Tag Archives: rain

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

SEARCHING FOR MUDSLIDE VICTIMS; LATER SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

The Washington State area devastated by a mudslide Saturday, March 22nd, has seen much clear-cut logging.  Native American tribes and environmentalists have long warned that clear-cut logging could raise the risk of landslides.  Although the mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest may appear solid and stolid, they are a geologically active part of the physical environment, including regular earthquakes, landslides, and the occasional volcano. Sometimes, human activities – including the clear-cut logging that patch-marks much of the region – have an important impact on forests, soils, and water patterns. 

The massive mudslide that hit  Saturday, March 22,  about 55 miles northeast of Seattle was part of that picture, all but wiping out the community of Oso across the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River.  As rescue and recovery efforts continued Friday morning, officials reported that the number of confirmed dead remains at 17 with another nine bodies located but not yet recovered. Ninety more individuals are still unaccounted for – large numbers in a small community of around 180 people.

The demand for lumber, plywood, paper, and other wood products is part of an industry that once dominated Washington State and Oregon.  Logging’s impact has been a concern for a number of years. Large, older trees take up more water than younger stands, which can take decades to mature and may be cut down before they reach full maturity. The Tulalip Tribes were so concerned with landslides hitting the Stillaguamish River and its prime salmon habitat that they blocked a proposed timber sale above an earlier slide in 1988.”There were some very large clear-cuts planned for that area, which made us very concerned,” Kurt Nelson, a hydrologist with the tribes, told KUOW, the NPR affiliate at the University of Washington in Seattle.  “That reach of the North Fork has multiple, ancient, deep-seated landslides,” Mr. Nelson said. “There’s a lot of unstable terrain in that area.”  Landslides have followed logging in that area at least four times, KUOW reported.

“This had been known at least since the ’50s as one of the more problematic areas on the Stillaguamish for perennial landslides,” Mr. Kennard,  (Geomorphologist Paul Kennard, who worked for the Tulalip Tribes in the 1980s and now works for the National Park Service at Mt. Rainier) reported.  Although state logging regulations have been tightened in recent years, The Seattle Times reports that a clear-cut nine years ago “appears to have strayed into a restricted area that could feed groundwater into the landslide zone that collapsed Saturday.” 

Heavy rains and winds are hampering rescue efforts, by both professional rescue teams and volunteers. The careful use of heavy equipment, helicopters, and other means of rescue continue.  Personnel are wading through debris, muck, trees, ice, and foul water.

 Meanwhile, the request by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) for more federal assistance to help with recovery efforts in the Oso area has been approved. The money will be used to help local and state government agencies recover a portion of the estimated $4.5 million expected to be spent on emergency response, protective measures, and debris removal. Safety precautions should be used by all; pros and volunteers.  Wearing respiratory protection, gloves, goggles, hardhats, and protective clothing is important for the safety of those exposed to all types of hazards.

At his briefing Friday, Snohomish County Fire District Chief Travis Hots asked corporations and businesses in the region to donate money to help those affected. “Some of these people have lost their homes, some have lost their cars, some have lost their entire family,” he said. “Funerals will have to be paid for. Please dig deep.”  Chief Hots is the spokesman for search and recovery efforts.

 

Source: Christian Science Monitor, Associated Press

General Safety Issues

TIPS TO STAY SAFE WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER

Winter officially began December 21st, so we know there’s  a lot of winter ahead of us.  There were several areas in the U.S. that had some unusually cold weather prior to the first day of winter.  Many college students will be returning to school pretty soon, so we thought it would be a good time to remind them and holiday travelers to be extra-careful.  Those who are on the road every day can use these suggestions, too.

Weather forecasts are pretty accurate; however, we can sometimes be hit with a cold front unexpectedly.  Rain, snow, fog, and ice can change the way we drive.  Here are some winter driving tips:

  • Check weather conditions ahead of time.   Be sure to tell your family or friends the route you are traveling.  Inform them when you have arrived safely.
  • Drink plenty of water. When the weather is chilly, dehydration might seem unlikely, but as little as a 1-2 percent loss of body weight can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness — both of which can be deadly when you are driving in icy conditions. Carry (and drink) five to six 16-ounce bottles of water per day in a small ice chest in the car.
  •  Take rest stops. Winter travel is much more tiring than summer driving, so stop every hour or so. Get out, and stretch, walk around a little. Just five minutes will significantly improve your level of alertness. (Chances are, if you drink all that water, you’ll need those pit stops!)
  • Pack a winter travel safety kit. Keep your cell phone charged, an ice scraper and brush, a tow rope, cat litter (for use as a traction aid), blankets, a good flashlight, a candle, matches, a portable weather radio and a can of lock de-icer, gloves and extra set of warm clothes.
  •  Eat enough food. Your body needs more nutrition in cold weather than it does on a warm day. Sandwiches, fruit or a thermos of hearty stew are much better choices than candy bars and sweets. Carry a day’s worth of high-energy food in a warm area of your vehicle in case you are stranded for a few hours.          
  •  Don’t speed.  A good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50 percent in snowy conditions.  Equally important: Don’t go too slow. Your car needs momentum to keep moving through snow on grades.
  •  Don’t grasp the steering wheel too hard. Smooth operation is the key to keeping control in slippery situations. Nervousness can lead to a hard clench of the steering wheel, which can result in loss of control. Consciously loosen your grasp or stretch out your fingers from time to time to help prevent that tight grip.
  •  Keep your tires in good condition and properly inflated. Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check and adjust frequently. Tire tread depth should be at least 1/8-inch, and good snow tires with lugs will outperform just about any all-weather tire on the market.
  •  Know how to recover from skids. When braking on a slippery road, it’s all too easy to “lock up” your wheels by stepping on the brakes a little too hard. If you start to skid, steer the vehicle gently in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go and don’t touch your brakes. This previously was termed “turning into the skid,” but tests have shown that drivers often misinterpret these words in real-life situations. 
  •  If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle. Stay warm and wait for assistance. Many persons have made the mistake of trying  to walk for help, resulting in tragedy.  Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of any obstructions, including snow and ice to keep carbon monoxide gas from building up inside the vehicle. 

If you know that weather conditions are going to be hazardous, don’t take any chances.  There will be another day you can get there more safely, and it’s not worth the risk of an accident.  Some drivers may not know how to drive in icy conditions, and could cause unintentional crashes.  Wait for the right opportunity to travel.  

When you see 18-wheel trucks sitting on the side of the road, that’s a pretty good sign that the road is not safe.  Follow their advice, and wait until it clears up.  Have your safety kit and food in your vehicle and pull over if this is the case.

Drive safely!

General Safety Issues

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN DRIVING IN EXTREME WEATHER (GUEST POST)

If it’s not thick snow, it’s heavy rain; not to mention fog or even glaring sunlight. This country seems to throw it all at us – making driving a hazardous occupation all year round.

Don’t let the weather get the better of you this winter.

Here are a few handy hints and things to keep in mind next time the elements try their hardest to make your journey to work even more difficult than it already is.

Driving in Rain

When road surfaces are wet it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle and regular stopping distances go out the window. You should always keep your speed much lower when driving in the rain and keep that extra bit of distance from the vehicle in front.

If you are driving through standing water then make sure drive slowly, using a low gear and trying to keep the engine revving at a high rate. Move forward continuously so that you don’t stall

Should you lose control of your vehicle in the wet – remember – Don’t brake or steer suddenly as you have no control of the steering or brakes when aquaplaning. Try to bring the car to a slow halt by changing down the gears.

  •            Slow down
  •            Don’t brake hard
  •            Use low gears

Driving in Fog

As fog is usually patchy, it’s best not to speed up when the weather seems to have cleared. Keep a steady speed (slower than normal) as there’s a good chance you will run into other patches further up the road.

You also need to keep your headlights dimmed so that other drivers can see you, and in extreme conditions (visibility less than 100m) you should also turn your rear fog lamp on.

  •            Keep a steady speed
  •            Dim headlights
  •            Use fog lamp

Driving in Snow and Ice

Before going anywhere you should always make sure your car is clear of snow. As well as the windscreen you must also clear the roof of your car, as snow that has settled here can slip down when you brake; obscuring your vision.

As obvious as it sounds – you should keep your speed down when driving in snow and ice. This isn’t just to avoid a speeding fine; it gives you more control over the vehicle.

If you do need to stop, try to slow down gradually by using the gears. Braking suddenly could cause your car to slide uncontrollably. Sticking to roads that have already been gritted is a safer option, even if everyone else has the same idea.

  •            Clear windshield and roof
  •            Don’t brake suddenly
  •            Keep to treated roads

Driving in Wind

You may not think so – but driving in windy conditions can be as dangerous as any other inclement weather. If you are driving a van or high-sided vehicle you may need to check ahead for any road or bridge closures.

You also need to be aware of falling objects like trees or branches. If you normally take a back road or short cut to work via country lanes; it may be wise to stick to major roads until the storm has passed.

  •            Plan ahead
  •            Be aware of falling objects
  •            Stick to main roads

 Our thanks to Caddick Davies (Motoring Offence Lawyers)  for sending this helpful driving tip information.  The same applies to the U.S., Canada, and other countries who experience extreme weather conditions.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOFING FOR MANY YEARS (GUEST POST)

Having a home may be a major milestone in a person’s life, but finding the right roofing in Tennessee or elsewhere may feel more like a burden.  If you’re like most people, your knowledge of roofing may be limited at best.  So, when you notice that dreaded drip coming from your ceiling, you know it is time to find an expert to take care of the problem for you.  The problem with this thinking is that by the time you’ve seen a leak in your ceiling, you’re likely looking at additional damage that may have already started many months before.  The cost of replacing a roof can be quite prohibitive, so if you’re smart about it, you’ll find ways to maintain your roof in good condition for as long as possible.
 
Have an Annual Checkup
 
The roof of your house is probably the most vulnerable part of your house; it will be subject to all manner of environmental conditions ranging from burning heat in the summer time to torrential rains, snow and hail in the winter.  It is important that you have it inspected at least once a year so that you can detect signs of damage before they become major problems.  Check the materials for cracked caulk, rust, buckling, curling or blistering; these are early signs that something is beginning to deteriorate.
 
Catch Leaks  Before They Start 
 
 If you notice any dark areas on the ceiling inside your house, paint beginning to peel or dampness around your fireplace, chances is that a leak has begun.  Once you see these signs you know it’s time for some prevention work to be done.  Get a professional in immediately to fix the problem.  The longer you wait the worse the problem will become.  Control the Environment 

Trees often have low hanging branches that can scrape and damage the roof over time.  Removing those branches can do a lot to save your roof from all sorts of problems.  Rodents, squirrels and other little creepy crawlies can use those branches to get on your roof and gnaw their way inside your house.  To avoid these types of problems it is best to remove any branches within 10 feet of your home. 

Most roofs will last for 30 to 40 years if they are maintained in good condition.  Learning how to watch for early warning signs of damage or potential problems can save you lots of money and even avoid other problems inside your home.  If you know the condition of your roof then you know the condition of your house too. 

For more information visit http://www.timleeperroofing.com

Note: When you are checking your roof, be sure you have a safe ladder, and some type of fall protection.  Remember, if you mention you read it on the blog, you get a 5% discount!  pb

 

 
General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

SAFE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER (GUEST POST)

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

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

TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE RAIN SAFELY

 I received this email recently and we have previously talked about not using cruise control when it is raining.  We want to repeat that tip, as well as this one:

  GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR 

How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour.  We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this method when it rains heavily. This was told by a police friend who had experienced and confirmed it. It is useful….even driving at night. Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windshield is still bad……  In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUN GLASSES (any model will do), and miracle! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windshield is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.  Make sure you always have a pair of SUN GLASSES in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save your friend’s life by giving him this idea.  How about a pair of good safety sunglasses?  Those who have tried this method say the gray or green lens seem to work best.  Possibly, the yellow ones would work, too. Try it yourself and share it with your friends! Amazing, you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling.  You can see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the “blindness” from passing semi’s spraying you too.  Or the “kickup” if you are following a semi or car in the rain. They should teach that little tip in driver’s training. It really does work. 

This warning is a good one! I wonder how many people know about this~  A 36 year old female had an accident which totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!  When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know -NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON! She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred.

The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver’s seat sun-visor – NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed – but we don’t tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.  The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.

True story:  A local young man from my home town was traveling down an interstate highway with his girlfriend, when it began to rain heavily.  He was driving at a high speed, when his car hydroplaned; he was ejected from the car and lost his life.  The young lady survived without injury, but this is an example to not drive at an unsafe speed in the rain, and buckle your seat belt at all times.

NOTE: Some vehicles (like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE) will not allow you to set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on. If you send this your friends that are not aware of this, it is worth it. You may save a life.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

SEEK WEATHER INFORMATION BEFORE HOLIDAY TRAVEL!

Do you have your bags packed yet, and all the gifts loaded in the car?  Before you head out for your holiday destination, it is always best to check ahead of time for weather conditions for all the areas you will be traveling.  Sometimes, even then, Mother Nature changes things and you aren’t sure whether to carry on or turn around and return home!  That happened to us last year, believe it or not, even in Texas, because of snow!  When we left home, it was cloudy but clear, but the farther we traveled (south), the heavier the snow became.  About sixty miles from home, we debated if we should even try to go on; however, behind us, the snow was heavy, road was covered, and lightly traveled, so we trudged on.  Not too far down the road, it stopped snowing, and when we got to our destination another 75 miles or so, it had barely snowed.  So, you never know for sure what the weather will do, especially in Texas. 

It seems there is either “feast or famine” when it comes to weather.  Either too much or too little!  In this past week, we saw massive amounts of snow falling in the Midwestern states.  Then, the “Pineapple Express” hit California, causing their governor to declare a state of emergency in six counties.  The reason these rainstorms are given that name is because they originate in the Pacific near the Hawaiian Islands.  The Express brought torrential rains, causing mudslides and flooding, as well as dumping huge amounts of snow in higher elevations.  Following five days of rain, the storms have moved on toward Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.  Ironically, these rains brought relief to areas in California that had been suffering from drought and wildfires. 

Here in Texas, much of our state is in a drought situation, with many  areas very seriously dry.  Two homes were lost just yesterday because of grass fires. Our weather forecasters are predicting badly needed rain in areas of the state today and tomorrow.  We are keeping our fingers crossed, and are those weathermen going to be in trouble if it doesn’t rain! 

For those of you in states that have a White Christmas, enjoy it but drive carefully when you are out in it.  We aren’t meteorologists, but our forecast for you is to have the safeest  holiday ever!  Be careful if you go skiing or participate in other outdoor activities with families and friends.  For those of you who must work on the holiday, we hope your day goes well and that you arrive home safely and get to celebrate at a different time.  There are many businesses that remain open to accommodate travelers, so when you utilize their services, let them know you appreciate what they do. 

Again, check your local weather and your destination’s forecast.  Remember to take a “care package” in your vehicle: extra water, your cell phone, snacks, blankets, small flashlight, and a First Aid Kit.  This is a good idea, especially during winter months.

May the airlines, trains, buses and other means of transportation be running “right on time.”  Stay safe.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

RAINY DAY DRIVING TIPS

3 Comments

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are annually more than 450,000 injuries caused by crashes in adverse weather conditions, especially on slick pavements.  Two key factors to be considered in order to avoid an accident while driving on rain-soaked highways or streets, are speed and visibility.

Most driving experts agree that slowing down is one of the most important things drivers can do when driving in the rain.  It is recommended that when driving over 35 mph, your speed should be reduced by 5 mph for every posted speed limit.  (In other words, if the posted speed limit is 50, you would slow down to 45).  The other thing to remember is to keep your headlights on – that not only helps you see, but helps you be seen by other drivers.

Please consider these tips for safe driving in the rain:

  • Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely because your ability to slow down will be hindered by the wet road.
  • Oily deposits at intersections can be very hazardous when mixed with rain, causing a chance for skidding.
  • Staying in the same lane is safer than changing lanes frequently.
  • Be sure your tires are in good condition; bald tires will reduce traction, which can result in hydroplaning, if you are traveling too fast.
  • Replace windshield wipers once a year.
  • Be sure to watch for car’s brake lights in front of you.
  • Humidity causes windows to fog up, so use the defroster to keep windows clear.
  • Pedestrians and animals are harder to see during rain, so reducing your speed could help you avoid injury to someone or something else, as well as yourself.
  • Never drive through moving water.  If water comes to the bottom of your car doors, or the bottom one-third of your tires, do not try to go through it.  Attempting that may cause you to be washed off the road.  Water can also cause serious damage to the electrical system of the car.
  • Use a light touch when steering and braking.
  • Driving slowly and carefully can help you keep from skidding.

A good idea for those who drive in rain, snow, or other adverse conditions is to keep a “care package” in the car.  Take blankets, snacks, water, ice scraper, flashlight, and a First Aid Kit with you at all times, just in case.

There’s a theory going around that wearing sunglasses when driving in the rain increases your visibility.  Personally, I haven’t tried it, but guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.  We checked this out on Snopes.com, and it’s still being researched.

Please drive with care in rainy or sunny weather.  Let’s leaving the “spinning out” to the winning NASCAR drivers!