weather safety -

Consumer Reports has come out with a piece that runs down the myriad steps one can take to ensure they’re going to be prepared for an imminent hurricane.  And although such a disaster isn’t likely to befall Los Angeles and the greater part of California anytime soon, much of the advice would be applicable to anyone who finds themselves in the path of a terrible storm.

If you live near the coast, or even if you’re inland, taking out some kind of flood insurance isn’t a bad idea.  According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, one in five homeowners who have to file a flood insurance claim are positioned in low or moderate risk areas.  Taking out the proper insurance can ensure that your finances are at least somewhat protected if heavy rains take their toll.

There are certain items you should have on hand that offer protection in the event of a potential flooding situation.  You want to approach matters as if you’ll lose power and be affected by floodwaters for three days or more.  Thus, you should stock up on bottled or otherwise clean water and non-perishable food items (along with a can opener if need be).  Radios and flashlights are a great idea, as are tools that can be used to shut off water and gas if you have to do so.

You should also prepare for circumstances in which a person gets hurt or trapped.  A first aid kit can ensure you’re ready to deal with at least minor injuries, and a whistle can help out if for some reason you or a family member gets entrapped and needs assistance.

You’re also going to want to take the steps necessary to ensure you have access to a phone.  A cellphone won’t always cut it.  Cell towers could go down, and you might not be able to charge your phone if power is out for quite some time.  Consider investing in an extra battery for such a phone, but realize that having a landline on hand is vital.  A landline can ensure you’re able to communicate with outside parties and officials, as they typically still work even after the power goes out.  Also make sure you have a phone with a cord, as cordless models may not work without power.

Also prepare your car for travel in case you have to leave your home for any amount of time after the storm hits (not during the storm, as this can be dangerous).  Keep an ample supply of gas in the tank, have adequate pressure in the tires, and consider investing in new wiper blades at the start of summer.  Stock the glove compartment with a phone charger, and be ready to take your family to safety when your home is compromised.

The entire country has been watching coverage of the tornado that tore through Oklahoma a couple days ago, and the hearts of citizens across the nation go out to those who were impacted by that storm.  Although tornados in California are a little less common than they are in Oklahoma, they can happen, and a new report looks at the phenomenon in greater depth.

First, realize that tornados are more common in Southern California locales such as the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles than they are in the northern part of the state.  In fact, only 400 tornados can be confirmed for Northern California in more than 60 years, a far cry from Oklahoma’s tally of nearly 3,500 in that same timeframe.

When tornados do impact Northern California, they typically clock in at the EF-0 or EF-1 level, whereas some Southern California tornados have reached EF-3 status.  Damage is typically more limited the lower the level of the tornado.

Still, it is always possible that a tornado will move through your area, or that you’re going to be traveling somewhere when a twister hits.  You thus need to know what to do in those circumstances.  Most California residences don’t have basements, but if you happen to be somewhere that does, go there to wait out the tornado.  Otherwise, head toward the center of the structure and get to a room without doors or windows.  Bathrooms might be your best bet if you have one in the center of the home.

Knowing the steps you’re supposed to take in the midst of severe weather conditions is essential to ensuring safety.  Different types of storms may require you to take different precautions, although seeking shelter is always going to be imperative.  If the part of California you live in is ever impacted by severe weather, then you might consider the valuable tips offered in a new report.

Although not common, tornados are a possibility in California.  When they descend, you have to be ready to go into action.  Hopefully you’re in a structure that’s equipped to weather the tornado.  An underground shelter will be the best choice, but if such a basement level isn’t available, get to someplace in the center of the structure.  What you don’t want to do is buy into the old myth that you can equalize pressure by opening windows.  All this really does is give the wind access to your home and send debris inside.

If you ever find yourself outside, the danger becomes far greater.  If in an automobile, you need to exit at once so that you’re not inside should the tornado pick up the vehicle.  If no buildings are around, you’ll want to find a low-lying area and lay down while covering your head with your hands.  However, keep in mind if you’re in a ditch that heavy rains might lead to flooding, and thus you must be cognizant of that danger.

Hail also poses its share of danger, with head injuries from larger pieces of hail resulting in various injuries and even fatalities every single year.  We’re talking about a projectile that could be the size of a baseball moving as much as 100 miles per hour.  If in the midst of a hailstorm, find shelter as quickly as you can.  That goes for if you’re in a vehicle as well; hail can crash straight through the windows.

No matter what type of storm might be bearing down on your neighborhood, you can stay up to date by following the warnings of the National Weather Service.  If you’re traveling, know what counties you’re going to be traveling through so that you know to take precautions when that particular county has a watch or a warning issued for it.  Having a map handy is also a great idea, as you can consult it if you’re not sure of your location.

You also want to make sure to check in on certain demographics prior to a storm hitting.  If you have a loved one or neighbor who is elderly or mentally or physically disabled, check on them if you can do so safely.  And if you have pets or children, make sure you know where they are at all times.

The country is awash with rain during the greater part of April, and these types of weather conditions can prove hazardous if drivers are not careful.  Wet roads require a completely different skill set than normal driving circumstances.  Drivers have to be prepared to take the proper precautions whenever the weather looks like it’s about to turn.  You thus might want to consider some driving safety tips out of Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

First, don’t think that you have to necessarily approach the speed limit.  Drive in a way that makes you comfortable and keeps you safe.  When the roads are slick, cutting down on your speed by just a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death.

Because it takes a much longer time to stop amid rainy conditions, you’ll also want to make sure that you leave plenty of space between yourself and the leading vehicle.  If they brake, you need to be able to brake as well.

If at anytime you begin to hydroplane (a condition where your wheels lose purchase with the road), then the last thing you want to do is slam on the brakes.  This can cause your vehicle to fishtail more out of control and put you in greater danger.  Instead, stop depressing the gas pedal and keep a firm grip on on the wheel.

One other way to avoid danger from hydroplaning is to refrain from utilizing the cruise control when the roads are wet.  When the system is turned on, the vehicle might not be able to deduce the proper speed during hydroplaning, and instead of slowing down, it can speed up, increasing the risk of a crash.  Leave hydroplaning off so that you maintain full control of the vehicle.

Visibility can be enhanced by a few simple measures.  Your defrosters in both the front and the back should be turned on so that you can peer out the windows without condensation blocking your view.  This is important even during short trips.  And when it is raining, you should flick on your headlights.  Actually, this should be done at all times of the day, as studies have shown that the risk of a crash is lessened when headlights are on thanks to the heightened visibility afforded.

One other way to improve visibility is to have a functioning pair of wiper blades.  Many people will go years and years before switching out these items, but that’s a mistake, as they can become dull long before that.  An annual swap is a good idea, but you can even seek a replacement sooner than that if you notice that the blades are not doing their job.

Finally, make sure that your attention is placed solely on the road.  This isn’t the time to engage in distracting behaviors like texting or talking on a cellphone.

Spring means storm season across a large swath of the country, but unfortunately, a large number of people are woefully underprepared when it comes to personal protection in the event of a storm.  Things like thunderstorms and tornados pose a host of threats that many might not even understand.  To make sure that you and your family are protected amid such disasters, consider some valuable safety tips from the American Red Cross.

Safety begins with preparing to steel yourself against the type of property damage and injuries that occur when high winds blow through the area.  If you have any trees in your yard, cut down limbs that have been damaged or rotted over the past few months.  Also cut down any other branches that appear as if they could be torn asunder and cause a projectile hazard.

Anything in your yard can become a projectile if the wind picks up enough.  Tie down trash cans, plants, furniture, and any other decor that might be outside of your house.  And to stave off injury should the wind still pick up a projectile, get permanent shutters put on your windows and invest in a protective barrier that can be placed on any sliding glass doors.

When a storm descends, you might be stuck in your house for awhile, and the hardship is compounded when the power goes out.  Have emergency supplies stored away for such an occasion.  Such items should include nonperishable foods, first aid, bottled water, batteries, a radio, and any medications that a family member might need.

Even when you’re in your home, you’re not completely safe from the threat of lightning.  Appliances ought to be unplugged lest they end up conducting electricity.  It’s best to use a cellphone if you need to get ahold of someone, as a landline could also transmit electricity.  Although it’s advisable to keep your lights on, it is not wise to take a shower or bath during a storm.  A lightning strike could severely imperil your safety in such conditions.

If someone does get struck by lightning, either in your home or outside, don’t panic.  The electricity can’t be transmitted from that person to you after the fact, and thus it’s permissible to initiate assistance as necessary.  First aid should be provided and rescue officials ought to be called via 911.  Should the individual’s heart cease to beat before EMS gets there, CPR should be administered by someone who understands what that process requires.

Finally, when you’re waiting for a storm to pass, move to a low, sheltered area of your residence and listen to local weather reports.  Wait until the danger passes to emerge.

It might be March, but that doesn’t mean that we’ve escaped the full brunt of what winter weather has to offer.  Parts of California could still be dumped with heavy amounts of snow, and thus numerous citizens might have to trudge outside to clear their driveways once, maybe even a couple times more.

No doubt many such persons are going to use snowblowers as a more expedient way to clear the way, but these devices have their own hazards that must be taken into account, as a new report explains.  The report cites United States Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics which show that an estimated 5,740 people get injured every year by their snowblowers.

Furthermore, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand has deduced that typical recipients of those injuries tend to be 44 year old males.  But anyone could suffer from a snowblower injury.  If someone’s hand gets stuck inside, he or she could face fairly common injuries, including bruising, cuts, fractures, or sprains.  But there’s also the risk that a full amputation of the hand could occur.

This should show you that your hands should never go into the snowblower’s maw, whether it’s turned on or off.  As the Canada Safety Council explains, the device should be shut down for upwards of five seconds before you attempt to unclog snow or ice, and even then your hand should not be placed inside.  Once the blades grind to a complete halt, go and get a stick or broom handle that you can shove inside.  A New York Medical College Assistant Professor of Surgery explains that rotor blades might still be privy to tension upon shutdown, and thus they might rotate without warning.  Better to have a stick in there then your hand if that happens.

There are other ways you can protect yourself.  Preparation is a good start.  You should thoroughly vet the manufacturer’s instructions prior to usage so you know exactly what must be done to ensure safety.  This can also enlighten you as to the various safety systems on board the snowblower.  Never turn off these systems.

As far as proper attire goes, dress warm, with especial attention paid to protecting your hands.  Put on a pair of gloves so that you’re protected from excessive vibration and cold metal.  With your other winter clothing, just make sure there aren’t any components that could be snagged by the snowblower’s blades.  A nice pair of boots with adequate traction can also protect you from slipping and falling.

Finally, go slow and give yourself plenty of breaks whenever you become winded or otherwise distracted by another job.  Push the snowblower as opposed to pulling it, and keep your eye out for any other potential hazards, such as a pet or a child roaming into your path.

When severe storms move through the area, one of the most dangerous factors to consider is what happens after the weather passes.  You could find your residence and neighborhood beset with floodwaters that can compromise your safety long after the storm has come and gone.  If you ever experience such an incident, it’s important that you consider some of the tips offered up by Florida’s Jackson County Health Department.

If you’re outside, then it’s important that you limit your exposure to floodwaters, especially if the rivers of water are deep and fast-moving.  Not only should you not walk in this type of water, but you shouldn’t drive in it either.  A vehicle operator setting his or her sights on navigating through the water could accidentally plow into a much deeper lake or canal, potentially leading to a fatal catastrophe.

Also understand the more insidious dangers that await those who come into contact with floodwaters.  The damp conditions might attract insects or snakes that can bite you and cause serious health repercussions.  Even if you aren’t bitten, brief contact with water should prompt you to seek out soap or some kind of sanitizer.  By promptly washing yourself with (clean) water, you limit your risk of exposure to contaminants that might lead to a serious illness.

You should also have some options at the ready for those times when your water and food supply are compromised.  If you don’t have bottled water around your home when it gets flooded, then you should consider boiling water before you drink it.  Food also deserves adequate precautions.  If your pantry or kitchen was privy to contact with water during a flood, then it’s best to just throw any affected items out.  Canned goods could be salvageable, but you have to be extremely careful.  The can itself must be completely sealed, and you have to take pains to wash and disinfect the can prior to consumption of its interior components.

Also understand that there might be some things that are not salvageable.  Baby pacifiers, disposable utensils, and wooden cutting boards are a lost cause because it’s incredibly difficult to get such items properly disinfected.  Metal utensils, dishes, or various ceramic plates could be cleaned, but you have to be incredibly thorough before you use them again.

Finally, practice good hygiene every step of the way.  Wash your hands prior to making any kind of food and after going to the bathroom.  Anytime you make contact with items that made contact with water, clean your hands off.  Basically, whenever you touch something that could hold various contaminants, it’s best to err on the side of caution and stay clean.

This being the winter, the last thing on many people’s minds is doing some boating.  But in Southern California and other environs, the threat of frigidly cold waters is somewhat abated, and thus many people are willing to load up their boats and head out onto the water all year round.  If you intend on doing any boating in the near future, then make sure you’re willing to make safety a part of your preparation with these tips from the Grand River Dam Authority Police Department in Oklahoma.

You first have to equip yourself with the requisite gear to ensure safety.  Because not as many people are going to take to lakes and the like in the winter, you’re not going to be able to flag for help as easily as you might during the summer.  Thus, always keep a cellphone on your person.  Should an emergency take place, this is always going to be the easiest way to seek assistance.  You also should be wearing a life jacket just in case you fall into the water, and that life jacket should come with a whistle so that anyone in the vicinity can be alerted to your predicament.  This saves the energy you would otherwise expend by shouting and gesticulating wildly.

The rest of your clothing should similarly encourage safety.  Specialized winter gear is available at most sporting goods store.  Look out for clothing that has flotation capabilities and is designed to hold in warmth and ward off water.  And although it might seem counterintuitive, the last thing you want to do is put on multiple layers of clothing, especially if they’re not designed to take on water.  Water can become trapped between the thick layers, weighing you down and draining your body of the energy you need to get yourself out of the water and into a safe place.

You should also know what to do should you ever fall into the water while it’s cold outside.  First, do not panic.  Take stock of your situation and get out of the water as soon as possible.  If your boat turned over, try to climb atop it.  If that’s not possible, latch onto debris or get to shore if you’re able to do so.  When you’re out of the water, take off your wet clothes.  When the weather is particularly chilly, sopping wet clothes will make you colder than if you weren’t wearing anything at all, and thus to stave off hypothermia, get out of soaked clothes at once.

Finally, make sure that someone you can trust knows where you are and what activities you’re engaging in.  Tell such persons where you’re headed, how long you plan to be there, and who’s headed out with you.  That way, should something go wrong, that contact can go into action and potentially save your life.

Two days removed from Christmas, it’s easy to grow lax in the way one approaches safety.  Yes, all the unique hazards posed by the gift-giving season are curtailed slightly, but they don’t disappear completely.  With decorations still up, gifts littering the household, and your tree growing dryer and dryer by the minute, numerous threats to safety are still presented.  To ensure that you and your family aren’t put at risk in the post-holiday period, officials from the Parkersburg, West Virginia Police Department have offered a few safety tips.

The first thing you should do is protect yourself from potential thievery.  Just as you wouldn’t put a litany of wrapped gifts in front of large bay windows prior to Christmas, you similarly don’t want to make it obvious that a bunch of unwrapped goodies reside inside the home.  This is exactly what you do when you toss a bunch of torn open boxes on the curb to be collected by your trash service.

Instead of doing that, place the boxes themselves within a trash can or bag that conceals the contents.  You can ensure safety even further by not putting product boxes out in the first place.  Think about taking them directly to a recycling center.  By doing these simple things, burglars on the prowl for an easy target won’t feast their eyes on an empty box for a 60 inch flatscreen television and know that they’ve hit the motherlode.

You should also know how to dispose of your Christmas tree properly.  Many areas will set up a lot where you can bring the tree so that it gets recycled.  Otherwise, the sanitation department in your area might be willing to pick the tree up from the curb when you set it out on the correct day.  One thing you should not do, though, is burn the tree, especially if you live in a city or in an area with various combustible materials.

If you really got into the holiday spirit, then perhaps the exterior of your abode is festooned with all manner of holiday lights, smiling snowmen, and jolly old fat men.  Be as careful removing these as you were putting them up.  When a ladder is a necessity, make sure you have someone assisting you while you remove the lights.  Place it on a level surface, and make sure you don’t overextend yourself.  If you have to reach, then get down and move the ladder rather than leaning over too far.

Finally, make sure you take the weather into consideration when removing decorations.  If you live in an area where snow falls, and indeed flurry or blizzard conditions set in, consider waiting a couple days before removing the decorations.  Slippery surfaces and tall heights are a potent injury combination, so make safety paramount at all times by delaying any activities that could be deemed dangerous in such weather.

If you’ve traveled a long distance to be with friends and family for the holidays, then today no doubt finds you recuperating from a post-Christmas malaise brought on by the steady consumption of gravies, festive meats, and the more than occasional glass of egg nog.  But as you get ready to leave whatever cozy environs you’ve resided in the past few days, it’s time to start thinking about the drive back home.

Even if you escaped winter blizzard conditions on the first leg of your trip, you can’t be sure you won’t encounter such dangerous circumstances upon your return.  Therefore, we’d like to share with you some additional safety tips as provided by the State Police in Indiana.

One of the best things you can do is plan ahead.  Have a Plan B in mind if you find that the route you were going to take is compromised by snow and ice, especially if your trip is lengthy.  Hopefully there will be some cushion in what time you have to leave so that you’re not pushing yourself past the point of safety.

To check up on the weather, visit the website of the National Weather Service or some similar trustworthy site that provides up-to-the-minute weather information.   The state that you’re traveling to or through should also have some sort of local resource that relates information pertaining to road closures, traffic patterns, weather, and news about crashes and other road obstacles.

One thing you should not do, though, is be an annoyance to law enforcement officials.  When the weather is particularly rough, such agencies focus their resources on emergencies.  They may not even respond to motor vehicle collisions if the accident did not result in an injury and no one is in immediate danger.  Therefore, when you need to know about weather or road conditions, seek out one of the aforementioned online sources.  Don’t tie up the phone lines of the police when they could be helping someone truly in need.

As stated above, when the weather is particularly troublesome, an automobile collision might not necessarily entail a response from the authorities if an injury has not occurred.  But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exchange information with the other party.  After all, lingering damage could present itself further down the line.  If possible to do so, move the vehicles to a safe area.  Then, obtain the person’s phone number, name, driver’s license, license plate, automobile type, and perhaps most importantly, their insurance information.  Getting this out of the way early will ensure you’re prepared should a dispute arise.

And finally, recognize that states often enact emergency procedures which limit where one can park during a blizzard or similar event.  Understand these rules so that you don’t head to your vehicle only to find that it’s been towed away.