Tag Archives: preparation

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TIPS FOR SAFELY WORKING ABROAD

The thought of being sent overseas by your company sounds pretty exciting –  a chance to see a new part of the world, sampling new types of food, and working alongside foreign employees.  

First, some serious planning should be done in order to avoid surprises later on.  Research all that you can ahead of time, so you will be better prepared.  Companies have information that is helpful to their employees and will make arrangements for their lodging, transportation, meals, etc. ahead of time.  

It is important to know the support systems that are there for foreign workers, such as emergency service facilities.  Being informed of what services are available for U.S. citizens or other working foreigners is very important. 

One can find websites on the internet that describe the conditions for travel to just about every country in the world.  There are definite warnings on which countries to avoid, as listed by these alert levels: 

  1. Do not travel;
  2. Exercise normal safety precautions;
  3. Reconsider your need to travel;
  4. High degree of caution. 

Companies could be held responsible as a result of their employees’ causing an accidental injury or death in the course of performing their duties.  The employer is responsible for ensuring that the working conditions of their employees are safe, including the security of the buildings in which they will be working.  They are also responsible for guaranteeing the level of the employee’s experience, the type of work to be done, and risk level for injury.  Also, they must ensure that the physical condition of the worker is good. 

Every company that regularly sends employees on business trips abroad needs to assess its insurance program to assure that these employees are adequately protected if they become sick or injured. Companies with employees living abroad need to be even more attentive about the insurance protection and support services they provide. 

Normally, the employee’s domestic health insurance will not be accepted by a foreign provider.  A travel assistance program can ensure that a sick or injured employee is put in contact with the best available medical care; therefore, specialized insurance is necessary to guarantee that coverage is available anywhere in the world an employee may need medical assistance.

Other reminders:  During your time off:

  • Don’t go to places that look unsafe;
  • Take a buddy or go with a group;
  • Don’t become a victim of crime; leave your valuables at home;
  • Leave your passport in the hotel safe (so you can get home);
  • Make a photocopy of your passport to keep with you at all times;
  • Make a photocopy of the passport to leave with family;
  • Pack medicines in their original containers, take extra glasses, etc;
  • Pack all the gear you need to perform your job.
  • Know where your American embassy is;
  • Leave a family contact person’s name with your employer;
  • Observe local laws and customs – you are subject to local laws in foreign countries.

Your company has entrusted you to represent them well and do a good job.  Stay safe!

 

 

General Safety Issues

GILLECE DETAILS HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE STORM SEASON (GUEST POST)

Storms can hit throughout the year in the United States, wreaking havoc on your home and threatening to cause damage to your property and personal belongings. In parts of the Northeast, thunderstorms are most common and frequently occur in the summer. When a storm hits, no matter where you live, you can be prepared and protect your home from potential damage.

Prevent Sewer Backup

With heavy rain may come backed-up drains. Sometimes storm drains can’t handle a large amount of precipitation in a short period of time, and storm water can overload the main lines of a sanitary sewer system. When this happens, backups may occur in both the street and your basement. The chances of a backup occurring are greater if your drains and sewer are already clogged.

While you may not be able to control Mother Nature’s showers, you can practice drain and sewer maintenance to help prevent backups:

  •         Keep certain things out of your drains like fats, oils, and grease, and clean them regularly with natural items like baking soda to relieve buildup and clogs.
  •          A plumber can snake your drain once or twice a year to remove more intense buildup that can cause clogging.
  •           Have your main sewer line inspected to detect for obstructions such as tree roots.

Protect Against Flooding and Water Damage

Part of preventing sewer backups involves having a plan if water or sewage does enter your home. Heavy rainfall increases the risk of basement flooding, which can damage property including carpeting, furniture, and personal belongings. Moisture in the air can also lead to mold formation, which can be damaging to both your home and health. A snowball effect is often the case when water finds its way into your home.

What you can do:

  •         Clear gutters of leaves and debris so they can adequately collect storm water.
  •         Make sure downspouts drain away from your foundation by at least a few feet.
  •         Install a sump pump as part of an interior drainage system.
  •         Use a sump pump with a battery backup in the case of electrical loss.

Prevent Electricity Loss

When a thunderstorm hits, you might start lighting candles and checking flashlight batteries to prepare for a power outage. To prevent the loss of electricity for any length of time and at any time of year, a backup generator may be the best solution. It provides both convenience and safety by keeping important parts of your home running, especially heating and air conditioning. During a storm, losing power for a long period of time can mean inconvenient and unsafe conditions for you and your loved ones.

Benefits of a backup generator:

  •           Turns on automatically within 10 seconds of a power outage.
  •           Keeps major appliances and other devices running for as long as electricity is lost.
  •           Provides protection at any time of year to keep your home and family safe.

Protect Against Power Surges

Power surges occur when an increase in voltage greatly surpasses the designated level in a flow of electricity. When this happens, depending on the intensity, damage is caused to your electrical devices either immediately or over time. Lightning is a commonly known cause of power surges and the most intense. If it strikes in the right place during a storm, you may be facing an electrical fire or serious, irreversible damage to your electronics.

What you can do:

  •           Invest in an individual or whole-home surge protector that provides protection by detecting for spikes in electrical currents and diverting them to the grounding wire of an outlet.
  •           Unplug computers, televisions, phone chargers, etc. during a storm to prevent electrical damage.
  •           Upgrade your home’s electrical capacity to meet the demands of your electrical needs. The operation of high-power devices such as air conditioners and refrigerators can cause brief power surges that may lead to significant damage over time.

Taking steps to prepare your home before a storm hits can help to keep serious, costly damage and dangerous conditions from happening. Having an emergency supply on hand is also important for the safety of yourself and loved ones. Supplies like water, nonperishable food, a safety first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio can help you to stay safe in the case of a severe storm.

For the latest home safety and maintenance tips you can follow Gillece on Twitter @GilleceServices.

General Safety Issues

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN MAY ARRIVES?

 For most of us, the first thing we think of is Mother’s Day. For me, the month of May reminds me to not forget several friends who have birthdays this month.  Every Mother’s Day, when I was young, we wore a red rose to church if our mother were living, and a white one if your mom was deceased.  That was a long time ago, and it seems that tradition is one that has fallen by the wayside.  I would love to see it renewed. 

Everyone of us has a different opinion of just what their mother means to them.  Mine was not a strong lady, as she had rheumatoid arthritis beginning at a young age.  My dad did almost everything for her that she was unable to do.  But for many years, she was a wonderful cook, and I still remember some special dishes that I regret not having the recipes for.  Today would be not only Mother’s Day for her, but her birthday, as well.

Also in May, we think about getting our flowers and vegetable gardens planted and hope it doesn’t storm.  Thunderstorms are also a “gift” from Mother Nature to us, that we must be prepared for.  Between our guest authors and us, we hope you have your care pack stocked with staples, water, flashlight, cell phone handy, and of, course, supplies for Fido and Felix the cat.

Toward the end of May is the end of school!  God bless all the Moms and Dads that will be keeping little ones entertained; there’s plenty to do.  Encourage them to play outside and get some sunshine and exercise in your yard or a safe place.  May also brings graduation, a happy time for parents.  You’ve watched your children grow up and become young adults.  Now is a new time for them: to step out into the real world, go to college, or find a job.  They want to try their wings, and let’s hope that they have the background and training to not try them too much!
Mayday is an emergency code word used internationally as a distress signal in voice procedure radio communications, derived from the French venez m’aider, (1927)g “come [to] help me.” It is used to signal a life-threatening emergency by many groups, such as police forces, pilots, the fire brigade, and transportation organizations. The call is always given three times in a row (“Mayday Mayday Mayday”) to prevent mistaking it for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual mayday call from a message about a mayday call.

A Mayday situation is one in which a vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. Examples of “grave and imminent danger” in which a mayday call would be appropriate include fire, explosion or sinking. Mayday calls can be made on any frequency, and when a mayday call is made no other radio traffic is permitted except to assist in the emergency. A mayday call may only be made when life or craft is in imminent danger of death or destruction.
‘Mayday’ calls are made by radio, such as a ship or aircraft’s VHF radio. Although a Mayday call will be understood regardless of the radio frequency on which it is broadcast, first-line response organisations, such as the coastguard and air traffic control, monitor designated channels: marine MF on 2182 kHz; marine VHF radio channel 16 (156.8 MHz); and airband frequencies of 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz. A Mayday call is roughly equivalent of a morse code SOS, or a telephone call to the emergency services.

Always remember why we observe  Memorial Day, (U.S.)  This is a national holiday, but the importance of this day is to honor those who have fought and died in past and existing wars.  Let us never forget those who gave their lives for their country.

 Thanks for letting me be a little melancholy today.  We hope this month will reap sunshine and roses for all of you. Stay safe.

Source: Yahoo answers

General Safety Issues

SEVERAL BLOGS FEATURING TOP PAINTING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS (GUEST POST)

Want a fresh new look on your walls? Need ideas for painting a nursery? Painting is not hard if you know the basics, and these eighteen blog entries will give you all the information that you need to successfully paint your own walls.  Once you get the hang of painting you’ll be unstoppable, no more wasting money hiring someone else to paint your rooms! And as tempting as it may be, make sure that you don’t skip the prep-work, because it could make the difference between a job well done and one that looks less than perfect.

Preparing to Paint & Tools

Preparing a room and walls properly for painting makes the paint go on smoother and ensures that you are proud of the finished product.  The walls need to be clean, nail holes should be filled and any areas where you don’t want paint need to be taped off. These six blog posts will walk you through the steps you should take before picking up a paint brush.

Successful Painting

In addition to prepping the walls for paint, there are other things that you need to keep in mind, so you’ll need to know all of the correct tools for the job. For instance, you can’t start and stop just anywhere while you are painting if you want consistent color across the wall.  Learn information about cutting in when you read through the following six blog posts about painting your walls.

Advanced Tips & Clean-Up

Here are some tips regarding clean-up and how to care for your brushes and tools so that they will last a long time.  Along with the clean-up tips, there are some tips for different paint treatments that are simple enough for a beginner to do with a little guidance.

These great tips were sent to us by Jeralyn Nelson, of http://www.housesittingjobs.com

You might want to stock up on some face masks to keep you from inhaling dust particles and the paint itself, especially varnish. pb

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

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR DISASTER (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Nancy Parker.  Her bio follows this article. pb

There are many different kinds of disasters and they are always out of human control. As an adult you know how to prepare and what to do during a disaster, but what about the children? Some adults neglect to teach their child what to do base on the fact it could ‘never happen’ to them. Before it’s too late, here are ways to help you prepare your child for a disaster:

Educate: It is always good to keep your child informed of possible and potential disasters. Now this doesn’t mean that you educate them to the point where they live in fear but that they understand the potential disaster. When teaching them about disasters, keep the conversation upbeat and positive by stating that there is a solution to the disaster. Keep the conversations short, allow for questions and answer honestly.

Prepare:Always be prepared, that is the best advice for a disaster. Get the supplies that you need to help yourself during a disaster. For example if it’s preparing for bad weather, gather the tools you need like candles, emergency radios, food, water, and a first aid kit.  Teach your child what is needed in certain disasters so that they know what is available for them, if ever needed.

Plan:You should always have an emergency plan for you and your child for any dangerous situation. Teach them the first they should do for different disasters. Write out a simple and easy list that they can read. Typically that emergency plan should start with “listen to an adult’s advice and/or call 911”.

Practice:Once you have purchased the correct safety tools and figured out the right plan, practice. Practicing with your child what to do during a disaster will help them if the time comes. Explain during the practice the procedures that they need to take and why. Practice this emergency plan every few months.

Reaction: The most important advice that regency officials can give people during a disaster is to remain calm. Teach your child to remain calm during emergencies. You can do this by leading by example, if you remain calm you child is more likely to remain calm. Disasters have the potential to be worse if there is fear and panic to cause confusion and difficulty.

Disasters can’t be avoided but they can be lessened the more you are prepared and ready for one. Teaching your child this will help you and them in any future events. Remember above anything else, remain calm and work with them on the emergency plan.

 Author Bio

Nancy Parker was a professional full time nanny and she loves to write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, Babysitting, nanny background check tips etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

OUR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ARE READY, BUT ARE WE?

One never knows when an emergency will happen, and first aid is one of those things that we all hope we will never be called on to do, but should know in case of an accident.   From the business perspective, bringing a first aid trainer into the workplace can become part of a team-building exercise, as it encourages people to work together to learn for a common goal.  Staff can learn to identify dangerous situations before accidents happen.  This will have a significant impact on the bottom line – in terms of both human cost (lost time, Worker’s Comp claims, and administration time) and insurance and claims costs. 

Know-How (First Aid Precautions): 

1.      SAFETY is the first rule in first aid, (and common sense).  When assisting someone else do not become the second casualty.  Do not enter a burning building to rescue someone unless you are trained to do so, and if you do not swim, don’t enter deep water to rescue someone who is drowning.

2.      Avoid going beyond your training; make sure that you are not doing more harm than good. Leave the medical expertise to the Paramedics and Physicians.

3.      Stay away from medication unless the patient/casualty has their own medication prescribed by the doctor for the particular problem they are experiencing.

4.      Keep injuries to a minimum by knowing what to do when faced with an emergency – take a first aid or CPR course and learn how to save a life. 

It pays to keep first aid kits in your car, home, and at work.  Most workplaces have welll stocked first aid kits.  Kits should be full of supplies that are appropriate for location and planned activities.  It is a good idea for coaches of all sports for youngsters to keep a first aid kit at practice and games, and to know how to administer first aid.  Having an Automatic External Defibrillator, (AED) on site can be life-saving, from a sporting event to a church service.  One never knows when or where a heart attack can occur.  Check your first aid kit to see if it contains:

  •        Bandages
  •        Sterile gauze pads
  •        Alcohol pads
  •        Dressings
  •        Soap
  •        Saline
  •        Tweezers
  •        Disposable gloves
  •        Over the counter pain medications
  •        CPR pocket mask or face shield
  •        Aloe Vera gel
  •        Mixed sizes of safety pins.
  •        Sting relief
  •       Antibiotic ointment  

At work, be sure you know where the first aid kits are located and take a course in first aid if it is offered at your place of employment.  You never know when you may need it.  If you are going on a trip, it may be the most important thing you take with you.

Tomorrow, we will continue on this subject by discussing what to do when some of the most common accidents happen to us, either at work or home.  Please stay tuned……….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HURRICANES, 2012!!!

First, this note:  All Americans know that today, Monday,  is Memorial Day; a day of solemn remembrance to honor those who have served our country and died in the line of duty.  We wish for their families to be aware of the respect that their loved ones deserve, now and forever.  Flags are flying all over towns and cities as reminders of the flag they so loved.  May we never forget them, or fail to support our troops who are serving in this country and foreign lands.  May someday we all see our world become more peaceful.

This week, May 27-June 2, is national Hurricane Preparedness Week. To help prepare residents of hurricane-prone areas, NOAA is unveiling a new set of video and audio public service announcements featuring NOAA hurricane experts and the FEMA administrator that are available in both English and Spanish. These are available at http://www.hurricanes.gov/prepare. 

NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook does not predict where and when any of these storms may hit. Landfall is dictated by weather patterns in place at the time the storm approaches. For each storm, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center forecasts how these weather patterns affect the storm track, intensity and landfall potential. 

Earlier this week, The Weather Channel updated its forecast for the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season.  The Weather Channel outlook calls for 11 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. Pay attention to your NOAA radio or television Weather Channel for the most current updates, so you can ” batten down the hatches! ”

NOAA’s outlook predicts a less active season compared to recent years,” said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. “But regardless of the outlook, it’s vital for anyone living or vacationing in hurricane-prone locations to be prepared. We have a stark reminder this year with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew.” Andrew, the Category 5 hurricane that devastated South Florida on August 24, 1992, was the first storm in a late-starting season that produced only six named storms. 

Hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline; strong winds and flooding rainfall often pose a threat across inland areas along with the risk for tornadoes.  The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. It operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Visit them online at weather.gov and on Facebook. 

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit them on Facebook.  Listed below are suggestions to help you be prepared: 

  •        Secure your home;
  •        Have a plan that includes your family, elderly, and pets;
  •        Be sure your insurance papers are in order;
  •        You need to have a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each individual;
  •        Have a emergency first aid kit and flashlight;
  •        Be sure you have all medicines;
  •        Notify next of kin or friends that you may be needing to stay with them until the all-clear; 

In the event of a hurricane hitting your town, do not go back until the authorities give permission.  Many times, downed power lines or other hazards cause injuries.  Let’s hope that this will be a mild season for those who live on coastlines, or inward communities that can be affected by this type of devastation.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?

Many citizens of the U.S. survived a very hot, dry summer, and tried all the safety tips offered to them to prevent them from being overcome from the heat.  Now, just as quickly, we turn around to face a cold winter.  Funny, how the climate changes each year, isn’t it?  The world keeps turning and we keep trying to adjust to Mother Nature. 

Regardless of the season, every family should have a disaster plan in place.  Here are some basic steps to follow:

  • Know what your community’s warning signals are.
  • Family should decide on two places to meet: a place outside your home for an emergency such as a fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. 
  • Select an out-of-area friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family is separated.
  • Post emergency phone numbers by the phones.  Have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home.  Have a first aid kit and supplies handy and have your family learn basic safety and first aid measures. 
  • Be sure that everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency medical services phone number.  

Next,  have home emergency supplies on hand.  There could be a winter storm or power outage that could prevent you from leaving home. 

  •          Flashlights and extra batteries.
  •          NOAA weather radio.
  •          Non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration.
  •          Bottled water.
  •          One-week supply of essential medications.
  •          Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
  •          Emergency heating equipment, used properly. 

If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to winterize your home! 

  • Have your heating system checked by a professional annually.  If you heat with wood, clean your fireplace or stove.  Have your chimney flue checked for buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
  • If you failed to replace batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when the time changed, do it now.
  • Be sure your home is properly insulated.  If not, insulate walls and attic.  This will help conserve energy and reduce your homes’ power demand for heat.
  • Inspect and flush your water heater.
  • Clean gutters of leaves and other debris in order to not hamper drainage.
  • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
  • Cover the papers with plastic to keep out moisture.
  • Leave faucets dripping slightly to avoid freezing.
  • Know how to shut off water valves.
  • If the house isn’t very warm inside, leave cabinet doors open where pipes are.
  • Set the heat no lower than 55 degrees. 

Last but not least, a word about generators, which can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you have a temporary loss of electricity.  Before installing a generator, disconnect from your utility electrical service, and if possible, have a qualified electrician install it.  NEVER run a generator indoors!  Carbon monoxide gas from the exhaust of the generator can spread throughout closed spaces.  Overloading a generator can damage it, and the appliances connected to it.  Never let children around generators. 

We have many more tips for winter safety.  Stay tuned and we’ll bring more later…..Till then, stay warm and safe!