Think Safety

This is such an important topic for young people. Safety was never really taught or talked about when I was growing up. Mom and Dad said "Don't talk to strangers" but never about anything else. I am not sure if its because we lived in a different time, but I feel it is a very important subject to be discussed. There are so many crazy people out there, who are doing stupid stuff to get their name on Instagram, FB or whatever Social Media they can think of. I will discuss several safety topics for you to think about.

1) Travel Safety - You need to always be on the watch when you are traveling. It used to be safety in numbers but that isn't the case anymore. Below I have listed some do's and don'ts for travelling. Let me tell you about a story that affected my travel life greatly.

The story takes us to Las Vegas April of 1992 and we were out there for CES show. There were 8 of my staff members going out to dinner near the MGM Grand Hotel and they were walking on the side walk. A drunken man who was driving a truck decided to take out a few people by driving on the sidewalk. Three people ended up dying and one of our salespeople ended up in the hospital for four months out there. After that accident the owner of the company brought in an expert to "clue" us in on how to travel safely without staying in our rooms that whole entire time.

When travelling please make sure you do the following: 

1.) You need to be aware of the people and situations that are happening around you. Always make sure no matter where you are that you have an exit strategy. The expert who Patrick hired told us to always make sure you know where the exits are. Whether you are in a store, bar or movie theater always check out the exits. Public places are required in most states to have two exits.  

2.) Make sure if you are travelling to another country that you register with the US State Department so they could evacuate you if necessary. You can do this online. Also, make sure you have copies of your passport and drivers license and put that in your room safe or in the hotel safe. That way if your passport is stolen or loss it would help you get a replacement quicker. 

3.) I suggest you get the new kind  of luggage with a TSA lock on it if you travel a lot. When packing be aware of the fact that people look over all the items in the luggage. With that in mind make sure you don't have anything in there that could lead someone to where you live, give them clues for passwords, if you have kids and anything else that would help them identify stuff about you. 

4.) When out of the hotel room keep an eye out for "Tag" teams that work tourist areas. Keep your purse across your body or your wallet put it in the front pocket of your pants. If you are taking public transportation make sure you take a seat if possible. Pick pockets work together in groups for stealing. For instance, on the subway they will try in distract you by shoving into you while the other one takes your wallet, etc. They mostly target pocketbooks, wallets and backpack items. You want to guard your passport it's very important especially overseas.

5.) Getting into an elevator as a single person just look at everyone as a potential threat especially if there are two or more of them. Sometimes when I have felt uneasy about someone or the items they have I just get off on the next floor, wait a couple of minutes and then hit the up button and proceed. If you do stay on just look at height, facial features, any distinguishing marks just in case. I know it sounds crazy but in the end it might help the police find a robber. 

2) Driving safety - 

Top 20 Safety Tips for Driving

Safety is something that drivers should keep in mind at all times. After all, when you are operating a motorized vehicle, you have a responsibility to do your part to keep the roadways safe for yourself, other drivers, passengers, animals, and others who may be affected by traffic accidents.

a) Stay Alert - Actively pay attention to your actions and those of the drivers around you when you are driving.

b) Avoid Assumptions - Don't make the mistake of assuming that other drivers are going to do or what you think they should do.

c) Use Turn Signals - While you can't depend on others always signaling their intentions when driving, you can certainly control whether or not they have realistic expectations for your actions. Always use your turn signals in advance of making a lane change or turning.

d) Buckle Up - Wearing your seat belt is an essential safety tip for drivers. Not only are you more likely to get injured in an accident if you aren't wearing a seat belt, you can also be fined for failing to do so.

e) Follow Traffic Signals - Pay close attention to and obey stop signs and traffic lights.

f) Respect Yellow Lights - Remember that the intent of a yellow light is to notify drivers to slow down and prepare to stop. A yellow traffic signal should not be viewed as a sign to step on the gas to rush through an intersection before the light turns red. I have seen several major accidents because someone "jumped" a red light. 

g) Come to a Complete Stop - When you see a stop sign or a red light, it's important to bring your vehicle to a complete stop, even if you think no other vehicles are coming.

h) Do Not Text and Drive - It is never acceptable to send text messages when operating a motor vehicle. If it is so urgent to do it PULL the car over!

i) Obey Speed Limits - When driving, it's important to stick to the posted speed limit at all times. The restrictions placed on vehicle speed are not established arbitrarily. Rather, they are carefully selected to maximize safety for drivers and for individuals in the homes, businesses, and other organizations in the areas where roadways are located. However, in the South I firmly believe they have the speed limits way to high for backroads.

j) Make Adjustments for Weather-When the weather is less than perfect, such as rainy, snowy, or foggy conditions, use extra precautions when driving and follow guidelines for staying safe in the particular situation you are facing. Remember the turtle may not win the race but he gets there safely and in one piece!

k) Exercise Patience - Many accidents are caused by impatient drivers who are rushing to get from point A to point B. While time is certainly a valid consideration when traveling, safety is even more important. After all, if you are involved in an accident you'll certainly experience more of a challenge arriving at your destination on time than if you simply exhibit patience while driving.

l) Be Predictable - Don't make sudden stops or lane changes. Instead, take care to ensure that other drivers are likely to be able to predict your actions to maximize safety.

m) Never Drive Under the Influence - It's essential to avoid operating a vehicle if you have been drinking, taking certain types of prescription or non-prescription drugs, or are otherwise impaired.

n) Yield Right of Way - When other drivers has the right of way, be sure to yield to them. Also, don't make the mistake of assuming that everyone else will yield to you when they should. Regardless of who has the right to go, yield if it seems that the other driver may not be observing standard practices for yielding.

o) Know Where You Are Going - Plan your travel route ahead of time so that you aren't struggling to figure out where to go while you are operating a motorized vehicle.

p) Respect Stopped Vehicles - When passing vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road, move over to get out of the way if the way is clear for you to change lanes. If changing lanes is not possible, slow down while passing stopped vehicles.

q) Avoid Distractions - Sending text messages isn't the only dangerous distraction that drivers need to avoid while operating a vehicle. Changing CDs, using cell phones, eating, and interacting with passengers are just a few examples of the types of distractions that you should take care to avoid when driving.

r) Use Headlights When Needed - Headlights aren't just necessary at night. When you are driving in the rain or fog, turning on your headlights can play an important role in keeping you - and those around you - safe on the road.

s) Share the Road - Remember that you are not the only driver on the road. An important safety trip that everyone needs to follow is the need to share the road with others graciously, recognizing that all drivers deserve to be treated with respect.

t) Proper Vehicle Maintenance - Take care to ensure that your automobile stays in good working condition. This includes keeping fluids topped off, performing schedule engine maintenance, making certain tires have plenty of air, and ensuring that the vehicle's exterior lights are functional at all times.

3) Flood Safety - To ensure your safety during a flood, follow these essential tips:

• Stay informed by monitoring weather updates and flood alerts.

• Create an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and communication methods.

• Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, medications, and important documents.

• Elevate electrical appliances and utilities above potential flood levels.

• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as they can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.

• If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately and follow local authorities' guidance.

Things to have just in case of an emergency:

• A minimum three-day supply of medications along with a cooler and ice packs if your medications require refrigeration. Also, if needed, medical supplies such as syringes.

• Contact lens solution, glasses and/or hearing aids and extra batteries for people who need them.​

• An identification band with your full name, a list of any allergies and a family member’s contact number.​

• Information about your medical devices, including oxygen, walkers and wheelchairs. The information should include model numbers and the vendor of the products.

• Documents in a waterproof bag. They should include a personal care plan; contact information for family members; a medication list including the dosage, exact name, pharmacy information and the prescribing doctor for each medication; a list of food or medical allergies; copies of photo IDs and medical insurance cards; and durable power of attorney and/or medical power of attorney documents.​

• Cash to be used if automatic teller and credit card machines are not working.

The CDC recommends people include additional supplies based on individual needs, such as soap, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and over-the-counter medicine as well as food and extra water for your pet.

The complete list is here. ​

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