As the southeast continues to clean up from this week’s ice and snow storm, what would you do if you were stuck for hours, or days, in a surprise storm? Drivers in Alabama and Georgia faced the dangerous dilemma this week as a surprise storm moved in, stranding people for over 24 hours. Outdoor survival experts and search and rescue groups have put out these life saving tips.
How to Be Prepared:
1. Always drive with at least three-fourths of a tank of gas during the winter months. In an emergency, you will need as much gas as possible.
2. Pack a fleece blanket, emergency food and a first aid kit in the interior of your car. In an emergency the trunk might not be accessible, and fleece is one of the few pieces of material that retains its ability to provide warmth if it gets wet.
3. Have a container in the car that is capable of holding snow. In an emergency it may be necessary to collect snow in order to hydrate.
4. Replace all the interior light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs use about one-twelfth of the energy of an incandescent bulb and cost less than a tank of gas. In an emergency, conserving the car battery is extremely important, and the LED bulbs make a big difference.
What to Do If You’re Stranded:
1. Don’t panic and don’t rely on your technology. Survival is never about technology and always about temperament. In many cases cell phones and GPS devices may have been disabled by the accident or will not have service. However, if they are functional, they should be used immediately.
2. Always stay in your vehicle. If people are coming to look for you there is a better chance they will see a car than a person. You will also be able to survive for longer in your vehicle than in the elements. There are only two circumstances in which you should leave the vehicle. The first is if you are familiar with the surroundings and are certain it would be easy to walk to safety. The second is an option of last resort in which you believe you have absolutely no chance of surviving unless you try to walk to safety.
3. Keep your seat belt on. In winter conditions it is likely that other drivers may slide into your vehicle after it has become stuck.
4. Crack the back window slightly. Oftentimes the tail pipe is obstructed by snow, which can cause deadly carbon monoxide fumes to get into the vehicle when the engine is running.
5. Run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes every hour. This will allow you to heat the car, melt snow into water and even warm a meal if you have packs of survival food. It will also conserve gas and prolong the life of both the engine and the battery. In an emergency, the vehicle is your lifeboat, and you want it to be functional for as long as possible.
Read more lifesaving winter tips by visiting here.
There are many dangers associated with being a law enforcement officer. Many come simply from driving. The police have to protect the public but also protect themselves by not taking risks while in or around their vehicle. Here is a roundup of eight ways for police officers to keep safe on the job.
1. Don’t drive tired: It’s been proven that driving fatigued can be as bad as driving drunk. You’re especially at risk if you work overnight; the darkness can make anyone want to doze. Recognize the warning signs and know when you need to take a break: eyes closing or going out of focus, persistent yawning, irritability and wandering thoughts, among others.
2. Wear a seatbelt: This should go without saying, but it doesn’t. Not only is it a good example for the public, it is a no-brainer for keeping officers safe on the roadways. Sadly, almost half of officers killed in vehicle accidents were not wearing a seatbelt.
3. Use GPS: 911 dispatchers can use GPS to see where officers’ vehicles are at all times. Not only does it allow for the monitoring of safe driving habits, a live map shows the dispatcher which officer is nearest to the scene of an emergency. GPS speeds up the decision-making process, saving what can be critical moments, and the operator can send an officer who can get to the incident the soonest. As always, be sure officers are trained on any new technology in the vehicle, such as GPS-enabled laptops.
4. Avoid multitasking: Police officers today are outfitted with all kinds of equipment in their vehicles, including cameras and computers. Use extreme caution if you have to use this technology while behind the wheel. Eating, drinking or having a conversation while driving can be distracting, too. If it’s not an emergency situation, stop the car and do what you need to do.
5. Wear a reflective vest: Increasing your visibility is a simple but crucial step to take when you exit your vehicle to enter the roadway or stand on the shoulder. If the situation allows, pick these locations wisely — try not to pull over on a blind curve, where other drivers have little or no chance to see you in time to slow down.
6. Keep tires maintained: The vehicle should have a light that warns the driver when tire pressure is low, but it doesn’t hurt to check it once in a while, especially when the temperature drops significantly at the beginning of winter. Check tire treads using the “penny test”: place an upside-down penny in one of the treads. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are wearing down and the tire should be replaced.
7. Don’t speed unless necessary: Speed can kill. The faster a car is moving, the less time the driver has to react to any obstacle. Making sudden maneuvers at high speeds leads to accidents.
8. Call for backup: If you have a feeling that backup is needed, ask for it. Don’t worry about inconveniencing other officers. You are better safe than sorry if you suspect that someone has a gun or that you will be in a threatening situation.
Author Bio:
Cheryl Bikowski is Marketing Communications Supervisor of Gamber-Johnsonin Stevens Point, WI. Gamber-Johnson is a leading supplier of vehicle computer mounts and vehicle docking stations and is a member of the Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products (CVP) Group.
Gov’t: 1 in 14 fell prey to identity theft in 2012(from AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The government says 1 out of every 14 Americans age 16 or older was a target or a victim of identity theft, a crime imposing a heavy emotional toll on many of its victims. This comes from a national survey of 70,000 people, issued by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. ID theft resulted in $24.7 billion in financial losses last year. The crime affected 16.6 million people and fell most heavily on households with annual incomes of $75,000 or more. In that income bracket, 10 percent of such households were victimized.
Here are some scary statistics:
Two-thirds of identity theft victims experienced financial losses, which averaged $1,769.
47% of victims who spent six months or more resolving the financial and credit problems, experienced severe emotional distress, compared with 4% who spent a day or less resolving the problems.
Less than 10% of victims bought identity theft protection.
Theft involving existing credit cards and bank accounts made up for the vast majority of the 16.6 million victims.
Some 7.7 million victims reported the fraudulent use of a credit card, and 7.5 million reported the fraudulent use of a bank account such as a debit card, checking account or savings.
For more information about California Casualty’s FREE Identity Defense protection, visit here.
As Mother Nature’s icy grip takes hold across much of the nation, officials are warning to be very careful and plan ahead. The super-frigid air is more than an inconvenience, it can be life threatening. Here are some tips for people who will be driving in ice and snow storms:
If a blizzard traps you in the car:
Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
Eat regularly and drink ample fluids to avoid dehydration, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs – the use of lights, heat, and radio – with supply.
Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
Leave the car and proceed on foot – if necessary – once the blizzard passes.
FEMA also has numerous other tips about cold weather safety here.
How cold can it go? Some of the coldest weather in decades is icing much of the West and Midwest of the United States over the next few days. Are you prepared for the numbing cold? Emergency officials warn it can be deadly without the proper gear.
Before you head out into the frigid weather, make sure that you have a “go bag” in your vehicle. A go bag has a flashlight blankets, high energy snack bars, water, gloves and hat. Check that you have jump cables, tools and a full spare tire. A bag of kitty litter can provide traction on slippery roads and thoroughfares.
Check out the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Environment lists of more cold weather safety tips.
For more about preparing your car for winter, visit these tips.
As the weather starts to change once again, we look towards the fall season. This means it is important to remember to prepare your house and family accordingly for the season change. Preparing for fall can help save money, and protect your family and home. Check out these tips about preparing your home both inside and out, along with family (including pets).
Inside the house
Service your furnace / air conditioner. Be sure to call your local heating and cooling company to service and make sure everything is working properly. Double check furnace for any leaks. This will save headaches and money later when the temperatures drop.
Check to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors are properly working. It’s important to know the alarms work, and that fresh batteries have been installed. Replace any fire extinguishers that have expired with new ones throughout the home.
If you keep emergency kits, make sure they are full and stocked with small medical items, water, flashlight with fresh batteries, and any supplies needed. There should be enough to last you and the family about a week.
Stock up on winter supplies. If you live in a climate where it snows frequently or ices, stock up on shovels, ice scrapers, sidewalk salts, etc. If your climate features heavy rain or hurricanes, make sure you have plenty of tarps, bottled water, duct tape, etc.
Use caution with space heaters and fireplaces. Place a fireplace screen in front of fire to prevent sparks from flying out. Never leave a burning fire unattended, and make sure the fire is out before going to bed. If your space heater requires ventilation, make sure it vents to the outdoors. Never use a stove or oven to heat home. Always allow three feet of empty area around the space heaters.
Outside the home
Reconsider burning the big pile of leaves. Check with your city’s regulations. It may be illegal to burn leaves. Burning leaves produce dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). If you are going to burn the leaves, wear a protective mask. Make sure that you are far away from the house or any other structures. Double check the weather forecast for the day for windy activity.
Watch for power lines if trimming trees in the yard. Look and survey your yard area for power lines hanging above. Notice the placement of your ladder and trimming tools.
Use caution while using a ladder. If you have to clean leaves out of the gutter, remember to have on appropriate footwear to avoid getting caught in between steps. Watch the steps for water or moisture to avoid slipping and falling. Make sure the ladder is secure and placed before climbing.
Check all of the outdoor lighting fixtures. Make sure they all are working properly and secure. Outdoor lights are also effective deterrents for crime.
When you’re cleaning up your yard, prevent injuries by standing straight and upright while raking leaves. Pull from your arms and legs, lift bags with bent knees using your legs, not your back, for support. If you’re using a leaf blower, wear appropriate clothing, eye protection, and tennis shoes or boots to prevent injury.
Family
Go get a flu shot. There are still possibilities of getting sick after receiving the shot, but it will protect you from severe complications.
Not just for employees returning to work, wash your hands. Use hot water, plenty of soap, and scrub for at least 30 seconds.
Bundle up if it is cold. Wear a jacket and dress accordingly.
Pets. If your furry friend lives outside, feed them more in the cooler times to help them retain body heat.
Keep an emergency kit in your car. If you haven’t already, make up an emergency kit and keep in your trunk. Some are in stores already made-up. To make your own, include a flashlight with fresh batteries, first-aid kit, jumper cables, windshield washer fluid, and basic tools.
