Tag Archives: Pets

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

FIVE TIPS ON PREPARING YOUR FAMILY FOR A HURRICANE (GUEST POST)

Byline: Alejandra Parada 

You don’t want to wait until last minute to protect your loved ones from a hurricane that can be dangerous and possibly deadly. Listening to hurricane warning messages–usually 36 hours before a storm hits–and figuring out a basic hurricane protection plan can save you a lot of time, money and worry. 

Below are five tips to keep your family, friends, pets, and belongings protected: 

Have an Evacuation Plan

First, contact the National Disaster offices for the closest shelter in your city. Make sure your pets are allowed into the emergency shelter of your choice, if not contact your local Humane Society for information on animal shelters. If the hurricane is heavier than expected, make sure to have an evacuation plan, meaning contact an out-of-state friend or family member that your family can call if separated. 

Gather Important Documentations

Have the following items at hand:

  • 1.  Driver’s license or personal ID
  • 2.  Passport
  • 3.  Social Security card
  • 4.  Proof of residence (deed, lease or utility bills)
  • 5.  Insurance policies, including home, auto, flood, and wind
  • 6.  Birth and marriage certificates
  • 7.  Stocks, bond and other business certificates
  • 8.  Personal checkbook, credit cards, overall anything important in your wallet
  • 9.  Wills, deed, and copies of recent tax returns 

Don’t make the mistake of running back in a damaged house to search for these materials. Remember personal belongings are irreplaceable, but people are not. 

Review Your Insurance Policies

Check if your home and auto insurances are up to date, in case any damages were to happen, confirm the following details: 

  •                Are you covered for additional living expenses?
  •                Do you have flood coverage?
  •                Do you have enough coverage for your valuables? 
  •                Do you have comprehensive car coverage? 

Consider Installing A Backup Generator  

When a hurricane is headed your way, electricity can be lost due to heavy winds, downed power lines and excessive rain. Your family doesn’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on disaster supplies if you invest in a standby generator. You’ll be able to keep your refrigerator on, eliminating the need to eat canned foods or dry fruits and vegetables. You’ll have the whole house working like normal, including being able to charge your cell phone, laptops, and any technological device. Also, you can feel safe knowing your alarm system is still working. Even though portable generators are cheaper, sometimes gas stations don’t have enough power to get gas out of the ground to run it during a hurricane. Standby generators, which are installed into your home permanently, don’t require gasoline.  

Stock Up On Essential Disaster Supplies

Have an emergency supply kit and stock your pantry up with at least a month worth of non-perishable items, such as:

  •               Safety kit
  •               Ropes, tarps, plastic bags as tools for repair
  •               Necessary medicine, including medicine and contacts    
  •               Personal hygiene items like toilet paper, tooth brush and tooth paste
  •               Fill up all cars, trucks, motorcycles, and any driving vehicles with enough gas just in case you are asked to evacuate. 

For more information on hurricane safety, please visit generatortogo.com/blog.

General Safety Issues

BLOG4SAFETY THIRD WEEK IN A ROW! TOP 25 SAFETY ARTICLES, WEEK OF MARCH 8TH (GUEST POST)

 Top 25 Safety Articles of the Week: March 8

Posted by Erin Raub in Weekly Roundups

fire rope ladderSomething this simple can save your family’s lives.

It’s the little things in life, right? And while the phrase usually refers to life’s simple pleasures, “little things” can really be a lot of things. Like an inexpensive, compact fire ladder that saves a man’s life as he flees from a burning building.

Yes, it is the little things in life – little things that allow us to continue enjoying life. Safety measures are so important, not as a way to incite paranoia or fear but as prevention. We’ve all heard the maxim, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So this week, we’re focusing on not just the latest safety news but also on the latest ways to prevent data fraud, childhood illness, and more. Be safe!

Home Safety

  1. Lauren of Safety Source, the blog for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), shares with us a new tip sheet on outdoor electrical safety.
  2. If I haven’t yet convinced you of the importance of a fire safety plan, then you have to read this week’s story from John of the Culture of Safety on how a fire ladder saved a man’s life.

Family & Child Safety

  1. The Kids With Food Allergies Foundation shares evidence that certain airborne chemicals have been linked to immunoglobulin E (IgE) and asthma.
  2. The Huff Post and Moms Rising question the presence of questionably effective, possibly dangerous chemical flame retardants in kids’ products, like nap mats and pajamas.
  3. If you worry about your young driver acting irresponsibly in the car, KidSafe this week featured a new invention that stops teens from texting while driving. (I wish I could install in on every adult I ever pass while driving!)
  4. Tim from uKnowKids does it again, this time offering up some valuable info that is also heartwarming: check out his roundup of current anti-bullying and anti-cyberbullying movements around the U.S. 
  5. Alison the SafetyMom hits the nail on the head with this week’s post, titled with the self-explanatory With Parenting Styles, One Size Does Not Fit All. You got that right!
  6. Free Range Mom Lenore always brings us the latest on all things preventing kids from being kids, and this week she has some uplifting news: a public call to ditch the “misguided security blanket” afforded by helicopter parenting policies, and focus on the real problem: red tape and lawsuits.
  7. Pets are important members of the family, but we don’t always apply the same precautions to our furry friends as we do to our kids. Jim Tedford, Director of Animal Welfare Initiatives and Alliances, gives us all the details on pet-proofing to prevent poisoning.
  8. And speaking of your four-legged family members, Natalie Lester, a PetSafe Brand Communications Specialist, shows us how one door + one containment system can = independence for your pup.

Mobile & Cyber Safety

  1. Last Watchdog Byron reminds us that being on a smartphone or tablet does not make us invulnerable to data stealing, especially with the latest scams that have you clicking on links you never intended.
  2. Brian of Krebs on Security warns that suspicious activity this week prompted a password reset for all Evernote users, while Oracle’s Java also issued its third critical security update in a month.
  3. If you’ve ever been interested in the online dating scene, don’t miss this article from Safe Kids (they care about parents’ safety, too!) on online dating safety tips.
  4. Tim, of uKnowKids, clues us in to the latest sex trafficking scheme – using Facebook to find victims – and how you can protect your kids.
  5. If you’ve ever lost or had your smartphone stolen, Scott from A Silver Lining reminds us that these little touch-screens are actually mini-computers – and need to be treated as serious security risks.
  6. David of We Live Security has some excellent points on how hundreds of thousands of Facebook likes can be deceptive (and completely wrong). The article reminds me of what my mom always asked: If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?
  7. Lisa, of Sophos Naked Security, peels apart the onion layers (it’ll certainly make you cry) of the latest debit-card fraud – scammers pretending to protect your from scammers.

Senior Safety

  1. Ryan of Inside Elder Care reminds us to really dig into the policies of our parents’ or other loved ones’ assisted living or nursing care communities. What will happen in an emergency? Will community staff perform CPR?
  2. Susan at Help! Aging Parents gives us some pointers on helping our parents make the best decisions for their health, like whether they should get life-changing surgeries.
  3. The Aging Wisely blog develops a debate about the work-family balance, and how it applies to work-at-homers and eldercare.
  4. Safety Mom Alison features a really cool infographic on the “communication lifeline” – the relationship between caregiver and seniors. Alison is also hosting a Twitter party on March 13 to discuss signs your aging parents need help.

Work Safety

  1. In the U.S., construction mishaps account for 17 percent of all work-related accidents. Carl at Blog4Safety provides 5 tips for a safer construction workplace.
  2. Blog4Safety gives us another good one on how to identify the dangers of asbestos.
  3. And speaking of creating a safer workplace, Kevin from the Safety at Work Blog discusses the lack of a “safety culture” for employers and employees.
  4. If you’re in the U.S., your time is going to change this weekend. Roy at The Society for Human Resource Management reminds us all to be careful that sleep deprivation doesn’t lead to workplace accidents next week.

Thanks, Erin, for including us in your top twenty-five list of safety articles.  You offer a whole range of reading for our supporters, and we are honored to be part of it.  Pat

General Safety Issues

CHRISTMAS CANDLE SAFETY WARNINGS

 Candle  sales in the United States amount to an estimated $2 billion annually, not counting the accessories that accompany them.   Thirty-five per cent of annual sales of candles are during the Christmas holidays.  Candles are found in 7 out of 10 households.   The glow of candles gives a beautiful ambiance to any room in the house.  However, fires from candles can bring about serious damage and risks to all. 

A study done by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that eighty-five per cent of candle fires could be avoided if consumers followed three basic safety rules:

  1. Never leave burning candles unattended; keep them within your sight.
  2. Never burn a candle near anything that could catch on fire.
  3. Always keep candles away from children and pets. 

One-half of home candle fires start because they have been placed too close to combustible material.  The majority of candle fires are because of human error and negligence.  There are more than 15,000 residential fires in the U.S. annually that are caused by careless use of candles. The majority of fires start by candles left burning in the bedroom.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the hours between Midnight and 6 a.m. account for one-half of all deaths resulting from candle fires. 

A common-sense approach to the use of candles in your home is the best.  With that in mind, here are some added tips:

  •          Each time you burn candles, trim the wicks ¼” before you burn them.
  •          Don’t burn them all the way down.
  •          Carefully read and follow manufacturers use and safety instructions.
  •          Always use candleholders specifically designed for candle use.
  •          Place them in a well-ventilated room, and on a stable surface.
  •          Avoid vents, drafts, and air currents.
  •          Never use a candle as a night light.
  •          When putting the candle out, be sure it is completely out. 

A grim reminder:  December is the peak month for fires that are started by candles.  The top five most dangerous days for fires from candles are, in order: (1) Christmas Day, (2) Christmas Eve, (3) New Year’s Day, (4) New Year’s Eve, and (5) Halloween. 

There’s nothing more beautiful than candles to give your home that perfect atmosphere.  They emit special fragrances into the environment, which adds to a festive mood.  We encourage you to enjoy using candles to express hospitality or simply for your own pleasure; just use the same caution as you would with any open flame. 

Sources:

U.S. Fire Administration,  National Candle Association

General Safety Issues

TEN WAYS TO TEACH YOUNG CHILDREN TO BE KIND TO PETS (GUEST POST)

This article is being shared with us by Molly Cunningham, of LiveinNanny.com. 

When kids learn to treat animals with gentleness and respect, they also learn about compassion and caring on a larger scale, which are traits that can later be applied to the relationships that they have with fellow humans. For parents of toddlers and young children, imparting these lessons can be a bit of a challenge; here are 10 ways to help your little one understand the importance of treating animals well.

  1. Set a Good Example – Children learn primarily through mimicry. They watch their parents and other authority figures, and then model their own behavior after their observances; one of the best ways to instill a love of animals is to have that same love yourself and to exhibit it often.
  2. Research Local Programs – Your local Humane Society chapter or other animal activism organization is likely to have a program or two specifically directed at helping small children understand the proper treatment of animals. A cursory glance at a local message board or search engine results could net dozens of options.
  3. Take Advantage of Story Time – Most kids love a bedtime story, and there are tons of books on the market written with this very subject in mind. A colorfully illustrated, well-written book about animals and the humans that love them can do wonders for explaining the concept of animal kindness to kids.
  4. Teach Proper Handling of Small Animals – Helping a child to properly hold and handle a small or newborn animal while emphasizing the importance of being gentle is a great way to teach a hands-on lesson about carefully handling animals and never being too rough.
  5. Visit a Petting Zoo – Spending an afternoon at the petting zoo can be a fun and informative experience for kids of all ages, but especially for little ones who wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to interact with such an interesting array of animals or have access to professionals that are trained to help kids learn about them.
  6. Share Interesting Facts – Learning that baby goats are also called “kids” or that butterflies taste with their feet not only entertain children, but also help them to see that animals have their own unique, interesting qualities.
  7. Help at a Shelter – Taking a trip to your local animal shelter to help walk the dogs, feed the cats or do other fun and interactive chores not only makes a difference in your community, but also in your child. It might be best to stick to a privately run no-kill shelter or to be sure that no animals are scheduled to be euthanized during your visit, however, to avoid a traumatic experience.
  8. Study Local Wildlife – A trip to a local nature preserve or national park not only provides kids with a day of no-television fun, but can also help them understand the very important concept that wild animals are not pets, but should be treated with the same respect.
  9. Watch Kid-Friendly Television Programming – While you might want to skip the program chronicling the antelopes’ encounter with a hungry lion, there are plenty of kid-centric animal documentary shows that can provide strong talking points and valuable information.
  10. Get a Pet – After you’re certain that your child understands the basic treatment of animals, introducing a pet into your home is a great way to keep their education going. Even if you live in a small space or urban environment that isn’t conducive to traditional pets, a small hamster or a goldfish can still help give your child a sense of responsibility.

Most small children need to be reminded to be gentle more than anything else, as deliberate cruelty is quite rare in children so young. Kids that show signs of harmful behavior might be struggling with a larger issue. If this is the case the child’s pediatrician should be consulted.

General Safety Issues

EIGHT BIGGEST DISTRACTIONS FOR TEEN BABYSITTERS (GUEST POST)

By Tina Marconi    www.babysitters.net/blog

When parents are faced with the prospect of leaving their children in the care of a babysitter, one of the most worrisome aspects of the arrangement is the idea that a distracted sitter might inadvertently allow her charges to get into a dangerous situation. While there’s no surefire way to ensure that absolutely nothing will ever go wrong, there are a few steps that you can take, as a parent, to ensure the safety of your children while they’re under a sitters care. The first step to eliminating distractions is knowing what the most common ones are.

1.   Cell Phones – In the 1990′s, cell phones were large, clunky objects that most teenagers were only aware of as a result of Saved By the Bell heartthrob Zack Morris. Times have since changed, and these days almost every teenager brings her tiny, powerful mobile device everywhere she goes. No longer restricted to simply chatting away as she keeps an eye on her charges, today’s sitter can update social networking accounts, check her email, and send text messages from your couch; because all of these actions require her to keep her eyes on the screen, there’s a lot she could potentially miss.

2.   Television – While we’ve all been distracted from time to time by a television show, a babysitter whose childcare experience is likely to be limited to a few hours a week might let things get out of hand as she zones out in front of the tube. Though banning television altogether while your sitter is working might not be as effective in practice as it is in theory, it’s wise to have a discussion about both the distraction factor and the need to filter questionable, age-inappropriate content from your kids. A good sitter will understand your concerns, and will make every effort to adhere to your house rules.

3.   Visitors – Most parents make a “no visitors” rule whenever they hire a babysitter. Unfortunately, this is one of the rules that almost always begs to be broken. If your kids are old enough to be verbal, the sitter may be tempted to wait until they’re in bed to invite a pal over; before her charges are old enough to tell on her, however, all bets are off. Let her know that the neighbors will be keeping an eye on the house in the interest of safety; it’s a great way of letting your sitter know that she’s being observed without accusing her of planning to have guests over before you’ve even left the house.

4.  Homework – Teenage babysitters may have homework to attend to, especially if you’ve requested her services on a school night. Requesting that she wait until she’s put the kids to bed before she cracks open the books is one way of eliminating the potential for any distraction, but you should remember that her schoolwork is important. Calling your sitter on short notice will raise the odds of her having homework that can’t be ignored, so you should make every effort to make arrangements as early as possible.

5.  Other Children – When you have more than one child, you should understand that your sitter will be forced to pay more attention to a younger or more rambunctious child than she would an older one with a calmer temperament. When a babysitter works for a large family, the thing that’s most likely to distract her from the group as a whole is one demanding child.

6.  Meal Preparation – Leaving money for pizza or other delivery food is a time-honored tradition between parents and their babysitters, largely because providing a ready-made dinner dramatically reduces the likelihood of a child getting injured or in trouble because his sitter is focused on cooking; it also eliminates the risk of a kitchen fire stemming from a neglected stove when kids demand every ounce of a sitter’s attention. Some parents feel uneasy about allowing a delivery person to come to their home when there’s no real adult present; if this is the case, you should arrange for a pre-prepared dinner that requires minimal focus on your sitter’s part.

7.  Pets – Anyone with pets knows that they can be just as demanding as the children in the house. A barking, energetic dog that paws at the door every five minutes is a distraction for your sitter, especially if she’s not familiar with your home, the animal’s temperament, or the routine that your children are accustomed to. Relegating your pooch to a fenced yard or a designated part of the house for the duration of a sitter’s shift can reduce the potential for pet-centric distractions.

8.  Parents – It’s not altogether surprising that a babysitter’s employers can be her biggest distraction. Calling every five minutes to make sure that your kids are okay is understandable, especially if you’re leaving them in the care of a sitter for the first time or she’s never worked for your family before; still, talking on the phone and fielding your questions might take her attention away from your kids, leaving them with minimal supervision.

Life is unpredictable, so it just isn’t possible to foresee every situation that might arise to remove a babysitter’s focus away from your children. The most that any parent can do is make an effort to minimize the likelihood of the most common culprits rearing their heads, and ensure that any sitter they hire is mature, competent and reliable.

Tina, this is good advice for parents to consider when choosing a babysitter.  Thanks very much, pb

General Safety Issues

REMINDERS FOR A SAFE FOURTH OF JULY

Well, we’re halfway through 2010, and ready to celebrate our country’s birthday!  As everyone knows, July 4th marks “Independence Day”, which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  There will be parades, ballgames, picnics, cookouts, and all types of fun.  But before you get ready to celebrate, we want to remind you that the Fourth of July weekend usually has the highest numbers of injuries and emergency room visits of any holiday, (around 10,000), according to the Centers for Disease Control.  The majority of the injuries are due to the misuse of fireworks, and many are children under age 15.  So, let’s talk a little about safety, so you can enjoy the rest of the summer! 

First, here are some fireworks safety tips:

  • Have adult supervision at all times where children are present around fireworks.
  • Read the labels and follow instructions carefully.
  • Keep water close by, as conditions may be dry, and could easily start a fire.
  • Be sure projectile-type fireworks are not aimed near anyone standing close by.
  • Keep a safe distance.
  • Remember that even sparklers can reach a heat of 2,000° F.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket. 

The National Fire Protection Association reports that more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than on any other day.  Fireworks account for more than one-half of those fires.  Let’s try to give our local firemen a break. 

If you have toddlers and you attend an outdoor activity where there’s a large crowd, keep these safety ideas in mind: get your little ones accustomed to holding hands.  Some parents use a child leash, which may look a little cruel, but in a crowded area, keeps them close at hand.  I’ve seen them used often in airports, which allows parents to take care of traveling arrangements while knowing their youngster is right there. Strollers are an ideal way to be sure they are safe.  Children too large for a stroller need to be watched closely; they can disappear in the blink of an eye.  

Also, keep in mind that your pets may not enjoy this particular holiday, especially the noise from fireworks.  An example of their sensitivity to sound: if you hear a radio at a distance of 50’ away, your dog will hear the same radio, same volume from a distance of 200’.  It might be a good idea to leave them at home, with a television or radio left on, to calm them down while you are enjoying the festivities. 

Many of you will be spending the holiday around a lake or river.  There’s always the danger of drowning, so be attentive to swimmers, and wear those life jackets while in a boat.  Anyone driving a boat should be responsible for the welfare of themselves and others.  The same goes for driving.  Drink responsibly.  Abide by the laws of your state in regard to driving a car or boat. 

Have a wonderful time and stay safe.  Remember our troops who can’t be home for the Fourth of July!  May God Bless them and our country.  Happy Birthday, America!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PETS CAN KEEP US HEALTHY!

1 Comment

I love animals, especially dogs!  Having had dogs all my life, I have been rewarded with friends that gave me unconditional love and devotion.  We know what we have to do to take care of our pets, (feed, water, bathe, spoil, to name a few duties), but do we really appreciate what they do for us?

Marty Becker, DVM, author of The Healing Power of Pets, states that “the breadth and depth of what dogs do to benefit humans’ happiness and longevity is pretty remarkable”.  Studies have shown that dog ownership can lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.  Dr. Becker also says,  “Petting a dog is like a spa treatment.  In a short time there is a massive release of positive neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin.  And the dog gets the same relief, as well.”

My dog expects to have an early morning walk every day, and he is very disappointed when we don’t get to go.  By having this routine, I consider him as my personal trainer.  He has a great time, and I am getting a regular pattern of exercise.  Also, we see a lot of nice people as we are out getting fresh air and sunshine.

Many nursing homes allow pet therapy, as their residents enjoy petting puppies, kittens, and service animals, some being especially trained just for that purpose.  And, speaking of service animals, we cannot overlook the valuable role rescue dogs played after 9-11.  Our military and police consider their dogs as important team members.  In addition to being service companions, dogs are also contributing to medicine, from detecting cancer to predicting epileptic seizures.

Cats can also have medicinal effects.  Cats love to snuggle up to their owners, and when humans aren’t feeling well, the warmth of their bodies (101.5°) and their purring at 25 vibrations per second, can many times lower blood pressure by their soothing presence.  Cats are low maintenance, and many physicians feel that children that grow up with cats may not have as many allergies as those who have not been exposed to cat/dog fur.

So, thank your furry friends for all they do to contribute to your health and happiness.  Something I read the other day sums it all up: “We do not have to wait for Heaven to be surrounded by hope, love and joyfulness: it is here on earth and has four legs!”

General Safety Issues

PROTECT YOUR PETS

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Every family needs a disaster plan; if that family has pets, their safety must be ensured as well.  Here are some constructive things to consider when designing your emergency plan:

  • If you must evacuate your home, the most important thing you can do is evacuate them, too.  Do not leave them behind!
  • Check out motels/hotels in the surrounding areas that accept pets.
  • Contact relatives or friends outside of your area to give shelter to your pets.
  • Contact boarding facilities/veterinarians that shelter animals in emergencies; keep their 24-hour phone numbers on hand.
  • Local animal shelters should be your last resort, as they are usually overburdened.

Have a “Pet Disaster Kit” ready:  leashes, carriers, their picture (in case they get lost), food, bottled water, bowls.

Planning ahead will help with a fast evacuation, but remember, animals react differently under stress than humans.

  • Keep dogs leashed; cats in carriers.
  • Don’t leave them unattended.  They may bite or scratch, when normally they would not react aggressively.
  • Upon returning home, give them time to settle back into their routine.

We hope these pointers will help all of us be aware that our “best friends” are part of our families, and their safety should be considered, too.

Humane Society
American Red Cross