FIVE BOAT SAFETY TIPS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER LAKE TRIPS (GUEST POST)

Water sports are always popular during the spring and summer months, but any boat owner and operator understands there are many hazards associated with boating. Accident avoidance is crucial when on the water. It is important to prepare any water craft before launching by making a standard checklist of proper and legal gear for the vehicle. There also are some basic rules to follow that should be restrictive of, or limit, dangerous behavior. This includes the use of alcohol while occupying a boat, especially for the individual driving the boat. Alcohol intoxication can also be extremely dangerous for anyone on a boat due to the potential of falling overboard or getting into a fatal crash.  This Memorial Day weekend will be a busy one for getting out on lakes, rivers, etc., so pay special attention to these tips.
 
1. Double Check All Safety Gear
Always be aware of what safety equipment is required for the boat. Each occupant should have a life jacket, which should be worn at all times on smaller water craft. This also applies for a pontoon boat because of the flat boat deck. Significant wake from larger crafts can create problems for a pontoon as well as a fishing boat or ski boat. Safety equipment is still required on house boats or cabin cruisers, even though they are larger craft, and life jacket availability should still be determined by the number of individuals on the boat. Safety equipment should also include at least one fire extinguisher.

2. Do Not Overload the Boat
Technically, this is described as tonnage and applies across different boat sizes. Overloading a boat can result in instability and cause the craft to sit too low in the water. Both conditions can be problematic, so it is important to observe all capacity recommendations involving both people and supplies. Posting a float plan on board can also help in case the boat becomes capsized. Make sure everyone knows the procedure. 

 
3. Avoid Boating Under the Influence
Everyone knows that it’s illegal to drive a vehicle while drunk or be in a vehicle while drinking alcohol. These open container laws are slightly different for boating in many states though, including Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Passengers are allowed to consume alcohol on boats, however, the person driving the boat must be below the legal limit of .08 in Florida, or else they are at risk of being charged with a criminal offense. Knowing all of the alcohol safety laws for operating boats is important for having a good and safe time on the water, so it doesn’t hurt to consult a professional like Orlando DUI Lawyer, David Katz, especially if you have been charged with an alcohol related offense.
 
4. Maintain Safe Speeds and Distance
Sometimes, fun on the water can also include significant amounts of speed, such as when pulling skiers. The experienced boat operator will know when dangers lie ahead and will be constantly surveying the lake for other craft. The differential in craft size makes boating a dangerous activity in the wrong setting. It is important for all boats to be under control and making sure, well in advance of calamity, that all safety measures are in tact with regards to movement and collision avoidance. 

5. Secure All Anchors When Docking
Boats that are not docked properly can result in trouble for other boaters as well as anchored craft. This is as important when the boat is in a docking slip as it is in a temporary tie-up. Boats that are parked and not continually occupied can experience problems during inclement weather, especially if they are not anchored sufficiently. Additionally, always check the amount of fuel in the tank when left unattended, and remember that an empty tank is more vulnerable to explosion than a full tank. 

A fun escapade on the water can turn into a tragedy quickly if proper safety measures are not taken. Because of this potential, it is always important to ensure that the craft complies legally with all aspects of boating, including the amount of alcohol consumed by the occupants. This applies to passengers as well as operators. Boating under the influence can result in huge fines for all involved when the maritime authorities intervene.


Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor and avid boater, offering tips for safe, fun boating excursions. Orlando DUI Lawyer, David Katz, is an experienced Florida attorney, eager to help in all DUI defense cases. One-time mistakes shouldn’t be devastating in the way that a DUI charge can be. Don’t assume that you’re up against something you can’t beat; experienced attorneys like Katz will go to bat for you, to protect your rights in any alcohol related boating incident.
 
Saam, I’d like to add, for those planning on being on the water, plan to carry along their cell phone, plenty of sunscreen, and wear a good pair of safety sunglasses that prevent UV damage.  pb

SAFETY GUIDELINES THAT EVERY COMPANY SHOULD USE (GUEST POST)

Most businesses know that safety is one of the first issues they should focus on, but that doesn’t mean that all companies do everything they can do to ensure that everyone in the workplace is safe at all times. This is why it is vital that every supervisor stresses the importance of safety to his or her employees and then repeats the rules every month or so. People need to be reminded every so often how important it is that everyone follows the rules so there is never an unfortunate injury or even death in the workplace. 

Here are some of the most basic guidelines that every workplace should follow:

Stacking and Storing Boxes

  • Always put the heaviest boxes on a lower shelf and the lightest on top.
  • All boxes should be stable at all times, so never stack too many on top of each other.
  • If you plan to stack boxes on multiple levels, you need to have ladders, stools, and other equipment that will allow you to reach the highest level. You never want anyone to have to reach more than an arm’s length for high items.

Shelving Boxes and Pallets

  • Every shelf should be labeled so employees know exactly how much weight can be stored on each one.
  • Don’t allow anyone to use machinery close to shelving units. One of the most common accidents in the workplace is when shelves full of boxes and pallets are knocked over.
  • Make sure that every shelf is secured so that there is no chance that they can fall once boxes are stacked on them.

Avoiding Trips and Falls

  • Ladders should be made readily available for anyone who needs to reach a box on a higher shelf.
  • None of the ladders or stools in the building should have any defects.
  • No stools, ladders, or chairs should be used unless they are on level ground.
  • Employees should never use boxes in place of ladders, stools, or chairs to reach higher shelves.
  • Every path around shelves should be kept clear at all times to avoid trips and falls.
  • Any wires or cords used in the workplace should be kept away from walkways.
  • When employees are at their desks, they should never lean their chairs back or move their chairs into public walkways.

Using Bookshelves and Cabinets

  • If cabinets are used in the office, they should not be placed in heavily congested areas.
  • Just like on shelves, you need the heaviest items to be on top when placing them in cabinets or on bookshelves. Both could fall over if the weight isn’t evenly distributed.
  • Make sure all cabinet drawers are closed when they are not in use.
  • If you need to use more than one cabinet, only open one at a time so people don’t run into them when walking by.
  • Any large bookshelves or cabinets should be securely fastened to the walls so they don’t tip over once items are placed in them.

Other Safety Tips

  • Furniture with sharper corners or edges should be protected with either tape or other softening materials.
  • Anything that pulls out, like desk drawers or bookshelves, should be pushed in unless they are being used.
  • It’s imperative that anything that is spilled is cleaned up right away so people don’t slip. Someone should stay by the spill to warn others that it is there.
  • Absolutely everything that is sharp in the office should be stored away when not in use.
  • If there are tools that are meant for specific jobs in the workplace, they should never be substituted for something that is closer by. Using the wrong tools can lead to accidents.
  • All vents in the workplace should be kept clean at all times. No shelves, bookcases, or desks should ever block the vents.
  • If any employees see any pests in the workplace, they should let their supervisor know immediately so the problem doesn’t get worse.
  • Any arguments or fights between employees should be stopped immediately to ensure the safety of everyone in the office. 

All of these tips should be adhered to by everyone in the workplace no matter what their job may be. If only some people follow these safety guidelines, everyone is at risk of serious injury.  Most people already know most of these guidelines, but it’s still important to post them where everyone can see them, and to go over each and every one of them with new employees. 

Author Bio 

Ronald Alexander’s experience as a journalist is as long as 10 years writing for newspapers, websites and magazines. He is currently working with Hilicom and is bit by the bug of researching and writing articles on industrial racks to ensure safety in the workplace. 

Thank you so very much for this helpful article and we hope folks will take your advice.  Might not be a bad idea to keep a first aid supply kit handy, just in case. pb

 

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FATALITY DURING ACCIDENTS (GUEST POST)

 

Do you buckle your seat belt before driving the car? Well, this is where eighty per cent of the accidents turn fatal. If you don’t protect yourself, you cause harm to yourself and ultimately to other passengers in the car. You should know that possessing excellent driving skills is not important. What is more important is whether you wear a seat belt or not. It is a basic driving requirement that even the best car drivers in the families don’t follow. Your family’s protection should always be your major concern while driving in local areas or highways. Thus, here are crucial factors elaborated to help you understand the impact of seat belts while driving.

Makes a Small Accident Bigger:

Sometimes, due to careless driving, the small accidents turn into life-taking ones. When you are taking your family for a lunch treat or outskirts, you are the person responsible for any mishaps or accidents. As a driver, you should confirm that your children, wife and parents have buckled their seat belts properly. You have to know that it is your responsibility to take care of the environment as a citizen. Taking responsibility will always serve you better rather than ignoring your rights as a responsible family member.

Becomes a Habit:

You must have seen a lot of people who drive cars around you. For instance, you can take your own friends and family members as an example. You must have noticed them not buckling up the seat belts before driving the car. As explained earlier, this is a common cause for accidents. However, when people don’t prefer wearing seat belts across them, it becomes an impeccable habit. Indeed, the same habit can lead to fatal accidents of the family members and friends. Therefore, now you are the one who should decide how protectively you want to drive your car.

Money or Life Protection:

It is not always about money. In cases like accidents, it is always about life. So, it doesn’t matter whether how much money you have spent to purchase your car. When accidents happen, it all comes down to how much you got injured or the number of lives caused due to one mistake. However, one of the main reasons of fatal accidents is improper car functions. That is why, you need to keep your car in a good condition always. But, this doesn’t mean that you should not wear the seat belt while driving. Wearing a seat belt is as important as driving a well functioned car.

Asides to that, if you don’t have your car registered, then you should dial the DVLA  phone number  for car registration enquiries. Because, sometimes driving an unregistered car leads you to face unusual consequences and not wearing the seat belt can lead to fatal accidents. Thus, in both the cases you are breaking the law. So, if you have a new car then register and drive your car safely by wearing the seat belt. Take care of your own and your family because ultimately it is your life that is more important than money.

Our thanks to Annie Bonneville, from Manchester, U.K. for this insightful article.  Please also turn your cell phone off until you arrive safely at your destination.  pb

HOW TO COMPARE IDENTITY THEFT SERVICES BEFORE CHOOSING (GUEST POST)

It is very crucial to consider various factors before you choose  identity  theft protection services. Identity theft can affect your credit history and your social image. Goons have been known to exploit your personal information for achieving lucrative returns. A number of companies claim to provide Id theft protection services, however, it is very essential to compare id theft protection services before you subscribe to one of them. 

Our company has been providing id theft protection to individuals and corporate industries. They have industry experts, who specialize in security of all forms, to protect you and your personal credentials. Here are a few words from industry experts on how to compare id theft protection services before choosing them. 

1.         Check for the security features

Many companies provide standard security services, which safeguard the personal information of the individual. They provide information about their level of security and the means by which they safeguard information. However, a very few companies like Keepmyid.org provide some additional features, which are useful along with the core ones. These extra features include fraud alerts and account monitoring along with freezing the accounts when a fraud occurs. 

2.         See whether the company provides recovery assistance

Most of the companies claim to offer services to mitigate the mishap. However, a very few company offer recovery support in case of loss of information or at times when the id theft occurs. Keepmyid.org has been known to have concrete protocols and practices that will assist you in recovering the lost information. The company will assist you in blocking your credit cards, alerting the credit bureau and other financial institutions for Identity theft Prevention.  It will also help in identifying those disputed transactions and will help in notifying the creditors with the same.
 

3.         Check if 24×7 support is available

Before you compare id theft protection services, ensure that the company provides round the clock support. Mishaps can occur at any moment of time, and the protecting company should come to your rescue immediately, by placing a phone call. Also, the support staff should be empathetic and handle the situation in a calm way.

Sent to us by Jonas Patrick.  We just can’t be too careful in keeping our personal information private!

SAFETY CONCERNS OF WINDOW CLEANERS WORKING ON HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS (GUEST POST)

To some, it might not seem like the most hazardous job in the world, but being a window cleaner does involve a lot of risk. Merely cleaning ground-floor windows is fairly risk-free, however in most cases, workers within this profession have to scale entire buildings to make sure that every window pane looks spotless.

Back in the day, window cleaners very rarely had to clean any building more than three storeys high. However, as skyscrapers, tower blocks and modern glass-fronted offices became more widespread, so did the number of difficult jobs for window cleaners. In extreme cases, some jobs involved scaling heights of over 500 feet, which can be especially challenging if it is your first day on the job.

Material world
Today, height isn’t the only challenge that window cleaners face. Many modern high-rise buildings are covered almost entirely in glass. This means that they have to clean a larger surface, which requires greater mobility.
At the same time, glass-fronted buildings are also more difficult to hold on to, meaning that the safety of cleaners when working on such structures is even more questionable.
The Empire State Building is a prime example of a glass-fronted skyscraper which can be a nightmare to get cleaned. That, coupled with its impressive height, makes it one of the most dangerous buildings on earth that a window cleaner could possibly work on. A lack of friction on the surface means that cleaners have no choice but to use a harness.

Strings attached
In order to scale large buildings, window cleaners tend to use:

  •          (For buildings that are no taller than four storeys); A really long ladder
  •          A harness for really tall buildings that don’t have straight, flat surfaces
  •          A large suspended scaffold for some skyscrapers that’s erected at the top of the building and moved up and down when needed by someone at ground level

All three are, with supervision, safe to use when everything has been checked. Unfortunately, there’s still an inherent risk in this form of work, with the danger of plummeting hundreds of feet to the ground, should the harness or scaffold used be unstable or insecure.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAY ATTENTION TO TORNADO WARNINGS!

As residents recover from the damage caused by the recent storms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges recovery workers, employers and the public to exercise caution during cleanup efforts. OSHA will be providing on-site compliance assistance to workers and the public about the hazards they may encounter, as well as the steps they should take to stay safe. Hazards involved in cleanup work may include exposure to contaminated water or food; heat exhaustion; downed electrical wires; carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical shock from portable generators, and dangers while tree-trimming or working at heights. 

According to the NOAA Satellite and Information Systems, here are the classifications of wind speeds: 

  •        EF-1 =   86-110 mph
  •        EF-2 =  111-135 mph
  •        EF-3 =  136-165 mph
  •        EF-4 =  166-200 mph
  •        EF-5 =  over 200 mph 

It is hard to imagine how anything remains standing in winds that strong. According to experts, there’s no wind on earth stronger than winds inside a tornado.  It’s amazing that more people escaped injury; they had advance notice that allowed them to be better prepared, due to correct weather warnings.  This serves as a reminder to all of us to do the following: 

  1.       Know the hazards of dangerous weather.
  2.       Pay attention to forecasts.
  3.       Have a plan to stay safe.  Think about what you will do in case of a natural disaster and be prepared. 

The storms that produced several tornadoes Sunday in Oklahoma and Kansas prompted an unusually blunt warning from the central region of the National Weather Service, which covers 14 states: 

“You could be killed if not underground or in a tornado shelter,” it said. “Complete destruction of neighborhoods, businesses and vehicles will occur. Flying debris will be deadly to people and animals.”   

Pat Slattery, National Weather Service spokesman for the U.S. Central region, said the advisory was part of a new warning system being tested after a violent tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011, killing 158 people and injuring hundreds. 

Slattery said the new advisory was reserved for severe tornadoes with the potential to form into “supercell” storms, which produce powerful winds and flash flooding. Supercells are considered to be the most dangerous of four categories of storms because of the extreme weather they generate. 

A recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assessment of the Joplin storm found that “when people heard the first tornado warning, they did not immediately seek shelter. They looked for a secondary source to confirm the tornado,” Slattery said. “That got some people killed.” 

For those emergency response workers and volunteers, be sure that you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment, for the hazards involved.  Have a good supply of fresh drinking water, hand sanitizer, and first aid supplies in case of cuts or scratches.  May Mother Nature slow down a little bit on introducing us to spring tornadoes.  We would prefer that they stay away completely.  It is doubtful that this will happen, so be prepared, and pay attention to warnings from your weather system.  They know what they are talking about!

Please note: I prepared this article yesterday, probably during the same time that the horrible tornado was rumbling toward Moore, Oklahoma.  Search and rescue workers and volunteers were scrambling to try to locate school children, as the tornado devastated two elementary schools.  Work continued through the night. The County Medical Examiner has released the number of dead, and then revised it, so through the day, we will have more accurate figures.  My article was  intended to help us pay attention to weather warnings.  Our county was in a tornado warning for several hours last night, but we escaped any damage in our small town. I don’t know about the other part of the county.

This is a very frightening season for those who live in areas prone to develop tornadoes.  Please pray for the parents, grandparents, children and all citizens of Moore, Oklahoma, many who have lost loved ones, and their possessions.  pb

 

Department of Labor; Reuters News Service

THINGS ARE HEATING UP, AND IT’S ONLY MAY!

During the summer months, workers who are exposed to extreme heat should recognize symptoms of heat stress, and how it can be prevented.  The month of May is more than half-gone, and things are heating up already.  May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection Month, and May 25th is Heat Safety Awareness Day.  So we hope you will take heed: 

Things that can lead to heat stress are: inadequate water intake, physical exertion, direct sun, high temperature or humidity, and some medicines.  Workers should stay hydrated and maintain a safe core body temperature, which should never exceed 100°F.  Ingesting fluids on a regular basis also puts less strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Signs of heat disorders are:

  • Heat Exhaustion – This is the result of a combination of dehydration and excessive heat.  Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, giddiness, and thirst are symptoms.  Workers with heat exhaustion should be given fluids, and encouraged to rest.  Workers can stay hydrated by keeping containers of fluids handy at all times.
  • Heat Cramps – Caused by an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating and lack of water replenishment.  Workers in hot environments should drink water every 15 to 20 minutes and drink carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids (e.g., sports drinks).
  • Heat Stroke – This is the most serious heat related disorder.  Confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, lack of sweating (usually), an abnormally high temperature are primary signs of heat stroke, resulting in a medical emergency.  The worker should be doused with cool water and given fluids.  Drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar can cause workers to lose body fluid, and very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.  Cool fluids are easier to drink and more easily absorbed into the body.
  • Heat Rashes – Most common problem where skin is persistently wetted by sweat.  Creams or ointments should not be used as they keep the skin warm and moist, and may worsen the condition.  Powders may be applied. 

A reminder to workers: be sure to drink fluids before becoming thirsty; if you wait, your body is already dehydrated.  Wear a wide brimmed hat if your work doesn’t require a hardhat, use sunscreen, and wear polarized safety eyewearthat have the proper UV protection.  Be sure to protect your body with a sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rate.  Protect your children from sunburn, because many times skin cancer shows up at a later age, waiting all that time from childhood to adulthood to become a serious problem.  Children’s eyes should also be protected from the UV rays of the sun; it is important that they wear sunglasses , just as their parents do.

Source: OSHA, CDC

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY (GUEST POST)

 Jack Payton is an experienced freelance writer that uses his years of experience working on and driving anything with wheels in order to provide informative articles for individuals less savvy in automobile knowledge. He currently writes on behalf of Tires-Easy, an online tire.

If cars are dangerous, motorcycles are even more dangerous. Motorcycles do not have the seat belts, nor do they have metal, glass, and air bags between themselves and another vehicle during an auto accident. One accident can send a motorcyclists flying from the motor cycle onto the graveled road. These accidents can be fatal for the motorcyclist. Due to the decreased safety of the vehicles, it is vital that all motorcycle riders and car drivers engage in safe driving practices while they are sharing the road.

Car Drivers: Be Aware of the Road

The bulk of car-motorcycle accidents are due to car drivers being unaware of a motorcycle until the accident is occurring. As a car driver you should keep an eye out for motorcyclists. Scan the road for oncoming motorcycles. Once they enter your field of vision, you should keep an eye on them. Keep track where they are on the road.

Car Drivers: Eliminate Blind Spots

Due to the fact that there is some overlap in what your rearview mirror and the side mirrors show you, there are usually gaping blind spots to the side of your car. This can be dangerous, especially if you are not in the habit of checking over your shoulder before changing lanes. You can increase your own safety and motorcyclist safety by always checking blind spots or maneuvering the mirror to eliminate blind spots. After the change is made, drive carefully while you become used to the new mirror positions.

Motorcyclist: Maneuver Blind Spots Carefully

Even though drivers can set their mirrors to show their blind spots, motorcyclists should approach every car as if the car driver has blind spots. Pass every car with caution. Do not linger in the blind spots. If a car is being erratic, do not pass to the side of the vehicle until the driver of the car has seen you. Once you have the driver’s attention make the pass.

Motorcyclists: Give Visual Cues

The majority of motorcycles do not have blinkers to broadcast when they are planning to turn or change lanes. When driving near or around cars, motorcyclists should broad cast their plans with visual cues. Use gestures traditionally meant for bicycles to broadcast intentions: arm straight out= left turn and arm turned up= right turn. Motorcyclists can also point to the lane that they plan to merge into in order to broadcast their intention.

Car Drivers: Look For Visual Cues

Motorcyclists giving visual cues won’t do much good if the car drivers do not see them. When driving near motorcyclists, look out for anything that could be considered a visual cue. Aid them in changing lanes by slowing down once the change has been started. This will decrease the amount of time they will be in your blind spot or the amount of time that they will be in the passing lane.

Car Drivers and Motorcyclists: Gradual Changes

Both car drivers and motorcyclists should make gradual changes. Broadcast your intentions for a few seconds before making any changes to your driving. Whether it is a speed change or a lane change, give more time for the motorcyclist or driver to react.

By driving carefully both motorcyclist and car drivers can share the road without any fatal accidents. It is both the motorcyclists and car drivers responsibility to utilize the tips provided above and any other suggested safety tips found on various other motorcycle sites.

TIP FROM T.A.S.C.O.: although many motorcyclists prefer to wear black gear, it is recommended to add some neon stickers to your helmet or wear a high-visibility vest over your jacket in order to be more visible to other drivers.  Never ride without a helmet! pb

WORKPLACE SAFETY IN THE OFFICE: WHAT NOT TO DO (GUEST POST)

Over the years, The Office has given us plenty of chaotic, but of course, laugh-out-loud hilarious  safety situations, among other hysterical moments .  We can laugh at these situations on TV, but in our real lives and workplaces, we should do everything possible to prevent these things from happening. If you’ve seen the show, you know you shouldn’t take your safety cues from Michael or Dwight, because they aren’t always the most competent coworkers.

As The Office comes to a close this month at the end of its 9th season, let’s take a look back at some memorable workplace safety moments from the show  and learn the proper ways these situations should be handled should similar things happen when you’re at work.

General Workplace Safety

We know that TV shows don’t always show us the correct way to do things in real life. The Office is a great example of how not to run your office, especially when it comes to workplace safety. In the episode titled “Safety Training” from season 3, the workers in the office get a lesson on being safe in their warehouse. Michael makes jokes throughout warehouse worker Darryl’s whole presentation instead of being attentive.
 
In episode, “Boys and Girls,” also from season three, Michael drives the forklift, even though he doesn’t have a license to operate it, and knocks over entire shelves in the warehouse. This clip is a prime example of what not to do if you’re not qualified.

Tips for general safety in the workplace: At your job, you likely have regular safety meetings. If you don’t have meetings and guidelines to follow, take matters into your own hands and learn how you can start implementing better workplace safety to keep yourself and your coworkers free from harm. Always pay attention during safety session because workplace safety is not something to take lightly.

Fire Safety

In the hilariously ridiculous cold open clip  for “Stress Relief” in season 5, Dwight actually sets a fire and locks everyone inside the office on purpose to stress the importance of fire safety at work. The motive behind Dwight’s fire, to make everyone pay attention to safety lessons, is pure, but obviously setting a fire on purpose is something we should never do. The fire situation ends up with Oscar falling through the ceiling, Angela throwing her cat into the ceiling, Dwight setting off firecrackers and with Stanley having a real heart attack;  funny for TV, but not something you want to happen where you work.

In another episode about fires at work, the season 3 episode, “The Fire,” viewers learn more ways that these situations should not be handled. You know the saying, “The captain goes down with the ship,” meaning that the captain or leader should make sure everyone else is okay before being the last one out in a dangerous situation. In The Office, this is not the case. A small fire is started in the break room, and the workers begin to calmly exit but branch manager Michael pushes everyone else aside so he can run down the stairs first.

Tips to prevent fire situations at work: This situation could have clearly been avoided by Dwight not setting the fire. Instead, have a simple fire safety class and run a practice drill every few months with no real fire, Dwight! In case of a fire at your office, be sure to act quickly and calmly and exit the building according to your planned fire procedures.

Since the very beginning of The Office in 2005, viewers have been treated to countless memorable moments and scenes we’ll never forget. Even after the finale, the beloved show and workers of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch will live on in our hearts. Just remember not to take any safety tips from The Office!

Bio: Eddie D. Shackleford is a writer who loves to write and research about parenting, children, safety and more. You can follow Eddie on Twitter at @Eddie20Ford.