Tag Archives: buddy system

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM THE INSIDE OUT (GUEST POST)

Protecting Your Home From the Inside Out

It becomes more evident every day that the world can be an unstable place. The uncertainty of tomorrow can be frightening, but there are many measures you can take to improve the safety conditions of your life. There are many unfortunate events that could happen around your home, but taking the right precautions can help to keep you and your family as safe as possible.

Keep All Weapons Locked Away Safely

The number of accidents caused from inside the home due to improperly stored weapons is unnecessarily high and growing every day. If you are a gun owner, it would be wise to consider investing in a gun locker, especially if there are children around. Locking up your weapons securely and safely can help to eliminate the chance of them falling into the wrong hands, and many safety experts also recommend keeping the keys on you at all times as well as locking up the ammunition separate from the weapon.

Reduce Fire Hazards in the Home

Home fires can be devastating and extremely dangerous, but fortunately, fires are another type of accident that can be prevented when the right precautions are taken. First off, clear any dust around heat vents and electrical outlets as dust can clog outlets and combust with the right amount of heat. It’s very important to keep your electrical outlets up to date as well; if the outlets have trouble holding a cord in their socket, it’s time to replace them. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the cords of your electrical appliances, and stop using them once they become frayed or thin. 

Never turn your back when you’re cooking something on the stove or in the toaster, and always double check to make sure the oven has been turned off.

Avoid placing something flammable near a flame. Candles should never be near any fabric, and it’s a good idea to blow out a candle if you’re planning on leaving the room for more than a few minutes. If you’re a smoker, always make sure that you put your cigarette completely out before leaving it unattended.

Keep All Entries Locked

This one might seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many people leave their doors unlocked even while they’re away. Don’t allow intruders to have easy access to anything. Make sure all doors, garages, and windows (windows are the easiest to forget) are shut and locked, and always double-check that everything is sealed up before you leave the house or go to bed. Also, use two locks on each door to prevent lock picking.

Secure Your Home with Lights

No criminal wants to be in the spotlight when committing any illegal acts. If you surround your home with bright LED lights, you are at least making a statement to any future intruders that you have taken a precaution to eliminate their ability to blend into the night. Motion sensory lights are a cost effective form of home security due to the fact that they do not stay on all night and run up your energy bill like other outdoor lights.

Leaving on a visible house light is a common practice to make it look like there is someone home. To save on the electric bill, you might want to consider purchasing an electronic timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically after being set to a certain time. This will save you money and make it more believable that someone is inside.

Invest in a Home Alarm System

Home alarm systems don’t mean what they used to; they don’t have to involve complex wiring through your walls. In fact, there are many fairly priced and easy-to-use wireless home alarm systems out there that can fit any budget or home. A more advanced system would clearly be the best bet, but any alarm system in your price range would help to tighten the security of your home.

Create a buddy system with your neighbors

Creating good bonds with your neighbors is great for security strength. When you know the people in the homes around you, they are more likely to notice suspicious activity and are more likely to let you know if they see something questionable.

Install a mail slot in your door

This is a good way to prevent mail and identity theft. Mail boxes are wide open, and anybody could walk by and open up your mailbox. With a private slot, your mail goes right into your (hopefully) locked door.

Home is where the heart is; it’s also where your family and valuables are. There are many ways to tighten the security of your home, so you can keep it a place where comfort and safety are felt and good memories flourish.

James Anderson is a sports enthusiast, survivalist and blogger born and raised in West Virginia. He writes about secure storage for school lockers.   

 

General Safety Issues

COMMON SENSE SAFETY TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS!

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Every fall, as parents send their youngsters off to college, it is the most natural thing in the world to be concerned for their safety.  We want to share tips that we have either written about in the past, to serve as reminders that the world we live in has its share of dangers.  College freshmen are ready to “try their wings,” and that may mean doing some things that they haven’t done while living at home.  They feel they must show their independence, although Mom and Dad are probably footing all the bills! 

Party time is just around the corner!  I’m not saying they all will do it, but some young people are ready to learn, not just about education, but also about “partying.”  Here are some “sobering facts” that we want to discuss with you first.  Think for a moment about how many missing young college students or other girls are being searched for right now.  They may have been out for a jog, or they may have been with a group and left with some stranger.  Warn your kids that their safety is foremost, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Other unpleasant factors to consider are:

  • “Date Rape” – An unfortunate statistic is that 90 per cent of rapes occur between people who already knew each other and that approximately half of rapes happen on dates.  The Journal of Studies on Alcohol reports that more than 70,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 have been victims of alcohol-related sexual assault.  An illegal drug in the U.S. is Rohypnol, the “date rape drug” that can be slipped into a drink.  It causes drowsiness, loss of coordination, dizziness and memory loss.  Never take drinks from other people, and don’t leave your drink unattended!  Don’t take the chance.  Be sure when you go out to tell someone you trust the name of your date, destination, and planned time of return.  Take your cell phone and money for a cab just in case.
  • Stay with a group. – You are responsible for your own safety.  Get acquainted with people you trust and feel comfortable with.  If something doesn’t seem quite right with a new date, remove yourself from the situation.  Usually your instincts tell you that you are taking a chance.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol.  You can have a good time without drinking so much that it alters your personality.  You will like yourself tomorrow much better if you don’t overdo it the night before.
  • Take a self-defense class. – Chances are you will have to take a gym class, so ask if there are self-defense classes.  It could be the smartest thing you ever do.  Think about carrying self-defense devices such as pepper sprays, tasers (if legal), or personal alarms.  Know how to use these types of devices and be committed to using them should a dangerous situation occur.  Through preparation and awareness you will enjoy increased “peace of mind” and confidence knowing you are protected.
  • Be aware of internet predators. – Practice computer safety, either at home or away at college.    Never give out your personal information to someone online that you don’t know, and be cautious about what you say to a stranger.
  • Use the “buddy system” anytime you can.  – Whether crossing campus, shopping in a mall, going out to eat, or going to a bar, don’t go alone, if possible.  There is power in numbers, so make that your policy.
  • Never go to an ATM at night, or alone.
  • Pay attention to everything around you. – A fun idea is to give yourself and a friend a test walk past someone to see how well you could describe him or her if something happened.  It may surprise you how much you don’t remember, or the different way you and your friend describe him/her. 
  • Make copies of important papers.- Your credit cards, health ID cards, etc., should be stored  in a safe place.  Leave a copy with Mom and Dad. 
  • Last but not least on our list, don’t drink and drive or text and drive! 

Speaking of Mom and Dad, call them at least once a week, to let them know how things are going, your plans for the coming week, and generally, just to touch base.  It is always a comfort to parents to hear from their kids and know they are alright.  There are many other suggestions we could make, and you have probably already heard  these from your parents.  Believe me, as you get older, you will realize just how smart Mom and Dad are.  They have learned from experience, and while they want you to have the college experience, they want your safety, foremost.  Just use common sense.   We wish for you a safe and happy college life.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

THERE’S STILL LOTS OF TIME FOR SWIMMING!

Even though school bells are going to be ringing soon, there’s still plenty of time to take a dip before the swimming pools close.  Persons who live in cities or communities with swimming pools are very fortunate, and may not realize what is involved in keeping them safe.  Swimming pools are regulated by several federal and state agencies.  OSHA has issued standards regarding pool employees’ exposure to chlorine and bloodborne pathogens.  Employees’  training must be documented, and personal protective and safety equipment should be furnished.   Swimming pools must also assure patrons that locker rooms and showers are safe from predators and ensure that the decks around the pool are safe, preventing slips and falls. 

The following tips apply to swimmers at  swimming pools, and also in and around rivers and lakes:

  • Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
  • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
  • Swimming and alcohol do not mix.  Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
  • Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body.
  • Obey all rules and posted signs.
  • Wear eye protection: Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
  • Wear foot protection: Keep in mind that your feet can get burned from the sand on a beach, or cut from glass in the sand, or pavement at the pool.
  • Watch the weather: Stay tuned to local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Get out of the water as soon as you see or hear a storm.  Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

If your children don’t know how to swim, be sure to see about getting swimming lessons for them.  Many pools offer free lessons. You never know when someone is going to need help around the water, and it’s important for you to be able to rescue them.  Even if you swim, it’s a good idea to take a refresher course.  A panicked swimmer can pull down a seasoned swimmer trying to rescue him.  If you know anyone who can’t swim, encourage him/her to learn.  It might just save a life.

Source: American Red Cross