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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Want to Keep Your Home Safe? Think Like a Criminal

by Lisa Cunningham, Director of Communications

Want to know the secret to keeping your home safe from break-ins? Think like a criminal, according to experts.

An estimated eight out of ten burglars walk right through your front door. Even more alarming, most burglaries — roughly 37% — occur in broad daylight, when homeowners are more likely to be away. You can anticipate how would-be criminals might gain access to your home by reading this informative article.

Keeping you safe from harm and danger is what drives our business at Pop-A-Lock Atlanta. Contact us today for a home security consultation. We’ll check doors, windows, and all entrances to your home to show you where criminals might be able to enter. We’ll also advise you on various security options to meet your security and budget needs.

And of course, for more timely, safety-related tips and articles, be sure to subscribe to our blog.

The Bystander Effect

by Lisa Cunningham, Director of Communications

We’re all familiar with the term “bystander,” a person who watches events unfold from the sidelines while doing nothing to help. But few of us might have ever heard of the “Bystander Effect.”

Simply put, the Bystander Effect is the name given to the psychological phenomenon where the greater number of people present, the less likely people are to help a person in distress. In other words, for some reason that psychologists don’t fully understand, observers are more likely to help a victim if few or no witnesses are around.

The Bystander Effect in action

Can you imagine the horror of being the victim of a crime or an attack, screaming for help, and watching people just walk by?

Last year, NBC’s “Today Show” ran a segment during which a reporter spoke with a security specialist about the bystander effect. And, to prove how real — and devastating — its effects can be, the show staged the attempted abduction of a seven year-old girl.

Watch the video here and make it your business to get involved — even if it’s just calling 911 — if you ever see this happening.  And tell us, have you ever declined helping someone who appeared to be in trouble? Please share your reasons why in the comments below.