Safety Tips!

Safety Tips!

As winter is winding down, its important to stay safe and be aware of  your surroundings. Although we have been experiencing unusually high temperatures as of late, it does mean that winter is over just yet! With the threat of the flu still running rampant, potholes accumulating on all roads and just the day-to-day unpredictability of the weather, its important to be prepared in all situations.

When driving in bad weather conditions, its important to slow down. Even if you have all-wheel drive, reduce your speed about 10 miles per hour below the speed limit. Also, beware of black ice, avoid tailgating and don't brake during a turn. For more information go to AAA's website here!

The current major threat right now seems to be potholes! Your best bet at keeping both you and your car safe is to just avoid them. For a list of things that can happen to your car by repeatedly hitting potholes click here!

If you happen to hit a pothole and cause damage to your rim or your car a few things you can do are: 

• Check for damage
• Take some notes
• Report the pothole
• Repair your car
• Make your claim
• Make an appeal

Its important to keep your sidewalks and driveways safe as well for those passersby as well as yourself and your family. If you have elderly family members, some precautions to take would be: 

• Make sure steps and walkways are clear before you walk. Be especially careful if you see wet pavements that could be iced over. 
• Clear away snow and salt your walkways at home, or hire someone to do it.
• Wear boots with non-skid soles – this will prevent you from slipping.
• If you use a cane, replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth.
• Consider an ice pick-like attachment that fits onto the end of the cane for additional traction.

For more tips on keeping eldery family members safe, visit www.healthinaging.org

Lastly, lets not forget the flu! (who could honestly forget the flu right now??) Reports are still being released that the flu is causing high hospitalization rates and that getting a flu shot is recommended. The flu activity is expected to continue well into late May. The CDC recommends that you still: 

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/flu