I can only imagine what the inside of the Pentagon and World Trade Centers sounded like on Sept. 11, 2001 when planes struck those buildings; the fire alarms, CO detectors, and of course, the screaming and chaos. Since we live in this area, we should know what emergency warnings sound like in our area, speaking of tornado sirens and the nuclear power plant warnings. This week’s Do 1 Thing tip concerns this.

We must be informed. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do when they hear emergency warnings. Our communities may have outdoor warning sirens (also called tornado sirens) to warn you in an emergency. They may vary from community to community. These sirens are meant to let people who are outside know they should go indoors. When you hear the outdoor warning sirens sound in your area it is not safe for you to be outdoors. You should take cover inside a sturdy building and get more information from television, radio, internet, or by contacting a friend or family member.

Call your local fire department to find out if your area is covered by warning sirens, when they are tested, and when they would be activated. Make sure other members of your household know what to do when outdoor warning sirens sound.

Some communities have other ways of warning residents. They may call by phone, or send text messages or emails with emergency information. Check with your local emergency management or sheriff’s office to find out what other warning systems are used in your area. Talk to family members about what to do when emergency information is given. We should all have a plan.

With the start of another school year, The Michigan State Police is encouraging students to take their studies seriously. School is not only social and fun, but obtaining a high school diploma is critically important to become a responsible member of society. Pledge to make this year a great one by committing to attending school, learning all you can, and treating your teachers and peers with respect.

With data that shows that as many as forty percent of students miss ten or more days of school per year, parental involvement in encouraging school attendance is key. Evidence has shown that a high school diploma matters to individuals, communities, and society.

• High school graduates are more likely to be employed, make higher taxable income, and aid in job generation.

• Graduates are less likely to engage in criminal behavior or require social services.

• Graduates have better health and longer life expectancy

• High school graduates are more likely to be engaged in their communities, with higher rates of volunteering and voting.

Be a leader by committing to graduating and ensuring a bright future. MCL 380.1561, Compulsory attendance at school, in short, states that if you were born after December 1, 1998, or was in the sixth grade in 2009, you are required to attend school until the age of eighteen. There are many exceptions to this, but this is the short version. MCL 380.1587, Failure to send child to school, in short states that a parent or a person in parental relation over a child, who fails to send the child to school, shall receive notice of the violation of 380.1561 (above). Continuing, MCL 380.1599, Noncompliance of parent, in short states that a parent or a person in parental relation to the child who fails to comply with this is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be jailed for not less than 2 days and not more than 90 days.

While conversing with customers at a local restaurant, Mike from Niles asked “With hunting season approaching, how do I transport my long guns, specifically my muzzleloader? Is the muzzleloader different from the shotguns or rifles?”

Mike, because of the components of the muzzleloader, you shall still transport it like a shotgun or rifle. This method is in a case (designed for gun use or carry), unloaded, and inaccessible to the passenger compartment. Inaccessible means in the trunk, behind the seat of a pickup truck, as far back as possible in a van, station wagon, or hatchback.

Good luck and be safe.

 

Any questions or comments please email me at TrooperRob53@yahoo.com or call (269) 683-4411.