Category Archives: First Aid Safety

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY TIPS FOR RURAL LIVING (GUEST POST)

Living safely when you are your own emergency services 

If you’re a recent transplant to a rural area, you face a new and unfamiliar set of safety considerations. You’re less likely to experience crime, for instance, but you also face longer response times from law enforcement and emergency services. We’ve recently talked about Road Trip Safety (now that you’ll be driving longer distances to get anywhere), but what are some things you can prepare for at home? Here are some things to consider:

1. Understand Warnings

Having a radio on hand is helpful especially in times of severe weather, but occasionally those weather warnings may be hard to interpret. Do some homework and brush up on things like red flag warnings, hurricane and tornado measurements, and the like. Flash flood warnings might be something you need to keep in mind for your particular corner of the world as well. Understanding which of these may apply to you, and how they should affect your emergency plans, could save your life.

2. Invest in technology

Whether you’ve lived rural your whole life or recently converted from being a city slicker, you may pride yourself on leaving some of the unnecessary technologies behind and living a more simple life (or you may have all the latest and greatest gadgets) but it’s important to make sure you have some of the essential bits of technology. Recommended parts of this list would include things like radios, alarms, a generator, sump pumps and motion sensing lights.

Radios (battery operated AND standard) are going to be extremely valuable should the power go out to monitor weather conditions, and a generator will help keep vital electronics functional (fridge, radios, etc.).Alarms and lights are important because while you may be far away from major crime, you’re also far from law enforcement. Sump pumps are vital if your area is susceptible to flooding, and since flood insurance is always at a premium, being able to protect yourself from minor flooding is a must.

1. Know your property

If you own a large parcel of land, have you done a thorough walking tour? Not just a casual stroll, but taking some effort, drawing up a grid, and taking note of anything you find. Mark down steep drops, bodies of water, trees, large rocks, blind spots from the home, and anything else that you might think worthy of note. Knowing your property can help keep you and your family safe from injury or other hazards, as well as help you to fully utilize that land you worked so hard to get.

4. Personal Protection

Gun ownership can be a heated topic, so you can leave that option up to yourself (but either way, understanding gun safety, which should include a class, should be a priority before any firearm is purchased), but there are other things to consider. What types of wildlife live in your area, and are they potentially dangerous? If so, how can you best protect you, your family, pets and livestock? Who are your nearest neighbors, and what are their phone numbers? Should a disaster occur, a medical emergency, fire, or home invasion, these are the people most likely able to help you. Is your property well lit enough to allow you to travel without a flashlight to vital areas in the dark without risking running into any hazards?

5. Have a plan

This is the most important step. An emergency preparedness plan should be one of the first things you check off this list. Use the items in this list, and others that might be more applicable to your area (Google can help here) to make a plan for each item. Where will your family go, how will you contact each other if separated, who to call, and more are things to consider.

Living away from it all can truly be a rich and fulfilling experience. Make sure you protect yourself by being prepared should the worst occur; that way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that whatever arises, you have a way to take care of it.

Katie White is a writer and handywoman from DIY Mother who is passionate about self-reliance and conservation. She takes pride in making her home a more sustainable and comfortable place for her husband and two kids. She lives in Dallas.

Thanks, Katie, and as always, we’d like to remind you to have a survival kit ready if you live in areas prone to thunderstorms or tornadoes.
 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Shingles and Chicken Pox (Guest Post)

1 Comment

Submitted by Sara Dawkins, of http://www.nannypro.com/.

 Shingles is a very painful skin rash that appears in a band or a patch of red bumps on your skin.  You can only get shingles if you have already had chicken pox.  The same virus that causes chicken pox stays in your body and can cause you to get shingles at any time.  To learn more about shingles, check out these 10 things that you may not have known about the rash.

  1. Shingles affects your nerve endings.  If you got chicken pox as a child, the virus will never really leave your body.  The virus attaches itself to your nerve roots and remains dormant until something affects your immune system.  If your immune system is weakened, Shingles can occur.
  2. Often shingles will only appear on one side of your body.  The Herpes Zoster virus (chicken pox) travels down the nerve to the spine and lies dormant.  Because that nerve only serves one side of your body, it is likely that the shingles will only appear on one side.
  3. You can get shingles at almost any age.  If a person has had chicken pox at one point in their life and they have an immune system that is compromised, they can get shingles.  Despite popular belief, children are not immune and it’s not just something that people over 50 get.  Shingles will often occur during chemotherapy treatments because of the compromised immune system, or during any other severe illness.
  4. Stress can bring on shingles.  While many things can compromise your immune system, it doesn’t have to be anything very dramatic.  Have you been under a lot of stress with work and family?  Who hasn’t, right?  Even stress like that can cause shingles, despite there being no other factors.
  5. Shingles isn’t that contagious.  Shingles is not contagious in most people.  It is possible to infect someone with the Herpes Zoster virus and give them chicken pox if they have never had them or have never received a vaccine for them.  However, this can only happen if that person comes in contact with the fluid from the blisters.  For the most part, you get shingles because you had chicken pox as a kid.
  6. The red bumps will turn into blisters if left untreated.  Shingles starts out as a band or patch of blisters that are red and itchy.  As the illness progresses, blisters will develop in the rash.  The blisters will then dry up and scab over before they will go away.  Some people will scar from the blisters and sores that form, which is why it’s important not to pick at the scabs.  You can soak the infected area to speed up the healing.
  7. Shingles is not related to Herpes simplex 1 or 2.  The Herpes Zoster virus causes both chicken pox and shingles.  Herpes simplex 1 causes cold sores, which are blisters around the mouth.  Herpes simplex 2 is the kind that causes genital herpes. 
  8. If you are over 50 you can get a vaccine for shingles.  The shingles vaccine helps prevent shingles in only about 50% of recipients, according to WebMD, and may decrease the pain and duration related to shingles if the virus is contracted after someone has been vaccinated.
  9. Your skin may feel like it’s been burned.  One of the first symptoms of shingles that you should watch for is a burning feeling on your skin.  The skin won’t look like it’s been burned.  The burn feels more like a chemical burn than sunburn because the skin is not hot.
  10. Treat the itching with calamine lotion.  There is considerable itchiness with the shingles rash, and it is typically treated with over the counter medicines like calamine lotion.  Other anti-itch medicines like cortisones can also help the itch.  Other home treatments can include cold compresses and ibuprofen for the pain.

If left untreated, shingles can be one of the most painful things to endure, but there is hope if you can recognize it early and seek treatment right away.  If you start on an antibiotic and antiviral medication from your doctor as soon as you realize you may have it, you could avoid getting the blisters altogether.  Instead of treating it for four or more weeks with possible scarring, you could cut that down to only a couple of weeks.  The trick is to seek medical attention early.  Shingles can also cause numbness in fingers, but that will most likely go away over time.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

TWELVE TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY AT WORK (GUEST POST)

By Brandon Allred

While people may feel that they are safe at work if nowhere else, this is a common misconception that can lead to unfortunate incidences. No matter where you are – work, home, shopping- you can fall victim to crime. Understanding this can help protect you, and learning about some simple things that you can do to keep yourself safe at work can make all the difference in the world.

Tip 1:

When at work you should keep your purse and keys locked up in a locker or drawer no matter how safe you feel your personal items are. Anything can happen to them even when it comes to people that you think that you can trust.

Tip 2:

If any strangers show up at your office you should ask for photo identification to ensure that they are who they say they are. On the same note, if someone whom you do not know makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, trust your gut and call for security.

Tip 3:

If you notice any broken or flickering lights, corridors that are not well lit, broken windows or doors, or doors or windows that will not properly lock or close, report them to the right person immediately,  as they may be warning signs of something unpleasant to come.

Tip 4:

Keep an emergency kit on hand at all times. In it you should include water, food that is nonperishable, and a flashlight. This is for in case the lights go out because of a storm or because someone has messed around with the wires.

Tip 5:

When someone makes a delivery or pickup at your company, follow the same procedure for tip number two. Always ask for identification before you allow them in the building. Without proper ID you should not allow them to enter the premises.

Tip 6:

If you are the owner or the business, or in a position to make important decisions, take a good look at your office layout to assess any sort of potential security breach risks. Also do through background checks on all employees including criminal background checks.

Tip 7:

Assess  the probabilities of being a victim of fraud, burglary and embezzlement and have basic principles of prevention put in place in case any of these issues arise. This is something that  every business is vulnerable to and taking the proper steps is  important for prevention and recovery.

Tip 8:

If you know about any violence in the workplace, or witness any violence (or even know about the potential for violence), make a report to the appropriate authority right away to prevent an unfortunate event.  The same goes for sexual harassment or harassment of any type. These are serious matters.

Tip 9:

Keep your entire inventory up to date. You should do both regularly scheduled checks and random checks. Also write down equipment and product ID numbers and keep them at the office and at home or a bank safety deposit box so you have backups.

Tip 10:

If you are working alone after hours make sure that all doors and windows are locked up before the last person leaves.

Tip 11:

Have an emergency plan in place and make sure that your employees know what the plan is and understand how to follow it.

Tip 12:

If you work at home all of the above still applies. Keep yourself safe no matter what your working environment may be.  Keep everything locked up and have some sort of alarm system in place in case of emergency.

Staying safe at work is something that everyone should know how to do. Being privy to the proper information can make life much less stressful and much safer overall.

Protective Technologies provides safety equipment for business. Please visit our  website to find out more information.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Weather Protection

GEARING UP FOR WINTER SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Joel Joshi

Now that the calendar has turned to autumn, the countdown to winter has officially begun. As winter weather can be both severe and unpredictable, anyone who is exposed to the elements, whether to, from or in the workplace should maintain a high level of awareness and preparedness. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as the mercury starts to drop.

Know the Forecast, Be Prepared

It may seem self-explanatory, but knowing the weather is the easiest way to protect yourself from a cold, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous day on the jobsite.

Know the weather report before leaving home and plan accordingly. Try to dress in breathable, moisture wicking layers in order to conserve heat while allowing flexibility if the temperature should rise, with the outer layer being water/wind resistant.

If possible, try to balance warmth and dexterity, particularly if your job is hands-on. Protect your extremities: the head, hands and feet should be covered to avoid heat loss when the temperature dips. Although fingers stay warmer when in contact with one another in mittens, they are more cumbersome.  No matter what your role may be, ensure that the winter clothing you’ve chosen won’t compromise the equipment you need for your job.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is less easily apparent in the winter – but it’s just as dangerous of a threat! As the temperature falls, the level of physical exertion may not and water loss through sweat becomes easier to overlook. Don’t let this go unnoticed; doing so could lead to exhaustion, dizziness and muscle fatigue among other issues, multiplying the risk of error or injury.

Try to drink fluids throughout the day and go ahead and keep your thermos close at hand. Although coffee is commonly perceived as having dehydrating effects drinking coffee in moderation contributes positively to recommended daily fluid intake. The caffeine can increase alertness, and the warmth is obviously welcome on those cold mornings and evenings.

Watch Your Step!

Winter precipitation can cause problems in and around the workplace, particularly for those who work outside – but also because the wet snow can be tracked indoors where it will melt and create a slippery hazard in entranceways. 

The number one cause of accidents in the workplace is slips and falls, you can minimize the risks by taking some basic, proactive steps. Firstly, keep a mop close at hand in order to clean up wet spots and prevent slips. Secondly, keep walkways and entrances clear of snow, and use salt and sand to combat ice in these high traffic areas. Thirdly, consider wearing slip-resistant footwear when necessary. It may not always be fashionable but could save you from a rough tumble. Also, try to take smaller, more cautious steps in potentially icy/slippery areas.

When out on the jobsite, try to mark icy areas to prevent others from slipping. If you find a particularly icy spot, spread the word! Knowing to tread cautiously is often enough to prevent serious accidents.

Travel Safely

Whether headed into work or out to a jobsite, winter driving is inevitable for most workers. Beyond just taking it slow and driving defensively, be sure to equip your vehicle with the appropriate tires for the season. While all-weather tires may seem the cheaper option, a good pair of winter tires can protect you in ways all-seasons just can’t. Never cut costs on equipment that could save your life!

In addition to proper tires, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with a winter safety kit that has all of the essentials: anti-freeze, road flares, a warm blanket, a flashlight, jumper cables, a towrope/strap, waterproof matches, a first aid kit, a small shovel, extra high-energy food and a charger for any cellular devices.

Wrapping It Up

In winter, a little preparedness goes a long way. Spending just a little time planning for the changing conditions can help keep you and your co-workers safe from harm.

This post was shared with us by Workforce Compliance Safety, a safety consulting company from the cold climates of Alberta, Canada.

 Our thanks to Joel  for this great winter advice – we love hearing from our friends in Canada; and please stay warm and safe! Pat

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized

IT’S “GET SMART ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS” WEEK!

Sponsored by the Center for Disease Control, the week of November 12 through 18th is dedicated to educating the public about the use of antibiotics and other similar drugs, which are called antimicrobial agents.  In use for the past 70 years to treat patients with infectious diseases, these drugs have immensley reduced illness and death from infectious diseases since the 1940’s.  Antibiotic use has been very beneficial, and when prescribed and taken correctly, their value in patient care is huge.  However, the drugs have been used for so long and so widely that the infectious organisms the antibiotics are designed to kill have adapted to them, making the drugs less effective.  Those patients who are infected with antimicrobial-dresistant organisms are more likely to have more expensive and longer hospital stays, and may be more likely to die as a result of the infection.

A growing number of disease-causing organisms, also known as pathogens, are resistant to one or more antimicrobial drugs.  A wide range of pathogens—including the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, the viruses that causes influenza, the parasites that cause malaria, and the fungi that cause yeast infections—are becoming resistant to the antimicrobial agents used for treatment.  More information about some of the organisms and diseases associated with antimicrobial resistance, may help us understand how important it is to not misuse antibiotics. 

Acinetobacter

Acinetobacter [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter] is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. While there are many types or “species” of Acinetobacter and all can cause human disease, Acinetobacter baumannii [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter   boe-maa-nee-ie] accounts for about 80% of reported infections.  Outbreaks of Acinetobacter infections typically occur in intensive care units and healthcare settings housing very ill patients. Acinetobacter infections rarely occur outside of healthcare settings.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic mammalian species, but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or to tissue from infected animals or when anthrax spores are used as a bioterrorist weapon. Some strains of B. anthracis may be naturally resistant to certain antibiotics and not others. In addition, there may be biologically mutant strains that are engineered to be resistant to various antibiotics.

Group B streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus (group B strep) is a type of bacteria that causes illness in newborn babies, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses, such as diabetes or liver disease. Group B strep has shown confirmed resistance to certain antibiotics. (My husband had this B strep bacteria following a hip replacement. He went through six weeks of antibiotic therapy through home health, wearing an IV continuously.) 

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella infections commonly occur among sick patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. Patients whose care requires devices like ventilators (breathing machines) or intravenous (vein) catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics are most at risk for Klebsiella infections. Healthy people usually do not get Klebsiella infections.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. Serious or life-threatening occurrences of “Staph” infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. Visitors are cautioned to wash their hands before entering and when leaving the room of a patient with Staph infection.  Visitors should avoid touching catheters or wound sites on the patient.  

MRSA in communities can be widespread and therefore, anyone is at risk.  Most people who get MRSA get infections of the skin.  Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact. Openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene.  People may be more at risk in locations where these factors are common, such as: athletic facilities, dormitories, military barracks, correctional facilities, and daycare centers. 

Preventing MRSA infections is a high priority for CDC. CDC is actively working to reduce MRSA infections in the United States through intensive efforts with healthcare providers to improve infection control practices and prevent HAIs. (Hospital-Associated Infections.) CDC also continually monitors the occurrence of MRSA and other infections in the population. CDC’s work provides the foundation for national and local healthcare-associated prevention efforts.  

When you are ill, your physician knows how much antibiotic therapy you should be given.  A good rule of thumb to stay healthier this winter is to eat healthy foods, exercise, and wash your hands often, especially when you go in and out of public buildings.  Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or car, so you can clean your hands when there’s no water available.

 Source: CDC

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

AFTERMATH AND NEW WARNINGS REGARDING SUPERSTORM SANDY

 This latest report from Alert Net, regarding the situation in Northeastern United States:

“As the last remnants of Hurricane Sandy move out of the Northeast, the response to the superstorm continues. The U.S. death toll from the storm is up to 85 in 10 different states. Some 5.5 million electrical customers, down from a peak of 8.5 million, are still without electrical power; the storm caused power outages extending from Maine to North Carolina and as far west as Kentucky and Ohio. Hardest hit is New Jersey where 2,500,000 customers are still without power.

The storm was more than 1,000 miles wide at its peak.  The following states were affected: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia. Approximately 13,000 people are reported staying in shelters across the impacted states.

Sandy’s most severe impact appears to be in the state of New Jersey and in New York City, where the center of the storm made landfall. While it will be some time yet before damage assessments are complete, extensive damage from floodwaters occurred across the nation’s largest city in most of its five boroughs. In the Breezy Point section of Queens, more than 100 homes burned when gas from ruptured lines ignited. Firefighters were unable to reach the homes due to floodwaters.

Much of the city continues to remain without power forcing the evacuation of patients from a number of hospitals. Many locales will remain flooded until power is restored and pumps can be activated. Progress is being made as limited bus and subway operations are being restored.

The situation in New Jersey is grim, with much of the state’s coastline now demolished or heavily damaged. In Hoboken, as many as 20,000 of the city’s residents were trapped in apartments on flooded streets, and had no power. Heavy-duty National Guard vehicles are now at work bringing relief to the survivors.

Elsewhere, in North Carolina Sandy flooded 400 homes. In Ohio there is flooding along the Cuyahoga, Chagrin and Grand Rivers near Cleveland. In West Virginia homes have been destroyed when roofs collapsed due to more than 24 inches of snow falling. Communities in West Virginia are now bracing for the flooding that will result when the snow melts. All across the northeast homes have been destroyed and damaged by fallen trees.”

Response:

Church World Service Disaster Response Specialists are working with state, regional and local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, known as VOADS, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, our member denominations and other agencies to determine where CWS denominations are helping and are needed. CWS is providing material resources, including blankets, hygiene kits, school kits, baby kits and clean-up buckets to local agencies in four states: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Total amount of current shipments: $481,577. More shipments are in process.

The initial response phase has not yet ended; as the affected areas become safe to enter teams from CWS-member communities will assess the damage, help home owners repair damaged houses and develop plans for future long-term recovery activities to include major home repairs and rebuilds.  CWS also will assist communities in developing Long Term Recovery plans, providing technical and financial support, and providing on site Long Term Recovery training.

According to ABC News and other news sources, as residents of several Northeast states try to recover from Superstorm Sandy, a nor’easter is expected to bring more rain, wind and cold over the next three days.  Cold air will bring uncomfortable wind chills to places already impacted by Sandy.  On Wednesday, wind gusts up to 55 mph are expected to reach the region.  Possible localized flooding from heavy rain and snow may cause more power outages, resulting in dangerous travel.

We’ve all heard the saying “when it rains, it pours.”  Our friends in the Northeast are suffering in many ways, through the loss of their homes, belongings, power, in addition to waiting in long lines for fuel for their cars and generators.  There are many organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and others that are helping them and accepting donations; and as always,  thousands of volunteers working alongside professional rescue and response teams.   Clothing, blankets, and other supplies are being sent from all across the U.S.    Do what you can to offer help; please don’t forget our fellow Americans in their time of need.

Texas America Safety Company offers all types of personal protective equipment for those who are working in the flood cleanup.  It is important that all workers are protected from the remnants of debris and pathogens in the devastation.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

WHY ALL BUSINESSES NEED TRAINING IN FIRST AID (GUEST POST)

2 Comments

Submitted by Colin Skinner.

As a business it’s important not only to protect yourself but also your employees. It’s a good idea to implement a health and safety plan for your workplace in order to reduce accidents and provide your staff with the care they need if something happens. It doesn’t take that long, have much paperwork or cost your company millions; it makes great business sense!

Anything Can Happen

Firstly, the most important thing to do is to assess your businesses’ needs to see if you require basic first aid precautions or decide that you should have an appointed person or qualified first aider. You can then choose someone to be trained by an approved organisation where they’ll complete a course and gain a first aid qualification.

To complete this assessment there are a few steps you should go through:

  • Identify hazards in the workplace
  • Decide who could be harmed and how
  • Evaluate risks and consider precautions
  • Take note of your findings and put them in to practice
  • Make sure you review your assessment and update when necessary

These steps should really be carried out regularly in order to keep up to date with any changes in your work environment.  It is also a good idea to review any past accident and health records because these can often tell you what less obvious hazards might be.

It all depends on your circumstances, so if you work in manufacturing, engineering or agricultural industries for example then it’s probably a good idea to have a trained first aider on site. A first aid room can also be helpful for larger companies.

Would you know what to do if an accident happened at work?

Slipping or tripping is one of the most common causes of injury in the work place. At a first aid course your employees would learn all of the necessary skills in order to act in an emergency situation. Taking on this responsibility would mean taking charge if someone is injured, administering any treatment and calling an ambulance if necessary.

One of the top mistakes concerning first aid is not frequently restocking the first aid box after use so it’s a good idea to make sure that it is checked regularly and to replace those items as soon as possible. As an appointed first aider in the work place this would be their responsibility. It’s important to make sure they keep up to date with annual refresher courses.

Do you value your employees?

With first aid you can not only protect your employees but protect yourself and your company. First aid can safeguard your business from potential legal action and protect your reputation. It ensures the number of working days lost due to illness or injury are reduced and can retain staff.

Could you save a life?

Businesses need training in first aid in order to potentially save lives and prevent minor injuries worsening. Not all companies have a formal process in place for assessing their first aid needs, as an employer you are responsible for your company’s first aid arrangements. There aren’t enough first aiders in the workplace and many injuries from accidents that occur can often be prevented by sufficient first aid.

First aid training at work is a cost effective way of not only potentially saving lives but also reduces the damage to a business an accident can cause.

Paula, the author, is an expert in health & safety and first aid training for businesses and is part of the Aid Training group.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES EVERY TRAVELER MUST HAVE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Joe Schembri

Road trips have become one of the favorite choices for family vacations. Hopping into a motorhome with your loved ones can save the cost of airfare and make the vacation much more affordable. An even bigger draw is the element of adventure that comes with taking to the open road. Families tend to plan out their itinerary, attractions to visit, places to eat, but most don’t plan for emergencies. It can be fun to take an unexpected detour, but make sure that any surprises that come up are pleasant ones.

Unfortunately, some surprising elements can end up ruining your road trip if you aren’t careful. If you and your family are driving at night, heading towards an RV park where you’ll camp for the night and your tire blows out, would you be ready for it? Preparation is the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major setback for your vacation. Here are some vital emergency supplies that you should be sure to gather before travelling.

Spare tire

Having a spare tire is not enough. Most people are sure not to drive without a spare tire, but not everyone checks to assure that the tire is in working order. What good is a spare tire if it is not in good condition? Before heading out on a road trip, make sure that your spare tires are in perfect condition.

Jack and Tire Iron

Having a working spare tire will do you no good without a jack and tire iron to help you change the tire. Make sure that the jack is working properly before you set out. As for the tire iron, a 4 way tire iron is the best choice. This tool can provide more leverage for difficult lug nuts, which is especially important if you are driving a rental car or RV.

Rain gear

There is nothing quite like rainstorms to make your bad luck feel even worse. If it starts raining when you are trying to change a tire, the experience will be much easier if you have the appropriate rain gear to keep you dry and improve visibility.

Fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a vital safety tool for any traveler. Make sure that it is always accessible. If an emergency breaks out, you don’t want to have to dig out the extinguisher from below your luggage.

First aid kit

A first aid kit is an absolute must, no matter where you are travelling. Injuries can happen anywhere, so a well-stocked first aid kit can help treat minor wounds and even prevent an unplanned trip to the emergency room. Like the other supplies, check this kit before your departure and restock any missing supplies.

Jumper cables

A dead battery can put a damper on your travel plans and ruin your planned itineraries if you don’t have jumper cables handy. Why wait for roadside assistance when a quick battery jump can get you back to your fun plans?

Cat litter

Cat litter is a must for any cold weather road trip. If you’re driving in snow or ice this can help provide traction if you’re stuck. It can help you to get back on the road without having to call for help and wait for a tow truck.

Credit card and cash

It is important to make sure that you have access to money in case of an emergency. Have multiple forms of payment available just in case. Some places may not take credit cards, so have cash on hand as well. Your money is your last resort if your safety supplies don’t cover the scope of your emergency.

Being prepared before travelling allows you to have peace of mind. You don’t want to spend your vacation worrying about what might go wrong. Moreover, you don’t want an actual problem to occur and derail your fun. Safety supplies can assure that your trip is wonderful and full of only lovely surprises. 

This guest post was provided by Joe Schembri from Tampa, FL. Joe has traveled in everything from a small sedan to a Class C Motorhome and learned about some of these safety tips the hard way.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

“Superstorm Sandy” IS AN UNWELCOME VISITOR TO THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.

Hurricane Sandy is churning off the East Coast and is expected to join up with two other weather systems to create a huge and problematic storm affecting 50 million people. Here’s a snapshot of what is happening or expected, state by state, according to the Associated Press.

CAROLINAS – The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 14 members of a crew forced to abandon a tall ship about 90 miles off the North Carolina coast and continued to search for two other crew members. The storm lashed barrier islands and rendered several homes and businesses nearly inaccessible.

CONNECTICUT -Water from Long Island Sound began spilling into roadways and towns along the Connecticut shoreline in the first signs of flooding from Sandy. Officials say the flooding at high tide overnight could cause more damage than a 1938 New England hurricane, known as the Long Island Express.

DELAWARE – Dover Air Force Base has relocated some aircraft in anticipation of the storm, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has requested that the base be used as a staging area for support and supplies. Some residents of low-lying areas of the base have been ordered to evacuate.

KENTUCKY – Sandy is expected to bring snow to far southeastern Kentucky. A winter storm warning is in effect in Harlan, Letcher and Pike counties through Wednesday morning. Forecasters say snow could accumulate from 4 to 10 inches in high elevations and 1 to 3 inches in lower elevations.

MAINE – Virtually all Maine public schools opened Monday but some were closing early before the heaviest rain and wind from Hurricane Sandy. State officials say the biggest concern is wind, which is expected to cause widespread power outages. The state’s utilities say they have crews poised to deal with expected power outages, including some from Canada.

MARYLAND – Hurricane Sandy inflicted considerable damage overnight to a large, iconic ocean pier in the Maryland beach resort of Ocean City. In mountainous western Maryland, a blizzard warning was issued for sections of Garrett County for Monday night into Tuesday morning.

MASSACHUSETTS – The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is shutting down all service at 2 p.m. Monday due to expected high winds from Sandy. Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey said the order affects all subway, bus and commuter rail service.

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Gov. John Lynch has urged all drivers to be off the roads by 3 p.m. as Hurricane Sandy approaches. Lynch declared a state of emergency and directed that non-essential state workers be released from work Monday afternoon. He urged employers to consider releasing workers early. The governor has put 100 New Hampshire Guard soldiers on active duty.

NEW JERSEY – Officials have closed a larger section of the Garden State Parkway because of flooding. The parkway is closed from Exit 63 in Stafford Township to the southern terminus. Most of Atlantic City is under water, and there’s flooding in other cities up and down the New Jersey shore as the storm approaches for a predicted direct hit to New Jersey.

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city’s public schools will remain closed on Tuesday after being shut down Monday. Earlier, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and Holland Tunnel will close at 2 p.m. Monday. Airports in the metropolitan New York City area are open, but air carriers are not operating.  A television report recently reported that hundreds of thousands of residents of low-lying areas have been advised to evacuate.

OHIO – Residents of low-lying areas and along Lake Erie were told to watch for flooding; utilities are anticipating high winds that could blow down trees and poles. Snow is forecast in some areas.

PENNSYLVANIA – Officials from the state transit agency and the Pennsylvania Turnpike have instituted speed restrictions over concerns about high winds and ordered certain vehicles, including empty trucks and motorcycles, off some highways. The National Weather Service says southeastern Pennsylvania could get winds reaching 75 mph and rainfall up to 10 inches.

RHODE ISLAND – Officials are concerned about wind driving water north up Narragansett Bay, which could create flooding in low-lying areas of the upper bay, including Providence, Warwick and Cranston. About 2,600 National Grid customers were without power, mostly in Barrington and other parts of Bristol County.

TENNESSEE – Snow is expected in higher elevations, where a freeze warning has been issued. High winds are expected in many areas.

VERMONT – Gov. Peter Shumlin declared a state of emergency to provide access to National Guard troops in a state still recovering from the devastating effects of the remnants of Hurricane Irene. Culverts and storm drainage basins in some spots have been cleared of debris.

VIRGINIA – A curfew is in place on Virginia’s swamped Chincoteague Island. Officials say the entire 37-square-mile island is underwater, and there is no way off the island because a causeway to the mainland has been closed. The 3,500 islanders who decided to tough out Hurricane Sandy have been told to keep off the streets.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Taxis that originate in Washington are authorized to add an emergency flat rate of $15 per trip because of Hurricane Sandy, starting Monday. The price is supposed to expire at noon Tuesday, but can be extended if considered necessary. The capital area’s transit system shut down rail service for the first time since 2003.

WEST VIRGINIA – As much as 2 to 3 feet of snow was forecast in mountainous areas, and flooding was possible in some areas. At least 14 counties are under a blizzard warning Monday as high winds and heavy, wet snow moves through the state.

Weather experts say that the possibility of high waves is their main concern in many areas.  Military personnel are scattered throughout many states, helping those who are trying to move their furnishings, etc. to second story floors of their homes, in order to minimize damage to some of their possessions, and are also assisting in evacuations.  Persons should think first of saving the lives of themselves, their family, and their pets, and taking what they can to safer places.  They should stay in touch with relatives who are watching the progression of Sandy as she moves inland. If you are in any of the Northeastern part of the U.S., play it safe.  Suggestions of preparing for emergencies, such as having plenty of supplies, i.e., fresh water, batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food supplies, pet foods, and medications are found to be very important in times of threatening weather.  It’s also wise to keep a first-aid kit  with those other supplies. Pat

 

Source for state by state report: Associated Press

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

NINE WAYS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS IN THE HOME (GUEST POST)

 Submitted by Jacqui Barrie of AupairJobs.com

In a house with more than one child, keeping a viral or bacterial illness confined solely to the child originally infected can mean the difference between caring for one sick child and several. The process can also be a quite challenging one, due to the fact that even unwell children tend to be very mobile and aren’t always sure how they should manage their symptoms in such a way that limits contagion. In the interest of containing the spread of illnesses and preventing transmission between siblings and relatives, here are nine tips and tricks that may help you ensure the good health of the rest of the family.

  1. Practice Sanitary Habits All The Time – By the time that your child is exhibiting symptoms of most common illnesses, he’s been contagious for a significant amount of time. Because an incubation period can be long enough to create a false sense of security, it’s a good idea to practice sanitary habits as much as possible, stepping your efforts up during the colder months.
  2. Enforce a Strict Hand Washing Policy – While it may seem painfully obvious, making sure that kids wash their hands regularly and properly is one of the most effective means of reducing the spread of any bacteria or viruses that cause illness. Insisting that your kids wash their hands often and well, especially when a member of the family is ill, can help to keep everyone else healthy.  Keep a bottle ofhand sanitizer near the one who is sick, and remind him to use if often.
  3. Teach Kids to Sneeze or Cough into Their Elbows – Teaching your child to cover his mouth when he sneezes or coughs might be polite thing to do, but it’s ultimately useless if he does so and then forgets to wash his hands. Every surface he touches after a sneeze could end up coated in germs, so it’s best to teach your children to sneeze into the crook of their elbow, where contact with people and surfaces is less likely.
  4. Sanitize Shared Toys – Sanitizing toys that a sick child shares with healthy siblings in a solution of bleach and water can kill any lingering germs that may be lurking on them. It’s wise to get into the habit of regularly sanitizing toys during cold and flu season, even when everyone in the family is healthy, to prevent contagion before it starts.
  5. Wipe Down Common Surfaces – When a sick child lounges on the couch and channel surfs all day, he’s almost certainly transferring germs from his hands to the remote. Wiping down common surfaces and items that you know a sick child has been handling with antibacterial wipes can help to kill germs before healthy children pick them up.
  6. Pay Extra Attention to Bathroom Surfaces – Illnesses with gastrointestinal symptoms may leave your bathroom laden with viruses and harmful bacteria, while cold and flu symptoms can introduce germs to faucet and toilet handles. Make a point of paying extra attention to the surfaces in a bathroom, especially a shared one, when one child is sick and his siblings aren’t showing any signs of illness.
  7. Make Sure Tissues Are Thrown Away – Suffering from a runny nose on top of a host of other symptoms not only generates a pile of tissues, but also might cause even a normally fastidious child to leave those germ-filled tissues lying around. Contact with one of those tissues is a surefire way of transmitting illness, so make sure that your little one has a wastebasket nearby for his discarded tissues.
  8. Keep Kids Apart as Much as Possible – While it simply isn’t feasible to completely quarantine a sick child by exiling him to the solitude of his bedroom for the duration of his illness, it is a good idea to limit the amount of contact that your healthy children have with a sick one to minimize the risk of contagion.
  9. Sleepovers For Siblings That Share a Room – If your sick child shares his bedroom with a healthy sibling, it might be wise to consider putting your healthy child up in the guest room or your own bedroom until he’s feeling better.

While it’s certainly desirable to contain an illness to as few members of the family as possible, doing so may simply be out of your control. Managing to wipe every surface a sick child touches before it comes into contact with a healthy sibling simply isn’t feasible, so it’s wise not to be too hard on yourself if your other children do begin showing symptoms of illness.