Yearly Archives: 2012
TEN ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)
10 Electrical Safety Tips
When many people think of electrical equipment the thought ‘hazard’ is soon to follow, but electrical safety is still neglected and should be observed more often. It is important that we all understand the dangers of electrical equipment and maintain proper caution when using electrical items to avoid accidents. Here are some top tips to ensure you and your family remain safe around electrical items.
1. Everyone should be in the habit of turning all electrical devices off when they are not in use, this includes, but not limited to kitchen appliances, gaming consoles, televisions and lighting. Before going to bed it is important to ensure that all electrical equipment is properly turned off at the power supply.
2. People have a habit to overload sockets especially in homes where there are not enough sockets in place. When using adapters ensure that the total output does not exceed the specified rating. A power surge can occur causing power cuts and in some case fire.
3. A residual current device will cut off power in the event of a power surge. This should be placed in sockets that are running a number of electrical items such as in the lounge where the television, DVD player etc. are in place.
4. Pay attention to plugs, sockets and wires to ensure that they remain in good condition, if such problems occur then they will need to be replaced by an electrician qualified to do so.
5. Never buy equipment that doesn’t not hold a CE Mark – this marking ensures that it has been tested and conforms to all safety recommendations.
6. Never run cables through skirting, floorboards, carpet or door frames – this is for two reasons; a) you cannot asses the state of the wires b) if the wire needs to be removed this can result in unnecessary DIY jobs.
7. Ensure that electrical wires are kept out of the way from heat. For example when using hair straighteners don’t let the wire overhang the appliance – this can melt the outer coating exposing dangerous wires.
8. Be extremely careful with electrical equipment where it may become wet. Never leave an exposed light fitting in the bathroom. There are special light fittings made purposely for your bathroom to prevent moisture. Often we place the kettle right under the socket but the moisture from the steam can get into the socket. Place the kettle away from the socket or affix a socket protector.
9. When using hot appliances such as irons or hair straighteners use a heat mat underneath, this will prevent the surface getting burned.
10. Place socket protectors in all sockets around the home if you have or look after small children.
Bio
Jade Coleman graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism and Editorial Design in 2010, since then Jade has worked within the Marketing sector blogging about numerous electrical and safety equipment.
We thank Jade for reminding us how careful we should be when using any electrical appliances. pb
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT MSHA INSPECTION? (GUEST POST)
Are You Ready for Your Next MSHA Inspection?
Free Mining Industry Webinar Lead by Martin Carter, Graphic Products, Inc.
- Article by Jack Rubinger
- Graphic Products, Inc.
- 503-469-3024
- jarubinger@graphicproducts.com
Portland, OR – Graphic Products, Inc., a leading global industrial labeling systems manufacturer, will conduct a free mining webinar for safety, maintenance and operations managers on Wednesday, June 13 at 10 am, Pacific Time/1 pm, Eastern Time. To register,
“Incidents happen. MSHA inspections, violations, orders and safeguards change from inspector to inspector and region to region,” said Carter. “One of our goals is to help make safety communications as easy as possible to implement – particularly at remote sites. We are an offsite resource for all our mine sites providing technical assistance and we focus on making signage the easiest part of your job. We get calls all the time about pipe marking guides and arc flash regulations through NFPA70E. We will review all codes, contact MSHA for clarification, and provide technical advice including color-coded signs and labels to make applications readily available in some of the toughest conditions on the planet.”
This complimentary webinar will show you proper visual safety awareness for site employees and visitors, security measures to improve identification and safety labeling best practices within the mining industry.
Martin Carter has provided visual communication solutions to mining companies world-wide for more than eight years and has published articles in Canadian Mining, Aggregates Manager, Industry Week and other publications. As a strategist, he has worked directly with mine safety managers to customize and implement safety identification programs that comply with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) while improving visual communications and security. He also served as a training non-commissioned officer for U.S. Marine Corp Special Forces.
With more than 50 unique labeling supplies providing the right label material for nearly every type of application including Arc Flash and Pipe Marking, Graphic Products, Inc. is equipped to solve problems in the industrial safety arena. Graphic Products manufactures a broad spectrum of industrial labeling systems for every application and provides free technical support and multi-year printer and supply warranties.
Global mining customers include Barrick Gold Corporation, Rio Tinto and Newmont Mining Corporation. To register for this upcoming event, visit http://www.graphicproducts.com/webinar.
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WHY YOU NEED A SECURITY DOOR (GUEST POST)
Why You Need a Security Door
Remember the days you could leave your doors unlocked when you went to bed at night and not think twice? Unfortunately those days are long gone. More and more families are investing in alarm systems and security doors in order to protect their home, their family, and their possessions from forced entries and burglaries. Many burglars prefer to use the front door when executing a robbery, so it is important to add any elements of protection you can. Installing a security door is an excellent way to ramp up your protection while avoiding the long-term monthly fees of an alarm system. Though it may seem simple, a heavy duty security door may be enough to cause prospective robbers to pass on your home in search of an easier target. Security doors are an excellent, low cost preventative measure that provides a great deal of benefits to your home.
Types of Doors
Doors come in a variety of different styles, with options for every budget. Steel doors can be purchased with single or double panes. You can choose to have a single lock or multiple locks. The thickness of the door varies as well, the highest typically being 50mm. Anywhere from four to eight hinges support the door itself, which come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Benefits
- Nearly Impossible to Break into
The obvious benefit of security doors is the protection it provides. A robber would have to use a sophisticated machine of some sort to open the locks on a steel door. In fact, most doors are actually drill-proof, and special devices are required to open them. Fortunately most burglars are not going to want to draw attention to themselves by attempting to open your steel door.
- Fireproof
The material used on most security doors makes them resistant to fire. Many security doors are made from galvanized iron or galvanized steel. If galvanized metal burns at all, it will burn very slowly. For this reason, people sometimes place steel doors inside the house to prevent fire from spreading quickly.
- Energy Efficient
A main benefit of security doors that people often overlook is their ability to reduce your energy bills. During hot months, security doors can be bolted while the main door is left open, allowing a cool breeze to circulate through the house. In winter, the extra layer of steel helps insulate the doorway from chilly wind.
- Allows Increased Light
Closing the security door but leaving the main door open allows more light to enter the home. This can brighten up the appearance of a space, make it look larger, as well as improve the temperament of those in the home.
- Tough and Long Lasting
Steel doors are extremely durable, and are not prone to cracks or other imperfections that result from misuse, pressure, or harsh weather conditions.
- Visually Appealing
Despite the common opinion, security doors actually add to the curb appeal of your home. They are now manufactured in a vast array of designs and colors to complement any home décor. They provide a polished look to the exterior of your home, while simultaneously increasing your property’s value.
- Ease of Access
The bottom part of the door frame is welded low so wheelchairs and other wheeled devices can pass through the doorway easily. You also don’t have to worry about young children or pets injuring themselves on the door because they are welded low.
Security doors are an excellent investment. They deter potential intruders, improve the appearance of your home, and are virtually indestructible. Even those who already have a home security system will benefit from the many attributes a steel door provides to your property.
ARE TRAMPOLINES A SAFE ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN? (GUEST POST)
Are trampolines really a safe activity for children? (By Jonathan Rosenfeld)
When used responsibly, trampolines can provide a lot of entertainment but the rate of injury among minors is staggering. In a study performed in the early 2000s, over 82% of trampoline injuries involved children under the age of 18, signaling the need to evaluate what measures we take to prevent a trampoline injury. Trampoline injury rates may be on the decline when they are used under proper supervision, but there is still a significant risk of injury that is most prevalent for children near the age of 10.
The areas usually affected by trampoline injury are:
- The legs, ankles or feet
- Arms, wrists or hands
- Knees
- Head
- Spine
More injuries to the lower body occur on trampolines than anywhere else on the body, with a reported 42% of injuries occurring on the lower body as opposed to the chest, arms, head or neck. The severity of injury that each person in the study suffered was alarming as well. 83% of the injuries reported involved some form of fracture which required emergency care.
About 14% of injuries on trampolines involve lacerations that require medical attention. These injuries usually occur when a person lands on his or her head. Knee and elbow scrapes are common if the trampoline is used improperly, but do not pose as great a threat as injuries to the face or neck. The severity of lacerations that occur as a result of trampoline injuries varies greatly depending on how the injury was sustained. Most of these injuries involve some form of stunt or jumping on a trampoline with another person.
The risk of spinal cord injury on trampoline related activities is over 8% on full sized trampolines compared to less than 3% on mini trampolines. Trampoline parks in the Chicago have recently become a popular recreational activity for children of all ages. While the ‘parks’ have reported fewer injuries than anticipated, the biggest factor for their improved safety record is that these facilities require children to use the trampoline independently as opposed to in a group. This simple— yet very effective safety measure– should be taken into consideration when allowing your children to play in a trampoline in a backyard setting in order to reduce the risk of serious injury.
In order to effectively reduce spinal cord injury on trampolines, children should be prohibited from attempting stunts such as flips and back flips. Many injuries occur as the direct result of a stunt gone badly as well as by sharing the trampoline with another person. In general, adults exercise more personal caution and therefore, suffer less injury. More supervision and awareness will help reduce the number of accidents that occur that involve children.
Hopefully the safety measures implemented at trampoline parks in the Chicagoland will serve as a reminder that both homeowners and facilities must be vigilant when it comes to trampoline safety. The safety measures really do work! When the trampoline park opened in Carol Stream, IL there were over three ambulance calls each month due to a trampoline park injury. When it was announced that another park was to be opened in a nearby suburb residents were extremely concerned due to the high rate of injury that was reported from the sister facility. However, by implementing new rules such as only allowing one person on a trampoline at a time, injury rates fell dramatically in both locations.
Even though incident rates have gone down substantially, you must exercise care when allowing your children to play in a trampoline park and in home-based settings. Prevent trampoline accidents by telling your children ahead of time what to avoid and be sure to follow all of the rules for the trampoline before they get on the platform. Further, while it is true that safety measures can reduce the rate of trampolines injuries on trampolines, parents can never let their guard down when the risk of serious injury is present.
About Jonathan Rosenfeld
Jonathan Rosenfeld is the founder of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, and has a law practice devoted to representing children and adults who have been harmed due to the negligence of others.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
33 North Dearborn Street, #1930
Chicago, IL 60602
(888) 424-5757
Our thanks to Jonathan for this insight into the do’s and don’ts of playing on trampolines. It’s best to not get too fancy with stunts until there’s someone who can give instructions on the proper methods. Play it safe, and have fun. pb
HEAT SAFETY AWARENESS
As we all know, this summer is already warming up pretty quickly, and the first official day of summer isn’t until June 20th! OSHA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on weather service alerts to incorporate worker safety precautions when heat alerts are issued across the United States. NOAA is including pertinent worker safety information on its Heat Watch Web page.
Because conditions are extremely hot with high humidity this season, companies would be wise to follow all advisories to keep their employees as safe as possible during this trying time.
Which brings up the question, how much water should we drink? Water is the body’s principle chemical component and makes up about 60 per cent of your body weight. Your entire body’s system depends on water. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. You can become tired and suffer energy loss with even mild dehydration. We’ve all been told to consume six to eight glasses of water per day. Dr. Margaret McCartney, a Scottish physician, states that there is no quality scientific evidence to support this recommendation, which she says can lead to over-hydration in some individuals. This eight-glass formula doesn’t fit everyone. The more active a person is, the more they will need to replace fluids. Larger people, pregnant and nursing women, and those who take dehydrating medications will likely need to add more water to their diet.
The Mayo Clinic staff suggests that your water needs depend on many factors, such as your health, how active you are, and where you live. Because water is essential to good health, needs vary by individual. If you use thirst as a guide for when to drink, by the time you are thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated. As you get older, your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Here are some tips to ward off dehydration, and make sure your body has the fluids it needs:
- Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal;
- Hydrate before, during and after exercise;
- Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social events.
Many outside workers are exercising in temperatures that are very hot, causing them to sweat more. These folks will need to increase their water intake. Oral hydration solutions, such as Powdered Gatorade Mix, Powerade or CeraLyte may help those who are in situations that cause them to sweat heavily. Some experts recommend that bodies only need a minimal amount to keep the body in balance and give that energy kick. Sometimes simply taking sips or swishing a sports drink will do the trick.
At home, select foods that keep you hydrated and healthy. Strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelon, and peaches are packed full of water and potassium, which is the electrolyte lost when your body sweats. This is a great way to balance fluids that your body needs, and regulate your heartbeat and circulation. Plus – they are delicious!
Rest, shade and water are very important for your employees. Individuals know what their body needs, and they must be diligent about taking the time to stop for a drink of water throughout the day. You can find more information on the OSHA website, as well as NOAA’s website. Try to stay cool, take breaks during the day, and stay hydrated!
Last, but not least, wear a hat, sunscreen, long-sleeve shirts if possible, and safety sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB protection for your eyes. It’s going to be a long, hot summer, so take all the precautions you can to avoid heat-related illness.
HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVICE WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHT (GUEST POST)
There is an inherent level of anxiety when working at height, but provided we take the appropriate safety measures before we embark, the risk can be just the same as working on ground level. I will attempt to outline some key points in staying safe and worry free when working on elevated platforms.
The first element is planning. Let’s look at our operators. Are they competent to operate the Mobile Elevating Work Platforms in the working conditions to which they are exposed? Have they been instructed of the local hazards and site rules? Have they attended a basic MEWP training course? Finally, do they have a level of familiarity with the particular make and model of MEWP that they are authorized to operate? Ensure that distractions for the operator are minimized and potential personal methods for distraction are removed such as phones, devices etc.
Next, and most importantly is performing a risk assessment on the site of the job for the MEWP. Look around for typical hazards that might be present for example; uneven ground, overhead obstructions and objects in the path of the MEWP. A risk assessment must be recorded before proceeding to the next phase for purposes of accountability.
Next, we must ensure that we have selected the correct MEWP, with the right operating characteristics of the job, to reduce the risk of entrapment. This may be a good phase to ask for advice and thoughts from competent operators on which would be the most appropriate. Take into consideration vertical lift, articulated boom and telescopic boom MEWPs to allow a wide variety of different platform movements to be utilized. Factor trapping risks into your assessment of which model to use.
Thirdly we must devise a safe system of work, to ensure that our operators will carry out the tasks safely. Referring to the risk assessment we produced earlier we must make sure all persons involved in the planning and management of work tasks completely understand the safety procedure that we have produced. This procedure must communicate and identify the hazards we looked at earlier and ways to control their risk.
Finally, let’s look at your emergency plan and drills. It is a legal requirement to plan for this when anyone is working at height. Swift rescue of someone who has become trapped makes a significant difference to the injuries potentially sustained, or the difference between a survivable or fatal injury. Ensure there is always someone on ground level to keep an eye on and intervene in an emergency while a MEWP is in use. This person should wear a Safety Vests with reflective stripes and the proper P.P.E. required to keep him/her safe and in constant contact with the operator.
Do you have a rescue plan that everyone is familiar with? Panic is natural in such a situation, and having a plan that everyone understands can prevent disaster and eliminate complacence when every second counts. The location of the emergency MEWP controls for a descent should be communicated in addition, they are specific to individual machines and their location is outlined in the unit’s operational manual. Conduct regular drills and develop a level of competency with the ground and emergency controls for each machine in use.
Following the advice outlined above while adhering to health & safety regulations and legal requirements when operating MEWP drastically reduces risk of injury in the workplace. Something Kevin has been promoting for years in his current job at Promax access, where he oversees specialist access platforms training.
Kevin, thank you very much for this informative article. Anyone who works with this equipment will appreciate the good advice. Operators must be trained and highly skilled for this type of work. pb
IT’S TIME FOR THE “TOP TEN” MOST DANGEROUS JOBS IN THE U.S.
Back in 2009, we featured posts about the Top Ten Most Dangerous Jobs in our country; we recently read an article about the same subject. Not surprisingly, many of the same ones continue to be on the list. We want to review with you these hazardous jobs, both then and now, plus a few that we had listed three years ago.
FISHING: Fishers and fishing workers really have the most dangerous job in the country. They must deal with inclement weather, malfunctioning gear, and transportation incidents that all add up to the fact that this profession has had the highest rate in the U.S. since 1992. Their fatality rate is 116 per 100,000 workers, and average annual salary is $25,590.
LOGGING WORKERS: More than one-half of incidents injuring loggers are the result of being struck by an object. (Maybe a tree?) Loggers spend most of their days outside with terrible weather, heavy machinery, and high altitudes, and, according to the AxMen show, bad attitudes toward co-workers! Fatality rate is 91.9 per 100,000 workers – 59 total, with the average annual salary being $32,870.
Next, AIRLINE PILOTS AND FLIGHT ENGINEERS. Our top ten list in 2009 showed that small aircraft – cropdusters, banner planes, fire-fighting planes were more liable to experience crashes, especially the Alaskan bush pilots, because of sudden weather changes. We cannot dispute that those who hold so many souls in their hands have a very huge responsibility every time they get behind the wheel. The fatality rate is 70.6 per 100,000 workers, or 78 total. Average annual salary for airline pilots is $118,070 and $76,050 for commercial pilots.
FARMERS AND RANCHERS: Those who grow the very foods we consume and materials for our clothing are always among the most dangerous professions. Their hours are very long, they must operate heavy machinery and equipment, and contrary animals. Their fatality rate is 41.4 per 100,000 workers, or 300 total. An average salary is estimated to be $60,750.
MINING: Fifty countries in the world produce coal. Besides risking health problems, such as “black lung” disease, they must risk suffocation, roof collapses, explosions. Standard equipment must be worn by miners, including hardhats, goggles, hardhat lights, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Heavy materials, close quarters and explosives all played into mining’s high fatality rate. Mining machines operators have a rate of 38.7 per 100,000 workers, or 23 fatalities total. The average annual salary for miners is $37,230 to $89,440.
ROOFERS: Falls are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries or non-fatal injuries from working on roofs. General construction work is among the most injury-prone jobs. Everyone working at heights should be mandated to be fitted with fall-arrest equipment. The fatality rate is 32.4 per 100,000 workers, or 57 total annually. Their annual salary is $34,220.
REFUSE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIAL COLLECTORS: Better known as waste management professionals, these guys were on our list in 2009, as well. Their risk factors include getting hit by passers-by, compressed in equipment, and handling chemical or toxic materials such as improperly disposed needles. This job was also listed as #4 in the most dangerous occupation for nonfatal injuries, primarily lacerations. Fatality rate is 29.8 per 100,000 workers – 26 total, and average annual salary is $34,420.
TRUCK DRIVERS: In our 2009 report, it was stated that many truck drivers crashed because of the carelessness of other drivers. Seventy per cent of truckers who crashed as the result of someone getting in their way. Think about this the next time you cut in front of a truck that may weigh 40 tons. Who do you think would win this race? Truckers face long hours and overexertion. Their fatality rate is 21.8 per 100,000 workers – 683 total. Average salary $37,930 for heavy truck drivers and $29,080 for light truck drivers.
STUNTMAN: This job did not make our 2009 list. It is still considered one of the most dangerous in the country due to long hours, and obvious dangers of their stunt. The last available figures showed 2.5 fatalities per 1,000 stunt workers. Average annual salary $70,000.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS: These folks always make the top ten most dangerous jobs list. One hundred and thirty four police and sheriff’s patrol officers lost their lives on the job in 2010, a 40 per cent increase over 2009. Fatality rate is 18 per 100,000 workers: 133 total. Average annual salary is $56,250. Our park rangers and border partrol officers are facing more violence every day because of drug cartels.
TAXI DRIVERS were on our list back in 2009. Those who work in large cities risk violence every day, with every passenger they pick up. It is an occupation where you don’t trust anyone. GPS devices can track where the taxis are, and the company can keep up with them accordingly. OSHA has suggested they work with an open mike switch, be equipped with a first aid kit and flashlight, are in constant communication with dispatch, have bullet-proof partitions and on-board cameras.
We feel sure you know of other jobs that should be counted among the most dangerous. Firefighters, drilling rig workers, utility workers, roadway workers, some that perform green jobs – these and more can be very stressful. Ones’ profession should be chosen with care. If it is what you love doing, then go for it. If you are not sure that it’s a safe choice, go down another road.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor; Bankrate.com
AN ANNUAL REMINDER: JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
The National Safety Council is the organizer of “June – National Safety Month”. This year’s theme is “Safety 24/7”, because the National Safety Council says, “injuries and deaths off the job greatly outnumber those on the job.”
That is a pretty frightening thought; however, if you think back, you may remember some close calls you have already had this year. Maybe you started daydreaming while driving, and ventured a little too far into another lane on the road. Maybe you thought you could do that one text while driving, only to look up to another close call. Did you do something at work, that could have hurt someone else, or yourself? This could be a good time to focus on staying safe, both at home, work, or play.
There is a different safety focus for each week in June. Week #1 is Employee Wellness and PALA+ Challenge. (PALA stands for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Plus challenge. PALA+ is designed for anyone who wants to improve ones lifestyle by eating healthier and exercising more. Employers will be showing their commitment to their employees’ health and safety by starting this program up. It’s just common-sense that by eating well and exercising, we all feel better. What better time to start exercising either at work, or after work than now? Many industries offer fitness centers for their employees to utilize. Exercise and proper diet are important to every individual that desires to get healthy and stay that way.
Week #2 is focusing on Ergonomics. This is the science of fitting the job to the worker by designing tasks and furnishing equipment to suit the capability of each worker. The secret is to prevent injury before it occurs. Those workers in the healthcare field who are constantly lifting and assisting patients come to mind when thinking of ergonomics. Also, those who work in warehouses, or office workers require proper ergonomics training. Sitting at a desk all day requires proper posture, lighting, and ergonomically correct furniture.
Week #3 focus is on Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls. Falls are one of the most common injuries in the workplace. Falls usually result from a slip or trip. Housekeeping is essential to protecting workers by keeping obstacles out of the walkways, furnishing good lighting, and mopping and waxing floors when workers are away from the work area. Loose carpet or rugs, and poorly placed electric cords have also been known to cause nasty falls.
(One more thing about falls: recently, an elderly man we know fell and lay on the floor all night, until his daughter checked on him the next day. He couldn’t reach his cell phone and wasn’t wearing a call-alert button. If you know someone who stays at home alone, please see that they get this life-saving device that can immediately summon someone to help.)
Last, but not least: Week #4 is “Driving Safely!” How on earth to we get the message across to drivers to be safe? It seems that we all truly want to be careful drivers, yet when we get behind the wheel, our personalities change! (Maybe not all, but some of us!) We just published an article about “Click It or Ticket” – these officers mean business about fastening that seatbelt. They also are very serious if a driver is caught drinking while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There’s several culprits that contribute to distracted driving, especially cell phones. Please, don’t text and drive! Surely you have time to share that conversation through text or talk after you get home! Please, for the safety of others on the road, do the right thing and turn the phone off. The last thing my husband instructs me to do before I leave for a road trip alone is to Drive Defensively, as he has always said you never know what the other person is going to do.
We hope you will use this information to keep yourselves and others safe. We have wrapped up National Safety Month in one article; however, all these subjects we have written about or will continue to in future posts. Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety are dedicated to helping keep you safe.
THREE THINGS YOUR TEEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA AND HOME SECURITY
Raising teens presents some special challenges for parents. You know that your child still needs your protection, but teenagers are growing more concerned with their independence and at times want to be on their own. Furthermore, teens today are more increasingly involved with social media, which means they are susceptible to those who may have an identity other than what they claim from behind a computer screen. Of course, there are ways you can keep your teen safe both at home and when he or she is online. You need to make your teen aware of a few things so that he or she stays safe.
1. Some Information Should Not Be Posted on Facebook
You would be hard pressed to find a teen that is not connected to Facebook.com in some way. Even though users must be at least 14 before creating an account, you will still find lots of teenagers using the social medium. However, there are a few things you need to make sure you tell your teen not to post on the site. These include:
- Birthday
- Explicit or Potentially Embarrassing Photos
- Extended or Short Vacation Plans
- Home Address
- Mother’s Maiden Name
- Phone Number
- Photos of the Home
- Place of Birth
- Searchable Public Profile
Information such as this can be used by identity thieves and burglars. Furthermore, this type of information can leave your teen as a target by pedophiles and stalkers. You can find more information about what not to share on these kinds of networks on sites such as howstuffworks.com.
2. Know How to Use a Home Security System
You may invest in a wireless home security system such as those you find at lifeshield.com to protect your family. However, you need to consider that your teen can be home alone at certain times and may need to get in and out of the house securely when you are not there. In this case, you need to trust your teen with any security codes needed for safe entry into the house. You may also have to impose some ground rules such as limiting the amount of guests your teen can have over at one time while you are away and not allowing guests in certain areas of the home or property.
3. Be Careful About Using Apps
Since smartphones and mobile devices continue to grow in popularity, you will find that many teens are using them to document every aspect of their lives in cyberspace. This can be especially dangerous when using geo-location apps and services or services such as Foursquare. A friend can check in to your home and make it a public location with this kind of app. While these may be fun for your teens to use and tell everyone where they are and who they are with, they can let cyber stalkers keep track of them and also inadvertently announce when they are and are not home. You need to make your teen aware of how social media is connected to home security.
Jennifer Kurtz is a stay-at-home mom who writes about Technology and Lifestyle on her blog. She worked in marketing before her son was born, and keeps up with the tech field through her blog. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, her 2-year-old son, and a cat named Einstein.
Jennifer, this is excellent advice for the parents of teens. Our world has become too dangerous to take chances, and parents should monitor what their teens are doing online, and other social medias, as much as possible. Thanks again. pb