Brand New Year, Same Important 9-1-1 Tips!

As we ring in 2022, we hope this new year is filled with joyous times. We head into the new year with goals in mind and the hopes for a brighter year. While we head into a new year, one thing remains the same: the importance of 9-1-1 public education. Cell Phone Sally compiled a list of her favorite tips to ensure you and your loved ones have a great new year and are prepared if you ever find yourself in an emergency.

Always Know Your Location

The easiest way to do this is to be constantly aware of your surroundings. This way, you never miss something that could be vital information later. Look for street names, landmarks, mile markers, and anything else that might help a 9-1-1 call-taker find you during an emergency.

Kari’s Law

Kari’s Law started as a state law in Texas in 2015. In 2018, it became federal law. Kari’s Law means that all multi-line telephone systems  (MLTS) should be able to direct-dial 9-1-1 without dialing an additional digit such as 9. If your company or a company you work for utilizes MLTS phones, check with your IT department to see if they direct dial 9-1-1. For more information on Kari’s Law, visit the CSEC’s website.

Be Prepared for Any Emergency

Do you have an emergency plan in place for your family? If you don’t, now is the time to plan, especially since we are starting a fresh new year. Visit www.ready.gov for all the ins and outs on disaster preparedness! You can also visit https://www.dhs.gov/plan-and-prepare-disasters for more information from the Department of Homeland Security.

Be Aware of Unsafe Products and Recalls

Keep your family safe from potentially dangerous products. You can find out about unsafe products here: http://www.cpsc.gov/.

Get Involved in Health and Wellness!

It is vital to keep your family healthy. Here are the top ten tips for keeping your family healthy this year!

·       Eat healthily. Limit your fast-food intake

·       Physical activity. This means walking, riding bikes, jogging, weightlifting, and more. Anything that gets your heart rate up!

·       Drink water: Drink a glass of water with each meal and between meals. It is also essential to drink water before, during, and after exercise.

·       No stress: Set boundaries and stick to them. Develop a good sleep routine. Talk it out with a friend and be mindful.

·       Regular check-ups: A regular dental check-up is crucial because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. You should have a routine dental visit at least every six months or as recommended by your dentist. And why is visiting your doctor annually a good idea as well? It reduces your risk of getting sick. It can detect potentially life-threatening health conditions or diseases earlier, increasing chances for treatment and cure. Lastly, it limits the risk of complications by monitoring existing conditions closely.

Know the Number to Poison Control Services

Not sure if you can mix certain medications? Have an allergic reaction to something and are not sure if you should go to the emergency room? Get bit by a spider and not sure if it is poisonous? All of these questions can get answered and more - free of charge! Go ahead and memorize this number or save it in your phone now: 1-800-222-1222. Visit the Poison Control website here for more information: http://www.poisoncontrol.org/.

These are just a few tips to make your new year the best it can be! And as always, remember- if you are ever in an emergency and need help, please do not hesitate to call or text 9-1-1!

 

9-1-1 Holiday Safety Tips to Remember as You Celebrate with Loved Ones

The holidays are when people get together and enjoy extra time with family and friends. This might be the first time in a while you have celebrated with loved ones due to the pandemic. It is essential to put safety first as we plan the holidays. Follow these great reminder tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

Christmas Trees

Many families will buy a natural Christmas tree for their homes. Some things to keep in mind include always keeping the tree watered. When a tree does not get watered, it dies and dries out. This then becomes a fire hazard.

Other tips for trees include placing a tree in areas not too close to heat, a fireplace, or candles. After the holidays are over, the best way to dispose of your tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it picked up by community service.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

Decorating can be jolly and fun, but safety is still a must when putting out your holiday décor. Inspect holiday lights for possible frayed wires or broken lights. Replace broken lights, throw out lights that are not working correctly, and not overload your electrical outlets. Too many plugs into one outlet can be a severe safety hazard. Instead, buy extension cords and multi-outlet plugs.

Traveling During the Holidays

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the safest way to avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19 is to stay home and celebrate the holidays with family virtually. If you do travel, please wear masks in crowded areas, practice social distancing and wash your hands often.

Also, make sure to never post on social media when you are out of town. If the wrong people get ahold of this information, your home could be burglarized.  It would be best if you kept an eye on your digital security. Many transactions during the holidays give more opportunities to fall prey to identity theft. Remember to only shop at reputable online stores and use a virtual private network to add an extra layer of security to your surfing.

Calling 9-1-1 During the Holidays

Please remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.  When we dial 9-1-1 for anything other than an emergency, we take away emergency resources from someone who could need them. But if you do see an emergency or are involved in one, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 for help.

Cell Phone Sally wishes you a safe holiday season!