December 21, 2012... the end of the world?

This Friday, December 21, 2012, is the last day on the Mayan calendar. Some say it’s the end of the world, others say the Mayans just got lazy and stopped counting. Honestly, I’m not concerned because apparently the Mayan calendar doesn't include leap years and if you do the math the day in question has already come and gone.

Although most people aren't concerned about this upcoming “apocalypse” it has become a great excuse to throw a party! Facebook is blowing up with invites to “end of the world” parties. I've already been invited to multiple house parties, a paint party, and I can’t even count the number of bars and clubs that are using this theme to promote their drink and cover specials.

I’m a fan of themed parties and love a reason to get my friends together, but I would like to make a small PSA on the topic. Just because it’s not the end of the world, doesn't mean it can’t be the end of yours. When you drink and drive you put yourself and everyone around you at risk. Drunk drivers not only put their lives at risk, but their passengers and innocent drivers on the road often fall victim to the selfish act. Even if you spare yourself and others from injury and get lucky and make it home with just a DUI, with a starting cost of $8,000, a DUI is going to put a dent in your wallet and could mean the end of your job or career goals. But what if you don’t make it home? What if your decision to get behind the wheel means that someone else doesn't make it home? Personally, I wouldn't be able to handle the fact that I caused a preventable tragedy.

Please go out and have a wonderful time celebrating that it’s NOT the end of the world this Thursday and Friday but pledge not to drink and drive. Get a designated driver, call a taxi, do what you have to do to make sure that the Mayan calendar didn't predict the end of your world as you know it. 

Mall Parking Lot Safety

Black Friday may be over but ‘tis the season, as it were, for shopping! Although one of the more hectic shopping days of the holiday season has passed, the malls are going to be more crowded than usual all the way up to the new year.

Generally this is a joyous time however, with the fun of purchasing Christmas and Chanukah gifts comes an increasing amount of burglary, assault, and carjacking crimes. Be smart and keep your safety and security high on your priorities list this year by following these tips for mall parking lot safety.

1.       Be aware and alert to your surroundings at all times as you are going to your car.  Notice who is hanging around the parking lot - especially at night.  If you are talking on your cell phone and not paying attention to what’s going on around you, you are exactly the person the perpetrator is looking to attack. 

2.     Have your keys in hand and be prepared to use them as a weapon. If used appropriately, your key can be a handy weapon to ward off an attacker. A secondary weapon would be to carry pepper spray on your key chain. 

3.       As you near your car, only unlock the driver’s side door with your remote.  If you have a clicker for your car wait until you are fairly close before unlocking the door. Also, only unlock your side.  When you press the remote button more than once, it will unlock all doors and someone may be 

       hiding on the other side of your vehicle waiting to jump in. 

4.       Before getting into your car (especially at night), check to make sure there is not someone hiding inside. Purchasing a dual personal alarm with a loud siren and built-in flashlight will allow you to check inside your car at night.  Make sure to always lock your car doors upon exiting so that you don’t make it easier for someone to sneak into the car.

5.       Manually lock your car doors. If you use your car clicker to lock your doors, it is possible for someone to pick up the signal and use it to unlock the doors as you walk away. By manually locking the car, you eliminate this risk.

6.       Don’t leave your valuables unattended.  This is a great time for the criminal to rip off your packages or your purse.  If you’re trying to get a baby strapped into the seat, look around to see who is nearby.  If it looks okay, get your child strapped in and then put your valuables in the backseat or trunk.  Always be looking around and monitoring the situation.  You don’t want to give someone the ability to force you into your car OR the trunk because you were not closely paying attention. 

7.       If you’re going to be shopping for awhile, be sure to wear comfortable shoes…and that’s not high heels.  If you are attacked as you
                   head to your car, you may not be able to get away quickly if you have on 3” 

                   high heels so nix the heels for some comfortable shoes.  

8.       Avoid parking near large vehicles or shrubbery or up close to a building – especially if you are alone. If you are walking out to your car alone late at night to an unlit area covered with shrubs, you may become a target for some predators.  If you can’t find a parking spot and have to park there, come back before it gets too dark and move the car closer to the entrance or have the mall security escort you to your car.  When returning to your vehicle, be leery of large vans with sliding doors parked right next to your driver’s side of your car.  If your gut tells you this doesn't feel right, go back into the mall and have security escort you out to your car.  If you decide to approach and enter your vehicle without security, do so from the passenger side but make sure you lock doors immediately upon entering then exit the parking lot right away. 

It may seem like a lot to take in but it's better to be safe than sorry, right? 

Have a wonderful time shopping this year!

Safety Stocking Stuffers

Try saying that three times fast!

This year in lieu of exchanging expensive gifts, my boyfriend and I decided we are going to decorate stockings together and fill them with stocking stuffers. Cute, right? Even better, for me at least, is this is my first time ever doing the whole stocking stuffer thing! That being said I’ve been hunkering down and doing my research, which made me realize that there may be some seasoned stocking-stuffing veterans out there who are looking for new ideas. So, as a gift from the United Safety Council to you,
we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite 

safety stocking stuffers!

1. Pepper spray – This can be a small can or key chain and maybe something that resembles a tube of lipstick or a pen. I love everything offered on this site because of the variety. There’s even a pepper spray weight you can carry while you’re exercising! This isn't really a gift that should be used frequently but it’s definitely good to have on hand in case of an emergency. 

2.  Key chain with a light and/or alarm – A flashlight can be useful on a daily basis. For safety purposes, we recommend using it to check inside and under your vehicle before you unlock the doors at night to avoid any predators who may want to abduct or rob you. The alarm aspect of the key chain also comes in handy if you are being attacked or feel threatened. The sound is loud enough to make anyone nearby come closer to investigate.

3. Storm-proof match kit – We all have those friends that make sure their survival kits are easily accessible and well-stocked. We may mock them at times but in the event of an emergency they are the first ones we go to for help. These kinds of matches are great for those who like to be prepared for anything. They are windproof, waterproof and will relight even after they are submerged. 

4. Cabinet locks – This gift is more for people with homes that have guns. Whether or not you have children in the home it is always recommended to keep your weapons locked up safely. Cabinet locks can also be used to keep children away from cleaning supplies and chemicals. You can find locks at any store that sells guns or gun supplies such as Walmart, sporting goods stores, and fishing and hunting stores. 

5. Reflectors/Reflective clothing – The perfect gift for anyone who goes out after dark, which is most people. It doesn’t matter whether they are riding a bike or walking the dog, your loved one may not be visible to oncoming cars and they will really appreciate that you care enough to give them some extra protection.

6. Pocket knife – Buyer beware, this is only a safety stocking stuffer if it is given to the appropriate person, as in not children! It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just something to get the job done. You can find some that suit your needs here.  

7. Ear plugs – This gift is more for the avid concert-goers. Frequent exposure to noise at a high decibel can do some serious damage to your hearing. Plugs like these will still allow them to hear the music they want to but offer a little protection as well.

8. Knee and elbow pads – OK, so mothers may appreciate these stocking stuffers more than their children but if you have someone active on your shopping list then padding is the perfect answer. You can find these items at any sporting goods store and at places such as Target and Walmart. 

9. Water-activated wristband alarm – Oops, this is also something mothers may appreciate more than their children. This stocking stuffer will keep you from worrying about your children when you’re camping, fishing, boating, etc. and they’re not supposed to be in water. Water activates the alarm and it is audible for up to 100 feet. 

10. Auto emergency escape tool – Anyone who owns a vehicle would be happy to have this handy tool in case of an emergency. It breaks 
windows, cuts through seat belts and some, such as 
this one, have a built in flashlight.

Holiday Office Decor

The beginning of December is an exciting time since it marks the beginning of the holiday season! Before you know it you get a break from school or work, get to see your family, eat great food, exchange gifts and the holiday fun continues until New Years!

Some offices enjoy decorating and even throwing parties for their employees. This is a great way to spread some holiday cheer. Although these are happy occasions it is important to be mindful of potential safety hazards. 

When decorating your work-space, keep some of the fire safety tips in mind:

• Do not use any decoration that has an open flame
• Don't place staples or nails through strings of lights
• Don't connect too many strands of lights together
• If decorating outside of the office, be sure to use lights for exterior use
• Turn off all illuminated items when the office is closed (put someone in charge of this task to avoid confusion)
• Before beginning to decorate, verify that all of your fire safety equipment is in proper working order (this includes smoke detectors and fire extinguishers)
• Think carefully before using extension cords to connect lights or other decorations
• Avoid placing trees, gifts, or freestanding decorations in heavily trafficked areas where people might run into or trip over them 
• Make sure your decor does not compromise people’s ability to exit the workplace in case of an  emergency
• Don't place decorative items in exit corridors, in front of exit signage, or on fire safety equipment including sprinkler head

And remember to keep all relevant OSHA regulations in mind when planning your office and party decor! By following a few simple safety tips, it's easy to enjoy festive holiday decorations and events at work without having to deal with injuries or property damage.