Monthly Archives: October 2012

General Safety Issues

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY WITH CCTV DVR TECHNOLOGY (GUEST POST)

Two articles regarding security are featured today were written by Mike Hassebrock.

The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance systems today are no longer standalone devices. CCTV camera systems began making tremendous technological progress in the last decade due to the invention of DVR (Digital Video Recorder) technology.  Once CCTV systems moved off the VHS tape technology platform and started converting video images into a digital format, it opened up a whole new world of opportunities to integrate CCTV cameras with other security and information system technologies.  Originally, CCTV surveillance systems were simply designed as deterrents and delivered low quality, black and white images. Today they are much more than just standalone devices. Using digital technology and the vast improvements in camera lens technology CCTV systems can do many functions to better secure and protect a business, home or even an entire community. 

The versatility of CCTV DVR camera systems allow them to work alongside other technologies: 

  • Integrating it with alarm systems to send a security alarm signal if a person enters a restricted area.
  • Work with access control systems to verify the person that is swiping their card is the actual person requesting access.
  • Ability to link into cash registers to oversee cash register transactions, verify receipts and identify theft. 

These are only a few basic ways that CCTV DVR systems are able to work with other security and information systems. 

At a much more advanced level, CCTV systems can be designed to work on local area networks (LANs) and interface with other databases.  For example, CCTV cameras can capture a license plate number and then convert that number into a digital format so it can be cross-referenced against a national database to see if the vehicle is stolen. 

As video recording and imaging software technologies continue to advance, the CCTV camera system will become a video analytics tool that can anticipate events based on movement and behaviors.  Intelligent video algorithms, such as sophisticated motion detection, can identify unusual walking patterns and alert a guard to watch a particular video screen. Also, object-recognition algorithms can identify someone who might simply be loitering, or even a briefcase or a suspicious object that is left in an unusual or unsuspecting location. 

These video surveillance capabilities will become even more sophisticated as IP Cameras continue to advance.  In the future, IP cameras will be able to process the intelligent video algorithm right inside the camera.  Being an IP camera on the network, this information can be sent to any device or security agency in the world for analysis and decision processing.
When investing in a CCTV surveillance camera system consider the possibilities and numerous benefits of integrating with monitoring devices, alarm systems and access control devices.  This will help identify and interrupt security breaches as they’re occurring or even before they take place. 

Written by Mike Hassebrock from The Security Product Depot 

The Security Product Depot is an established online provider of physical security products. As an innovative supplier of online security solutions, they are committed to offering the broadest array of CCTV camera systems, door hardware, locks, and safes for securing government, school facilities, commercial businesses and residents.

 

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, OCTOBER 7 – 13TH

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There’s no better way to give you the history of the Great ChicagoFire, than to refer to the National Fire Protection Association, so here goes:

“Commemorating a conflagration
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow – belonging to Mrs. Catherine O’Leary – kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. Chances are you’ve heard some version of this story yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O’Leary, for more than 130 years. But recent research by Chicago historian Robert Cromie has helped to debunk this version of events.

The ‘Moo’ myth
Like any good story, the ‘case of the cow’ has some truth to it. The great fire almost certainly started near the barn where Mrs. O’Leary kept her five milking cows. But there is no proof that O’Leary was in the barn when the fire broke out – or that a jumpy cow sparked the blaze. Mrs. O’Leary herself swore that she’d been in bed early that night, and that the cows were also tucked in for the evening.

But if a cow wasn’t to blame for the huge fire, what was? Over the years, journalists and historians have offered plenty of theories. Some blamed the blaze on a couple of neighborhood boys who were near the barn sneaking cigarettes. Others believed that a neighbor of the O’Leary’s may have started the fire. Some people have speculated that a fiery meteorite may have fallen to earth on October 8, starting several fires that day – in Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as in Chicago.

The biggest blaze that week
While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it wasn’t the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. The fire, which also occurred on October 8th, 1871, and roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres before it ended.

Historical accounts of the fire say that the blaze began when several railroad workers clearing land for tracks unintentionally started a brush fire. Before long, the fast-moving flames were whipping through the area ‘like a tornado,’ some survivors said. It was the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin that suffered the worst damage. Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed.

Eight decades of fire prevention
Those who survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires never forgot what they’d been through; both blazes produced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (today known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided that the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should henceforth be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.  The commemoration grew incrementally official over the years.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.”

The theme for 2012 is “Have Two Ways Out”.  When planning your home escape route, be sure you have at least two ways out in case of fire, because one door could possibly be blocked.  Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working.  All work facilities should have a fire escape route posted in several areas of the building, so familiarize yourself with the quickest and safest way out.  Fire Safety Posters are also good ways to encourage workers to be careful.  Chances are you will hear some fire sirens this week, because most local fire departments will be promoting this important annual event, taking elementary students for rides on the fire trucks.  Children will be taught what to do in case of fire.  Go to your local fire department if you have questions about the safety of your home.

 

 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

OCTOBER IS EYE INJURY PREVENTION MONTH

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Having  our eyes serve as  “windows to the world” is one of the most important gifts we have been given.  It is surprising how many accidents happen that affect the way we are able to see the world.  Equally surprising is that about one-half of eye injuries happen at work, while the other half occur at home. 

To avoid injuries in the workplace, here are some suggestions: 

  •          Always wear the appropriate protective eyewear on the job;
  •          Know what the safety dangers at work are;
  •          Eliminate hazards before starting work;
  •          Use machine guarding, work screens, or other engineering controls. 

Common causes for eye injuries are: 

  •          Flying objects (bits of metal, glass);
  •          Particles;
  •          Chemicals;
  •          Tools;
  •          Any combination of these,or other hazards. 

The type of safety protection that should be worn depends on the hazards in the workplace.  OSHA has regulations for face and eye protection; employers’ safety directors should determine which type is appropriate to ensure that the job is done safely.  Here are some examples of safety eyewear: 

  •          Sporty Safety Goggles (working with chemicals);
  •          Eyeglasses with side protection (side shields);
  •          Faceshields (working in the medical field, welding, lasers, or fiber obtics);
  •          Safety eyewear should be OSHA-compliant and approved by ANSI.
  •          Safety sunglasses should be UVA and UVB compliant to block strong rays that can damage the eyes. 

Eye injuries can happen at home, too.  When mowing the yard, using a power trimmer or edger, or clipping hedges and bushes, goggles would be a safe bet to protect your eyes.   In the workshop, working around tools, with solvents or other chemicals, or tasks that produce fragments, dust particles or other irritants, glasses with side protection or goggles would be best. 

In the house, there are many ways one can harm their eyes.  Never mix chemicals such as bleach and other common household products.  Many are very harmful and cause 125,000 eye injuries each year.  Foods can spatter hot oil or grease while being cooked.  Even curling irons have been known to cause injuries; just think about how close they are to your eyes and face! Be careful hammering nails into hard surfaces, because they could become projectiles. 

It’s really up to you to be prepared.  At home, keep the right kind of eye protection handy.  It only takes a few seconds to put it on; otherwise, it could take a long time to overcome an injury to your eye or eyes.  Be compliant at work and always wear your safety gear! 

If an injury occurs, see an ophthalmologist or go to the emergency room immediately, even if the eye injury seems minor.  Delaying medical attention can result in permanent vision loss or blindness. 

Source: AAO

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

RARE TYPE OF MENINGITIS THREATENS PATIENTS

The Center for Disease Control is coordinating a multi-state investigation of meningitis among patients who received epidural steroid injections (medication injected into the spine.) A possibly contaminated medication used in epidural injections is believed to be the cause of this outbreak, which has so far, reached twenty-three states.  

The infection is known as Fungal Meningitis.  Thus far, the case count is thirty-five.  There have been six states reporting the disease, and five persons have died so far.   In patients, the meningitis was believed to be caused by a fungus that is common in the environment, but rarely causes meningitis.  This form is not contagious.  In several patients, strokes have been suffered, related to the meningitis. 

People in the states of California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas and West Virginia are being asked to contact their physician or clinic if they have recently received a steroid injection in the lower back, in order to see if they received products from contaminated medication lots.  According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC officials, each one of these patients affected had been injected with a preservative-free steroid called methylprednisolone acetate manufactured by New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham Massachusetts.  NECC voluntarily recalled three lots of steroids last week, and shut down production at the entire facility on Wednesday.  The FDA is advising all health care professionals who may have NECC medications to not use any products from NECC until the investigation is over.  Health officials say approximately 75 medical facilities in 23 states have received products from NECC. 

Fungal meningitis is rare, but can be life threatening.  It is not connected to the more common forms of bacterial and viral meningitis.  People at higher risk to get this disease include those with AIDS, leukemia, or other forms of immunodeficiency and immunosuppression.  Meningitis infection is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck.  Other symptoms can be nausea; vomiting; photophobia (sensitivity to light) and altered mental status.  

If you or a family member or friend has had an epidural injection, please contact your physician to investigate the source of your medication.  If you are needing an epidural, it will be wise to wait until the investigation is complete.

Source: CDC, CNN News

General Safety Issues

HOW TO CREATE AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOUR HOME (GUEST POST)

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Sent to us by Jeralyn Nelson, of http://www.HouseSittingJobs.com

You never know when an emergency will happen, which is why you should always be ready for one if the situation does arise. To make sure you’re prepared for whatever may come, take the time to create an emergency kit for your home and make sure every member of your family and your nanny know where it is and what’s inside.  Also make sure everyone knows and understands the emergency procedures for a disaster. This kind of preparation can save you seconds or minutes in a life-threatening situation.

Stock up on supplies for a power outage. Short power outages are inconvenient, but long outages can be a danger to your family’s health and safety. Make sure you have self-powered flashlights and lanterns, an emergency radio, and plenty of batteries for book lights, portable DVD players, and handheld games.  Stock up on non-perishable food like canned meats, tuna, soups, fruits, and vegetables, plus boxed food like crackers, goldfish, and other kid-friendly snacks. Include pet foods and snacks, as well.  Make sure you have a hand-held can opener on hand too. Have plenty of water available for each person in your family. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, stock enough wood to keep a fire going for a few days. In winter, this may be your only way to keep the chill away. 

Learn about your local emergency warning systems. Your local emergency management office, civil defense office, or Red Cross chapter can give you detailed information about your area’s early warning systems. Know where to get up-to-date information about natural disasters like tornados, hurricanes, and flooding. To make sure you don’t miss a critical announcement, purchase a self-powered weather alert radio (NOAA) that can be set to your location and warn you of a weather emergency. 

Create a fire escape plan. This can be a family project. Using graph paper create a map of each floor of your home, including all possible emergency exits, like windows and doors. Map out one, and two if possible, escape routes from each room. If you have a second story, include routes that use lower story roofs and home emergency window ladders. Choose a place far from the house to meet as a family once each person escapes the house. Make sure there’s a clear landmark like a street sign or large tree to avoid frightened or panicked family members becoming disorientated. Decide in advance who will help younger children out of the house. Practice getting out of the house and meeting at the family meeting spot with your children at least twice a year. This can be a fun family activity. Have everyone start in bed blindfolded to simulate a smoky, nighttime fire. Practice staying low to the ground or crawling, covering your mouth with a cloth, and checking doors to see if they’re cool to the touch and safe to open. Once you get outside, remove the blindfold and head to the meeting spot. Time the escape from start to finish to ensure your family can make it out in a reasonable amount of time.  (It has been said by several firefighters that persons become very disoriented because of smoke, thinking that they know every corner of their home.)

Choose an emergency meeting place in case of evacuation. Chances are your family members will be in separate locations when disaster hits. If your neighborhood is unsafe or has been evacuated, choose a place to meet. It should be accessible by every member of the family, in a safe area (e.g. out of the flood zone), and not in an area that gets congested during an evacuation. Each family member or caregiver should have a map with the designated location and alternative routes to get there clearly marked.

Know who to contact in case of an emergency. Often during an emergency, local phone lines are down and cell towers are overloaded, making it impossible to connect with family members or caregivers who are not with you. Designate a first and second contact person, that way if a family member isn’t able to make it to the meeting point they can get a message to the rest of the family through the contact person. Choose people far outside the local area who would likely be unaffected by the disaster.

Don’t forget your pets. Include your dog or cat in your emergency plan. Designate one person to be in charge of crating and carrying the animals in an emergency evacuation, and if your pet sleeps in a crate, releasing him in case of fire. 

Fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies can be scary, especially for children.  Also, keeping prescription medicines in one place,( in clear plastic bags), would make it easier to grab them when you must hurry.  Developing a smart plan of action, practicing the plan, knowing who is responsible for doing what, and having the right supplies on hand can not only give you peace of mind, it can also be the difference between handling an emergency and  experiencing family tragedy.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

TOP FIVE CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS WHEN USING A LADDER (GUEST POST)

Submitted to us by Ross. 

Ladders are so common we rarely consider them too deeply. You move into your new apartment and there are three old wooden ladders, paint-splattered and splintery, sitting in the bedroom closet for no knowable reason. At the house you grew up in there’s an ancient ladder made from dark wood and brass passed down, apparently, from your great-grandfather. Ladders are everywhere, so common that no one ever considers the fact that ladders can, under the right kind of softheaded abuse, be the most dangerous things you’ll ever use, with the possible exception of a circular saw. 

There are many ways these devices can harm you, but to be fair almost all of them involve one thing in common: User error. 

1. Hopping. Ah yes, you’re on the ladder, you’re finished with this part of the project. You look over wistfully at the next thing in need of paint, or a fresh nail or screw. So near! And yet, out of reach. But you don’t want to climb down, walk the ladder over a few feet, and then climb back up using your legs like some sort of sucker. This is the moment where the fierce independents amongst us decide that all that hogwash about safety is for the Common Man, not you, and you decide to hop the ladder. This involves grabbing hold of it with both hands and through a combination of gravity and momentum getting the ladder to scrape along the floor until it is in a new position. Genius! 

Until you overbalance and end up under the ladder, bleeding from a head wound, of course. 

2. Overreaching. Sometimes the next bit is so temptingly close, you know that if you just lean out a little bit, maybe swinging one leg over to the outside, and you can do it and be a hero! This is a prized move for those of us who slept our way through our science courses in school and thus have an imperfect understanding of mass, gravity, and friction. 

3. Standing on the Top or Shelf. First of all, why provide you with that tempting shelf if it’s not meant to be used as a quick step to enable you to get a little closer to the wall? Those engineers are just cruel pranksters, really. The fact that the word shelf is universally accepted to mean not a step doesn’t factor, really. And the top is, technically a step! It’s sturdy, and just because keeping your balance on it is impossible doesn’t mean you shouldn’t climb up there, proud, brave, and five seconds away from a concussion.

 4. Ladders in Multiples. We salute you, geniuses of the world, for sussing out that if none of your ladders are tall enough you can duct-tape two ladders together and conquer the skies! Later, when you are applying direct pressure to the gash in your head you can regale the hospital staff with Tales of True Genius and they will all go home and head out into the workshop to regard their own ladders with a newfound excitement. 

5. Failure to Lock. You’re busy. Life goes by fast, and who has time for social niceties like wearing pants in public or making sure your A-frame ladder is locked in position? Just pull it mostly open and get to work. Those fools who bother to check things like locked hinges on ladders get their work done five seconds slower, and without the thrill of knowing they have cheated Death’s Younger Cousin, Grievous Injury, once again! 

As you can see, all of these accidents have one thing in common: You. The vast majority of ladders leave the factory in perfectly fit condition, ready to serve you safely for years – if you avoid these five common mistakes. 

 
Author Bio: Ladders Direct are a division of Clow Group Ltd, the largest privately owned manufacturer of access equipment in the UK. They have been manufacturing ladders for 100 years and are specialists in work at height ladder safety training. Connect with Ladders Direct on Twitter @Ladders_Direct.
 
Thanks for this humorous, yet serious post. 

 
General Safety Issues

TOP TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY ON A BUILDING SITE (GUEST BLOG)

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Sent by Jake at Custard Media

Whether you are a professional contractor or you are a homeowner who has decided that it is time to take on those home improvement projects, keeping yourself safe on a building site is important. There are a number of things that can be hazardous on a construction site. In order to keep yourself safe, here are a few things that you should look out for and pay attention to: 

1.       Debris – Whether you have lumber lying around that you have cut or your tools are in the way, anything that is on the site can cause you to trip and fall. You should ensure that you keep things put away at all times. This includes wood pieces of all sizes and of course, your tools. Be sure also to keep power cords away from walking areas.

2.       Make sure that you are being safe when working with electricity. Electrical accidents are among the most common found on construction sites. You should have all electricity checked by a professional electrician or if you are completely unaware of how power lines and cords should be installed, hire a professional electrician to do this work for you.

3.       All of your tools and other equipment should be in pristine condition at all times. You should never attempt to use power tools that are not in good working condition.

4.       All storage should be done safely as well. Boxes and other items should not be stacked high. You want to be certain that there is not a danger of objects falling and causing injury. Scaffolding should be fitted by professional contractors to prevent falling.

5.       When digging or excavating, always ensure that holes are covered safely when they are not being used and never store tools, equipment or other material near the edge of an excavation site. 

Most of these tips are simply common sense and many contractors and homeowners know perfectly well how to protect themselves from accident and injury. You should however, read through and follow these recommendations just to be on the safe side. If you have workers on your site, ensure that they are following safety precautions as well. 

This article was written by Mather and Stuart, providing the UK with reliable and affordable generators for hire for a number of needs. Find out more here.

We appreciate these safety tips, which should be followed.  Check out http://www.tasco-safety.com for all the personal protective equipment you need for your projects. pb

General Safety Issues

NETS KICKS OFF DRIVE SAFELY WORK WEEK

October 1 – 5 is designated as Drive Safely Work Week.  This years’ campaign is “Back to Basics – Your Keys to Safe Driving” and is sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety.  (NETS) This is the perfect time for employers to look at their policies, especially those that cover issues such as mobile device and safety belt usage, and update them in order to bring more attention to their employees exhibiting safe driving behavior. 

This is the 16th year of Drive Safely Work Week – a reminder that 16 is also the age that most teenagers get to try their “wings” behind the wheel.  There is so much emphasis on distracted driving that we sometimes forget that responsible driving enforces the wide range of skills needed to be a safe, dependable driver. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 40,000 Americans die on our highways every year.  Every twelve minutes someone dies in a vehicular accident on U.S. Roads.  Every 10 seconds someone is injured and has to be taken to an Emergency Room.  It is also estimated that in addition to the 40,000 Americans who die annually, another 270,000 are hospitalized, resulting in costs to states and our nation exceeding ninety-nine billion dollars.  Even though the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) says vehicle fatalities have declined in recent years due to newer vehicles having better safety features, and seat belt use has improved, the number of traffic deaths caused by distracted driving has increased. 

The agency reports that distracted drivers cause 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the U.S.  The main causes are cell phones and gadgets. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that more than 150,000 persons are injured in accidents caused by drivers either texting or talking on their cell phones each year.  

The DSWW campaign focuses on the following issues:

  •          Driving distraction-free;
  •          Safe parking and backing;
  •          Fine-tuning the fundamentals to avoid some of the most common types of crashes;
  •          Buckling up all the time and encouraging others to do the same;
  •          Recognizing and preventing fatigue-impaired driving. 

NETS furnishes a toolkit that is packed with tips and information to refresh some of the skills for drivers that may have become a bit rusty, and possibly teach some new ones.  It also has some good information for those who have a new driver in the family, which could help the driving coach.  This toolkit can be downloaded on the NETS website. 

U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, says, “Employers are able to reach up to half of the American people and their support in promoting safe driving habits both on and off the job is critical.  I applaud NETS for making this toolkit available to companies and organizations across the country, and I hope it serves as a reminder for drivers to keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and focus on driving.”

 

 

 

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General Safety Issues

What To Do If You Suspect Your Child is Being Bullied by a Teacher (Guest Post)

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Sent to us by Alan Brady. 

Bullying is a major problem in schools everywhere. Teachers and staff are usually working to prevent or minimize bullying wherever they can, however sometimes the teachers or staff are actually the bullies. Many parents feel outraged and helpless at this type of situation, because they don’t know what to do. The course of action you should take is of course dependent on the specifics of the situation. Here are a few examples and different steps that are appropriate to take in the circumstances.

Changes in Your Childs Behavior

If your child is complaining about low grades, upset about being called out in front of the class by a teacher, and is becoming more withdrawn your first instinct might be to run in and accuse the teacher to their face. Not only is this less likely to fix the problem but the teacher might not even deserve the blame. Write the teacher or visit with them and let them know about the changes in your child’s behavior and ask them if they’ve seen anything that would be impacting your child. The teacher might be aware of other factors, like other students picking on your child, resulting in lower performance at school and resulting in misplaced frustration toward the teacher. Even if you consider your child to be equally or more credible than the teacher, do not ask for the teacher’s “side of the story”. Being rude to a teacher by treating them like a naughty child could turn a powerful potential ally hostile which your child cannot afford if they have bullying problems from other sources that they don’t want to mention. Also be aware that an inexperienced teacher might not be aware of the impact of their own actions, and a calm explanation can lead them to correct their behavior.

If Your Child Tells You About Explicit Abuse

A few ways to be absolutely sure of teacher abuse include unprofessional and uncalled for notes from the teacher on graded papers, stories of teacher’s slapping, spanking, or hitting students, and mocking or insulting your child. Unless you have some hard evidence you’ll want as many witnesses as possible. Arrange a meeting with the teacher and the teacher’s superior, usually a principal. When in the meeting make sure you’re professional and calm so that you don’t come across as a hysterical parent (you won’t be taken as seriously). Lay out exactly what you know without exaggeration and let the principal draw the logical conclusions. If you feel you’re being treated unfairly by the principal as well you can take your case to the school district, or you can take legal action against the school. Be aware that if you take legal action you’ll need some sort of solid evidence.

Sexual Abuse

If your child accidentally or deliberately indicates to you that they’ve been a victim of sexual abuse you need to remain calm. Getting too riled up can scare your child and make them feel that they’ve done something wrong, which will keep them from telling you what happened. Calmly ask them to tell you their story, and if you have a phone you can try to record it. Contact your local authorities immediately (the nationwide child abuse hotline is 1-800-422-4453, or you can call 911).

Alan Brady is a blogger who shares his personal experiences concerning divorce, his daughters, and being a single parent.

A personal note or two: I remember teachers picking on students; some of the coaches at our high school would hit the student on the forehead by popping them with their college ring.  A certain high school basketball coach would paddle a player when he missed a free throw. Years later, one of our daughters experienced a ” paddle lick” (another coach) in front of the whole class – she was wearing a cheerleader uniform, which was short.  ( I didn’t know anything about it until much later.) This type of humiliation has been going on for too long – from way back when to now.  There are more stringent standards that teachers and students should abide by, but you still hear reports of this type of behavior.  I feel sure there are many stories that could be shared, these are just a few incidents from my past.  As the article says, the teacher deserves to give his/her side of the story.  No child should be embarrassed by a teacher before their peers. We are certainly not picking on teachers, as they have a huge challenge in teaching our future generations.  Many of them are very kind and loving. Students should give them the respect they deserve, unless they are exhibiting inappropriate behavior. pb

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

Cell Phone Use While Driving: A Preventable Danger (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Brandy Anderson.

Texting drivers are twenty-three times more likely to be involved in an accident than non-texting drivers. They recognize the danger, too: forty per cent of teens admit that they have been passengers in a car and felt at risk of a crash while the driver used a cell phone in a hazardous manner. Despite the risk, nearly fifty per cent of teenagers admit to texting while driving, and estimates report that one million people chat or text while driving each day.

This bad habit has tragic consequences. In 2010 alone, almost 3100 people were killed and 416,000 more were injured in motor vehicle accidents that were caused by a distracted driver.

One study by Car and Driver found that texting while driving impaired reaction times significantly more than driving while drunk. Society as a whole is aware of the risk of drinking and driving and collectively condemns that behavior. It’s astounding that attitudes regarding cell phone use while driving are so dramatically different.

Many still consider this habit to be acceptable regardless of the risk. Some are reluctant to admit the danger and claim that they have the ability to multitask and drive. However, a study by Carnegie Mellon University shows that simply listening to someone speak while driving reduces cognitive functions by thirty-seven per cent. Regardless of one’s claimed ability to multitask, the fact is clear: Driving performance is drastically impaired by using a cell phone.

One tragic case involved a teen girl in Alaska who fatally hit a man early on Easter Sunday in 2011. The investigation found the girl to be texting while driving and continued to text “OMG, OMG” while leaving the scene of the accident. After hearing news of this story, Jim Wojciehowski, a physician’s assistant in Alaska decided to do something to prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future. He came up with an idea for a smartphone app that would eliminate phone distraction while driving.

He created Silent Driver, which works by blocking all incoming calls and texts when a user is moving faster than 10 mph. It also locks the phone so that the user can’t place a text or make a call while driving. The phone allows users to include three safe numbers, so if something happens while the user is moving, they can still call for help. Parents have the option to password protect the app on their teenager’s phone to ensure responsible driving, and they receive a notification if there is any attempt to disable it.

By reducing distractions from cell phones, drivers are free from the temptation to use their phones while operating a vehicle. Download Silent Driver for your phone and commit to driving safely. By focusing on the task of driving, you avoid a preventable accident and the risk of harming yourself or others.  No text or call is worth risking your own or your loved ones’ lives. 

Author Bio:
Brandy is an MBA student at the University of Colorado Denver. She enjoys topics related to environmental issues, technology, business, and social responsibility.  Click here for Brandy’s Twitter.