You walk out to your car only to discover – nothing! Where’s my car? Can you image the feeling when you realize that your vehicle has just been stolen?
It could be the work of an organized theft ring or just a random individual crime. In any case, auto theft is big business. Car thefts seem to occur with greater frequency in places where large groups of cars are parked for extended periods of time: shopping centers, colleges, sporting events, movie theaters and large apartment complexes. Car thefts can occur anytime — at random on different days of the week and times of the day, depending on the locations.
On average, according to the Insurance Information Institute, a vehicle is stolen every 29 seconds in the United States at a cost of about $7.4 billion a year. Your insurance will cover this type of loss ONLY if you have comprehensive coverage. A deductible may or may not apply, depending on the specifics of your policy. The number and related cost of insured cars stolen directly affect the price you pay for your insurance premiums.
By taking a few precautions, you can make your vehicle–and your wallet–less vulnerable.
- Never leave your car running unattended, even to dash into a business, store, etc. Many vehicles are stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up. Leaving your key in an unattended motor vehicle is a crime in some states.
- Never leave any keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-key boxes. Never hide a second set of keys in your car. Extra keys can easily be found if a car thief takes time to look. Nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen had the keys in them.
- Never leave valuables visible, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.
- Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle title or credit cards in your vehicle.
- Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home. Approximately 50% of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.
- Always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas. Over half of all vehicle thefts occur at night
- Always park with your wheels turned towards the curb: make your car tough to tow away. Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways and parking lots. If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, back into your driveway. Front-wheel drive vehicles should be parked front end first.
- Always use your emergency brake when parking. In addition to ensuring safety, using the emergency brake makes your car harder to tow.
- Always use your garage: if you have a garage, take the time to use it rather than parking outside where your vehicle is more vulnerable. When parking in a garage, lock the garage door and your vehicles—this easy precaution greatly improves the chances of deterring a thief.
These additional security actions will help protect your vehicle:
- Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes. These devices will deter some criminals.
- Consider purchasing a vehicle theft-tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently-stolen model vehicles.
- Enable Alarms. Loud warnings sound when doors/hood/trunk are opened. Optional sensors include glass breakage, motion, tampering and towing. Panic buttons, back-up batteries, flashing parking lights or headlights and automatic engine-disable features are also recommended
- If you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic leave only the ignition key. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable firm.
- In high theft areas the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be etched on windows, doors, fenders and trunk lid. This makes it difficult for a thief to market your stolen car parts.
- Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to take a report.
Many vehicles today come with some type of security system from the factory. Normally there are upgraded systems available if you ask. The best choices are systems that shut off the fuel supply so that a car can’t be started or driven. If all efforts fail and your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately.
Remember—you can help protect yourself by developing good safety habits such as protecting your home, family, and loved ones by installing a free ADT Home Monitored Alarm System today!
Did you know that nationwide, every three hours a civilian dies from a house fire? It is very important to be well educated and prepared on how you can help to prevent fires from starting in the first place, and what to do if you encounter a fire.
Most Common Types of Fires:
Heating Fires – Heating fires are the second leading cause of house fires in America. Heating fires can be caused by a number of appliances; from central heating, wood or coal heaters and portable heaters. It is very important to ensure that you properly clean and filter all of your heating devices according to the manuals instructions. With portable heaters, make sure that they stand clear of any objects and that they have enough room for ventilation. If possible, try to only purchase models that offer safety features such as automatic shut off.
Smoking Fires – Most smoking fires are a result of a cigarette being abandoned or forgotten about. If you are going to smoke, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Some ways to help prevent smoking fires is to never smoke in bed, don’t smoke if you are tired, and don’t smoke around furniture. Smoking fires can easily be prevented.
Electric Fires – Electric fires are mainly caused due to overloaded circuits or faulty wiring. In order to help prevent electrical fires from starting in the first place, be sure to check your electrical appliances and wiring often. Keep electrical appliances as far away from wet areas as possible; especially the bathroom.
Cooking Fires – Cooking fires can be caused by a number of situations such as forgetting something on the stove, or faulty kitchen equipment. It is important to stay focused when you are cooking so that you don’t forget about something you put in the oven. An easy way to help you in doing this is to set a kitchen timer. If a grease fire emerges, do not throw water on it because the water will splatter the flames. Instead, try to cover the fire so put out the flames.
Helpful Tips:
Invest in a smoke detector – Make sure that your smoke detector is on at all times. Be sure to routinely check your smoke detector to make sure that it is working properly.
Create a Fire Escape Plan – Plan out and practice a fire escape plan with your family and loved ones. Be sure to have an alternative plan.
Make exiting a priority – The second you realize there is a fire, try to escape right away. Don’t waste your time trying to gather your belongings. Make escaping your focus, to help protect your safety.
Feel the Door – When exiting the room you are in, feel the door with the back of your hand as high up as you can reach as a sign if there is a fire on the other side. If it is hot, seek an alternative route. If it is cold, open it a crack to check if the fire is on the other side.
Call 911 – Try to call 911 as soon as you are safe. Ask a neighbor if you can use their phone to call local authorities.
While we all hope to never encounter a dangerous fire situation, it is important to be well aware of what can cause fires, how to help prevent them from starting, and what to do in the event of a fire.
You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. It is important to know the symptoms of CO poisoning:
At moderate levels you can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated or faint. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, mild headaches and may have longer-term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of flu, food poisoning or other ailments, you may not think that CO poisoning is the cause.
What To Do If You Think You Have Symptoms Of Co Poisoning:
- GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and LEAVE THE HOUSE.
- GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.
- BE PREPARED to answer the following questions for the doctor:
- Do your symptoms occur only in the house? Do they disappear or decrease when you leave home and reappear when you return?
- Is anyone else in your household complaining of similar symptoms? Did everyone’s symptoms appear about the same time?
- Are you using any fuel-burning appliances in the home?
- Has anyone inspected your appliances lately? Are you certain they are working properly?
- Do you have an installed, properly-functioning CO detector in your house?
Important Steps You Should Take to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Danger:
ALWAYS:
- Always have your fuel-burning appliances — including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves — inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.
- Always choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to make sure you have enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
- Avoid doing anything that increases your risk of CO poisoning:
NEVER:
- Never idle the car in a garage — even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly.
- Never use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
- Never use a charcoal grill indoors — even in a fireplace.
- Never sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
- Never use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow-blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
- Never ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.
How to Choose and Use a Carbon Monoxide Detector:
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you should consider buying one as a back-up –BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT– for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, the technology of CO detectors is still developing and they are not generally considered to be as reliable as smoke detectors. Some CO detectors have been laboratory-tested and their performance varied. When a smoke detector goes off, you can easily confirm the cause of the alarm, but CO is invisible and odorless, so it’s harder to tell if an alarm is false or warns of a real emergency. CO Detector Guidelines:
- Don’t let buying a CO detector lull you into a false sense of security. Preventing CO from becoming a problem in your home is better than relying on an alarm.
- Research CO detector features instead of selecting solely by cost. Non-governmental organizations such as Consumers Union (publisher of Consumer Reports), the American Gas Association and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) can help you make an informed decision. Look for UL certification on any detector you purchase.
- Carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions for its placement, use and maintenance.
What to Do If the CO detector alarm goes off:
- Make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
- Check to see if any member of the household is experiencing symptoms of poisoning.
- If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical attention. Tell the doctor that you suspect CO poisoning.
- Even if no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air, turn off all potential sources of CO — your oil or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater and any vehicle or small engine.
For more information on how to reduce your risks from CO, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772 or see www.cpsc.gov . Another way to help keep your family safe in your home is to have a FREE Home Security Evaluation done by Nightwatch Protection, Inc.
We all want to help keep our families safe, but sometimes that may be a challenge when some of the most dangerous chemicals can be found right in our everyday household supplies. It is important to know the basic information about hazardous materials to help keep your loved ones safe around the house.
Mercury – One drop alone of mercury can contaminate over one million gallons of water. Mercury evaporates into the air, turning into a colorless and odorless vapor, which means that you can also get mercury poisoning through inhalation. So what everyday products in your household contain this deadly toxic metal you ask? Mercury is in a number of household supplies such as Mercury Thermometers, Thermostats with Mercury, Standard Fluorescent Lamps, and much more. One way to avoid Mercury exposure is to only purchase products with mercury when it is absolutely necessary. Try swapping out your mercury products with substitute products such as a digital or spirit-filled thermometer instead of a mercury thermometer. Be sure to properly dispose of any mercury containing devices. Most states offer a household hazardous waste collection program so call your local city hall to find out more.
CFL Blubs – Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs were initially intended to help fight global warming and to help save energy costs, but with further research, scientists are finding that CFL’s can be just as harmful to the environment as they are helpful. While these bulbs were intended to help the environment, researchers are finding that when these bulbs break, they contaminate the air with small amounts of mercury. The main issue with these bulbs is that when consumers throw them out, they break before reaching the landfill, therefore polluting the air and soil with mercury. The most important thing to know about owning a CFL bulb is how to properly dispose of it. The only retailer at the moment that will properly recycle these bulbs for consumers is IKEA. If you own a CFL blub and it breaks, read the article below for help on how to clean up the area: http://www.epa.gov/hg/spills/#cleaningup
Batteries – We use batteries in virtually everything in our home; from our remote controls, to our children’s toys, the list is endless. Batteries are dangerous for a number of reasons. Batteries are composed of a variety of dangerous heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel. When batteries leak or are broken, this dangerous concoction of chemicals can cause severe burns or injury to the skin or eyes. Rechargeable batteries are found in several everyday household gadgets such as laptops, cell phones, cameras and ride on toy vehicles and may pose a fire hazard if they overheat. Batteries also pose choking hazards for small children, which could result in internal injuries. Not only are batteries dangerous for humans, but they are also dangerous to the environment. The poisonous chemicals found in batteries can pollute lakes and streams, planting soil, and can even endanger wildlife. The best way to help cut down on battery dangers is to properly dispose of them. Many local consumer electronic chains provide a recycling kiosk of some kind to properly dispose of batteries.
Amongst keeping an eye out for the dangerous chemicals in this article, it is also important to assess other products in your home that may contain dangerous chemicals such as pool chemicals, cleaning products, lighter fluid, etc. With knowledge of these dangerous chemicals, along with properly disposing of them, you are one step closer to keeping your family safer and helping to cut back on polluting.
When you take time to pay attention to your surroundings, you’re making an important step toward ensuring your personal safety away from home. It’s easy to get into a routine and let your guard down, but even places you ordinarily go can be dangerous if you’re not paying attention. Here are some helpful safety tips:
AT THE OFFICE/WORK PLACE: Always have your purse locked up in a secure drawer. Don’t leave it on the floor, desk or chair. If you cannot lock it in your desk, always take it with you when you leave your work area.
- Never leave your personal phone numbers posted on the wall around your desk. Never give out someone else’s number without their permission.
- If you’re planning a trip, don’t tell the whole office your plans. Tell them about your trip after you get back–you’ll have a better story to tell and you won’t have advertised your absence
- Be cautious of all repair and service people who come to your work place—especially if there’s someone you don’t recognize. Always ask for proper identification and alert your boss or the company the visitor represents if you feel suspicious.
IN AND AROUND ELEVATORS: Always be aware of who is in the elevator and if a person looks suspicious DO NOT GET IN. The same applies while waiting for an elevator—if you feel uncomfortable about anyone else waiting, walk away and DO NOT GET IN.
- While on the elevator, try to stand close to the controls. All elevators have an emergency alarm—and if you feel threatened, press ALL the buttons forcing the car to stop at all floors and give you a better chance for escape.
PARKING: Try to park in a well-lighted area next to an exit or elevator. Know where these exits are and have an escape plan. If your company provides escort service after dark, use this service whenever you need it.
- Have your car keys out and in your hand before entering a parking garage—searching for your keys can make you unaware of what’s happening around you and you can become a target.
- Always check your back seat, floors and around your car as you approach it.
- Always lock your car, even when you are in it. Keep the windows up so no one can reach in.
- Never leave valuables visible on the seat or in a hatchback. It only takes a moment for someone to steal from you, so don’t be careless when you leave the car for a short time.
DRIVING: If you are bumped from behind, DO NOT get out of your car immediately. Assess your surroundings—this could be a car-jacking ploy. Stay in your car and wait for police to arrive. If the other party leaves the scene do not try to follow. Get the plate number and a good description of the vehicle.
- Always leave a good distance between your car and the one in front of you. If threatened, you have room to get away. Never try to fight off an attacker—give up your car and run away.
- If your car breaks down, raise the hood, tie something to the antenna and get back into the car. If someone stops to help you, do not let them into your car—ask them to call for help and do not accept a ride.
WHILE TRAVELING: Do not carry large sums of money, jewelry or valuables while you’re out. Use credit cards instead of cash.
- Leave your important papers at home. Documents such as birth certificates and medical records are difficult for you to replace if you are the victim of a street crime.
- Walk confidently. Behave in an alert and self-assured fashion. People who appear to know exactly where they are going and are aware of their surroundings are less vulnerable than those who appear timid and confused.
- Be cautious when approached by strangers.
- Keep one arm free when you are waiting for a public bus. A number of sex assault victims have been abducted from bus stops. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes when using public transportation and pay close attention to what is going on around you.
- Put a whistle on your key chain and have it handy for emergency use.
- Keep your distance from drivers who stop you to ask for directions. Stay out of the person’s reach by remaining a few feet from the vehicle.
YOUR TIME AWAY FROM HOME, WHETHER FOR WORK OR FOR PLEASURE, WILL BE SAFER AND HAPPIER IF YOU REMEMBER TO TAKE SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS AND STAY ALERT.
Perhaps you know a parent that uses Child GPS tracking with intentions of keeping their children safe. While it may seem like a safe idea to keep track of where your children are when you are not around, new advances in technology claim that there are dangers involved with child GPS trackers. Below is some important information about child GPS trackers that you might want to share with your friends and family.
Don Bailey, a senior security consultant at iSEC Partners has recently discovered a major flaw in the Zoombak Child GPS Tracker. He claims that the server that controls the GPS trackers connects over a GSM network, allowing for the network to easily be hacked. This can be dangerous for a number of reasons.
What makes this finding so alarming is that hacking can make it easier for dangerous people to locate where your children are when you’re not around. If you have sole custody of your children and you do not want your ex-partner to find out where your children are, GPS tracking can potentially provide them with this information. GPS hacking can also allow burglars to have an idea of whether or not you’re home. If burglars can hack the system and find out that you are not home, this can give them information that you do not want them to have access to.
Don claims “Embedded devices are low-cost, easy to use, and easy to debug. And the security landscape is very small. There is very little capability for integrating secure communications on the devices and ensuring that it’s your code executing on there.” In many cases low cost means low quality, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation for your child.
After reading this article you’re probably wondering how you can help protect your children without running the risk of potential GPS dangers. One way to ensure that your child GPS tracker is safe is to fully research it before you buy it. Ask the company which kind of network they run their servers off of and if they are secured, along with any other security questions you can think of. You can also look into other types of GPS tracking such as cell phone tracking, car tracking, etc.
No tracking device is 100% guaranteed to be hacker free, so keep that in mind when you are browsing for such devices. Remember to always do your homework before you provide your children with a potentially dangerous device in order to help achieve your overall goal of keeping them safe.
Don’t worry about all the frightening and dangerous crises that can assault you and your family – instead, get ready to withstand them by having plans and preparations in place.
Here are some important guidelines:
- EVERY FAMILY MEMBER SHOULD KNOW WHAT TO DO in all types of emergencies. Have practice drills with everyone. Designate a meeting place outside your home so where everyone knows to go in an emergency. All family members should know where utility cut-offs are located and how to shut them off. If tools are needed, everyone should know where they are kept and how to use them. Keep emergency numbers such as fire, police, doctors and poison control posted in a highly visible location.
- PURCHASE SELF POWERED FLASHLIGHTS AND SELF POWERED RADIOS. In the event of a disaster, power will be out and batteries are likely to be unavailable. Some self-powered radios have the Weatherband/Emergency Band and will also charge your cell phone.
- ALWAYS FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF OFFICIALS. Stay tuned for emergency instructions.
- STAY HYDRATED. Water is the most essential life-sustaining resource. Keeping water (in clean plastic bottles) in your home, car trunk and workplace will keep you hydrated when you’re under stress. Plan for one gallon per person for three days use. You may need more water for children, nursing mothers and the elderly or if you live in a warm climate. It is also a good idea to add electrolyte-replacement drinks like Gatorade to replace valuable minerals.
- OBTAIN A WATERPROOF BOX. This does not have to be expensive, just a large waterproof box with a lid. These are available in the storage sections of most discount stores. It should be small enough so that in an emergency, you can roll it into your car, yard or home in just a few minutes. Look for something with wheels and/or handles. Consider placing kits in your home, car and workplace since you never know where you’ll be when an emergency strikes. Use backpacks or plastic tool boxes for jump-and-run bags. Keep everything sorted with clear zip sandwich, quart or gallon bags. For worker/s in large urban areas keep a back pack under your desk which contains water, energy bars, flashlight, spare socks and good walking shoes in case public transportation is disrupted
- WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR EMERGENCY KIT. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security has prepared an emergency supply list. Here are some of their suggestions:
* A list of doctors and family contacts in your kit, along with your personal information. If something happens to you, who should we call? Do you have allergies? Who are you and where do you live?
* Water, at least one gallon for each person for at least three days.
* Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food.
* Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA Weather radio with extra batteries.
* Flashlights with extra batteries; hand-powered flashlights…
* First Aid Kit and instructions on first aid.
* Whistle or some other signaling device.
* Collapsible tents if available, but also plastic sheeting with duct tape to form a “shelter-in-place”.
* Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties.
* Can opener for canned goods.
* Local maps.
* Prescription medications and eyeglasses.
* Infant formula and diapers.
* Pet food and water.
* Important papers in a waterproof container, i.e.: insurance documents, bank account information, deeds, titles or other official certificate
* Cash, travelers’ checks and change.
* Sleeping bags for each person packed with extra blankets and a change of clothes
* Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
* Fire extinguisher
*Sewing kit with scissors and thread
* Matches in a water proof container or lighters.
* Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
* Mess kits including paper cups, plates, towels and utensils
* Computer with wireless connection, paper and pencils, books, games, puzzles or other activity items.
Have your family review and discuss what’s in your kit and what else they feel should be included. There may be some unique items needed for your family.
- COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING. Students may be given a kit that can be used as a starter for your personal disaster kit.
MAKE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS A FAMILY PRIORITY…everyone can help!
The balmy days of summer can be great, especially after long months indoors. But no one wants to end a day in the sun with burning and itching summer skin or a queasy stomach. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your children from these familiar seasonal hazards:
1) USE SUNSCREEN. The kind of sunscreen you need depends on how dark your skin is, but for most people 30 to 45 (SPF) is sufficient, according to Dr. Larry E. Millikan, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and professor emeritus at Tulane University. Be sure to apply enough—an ounce, or about a shot-glass full, is a good measure. Although some products are designed to be water-resistant, most require re-application after swimming.
2) KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUNSCREEN AND SUNBLOCK. “Physical blocks,” containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are perhaps the safest and are mandatory for persons exquisitely sensitive to sun,” Millikan says. Although their opaque appearance may be a deterrent to some people, these products are considered safe for all ages and are a boon for those with sensitivities.
3) WATCH THE CLOCK. Whenever possible, keep your outdoor exposure at a minimum during the brightest time of the day—usually 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. When you are outdoors and active during peak sun, remember to re-apply sunscreen every hour.
4) STAY HYDRATED. Summer outdoor fun should always be accompanied with quantities of water, fruit juice and light drinks like lemonade and iced tea. Alcohol—even light beer—can cause damaging dehydration so drink plenty of water whenever you’re indulging.
5) KEEP FOOD COOL. There’s nothing dangerous bacteria love more than heat—in which they can reproduce many times faster than in cooler temperatures. Make sure ALL dairy or dairy-containing foods (seasonal favorites like potato salad, cream pies, etc.) stay refrigerated until ready to serve. Never leave mayonnaise or other dairy-rich condiments out on a sunny table—they can cause severe food poisoning!
6) DON’T LET THE BUGS BITE. Though some question the safety of insect-repelling chemicals, it’s important to balance concerns about chemicals with the risk of insect-borne diseases: Where there are viral problems like West Nile, you should always use repellents when you need to be outdoors. The active times for biting insects (like ticks and spiders) are evening and early morning, so it makes sense to stay indoors during these peak times. Use caution regarding “natural” bug repellents, and read labels carefully. Some herbal products are not suitable for children younger than 3, and though there are many natural or herbal repellents on the market, experts like Millikan are skeptical about their efficacy. Also, never put anything with a strong scent on a child with asthma or other breathing problems — natural or not, these can exacerbate airway issues.
TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR SUMMER, stay alert and follow simple safety guidelines—have fun without worries!
It’s that time of year again – the kids are out of school for the summer and they’re already bored, and come looking to you for something to do. Weather your child is 5 or 18, it is important to keep them busy, safe, and far away from trouble this summer. Here are a few helpful ideas to ensure that your child has a productive, fun, and safe summer!
Preschool – Middle School Aged Children
Summer Programs – Check with your local town to see if they offer any local summer programs or camps. Summer camp is a great way for your child to stay busy, have fun, and meet new friends. Before choosing a camp or program, be sure that they are certified and are a trust-worthy camp. Ask friends and family with children for suggestions.
Hydrate – Make sure your child is well hydrated at all times during the summer. If they are hanging out with friends and having a good time, they may not remember to drink fluids. A great idea to help keep them hydrated is to keep a lot of bottled water in the refrigerator, and offer it to them and their friends.
Activities – Try to set up a schedule of activities to keep your child busy this summer. Check with your local town to see if they offer any programs such as reading programs, a community pool, etc. Try to keep your child constantly active.
High School Aged Children
Keep your teen busy – If you will not be around to supervise your teen, try to keep them busy to help keep them out of trouble. A way to keep your teen busy while you’re gone is to give them a list of chores to accomplish before you get home. If necessary, try offering them money for each chore accomplished. This will help keep them busy and out of trouble, while keeping your house clean at the same time. A win, win situation!
Who, what, where, why, when – Ask these 5 questions when your teen is going out with their friends. Know who their friends are, what they will be doing, where they will be doing it, why they will be doing what they are doing, and when they will be doing it. Try to get their friends cell phone numbers in case there is an emergency.
Summer Jobs – Aid in helping your teen find a summer job. By getting a job, your child will be able to learn the role of responsibility, along with the value of a dollar. Having a job will also keep your teen busy, helping keep them out of trouble.
By following a few of these tips, you’re closer to a more stress-less summer vacation. Don’t forget to keep them active and busy and safe this summer!
Sitting by the pool with a cold glass of iced tea and soaking up the sun’s rays…sounds like the life right? Did you know that about 140,000 people die from drowning each year nationally? Before you sit back and relax this summer, below are a few steps and precautions that can help keep your loved ones safe around the pool this summer.
Fencing – According to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, “There is an 83% reduction in the risk of childhood drowning with a four-sided isolation pool fence, compared to three-sided property-line fencing.” It is important to keep your pool area well secured this summer in order to keep young children from entering the pool area un-supervised.- Supervise – According to the Center for Disease Control, “Fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years.” Make sure that children are always supervised by a qualified adult. Make sure that the adult knows how to swim in case of an emergency. Also, try to never swim alone even if you are a great swimmer.
- Educate Yourself and Others on Safety- It is important to be well educated on pool safety so that you can relay the information to your loved ones, and people visiting your pool. A good idea for doing this is to make a list of swimming pool rules and hang it where others can visibly see it. Be sure to go over the rules with everyone before they use the pool, ensuring that they understand all of the rules.
- Limit Alcohol consumption – If possible, completely avoid drinking alcohol in or around the pool area. Alcohol affects reasoning, inhibitions, cautions, balance and reaction times. Combining drinking alcohol with the pool is a recipe for disaster. Since alcohol affects so many areas of the human brain, it will be hard for the person to act cautious in an emergency situation. A person consuming alcohol is more likely to fall around the pool area, because of slippery surfaces. If you are drinking around the pool, try to make sure that there are sober people around to supervise.
- Construction and Maintenance – Before having your pool installed or worked on, be sure that the company you are dealing with is legitimate. Make sure that they have the correct certifications and are well qualified. Ask around to your friends and family to get recommendations of companies that they have used in the past and were happy with. Be sure to constantly inspect your pool for safety concerns such as leaks, cracks, etc., as they may become harmful.
- Safety Devices – Try to always have life jackets or floatation devices available to your family and guests. Always check the age and weight ranges included on your safety devices to ensure that they will to the job they are intended to do. Chances are some of your guests will be too embarrassed to admit that they don’t know how to swim, so having these devices on hand will help in protecting everyone.
Hopefully these helpful steps and precautions can help in guiding your family and loved ones to a safer and more fun summer.
You walk out to your car only to discover – nothing! Where’s my car? Can you image the feeling when you realize that your vehicle has just been stolen?
