energy in a controlled way, the brain cells can emit a surge of energy through the brain that may cause unconsciousness and contraction of the muscles.  The seizures may last only a couple of minutes, but confusion may linger.  Around 7 out of 10 persons with epilepsy may never know the cause of their seizures.  Things such as head injuries, lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, and other brain injuries may damage the electrical system of the brain.  Although some persons with Epilepsy may be aware of what starts their seizures, many are not.  Many experts feel that most times the cause is patient failure to take their prescribed medications.  Others causes of the beginning of seizures may be stress, sleep patterns, or photosensitivity. 

Thanks to the organizations that support  education and awareness of these serious disorders.  America and our friends worldwide hope for a day when there will be preventive measures that can allow future generations to live healthy lives, free from disease.  There are so many worthwhile causes; whether you choose to donate or support the ones we have discussed today, COPD Foundation, Alzheimers Association, American Diabetes Association, The Epilepsy Foundation of America, or any organization that is promoting better health, get involved in some way.  You may be helping a friend or family member that is or may become a victim of one of these diseases. 

Sources:

COPD Foundation/Alzheimer’s.Org/American Diabetes Association/Epilepsy Foundation of America

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

ALMOST OVER, IT’S “WORLD KINDNESS WEEK”

Now that the week of November 8th is almost over, here’s hoping that you have been a little nicer to everyone than usual, since it is World Kindness Week.  You still have time, however, since Saturday, the 13th is “World Kindness Day,” and I plan to remind my husband of it!   We know that our job is to focus on helping everyone stay safe – but if we are thoughtful of others and hope they are thoughtful to us, (Golden Rule), it  WILL  keep us all safer. 

I consider it a major act of kindness when a driver lets me wedge into a lane when I am driving in city traffic.  If you put on your blinker and watch, there will be some good soul that will wave you in.  Then again, there are others that won’t.  When you are from a small town, it’s good to know that there are nice people traveling the highways that are courteous, and in return, you can reciprocate. 

A little act of kindness can go a long way.  The workplace is a good example of this.  When workers take the time to help a coworker out, it can make the difference in the outcome of their whole day.  Supervisors will find that if they treat their employees in a positive way, most of the time, the result will be workers who are more productive and appreciative of their job.  Who doesn’t enjoy a little pat on the back at some point in their career?  Many times we have seen persons who seem to think they can build themselves up by tearing someone else down, such as constantly downgrading their work, or embarrassing them in front of coworkers.  People see through that, and lose respect for the person conducting himself/herself that way. 

Being nice isn’t being weak.  Some people are just nicer than others.  You see grumpy people everywhere, probably work or live with them!  If that’s the case, tell them that it doesn’t cost a penny to be nice to others – it’s free!  Look for the opportunity to help someone, even if it’s just holding open a door for someone.  Volunteer for a worthy cause.  Join your hospital volunteers, or other important organization.  Donate blood, drive someone to the store – there’s someone waiting for your help.  Sometimes a phone call to an elderly friend makes their day.  Did you ever consider going to a nursing home or hospital and reading to a patient?

It seems that in any organization, there are always the same few people that will agree to take an office, or responsibility in the group.  There are always more followers than leaders.  Maybe if you are one of the leaders, and you simply ask someone to take an important role, they might surprise you and do it.  Pay attention to what’s going on around you, sometimes someone may just need a little nudge and confidence builder. 

Teach your children to be kind.  They need to know how to share and get along with others.  As they grow up, they must learn that showing respect to teachers, the elderly, and adults is the right thing to do.  (If this sounds old-fashioned, it is!)  

Many countries throughout the world observe  World Kindness Week, and World Kindness Day – Japan, Canada, Australia, the U.S., India, and many more.  It’s the time to look beyond ourselves and realize we are all citizens of the world.  If we can make everyone mindful of this, how could we not have a safer world?

General Safety Issues

KEEPING OUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS SAFE – OUR CHILDREN!

November marks National Child Safety and Protection Month – a time that reminds us of something that we should bear in mind every day – how to protect our children.  From the time of their birth, we are vigilant about their safety.  We have months to prepare for their arrival.  Picking out the perfect baby carriers, beds, clothing, safest bottles, formula, baby monitors, are only the tip of the iceberg.  Thankfully, hospitals are extremely careful in protecting newborns, as in the past, some persons have tried to slip in and take them.  When we first take a newborn out in the public, our eyes are constantly focused on that baby. 

That vigilance should carry over through their toddler years, ‘tweens, and teens.  Somewhere along the way, though, we get so very busy that safety may get pushed into the back of our minds.  We hear of parents and caregivers that forget and leave their little ones in the car.  We hear of the nightmare of missing children, and the agony that friends and family experience. 

Parents have the greatest influence on their children, so it starts from the very beginning of their lives.  They should be taught healthy routines and healthy habits.  The National Crime Prevention Council reminds us that we must talk to our kids and be involved with them.  Parents are responsible for furnishing safe toys.  They must install devices in their homes to protect toddlers from the hazards of electrical outlets, medicines, stairs, and many other ways their children can be injured.  

In many families, both parents work, or there may be a one-parent home.  When child care is required, the parents should do a thorough investigation of the  applicant to be in charge of their little one every day.  You are leaving your child in their care and you want to be sure this person will be responsible.  It’s a smart idea to install “nanny cameras,” for your peace of mind.  If you opt to leave your child in a day-care facility, be sure it is licensed, and ask parents you know that leave their children there about their experiences.  Day care centers are an excellent source of teaching children how to get along with each other. 

Parents need to monitor their children’s school activities, and be familiar with the school’s emergency plans, what kinds of foods are offered, and the safety of playground equipment.  They need to also plan their rides to and from school: either by carpooling with persons they know well, riding the bus, or bicycles, and be sure they stay on safe routes if they walk or ride a bike to school.  As they grow older, kids need to be involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports, hobbies, organizations, and/or Boy or Girl Scouts.  There are neighborhoods with gang activities, and keeping kids busy with other fun things will divert any interest in gangs. 

Every day, there is news somewhere of a missing child.  We hear every detail, when a little body is found.  That little person was someone’s angel, and we need to think about what went wrong and how our system can be fixed to better prevent persons from abusing children.  People that hurt children, the elderly, or animals are cruel and should be put away so they can never hurt anyone again.   Every child deserves to be safe.  Do your part – if you suspect a child is being abused, report the people that are doing it.  (Sometimes it does take a village!)

Being a parent, step-parent, or foster parent is a huge responsibility.  When your kids are grown and have kids of their own, you will reflect on what you could have done better to protect them as they grew up.  When you are a grandparent, you think of how you can keep them safe when they are in your care.  There’s a big checklist of things to do to protect our children.  We may not get every check marked off, but in the big picture, if we have raised them to be responsible adults, we will have done an excellent job.  

 Be on the same frequency as your children.  Stay engaged with your kids; you can be their friend as well as their parent.  Long after they are grown, they will realize that their parents will always be their best friends.  If we do our job in loving and protecting our children, they, in turn, will do the same for theirs.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

TIME FOR OUR VETERAN’S DAY HISTORY LESSON

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This article repeats the message we sent last year, but it is very important that all Americans, especially our young people,  understand what Veterans Day is all about.   Thursday, November 11th,  will be Veterans Day.  We aren’t history teachers, yet we want to share  information about this important observance.  Originally known as Armistice Day, it was set aside as a day to honor the military servicemen who fought so valiantly in World War I.  Here is part of a resolution made by Congress on June 4, 1926: 

    “Whereas the 11th of November, 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations;” 

At the time this was written in 1926,  WWI was called “the end of the war to end all wars”.  In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a legal holiday.  Then World War II was declared, which required the greatest mobilization of military in our history.  Next, we entered the Korean War.  The holiday name was changed in 1954 to Veterans Day in order to honor veterans of all wars we have been engaged in.  Since then, we have been engaged in the Viet Nam War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, and Afghanistan.   “The resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed” –  those words reflected the hopes of people that had gone through war, but sadly,  battles continue.

The purpose of Veterans Day is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. 

Our forefathers who wrote the above quote had no idea what the future would bring.  They thought WWI was the Big One.  We are a great nation and we need to look back on those words and try to follow their hopes for us.  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the brave men and women who have fought so courageously, and to those who continue in their footsteps.  Let’s hope someday, somehow they will be able to serve our country in a safer, peaceful world.

 

Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

WELDING IS “HOT WORK”

To say the least, welding, cutting and brazing operations are hazardous hot work.  Persons who do this type of work must know the risks of their jobs, and how to control them.  Dangers are always present in welding tasks.  It has been pointed out that the leading cause of welding accidents is carelessness.  Welders need to take this type of work seriously, and leave it to the professionals.  A good pro welder can teach a novice how to make the connection between skill and safety.

Several methods of welding are used in order to join metals together through melting and creating a tight bond:

  • Gas.  A propane torch is used to sweat a joint or solder two pieces of metal together.  This is the lowest heat, used for small jobs.
  • Oxyacetylene torch.  The most universal type of welding tool, which allows more heat.
  • Oxypropane. A less costly type of welding than gas or oxyacetylene.
  • Arc welding.  A machine creates heat through an electric arc.  There are two types of arc welding: Mig (Metal Inert Gas )  and Tig (Tungsten Inert Gas ). 

Overall, while both MIG and TIG are gas shielded arc welding processes, the primary difference lies in the way the filler metal is added to produce the weld. With the TIG process, the arc is created between a tungsten electrode mounted in a hand-held torch and the work piece to be welded.  The MIG process uses a filler metal which is the electrode and the arc is created when the filler metal comes into contact with the work.  An advantage of MIG welding is that it is faster than TIG welding, and somewhat easier for a novice welder to use.  TIG welding requires more skill, therefore, the user of a TIG welder should have sufficient experience as a welder.  Regardless of the welding method that is used, this type of work comes with many risks, and requires welders to be outfitted with the correct personal protective equipment.  Remember, welding is a way of heating pieces of metal using electricity or a flame so that they melt and stick together, – thousands of degrees! 

Virtually all parts of  welders’ bodies must be protected by the proper gear: beginning with a welder’s cap, safety goggles, glasses, and a welding hood with the correct lens filter for the particular task.  Welders must wear the right kind of gloves, and clothing that covers their skin and can’t catch sparks.  Leather aprons, and leggings are needed for the hot work, and dry welder’s gloves are for arc welding.  Good boots are needed to protect the legs and feet. 

The work areas where welding is done should be free from combustible and flammable materials, ventilation should be adequate, and all persons should  review MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) that apply to the particular job.  A fire extinguisher should be nearby.   If a welder is working in confined spaces, there should be a trained partner standing by with first aid equipment, in case of emergency. 

If that’s not “hot work,” I don’t know what is!  Not only are they working with heated metal and welding sparks, but in the summer time, all the protective clothing  they must wear is very bulky!  Welding is an integral part of creating and repairing many things that we take for granted.  Being a welder means being a member of a specialized work group.

Uncategorized

ADDITION TO ANSI STANDARD FOR EYE AND FACE PROTECTION

According to our friends at Gateway Safety, there have been changes in coverage, categories, and hazard marking requirements regarding eye and face protection.  In September, 2010, ANSI implemented a new version of the ANSI Z87.1 standard on April 16, 2010.  First, here is the version of Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.  Sets forth criteria related to the description, general requirements, testing, marking, selection, care, and use of protectors to minimize or prevent injuries, from such hazards as impact, non-ionizing radiation, and chemical type injuries, in occupational and educational environments including, but not limited to, machinery operations, material welding and cutting, chemical handling, and assembly operations. 

 Here are explanations of the changes of additional criteria to the old version of the standard (ANSI Z87.1-2003): 

  • Coverage Requirement: Extended side protection.  Certain spectacles with thin temples will require side shields if they don’t pass the new side coverage requirements.
  • Categories of Eye and Face Protection: “Impact” or “Non Impact.”  Previously, products were categorized as either Basic/High Impact protection, or as a Secondary/Primary protector.  Now, if a product has a plus sign “+” after the standard (Z87.1+), it will indicate that the product is “Impact” rated.  No plus sign “+” after the standard (Z87.1) will indicate that the product is “Non-Impact” rated.
  • Hazard Markings: Based on the risk of impact, splash, dust, etc.  Hazard-based markings are entirely new and meant to encourage users and employers to evaluate the specific hazards in their environment and to select the appropriate eye and face protection based on that hazard evaluation.  Certain lens types will require new markings, such as welding and splash goggles.  

According to OSHA, thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection. Eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation.  OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.  There is a myriad of choices of Eye Protection safety glasses; there’s sure to be one that fits the bill for every type of work environment.  Plus, safety glasses aren’t the old plain types that once were all that were available.  Just check them out and see if you won’t be stylin’!  

Eye and face protection is addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, longshoring, and the construction industry.

Source: Gateway Safety

                 OSHA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH AT 2 A.M.

For those who live in the Daylight Saving Time zone, be sure to set your clocks back one hour next Sunday, November 4th!   (So set your clocks back Saturday night.) The pros and cons of this decision made by the government are debated year after year.  Many people enjoy having extra daylight to enjoy outdoor activities, and others wish it were just left alone and not changed. 

During World War I, Daylight Saving Time was instituted in the U.S. in order to save energy for war production, by taking advantage of the daylight between April and October.  Between the wars and after World War II, communities and states were able to choose whether they wanted to observe DST.  During World War II, the government again required the states to observe this change.    In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which standardized the length of Daylight Saving Time.    

Since 2007, DST is four weeks longer, due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005.  This act extended four weeks – from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, hoping that it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours.   Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine energy savings from this plan, based on a variety of factors.  Many persons speculate that little or no energy is saved by this time change.  Power usage increases in the early morning hours, as people must get up for work while it is still dark to prepare for their day.  Some even have to commute before daylight. 

Although research shows that traffic fatalities are reduced when there is more daylight, the early morning darkness brings more danger for workers driving to work, and children walking to catch the school bus while it’s still dark.  With the time change, statistics show an increase in evening traffic accidents immediately following the time change in November, as drivers face going home in a darker environment, and possibly children are on their bikes returning home from after-school activities.

To ensure that we don’t “fall backward” on safety, this marks an excellent time to do a home safety evaluation.  The National Fire Protection Association recommends that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms be checked once a year.  Their figures show that around ninety per cent of homes in the United States have smoke alarms; however one-third of those are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.  They also recommend that smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years.  Some newer types of alarms have remote controls, making it easier than ever to check them. 

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be:

  •        Installed on every level of the home, and in sleeping areas
  •        Tested once a month
  •        Equipped with new batteries annually 

Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and have a fire escape plan for every member of the family.  While you are doing your home safety evaluation, also ensure that your door locks function properly,  keep your home locked, and have a stocked first aid kit, just in case.

Enjoy that extra hour of sleep we lost in the spring!