Tag Archives: prevention

General Safety Issues

A LOOK INTO THE MIND OF A BURGLAR (GUEST POST)

Burglar Reveals 15 Trade Secrets – A Look Into The Mind of a Burglar


Ever wonder what goes through the mind of a burglar? Well, SimpliSafe home security sent a team of us out to hit the streets for some raw data. We got the chance to sit down with burglary professionals and ask them some real tough questions. It wasn’t easy getting these questions answered but we got them! We gathered the most common answers and assembled them to give you an inside look into the mind of a burglar. It’s time for you to meet Bob, your local burglar.


“Hello, my name is Bob and I’m your local neighborhood burglar!”
First I’m going to tell you what I look for before breaking into your home, and then I’m going to tell you how I can break into your home. I’ll even tell you what I’m doing and looking for inside your home.  A lot of people ask me why I do what I do, and why I haven’t been caught yet. Do you know what I tell them? Because people don’t realize how easy they make it for me. I shouldn’t be doing this but I need a challenge!
Here’s what I’m looking for to make your house my next target:
Before picking a house I have to scope the whole neighborhood. To do this I’m not going to be walking in the traditional cat burglar uniform. I’m going to be walking around with a rake, dressed up as the cable, electric, or phone repairman. In some cases I even post a flier on your door for a closer look. Usually my work hours are from 8AM-11AM. I want to avoid any kind of confrontation.

 
· High privacy fences – This way your pesky neighbors can’t sneak up on me or call the police
· Any sort of high vegetation, like trees or shrubbery, covering your windows – this way they can’t see me break your window. I prefer lots of cover.
· Toys or playground equipment in your yard – Toys or playground equipment in your yard are signs that kids live there, which to me equals a mother lives there and “cha-ching” that means JEWELRY.
· I’ll post a flyer on your door to get a closer look of your home. I’m also checking to see if you have a burglar alarm.
Here’s how I break into your home:
· I’ll knock on your door to see if anyone is home. If someone answers the door I’ll just come up with some bogus story.
· I’m going to check if the front or back door is unlocked. Sometimes people usually hide a key somewhere easy to access. If I can’t find a key I will check the windows. If worse comes to worse I’ll just smash a window.
· I can also get into a home through your doors using my trusty crowbar.
· If I can’t make it into your house in one minute I just move onto the next one.
Now here’s what I’m doing once I’m inside your home:
· I always use the same search pattern. I go straight to the master bedroom. I look for cash, jewelry, or anything that might be valuable. People often make the mistake of leaving money or jewelry in the most common areas.
· I’ll even look under the bed and in your closets.
· I’m always listening for outside noises. It’s a 6th sense.
· I check your bathroom medicine cabinets for any narcotic prescriptions. Pills are easy money.
· I’m going to check your kitchen and living room for electronics, credit cards, car keys, and personal information.
· After I have gathered everything I need, I call my backup driver to meet me so we can load up all the goods in the car or van.
· Once I have loaded all the goods, my associate and I drive away to the next target. It’s a never ending cycle.

And that’s it folks. It usually takes me about 8-12 minutes to get in and out of your home. It’s as easy as that!
In closing, there are a lot of things that you can do to avoid someone like me. Home Security is Important!” A security system is a no brain-er. If that’s not an option, leaving a TV or stereo on during the day usually helps someone like me avoid your home. This usually indicates someone is home. Also most burglars won’t even attempt entry if they know there’s a large dog in the home.
So now you know my methods and secrets. Hopefully this will help you avoid bad guys like me. If not, I’ll be lurking around. “So, once again, I’m Bob, your local Burglar, and I’ll be coming to a city near you!”

Our thanks to Kevin Raposo, with another article from his series on home security.  Kevin Raposo is a writer for SimpliSafe-Live Safely, and can be contacted at kevin@simplisafe.com. He will be featured in upcoming articles.  Our homes are our castles; we don’t want Bob or any other bandit invading them!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

NO MORE DOG BITES, PLEASE!

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In the United States last year, 4.7 million people were bitten by dogs, with children being by far the most common victims, and the most likely to be severely injured.    Over 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites annually – with 400,000 victims being children.  The U.S. Postal Service reports that around 2,500 mail carriers are included in those statistics.  The next-most common victims of dog bites are senior citizens.  The American Veterinary Medical Association is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service and American Academy of Pediatrics to sponsor the 18th annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, (May 14-20),  in hopes of educating the public on how best to prevent dog bites. 

A dog’s mouth can deliver from 150 to 450 pounds of pressure.  Imagine if the mouth with its strong sharp teeth is latched on your arm or your leg. A dog’s bite can cause deep punctures and big lacerations. It can also cause broken bones and may damage the muscles and the tendons.  Naturally, these kinds of wounds would bleed profusely.  That is why it is so important to understand the importance of preventing dog bites. 

Here are some interesting facts from experts that will help us understand the nature of dogs, and what may cause them to bite, particularly, a child.

  • Children are dog height, and may be loud and unpredictable.  When a child screams and runs, it may seem like prey to a dog.
  • If dogs are not socialized around children, they are often less tolerant and can be caught off guard by their behaviors.  Carefully select your pet, and make sure it is socialized as a young puppy so it is at ease with other people and animals.
  • Dogs have some degree of tolerance, but may reach their threshold of patience quickly.  Do not tease them.
  • Human behaviors that children may do around dogs, i.e., hug, kiss, and make eye contact are offensive to dogs, especially if they do not know the child.
  • Signs of discomfort by a dog are: turning away, yawning, licking their lips, ears back, hair bristled up, then a growl or snap. 

Here are some basic safety tips to teach and review with your children often.  It’s good advice for adults, as well:

  • Do not scream or run from a dog – remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not approach a dog that is alone in a fence, car, or on a chain. If you own a dog, be sure the fenced yard and gates are secure.
  • Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
  • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
  • Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or taking care of puppies.
  • Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
  • If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
  • Try to throw a jacket, purse, or anything to distract him from you in the event of being attacked. 
  • Treat your pet with respect.
  • Never leave a small child alone with a dog.
  • Dogs must be vaccinated regularly.  Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system when bitten by a rabid animal.  Vaccination is a simple way to protect your pets and family.

When someone is bitten by a dog, here’s what to do:

  1. If the dog’s owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner’s name and contact information.
  2. Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
  3. Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if it’s after office hours.
  4. Contact the dog’s veterinarian to check vaccination records.

It is important to distribute this information to the public; however, please don’t get the idea that all dogs bite!  There are around 67 million great dogs out there!  It’s up to owners to teach them how to socialize, to see that they are spayed or neutered, and keep their shots current.  They make wonderful companions, and love their owners unconditionally.  I can’t imagine life without a dog.   Appreciate your pets and train your dogs to behave!  Most important of all, monitor your dog when children are around.  No one wants to see anyone suffer from a dog bite! 

Source: AVMA

 

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH – PART II

Yesterday we talked about the efforts to end distracted driving, especially the use of cell phones, both talking and texting, which adds to the distractions that drivers already face.  New cars have such technological screens that drivers can access just about anything.  This would compound the problem of focusing on the road, not social media, or other diversions.  Commercial and public transportation vehicles are at risk, as well as personal and recreational drivers.  In 2007, 413,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes in the U.S. and 4,584 were involved in crashes that were fatal, killing a total of 4,808 people.  Of those killed in crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, 75 per cent were occupants of other vehicles.  

Although a company may not be directly liable for its employees’ actions, employers may be held vicariously liable for dangerous behavior and negligent actions of their employees while conducting company business.  Today’s Employers’ Vicarious Liability litigation is often aimed at employers who fail to prohibit their employees from using distracting devices for business purposes, such as cell phones, while driving.  Juries usually react unfavorably to employers whose employee drivers were found guilty of causing an accident while using a cellular device.  The most viable measure that we as a society can explore is an attempt to educate new drivers on the dangers of driving while distracted.  

Mitigating driving distractions in this country is very difficult, but mitigating a company’s exposure to vicarious liability is often manageable under the guidance and knowledge of the right insurance professionals.  They are able to work with the company to develop an appropriate policy regarding cell phones.  This policy won’t necessarily absolve an employer from any and all liability, but there’s no doubt that the employer with a policy in place will be in a better position legally than an employer who does not.  This helps the court recognize that the employer discussed with employees the importance of this issue. 

Twenty-one states in the U.S. have passed laws that ban texting and emailing while driving.  Others have banned talking on a cell phone altogether unless a hands-free device is used. (This has been proved to be no safer than hand-held ones.)  Federal employees are banned from typing on a mobile phone while driving.  It is interesting that other countries around the world have long prohibited the use of cell phones while driving, such as Great Britain, who made it a criminal offense to use a cell phone while driving in 2003, and Japan outlawed use of a cell phone while driving in 2002.  Japan even made it punishable by up to three months imprisonment.)  Statewide, there have been proposed over 200 new bills to combat distracted driving in the U.S. 

Under the legal theory of respondeat superior, referred to as vicarious responsibility, an employer is liable for the actions of an employee if the employee was acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the accident.  Thus, if an employee causes injury through negligent conduct, during employment, the victim is entitled to sue the employer directly for damages.  If an employee operates a vehicle negligently as a result of using a cell phone and injures another motorist or pedestrian, that victim may sue the employer directly.  Because detailed cell phone records are accessible, evidence of cell phone use at the time of the accident is fodder for plaintiffs’ attorneys. 

There are many things that companies can do to avoid litigation, such as the use of software that helps manage their risk of their employees’ negligent driving.  One such maker of software, ZoomSafer, has designed software that is easily installed on an employee’s smart phone to help prevent distracted driving.  It is activated manually by the employee at the time he/she begins to drive.  It can also activate itself by using GPS signals to automatically detect when the employee is driving.  It also manages inbound calls, texts and emails according to preference and can automatically notify others when the owner of the cell phone is driving.  (It’s like having your own personal secretary!)  

Also, this product allows each employer to manage the controls on an individual device level.  Rather than depending on individual employee’s compliance with the company’s cell phone policy, this enables the employer to directly manage an employee’s ability to access a cell phone while driving.  Software such as this helps companies’ safety and risk management by providing a cost-effective tool that enforces their paper-based safe driving policies.  In the event of an employee-caused car accident, this extra layer of control can be critical in insulating an employer from vicarious liability. 

Any manner that can protect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and even animals from being injured or killed by distracted drivers is worth pursuing.  Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, recently declared,  “distracted driving has gone from a dangerous practice to a deadly epidemic.”

 

Source: ZoomSafer

General Safety Issues

TACTICS TO AVOID SEXUAL ABUSE

Although it is a subject that no one wants to discuss, we need to do all we can to help persons know how to protect themselves from sexual assault.  The month of April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a time to consider that this problem is one that is committed all too often.  Many times, assault victims don’t report it, because they become the one that is blamed for the act, rather than the perpetrator.  Rape, or sexual assault, is a violent crime, not a sexual act.

Listed below are good tips from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault.  Please consider these ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim: 

  • On Dates:  If you are on a first date with someone, and you don’t really know much about that person, meet in a public place, arriving and leaving separately.  If a situation makes you uncomfortable, speak up.  Don’t isolate yourself with someone you don’t know or trust.  Trust your feelings; if it doesn’t feel right, or you feel pressured, listen to yourself.  Once you say “No”, it becomes a crime if an assault takes place.
  • At Home: Have a door viewer and a dead bolt lock on your front door.  Never hide a key over a door or other obvious places.  Be cautious about revealing personal information over the phone or internet.  Keep your blinds and curtains closed at night.  Never admit strangers or unwanted contacts to your home under any circumstances.
  • In the Car:  Always lock your car when leaving and entering it.  Look in the back seat before entering your car.  Have your cell phone with you at all times.  Lock yourself in the car if you have car trouble, call for help, and wait for assistance to arrive.  If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest public place and blow your horn.  If a police station or hospital is nearby, go there.
  • At Parties:  Go with friends and stay with your group.  Watch out for each other and leave together.  Never leave a beverage unattended.  Overuse of alcohol or drugs can decrease your awareness and make you vulnerable.  No matter how persuasive or attractive a stranger may be, never leave with that person.
  • On the Street:  Don’t walk close to alleyways and bushes.  Wear sensible clothing and shoes, which will allow you to maneuver or run.  Stay alert and aware.  If you walk or jog, take alternate routes or time on the street.  Predictable behavior is risky.  Keep your cell phone in your pocket. 

Other statistics pertaining to this topic, are the ones regarding Child Sexual Assault.  Between 75 per cent and 80 per cent of assailants are known to the family, or are family members.  Parents should know that young children do not make up stories about a subject as serious as this.  Children are never responsible for these assaults made against them; however, most children are afraid to tell their parents.  Children can be taught to use their own resources to protect themselves, such as kicking, yelling, running, getting help, etc.  The key is that they know to whom they can turn for immediate and unquestioning help.  Schools may do some instruction to children on ways to protect themselves. 

Again, we can’t turn our backs on subjects that are not pleasant to discuss.  Counselors encourage people to spread the word about ways to avoid becoming a victim.  It can happen to children, adults, seniors, any one, any age.  The National Sexual Assault Hotline, (800-656-HOPE) is available 24/7, offering free confidential services.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ADVICE TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY

Although this comes a litle late, we want to remind you that April 2nd through April 8th was designated by the American Public Health Association as National Public Health Week.  Because almost 1 million Americans die each year from diseases that could have been prevented, even small preventive changes and community initiatives can make a big difference in living healthier lives.  Here are just a few ideas from the APHA: 

Eating and Living Healthy – eating healthier and exercising regularly can go a long way toward helping Americans lessen their risk of preventable death from causes such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer.  Try eating more fruits and less fats and sugar, and also get into the habit of eating as a family.  Aim for 60 minutes per day of physical activity for children, and at least 30 minutes for adults.  Every one of us should have 30 minutes to spare for a short walk or exercise in the home. 

Preventive Care – also matters when it comes to the mind and prescription drug abuse.  Mental health and emotional well-being are focused on, as annual deaths from prescription drug abuse have quadrupled in the last decade.  The cost of preventive screenings differ, but there is advice on how to control your out of pocket expenses.  Companies may sometimes provide screenings for their employees, and this rewards those who may need some preventive care, as well as their employer, by keeping their workers healthy. 

An ounce of mental health prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Those who suffer from depression and other mental stress can be helped by screenings, as well as therapy, or some mild form of medication.  Don’t let depression get in your way of happiness.  Signs of depression may lead to suicidal thinking.  If you know someone who may appear to have this problem, encourage them to seek professional help.

Communicable Diseases – encourage everyone to wash their hands often, every time they shop, prepare food, or handle fruits, vegetables, and meats.  Also, when sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth.  Take advantage of vaccinations, such as flu shots during seasonal outbreaks.  If you become sick, stay home until you are well, in order to not expose others to your “bug”.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs – identify alcohol and drug use disorders early to reduce high-risk alcohol and drug consumption.  A person who has a problem with alcohol or drugs is a hazard at work, as well as to themselves. 

Reproductive and Sexual Health – Practice safe sex, encourage responsible contraception behavior and promote access to preventive health services.  

Our communities can play a vital role to encourage their citizens on how to live  healthy, active life styles.  Many 5K runs and walks are beneficial ways to be healthy (you have to train), and know that you are doing it for a worthy cause, as well.  Work with schools to add more physical activity into the school day, including additional physical education classes, before-and-after-school programs, and opening school facilities for student and family recreation in the late afternoon and evening.  Community leaders can also ensure their city parks are safe and in good repair, and have a community center that enables young people to have a safe place to go for multiple games and activities.

Good health information is available at hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities .  Pick up some of the brochures and you may be surprised at the good advice they offer on preventive health care.  Have a safe and healthy Spring and Summer.

General Safety Issues

PREVENTING WRONG-WAY ACCIDENTS

Has anyone out there come up with the solution to prevent wrong-way accidents?  Probably not, because they are still happening and lives are being lost.  If you do have a suggestion, please send it to us, and we will do a follow-up article on this subject.  It would be good to see how many different ideas we can think of.  One thing that has been suggested for the motoring public to do is immediately report someone driving in the wrong direction to law enforcement.  The law does provide an exemption for cell phone use while driving in case of an emergency. 

If wrong-way driving is seemingly rare, why is it that about 350 people are killed and thousands more are injured every year as a result of people driving the wrong way?  This problem isn’t going away, even though researchers are looking for a way to keep it from happening.   In an attempt to curb a rising number of wrong-way crashes in the Fort Worth area, the Texas Department of Transportation, along with the Texas Transportation Institute, researched the causes of this deadly driving phenomenon.  Their findings were, not surprisingly, that most drivers were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that most wrong-way drivers entered the highway by getting on at an exit ramp.  Their findings also showed that crashes between vehicles going the wrong way are usually severe and more likely to result in serious injury or death.  Also, they may be more likely to involve elderly drivers, and happen usually at night or early morning. 

A common suggestion is to place road spikes at exit ramps.  This type of barrier has been tested to determine if they could be used at off-ramps to stop vehicles from entering the wrong way; however, this idea isn’t feasible.  The spikes, even modified in shape, do not cause the tires to deflate quickly enough to prevent a vehicle from entering the freeway.  Stubs could also be left to damage the tires of right-way vehicles.  And, as it was pointed out, if you did stop a wrong-way car with road spikes, then you have a stalled car sitting at the exit ramp.  (Of course, that’s  better than on the freeway).

Another approach being tried by the state of Texas is installing sensors in the asphalt on several highway on-ramps that can detect when a car is travelling the wrong way.  The sensors can’t prevent drivers from getting on the highway going the wrong way, but they can send an alert to local police, who could possibly have a better chance of stopping the driver than for a driver to phone in a 911 call.  Florida and New Mexico have installed sensor systems that can detect wrong-way drivers and alert oncoming cars of potential dangers. (Good plan).

The TTI study showed that impaired drivers are looking down at the road in front of their car, and don’t look up, so they don’t see the “Do Not Enter” or “Wrong Way” signs that are displayed about 7-feet high.  The federal government wants to approve 2 ft. high reflective signs, which will also help drivers with poor night vision.  Another possible solution is reflective pavement bumps placed at ramps to indicate the correct direction.  The bumps are arranged to form an arrow that points in the correct direction to travel. 

It is agreed by authorities that elderly or confused drivers on the wrong side of the road, will pull over, once they have realized what’s happening.  Inebriated drivers are not that concerned with signs, or anything else.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, automakers, and other companies are working on a system that is designed to prevent anyone with a blood-alcohol content higher than 0.08 from operating a vehicle.  Then drunken or drugged drivers couldn’t leave their parking spots.  That would eliminate a large number of the crashes that occur.  Hopefully, when this technology is developed, it will become standard on all cars.  Until that scenario comes to pass, we must encourage drivers to have designated drivers when they plan to drink at a party, or stay home!  There may be occasional cases when someone with a health problem cannot get control of their car.  In this instance, it would be better if they had someone else drive them to their destination rather than take a chance.

Lastly, if judges would punish the DUI offenders by keeping them off the streets, we would all be much safer.  Too often, you read a story about an innocent person(s) who lost their life to a driver under the influence, who had already been convicted of DUI more than one time.  Where’s the justice for those victims?   Think about it this way, you wouldn’t want to meet someone going the wrong way in your lane.  We must pay attention when we are driving and avoid any “chance meetings”.

Seriously, please send in your comments and ideas on how we can correct this deadly problem! Thanks.

General Safety Issues

BURN AWARENESS WEEK – FEBRUARY 5 THROUGH 11

This is a tough topic to write about, but a far tougher experience when a family goes through seeing their child burned in an accident.  Eighty percent of burn injuries occur in and around our homes.  Most of the time, the victims of these accidents are small children.  And, most of the time, those accidents were preventable.  Anyone who has raised children can verify that you can’t turn your back on a toddler.  

There are five national organizations – the International Association of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, the American Burn Association Burn Prevention Committee, the Federation of Burn Foundations, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Home Safety Council (now merged with Safe Kids Worldwide) – who have joined forces to create  National Scald Prevention.  This campaign focuses on the high -risk population 0-4 years of age and the senior population.  Also, the Shriners Hospitals for Children has begun its annual Burn Prevention Campaign.  As we said, homes are the sites of thousands of burn injuries to children every year, including scalds and fire-related injuries.  By following basic safety tips, many of these incidents would not have happened.  Shriners Hospitals for Children changes lives every day through innovative pediatric care, world-class research and outstanding medical education.  Twenty-two hospitals in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. 

One type of fire injury that toddlers and children suffer is from touching the glass front of a gas fireplace.  FairWarning report published in 2011 revealed that more than 2,000 children ages 5 and younger have suffered burns from fireplace glass since 1999, according to a federal estimate; however, some burn specialists think the actual toll is higher.  Children’s Hospital Colorado Burn Center reports:

  •          Contact with the glass of gas fireplace doors can result in second or third degree burns.
  •          Burns of the hand can result in hand dysfunction causing long term impairment and disability.
  •          Treatment of burns of the hand are time intensive, costly, painful, and can require long term therapy of the hand.
  •          The glass barrier of a gas fireplace door can heat up to more than 200 degrees F in approximately 6 minutes. 

Every year there are approximately 25,000 burn injuries resulting from scalds.  These injuries are very painful and require prolonged treatment.  The majority of scald injuries are related to hot tap water and cooking accidents.  These are places where we adults have the most control. Adequate and continuous supervision is the most effective way to prevent young children from receiving scald burns.  

The kitchen is the place where children under five are at the highest risk for burns caused by hot fluids.  We must teach our children/grandchildren under age five to not play around the stove or microwave.  Tablecloths and place mats are tempting for children to pull on, which could also cause a spill of hot foods.  Next, the bathroom is the second highest risk area for scald burn injuries in the home.  The temperature of the water that comes from the water heater should be set at a maximum of 120 degrees F.  To test bath water, submerge the hand, spread the fingers and move the hand vigorously in the water.  If the water is uncomfortable to the hand, it is too hot for a child.  Young children’s skin is thinner that adults, therefore there is an increased risk of scalding. 

Children should never be left unattended around burning candles.  Cigarettes, lighters, and other incendiary products should never be where a toddler can get to them.  There could be nothing worse than the guilt of leaving something around where curious little fingers could pick them up and injury occurred.  These tips are also directed to those who care for or are responsible for senior citizens that may be at the point of being left unattended in their homes.  Hundreds of seniors have been seriously burned, or even worse, because they simply forgot that they left something cooking on their stove, until it was too late.  They may not be able to take responsibility for themselves.  Their personal safety should be the responsibility of a close family member, or close friend.  If they have no one to check on them or a caregiver, neighbors should call Family Protective Services or another local organization that can follow up to ensure their safety. 

Please observe Burn Awareness not just this week, but all year long.  Watch out for our “little citizens” and “senior citizens.”

General Safety Issues

AN IMPORTANT DECEMBER MESSAGE –

NATIONAL DRUNK AND DRUGGED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH 

Truth be told, studies show that 97% of Americans see drinking and driving as a threat to them and their families.  Too often innocent lives are lost because of someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Impaired driving is one of America’s most serious crimes.The entire month of December is time taken and sponsored by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), and Governors Highway Safety Association, to remind all drivers to leave the party “at the party”, not on the road.  This years’ theme is “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”  

Officers know the cues to watch for when suspecting a driver is under the influence.  Citizens can do the same thing, and have a passenger call the highway patrol (or pull over and give the license number), if they see suspicious activity on the highway.  Some of the cues that officers observe that lead them to stop a driver are:

  • Weaving
  • Weaving across lane lines
  • Swerving
  • Drifting
  • Almost hitting another vehicle
  • Stopping in the lane
  • Accelerating for no reason; varying speeds
  • Failure to signal turns
  • Going the wrong way
  • No headlights on at night
  • Following too closely
  • Inappropriate or unusual behavior
  • Impaired appearance.

Again, if you suspect an impaired driver is traveling near you, call law enforcement, and possibly save someone’s life.

Employers can save time, productivity, money and lives if they have an employee-based traffic safety initiative.  Working Partners raises awareness about the impact drugs and alcohol have on the workplace, and helps employees and employers work together to ensure safety on the road, in the office, and at a worksite.  Individuals most likely to drive impaired – those between ages 21 and 34 – are well represented in the workplace and can provide a captive audience for prevention messages.  The NHTSA uses a three-pronged strategy: high-visibility law enforcement and supporting communication campaigns; enhanced prosecution and adjudication; and medical screening and brief intervention for alcohol abuse problems.  Special emphasis is placed on reach high-risk populations, including those between the ages of 21 to 34, repeat offenders, and high-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) offenders. 

So, during the holiday season, when there are more parties and festivities, remember to make plans to have a designated driver – or know how you are going to get home safely.  It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of innocent persons to get behind the wheel.  Not only during holiday season, but every day should be a safe driving day.  There is help for those who are fall the influence of alcohol or drugs on a regular basis, and if you know someone who fits into this category, try to encourage them to get help.  That would be the best Christmas gift of all.  

Drive safely and sober!

 NHTSA

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS AWARENESS OF SEVERAL DISEASES

To persons who suffer from any of these diseases, it’s not necessary to be reminded that November is designated as National COPD Awareness Month, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Diabetes Awareness Month, and Epilepsy Awareness Month.  Most of us know persons who have one of these very serious health conditions, and want to do our part to make the world realize that they can help by donating or getting involved. 

On behalf of the 24 million Americans living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and a disease that kills one person every four minutes, the COPD Foundation is leading the call for increased research initiatives, enhanced screening and diagnosis, improved treatment and therapies, and heightened public awareness during November, COPD Awareness Month and November 16, 2011, World COPD Day.  COPD encompasses a group of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma and bronchiectasis. The most common symptoms are breathlessness (or a “need for air”), abnormal sputum (a mix of saliva and mucus in the airway), and a chronic cough. Daily activities, such as walking up a short flight of stairs or taking a shower, can become very difficult as the condition gradually worsens. The primary cause of COPD is tobacco smoke (including second-hand or passive exposure).

Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness.  I have watched loved ones forget who even their closest family members are.  It is a cruel disease.  It takes away the person’s memory and gradually all of their abilities, with symptoms progressively worsening.  Beginning with mild memory loss, until the late stages, the person loses the capability to carry on a conversation or even respond to their environment.  Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.  A worldwide effort is being made to find better ways to treat the disease, delay it’s onset, and prevent it from developing.  There can be other reasons for memory loss, but if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, consult with your physician, to reassure you that there may be other reasons behind it. 

There are 23.6 million Americans with some form of Diabetes.   Persons with diabetes know that checking their levels every day is very important, and diet plays another important part of staying healthy. 

  • Type 1 – begins in children and young adults.  Type 1 is when the body does not produce insulin.  Five to ten per cent of people have this form of the disease.
  • Type 2 – is the most common form.  The body either does not produce enough insulin, or cells ignore the insulin.  After eating, the body breaks down sugars and starches into glucose, the basic fuel for cells.  Insulin takes sugar from the body into cells.  When glucose builds up in the blood rather than cells, it may lead to diabetes complications.
  • Gestational – sometimes occurs around the 28th week or later of pregnancy.  Most often it doesn’t mean that the mother will have diabetes once her baby is delivered.  It is important that the physician monitor the blood glucose (blood sugar) levels during the pregnancy, so mom and baby will remain healthy.

The Epilepsy Foundation of America is dedicated to the welfare of the more than three million people in the United States with Epilepsy.  The brain is the source of human epilepsy.  Seizures occur when the electric system of the brain malfunctions.  Rather than discharge electric energy in a controlled way, the brain cells can emit a surge of energy through the brain that may cause unconsciousness and contraction of the muscles.  The seizures may last only a couple of minutes, but confusion may linger.  Around 7 out of 10 persons with epilepsy may never know the cause of their seizures.  Things such as head injuries, lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, and other brain injuries may damage the electrical system of the brain.  Although some persons with Epilepsy may be aware of what starts their seizures, many are not.  Many experts feel that most times the cause is patient failure to take their prescribed medications.  Others causes of the beginning of seizures may be stress, sleep patterns, or photosensitivity. 

Thanks to the organizations that support education and awareness of these serious disorders.  America and our friends worldwide hope for a day when there will be preventive measures that can allow future generations to live healthy lives, free from disease.  There are so many worthwhile causes; whether you choose to donate or support the ones we have discussed today, COPD Foundation, Alzheimers’ Association, American Diabetes Association, The Epilepsy Foundation of America, or any organization that is promoting better health, get involved in some way.  Any amount of money or volunteering your time to one or more of these organizations is greatly appreciated.  You may be helping a friend or family member that is or may become a victim of one of these diseases.

Sources:

COPD Foundation/Alzheimer’s.Org/American Diabetes Association/Epilepsy Foundation of America

General Safety Issues

HAMMERING IN THE POINT OF NAIL GUN SAFETY

Anything that has to do with guns of any type makes me nervous!  In the field of construction, nail guns have taken the place of hammers, in many instances.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have issued a nail gun safety guide (Nail Gun Safety – A Guide for Construction Contractors), that details practical steps to prevent injuries, including use of tools with sequential triggers, training prior to use, and use of appropriate protective equipment, such as safety eye protection. 

Nail guns are used to drive nails into wood, roofing, or other types of material.  They can be driven by compressed air (pneumatic), highly flammable gases such as butane or propane, electromagnetism, or, for powder-actuated tools, a small explosive charge.  Work-related nail gun injuries are responsible for approximately 37,000 emergency room visits annually.  Many construction workers use nail guns every day.  The tool is easy to operate and increases productivity, but injuries may occur as a result of unintended nail discharge, nails that bounce off a hard surface, or miss the work piece and become airborne.  Disabling the safety features of the gun is another cause of injury.  Prevention of injury is possible if contractors take steps such as using full-sequential trigger nail guns. 

Treating nail gun wounds costs at least $338 million per year nationally in emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and workers’ compensation, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Foot and hand injuries are the most common.  Because all kinds of nail guns can be dangerous, safety precautions similar to those for firearms are usually recommended for their use.  For safety, nail guns are designed to be used with the muzzle touching the target.  Unless they are modified, they are not effective as projectile weapons. 

A common firing mechanism is the dual-action contact-trip trigger, requiring that the manual trigger and nose contact element both be depressed for a nail to be discharged.  Contact triggers allow the gun to fire unintended nails if the nose hits the wood surface or a previously placed nail following recoil.  Touch tip (contact) triggers are susceptible to this double firing.    Acute injury rates are twice as high among users of tools with contact triggers.  When the trigger is depressed on the contact-trip style of nail gun, it will fire every time its nose comes into contact with a surface, whether that surface is a human body or construction material. 

The sequential-trip trigger, which is safer, requires the nose contact to be depressed before the manual trigger, rather than simultaneously with the trigger.  Using a sequential-trip trigger type of nail gun could prevent approximately 65% to 69% of injuries from contact-trip tools, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control.  The sequential-trip design may be a little slower, but it is much safer. 

Once again, as with all other occupations that are hazardous, training on safe operating procedures and the use of the correct PPE is important and should be mandatory.  Manufacturer’s tool labels and operating manuals should be followed.  Safety glasses with side shields should be worn, and safety features of the nail gun should never be modified.  The guarding standards of OSHA should be complied with.  Watch for coworkers and never point a nail gun at anyone.  Remember:  both operator and coworkers are at risk.  Eyes, hands and fingers are especially susceptible to injury from a nail gun. 

I hope I have “driven” home the fact that all power tools are wonderful to speed up work duties but carry their share of risks or injuries.  Be careful and work safely!