Before Sending Your Kids Out The Door, Here Are A Few Backpack Safety Tips

Every so often myself and my co-workers are sent little messages from our Health and Safety Coordinator on various topic, they are often useful commonsense tip on subjects that many of us take for granted. Case in point, it's back to school time here in Middletown as well as all around the country, how many people have given a second thought to the backpacks that their kids will be lugging around with them for several hours each day? Not many, I'm sure:

With a new school year beginning soon, two orthopedic groups have released tips to help kids avoid backpack-related injuries.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America warn that wearing a backpack that is too heavy or improperly positioned could result in sprains, strains or posture problems. More than 9,500 such injuries occurred among children 5-18 years old in 2012, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To avoid injuries, the groups advise students to:

• Carry no more than 15-20 percent of their body weight.
• Use both shoulder straps and adjust them to keep the load close to the back.
• Remove items if the backpack is too heavy and pack the heaviest things low and in the center.
• If possible, leave books at home or school instead of carrying them back and forth.

Parents also can help by purchasing the right-size backpack for their child, and asking if their child has
any numbness or tingling in the arms, which could indicate the backpack is too heavy or fits poorly.

Choosing the Right Backpack

When choosing a backpack, look for one that is appropriate for the size of your child. In addition, look for some of the following features:

• Wide, padded shoulder straps
• Two shoulder straps
• Padded back
• Waist strap
• Lightweight backpack
• Rolling backpack

The correct use of both of the wide, well-padded shoulder straps will help distribute the weight of the backpack.

Middletown Police Want You to be SAFE this HALLOWEEN

October 26, 2016

Middletown Public Information:

Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31st, falls on a Monday this year. Middletown’s trick or treating hours will be 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Please note that an 8:00 p.m. curfew will be in effect for people under the age of 18 on October 30th and October 31st.

“This is a fun time for the community, especially children who will be dressing up and trick-or-treating,” Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber said. “While we want everyone to enjoy their evening, we strongly encourage residents to be responsible and consider these safety tips.”

The Centers for Disease Control provides best practices for Halloween trick-or-treaters by asking that people follow the “Safe Halloween” motto.

• Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.
• Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house.
• Always test make up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Lower your risk of serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• Only walk on sidewalks wherever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t accept rides from strangers
• Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Please contact the Middletown Police Department at 732-615-2100 with any safety concerns.

Generator Safety Tips

from Middletown Public Info:
Jan 21 2016


Downed utility lines, power company blackouts and heavy snow falls can all lead to power outages. With heavy snow likely this weekend, now is a good time to start up the generator and make sure it is in good working order. Be sure to keep the following safety tips in mind.

· Generators must be placed at least 20 feet away from any habitable structure when they are used for safety reasons. 

· Generators should be operated in well ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings.  

· Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open. 

· Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building. 

· Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height. 

· Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running. 

· It is a good idea to have extra fuel on hand. Be sure to store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.

Visit www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers for more fire safety information.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips from the Middletown Fire Department

Middletown Public Information:

11/10/15

Did you know?

Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving

cooking equipment.

The Middletown Township Fire Department provides the following

safety tips for safe and happy Thanksgiving!

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. 
• The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids.
• The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffeemaker, plate warmer or mixer are not
• dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games,
puzzles or books can keep them busy. Kids can get involved in Thanksgiving
preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.

Fourth Of July Safety Tips To Remember

I posted this last year, it contains some great information that I think people would be wise to heed. Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Each year, especially during the early summer weeks around the Fourth of July, thousands of people are treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. While some are minor, many of these injuries are serious, for example, resulting in burns or blindness.

Last year the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of six men who were killed by professional-grade, homemade or banned firework devices. In addition, an estimated 8,700 consumers were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries.

Between June 22, 2012 and July 22, 2012, more than 5,000 consumers were treated in hospital emergency rooms due to fireworks-related injuries. Sixty percent of all fireworks injuries occur during the 30 days surrounding the July 4 holiday. More than half of these reported injuries involved burns to the hands, head and face. About 1,000 reported injuries involved sparklers and bottle rockets, fireworks that are frequently and incorrectly considered safe for young children.

Fireworks. They are something that goes with the celebration of Independence Day. But no matter how fun they are and how beautiful they are when they explode into the sky, fireworks often bring pain and sometimes death, when they aren’t handled properly.

Firework Injuries:

According to the CPSC, the hands and fingers receive 46% of the injuries associated with fireworks, followed by heads, faces and ears with 17%, trunks with 5%, legs with 11%, eyes with 17% and arms with 4%. Over half of these injuries were minor to severe burns. Firecrackers (23%), bottle rockets (12%) and sparklers (12%) are the primary types of fireworks that resulted in injury.

Firework Safety Tips

Fireworks can be dangerous, so in order to prevent injuries and deaths that are related to fireworks, here are a few firework safety tips to follow this Fourth of July:

- Children should never be allowed to ignite or play with fireworks (even sparklers).
- An adult should always be supervising firework activity.
- A garden hose or bucket of water should always be on hand in the event of a mishap or fire.
- No one should ever try to pick up or re-ignite a firework that did not ignite properly or fully the first time around.
- Fireworks should only be lit one at a time and the person lighting them should immediately move away from the firework after lighting it.

Child Safety

Due to the large attendance of most Independence Day-related activities, it is crucial that Families focus on child safety and meet-up plans.

Families should consider wearing unique, identifiable colors, hold hands at all times and/or buddy up.
A unique way of ensuring you are contacted if your child is lost in a crowd is to have your child wear a beaded bracelet that has your phone number or consider getting an ID bracelet or something similar. Determine a time and place to meet should the Family separate. Make sure that you child knows to find a police officer if they get lost in a crowd.

Water Safety

Because almost everyone heads out to the beach, lake or river for 4th of July, it is important that you and your Family are kept as safe as possible while playing in the water or out in the water with your jet ski or boat. Here are some water safety tips:

- Make sure the children - and even adults - always have a life jacket on when in the water or on a motorized water vehicle (boat, jet ski, etc.)
- Never let your children swim alone. An adult should always be present and paying attention.
- Always step “Feet First” into shallow water and never try to dive.
- Alcohol, fireworks and Fourth of July do not mix well. Drink responsibly and make sure to have a designated driver available.
- Review safe boating practices.
- Always have a phone handy should an emergency arise.
- Know your limits when it comes to water.

Sun Safety

Whether you are planning a fun day at the beach or local theme park, don't let the day be ruined by a painful sunburn. Here are a few tips to help avoid the burn.

• Avoid the sun during its hottest hours, between 10 am and 2 pm.
• Use sunscreen with a SPF factor of at least 15.
• Apply sun block 15 to 30 minutes before going into the sun.
• Reapply sun block throughout the day, especially if you are swimming or perspiring.
• Use sun block protection for your lips. (Only use sun block that is specifically designed for the lips.)
• Don't let an overcast day fool you - the sun's UV rays are just as strong.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect the face, ears and neck.
• Be sure to protect your eyes, by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
• Certain medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun. If you are taking medication - consult your physician or pharmacy before spending prolonged time in the sun.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
• Check the UV (Ultra Violet) Sun Index. As a general rule, the higher the UV Index the higher the SPF needed in your sunscreen.

UV Sun Index
Index number and Exposure Level:
0 to 2 - minimal
3 to 4 - low
5 to 6 - moderate
7 to 9 - high
10 + - very high

Food Safety

4th of July barbeques are one of the most important times to remember food safety. Food safety is extremely important when serving items like potato salad. You must remember to keep foods with mayonnaise cold or salmonella could set in. If salmonella does set in, the safety of your guests will be in danger. Some people simply get nauseous when they get salmonella, while others are much more deeply affected by this condition. Some people are even left with arthritis that affects the person's entire body. If you do serve foods with mayonnaise, be sure to serve them as soon as the party starts. Also remember to cook chicken and hamburgers well done. If your guests complain about the well done hamburgers, just remember that their safety is more important than them turning their noses up to a well done hamburger.

Hope you, your family and friends have a fun and SAFE Holiday/Summer!!!

Remember Your Halloween Safety Tips For A Spook-Tacular Day

Halloween is on Friday this year so it's time once again to remember a few important safety tips when preparing for that most spook-tacular day .

I have reposted these tips each year since starting this blog, this year is no exception. I hope that readers will heed some (if not all) of these tips so that their Halloween can be happy, safe and fun for everyone.

Trick-Or-Treating
• Make sure that an adult or older responsible youth accompanies young children.
• Plan and discuss the trick-or-treat route your children intend to follow, ideally a well-lit, well-populated course. Instruct your kids to stick to this route, and establish what tie they should return home.
• Write your child’s name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and slip it in a pocket or pin it to his/her costume, in case your child gets separated from the group.
• Review pedestrian safety rules with your children, including looking both ways before crossing the street and not crossing the street between parked cars.
• Tell your children to walk on sidewalks, not on the street; where there are no sidewalks, children should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Teach your children to stop only at homes that are well-lit, and never enter a stranger’s home.
• If you’re driving your kids around to trick-or-treat make sure they get out of your car on the curb side, not on the traffic side of the road.
• Instruct your kids not to eat any of their treats until they get home. Be sure to wash any fruit and it into small pieces before giving it to your kids to eat.

Costumes
• Knives, swords, and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible material. Sharp toys present all sorts of dangers, including injuring your child if he or she trips and falls on it. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
• Trim trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape.
• Give your child flashlights to carry so they can be more visible to motorist.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that it has large holes for the eyes and mouth. Also, avoid hats that will slide over your child’s eyes.

Other Halloween Fun
• Avoid giving treats that can be harmful to young children, including gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys. Also, remember that many children have food allergies to peanuts and dairy products.
• When carving pumpkins, kids should not be allowed to use knives, its best to let children clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it.
• If you set out jack-o-lanterns on your sidewalk or porch, be sure there is enough room for kids to pass through in groups without the danger of costumes catching on fire.
• Explain to your children the consequences of vandalism and other antics, such as animal cruelty. Both are unacceptable and punishable by law.

Halloween Safety Tips

Tomorrow is Halloween and it is time once again to remember a few important safety tips when preparing for that most spook-tacular day .

I have reposted these tips each year since starting this blog, this year is no exception. I hope that readers will heed some (if not all) of these tips so that their Halloween can be happy, safe and fun for everyone.

Trick-Or-Treating
• Make sure that an adult or older responsible youth accompanies young children.
• Plan and discuss the trick-or-treat route your children intend to follow, ideally a well-lit, well-populated course. Instruct your kids to stick to this route, and establish what tie they should return home.
• Write your child’s name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and slip it in a pocket or pin it to his/her costume, in case your child gets separated from the group.
• Review pedestrian safety rules with your children, including looking both ways before crossing the street and not crossing the street between parked cars.
• Tell your children to walk on sidewalks, not on the street; where there are no sidewalks, children should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Teach your children to stop only at homes that are well-lit, and never enter a stranger’s home.
• If you’re driving your kids around to trick-or-treat make sure they get out of your car on the curb side, not on the traffic side of the road.
• Instruct your kids not to eat any of their treats until they get home. Be sure to wash any fruit and it into small pieces before giving it to your kids to eat.

Costumes
• Knives, swords, and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible material. Sharp toys present all sorts of dangers, including injuring your child if he or she trips and falls on it. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
• Trim trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape.
• Give your child flashlights to carry so they can be more visible to motorist.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that it has large holes for the eyes and mouth. Also, avoid hats that will slide over your child’s eyes.

Other Halloween Fun
• Avoid giving treats that can be harmful to young children, including gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys. Also, remember that many children have food allergies to peanuts and dairy products.
• When carving pumpkins, kids should not be allowed to use knives, its best to let children clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it.
• If you set out jack-o-lanterns on your sidewalk or porch, be sure there is enough room for kids to pass through in groups without the danger of costumes catching on fire.
• Explain to your children the consequences of vandalism and other antics, such as animal cruelty. Both are unacceptable and punishable by law.

American Red Cross - Thanksgiving Safety Tips

With Thanksgiving two days away and the Christmas holidays right around the corner, now is as good a time as any to think safety, especially in the aftermath of super storm, Hurricane Sandy.

Cross posted from the American Red Cross -

Thanksgiving Day has more than double the number of home cooking fires than an average day according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In fact, each year more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day.

To help prevent home fires this Thanksgiving, the Red Cross suggests the following tips:

• Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources while cooking
• Wear tighter fitting clothing with shorter sleeves when cooking
• Make sure all stoves, ovens, and ranges have been turned off when you leave the kitchen
• Set timers to keep track of turkeys and other food items that require extended cooking times
• Turn handles of pots and pans on the stove inward to avoid accidents
• Follow all manufacturer guidelines regarding the appropriate use of appliances
• After guests leave, designate a responsible adult to walk around the home making sure that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished

Even with the best preparation and precautions, accidents can happen. Thanksgiving is high time for cooking related burns. Minor burns can be treated easily if you remember to save the butter for the rolls and not a burn. For a superficial burn, cool the area by running it under cold water until the heat eases and then loosely cover the burn with a sterile dressing.

Another danger that can interrupt a good turkey dinner is choking. The most common cause of choking is talking while eating. If you feel as if food may be caught in your throat, never leave the room, stay where others can see you and help if your airway becomes blocked.

To help someone who is choking, remember "FIVE-and-FIVE Can Keep Them Alive." First, ask the person if they are able to breathe and if you can help. Once you know the person is unable to cough, speak or breathe, have someone call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, lean the person forward and give FIVE sharp back blows with the heel of your hand. If the obstruction isn't dislodged, give the person FIVE quick, upward abdominal thrusts. If you are alone, you can perform abdominal thrusts on yourself, just as you would on someone else. Thrusts can also be administered by pressing your abdomen firmly against an object such as the back of a chair.

Just because we get to take a break from dieting on Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean we can throw caution to the autumn winds. Remember these suggestions and have a happy and safe holiday.

******
Here are a few more safety tips that can help you get through the holiday season healthy and safe.

Holiday Safety Tips #2

Be Safe on Icy Surfaces:

When you’re taking a crisp winter stroll in your neighborhood or walking through the parking lot at work or the grocery, use caution when walking out-doors in the winter. Slips and falls are some of the most frequent types of injuries, especially during the winter months Sidewalks and pavement can be slipperier than they look, resulting in falls that can cause serious injury. Follow these tips to be aware of these dangers and to learn to walk safely on ice and slippery surfaces.

· In cold temperatures assume that all wet, dark areas on pavements are slippery and icy.

· Wear sensible boots with thick, non-tread soles and low heels. Keep these in your car in case you become stranded or encounter car trouble.

· Thoroughly salt or sand your driveway, walkways and sidewalks.

· Wait until snow/ice has melted before walking on salted surfaces.

· Look before you walk. Surfaces can re-freeze during nighttime hours, making sidewalks and parking lots slippery in the morning. Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and other frozen areas can be hazardous. Look ahead when you walk; a snow- or ice covered sidewalk or driveway, especially if on a hill, may require travel along its grassy edge for traction.

· Point your feet out slightly like a penguin! Spreading your feet out slightly while walking on ice increases your center of gravity. Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible. Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance.

· Keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands in your pockets while walking decreases your center of gravity and balance. You can help break your fall with your hands free if you do start to slip.

· Watch where you are stepping and… GO S-L-O-W-L-Y !!

· Walk slowly and carefully, taking small steps.

· If you’re in a situation where you cannot safely walk on the snow or ice, ask someone around you for assistance.

· Don’t walk your dog using a retractable leash in snowy, icy conditions.

· When helping someone on the snow or ice, use extra caution.

· Never perform outdoor tasks requiring a ladder (i.e., hanging outdoor holiday lights on your home) during snowy or icy conditions.

· Carry a shovel and small bag of salt (or other ice melting product) in your car in case you become stuck in the snow while driving.

Be Safe in Cold Temperatures:

Exposure to cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time can result in frostbite, which causes the skin and surrounding tissues to freeze. Frostbite commonly occurs in the fingers, which may lead to loss of feeling and skin discoloration. In severe cases, frostbite can also cause permanent damage and/or loss of fingers. If you’re going to be outside in the cold weather, be sure to protect your hands.

· Frostbite can occur even when the temperature is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind chill and moisture contribute to frostbite conditions.

· Dress in layers, including warm, insulated gloves or mittens that repel moisture. Always carry a pair in your car in case you become stranded or encounter car trouble.

· Refrain from consuming alcohol when you’re outside in the cold weather.

· People who have diabetes and neuropathy or those taking certain medications are at higher risk for frostbite.

Recognize frostbite symptoms:

· Numbness/tingling feeling

· Skin discoloration

· Hard or waxy skin

· Blisters or blackened skin

If you suspect frostbite, follow these guidelines and seek immediate medical attention:

· Go immediately to a warm place, preferably indoors.

· Carefully remove wet gloves and mittens.

· Refrain from rubbing or scratching the affected area.

· Carefully submerse affected fingers in warm (not hot) water for 30 minutes until medical care is available.

· Cover the area with a warm towel or blanket to thaw.

· If available, wrap each frostbitten finger loosely with sterile gauze.

· Thaw a frostbitten area only if it can be kept warm. Refreezing a frostbitten finger can result in permanent loss.

· Do not touch blisters occurring from frostbite.

Be Safe with Holiday Cooking:

When preparing any food, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling any meat. This will reduce any contamination to the meat and the spread of food borne illness.

Never share cutting boards without washing them thoroughly. Never place different forms of raw meat onto the same cutting board. This can cause cross contamination of the meat and spread food borne illness. Wash the cutting boards well with either hot soapy water or bleach and water solution.

Do not let your leftovers sit out longer than two hours. To prevent food borne illnesses, you should refrigerate the leftovers as soon as possible. When re-heating the leftovers, they should reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any harmful bacteria.

Be Safe with Decorations:

Trees

· Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying this protection.

· A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. To check for freshness, remember:

· A fresh tree is green.

· Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.

· When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.

· The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.

· When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that tree is too dry.

· Place tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards.

· Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Trim away branches as necessary to set tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water-holding stand with wide spread feet. Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors.

· Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block door-ways. Use thin guy-wires to secure a large tree to walls or ceiling. These wires are almost invisible.

“Snow”

· Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, read container labels; follow directions carefully.

Lights

· Use only lights that have been tested for safety, whether using them out-side or indoors. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory.

· Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.

· Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.

· Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

· Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.

· Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

· The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and any person touching a branch could be electrocuted! To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it!

· Keep “bubbling” lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.

Candles

· Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.

· Always use non-flammable holders.

· Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.

· Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.

General Rules for Holiday Safety:

· Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children.

· Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.

· Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. PRACTICE THE PLAN!

· Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes—particularly long, open sleeves—near open flames - such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelit table.

· Never burn candles near evergreens. Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can flare out of control, and send sparks flying into a room, or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits.

Holiday Safety Tips #1

The following tips are ways for you to keep safe during the hustle and bustle of this joyous season.

While you are shopping:

· Stay alert and be aware of everything around you. Take a minute to observe who may be watching you.

· Park in a highly visible well-lighted space. It may be daylight when you arrive at the Mall, but when you come out at 5 or 6 P.M. it will be dark.

· Lock your vehicle both when driving and parked.

· Carry your purse close to you body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

· Have your car keys in your hand and be ready to open the car door immediately.

· Place all shopping bags, packages and gifts out of sight (trunk, under seat).

· Always know where you have parked your car, so you do not spend unnecessary time walking around the parking lot.

· Look inside and under your car before entering.

· Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – use debit card, credit card or check.

· Do not overburden yourself with packages. This will help deter pickpockets or purse snatchers.

· Do not park next to a van or truck where people can hide.

· If you take children shopping, teach them to go to a police officer or a store security officer if they get separated or lost. Ensure children know that mommy and daddy would never send a person they did not know to “take them home” or “take them to find mommy or daddy.”



If you are going out for the evening:

· Turn on lights, television or radio so that it appears that someone is home.

· Lock all doors and windows, even if you plan to be gone for a few minutes.

· Holiday gifts should not be displayed where they can be seen from the outside.


If you plan to travel for the holidays:

· Ask a neighbor to watch your house or apartment, ask them to park in your driveway or space from time to time.

· Use automatic timers for your lights.

· Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.

· Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you are away.


Be safe while you are driving:

· Be alert at intersections and stoplights. They can be favorite spots for persons with a criminal intent.

· Keep your car in gear. If you are threatened, blow the horn, and then drive away. Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you to pull around if necessary.

· Keep windows rolled up and doors locked at all times.

· Keep valuables (purses, packages, wallets, etc.) out of sight.

· If followed – do not drive home. Go to a police station, fire house, gas station or other public place.

· If car breaks down, stay with the car and accept NO rides. If someone stops to help, ask them to call the police. Use a cell phone if available.

· Keep your vehicle well maintained and gassed up.

· When partaking of “holiday cheer,” good judgment is always in order. Remember seat-belts do save lives.


While you are at home:

· Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you step out for a moment.

· Mark all your property with an “identifier” type number. DO NOT use your social security number. Some prefer their driver’s license number

· Video tape valuables as a record of ownership.

· Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wiring before you hang them.

· If you are using a ladder to hang holiday decorations, make sure it is properly secured.

· Keep holiday decorations and plants away from young children and pets. Some are poisonous!

· Place your holiday tree, decorations, etc. away from heating vents or fireplaces to reduce the risk of fire.

· Keep fresh cut holiday greenery watered.

· Use extreme caution when using lighted candles as part of your holiday celebration.

· Beware of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations. Ask them four questions:

o Can you show some identification?

o Is the donation tax deductible?

o How the funds will be used? and

o May I have a receipt?

If you are not satisfied with any or all the answers tell them “no thank you” and close the door. Help a work sponsored charitable group or a charity that has special meaning to you or a loved one


While you are at the ATM:

· Stay Alert. Be aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM, especially at night. Park in a well lighted area and have someone accompany you.

· Report Suspicious People. If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card and leave IMMEDIATELY. Go to a safe place and call police.

· Be Prepared. Have everything ready (deposit slips, card) when arriving at the ATM. When you have completed the transaction, pocket your cash and card immediately. COUNT YOUR CASH AND PUT YOUR CARD AWAY LATER!

· Drive-Up ATM. When using a drive-up ATM, remember to always keep doors locked, all other (except driver’s side) windows up and the car running.

· Treat Your ATM Card Like Cash. Guard your ATM card as carefully as you do cash, debit or credit cards, and checks. Never give account numbers or card information over the phone, unless you know exactly who you are speaking to.

· Keep Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) Secret. Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it written somewhere in your wallet. Never tell anyone your PIN

William Shatner & State Farm® present "Eat, Fry, Love," a turkey fryer fire cautionary tale

William Shatner loves deep-fried turkey, but over many Thanksgivings and Christmases he's made mistakes, burned himself, and nearly burned down his house. In this dramatic retelling, Bill shows us how dangerous turkey fryers can be.




Watch a real turkey fryer fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETBD0EqQGoU
View the photo slideshow: http://statefarm.socialshare.mobi/shatner

Safe Turkey Frying Tips
1: Avoid oil spillover--don't overfill the pot.
2: Turn off flame when lowering the turkey into oil.
3: Fry outside, away from the house.
4: Properly thaw the turkey before frying.
5: Keep a grease-fire-approved extinguisher nearby.

This video was posted on YouTube and was produced by State Farm Insurance Company

It's that time of year again -Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween just a few days away, it is time once again to remember a few important safety tips when preparing for that most spook-tacular day .

I have reposted these tips each year since starting this blog, this year is no exception. I hope that readers will heed some (if not all) of these tips so that their Halloween can be happy, safe and fun for everyone.

Trick-Or-Treating
• Make sure that an adult or older responsible youth accompanies young children.
• Plan and discuss the trick-or-treat route your children intend to follow, ideally a well-lit, well-populated course. Instruct your kids to stick to this route, and establish what tie they should return home.
• Write your child’s name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and slip it in a pocket or pin it to his/her costume, in case your child gets separated from the group.
• Review pedestrian safety rules with your children, including looking both ways before crossing the street and not crossing the street between parked cars.
• Tell your children to walk on sidewalks, not on the street; where there are no sidewalks, children should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Teach your children to stop only at homes that are well-lit, and never enter a stranger’s home.
• If you’re driving your kids around to trick-or-treat make sure they get out of your car on the curb side, not on the traffic side of the road.
• Instruct your kids not to eat any of their treats until they get home. Be sure to wash any fruit and it into small pieces before giving it to your kids to eat.

Costumes
• Knives, swords, and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible material. Sharp toys present all sorts of dangers, including injuring your child if he or she trips and falls on it. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
• Trim trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape.
• Give your child flashlights to carry so they can be more visible to motorist.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that it has large holes for the eyes and mouth. Also, avoid hats that will slide over your child’s eyes.

Other Halloween Fun
• Avoid giving treats that can be harmful to young children, including gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys. Also, remember that many children have food allergies to peanuts and dairy products.
• When carving pumpkins, kids should not be allowed to use knives, its best to let children clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it.
• If you set out jack-o-lanterns on your sidewalk or porch, be sure there is enough room for kids to pass through in groups without the danger of costumes catching on fire.
• Explain to your children the consequences of vandalism and other antics, such as animal cruelty. Both are unacceptable and punishable by law.

Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween just a few days away, it is important to keep in mind the following safety tips when preparing for that most spook-tacular day .

Trick-Or-Treating
• Make sure that an adult or older responsible youth accompanies young children.
• Plan and discuss the trick-or-treat route your children intend to follow, ideally a well-lit, well-populated course. Instruct your kids to stick to this route, and establish what tie they should return home.
• Write your child’s name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and slip it in a pocket or pin it to his/her costume, in case your child gets separated from the group.
• Review pedestrian safety rules with your children, including looking both ways before crossing the street and not crossing the street between parked cars.
• Tell your children to walk on sidewalks, not on the street; where there are no sidewalks, children should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Teach your children to stop only at homes that are well-lit, and never enter a stranger’s home.
• If you’re driving your kids around to trick-or-treat make sure they get out of your car on the curb side, not on the traffic side of the road.
• Instruct your kids not to eat any of their treats until they get home. Be sure to wash any fruit and it into small pieces before giving it to your kids to eat.

Costumes
• Knives, swords, and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible material. Sharp toys present all sorts of dangers, including injuring your child if he or she trips and falls on it. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
• Trim trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape.
• Give your child flashlights to carry so they can be more visible to motorist.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that it has large holes for the eyes and mouth. Also, avoid hats that will slide over your child’s eyes.

Other Halloween Fun
• Avoid giving treats that can be harmful to young children, including gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys. Also, remember that many children have food allergies to peanuts and dairy products.
• When carving pumpkins, kids should not be allowed to use knives, its best to let children clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it.
• If you set out jack-o-lanterns on your sidewalk or porch, be sure there is enough room for kids to pass through in groups without the danger of costumes catching on fire.
• Explain to your children the consequences of vandalism and other antics, such as animal cruelty. Both are unacceptable and punishable by law.

Reminder Halloween Safety Tips

It's that time of year again, Halloween is just a few days away. It is important to keep in mind the following safety tips when preparing for that most spook-tacular day .

Trick-Or-Treating
• Make sure that an adult or older responsible youth accompanies young children.
• Plan and discuss the trick-or-treat route your children intend to follow, ideally a well-lit, well-populated course. Instruct your kids to stick to this route, and establish what tie they should return home.
• Write your child’s name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and slip it in a pocket or pin it to his/her costume, in case your child gets separated from the group.
• Review pedestrian safety rules with your children, including looking both ways before crossing the street and not crossing the street between parked cars.
• Tell your children to walk on sidewalks, not on the street; where there are no sidewalks, children should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Teach your children to stop only at homes that are well-lit, and never enter a stranger’s home.
• If you’re driving your kids around to trick-or-treat make sure they get out of your car on the curb side, not on the traffic side of the road.
• Instruct your kids not to eat any of their treats until they get home. Be sure to wash any fruit and it into small pieces before giving it to your kids to eat.

Costumes
• Knives, swords, and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible material. Sharp toys present all sorts of dangers, including injuring your child if he or she trips and falls on it. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
• Trim trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape.
• Give your child flashlights to carry so they can be more visible to motorist.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that it has large holes for the eyes and mouth. Also, avoid hats that will slide over your child’s eyes.

Other Halloween Fun
• Avoid giving treats that can be harmful to young children, including gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys. Also, remember that many children have food allergies to peanuts and dairy products.
• When carving pumpkins, kids should not be allowed to use knives, its best to let children clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it.
• If you set out jack-o-lanterns on your sidewalk or porch, be sure there is enough room for kids to pass through in groups without the danger of costumes catching on fire.
• Explain to your children the consequences of vandalism and other antics, such as animal cruelty. Both are unacceptable and punishable by law.

Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween just a few days away, it is important to keep in mind the following safety tips when preparing for that most spook-tacular day .

Trick-Or-Treating
• Make sure that an adult or older responsible youth accompanies young children.
• Plan and discuss the trick-or-treat route your children intend to follow, ideally a well-lit, well-populated course. Instruct your kids to stick to this route, and establish what tie they should return home.
• Write your child’s name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and slip it in a pocket or pin it to his/her costume, in case your child gets separated from the group.
• Review pedestrian safety rules with your children, including looking both ways before crossing the street and not crossing the street between parked cars.
• Tell your children to walk on sidewalks, not on the street; where there are no sidewalks, children should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Teach your children to stop only at homes that are well-lit, and never enter a stranger’s home.
• If you’re driving your kids around to trick-or-treat make sure they get out of your car on the curb side, not on the traffic side of the road.
• Instruct your kids not to eat any of their treats until they get home. Be sure to wash any fruit and it into small pieces before giving it to your kids to eat.

Costumes
• Knives, swords, and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible material. Sharp toys present all sorts of dangers, including injuring your child if he or she trips and falls on it. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
• Trim trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape.
• Give your child flashlights to carry so they can be more visible to motorist.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that it has large holes for the eyes and mouth. Also, avoid hats that will slide over your child’s eyes.

Other Halloween Fun
• Avoid giving treats that can be harmful to young children, including gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys. Also, remember that many children have food allergies to peanuts and dairy products.
• When carving pumpkins, kids should not be allowed to use knives, its best to let children clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it.
• If you set out jack-o-lanterns on your sidewalk or porch, be sure there is enough room for kids to pass through in groups without the danger of costumes catching on fire.
• Explain to your children the consequences of vandalism and other antics, such as animal cruelty. Both are unacceptable and punishable by law.