Don’t be a Victim of Gym Theft

“It was gone,” said Brian Albrecht.

“I had to look like five times to make sure I wasn’t losing my mind. I couldn’t believe it was gone,” he said.

We wrote about this a few months ago when my husband had $100 stolen from LA Fitness and my daughter had her cell phone stolen from Gold’s Gym.  Don’t be a victim of gym theft. 

Read more: http://www.gadailynews.com/news/65021-thieves-swipe-wallets-keys-from-la-fitness-gym-lockers.html#ixzz1J7q3amKA

Safety tips for those caring for someone with Autism

By Lynette Pennington

Today, almost everyone knows someone with autism.  Below are a few safety tips for those caring for a loved one with autism.

Prepare an information sheet about your child to share with the police, fire department, and EMT in your community.  You should include a physical description and photograph; all telephone numbers for parents and caregivers; atypical behavior the child may do to attract attention; favorite locations they like to visit; likes and dislikes when it comes to approaching the person; and method of communication, both verbal and non-verbal.

Get to know the local police and fire department.  If you are concerned about your child wandering off, contact your local police, fire department and ambulance services with this information, so they can flag it in their emergency response database.

Program an “ICE” telephone number into your mobile phone contact list.  ICE stands for “in case of emergency.” It’s vital in an emergency if you become incapacitated while with your autistic child.

Childproof exit routes.  Families with young autistic children should consider repositioning door knobs and handles so they can’t be reached.  Also, install an alarm system that sounds when the door is opened so that children won’t leave the house unnoticed.

Get to know your neighbors.   It is important for parents to do their best to educate neighbors and friends about their autistic dependent.  When neighbors are aware, they are more apt to help and act quickly if they see a child outside alone or in unsafe situations.

                   For more related tips:  http://www.autismteachingtools.com/

Lynette Pennington is a guest writer caring for her 19 year who has autism.

Stranded Motorist? Here’s What to Do

Is there anything worse than your car not starting on a cold, winter day? Yes; getting stranded in winter weather. In fact, the Automobile Association of America estimates that 5 million motorists will be stranded this winter, and nearly 1 million of them will be stuck in ice or snow.

Is there any way to avoid this catastrophe? Yes. According to safety experts, the best thing to do in dangerous weather is to stay home. If you don’t absolutely have to go out, don’t.

Have a GPS? Great. But check your map.

Although we don’t have to worry about massive snow drifts in Atlanta, other areas of the country do have heavy snowfalls which could shut down roads. Your GPS only sees the road. Focusing solely on this system without also consulting a map could lead you down the wrong road–one covered in snow and in the opposite direction of where you want to go.

Pack emergency supplies

These will likely vary depending on your driving habits, but in general, they should include a flashlight, flares, a first aid kit, a blanket, jumper cables, and water. Even non-perishable foods like crackers can provide much-needed nourishment and help to keep you comfortable until emergency crews arrive.

Run the vehicle engine — but crack a window

While it’s perfectly fine to turn on the heat in order to keep your vehicle warm, you want to take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Simply run the car engine for 10 to 15 minutes, but crack the car window to let excess fumes escape. And, before you set off on a road trip, be sure that your tank is at least half full, so you’ll have enough fuel to keep the car warm and the battery charged for several days.

Stay in your vehicle

Hard as it might be to stay put, staying in your vehicle if you’re stranded in winter weather is the best thing you can do. Your vehicle provides shelter from the elements and is the safest place to be until help arrives.

Experts advise you to avoid trying to dig yourself out of the car. That could cause physical exhaustion; plus, your sweat will cause your clothes to become damp and fail to keep you warm in the cold weather.

Finally, do not leave your vehicle to try to find help. Call 9-1-1, notify rescue crews of your location, and wait for help.

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