By Jo Powers - Posted on September 15th, 2009 - 21:33
When it comes to the security and safety of yourself and yourassets, many of us don’t consider the trusted, most unlikely peoplewithin our circle and social circle to be the bad guys. However, theyare just as capable of robbing us as the criminals, intruders andburglars we see on TV and in the movies.
This article isn’t geared towards making you paranoid of everyonearound you. It’s just a reminder that the only people you can reallytrust is me, myself and I. Listed below are 10 of the most unlikely,un-thought of and yet surprisingly, some of the most common thieveswithin our day to day life.
1. Children and Family<-Unfortunately our family are some of the most trusted people in ourlives, and the first ones to do us wrong. Whether it’s your childrenstealing money from your wallet, or other relatives stealing from yourbedroom, the truth is, family is usually the last ones we think wouldhurt us, yet the first ones to betray us.
2. Neighbors and Neighborhood kids<- AlthoughHomeSecurityAdvice.com is adamant about neighborhood watches, andtrusting your neighbors to look after your place when you're out oftown, some neighbors can not be trusted. Unfortunately, this system canwork against you if there is a neighbor who is up to no good. They’rethe ones who are most familiar with our daily schedules, the ones weask to check the mail for us if we’re unable, etc. And if the adultsmisbehave, the possibilities are endless as to what their children cando.
3. Co-Workers<- Most of us, especially ifwe work somewhere for an extended period of time, gain this naturaltrust for our co-workers. We leave our jackets and purses lying aroundwhile we’re busy doing this or busy doing that. Unfortunately, some ofour co-workers have ill intentions and what makes it worse is theunderlying vulnerability we place ourselves in while at work. Althoughdrivers licenses are rarely stolen in the workplace, all it takes is aquick mental note or scribble on a piece of paper and your address isin the wrong hands.
4. Friends and Friends of Trusted Friends<-It happens too many times; You throw a party, a BBQ or a little gettogether and one of your closets friends invites a stranger to comealong. You don’t know this person, yet feel safe with the thoughts thatif your friend trusts them, then you can too. This is one of the worstpositions to be in. You’ve opened your home up to a complete strangerthat you know nothing about, and yet, as the minutes tick by, they seemto get to know you more and more simply based on your collectibles,furniture and pictures hanging on the wall.
5. Utility Installation Workers<-Most companies do their versions of background checks, drug tests andso on to ensure their customers the people they hire are trustworthy.But it’s important to remember that a person doesn’t have to be ondrugs, nor does their background need to include any wrong doing.People are people. Installation workers, whether they’re from thecable, phone, electric or gas company are people, just like you and me.With that said, occasionally and especially when they have access inyour home, these trusted people can become likely suspects in a homeinvasion. All it takes is for them to strike up a conversation withyou, asking “so what are your plans for the weekend?” and if you’rereally excited about the weekend trip of a lifetime you’ve been waitingfor is taking place this weekend, you’re probably going to spill thebeans. While you’re busy thinking about the end of the week, they couldbe scoping out your living room, bedroom, ways to gain entrance, etc.They could also be checking to see if you take home securityprecautions like an alarm system, cameras, dogs, or even window films.If the coast is clear, they could be returning this weekend.
6. Admin and Paper Pushers<-Any document you place your home address on leaves the possibility openfor someone to simply Map Quest your address and make their way to yourhome. This could be at the doctor’s office, dentists, grocery store,bank, veterinarian’s office, etc. Unfortunately these places, althoughhighly thought of, can attract the wrong type of employees. And onceyour private information falls into the wrong hands it could be a callfor disaster.
7. Door-to-Door Salesmen<- Itdoesn’t matter what they’re selling. The moment they knock, and youopen the door, they have a glimpse into your home, and your prizepossessions. Most door salesmen spend a significant amount of time(several days) inside neighborhoods. This gives them a chance to gainknowledge of the neighbors, whose home, who’s not and which neighbor ischecking the other neighbor’s mail or picking up their newspaper sothey don’t build. Door-to-door salesmen, though they are usuallybriefly in our lives, tend to be trusted because of this briefness.Homeowners brush them off without a second thought. But they know whereyou live, they have access to learning your schedule, and they’ve hadat least one chance to get an idea of what’s behind your front door.
8. Landlords and Relatives/Friends of Landlords<-Tenants know that besides themselves and whomever they give a spare keytoo, the landlord has a spare key. Unfortunately, all too often ourlandlords do not do a good enough job of hiding the spare key, leavingit accessible to anyone in their inner circle. Although the landlordsthemselves are generally trusted with our belongings, it’s hard totrust their relatives and friends and anyone whom we don’t know:strangers.
9. Postal Workers<- This could beanyone from the mailman, to the FedEx or UPS driver. I’m not trying togive these people a bad name. Again, they just happen to be people wedon’t consider untrustworthy until it’s too late. They have access toour mail, our deliveries, our subscriptions and our home addresses.
10. Delivery Drivers<-It’s late at night and you don’t want to cook. So what do you do? Mostof us call and have food delivered. It doesn’t matter which type offood, as long as it kills the hunger pain. Unfortunately most mom andpop shops, pizza parlors and even flower shops hire whomever they canin order to get their deliveries delivered on time. So what does thismean? Well, just like with #7, once you open your front door, you openyour home up to a completely trustworthy, yet complete stranger. Thisperson now knows your home address, and unfortunately they know littlethings about you like the size of your TV or entertainment system;things of value.
As mentioned before, thisarticle isn’t meant to put the fear in you so you begin to lack trustfor everyone around you, it’s simply to make you aware of how easy itis for a so-called trusted person within society to break that trustand ruin your life. Trust is a big issue for some of us and it’s nowonder why.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Three people charged in string of break-ins in Jackson and Ingham counties
by Danielle Quisenberry Jackson Citizen Patriot
Monday September 14, 2009, 11:58 PM
Three people police suspect have been behind at least nine area break-ins have been charged with home invasion.
Robert Coffey, 33; his brother, John Joseph Coffey, 25; and Robert Coffey's former wife, Jennifer Sue Coffey, 27, were arraigned Friday on a charge they invaded a home in Parma Township. Each faces one count of second-degree home invasion, a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and $3,000.
More charges are anticipated in the next few days, according to a Jackson County Sheriff's Office news release.
The three are accused of breaking into seven homes in Jackson County and two in Ingham County in the past month.
They would knock on doors during the day; if no one was home, they would kick the door or use a prying instrument to gain entry, according to the statement. The three allegedly stole jewelry, electronics, TVs, rare coins, cash, tools and firearms.
Jackson County deputies, assisted by Blackman Township public safety officers, arrested Robert Coffey and Jennifer Coffey on Wednesday after a home invasion in the Leslie area, where a family had returned to find people removing items.
Ingham County sheriff's deputies alerted other police agencies after they obtained a getaway vehicle's description.
John Coffey was arrested the same day in the Vandercook Lake area, Jackson County Undersheriff Tom Finco said.
Robert Coffey already had two open felony cases in Jackson County Circuit Court at the time of his arrest. He pleaded guilty earlier this month to a separate, second-degree home invasion charge and is awaiting sentencing. He also pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge in September.
Jennifer Coffey pleaded guilty in May to a misdemeanor drug charge. That case also remains open.
http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/09/three_people_charged_in_string.html
Monday September 14, 2009, 11:58 PM
Three people police suspect have been behind at least nine area break-ins have been charged with home invasion.
Robert Coffey, 33; his brother, John Joseph Coffey, 25; and Robert Coffey's former wife, Jennifer Sue Coffey, 27, were arraigned Friday on a charge they invaded a home in Parma Township. Each faces one count of second-degree home invasion, a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and $3,000.
More charges are anticipated in the next few days, according to a Jackson County Sheriff's Office news release.
The three are accused of breaking into seven homes in Jackson County and two in Ingham County in the past month.
They would knock on doors during the day; if no one was home, they would kick the door or use a prying instrument to gain entry, according to the statement. The three allegedly stole jewelry, electronics, TVs, rare coins, cash, tools and firearms.
Jackson County deputies, assisted by Blackman Township public safety officers, arrested Robert Coffey and Jennifer Coffey on Wednesday after a home invasion in the Leslie area, where a family had returned to find people removing items.
Ingham County sheriff's deputies alerted other police agencies after they obtained a getaway vehicle's description.
John Coffey was arrested the same day in the Vandercook Lake area, Jackson County Undersheriff Tom Finco said.
Robert Coffey already had two open felony cases in Jackson County Circuit Court at the time of his arrest. He pleaded guilty earlier this month to a separate, second-degree home invasion charge and is awaiting sentencing. He also pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge in September.
Jennifer Coffey pleaded guilty in May to a misdemeanor drug charge. That case also remains open.
http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/09/three_people_charged_in_string.html
Monday, September 14, 2009
Second burglar heading to prison for November incident at Cranberry Lake home, other Clare County locations
by LaNia Coleman The Bay City Times
Sunday September 13, 2009, 3:43 PM
HARRISON -- The second of two defendants in a two-months burglary spree has learned his fate.
Clare County Circuit Judge Thomas R. Evans sentenced Dustin A. Mowinski to nine to 20 years for one count of assault with intent to rob while armed and four to 15 years for each of three counts of second-degree home invasion.
Evans also assessed the 19-year-old Harrison man $11,157 in fines, costs, restitution and fees.
Mowinski's co-defendant, Larry D. Lyvere, also of Harrison, currently is lodged at the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia, where the 19-year-old is serving nine to 25 years for the assault charge and 57 months to 15 years for each of the home invasion charges.
Mowinski has yet to be assigned to a state facility.
Circuit Judge Roy G. Mienk sentenced Lyvere in August and ordered him to pay $9,537 in fees, fines, costs and restitution.
The judges had the option of sending the pair to prison for the rest of their lives for the assault charge.
The teens pleaded guilty to the charges, said Clare County Prosecutor Michelle J. Ambrozaitis.
"At the end of November, Lyvere and Mowinski culminated their two-month crime spree of home invasions by holding a Harrison woman at gun point in an effort to steal her car," Ambrozaitis said.
Sheriff's deputies arrested the teens after a woman who lives in the Cranberry Lake subdivision of Hayes Township reported they knocked on her door.
They then pointed pistols at her and ordered her to open the door, deputies have said. The pair fled when she refused, picked up a telephone and dialed 911.
State Department of Corrections records show Lyvere served less than four months of a one-year sentence for larceny in a building in Chippewa County.
Mowinski has no prior state record. http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2009/09/second_burglar_heading_to_pris.html
Sunday September 13, 2009, 3:43 PM
HARRISON -- The second of two defendants in a two-months burglary spree has learned his fate.
Clare County Circuit Judge Thomas R. Evans sentenced Dustin A. Mowinski to nine to 20 years for one count of assault with intent to rob while armed and four to 15 years for each of three counts of second-degree home invasion.
Evans also assessed the 19-year-old Harrison man $11,157 in fines, costs, restitution and fees.
Mowinski's co-defendant, Larry D. Lyvere, also of Harrison, currently is lodged at the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia, where the 19-year-old is serving nine to 25 years for the assault charge and 57 months to 15 years for each of the home invasion charges.
Mowinski has yet to be assigned to a state facility.
Circuit Judge Roy G. Mienk sentenced Lyvere in August and ordered him to pay $9,537 in fees, fines, costs and restitution.
The judges had the option of sending the pair to prison for the rest of their lives for the assault charge.
The teens pleaded guilty to the charges, said Clare County Prosecutor Michelle J. Ambrozaitis.
"At the end of November, Lyvere and Mowinski culminated their two-month crime spree of home invasions by holding a Harrison woman at gun point in an effort to steal her car," Ambrozaitis said.
Sheriff's deputies arrested the teens after a woman who lives in the Cranberry Lake subdivision of Hayes Township reported they knocked on her door.
They then pointed pistols at her and ordered her to open the door, deputies have said. The pair fled when she refused, picked up a telephone and dialed 911.
State Department of Corrections records show Lyvere served less than four months of a one-year sentence for larceny in a building in Chippewa County.
Mowinski has no prior state record. http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2009/09/second_burglar_heading_to_pris.html
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Crime Stoppers of Michigan to Honor Local Leaders
DTE Energy's Anthony F. Earley Jr. to chair Oct. 13 event
DETROIT, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Matthew Cullen, president and chief financial officer of Rock Enterprises; Robert Bobb, emergency financial manager for Detroit Public Schools; and Andrew Arena, special agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit Division, will be honored by Crime Stoppers of Michigan for helping to make the state a better place to live, work and play.
The trio will be honored at Crime Stoppers' annual Recognition Dinner at DTE Energy Headquarters in Detroit on Oct. 13. DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Anthony F. Earley Jr. is the event chairman.
"Especially in the current economy, Michigan residents recognize the critical importance of safety in promoting business growth and a healthy economic climate," Earley said. "We all need to be vigilant - to keep our eyes and ears open - and do what we can to keep communities safe - and that includes sending the message that we won't condone crime in our communities."
John W. Broad, Crime Stoppers president, noted that the organization's honorees this year have played important leadership roles in Southeast Michigan.
"These three men have been instrumental in making our area a good place to live and do business," Broad said. "They show what can happen when people get involved in communities in both professional and personal ways."
Before joining Rock Enterprises in 2008, Cullen, a Grosse Pointe Woods resident, spent 29 years at General Motors Corp. and was its general manager for economic development. Cullen is credited for driving GM's $500 million acquisition and development of the Renaissance Center as its global headquarters and has played an active role in private-public efforts to rebuild the Detroit riverfront. Now, Cullen has responsibility for Rock's effort to promote development in downtown Detroit.
Bobb was appointed by Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm earlier this year as emergency financial manager for the Detroit public school system. In this role, he has assumed full financial authority for the school district. Bobb brings to the job more than 30 years of executive management experience in both the public and private sectors. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the designation as "Most Valuable Public Official" by City &
State magazine.
Arena, of Northville, was appointed to his position in 2007, and in addition to the headquarters office in Detroit, he oversees 11 FBI satellite offices within the division's territory. Arena joined the FBI in 1988. Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Arena was promoted to chief of the International Terrorism Operations Section at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. The following year he was appointed special assistant to the executive assistant director for counterterrorism and counterintelligence.
Sponsorship opportunities for the dinner are still available. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Crime Stoppers, an alliance of business, law enforcement and community leaders with the mission to empower people to make their neighborhoods, schools and businesses safer through the anonymous reporting of crime. The guarantee of anonymity encourages the participation of tipsters who might otherwise be reluctant to get involved because of fears of
retaliation.
Money raised from previous recognition dinners has contributed to impressive gains in Crime Stoppers performance. Over the last 12 months, Crime Stoppers has recorded the following results:
Nearly 3,400 tips, or nearly 10 per day, everyday, and double the tips received in 2006
Nearly 400 cases cleared
More than 700 arrests made from Crime Stopper tips
Nearly $200,000 in recovered property
More than $800,000 in drugs recovered
65 weapons recovered
Nearly $75,000 in rewards approved
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.1800speakup.org or
call Athena DeWulf on (313) 922-5000, extension 12.
SOURCE Crime Stoppers of Michigan
John Broad, +1-313-922-5000 Ext. 10
DETROIT, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Matthew Cullen, president and chief financial officer of Rock Enterprises; Robert Bobb, emergency financial manager for Detroit Public Schools; and Andrew Arena, special agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit Division, will be honored by Crime Stoppers of Michigan for helping to make the state a better place to live, work and play.
The trio will be honored at Crime Stoppers' annual Recognition Dinner at DTE Energy Headquarters in Detroit on Oct. 13. DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Anthony F. Earley Jr. is the event chairman.
"Especially in the current economy, Michigan residents recognize the critical importance of safety in promoting business growth and a healthy economic climate," Earley said. "We all need to be vigilant - to keep our eyes and ears open - and do what we can to keep communities safe - and that includes sending the message that we won't condone crime in our communities."
John W. Broad, Crime Stoppers president, noted that the organization's honorees this year have played important leadership roles in Southeast Michigan.
"These three men have been instrumental in making our area a good place to live and do business," Broad said. "They show what can happen when people get involved in communities in both professional and personal ways."
Before joining Rock Enterprises in 2008, Cullen, a Grosse Pointe Woods resident, spent 29 years at General Motors Corp. and was its general manager for economic development. Cullen is credited for driving GM's $500 million acquisition and development of the Renaissance Center as its global headquarters and has played an active role in private-public efforts to rebuild the Detroit riverfront. Now, Cullen has responsibility for Rock's effort to promote development in downtown Detroit.
Bobb was appointed by Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm earlier this year as emergency financial manager for the Detroit public school system. In this role, he has assumed full financial authority for the school district. Bobb brings to the job more than 30 years of executive management experience in both the public and private sectors. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the designation as "Most Valuable Public Official" by City &
State magazine.
Arena, of Northville, was appointed to his position in 2007, and in addition to the headquarters office in Detroit, he oversees 11 FBI satellite offices within the division's territory. Arena joined the FBI in 1988. Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Arena was promoted to chief of the International Terrorism Operations Section at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. The following year he was appointed special assistant to the executive assistant director for counterterrorism and counterintelligence.
Sponsorship opportunities for the dinner are still available. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Crime Stoppers, an alliance of business, law enforcement and community leaders with the mission to empower people to make their neighborhoods, schools and businesses safer through the anonymous reporting of crime. The guarantee of anonymity encourages the participation of tipsters who might otherwise be reluctant to get involved because of fears of
retaliation.
Money raised from previous recognition dinners has contributed to impressive gains in Crime Stoppers performance. Over the last 12 months, Crime Stoppers has recorded the following results:
Nearly 3,400 tips, or nearly 10 per day, everyday, and double the tips received in 2006
Nearly 400 cases cleared
More than 700 arrests made from Crime Stopper tips
Nearly $200,000 in recovered property
More than $800,000 in drugs recovered
65 weapons recovered
Nearly $75,000 in rewards approved
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.1800speakup.org or
call Athena DeWulf on (313) 922-5000, extension 12.
SOURCE Crime Stoppers of Michigan
John Broad, +1-313-922-5000 Ext. 10
Canton Neighborhood Hit By Burglaries
Police Warn Residents To Keep Doors, Garages Locked
POSTED: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
UPDATED: 10:54 am EDT September 9, 2009
CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- While most homeowners were relaxing and enjoying the long holiday weekend, police in Canton said some robbers were hard at work breaking into homes.
Police said a string of home break-ins occurred over the weekend along Lowell, Whitman and Stuart streets in Canton Township. In all of the cases, police said the robbers broke in through a back window or door.
“I guess that would tell me that someone is watching, and that they’re casing before they attempt to go in,” said one resident in the area.
The resident said a rash of break-ins happened a few years ago, and that neighbors got themselves watch dogs and outdoor lights in an effort to curb the crimes.
“We talk to the neighbors. We have a pretty good neighborhood watch program going on and they know that we’re looking out for them,” the resident said.
Police said closing, and locking, any doors or garages are recommended to avoid theft. Police said they don’t have any leads on the break-ins.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Canton Police Department.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/20798386/detail.html
POSTED: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
UPDATED: 10:54 am EDT September 9, 2009
CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- While most homeowners were relaxing and enjoying the long holiday weekend, police in Canton said some robbers were hard at work breaking into homes.
Police said a string of home break-ins occurred over the weekend along Lowell, Whitman and Stuart streets in Canton Township. In all of the cases, police said the robbers broke in through a back window or door.
“I guess that would tell me that someone is watching, and that they’re casing before they attempt to go in,” said one resident in the area.
The resident said a rash of break-ins happened a few years ago, and that neighbors got themselves watch dogs and outdoor lights in an effort to curb the crimes.
“We talk to the neighbors. We have a pretty good neighborhood watch program going on and they know that we’re looking out for them,” the resident said.
Police said closing, and locking, any doors or garages are recommended to avoid theft. Police said they don’t have any leads on the break-ins.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Canton Police Department.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/20798386/detail.html
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Carbon monoxide linked to heart problems in elderly
New Haven, Conn.—Exposure to carbon monoxide, even at levels well below national limits, is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for the elderly with heart problems, according to a study published today in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
The nationwide study of 126 urban communities, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, found that an increase in carbon monoxide of 1 part per million in the maximum daily one-hour exposure is associated with a 0.96 percent increase in the risk of hospitalization from cardiovascular disease among people over the age of 65.
This link holds true even when carbon monoxide levels are less than 1 part per million, which is well below the EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 35 parts per million. This finding suggests an under-recognized health risk to seniors. Currently, the EPA is evaluating the scientific evidence on the link between carbon monoxide and health to determine whether the health-based standard should be modified.
"This evidence indicates that exposure to current carbon monoxide levels may still pose a public health threat," said Michelle Bell, the study's lead investigator and associate professor of environmental health at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. "Higher levels of carbon monoxide were associated with higher risk of hospitalizations for cardiovascular heart disease."
Bell and researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine based their findings on an analysis of hospital records for 9.3 million Medicare recipients and data on air pollution levels and weather gathered between 1999 and 2005. Their analysis took into account the health effects of other traffic-related pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, fine particles and elemental carbon.
"We found a positive and statistically significant association between same-day carbon monoxide levels and an increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in general, as well as for multiple, specific cardiovascular disease outcomes, including ischemic heart disease, heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure and cerebrovascular disease," Bell said.
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas that is a component of automobile exhaust. The researchers acknowledged that additional research is needed to investigate whether carbon monoxide or a combination of it and other traffic-related pollutants are the cause of the increased risk of cardiovascular hospitalizations in seniors.
The nationwide study of 126 urban communities, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, found that an increase in carbon monoxide of 1 part per million in the maximum daily one-hour exposure is associated with a 0.96 percent increase in the risk of hospitalization from cardiovascular disease among people over the age of 65.
This link holds true even when carbon monoxide levels are less than 1 part per million, which is well below the EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 35 parts per million. This finding suggests an under-recognized health risk to seniors. Currently, the EPA is evaluating the scientific evidence on the link between carbon monoxide and health to determine whether the health-based standard should be modified.
"This evidence indicates that exposure to current carbon monoxide levels may still pose a public health threat," said Michelle Bell, the study's lead investigator and associate professor of environmental health at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. "Higher levels of carbon monoxide were associated with higher risk of hospitalizations for cardiovascular heart disease."
Bell and researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine based their findings on an analysis of hospital records for 9.3 million Medicare recipients and data on air pollution levels and weather gathered between 1999 and 2005. Their analysis took into account the health effects of other traffic-related pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, fine particles and elemental carbon.
"We found a positive and statistically significant association between same-day carbon monoxide levels and an increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in general, as well as for multiple, specific cardiovascular disease outcomes, including ischemic heart disease, heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure and cerebrovascular disease," Bell said.
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas that is a component of automobile exhaust. The researchers acknowledged that additional research is needed to investigate whether carbon monoxide or a combination of it and other traffic-related pollutants are the cause of the increased risk of cardiovascular hospitalizations in seniors.
National Child Injury Prevention Week
September 1st – 7th is National Child Injury Prevention Week. Parents always keep the well-being of their children as a top priority, but this event offers a great opportunity to really focus on home safety tips for kids.
Children spend a large amount of time at home, and it can be easy to take for granted that they are safe around the house. It is, however, essential to be aware of potential danger zones and take every step possible to make your home ‘kid friendly’. Here are a few tips to help your loved ones avoid injury.
Child Proofing Your HomeKids are naturally curious, and as soon as they are old enough to crawl they will start to explore their environment. Once your kids are moving on their own, it’s important to be aware of the obstacles and dangers they may encounter. Many experts recommend that parents go for their own crawl around the house to get a better perspective of these potential hazards. There are several things to watch for, including:
• Small items that could be choking hazards• Uncovered electrical outlets• Sharp corners on tables and other furniture• Long cords that a child could get tangled up in• Areas that need a safety gate, like in front of stairs or rooms a child shouldn’t enter• Any dangerous item (knives, glass objects, etc.) within a child’s reach
For more tips on childproofing your home, visit Parenthood.com.
Kitchen SafetyKids enjoy spending time in the kitchen while a parent cooks, but it is a room that can hold many dangers if you don’t prepare. Keep a close eye on children while they are in the kitchen, and use these tips to help protect them:
• Turn the handles of pots and pans away from the counter so children can’t grab and pull them down• Keep all poisons out of reach and in child-proof containers• Don’t store sharp utensils where children can reach them• Put child proof latches on every cabinet• Store alcohol on shelves in tall cabinets, and keep them securely latched
Water SafetyFor families with small children, water safety is a major concern. Statistics show that drowning is one of the leading causes of death among kids in the United States. If you own a pool, put a child safety fence around it and keep it locked at all times. Don’t leave toys near the pool; they encourage children to look for a way to climb over the fence. If possible, invest in a pool cover. It will provide an extra level of security, and keep the water warmer.
Water safety isn’t just about pools – a drowning can occur in a very small amount of liquid. Every year children drown in bathtubs, toilets and other water-filled objects. Keep your bathroom door latched and never leave a child unattended around water for any amount of time.
Fire SafetyA house fire is one of the most tragic and potentially deadly events a family can endure, so it is essential to be prepared. Start by purchasing smoke alarms and remember to replace the batteries once a year so they are always fresh. Next you can pick up a few fire extinguishers and place them in as many rooms as possible. Finally, come up with several escape routes in case a fire breaks out. Rehearse a fire safety drill in which the entire family practices using these routes so they are ready to get away quickly during an emergency.
Child safety is a major issue for every parent. It’s a topic to focus on daily, and something we can examine in even greater detail this September 1st – 7th as we recognize National Child Injury Prevention Week. Find more safety tips for kids here, and thank you for reading the PeopleFinders.com People Search blog.
Children spend a large amount of time at home, and it can be easy to take for granted that they are safe around the house. It is, however, essential to be aware of potential danger zones and take every step possible to make your home ‘kid friendly’. Here are a few tips to help your loved ones avoid injury.
Child Proofing Your HomeKids are naturally curious, and as soon as they are old enough to crawl they will start to explore their environment. Once your kids are moving on their own, it’s important to be aware of the obstacles and dangers they may encounter. Many experts recommend that parents go for their own crawl around the house to get a better perspective of these potential hazards. There are several things to watch for, including:
• Small items that could be choking hazards• Uncovered electrical outlets• Sharp corners on tables and other furniture• Long cords that a child could get tangled up in• Areas that need a safety gate, like in front of stairs or rooms a child shouldn’t enter• Any dangerous item (knives, glass objects, etc.) within a child’s reach
For more tips on childproofing your home, visit Parenthood.com.
Kitchen SafetyKids enjoy spending time in the kitchen while a parent cooks, but it is a room that can hold many dangers if you don’t prepare. Keep a close eye on children while they are in the kitchen, and use these tips to help protect them:
• Turn the handles of pots and pans away from the counter so children can’t grab and pull them down• Keep all poisons out of reach and in child-proof containers• Don’t store sharp utensils where children can reach them• Put child proof latches on every cabinet• Store alcohol on shelves in tall cabinets, and keep them securely latched
Water SafetyFor families with small children, water safety is a major concern. Statistics show that drowning is one of the leading causes of death among kids in the United States. If you own a pool, put a child safety fence around it and keep it locked at all times. Don’t leave toys near the pool; they encourage children to look for a way to climb over the fence. If possible, invest in a pool cover. It will provide an extra level of security, and keep the water warmer.
Water safety isn’t just about pools – a drowning can occur in a very small amount of liquid. Every year children drown in bathtubs, toilets and other water-filled objects. Keep your bathroom door latched and never leave a child unattended around water for any amount of time.
Fire SafetyA house fire is one of the most tragic and potentially deadly events a family can endure, so it is essential to be prepared. Start by purchasing smoke alarms and remember to replace the batteries once a year so they are always fresh. Next you can pick up a few fire extinguishers and place them in as many rooms as possible. Finally, come up with several escape routes in case a fire breaks out. Rehearse a fire safety drill in which the entire family practices using these routes so they are ready to get away quickly during an emergency.
Child safety is a major issue for every parent. It’s a topic to focus on daily, and something we can examine in even greater detail this September 1st – 7th as we recognize National Child Injury Prevention Week. Find more safety tips for kids here, and thank you for reading the PeopleFinders.com People Search blog.
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