Natural disasters come in many forms, but often we are not prepared to deal with them. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed the levies in Louisiana, the water left people stranded on their rooftops. Flood waters in some places were up to the roofs, and in others, filled the basements of homes. One of the most often overlooked problems after storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters is the risk of electrocution. Many individuals who perish in these disasters do so because of the destruction caused that results in downed power lines, water-immersed household appliances, and the like.

Here are some important things to keep in mind to keep you and your family safe:

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Did you know that every year 300 children under age 5 die and 2,000+ children visit hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to submersion in swimming pools? The simple fact is that pools can be dangerous to young children (and are the leading cause of accidental death) who are under five years old.

Even the smallest of wading pools can drown a young child, for a specific reason. Young children are still developing–their bodies are trying to catch up with their heads. Because of the weight and size of a child’s head, it makes it difficult for them to lift their heads up, should they become submerged under as little as 2 inches of water.

Statistics state that 65% of submersion incidents occur at the child’s home pool, with 33% of the incidents happening in the pool at the home of a relative or friend. Most often, the parents were home, and the children were being supervised by one or both parents, who simply did not expect their child to be near the pool. Toddlers in particular (1-3 years old) are learning new things every day, so their movements are unforeseen. With 75% of incidents occurring in this age-range, toddlers are at the highest risk–a newly acquired skill or developing curiosity leads them to the pool. Another dire result of disregarding the dangers inherent in pools is that many victims don’t die from drowning–but may be severely brain damaged.

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Most of us go about our daily lives lost in thought: our work, our families, what’s for dinner, the price of gas. It is at times like this, when our minds are occupied with everything BUT the present moment, that we are most vulnerable to would-be criminals and most likely to fall victim to hazardous circumstances.

Focus is the most important way to maintain personal safety. It’s the small things that will keep you safe: Remembering where you parked your car, so you don’t have to wander blindly through a dark lot at night. Thinking about the fact that you will be leaving a place alone late at night, and arranging an escort to take you to your car (or parking close to the building to minimize your walk in the dark.) Focusing on your surroundings and assessing your vulnerability requires you to be not only present, but also to think ahead. When you are alone you are most open to mishaps. You need to be on the alert at all times. Note if there is anybody following you. Pay attention to groups who seem to be interested in your movements. Careful observation will alert you if there is a car or van parked right next to yours in a virtually empty lot. Is there a passenger in a parked car sitting next to your driver’s side? Always have your keys in hand when preparing to drive, this way you will not be distracted while digging around for them in a bag or pocket. Lastly, walk as upright and with purpose as possible. Don’t look like a victim.

Being watchful, alert and focused on your safety can keep you safe.

Here’s a surprising statistic: 40% of home burglaries take place while residents are on the premises. If you do not have an action plan for this potentially dangerous scenario, you may lose more than your possessions–you could lose precious loved ones.

In the unfortunate event that your house is broken into while you’re home, there are some basic guidelines. These tips come from defense training professionals, police departments, and citizen-organized safety programs. Following are a few to think about NOW to avoid danger LATER.
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Stun guns are a non-lethal option for personal protection, but can also be dangerous, if you don’t know how to handle one. This is a weapon, and should be handled with caution. Here are some tips:

Consider first all the possible safety protection tools you can use; perhaps pepper spray, mace, a taser or a personal alarm is a better option for you.

• If you have already purchased a stun gun, make sure that you know how to use it. Every stun gun should have directions, take the time to learn how this weapon works. Do not wait until you are attacked to know how to use your stun gun.

• A stun gun can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Be sure it is secured just the same as a firearm, so children cannot handle it. It may look like a toy, but in a child’s hands it could be truly harmful. Remember, only use it when absolutely necessary and remember, a stun gun in the hands of an attacker can become a weapon turned on you. Don’t forget that the element of surprise is important if you want this to be an effective deterrent to attackers and to keep yourself from becoming a victim of your own weapon.

• It is important to note that stun guns are ILLEGAL in the following states: Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

Every day, people all across the country are using public transportation to get to where they need to go!  It is important to be mindful of your own personal safety when you are a passenger. Following are some tips to get you to your destination safe and sound.

•    Avoid night time traveling, especially in country areas

•    Never ride in taxi cabs without working seatbelts

•    Don’t ride in crowded taxi cabs, particularly with individuals who are intoxicated, appear to be impaired by drugs, or seem excessively aggressive, tired or otherwise emotionally unstable

•    Get out of the taxi cab or off the bus if the driver appears to be driving impaired or in an unsafe manner this can include speeding, blatant disregard for traffic signals, drowsiness or a driver appears inattentive or distracted while driving

•    If other passengers are behaving erratically or you feel at risk, tell the driver

•    Be alert to your surroundings so you are obeying traffic and road rules when either attempting to board or disembark

For more Taxi Cab Safety Tips (including Fare information) visit: Safety Tips