New Year’s Eve Safety Tips from Cell Phone Sally

It’s time to celebrate the beginning of a new year! Can you believe it is almost 2015 already? While this is a wonderful time to celebrate, it is also a great time to remember the importance of safety so that you can enjoy your New Year’s Eve to the fullest!

Here are some great safety tips to ensure you and your loved ones enjoy ringing in the New Year:

·         If you plan on drinking, please make sure you have a designated driver. Even if you have only had a couple drinks, it is never a good idea to drive. Practice safety first!

·         If you will be attending a party or an event where there will be a lot of people, never let your drink out of your sight. You never know if someone will tamper with your drink so keep it in your sight or in your hands at all times.

·         If you live in a city, then you most likely cannot use fireworks due to safety issues and hazards. Why not leave the fireworks to the professionals and go see a display put on in your local area?

·         Safety is always in numbers so whatever you decide to do, make sure you are not alone. Staying in groups will ensure you have a great evening!

·         If you have pets, bring them inside tonight because fireworks can be very frightening for them.

·         And of course, remember to have fun! And if you find yourself in an emergency, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1.

 Cell Phone Sally wishes you a Happy New Year! May 2015 be memorable for you as well as for 9-1-1 public education- Cheers!

Practice Safety First When Traveling for the Holidays

Many people have begun or will begin traveling to different cities, states and sometimes countries, to spend time with their loved ones this holiday season. While it is the most wonderful time of year, it is almost an important time of year to practice safety first!

Here are some quick tips on keeping you and your family safe as you travel.

Traveling Away From the Home

• Make sure all your doors and windows are locked in the home before leaving.
• If you have an alarm, make sure to turn it on while you are out of town.
• Have a neighbor or family member watch your house, pick up your mail and even park in your driveway periodically, if possible.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house sounds occupied.
• Make sure expensive items or gifts in your home are not visible through windows or doors.
• If you have a Christmas tree, make sure it is placed in water or wet sand to keep it fresh.

On the Road

• Keep all doors locked and windows closed when you are away from your vehicle. This will help prevent thieves from easy access to your valuables.
• Never leave your car unoccupied while it is running. (And as a reminder, don’t leave children unattended in the car either for their safety too)
• When leaving your vehicle, make sure all valuables are out of sight. If you have to leave something in your car, put it in the trunk.
• Always remember to wear your seatbelt and practice cautious driving, especially if road conditions are bad.
• Never drink and drive.
• If you are involved in an accident, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1 for help.

Whatever your plans may be for the holidays, we hope everyone enjoys time with loved ones. Remember: practice safety first and we will see you all again next year in 2015! 

 

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

As the weather becomes colder throughout the country, we are reminded of the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that can occur especially during this time of year. Also known as the quiet killer, CO comes from fumes produced by furnaces, vehicles, portable generators, stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, or burning charcoal or wood. When the fumes become trapped inside the home, it can potentially cost lives.

Now is the time to make sure your homes are equipped with CO detectors. (Don’t forget to replace the batteries on a regular basis- at least once a year!) More than 500 people die each year due to unintentional CO poisoning. By recognizing and preventing CO poisoning, you can help lower the number of unintentional deaths and help save lives.

The scary thing about CO poisoning is that the symptoms are very similar to the flu. Because of this, many people do not realize they have had CO poisoning. The most common symptoms are: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

What can you do to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

·         Have your heating and water system (or anything serviced by gas) checked once a year for any problems by a qualified technician.

·         Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home and change the batteries at least once a year. 

·         Please seek medical attention or call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

·         Do not use camp stoves, generators, grills or anything gasoline or charcoal-burning inside the home or garage.

·         Never leave a vehicle running in the garage.

·         Never heat your home with a gas oven

·         Do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace without ventilation.

Remember, carbon monoxide poisoning IS preventable! Make sure to protect yourself and your family by being prepared and aware. If you think you might have carbon monoxide poisoning, please call the Poison Control Network at 1-800-222-1222. If someone is having life threatening reactions, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1. For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, please visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm.

 

 

Thanksgiving: A Time of Thanks with Reminders to Be Safe

Thanksgiving is around the corner and soon people all over will be busy whipping up delicious dishes for their family and friends to enjoy. While this time of year reminds us all to be thankful for our blessings, it is also a good time of year to remind children what to do in case of an emergency! (You know- call 9-1-1!)

Here are some helpful tips to get you through Thanksgiving safe and sound!

Traveling

Many families will be on the road traveling to visit friends and relatives for Thanksgiving. Please remember not to use your cell phone when you are driving. It is best to always pull over if you need to talk on the phone. And it is especially important to never text and drive. It only takes seconds for an accident to occur so keep your eyes on the road. Distracted drivers and any harsh weather conditions can be a recipe for disaster. So remember- keep alert and dial 9-1-1 if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

Cooking

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is all the delicious dishes created by loved ones! When preparing yummy dishes, please remember to be safe. Below you can find important information on fire-safe cooking from the National Fire Protection Association. Remember; if a fire occurs please do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1 for help!

Home Safety

Be smart if you plan to travel away from your home for the holidays. Do not post that you are going to be out of town on any social media sites. Secure all windows and doors so there is no easy entry into your home and set an alarm system if you have one. If you can, have a friend move your car occasionally while you are gone so it looks like someone is home. Thieves love to prey on easy targets so please do not be an easy target and keep your home safe.

NFPA Cooking Safety Tips: http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information/For%20consumers/Cooking/CookingSafetyInfographic.pdf

 

Halloween: Tips for a Spooky Safe Time!

Halloween falls on a Friday this year which is great for parents and kids alike! No school the next day means a night of trick or treating plus sleeping in the next day. While this time of year brings spooky fun and dressing up as your favorite characters, it is also a time when safety becomes an important topic.

Check out some tips from Cell Phone Sally on how to have a happy Halloween as well as a safe and smart holiday:

• Always buddy up when trick or treating. Walk in groups with a trusted adult.
• Avoid costumes that are too dark. Light and reflective clothing is best. Fasten reflective tape onto costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Make sure to examine all the candy when you get home. Check for any choking hazards or candy that has been tampered with. And don’t eat too much candy when you get home- it could make you sick to your stomach.
• Take a flashlight with you to help guide your way in the dark.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street. Cars move fast so be aware of your surroundings.
• Enter homes ONLY if you are with a trusted adult. And never under any circumstances accept a ride from a stranger.
• Carry a cell phone with you to make sure you can contact help in case of an emergency.
• If you are ever in an emergency situation, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1.

 Looking for more safety tips? Check out some information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/121343/100.pdf.  We hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween!

 

It’s Fire Prevention Week!

October 5^th through the 11^th marks Fire Prevention Week. During this time, it is important to promote fire safety and prevention. Many times, fire hazards can go undetected. But if you follow these important tips in this blog, you will be well on your way to fireproofing your home!

What are some examples of fires that happen at home? Many times fires in the home are caused by candles left burning, cigarettes left burning, stoves left on and children playing with matches or lighters. But all of these incidences can be avoided with a little common sense and an effort to protect your home and family.

Fire Safety Checklist:

ü  Keep flammable items like bedding and curtains (including clothing too!) far from portable heaters or lit candles

ü  Install and check twice a year working smoke alarms throughout your home. Also make sure you change the battery at least once a year.

ü  Create an emergency escape plan in case of a fire. Designate escape routes and practice them with your family. It could save your life!

ü  Make sure each of your family members know how to Stop, Drop and Roll in the event that their clothing would catch fire.

ü  Don’t store old mattresses in the home or the garage.

ü  Don’t let children play with matches or lighters and let them know these are not toys. Matches and lighters, like medications and chemicals, should be stored high up and out of reach of curious children. J

 

In case of a fire, remember to always call 9-1-1 for help and know your location. It could save your life!

Want to test your knowledge and see if you are fire prevention ready? Click here: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week/fire-prevention-week-quiz.

Here are some facts about fires in the home: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week/fast-facts-about-fire

NFPA Launches free App for Fire Prevention Week: http://sparkyschoolhouse.org/  

 

National Child Passenger Safety Week is September 14-20th

Did you know that car crashes are the leading cause of death in children ages one to 14 years old? Sadly, many of these deaths could be prevented by simply installing or utilizing car seats, booster seats and seat belts properly.
September 14^th through the 20^th is a week dedicated to reminding and teaching the public about the proper use of car seats and boosters. Roughly three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly which is a huge safety risk. Here’s the great part: if and when a car seat, booster and seatbelt are used properly, it can reduce the risk of significant injury in infants by 71% and toddlers by 54%!

Please take the time to make sure your children’s car seats are properly installed. In most towns and cities, you can find a trained technician that can ensure your seats are properly installed at no charge to you. Additional information and an inspection station locator are available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at http://www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/cps/index.htm. Promotional materials (in English and Spanish) are also available at http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/cps.