Safety Outside The Home

Preventing School Bus Accidents

It’s that time again. Schools are back in session and it time to remind everyone to slow down. Be a little more aware of school buses and children walking to school.

I recently gave an in service on safety to bus drivers in our area. These men and women have a tremendous responsibility. Parents trust these individuals to safely transport their children to and from school each day. This job becomes more tedious when other motorists do not give school buses the due regard they deserve.

The NHTSA reports, about 134 people die in school-vehicle-related crashes each year. Of those, 8% are riding in the buses. Pedestrians, bicyclists and others outside the bus account for 21% of fatalities. By far the most fatalities, nearly three-fourths, are people in other vehicles.

Here Are A Few Tips For Drivers To Remember

Don’t block crosswalks
Be patient when following a school bus.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
Allow a greater distance between you and the bus when following from behind. This provides greater reaction time when stopping.
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus
Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore
hazards and take risks
Slow down and abide by traffic laws
Above all, share the road

Let’s do our part in making in making this a safe school year for everyone. Remember small distractions can lead to tragedy in a matter of seconds. Stay alert and watch you surrounding when driving this school year.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Psalm 37:3

Your Life Can Change In A Matter Of Seconds

By Tim Holman Leave a Comment

Over the years I have had several close friends killed in auto accidents. In each case the crash was the fault of the other driver. Statistics show that there are over 5 million auto accidents per year with over 30 thousand fatalities. Alabama is the state with the most accidents per year.

Causes of Auto Accidents

The number one cause of car accidents is not the individual that drove drunk, speeding or ran a red light. Distracted drivers are the top cause of car accidents in the U.S. today. A distracted driver is a motorist that diverts his or her attention from the road, usually to talk on a cell phone, send a text message, eat food or apply makeup. By far the most common cause of driver distraction is using the cell phone while driving.

Women are 27% less likely to be involved in an accident than men. Men out number women 3:1 for drunk driving. The top four causes of accidents are:

Distracted Driver

High Speed

Drunk Driving

Reckless Driving

The fact is auto accidents can be prevented. Some organizations have gone as far changing the name to auto crashes instead of auto accidents. All auto accidents are preventable. When driving there should be only one focus. That is being an alert and proactive driver. Paying attention to what you are doing and what is going on around you.

Being a Proactive Driver

Enter traffic slowly. Stop, look and listen. Always look both ways twice. Avoid having your view impaired by obstacles.

Watch out for children. Kids seem to come out of no where. They may run into traffic from between parked cars. Always be alert especially in residential areas.

Use caution when at traffic lights. Some drivers tend to pull away from red light as soon as they turn green. Get in the habit of pausing for just a few seconds to look left and right before entering the enter section. This allows you to avoid someone who might run the red light.

Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. Most newer model cars have controls on the steering wheel. Radio controls and cruise control are two that can be adjusted without taking a hand off the wheel. Keep both hands on the steering wheel allows you to react quicker and more effectively in the event of the unexpected.

Maintain you vehicle according to manufacture’s recommendation. By keeping your car or truck up to date on maintenance, it will operate better and will be more reliable.

Stay aware of your environment. When approaching intersections anticipate other drivers moves. Remember they may not see you. If so you have already prepared for his or her actions.

Do not tailgate. Leave enough reaction time when following other vehicles. This allows you more room to stop if needed. Tailgating leaves little room to respond for the unexpected.

Give respect to other drivers. OK they may have done something wrong. But getting mad and yelling at the driver is not going to fix what has already been done.

Be careful when backing out. At the fire department we know that most accidents occur when backing out. For this reason we always have a backer at the rear to guide us. Newer cars now have backup cameras that are very effective in reducing fender benders. Also consider walking around your car before backing out.

Stay focused on the task at hand. When behind the wheel your priority is driving and driving only. Don’t allow distractions to prevent safe driving. Avoid using your cellphone while driving. When driving at a speed of 60 mph, your car travels 88 feet for every second you take your eyes off the road.

Don’t allow distractions to lead to a horrific accident that could take your life or someone else’s. A split second distraction can change your life forever.

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Proverbs 2:11

Can You Survive A Disaster?

By Tim Holman Leave a Comment

It has been raining for days and the river is rising. Electric power is out and most stores are closed due to being flooded. You have been advised by authorities that you have less than two hours to evacuate your neighborhood before it is flooded. You need to leave and leave fast. You don’t have time to make a list of what you will need. So you leave with the clothes on your back. All of the evacuation centers are closed due to over crowding. So you head out of town. It seems like everything is closed. Gas stations, supper markets, discounts stores, everything is closed. How are you going to survive? Disaster safety

Here are some key points to remember. First, never let you gas tank go below half a tank. This will allow to get far enough away that you may find a gas station that is open. Next, develop a “bug out” bag. This is a bag of essentials that can help you survive the first 72 hours of a disaster. Remember your EDC bag has many items that you need. The bug out bag will just provide supplies to survive up to three days. Some of the items to consider are:

Water purification devices that can filter 99.999% of bacteria and parasites from water. This is much easier than trying carry three days worth of water. These devices can purify over 200 gallons of water.

Survival food, protein bars, cans of tuna and other food items with long shelve life can prove to be very helpful. Don’t forget a can opener. Remember we’re not looking for a 4 course meal, it’s survival.

Extra clothing to change into in case you are wet. Light weight items like nylon water resistant pants, sweatshirts, under ware and socks. Packable jackets are ideal for a bug out bag. Rain ponchos and hats should also be included.

Heat Source may be needed for cooking and or warmth. Matches in a waterproof container can be stored for long periods of time. Some type of tender such as paper or small pieces of wood can help make starting fire both quick and easy. Store your tender in a waterproof bag.

A First Aid kit should include items to control bleeding, bandages, tourniquet, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, trauma dressings, elastic bandages, small bottle of sterile water gives you a good start. N95 masks may be a good choice as well.

Soap, hand wipes, toilet paper, tissues, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, hand sanitizer provide some protection against a bacteria filled environment.

Gadgets such as multi tool, hatchet and knife provide you with the key items needed to help you survive.

Weapons unfortunately will most likely be needed in a survival situation. Evil people will pray on the weak. You will need protection. A handgun with extra ammo and magazines will provide the first level of protection. The next level of protection would be a tactical shot gun with at least 50 extra shells.

Light sources are a must and can be accomplished with flashlights, glow sticks, candles and tactical flashlights. Remember to add extra batteries. Most batteries today have a very long shelf life.

Money will be very important. Credit card systems will most likely be down in large scale disasters. $300 to $500 should be sufficient for your first 72 hours. In addition you may want to consider two rolled of quarters. You may come across old mechanical vending machines.

Miscellaneous items may include Fisher Space pen, small binoculars, writing pads, large plastic trash bags, paracord, sunglasses, compass and duct tape. Remember weight is a concern. Pack what you absolutely think you will need.

You may want to consider keeping a small version of a bug out bag in you car. It would include medical equipment and supplies as well as items needed if you were stranded in a snow storm or in a isolated area. Usually this bag has enough supplies for one or to days.

This article is not meant to make you paranoid it is only intended to help you be prepared if the unthinkable should occur. Stay safe and well.

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and by wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

Creating an Everyday Carry Bag (EDC)

By Tim Holman Leave a Comment

An Everyday Carry (EDC) refers to the items carried on a daily basis to aid in dealing with normal everyday needs in modern society, including any possible emergency situation. It is most commonly a sling bag large enough to carry key items that you identify as being significant to your daily operations. Many of the items people identify as EDC can be carried in your clothing. If the list of items you want to carry exceeds that which you can carry on your person, you may want to purchase a sling bag or small day pack.

Before buying a EDC bag, you should decide what items you want to carry. This will assure the purchase of the correct size bag. There are many good bags on

Items for your everyday carry bag

the market that come in different sizes and shapes. Maxpedition, Condor, 5:11, 3V Gear, Blackhawk and Goruck are just a few brands that are available for your specific need.

What should I carry?

Here is a list of suggestions that you can analyze for your specific needs:

Small First Aid Items – Always helpful on a day to day basis.

Face Shield- Protects you in the event you you need to perform rescue breathing.

Tourniquet – Stops severe bleeding in an extremity.

Charging cables for phone, tablet or computer – Keeping you in touch.

Backup Battery Pack – If power is out you have backup power.

Water Proof Note Pad – Take or leave notes.

Pens and pencils – You can always use an extra.

Tactical Flashlight (at least 180 lumens) – Can be used if power is out, to signal rescuers or it can be used as a weapon to blind an attacker for at least 30 seconds.

Everyday Carry Bag

Folding Knife – Obviously for cutting or as a weapon.

Multi Tool – For quick repairs and other uses.

Tactical Pen – can also be used as a weapon.

Light Stick – Provides light and can be used as signaling device.

Fisher Space Pen – Will right at any angle in most any temperatures.

Paracord Bracelet with Compass – Many, many uses, use your imagination. Securing items, splints, sling tourniquet, handcuffs, shoelaces, belt the list goes on and on.

Cash and roll of quarters – With power outages and disasters, credit cards may not be an option.

iPad or Tablet – The EDC bags protects these items.

Tylenol or Ibuprofen – Never know when you may need a little pain relief.

Antibiotic Cream – For small cuts and abrasions.

Tactical Gloves – Protection for your hand when changing tire or in all types of emergency situations.

Latex Gloves – Protection when delivering emergency care.

Protein Bars – Food in emergency situation or a pick me up in the middle of the day.

Self Defense Item – Your gun or pepper spray.

Extra Ammo – Just in case you are in a very bad situation.

Lip Balm – It’s there if you need it.

Water Bottle – To keep hydrated.

Space Blanket – Stay warm if you are stranded.

Folded Rain Gear – Stay dry.

Sunglasses – Protection for your eyes when needed.

The EDC will help you solve specific problems throughout the day. In an emergency it may aid you in getting back home. You never know what might happen and it may take a number of resources for you to get home safely. A properly stocked EDC will make you feel more comfortable throughout the day because you have many resources at your fingertips.

Once you have a quality EDC you may want to set up an emergency kit for your car and a bug out bag used when you must leave you home in an emergency situation. These resources will be discussed in future articles.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Parking Lot Terror

By Tim Holman Leave a Comment

Parking lot terrorism can be avoided It was dark as the young lady walked to her car after picking up a few items at the grocery. She had three grocery bags in her left hand and her cell phone up to her ear in the right hand. Her awareness was at an extremely low level. She was unaware of the van parked next to her car. As she was opening her car door, the sliding side door of the van opened. Two men jumped out grabbed her and threw her in the van as they quickly drove away. What happens next could be a number of possibilities.

Safety starts when you pull into a parking lot. Scan the lot to make there is nothing unusual that attracts your attention. Look for individuals standing in close proximity to your vehicle. What are they doing? Why are they hanging around your car? If your gut tells you, this looks like trouble, turn around. Go back in the store and find an employee or security guard to escort you to your car.

At night always try to park near a well lit area away from other vehicles. When walking to the store entrance, don’t walk too close to the other parked cars. You never know when someone will be hiding between cars to attack you. Give yourself plenty of room to escape.

Never park next to a van. As you can see from the incident described above, an abduction can be performed quickly and effortlessly. If, when returning to your car, you notice a van parked next to you, turn around and go back inside the store. Try to find someone to walk you to your car. If that is not possible try entering your vehicle from the opposite side from where the van is parked.

Another threat to be aware of is an attacker hiding under the car. In the past there have been incidents where the perpetrator is hiding under the car. When the driver walks up they use a knife or razor blade to slice the Achilles’ tendon, causing the victim to be incapacitated. To prevent this, walk up to your car at angle that you can see most of the space under the vehicle.

When you are walking to your car, always have your keys out so you can unlock you door and enter quickly. Searching in your purse for car keys makes you a vulnerable target for those wishing to do harm.

Even if you are faithful at always locking your car doors, make sure you check the back seat before entering. An individual dressed in dark clothing can hide on the floor and may be overlooked. Don’t take chances. Being cautious is always the best avenue to take. Don’t be paranoid just make sure you are aware.