Add safety to New Year’s resolutions
Though you may have already made your New Year ’s resolutions, you may want t o add safety measures at the top of the list.
The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter encourages people to be Red Cross Ready. Doing so could save your life, your family, and/or your home.
There are three basic steps to being Red Cross Ready. The steps are simple to follow and execute and each step is equally as important:
1. Get a kit: Include a first aid kit, blankets, extra clothing, prescription medications, glasses, infant formula, diapers, pet food, extra water for your pet, important family documents, identification, bank account records, cash, manual can opener, batteries, flashlight, duct tape, tools, hand sanitizer, activities for children and enough food and water for at least three days. Pack everything in a waterproof, portable container and check the expiration dates of food and prescriptions regularly.
2. Make a plan: Before an emergency happens, decide how your family members will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do. Determine a neighborhood meeting place, a regional meeting place and an evacuation location. Also, identify an out-of-town emergency contact. In some cases, it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town.
3. Be informed: Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area.
In addition to the three steps, another great way to be Red Cross Ready is to take a CPR or other lifesaving course. The American Red Cross offers a wide variety of classes. To see those choices and to sign up as well as to get more information about how to be Red Cross Ready, go to www.redcrossphilly.org.
And, while the holiday season has just passed, some road safety tips from the Pennsylvania State Police are applicable all the time. Among them are:
Always use a seat belt and put children in appropriate child safety seats while traveling.
Never drink and drive and don’t allow others to do so.
Obey posted speed limits and check all mirrors every 5 to 7 seconds.
Check tire and fluid levels before heading out to avoid breakdowns.
Be aware of other drivers who may be impatient, thoughtless, or who make sudden moves without warning.
Make sure your own driving is controlled and be patient. Get an early start, keep a safe interval between your vehicle and the one ahead of you and stay in the proper travel lane.