Category: Safety

  • Car Seat Safety

    Car seat laws may vary from state to state. A good to place to start would be the Department of Public Safety for your state, and the manual for your car seat. If you can’t find your manual you can most likely locate it on the manufacturer’s website.

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  • Apple Recalls

    Gala and Granny Smith apples are the subject of the last food recall, as the source of the latest Listeria outbreak (more…)

  • November 2014 Graco Stroller Recall

    I just heard on the news last night that Graco is recalling some strollers. I don’t think my stroller is included in the recall, but the reason for the recall is quite frightening. The strollers recalled are Graco and Century branded.  (more…)

  • National Pet Fire Safety Day

    It’s National Pet Fire safety day. I follow a Boxer rescue page on facebook, and they have a Celebrity rescue of sorts, he has his own page, Dr. Shammy, Medicine Boxer, Bingo B and Dr. Shammy wanted to tell you all about it and pass along a few safety tips. (more…)

  • It’s HOT

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx3byghEg2Y]

    Hey guys, I know it’s summer. It’s obviously HOT. We like to think that in Texas, we have the harshest heat in the country. It can get just down right boiling outside. In 2011, the Dallas/Fort Worth area had 71 days with temperatures over 100 degrees according to the National Weather Service. (more…)

  • What’s through the window?

    Today’s Daily Post picked a good day to ask us to look through the window. Today looking out the window there are gray rain filled clouds in the sky. Today is going to be a windy, rainy day here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We definitely need the rain. Texas seems to be in a perpetual state of drought. I am always thankful for the rain when we get it. (more…)

  • Monster Walker (For Dogs That Pull!) – YouTube

    Monster Walker (For Dogs That Pull!) – YouTube.

    I just got an email on from Coupaw, on this product. I ordered one, because I know a dog who pulls. When Chico was a pup, we were using pinch collars. They were better than choke collars. We’ll see how it works.

    Does anyone else have any products for your pet products that you love?

     

  • West Nile Virus

    Here (and elsewhere, I might add) mosquitoes have become disease carrying little creatures. Namely West Nile Virus, which is a strain of encephalitis; a disease that can be deadly and is carried by some mosquitoes. People over 50, young children, and people with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk of contracting this disease.

    If you were bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile, it can take up to 15 days to experience the symptoms, which include: severe headaches; fever;nausea and vomiting; disorientation; chills; muscle aches, pain, stiffness, or all three. If you have any of these symptoms after a mosquito bite, please seek immediate medical attention. Better safe than sorry.

    Take steps to keep from being bitten by mosquitoes. When outside, use insect repellent containing one of these EPA registered active ingredients.  Follow the directions on the packaging. Also stay covered up, I know…it’s HOT!!…but be sure to wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt when outside. Also be sure your window screens fit correctly and are in good shape.

    You may have places in your yard or on your house that make the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Empty buckets, cans, and other receptacles to prevent water from collecting. Cover wading pools, but take care to drain water that may collect on pool covers. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. When they are not in use, keep pools empty and covered. Change water in bird baths every three or four days. Keep roof gutters clear and draining properly. Report standing water to your local health department.

    Most cities, counties, and health concerned entities are taking steps to monitor and prevent West Nile in their areas. Monitor the news for information about current insect conditions and community efforts to control insects. Be aware that increased sightings of dead birds in your area can be a sign that West Nile Virus might be present. (According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you cannot contract West Nile Virus from an intact dead bird.) If you see multiple dead birds in your area, you should immediately contact your local health department. (A comprehensive list of local health departments is available on the CDC’s Web site.)

    There have been, I believe 3 reports of West Nile human cases, in Denton County, Texas so far this year.

    The City of Denton has entered Level 5 of its Mosquito Plan. To see the news release click here.

    Denton County, Texas has a page that lists information about West Nile: facts, who to call, and other valuable information. You can visit the Denton County Health Emergency Alert Response Team (HEART) page on West Nile here.

    The CDC has West Nile Virus Fact Sheet. See it here.

  • Summer is here

    Summer is here and that means most schools should be letting out for some fun in the sun and water. I have some safety reminders for you…in addition to the Fire Safety tips I posted earlier.

    Use Sunscreen
    Choose one that contains protection against UVA and UVB rays and a SPF of at least 15. It is best to apply 15-20 minutes before going outdoors.

    Protect your eyes
    UV radiation can cause damage to eye tissue, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye damage due to UV radiation can cause snow blindness, cataracts, and mascular degeneration. Snow and water reflect the radiation so in environments rich in Snow or water these chances are higher for these. Where sunglasses with a special coating, and that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays, also be sure they wrap around to keep those pesky rays from sneaking in around the edges.

    Cover up
    Wear a hat, with at least a 4 inch brim all they around (ball caps don’t protect ears or neck).
    Wear clothing that covers your neck, arms, and legs (tighter weaves block more rays)
    Limit the time you spend outside between 10 am and 3 pm; the hottest part of the day.

    Water Safety

    Always swim with a buddy
    Never drink alcohol before swimming.
    Don’t swim in stormy weather.
    Don’t chew gum in the water.
    Never swim in the dark.

    Pool Safety Rules
    Obey all posted rules.
    Dive only where diving is allowed. Dive only where the water is more than nine feet deep and you have at least 25 feet of clear water ahead. If you don’t know the depth, gently enter the water feet first; if you feet don’t touch the bottom, swim down to determine the depth.
    Never jump on someone or push someone into the pool.
    Never pretend someone is drowning. That can slow the time it takes to get help in an emergency.
    Obey the lifeguard. He or she is there to keep you safe.

    River and Lake Safety Rules
    Swim only where swimming is allowed and where you are familiar with the water currents and depth.
    Don’t swim where there is a strong current. Currents can carry away even the best swimmers.
    Know your limits. Don’t let others persuade you to do things you are not comfortable doing.
    Don’t dive into the water if you don’t know how deep it is.
    Stay away from areas that are reserved for boats.

    Ocean Safety Rules
    Obey all posted rules.
    Learn what warning flags on the beach mean. Don’t go into the water if a flag shows it is unsafe.
    If you get caught in a current, swim across it, not against it.
    Follow a lifeguard’s rules about how far you can swim from shore.

    Special Tips for Parents
    Watch children at all times when they are near water — even in a wading pool.
    At pool parties, have adults take turns watching the children. That way, you will always know that someone is watching the kids.
    If you have a pool, enclose it with a fence and a locked gate. (The law requires this in many states.) Remove toys from the area so that kids aren’t tempted to go near the pool. Hang signs with rules, such as “No playing in or around the pool unless an adult is present.” Enforce the rules.
    Make sure baby-sitters know the safety rules about swimming.
    Take a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class.
    Check with your local American Red Cross chapter or YMCA about special life jackets for infants and children

    Please be safe while enjoying the sun and water this summer. I have some camp fire safety somewhere, I will post it in a later blog.