The goal for this month’s Do 1 Thing theme is to work on the family communication plan.

You should have the ability to communicate with family members during a disaster. Today, we have more ways to speak with one another than ever before. We are used to staying in touch with cell phones, internet and email, but disasters can change things. These devices may not be available. Cell phone towers can quickly become overloaded with people trying to reach family and friends. If the power is out at your home, cordless phones, internet and email will not work either.

Have a phone with a cord and a car charger for your cell phone standing by in case of a power failure. Phones with cordless handsets won’t work in a disaster because they need more electricity than they can get from the phone jack. Old fashioned phones with a cord connecting the handset to the base will work in a power outage. Make sure you have at least one phone with a cord in your home in case of a power outage.

Keep a car charger for your cell phone in your vehicle. If the power is out in your home, you can still charge your cell phone in the car.

If you don’t have a landline and you use a cell phone as your home phone, remember cell phone towers may be tied with calls in an emergency. However, a text message from your cell phone may get through when a phone call doesn’t. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to send and receive text messages.

Remember: never call 911 to get information about what is going on in an emergency. Only call 911 when you are injured or need help.

 

Firework Safety

This week as we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, I want to remind you of fireworks safety. Since Michigan’s Fireworks Safety Act of 2011was enacted, injury reports have increased. Last year there were estimated 11,400 fireworks related injuries nationwide. Injuries aren’t tracked by state, but there was also 8,700 in 2012 and 9,600 in 2011.

According to Michigan Fire Marshal Richard Miller, the new fireworks law led to better regulation and monitoring, and unannounced visits are made to ensure vendors are following rules. Since most of America’s fireworks come from China, there is a safety test before they are loaded and shipped to us and then the safety commission works with Customs and Borders Protection to take samples and test them to make sure the fireworks are not too powerful.

If you are using fireworks this year, follow manufacture directions during use, including proper lighting procedures and placement of the item.

The instructions only go so far. There is a certain amount of human factor also included. Do not use fireworks in enclosed spaces. Keep away from flammable objects. Remember other people and pets around you when you light the item. Alcohol and drugs don’t mix with fireworks.

Although you may have purchased the fireworks at a legal establishment, know that 33 percent of shipments the U.S. Government tested had non-compliant fireworks, according to the safety commission’s annual fireworks report. Overloaded fireworks and unacceptable fuse-burn times were common violations.

I enjoy a good fireworks display like other citizens, but a safe one is also priority. Remember, before the law changed sparklers caused 31 percent of injuries, rockets 11 percent and firecrackers 11 percent.

However you celebrate this great nation’s independence, be safe doing so. As I tell children in schools, we can still have fun while being safe. I want to remind all citizens to enjoy but be safe and mindful of hazards, including remembering debris comes down somewhere and the noise is there also. Neighbors and their houses may be close to your fun and explosions. Be safe!

 

Any questions or comments can be directed to Trooper Rob at TrooperRob53@yahoo.com or at (269) 683-4411.