Spotlight on Safety
Quarterly Newsletter for Safety and Loss Prevention
Spring 2002, Vol. 4; No. 1
Spring...
Just when we thought winter would never end, spring finally arrived. Even with the warmer weather, it is important to keep safety in mind when driving. Buckle up, use caution when driving in the rain, around road construction zones and take pleasure in the season. In this issue of Spotlight, you will find articles pertaining to fire detectors, pesticides and Internet safety. Enjoy!
Fire!
It is important to switch the batteries in your home's smoke
detectors twice a year. A good rule of thumb is to remember to
change the batteries every time you change your clocks for 
daylight savings time, and change your smoke
alarm every ten years. If you didn't remember to check your smoke
alarm yet this spring, now would be a good time to do so.
Over 80% of homes have smoke detectors, but about one-third do not work because of worn or missing batteries. A working smoke detector can nearly cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, every dollar spent on a smoke alarm saves this country $21. That amounts to a 2,100 percent return on the investment. The total national annual cost of fire-related burn deaths and injuries among children ages 14 and under is $5.5 billion.
The peak time for home fire fatalities is between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM-when most people are asleep! Fire alarms can help wake you up in case of an emergency. Every home should have at least one working smoke detector on each level. For additional protection, install smoke detectors in hallways, outside bedrooms areas, or inside bedrooms where people sleep with the doors closed, especially where children or the elderly are present. To prevent nuisance alarms, try not to install smoke detectors near a toaster or any other such appliances that could accidentally cause it to sound. Finally, have a home fire evacuation plan and practice it with your family. For upper story rooms, consider the feasibility of an emergency escape (rope) ladder.
Preparation is Important!
A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest. Because most pesticides are designed to kill, alter life cycles, or otherwise adversely affect a living organism, they can be harmful to humans and animals. They are useful to society because they are able to kill potential disease-causing organisms and control weeds, insects, and other pests. Always read the safety information on any pesticide. Biologically based pesticides can sometimes be safer than the traditional chemical pesticides.
The average workplace or household contains many pesticides. The following common products are considered pesticides:
Cockroach sprays and baits.
Insect repellents for personal use.
Rat and other rodent poisons.
Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars.
Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers.
Products that kill mold and mildew.
Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers.
Some swimming pool chemicals.
Look for the following signs on pesticides:
"Danger"- this means the pesticide is extremely toxic
"Warning"- indicates moderate toxicity
"Caution"- relatively low toxicity.
Federal and state laws require that pesticides be used in accordance with the label. If the label directs you to avoid inhalation, you should consider wearing a respirator to avoid unnecessary hazards. Always assess the situation before applying any pesticides. A strong wind or no wind at all could affect the application process and potentially harm you. With warmer weather approaching, the presence of pests will be increasing. Remember to always read the instructions and use pesticides safely.
The Internet can be
a great learning resource and communication tool. It can also
pose a great problem to you and your family. It can open your
kids to content you'd rather remained undiscovered. Talk with
your children, you might find out that you're worrying more than
you need too. Children today are very intelligent about technology
and media content and may have a more mature attitude to the Internet
than you think. In any case, clear communication is the key. Here
are some ways for you and your family to be Internet safe:
If you absolutely do not want anyone to know about or exchange your personal and financial information, don't buy anything on the Internet. If you choose to purchase online, follow these precautions:
