Drinking & Driving a Devastating Combination

Here we are in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Unfortunately, for some it is a very sad time of year because their loved ones have been involved in some type of alcohol-related accident. Whether the innocent victim or the careless driver the consequences of drunk driving can be devastating. It is estimated that as many as 3 out of every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. Make the decision now to be responsible. Do not drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and do not assume the risk of letting someone intoxicated drive you. Drink responsibility the life you save may be your own!

Click on the link below and gauge your knowledge about other drinking and driving facts.

Holiday Driving Safety Quiz

Snow blower Safety Tips

Snow blowers are a great tool to help clean up driveways and sidewalks. They are helpful to maintain your property and are much faster than the traditional shovel. But remember, snow blowers are still machines and must be handled with care. Snow blowers can cause serious injuries including cuts, burns, broken bones and loss of fingers and toes. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission more than 1,000 amputations and 5,000 hospital emergency room injuries are the result of snow blowers each year. Snow blower accidents are the fourth leading cause of finger amputations. These helpful tips can reduce your risk of injury.

1. Always read the owner’s manual and all safety tips before using your snow blower. Make sure your snow blower is properly maintained.
2. Keep the gas tank full. Always add gasoline before starting the snow blower. Do not add gasoline to a hot or running engine.
3. Plan a route before you start.
4. Clear the area of any objects or other items, which could clog the snow blower chute.
5. Never put your hands inside the snow blower chute. If the chute becomes clogged for any reason, turn the snow blower off. Then use a stick to help clear out the chute.
6. Keep young children and pets inside while operating the snow blower.
7. Keep your hands and feet out of the way of moving parts.
8. Dress appropriately for the weather. Be sure to have the proper footwear to avoid slipping on the snow, ice or other surfaces. Wear protective eyewear. Avoid wearing loose clothing or anything that could get tangled in the snow blower.
9. Do not rush while using a snow blower. Walk carefully and keep both hands on the handles. Utilize the “dead-man” controls, which will only operate the snow blower if the lever is being pushed.
10. Never leave the snow blower running unattended. Always turn the machine off when it is not in use. Never leave the machine running in a garage or other enclosed area.
11. If you have an electric snow blower, be mindful of the electric cord and keep it away from moving parts.
12. Always use extreme caution when changing directions on slopes.
13. Shut off the snow blower and remove the spark plug wire before making any repairs.

To Do List Before Winter Driving

Winter is fast approaching. Winter means driving in less than perfect conditions, with snow, sleet and ice. Winter driving can be dangerous. Almost 70% of deaths that occur during the winter months are the result of car accidents. These accidents are caused by snow and ice. Helpful information, including these tips can improve your winter driving experience. It is important to review this before the snow begins to fall.

1. Inspect your tires.

You should replace any tires that look worn out. Special snow tires or chains for your tires may be necessary. Snow tires are studded or have treads that are designed to grip the snow and ice. Even if your tires do not need replacing, check the tire pressure. Underinflated tires can interfere with the car’s handling on the road.

2. Check your car’s cooling system.

Cold can make rubber brittle. This can cause cracking or leaking in parts of the car. Radiator and heater hoses are especially at risk. If the hoses are brittle or feel too soft, replace them. It is also important to flush out your car’s cooling system every 2 years. The system should be filled with a mixture of antifreeze and water to prevent the coolant from freezing in cold temperatures.

3. Keep your gas tank full.

It is important to keep the gas tank at least half full during the wintertime. This will help keep the gas from freezing.

4. Test your car battery.

Check your car battery to determine its charge. You should test your car battery if it is over two years old or if you live in a colder climate.

5. Pack your trunk with necessary tools.

It is always important to have useful items in your car in case of an emergency. Be sure to have a shovel to dig the car out of the snow. A bag of cat litter is helpful to provide traction on snow and ice. If case your car breaks down, you should have a winter hat, gloves and blanket in your car to keep warm. Remember, the heat will not be working and you need to keep warm until help arrives.

6. Always clean off your car.

Purchase an ice scraper and snow brush to clean off your car. Wipe off your headlights too. It is necessary to ensure you have maximum visibility when driving in the winter.

Tips for Winter Driving

1. Allow for longer time when braking.

The roads are wet and slippery and your car will take longer to brake in snow than other conditions. It is also important to put less pressure on the brake pedal.

2. Drive at a slower speed.

3. When increasing your speed, do it slowly.

4. Do not lock the wheel when braking.

Locking the wheels can cause the car to slide. If your car has an anti-lock brake system, then press on the brake and hold it down. If your car does not have anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes repeatedly to prevent the wheels from locking.

5. Try to avoid any sudden action when making turns.

6. How to correct a slide or skid.

If the back part of your car begins to slide, let off on the accelerator and turn your steering wheel in the direction of the slide. If the front part of your car begins to slide, let off on the accelerator and turn in the direction you want to go. Both of these tips should help to straighten out your car.

7. Don’t think you are automatically safer because your car has all wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Buying Safe Toys

All parents want to make sure their children are safe and protected. However, not all parents may realize the dangers associated with some toys. Unfortunately each year children are injured or killed because of toys. The most common causes of death are from choking or asphyxia. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2003, 11 children died from toy related causes and 206,500 were injured. The majority of toys are extremely safe for children. But, it is important to learn these beneficial tips in purchasing safe toys for your children this holiday season. These tragic incidents can be avoided. These tips can help make your holiday safe and happy.


1. Follow the age standard listed on the toy packaging.

It is important to only buy toys, which correspond to your child’s age. The age standards are there for protection, meaning the toys are only safe for child that age or older. It is unsafe to give a three-year-old child a toy designated for a four-year-old child.

2. Check for any small parts or pieces that can be removed or bitten off from the toy.

Children chew toys and put toys in their mouth. It is dangerous if they bite off a piece of the toy and swallow it. There is a risk of choking. The best test to determine if pieces are too small is the toilet paper roll test. If the pieces fit through the tube opening, they are too small to give to a child who is younger than three years old.

3. Check for any cords, strings or anything that dangles, which is longer than 6 inches.

Children can wrap themselves around cords and strings and there is a risk of strangulation. If the string can be removed, the danger is removed and you can still purchase the toy.

4. Make sure the paint or finish on the toy does not contain any lead and is non-toxic.

Toys with an ACMI (Art and Creative Material Institute Inc) symbol mean the toy is non-toxic. Be sure to check the Consumer Products Safety Commission website to find out any toys, which were recalled due to lead. Exposure to lead, including lead poisoning can lead to slowed development in your child and other problems.

5. Be careful about magnets and magnetic toys.

Not all magnets are dangerous. However, some toys containing very strong and powerful magnets known as “rare earth magnets.” If ingested, these magnets can cause serious intestinal injuries. Do not give magnets to children under the age of three.

6. Check the stability of ride on toys.

Toys like tricycles, bicycles, rocking horses and other ride on toys need to be stable and well built to make sure they can hold your child. Make sure the toy can handle your child’s weight and it safe for your child to move around on.

7. Avoid toys with any sharp edges, points or fragile parts.

Fragile parts can break while your child is playing with the toy, causing cuts, scratches and bleeding.

8. Avoid any shooting toys, toys with projectiles or throwing toys.

They can cause serious injuries, specifically to the face and eyes.

9. Check the Consumer Products Safety Commission website for recent recalls for any reason.

Keeping Your Children Safe Once Toys Are At Home

Purchasing safe toys is only part of the process to protect your children’s safety. Parents can take additional steps once they get home from the store to make sure your child can play, but play safely.

1. Read and keep all instructions and directions for the toys use. Take careful note for any instructions on what NOT to do with the toy.

2. Use any safe gear, like helmets, kneepads and elbow pads if they are recommended when using the toy.

3. Throw out any packaging, bags or other unnecessary wrapping, which come with the toy.

4. If any of the toys are battery operated, put the batteries in yourself and keep them out of the hands of your children.

5. Store each child’s toys separately when you have more than one child. Some toys, which are fine for older children to use, are not safe for younger children.

6. Look over any toys given to your child that you did not personally buy, to make sure they are safe before letting your child play with them.

7. Check the condition of your child’s toys periodically. If toys can be repaired, be sure to fix them immediately. If not, throw the toy out.

8. If your children are old enough to understand, make sure to warn them about putting toys in their mouth, chewing toys or putting toys up their nose.

9. Supervise your children when they are playing with the toys.
If you think you purchased a toy that has been recalled, remove it from your child immediately. Check the Consumer Products Safety Commission or the toy manufacturer’s website to find out more information about the recall click here.

Asbestos: Why Won’t the Federal Government Do More?

Asbestos causes serious diseases and death. Although people have likely heard of asbestos and the diseases it causes, like mesothelioma, they may not be aware of all its dangers. Asbestos is an on-going problem, which will continue to inflict pain and suffering until its use in products is prohibited.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, which forms fibers. There are three types of asbestos found throughout the world. It is used in building materials, such as insulation. Millions of tons of asbestos have been used in industrial sites, homes, mills, factories, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings. Asbestos fibers are inhaled through the air. Most people are exposed while working and never know it. Even family members of workers may be affected as asbestos fibers can be transported on clothing. The dangerous side effects of asbestos has been known for years. In the early 1900's, doctors were beginning to notice the connections between asbestos dust inhalation and the death of industrial workers. By now, the evidence is undisputed about the dangers of asbestos. It has been linked to many devastating illnesses.

Asbestosis is a benign, non-cancerous disease caused by asbestos. The fibers of the asbestos are inhaled through the air and cause irritation to lung tissue. The asbestos fibers cause scarring and inflammation of the lungs. This can lead to breathing difficulties, including respiratory failure. Unfortunately asbestosis can also lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer. Other complications include tuberculosis, inflammation of the tissue lining the lungs (pleurisy) and heart failure.

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20-50 years, meaning you could be exposed to asbestos in 1960 and could still develop cancer in 2010. Due to this extremely long time period, it is estimated there will be roughly 250,000 cases of mesothelioma before 2020. Mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, which involves the removal of the cancer, chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma is an unusual cancer because it is not caused by cigarette smoking, but caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure has also be linked to other cancers including: larynx cancer, upper throat cancer, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer and cancer of the gall bladder.

Asbestos exposure can also cause problems in the lungs, lung cancer and pleural disease. The latency period for lung cancer is between 20-30 years. It has been shown that cigarette smokers who are exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop lung cancer than a person who is either a cigarette smoker or exposed to asbestos. Pleural lung disease is caused by asbestos exposure affecting the lining of the lungs. The asbestos fibers cause scarring of the lungs and pleural calcification. Pleural calcification is calcium deposits in the areas of the lung where there was damage. The lining of the lung can also thicken and affect the ability of the lung to expand, which impairs breathing.

Even knowing all of the dangers associated with asbestos and how people are exposed, the federal government has not done enough to lower exposure levels. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did pass an Asbestos Ban & Phase Out Rule. The rule banned most asbestos containing products. But only two years later, the rule was overturned in a courtroom proceeding. However, there has been some success. Some asbestos containing products are banned: roll board, flooring felt and corrugated, commercial and specialty paper. Any new products, those that did not historically contain asbestos, are also banned.

But why hasn’t the government done more? Current estimates the cost of asbestos litigation in the U.S. is $250 billion. Even the financial cost, much less the human cost has not prompted a complete asbestos ban. Asbestos containing materials are still being used in the United States. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a permissible asbestos exposure level for workers and other safety measures to reduce exposure, such as protective clothing, labeling and record keeping of exposure. Nevertheless, with new advances in technology, it seems we could find an asbestos substitute that doesn’t have these dangerous side effects. We have known about the dangerous of asbestos for almost 100 years, what does it take for the government to realize a complete asbestos ban is necessary to protect the health and safety of U.S. workers?

Safety Tips for Home Heating & Space Heaters

Home heating equipment, particularly space heaters are the one of the leading causes of home fires. Almost 50% of home heating equipment fires occur during December, January and February. Heaters cause over 60,000 home fires per year resulting in 670 deaths, 1,500 injuries and over $900 million dollars in property damage. Space heaters specifically account for one third of all home heating fires and nearly three fourths of deaths. Some people use space heaters as their primary heating source. However, space heaters are not meant to be used that way. In addition, other attempts to heat homes with generators or stoves can cause dangerous problems. They emit carbon monoxide or CO, which is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. CO is toxic and the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths. Following these few tips can help ensure you are both warm and safe during the wintertime.

1. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.

2. Only use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

3. Never use your oven for heating.

4. Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

6. Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

7. For fuel burning space heaters, always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.

8. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room and burn only dry, seasoned wood. Allow ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from the home.

9. For wood burning stoves, install chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional to the installation.

10. Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon
monoxide poisoning.

11. Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.

12. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and windows. Call a gas service person.

13. Test smoke alarms at least monthly.