Tag Archives: supplies

HAVE A SAFE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

The Memorial Day holiday weekend ushers in the beginning of warm weather outings, as most students have finished their school year.  There is always much anticipation in the air about planned trips, summer jobs, or whatever new things are to be enjoyed.  We want to remind you that the highways will be heavily travelled, so leave a little early in order to not be rushed.  Be careful if you are traveling alone about where you take rest stops.  It is wiser to stop at convenience stores, or where there are many people, than some of the public roadside rest stops.  Also, be aware that your friendly state troopers will be out in full force, with the sole purpose of keeping you safe!  Don’t let any distractions get in the way of safety, stay off the cell phone (hands free, only), NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING, and don’t drink and drive!

One pesky little detail I’d like to mention is that, according to the travel organization, AAA, there should be almost 35 million Americans traveling either by train, plane, or cruises.  For those that are doing so, or staying in hotels, the National Pest Management Association advises people to keep bed bug prevention and detection tips in mind. “The good news is that summer is finally here; the bad news is that bed bugs continue to lurk in places people typically visit during a vacation,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Although bed bugs are a year-round pest, people have a greater chance of picking up this hitchhiker during the summer as travel increases. Bed bugs are a souvenir no one wants to bring home.”

Here are several NPMA tips to help travelers remain bed bug-free. More information can be found at AllThingsBedBugs.org.

  • Pull back hotel bed sheets, inspect the mattress seams, box spring, around and behind the headboard, sofas and chairs for telltale brownish or reddish spots, shed skins or bugs.
  • Avoid putting luggage on the bed or upholstered furniture.
  • If changing rooms, be sure the new room is not adjacent to the possibly infested room.
  • Use a large plastic bag to store luggage.
  • Upon returning home, inspect and vacuum suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the house.
  • Wash and dry clothes on hot – whether worn or not or have them dry cleaned.
  • Consumers suspecting an infestation should contact a licensed pest professional.

Many people are wondering if the high price of gasoline will affect travel, beginning this Memorial Day weekend.  The American Auto Club Association’s holiday travel projection that was released nationally, is that about 100,000 more Americans will be traveling this year than last.  According to the group, travelers will find other ways to compensate for the near record fuel costs by cutting down on other areas of their travel budgets.  Many may make the choices of less expensive vacations, such as hiking and other outings rather than more expensive meals and shopping.  And others may simply choose to stay home, maybe throw some ribs on the grill, and enjoy watching the big race, basketball playoffs, and baseball games.  That’s not such a bad idea.  Sometimes waiting to travel when it isn’t a holiday is safer.

It should be a long, hot summer, so stock up on sunscreen, and don’t forget those safety safety sunglasses, and earplugs for any loud events you plan to attend, say, the Indianapolis 500? Don’t overdo it in the sun.  A tan looks great until you get older, and then just adds to the wrinkles!

Most important of all, don’t forget the reason for this holiday.  Memorial Day is always celebrated in the United States on the last Monday of May.  This is a legal holiday that pays tribute to the memory of those who died while serving the United States in wars.  It was first observed in 1866.  We continue to honor those who gave their lives in the process of holding on to the freedoms that we enjoy.  We must also honor those who are now serving in far-away places, away from the celebration of family, and pray for their safe return.

ARE YOU AND YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER?

ARE YOU AND YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER? 

Because cold weather is on the horizon, it’s time to give your vehicle a good checkup.  You depend on it to get you safely wherever you are going, whether it’s to the grocery store, or a long trip.  If you maintain your car or truck with regular oil changes, and routine maintenance, hopefully, it will repay you with dependability. 

Here are some important things to check out on your automobile before you wake up to a freezing morning: 

  • Battery.  Cold temperatures reduce cranking power; your battery is asked to do more to start the engine with low temperatures, so be sure it is in good working order.
  • Don’t rev up the motor when you first start it; that won’t warm it up any faster.
  • Wipers and windshield wiper fluid.  Replace old wipers if they leave streaks on the window.  Normal life of wipers is one year.  Leave them in raised position to keep them from freezing to windshield if car is left outside.
  • Ignition system
  • Heater
  • Thermostat
  • Antifreeze
  • Lights
  • Belts and Hoses
  • Exhaust system
  • Flashing hazard lights
  • Defroster
  • Brakes
  • Oil level.  Make sure you use the right engine oil. (Consult owners’ manual.) Oil becomes thicker in cold weather.  Oil with (W) in the viscosity index is formulated for winter.
  • Tires.  Your tires need to have good tread.  If your travel in heavy snow conditions, carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle.
  • Gasoline or Diesel.  Keep your tank at least one-half full at all times when possible. 

O.K.: Now you’ve checked out the car/truck,  and it’s good to go.  If you are going on a trip alone, be sure to tell someone where you are going, when you plan to arrive, and then let them know you got there safely.  Be sure your cell phone is handy, but please, don’t text and drive!  Here’s some things you need to take along,  just in case of an emergency: 

  •          Food items, such as energy bars, peanut butter and crackers, etc.
  •          Gallon of water
  •          A flashlight
  •          First-Aid Kit
  •          Hand Warmers
  •          Thermal or other blanket
  •         Motorist Emergency Safety Kit    
  •         Fire starting supplies 

Most of us do keep our cars maintained properly, but emergencies can happen, such as a flat tire, accident, or any unplanned incident.  Having these things in your car could make a huge difference in keeping you warm and safe until help arrives.  We hope you never get stranded, but be prepared, and call for assistance as soon as possible.

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, ARE YOU READY OR NOT?

National Preparedness Month is in September, but we’re getting a head start by promoting the “Ready or Not” campaign, which was launched by the Texas Department of Health Services on July 8th.   This yearlong project will focus on being sure that Texans are prepared for floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or any other natural disaster that may occur.  Each state probably has excellent disaster plans, but hopefully, we can share ideas that will help ensure that your entire family will be prepared. 

Take the time to locate important records such as names and phone numbers of your family physician, pharmacy, and your veterinarian or kennel that cares for your pets.  You need to place those documents, as well as your insurance information, social security, and other records in a plastic bag that can be easily accessed if you need to evacuate your home.  List out-of-town contacts, too.  Take a moment to also think about what you would grab, if you had to leave in a hurry, of course, including your pets.

You and your family should sit down and talk about what you will do, and where you will meet, in case your cell phones don’t work.  Think about where each one is during the biggest part of the day, and have phone numbers for work, school, and daycare.  Find out if your child’s school or daycare facilities have site-specific emergency plans and familiarize yourself with them.  

Stay tuned to your news or NOAA weather service.  If you are advised to evacuate, do so.  Families could plan to check on neighbors that they know may not be able to follow these rules if they are physically unable to get to safety.  

Supplies are a big priority.  Keeping a supply kit of many of these items in your car is a good plan:

  • Three-day supply of water, and non-perishable foods
  • Flashlight
  • Hand-operated can opener
  • Plastic plates, cups, utensils
  • First Aid Kit
  • Respirators (N-95)
  • Personal Hygiene Items
  • Garbage Bags
  • Prescription Medications
  • Cell Phone
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Maps
  • Photo in case you are separated
  • Pet needs 

We never know when disaster will strike.  Being prepared is the best way to be safe and survive.