As spring rapidly approaches, the weather gets warmer, the flowers start blooming and the birds start chirping. With these shifts, there will also be changes in daily schedules, maintenance required, clothing choices, and timing. It is important to be aware of how these shifts could affect you, your family, and your daily life. Even with all the niceties and the warmth of spring, it’s more important than ever to be aware and conscious. You need to know how to stay safe this season and to help your loved ones stay safe as well. Here are our six spring safety tips into the new season!
1. Prepare an Emergency Plan
The National Safety Council recommends that every family have an emergency plan in place in event of a natural disaster like a tornado or thunderstorm. The emergency plan should be reviewed by the whole family and include several items:
- Have a home and car emergency kit filled with items like flashlights in case of a blackout, a first aid kit in case of injury, water, non-perishable food, batteries, duct tape, and medications.
- A comprehensive communication plan to outline how your family members will contact one another or meet.
- A shelter-in-place plan if outside air is contaminated.
- FEMA recommends sealing windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting if air does become dangerous.
- A getaway plan including various routes and destinations in different directions
Don’t Forget! Make sure that your first aid kit is updated!
2. Replace Those Smoke Detectors
According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of every five home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms. Especially in the spring with the weather getting warmer, fire alarms should be tested every month. And the batteries should be replaced at least once a year. Make sure that you have a smoke alarm in every bedroom and common area of each floor of your home. That will ensure that everyone in your household can be notified of a fire emergency.
Don’t Forget! Replace your carbon monoxide detectors as well to ensure maximum safety this spring!
3. Pay Close Attention to the Weather
As the weather warms and ice melts, you’ll want to spend some time outside. Don’t be fooled by the blooming flowers and the sunny skies, springtime weather can change extremely quickly and there can be some severe storms. It is important to be cognizant of the forecast for the entire day before you go out. And to continuously be aware of how the temperature could change dramatically. If skies look threatening, check to see if a storm watch or warning has been issued in your area before you head outdoors. If you are already outside and the weather conditions become threatening, like a thunderstorm. Head immediately to an enclosed building or vehicle and for a tornado warning, go to the nearest safe structure. Please follow this spring safety tips!
Don’t Forget! The extra rain and thawing snow in spring can cause normally safe rivers, streams and creeks to turn dangerous, so be careful!
4. Dress in Layers
Although the sun is shining, and the bees might be buzzing, make sure to dress in layers and be prepared for any conditions that the springtime may throw at you. Because the weather can change so quickly and drastically, it is important to be prepared with a raincoat or an umbrella whenever possible. The sunshine you were so wonderfully enjoying might swiftly turn into rain or even snow!
Don’t Forget! When your day is over, make sure to check yourself and your loved ones for ticks to prevent contracting Lyme disease!
5. Plan Your Day Accordingly
With the weather warm and the outdoors so enticing, it can be easy to lose track of time and stay out for the majority of the day. The sun is out longer during the spring and summer. So make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen. Even though the days feel longer, you don’t want to be far away from your house or car when it gets dark. Make sure to allow yourself enough time to get safely back where you need to be.
6. Our Final Tip? Carry the Silent Beacon Safety Panic Button
In any season, the Silent Beacon wearable panic button is the best precaution you can take against the dangers of the changing season. This small, portable device allows you to call for help with the simple push of a button. Different emergencies require different responses. Silent Beacon allows you to customize who you call for help, whether that’s 911, emergency services, a family member or friend, even phone numbers overseas.
Then, if you find yourself in danger whether outside or in your home, you can press the panic button to send customized alerts to your contact list via text message, phone call, and/or email.
Silent Beacon uses your smartphone’s GPS to send your location in real-time via text, email, and push notifications to people who can help you in an emergency. This feature adds a whole extra layer of safety, enabling contacts to find you if you’re incapacitated or unable to talk.
Now, if there was a thunderstorm, natural disaster or fire in the spring, you can easily call for help and alert your loved ones of the emergency. With the Silent Beacon, you can stay safe this spring by following our spring safety tips. And know you can get the help you need in an emergency.
Never feel unprepared for the changing season and order your Silent Beacon today.
