Category Archives: Weather Protection

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

TORNADO SAFETY WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW (GUEST POST)

By Brandon Allred 

Everyone should know about tornado safety, even those who do not live in areas that are highly prone to these devastating acts of nature. Tornados are serious storms that can ruin everything in their path. This is why knowing what to do before, during and after a tornado is of great importance. It can mean the difference between life and death.

Before the Tornado

If the weather conditions are ripe for a tornado to develop than your area will come under a tornado watch. At this point all you really have to do is keep an eye on the weather in case the watch turns into a warning. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted in or near your area. This is when it becomes important to begin the steps of safety and protection. Before a tornado hits you should be ready to take cover. This is when a family tornado safety program comes in handy. Practice your plans with tornado drills so everyone understands what to do and think in advance about the place you will be the safest in your home. Make sure that you have a tornado kit filled with flashlights, water, food (non-perishable), band aids and other first aid supplies. It is also a good idea to have a weather radio that relies on batteries for power.

Where to Take Cover

Tip 1:

If you are in a place where there is a basement you should go there and get under something sturdy. This will help protect you from anything that falls. Basements or any other part of a home that is underground is the best place to be during a tornado.

Tip 2:

If no basement is available then stay on the first floor of the building in a room that has no outside walls. This is usually a bathroom or closet. Stay clear of windows and outside walls as these parts of buildings are the most vulnerable during a tornado.

Tip 3:

If there is no basement or rooms with no outside walls (such as in a mobile home) it is best to seek shelter elsewhere. Go to a designated tornado shelter or the home of a friend or family member that is considered safe (or at least safer) than a mobile home.

Tip 4:

Never take shelter in a vehicle. If you are already driving when the warning occurs or you see a tornado, pull over and get out. Vehicles are easily picked up and tossed during tornados. Instead you should get into a ditch or a drainage pipe. While it is not a good idea to try to out drive a tornado, if you can do so from right angles away from the storm you may be okay to do so.

Tip 5:

If you have no other choice because you are caught off guard, lie in a bathtub and pull a mattress over the top of you for protection. Some people have also survived by tying themselves to the sink pipes in their homes to stop them from being pulled into the tornado. However, this does not protect you from falling debris.

After a Tornado

Always stay in your safe place until after you are sure that the storm has passed. Listen to your radio for the latest weather information. When it is safe to emerge check to see if there are any electrical or gas damaged areas. When you go outside be on the lookout for fallen power lines and report any to the proper authorities. Also report any injuries immediately. Steer clear from any rubble and wait for help to arrive if it is needed. Knowing all of this puts you in a better position to survive a tornado.

There was a time when tornado season was typically in the spring.  One never knows when the conditions are just right for one to strike, so pay attention to these tips just in case. Pat

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Weather Protection

SAFETY MEASURES WHILE CONSTRUCTING HOMES (GUEST POST)

Another great article sent by Grace Beckett. 

Most homeowners rely on the contractor to take responsibility for any mishap that may happen to a laborer.  But the fact is that the homeowners are equally responsible in case of any untoward circumstances that occur during construction. Mishaps can happen due to negligence on the part of the labour or faulty procedures. 

The homeowner will be asked to pay necessary compensation or he may have to confront legal authority in case of any accident caused to the labour due to his negligence. Even fatal incidents are possible, when safety measures are not adopted in construction sites. For smooth completion of the construction process, the homeowner and labour must adopt certain best practices, some of which are listed below: 

Safety tips for labours and homeowners  

When constructing a basement, place supporting planks in the portion that is excavated. The planks prevent the sides from collapsing into slushy, soft soil. Even in partially-built areas, you should provide protection at excavated areas by installing signboards. You could also make lighting arrangements to prevent passersby from falling into pits.

Before cement is laid, the homeowner should make sure that the contractor is not using old, decayed construction material. Ant-bitten planks, which cannot take up much load, can be the cause of construction mishaps. 

When old buildings are brought down, the contractor may not always incorporate safety measures during the dismantling operation. So, the owner should also prevent the labour from moving near the construction area. Barricades can be erected to keep away trespassers as well. 

The tank built for water storage should be shallow to avoid fatal incidents such as children falling into it. You could instead increase the breadth and length of the tank to store a greater volume of water. The tank should also be provided with steps. 

From the point of view of safety, the homeowner should use electrical wires encased in plastic pipes or sticks of bamboo. In some cases, the steel bars on roofs are bent and touch the power lines passing close to the construction area; this may lead to accidents which can happen when these current-carrying electric wires are touched. 

Common-sense tips for labours and homeowners 

Ban alcohol and drugs: Prohibit the use of drugs or alcohol on the construction site as they give room for injuries due to impaired judgment. As it is very important that you as well as the labour have a clear focus on the task at hand, never allow drugs or alcohol to cloud your thoughts. 

Avoid getting angry: Anger distracts you from your purpose and while you’re in a construction site, you are more likely to hurt yourself. Don’t lose your focus while monitoring tasks on the site. 

Use of protective gear: Protective gear includes everything from sunscreens to sturdy safety helmets. Wear a hat or jacket to get protection from heat and cold. Distribute protective goggles and gloves to labours and instruct them to use them when working with power tools. Make sure you as well as the labour wear strong soled shoes as a form of protection against injuries.
Using correct tools: Make sure that the right tool is used for the task. When a tool is used for a task for which it is not designed, it leads to injuries. 

Grace is associated with SHS Ltd, a UK based company that is a balustrade supplier and a steel designing and manufacturing firm.

 

 

 

 

 

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, 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, 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.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FROM VIOLENT WEATHER (GUEST POST)

 Written by Saam Banai.

As a business owner, it’s important to protect your investments. Unfortunately, one potential hazard that many business owners fail to plan for is bad weather. No matter where a business is located, it can be at risk for damage due to violent weather, and the damage caused by such weather can extend far beyond just the physical. If you’re a business owner and you haven’t thought of the potential for damage due to threatening weather, consider the following five issues you may face if you don’t plan accordingly:

1. Premises Liability

Violent weather can also lead to premises liability lawsuits being filed against your business. For instance, if hail has recently fallen on your business and you fail to clean the stones from customer and employee entryways, slips and falls could occur, and this may mean that your business could be hit with a major lawsuit. To avoid this, always have a plan in place to cleanup after bad weather moves through. 

2. Data Loss

These days, virtually all businesses use some type of data. Whether it be customer information, sales figures or new product research, data is an incredibly important commodity within the world of business, and loss of it can lead to big trouble. In order to protect your business from data loss due to bad weather, you may consider using off-site data storage like our Miami data centers that are rated to protect against hurricane weather. 

3. Structural Damage

Bad weather can also cause structural damage, and this can lead to the potential for further problems. When certain materials, such as exposed wood, become soaked with rain, rot may set in, and this can cause your business’ structural integrity to be in jeopardy. To combat this, always have a professional inspection of your business’ structure completed after a major weather event.

4. Higher Insurance Premiums

Additionally, if you haven’t taken the time to protect your business against weather threats, your insurance company may charge higher premiums. An insurance company may also choose to charge higher premiums if your business repeatedly sustains damage due to your failure to protect your business’ assets. To avoid this, speak with your insurance agent to discuss what needs to be done in order to alleviate the potential for higher weather-related premiums.

5. Code Enforcement Issues

Finally, failing to repair weather damage in a timely fashion may lead to various code violations, and this could mean large fines. If you receive too many code violations in a certain time period, your business may even be required to shut down until repairs are completed. One way to fight against this is to always make repairs that are affected by your local or state building codes quickly after weather-related damage occurs. If you’re unable to do so, at least contact your local officials to let them know of your situation.

Despite what your local TV weatherperson tells you, no one can predict exactly how weather events will play out, especially violent weather events. As a business owner, it’s up to you to take the proper steps to protect your business, its assets, its customers and its employees. By remaining prepared with a plan in place, you and your business can avoid the potential for lost time, lost wages and more. 

Saam Banai is a freelance writer, editor, and small business owner.  He contributes this article for Quality Technology Services, a provider of custom data centers, collocation services, and cloud computing access. Their Miami data centers are Category 5 rated facilities designed to protect against flood damage and winds of 185 MPH.  

 

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

TEN SMART TRICKS FOR SUMMER (Guest Post)

Ah, the warm summer months are here, which means more time spent outside running around enjoying the outdoors. It also means occasionally battling the bugs, the sun, and the heat.  To ensure that these and other common summer annoyances don’t derail your summertime fun, here are 10 smart tricks that can help make your summer a little sweeter:

1. Keep a dryer sheet in your pocket to keep bugs away.  You can spend tons of money buying bug spray, and you’ll most likely end up feeling sticky, smelling like bug spray, and getting bitten by bugs anyway. An easy solution is to carry a dryer sheet with you, which is something most people have at home already anyway. By carrying it in your pocket you can ward off bugs; something about the smell keeps the bugs away from you.

2. Sprinkle baking soda in sweaty shoes.  Running around in your shoes without socks is a regular occurrence during the summer time because everyone just wants to slip shoes on and go. Unfortunately, this also causes extra unwanted odor in your shoes.  To fix this problem sprinkle the inside of the shoes with baking soda to absorb the odors.  If you’d rather not have the powdery look in your shoes, you can create a sachet by using a rubber band wrapped around a few tablespoons of baking soda in a handkerchief.   Just put a sachet in each shoe and the odors will disappear.

3. Trap fruit flies with apple cider vinegar.  Did you bring home fruit flies from the farmers market?  Fill a glass jar half full of cider vinegar and screw the lid back on.  Punch several holes in the lid and leave the jar where you have seen the fruit flies.  They will be gone in no time.
4. Cool a sunburn with white vinegar.  Unfortunately, with the warm summer months comes the occasional sunburn.  To take the sting out of a sunburn soak clean soft cloths in white vinegar, wring them out and lay them on the sunburned skin.

5. Coat feet with petroleum jelly and cover with socks at bedtime.  This trick will keep your feet soft and sandal ready all summer.  A little petroleum jelly on your elbows and knees will make sure they stay soft and smooth for all of those revealing summer outfits.

6. Mix a can of cola with ketchup for a quick and easy barbeque sauce.  Figure out about how much sauce you want and add the cola to the ketchup to thin it out and add flavor and sweetness.  Brush on chicken or ribs during the last stages of cooking on the grill to avoid burning.
7. Use conditioner to shave your legs in a pinch.  Did you forget to pack your shaving cream for your vacation?  That’s okay; you can use the sample bottle of conditioner that most hotels give you.  This will leave your legs smooth and silky soft.

8. Apply coconut oil to bee stings and bug bites.  Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and will help heal the sting or bite as well as soothe the pain.

9. Straws make great strawberry hullers.  Take a normal straw and push it up through the base of the strawberry and come up under the hull.  Keep pushing and the hull will usually come right out.  Practice makes perfect with this, but it really works well when you get the hang of it and you won’t have all those strawberry seeds under your finger nails.

10. Use cute cupcake papers to cover your drinks this summer.  When the weather turns nice, eating and drinking outside becomes standard, and almost mandatory.  The problem with eating and drinking outside is keeping the bugs away from your food and drinks.  Get yourself some cupcake papers and use them to cover your drinks.  If you’re having a party the cupcake papers can even match the theme.  To make a drink cover you just need to punch a hole in the cupcake paper and stick a straw through.  Just make sure there are no bugs inside the straw before you drink.

Carrie: may I add one last suggestion to help – wear polarized sunshades that block out UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes, and a good hat for your head.  Anything that will keep us from burning is welcome in the summer!  Thank you for these good ideas, pb
Carrie Dotson, http://www.summernannyjobs.com/blog/10-smart-tricks-for-summer/

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WIERD WEATHER IN THE UNITED STATES!

As we say in Texas, “if you don’t like the weather, hang around for a while….. it’ll change!”  It’s either feast or famine, no happy in-between most of the time.  Last year, many parts of the Southwest experienced a drought they will never forget.  Tanks were dry, animals had to be sold due to a lack of both water and growth of food.  This year, thankfully, in many parts of Texas, rains have come pretty regularly and things have greened up better than usual.  However, we’re experiencing a pretty dry July, so we have much more heat ahead of us.  So, we continue to pray for rain. 

This year, wildfires have devastated Colorado, New Mexico, and other Southwestern states, as well as northern states, too.  People have lost their homes and everything they have.  Firefighters do everything they can to contain them; however, Mother Nature controls the winds and other conditions that make them hard to contain.

In the southeast, it’s the opposite: hurricanes develop in the states that border the Gulf Coast.  Much destruction has been experienced there, as well.  It is hard to stay dry in states that get a large accumulation of rain at one time.  Also, I’ve seen quite a few baseball games, and even the Olympic time trials in Oregon, where the rain had no mercy.  Times like that require some coverage – such as some new rain gear! 

It’s best to be prepared regardless  where we live.  Stay alert to weather forecasts by using your NOAA radio or other weather forecast systems.  There are several mobile apps that you can put on your cell phone free.  Have an emergency plan, just in case, along with a supply of water, non-perishable food, flashlight, cell phone, can opener, blankets, pet food, medicines and important papers you don’t want to lose.  Most things can be replaced, but we only get one time around in life.  

Our friends in other countries have certain weather conditions that we don’t have, so it is important that worldwide, we are ready when nature takes over.  Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and other devastating events have taken lives and greatly disrupted  normal ways of life.  Weather happenings are not of our making, so we must try to contend with them the best we can.  

Just remember, whatever type of work you do, there is some type of Home Safety Supplies that will be of great help to you when you must be outdoors.  You will notice that all rescue personnel wear their gear when they are carrying out their duties in times of emergencies, so let’s take advantage of the standard required protection, regardless of the weather, or other conditions.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Home Safety Products, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

PLAY IT SAFE THIS SUMMER! CHILL OUT!

July just arrived, and with it came plenty of hot sun and humid weather.  Life goes on, whether it is work or play, so the best way to cope with it is to keep your body temperature as cool as possible.  (My suggestion is to stay inside!)  For those folks who don’t have that option, there are some “cool” ideas that we hope will help you make this summer go by faster by staying as comfortable as possible. 

Here are some ideas  from Texas America Safety Company: 

Introducing the MiraCool Body Cooling Vests.These vests come with water activated MiraCool crystals sewn into the fabric of the vest. These crystals become activated once soaked in cold water for approximately 30 minutes, and then will stay cool for the rest of the day. The cooling vests can be worn over shirts, or under a protective suit to provide an excellent source of heat relief.The cooling vests measure 24 inches tall, and 16 inches wide. These are a one size fits most type of poncho design. The sides are open and have adjustable straps with snap-on buckles. Finally, the material is 100 percent cotton. Features:
  • Pull over poncho style
  • 1 3/8″ Yellow gloss reflective tape
  • Expandable sides with adjustable buckles
  • One size fits all

 

There are also MiraCool Bandannas, which work on the same principle.  They are great for outdoor workers, golfers, and athletes.  Once soaked with water for 30 minutes, they keep you cooled down for 18 holes, at least. 

If you have a way to carry these, here’s a suggestion you may not have heard before:

Purchase a pack of inexpensive washcloths from a dollar store, roll each up and secure with a rubber band.  Then toss them into a cooler of ice water for everyone to grab.  The neck and wrists are the best cooling points to choose, because the large arteries run close to the skin. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Water is the best choice, of course, but certain other drinks, such as Gatorade can help fight dehydration and fatigue on the job or at play.  Drinks with caffeine or alcohol can cause more damage than good, so leave those for later.  When we sweat, we lose weight, so we need to restore the weight lost by ingesting water.  Football and baseball players and other athletes that are exposed to extreme heat, should have plenty of water on hand during practice. 

Of course, it goes without saying that we must protect our heads, eyes, and skin.  For construction or other outdoor workers who must protect their heads by wearing hardhats, there are sunshields that fit well onto the hardhat for additional shade, as well as neck cloths.  UV rays can damage our eyes, so Polarized safety sunglasses can protect those peepers.  Regardless if you work outdoors or play outdoors, long-sleeve shirts and hats offer skin safety, along with plenty of sunscreen.  

Summer can be a fun time for vacations, but not-so-fun for those who must be out in the heat due to work or athletics.  Please take care of yourself by using the right precautions and protection.  Sunburn can be costly later down the line, while making you miserable at the time you experience it.  With the 4th Of July coming up, remember to drive safely, buckle up, keep your “cool” behind the wheel and have a safe holiday. 

We hope our tips on “chilling out” will help you this summer.  Be sure to check out all our cooling products, and if you mention you read it on the blog, there’ll be a 5% discount for you!

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

SAFE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER (GUEST POST)

There are more than 10 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States annually. In times of inclement weather, whether it be heavy rain, snow, ice or fog, the chances of being involved in an accident increase exponentially. With a few reminders, a driver can greatly reduce the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident in bad weather conditions.

Stopping distances increase dramatically as speed increases. Allowing for a proper stopping distance is probably the number one rule for safe driving in inclement weather. Stopping distance is measured as the distance covered by a vehicle at a given speed when applying brakes. The reaction time of the driver is factored into stopping distances. For an average passenger car, the overall stopping distance, including reaction time, travelling at 30 mph is 75 feet. When the speed is doubled to 60 mph the stopping distance increases to 240 feet, or more than 3 times the distance at 30 mph. 
In wet pavement conditions, stopping distances double. On icy roads, the stopping distance can increase as high as tenfold. Stopping an average vehicle on wet pavement at 60 mph may take nearly 500 feet, or nearly a 10th of a mile. 
Most are familiar with the rule of allowing 2 seconds of time between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. On wet pavement or ice, the time should be at least doubled. Simply observe the vehicle in front of you as it passes a stationary object next to the road, such as a road sign. Then count how long it takes your vehicle to reach the object. If less than 4 seconds elapse, you are following too close. Slow your vehicle to give yourself distance between you and the car in front.
Braking on ice, snow or wet pavement will differ depending on whether the vehicle has an antilock braking system (ABS). With normal hydraulic brakes, the driver will pump the brakes rapidly to slow the vehicle. The pumping action is intended to prevent the wheels from locking, and ultimately skidding. 
On antilock brakes, the brake system performs the pumping action for the driver. The driver simply presses the brakes firmly, keeping constant pressure, and the brake system will rapidly apply intermittent pressure. The driver will know when the ABS is engaged, because the brake pedal will vibrate.
All windows and mirrors should be clear of ice, snow and fog while driving. Avoiding “peek hole” vision can mean the difference between avoiding an accident in time or being involved in one. During winter in snowy or icy climates, carrying a bag of salt, sand or even cat litter in the trunk of the vehicle will pay off should the vehicle become stuck. These items can be applied near the drive wheels to allow for traction, if stuck.
Finally, defensive driving becomes a greater priority in bad weather. Never assume that another driver is following the rules of the road and driving attentively. The driver should eyes roving, checking each direction, including side windows and mirrors. Be especially attentive at intersections, watching drivers approaching from the side or the opposite direction. Avoiding an accident with defensive driving techniques is a better result than claiming an accident isn’t your fault.
 
About the Author
Sam Marks loves to write about safety for http://www.defensivedrivingonline.net and has been a professional writer for 3 years. After a car accident that left her at home for several months, she developed a talent for writing about safety and considering things others look past.
 
We thank you for this article that instructs us on the exact protocols we should take in judging distance when driving in heavy rain, and other inclement weather.  With hurricane season beginning, parts of the southern U.S. may be experiencing downfalls of rain and high winds.  Keep these safety tips in mind all year.  They might save your life.  pb