Food Service Safety Month is observed in December and was established to remind everyone, from employees in the food service industry to people at home, that food safety is of great importance.
While Food Service Safety Month focuses on keeping food prepared in the service industry safe, it also serves to remind people to follow proper food safe procedure to ensure what they prepare stays free of risks.

In commercial food service, Food Service Safety Month is a reminder to have a rigorous food safety training program for the staff with appropriate signage to always keep food safety in mind.
Likewise, food service establishments are required to have a person-in-charge, an owner, or manager of a food establishment be a Certified Food Manager (CFM).
Each December, this awareness campaign seeks to ensure individuals in the food service industry are trained and following safe procedures and principles.

Training and Education

Food safety training and education is the key to ensuring a culture of food safety in food-service organizations. By training and educating both the managers and the front-line workers about threat to food safety, safety can remain important to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Information was obtained from the Food Safety Training Courses website Visit their website to see more information pertaining to Food Safety and Training Courses: 

Preventing Harm is Basis of Worldwide Food Service Safety Month

Every year since 1994, December marks Worldwide Food Service Safety Month. The annual observation was established to remind everyone, from the professional food service industry to cooks at home around the world, that food safety is of supreme importance. Buying, storing, preparing, and serving food are the typical topics covered, but what does food safety really mean when it comes to serving custom eaters at our events? Hint: It’s more than remembering to wash our hands and change aprons.

The Basics

Let’s begin with the basics we expect to hear about:

• Wash hands.
• Don’t let your servers work when they are sick.
• Food should be time and temperature controlled
• Cooking equipment should be cleaned and sanitized
• Food must be stored in ways that prevent cross-contamination

There’s training for this, right? Most states have a Food Handler Card law designed to ensure restaurant employees receive a minimum level of training regarding food safety practices to help reduce the potential for foodborne illness. Even if it isn’t required, it’s just responsible to ensure all staff are trained in the basics.

This goes for non-restaurant environments like our events and meetings. It may not be required, but by seeing to it that all staff have a basic understanding of food safety best practices we are ensuring the best possible experience for all our attendees. After all, custom eaters make up over 38% of our guests. Those with food allergies, intolerances, religious dietary restrictions, and lifestyle choices that limit food choices, are a considerable percentage of our attendees and it would be hubris to ignore them.

Information was obtained from Thrive Meetings & Events. Visit their website to see more information pertaining to Worldwide Food Service Safety Month: 

Worldwide Food Service Safety Month is observed annually during the month of December and gives us the opportunity to revisit food standards in the foodservice industry and their impact on our health and well-being. Everyone loves delicious dishes and scintillating aromas that have us salivating and craving for more. But more important than the food we eat is the process of cooking and the hygiene observed before, during, and after preparation of the meal, and this month serves as the perfect reminder.

Cooking has evolved over the years into endless food combinations and recipes all over the world. Taking root in age-old secret family recipes that have resulted in scrumptious meals filled with love and warmth on the tables of every household, cooking and the preparation of food has moved to inns, restaurants, cafeterias, diners, and grills where anyone can go to satiate their taste buds from the different cuisines available.

Since ancient times, numerous concerns have been raised about food-safety practices, especially on matters surrounding food adulteration and preservation. The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans were among the first to preserve food materials by sun-drying and smoking food products. But the first real attempts at food safety, sanitation, and laws started in the 12th and 13th centuries A.D. in England to tackle fraudulent practices and adulteration as the production of food, mostly bread, moved to bakeries and factories.

In the U.S. and across several European countries, concerns regarding cleanliness arose as science began to link dirt with diseases. Towns were instructed to set up health committees and appoint health officers to monitor and enforce sanitation in their communities. This served as the foundation for several other safety regulations that cropped up in the U.S. (and subsequently all over the world) as science began to reveal the existence of infectious diseases rising from microorganisms, and how they can be transferred and transported through food.

Information was obtained from the National ToDAY website. Visit their website to see more information pertaining to Worldwide Food Service Safety Month: 

It’s our chance to show the world what life with diabetes is really like.

Every year, our community comes together to ring the alarm on the diabetes epidemic. For the millions of us who are at risk for it, it’s a time to get educated, find resources and make sure all those around us are aware of their risk, too. And for the millions of us living with diabetes, it’s a chance to tell our stories and awaken the world. Until we find a cure, we will find each other and lift each other up. Will you join us?

Information was obtained from the American Diabetes Association. Visit their website to see more information pertaining to Diabetes Awareness: 

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on prediabetes and preventing diabetes.

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes—that’s 88 million people—but the majority of people don’t know they have it.

The good news is that by making small healthy lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes and even reverse your prediabetes. (Click on the link below to see tips on how to manage prediabetes and prevent diabetes.)

Information was obtained from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Visit their website to read the full article: 

Diabetes (or diabetes mellitus) is a metabolism disorder in which blood glucose levels are above normal for an extended period of time because the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use its own insulin or both.  Elevated blood glucose levels can cause long-term complications for blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.  

Three types of diabetes:

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin.  This autoimmune disease is typically diagnosed by early adulthood, often in children.  Type 1 diabetes is not preventable or reversible. The condition is either present at birth or the body's ability to produce insulin declines over time.

In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin and/or does not use it. This is the most common type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes typically develops over time. Eating healthy and being physically active to manage your weight can help to prevent type 2 diabetes.   

In gestational diabetes, high blood glucose levels develop during pregnancy and typically return to normal after delivery. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.  People with prediabetes have an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Without lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased physical activity, most people with prediabetes will get type 2 diabetes within 5 to 6 years. Research shows that modest weight loss and regular physical activity can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by up to 58% in people with prediabetes.

Am I at risk to develop prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? 

Take the Risk TestOpens In A New Window to find out if you are at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Information was obtained from the PA Department of Health. Visit their website to see more information pertaining to Diabetes: 

Down syndrome occurs across the human spectrum and is the most common chromosomal condition. Each year, about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome — a 1 in 700 chance. The prevalence of Down syndrome increases with the mother’s age. It is associated with delays in physical growth, characteristic facial features and intellectual disability. In fact, the average IQ of an adult with Down syndrome is equivalent to that of an 8-year-old.

These are just facts, and like all facts, they can fail to provide a full picture. The truth is that children born with Down syndrome can absolutely go on to live happy and long lives. And with Down Syndrome Awareness Month every October, we can be inspired to learn more about this topic and to celebrate people born with Down syndrome and the medical advancements that increasingly improve their quality of life.

Information obtained from nationaltoday.com. Visit their website to read the full article:

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a chance to spread awareness. During the month of October, we celebrate people with Down syndrome and make people aware of our abilities and accomplishments. It’s not about celebrating disabilities, it’s about celebrating abilities. We can learn all about our history. We have a right to speak out about what it’s like to have Down syndrome and to learn the real story of people like us.

People with Down syndrome and their loved ones can spread awareness about Down syndrome by going to their local Buddy Walk® and we can speak out about our needs. This is how we advocate. Our parents can teach us about education and how to advocate for ourselves – and give us love, support and encouragement.

Information obtained from upwithdowns.org. Visit their website to read the full article: 

Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities. So it’s no surprise that each year in October we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness about the condition, and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

People with Down syndrome still face stereotypes and myths, but they’ve shown time and again that the condition is just one part of who they are and doesn’t define them or limit their abilities. That’s why it’s so important that during Down Syndrome Awareness Month and all year long, we help spread the message of love, acceptance, inclusion, and respect.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome, the packets of genes that determine how our bodies form and function. A baby is typically born with 46 chromosomes, but a baby with Down syndrome has an extra copy or part of a copy of one of those chromosomes, chromosome 21.

Information obtained from specialolympics.org. Visit their website to read the full article: 

Adult head lice are roughly 2–3 mm long. Head lice infest the head and neck and attach their eggs to the base of the hair shaft. Lice move by crawling; they cannot hop or fly.

Head lice infestation, or pediculosis, is spread most commonly by close person-to-person contact. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not play a role in the transmission of human lice.

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for treatment of head lice infestations.

Images: Two lice viewed under an electron microscope. Note the claws used to grasp onto individual hairs. (Credit: CDC)

Information obtained from the cdc.gov. Visit their website to read the full article:

Back to School Preparedness 

“Parents who have a quality lice comb can identify and successfully end an infestation early and safely, when there are fewer lice and nits present. Everyone wins when everyone combs! Each child protected from a pesticide shampoo is a victory for that child.” she added. The NPA encourages parents and school nurses to include children in the conversation about head lice. Otherwise their imaginations can run wild. https://www.headlice.org/comb/include-children-in-head-lice-conversations/

Information obtained from headlice.org. Visit their website to read the full article:

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL HEAD LICE PREVENTION MONTH!

Annual reminder to parents about the importance of routine screening and sending their children to school free of lice and nits.

The organization has launched mobile-friendly redesigns of HeadLice.org and LiceMeister.com in conjunction with its annual educational campaign to help families prevent, manage and treat children with head lice, safely and effectively. The campaign emphasizes the importance of routine screening, early detection and the most important public health measure of sending children to school without lice and nits (eggs).

Information obtained from Publichealthmaps.org. Visit their website to read the full article:

As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It's important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year.

Download Checklist

Transportation Safety

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school: 

Walkers - 

Review your family's walking safety rules and practice walking to school with your child.

• Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic
• Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections
• Stay alert and avoid distracted walking

Bike Riders - 

Teach your child the rules of the road and practice riding the bike route to school with your child.

• Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file
• Come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street
• Stay alert and avoid distracted riding
• Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing

Bus Riders - 

Teach your children school bus safety rules and practice with them.

• Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus
• Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb
• If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other
• Get the facts on bus safety from Injury Facts

Information obtained from the National Safety Council's Website. Visit their website to read the full article:

• A bus with flashing lights means children may be hurrying to catch the bus or may be in a rush to get home and could forget to look both ways before darting into the street.
• Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean it is about to make a stop, so approach cautiously.
• Red flashing lights mean the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. In many states it is illegal to pass a bus while the red lights are flashing, so be sure you are up to date on state laws regarding school buses and traffic.
• Bus stops can also be a place where extra caution is needed. Children may be in a rush to get to the bus stop or may play games with friends while waiting for the bus, which can also lead to children entering the street unexpectedly. If you see a group of kids waiting at a bus stop, drive by with care.

1.   Try to get to the bus stop at least five minutes early. This will prevent you needing to rush across streets to catch the bus.
2. As always, be sure to look both ways before crossing the street and only cross at crosswalks when walking to the bus stop.
3. While waiting for the bus, be sure to stand or sit far back from the road.
4. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and for the bus driver to tell you it is ok before getting on or off the bus.
5.  If you drop something near the bus, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself. Instead, alert the bus driver so he or she may help you. 
6.  If you walk home from the bus stop, do not accept rides from or even speak to any strangers. Even if it seems like the stranger needs help, inform them you are not allowed to talk to strangers, get home, and call your parent immediately.

• An adult who does not work at the school and doesn’t seem to be a parent hanging around the campus, especially if this adult is approaching you or other children.
• Another student talking about bringing weapons or dangerous materials to school.
• Bullying by other students, whether you are the victim or if you see other students being bullied.

A safe community for children is a safe community for us all. Now that school is back in session, whether you are a student, parent, or simply a responsible member of the community, these tips can help make the school year safe and happy for everyone. 

Information obtained from the American Safety Council Website. 

It’s that time of year again when parents and children across the country are preparing to go back to school. As part of our commitment to overall campus safety, ADT would like to help you with your preparations by offering these simple safety tips.

School Zone Driving Safety Tips

• Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.
• When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and obey all traffic laws.
• Always stop for school busses that are loading or unloading children.
• Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.

Riding Your Bike to School 

• Check with the school to make sure your child is allowed to ride their bicycle to school. Some schools do not allow students to ride bicycles to school until they reach a specific grade.
• Make sure your child always wears a bicycle helmet! Failure to wear one could result in a traffic citation. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.
• Obey the rules of the road; the rules are the same for all vehicles, including bicycles.

Playground Safety 

• MA supervisor must always be present when children are at the school’s playground. Make sure your school has someone who monitors the playgrounds at all times.
• Playground equipment should be surrounded by shock-absorbing material that is at least nine inches thick.
• Protective surfaces should extend six feet in all directions around the playground equipment. For swings, it should extend twice the height of the set.
• Due to strangulation hazards, do not attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, pet leashes or cords of any kind to playground equipment.
• Be watchful of sharp edges or points on equipment.

Walking to School 

• Leave early enough to arrive at school at least 10 minutes prior to the start of school.
• Use the same route every day and never use shortcuts.
• Go straight home after school. Do not go anywhere else without permission.
• Always use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school.
• Demonstrate traffic safety awareness and pick the safest route between your home and the school and practice walking it with your children.
• Try and walk to school with other students. There is strength in numbers.
• Teach your children to recognize and obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.

Clothing and School Supplies 

• To prevent injury, backpacks should have wide straps, padding in the back and shoulders, and should not weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of a child’s body weight.
• When placing items in a backpack, place the heavier items in first. The closer the heavier items are to a child’s back, the less strain it will cause.
• Children should use both backpack straps and all compartments for even distribution of weight.

School Bus Safety 

• Make habit of arriving at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus.
• Make sure your child stays out of the street and avoids excessive horseplay while waiting for the school bus.
• Be sure the bus comes to a complete stop before getting on or off.

Information obtained from the ADT Home Security Website. Visit their website to read the full article:

Holidays like the Fourth of July and other celebrations can be fun times with great memories. But make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.

What Are the Dangers of Fireworks?

If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.

Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first.

Information obtained from: Kids Health Website. The full article can be found on their website.

United StatesCONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

Fireworks and celebrations go together. Remember, fireworks can cause serious burn and eye injuries. Find out how to prevent these injuries.

Fireworks Statistics Flyer

Information obtained from: CPSC.gov Website (Consumer Product Safety Commission) More information can be found on their website.

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal but they are not safe.

In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.

Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires.

Information obtained from: NSC Website (National Safety Council) More information can be found on their website.

National Safety Month, an annual observance to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace.

With the U.S. seeing the highest number of workplace deaths since 2007 – 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in 2019 – this observance is more important than ever.
Check out the National Safety Council's weekly topics: 

Week 1 - Prevent Incidents Before They Start.

Week 2 - Address Ongoing COVID-19 Safety Concerns

Week 3 - It’s Vital to Feel Safe on the Job

Week 4 - Advance Your Safety Journey

Information obtained from: NSC Website (National Safety Council) More information can be found on their website.

The importance of safety doesn't take a break once the clock strikes 5 p.m. and you're free to leave work. During National Safety Month this June, the National Safety Council (NSC) is promoting the importance of practicing safe behaviors 24/7.

According to NSC, three times as many employees are injured off the job than while at work. NSC also noted that unintentional injuries and deaths in the United States remain at "unacceptable levels" – an estimated 126,100 unintentional deaths occurred in 2010, compared with approximately122,700 the previous year. Furthermore, the cost of unintentional injuries to Americans and their employers exceeds $730 billion nationally, or $6,200 per household, and causes great suffering for individuals and their families.

Information obtained from: EHS Today Website - For more information can be found on their website.

Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D.external icon You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.

Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).

The UV Indexexternal icon forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun.

Information obtained from: CDC Website (Center for Disease Control) More information can be found on their website.

Nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year in the United States. Skin cancer can be serious, expensive, and sometimes even deadly.

When spending time outdoors, simple options—like staying in the shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher—can lower your chances of getting skin cancer and protect against signs of sun damage such as wrinkles and age spots.

Show Us Your #SunSafeSelfie!

Show us your #SunSafeSelfie and join the conversation to raise awareness about the benefits of sun protection!

• Photograph yourself using sun protection.
• Post it on social media and tag it with #SunSafeSelfie.
• Practice what you post! (Plan ahead before outdoor activities, so you’re always prepared to stay sun-safe.)
  
  Share the #sunsafeselfie flyer

Information obtained from" CDC Website (Center for Disease Control) More information can be found on their website.

Beat the Heat

Anybody can be at risk for a heat-related illness. Follow these summer safety tips, like taking extra breaks and drinking lots of water.

Bug Safety

Mosquitoes can cause a number of illnesses, including Zika Virus and West Nile Virus. Learn what you can do to protect yourself at work and play.

Playgrounds

Emergency departments see more than 20,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related traumatic brain injury each year.

Fireworks

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, fireworks displays – and plenty of visits to emergency rooms, especially during July.

Water Safety

Drowning caused 3,709 deaths in 2017. The younger the child, the greater the risk.

Bicycling

Bicyclists must take extra precautions when they ride. They often share the road with vehicles, but injuries can happen even on a bike path.

Skateboarding

Everyone falls, but there's a right way to do it. In 2017, 98,486 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms after being injured skateboarding.

Boating

Most boating experiences are positive. But joyful times quickly can turn deadly if boaters are not vigilant about safety – at all times.

Pedestrian Safety

Cell phone distracted walking is a huge problem, and rarely are we more vulnerable than when walking, crossing streets and negotiating traffic.

Visit their website for more Summer Safety Tips (including boating safety, fireworks safety, surviving the hot weather, insect safety, & bike safety):

The Red Cross offers important swimming safety tips to help you and your kids be safe this summer while in the water.

Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water. The American Red Cross offers these important swimming safety tips you should be aware of before you head out to the pool or beach:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.

• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Maintain constant supervision.

• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.

• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.

• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

• Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.

• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.

• Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Find a Water Safety Training Provider here.

Information obtained from: American Red Cross More information can be found on their website.

Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. While drivers texting behind the wheel tops what seems like an endless list of distractions, other risky actions include talking — whether it be on the phone or to others in the car, setting your navigation, adjusting what you’re listening to, drinking coffee, applying makeup, and more. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.

In 2019, distracted driving killed 3,142 people – a 10% increase from 2018. Young drivers seem more prone to using their phones while driving. According to NHTSA research from 2017, drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers have since 2007. But make no mistake: It isn’t just young people who are driving distracted, since drivers in other age groups don’t lag far behind. Read more of the article here.

Information obtained from: National Highway Traffic Safety Association
Visit their website for more information:

Put down the phone and pay attention; April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to a phone company survey, almost 100% of teens agree that texting and driving is dangerous, but half admitted to doing it anyway. It may take only a matter of seconds to glance at your phone, but, if you are driving at 60 miles an hour, your eyes were blind to the road while you drove the length of a football field. Please don’t text and drive.

Information obtained from: National Today
Visit their website for more information:

What is This APP Saves Lives? This App Saves Lives (TASL) is a student-powered free iOS mobile app that rewards drivers who choose not to use their phone while driving. Get more information here.

Information obtained from: This App Saves Lives Website

Buckle Up PA is important as traffic crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for Pennsylvania’s young people and two - thirds of all teens killed in crashes each year unbuckled. Providing students with a strong foundation in traffic safety education could be the difference between life and death. Read more of the article here.
Information obtained from: Buckle Up PA

One in every 60 people in the U.S. lives with a permanent brain injury-related disability. Join the #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign today.

Join the #MoreThanMyBrainInjury Campaign this March.

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is any injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. Brain Injuries - from things like trauma, stroke, oxygen deprivation, and neurotoxic poisoning - are serious public health issue in the United States, where more than 3.6 million children and adults sustain ABIs each year. This number is likely higher due to the amount of brain injuries that go undiagnosed, unreported, and untreated.

Information obtained from: Brain Injury Association of America
Visit their website for more information:

BrainLine.org is the largest online resource for information about treating and living with brain injury and PTSD. BrainLine offers authoritative information and support to anyone whose life has been affected by brain injury. Through BrainLine, we seek to provide a sense of community, a place where people who care about brain injury can go 24 hours a day for information, support, and ideas. 

Information obtained from: BrainLine.org
Visit their website for more information:

The BrainSTEPS Program was created to build a bridge connecting the medical, rehabilitation, education sectors and families following student (K-12) acquired brain injury (ABI). ABIs can cause cognitive, physical, socio-emotional, and behavioral impairments that impact classroom performance and learning. In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Health established the BrainSTEPS Program to address this issue. BrainSTEPS consulting teams support school teams in the development and implementation of educational plans following student ABI. The orginal BrainSTEPS model in PA is currently funded by the PA Department of Health and the PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, and is implemented by the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania. In 2017, BrainSTEPS was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a national model for educational consultation supporting students and school teams in the development and implementation of educational supports and services following an acquired brain injury.

BrainSTEPS can support any PA public school student in grades K-12 who experiences an Acquired Brain Injury, both Traumatic (includes concussion) & Non-Traumatic. To make a referral (anyone can refer a student), go to: www.brainsteps.net

Information obtained from: BrainSTEPS.net
Visit their website for more information:

Each February, NHLBI and The Heart Truth^® celebrate American Heart Month by motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. Focusing on your heart health has never been more important. People with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Research shows that we're more successful at meeting personal health goals when we join forces with others. When we take care of #OurHearts as part of our self-care, we set an example for those around us to do the same. Inspire and motivate yourself and those you love to make heart health a regular part of your self-care routine.

25 Ways to Take Part in Heart Month PDF Download

Information obtained from: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Visit their website for more information regarding heart health and self care:

For nearly 100 years, we've been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives.

The six cardiologists who founded the American Heart Association in 1924 would be amazed.

From humble beginnings, the AHA has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 40 million volunteers and supporters as well as our more than 2,800 employees. Learn more about our impact over time.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Our size and scope let us have real impact. We have invested more than $4.5 billion in research, more than any U.S. nonprofit organization. Learn more about our life-changing funded research breakthroughs.

Information obtained from: American Heart Association
Visit their website for more information regarding heart health:

February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health.

The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

As seen in The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension, our partners can take meaningful steps to control hypertension by using key resources and implementing life-saving strategies.

Information obtained from: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Visit their website for more information regarding Hypertension Toolkits:

Check out these informative Winter Safety tips from Encova Insurance:

Proper Footwear for Winter Walking
Shake and Waddle to Walk
The Scoop on Snow and Ice Removal

 The National Safety Council eliminates preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.
Information obtained from: The National Safety Council Website

Winter Safety Tips

Visit their website for more safety tips:

PEnnDOT Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 
Remember, if winter weather is forecast, eliminate all unnecessary travel. This will keep you and your family safe and allow PennDOT to more easily perform its winter duties. However, if you must travel, PennDOT offers the following tips for safe driving this winter season. You may also download our Winter Driving Guide (PDF).
Information obtained from: PennDot's Website

Visit their website to read the full article on Winter Driving:

Whether winter brings severe storms, light snow or just cold temperatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm. 
Information obtained from: America Academy of Pediatrics Website

Visit their website for the full article on Winter Safety Tips:

Office work spaces often have overlooked hazards that threaten the physical well-being of all who enter. Company co-workers or, if work is done from a home office, family members and pets, unknowingly can be in harm’s way. While some threats are fairly obvious, others can lurk in the most unexpected places.

In the office, equipment cables and wires can become a trip-and-fall hazard – and an expensive workers’ compensation case. Poised and ready to trip all who pass, office cables and wires are far more than an unsightly nuisance. Slips, trips and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. In the United States, they cause 15 percent of all work-related deaths and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities, according OSHA.

(Information obtained from EHStoday.com)
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Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage. 
 
Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in.
 
Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters.

(Information obtained from ESFI: Electrical Safety Foundation International)
Visit their website to read the full article and additional resources:

With their climate control, soft chairs and armrests, office environments don’t conjure up thoughts of workplace hazards like, say, construction sites.

It’s true, office workers are at lower risk for workplace injuries than most, but it’s still important to talk about safety with office employees.

Here are seven safety tips for office workers to prevent workplace injuries:

• Make sure your desk setup is ergonomic
• Take regular breaks to get up and move around
• When it’s slippery due to ice and snow, walk like a penguin when entering and leaving your office
• Use a headset for prolonged or frequent phone use
• Keep your workplace tidy
• Don’t let electrical cords create a fire risk
• Know your office emergency procedures

Make sure you know what to do in the event of a fire, storm, violent intruder, medical problem, or other emergency.

(Information obtained from SFM, The Workers Comp Experts)
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Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease, like heart disease and stroke, cancer, or diabetes. These and other chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in America, and they are also a leading driver of health care costs.

At CDC, our job is to make it easier for all Americans to make healthy choices so they can enjoy life. We know that most chronic diseases can be prevented by eating well, being physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive drinking, and getting regular health screenings. CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) helps people and communities prevent chronic diseases and promotes health and wellness for all.

(Information obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Visit their website to read the full article and additional resources:

Chronic diseases —including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer— account for some of the most common health problems in the United States, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet many of these chronic diseases are preventable, as they’re linked to poor diet and lifestyle choices including tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate physical activity.

(Information obtained from Harvard T.H. Chan, School of Public Health) Visit their website to read the full article and additional resources:

Healthy People 2020 is the federal government’s prevention agenda for building a healthier nation. It is a statement of national health objectives designed to identify the most significant preventable threats to health and to establish national goals to reduce these threats. The vision of Healthy People 2020 is to have a society in which all people live long, healthy lives. The overarching goals of Healthy People 2020 are to: attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death; achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups; create social and physical environments that promote good health for all; and promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages. The plan contains 42 topic areas, including 13 new topic areas. There are 24 objectives regarding heart disease and stroke specifically, and more in related areas that are relevant to heart disease and stroke.

(Information obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Visit their website to read the full article and additional resources:

Operational definition
This function includes disease prevention and health promotion.

Disease prevention
Disease prevention, understood as specific, population-based and individual based interventions for primary and secondary (early detection) prevention, aiming to minimize the burden of diseases and associated risk factors.

(Information obtained from the World Health Organization)
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This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!^TM” works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen.

Did you know?
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

(Information obtained from The National Fire Protection Association)
Visit their website to see the full article and additional resources:

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) develops and delivers fire prevention and safety education programs in partnership with other federal agencies, the fire and emergency response community, the media, and safety interest groups. We also work with the public and private groups to promote and improve fire prevention and life safety through research, testing and evaluation.

Explore these free materials to:

• Help your fire department increase community awareness about preventing home fires.
• Work with the news media to get fire prevention messages into news stories.
• Learn about the latest research on fire detection, suppression and notification systems.

(Information obtained from the U.S Fire Administration website.)
Visit their website to explore the free resource materials they offer:

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 

Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

 

(Information obtained from The American Red Cross website.)
Visit their website to read the full article and to get additional resources:

2020 National School Bus Safety Week: October 19-23, 2020 and the theme is "Red Lights Mean STOP!" 

Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties - to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to promote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week.

Download a pdf of Bus Safety Tips here.

(Information obtained from the National Association for Pupil Transportation.)
Visit their website to see the full article:

Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, stop-sign arms and that bright yellow color, students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

School buses are designed to protect students through compartmentalization – closely spaced seats and high, energy-absorbing seat backs. Seat belts protect students, too.

In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated its support for lap and shoulder belts on buses, and NSC has joined in support of this position to ensure the safest ride for children.

(Information obtained from The National Safety Council)
Visit their website to see the full article and additional resources:

The Safety Benefits of the School Bus

Since 1966, the Federal Government has been involved with mandating regulations to help the school bus protect its precious cargo. Minimum safety standards of school transportation vehicles far exceed those of passenger vehicles. The result is a design that is better able to avoid crash and injury than the family car.

Today’s school buses are tougher, cleaner and more diligently maintained than ever before. Their flashing red lights, size and color make them highly visible to all who share the road with them. Protective seating, crush and rollover standards help to reduce and avoid injury in case of a crash. Stop sign arms remind drivers that it is illegal to pass the school bus as it drops off and picks up passengers. And school bus drivers are screened and well-trained in keeping children safe.

These are just some of the many reasons why the school bus is a safer ride than other methods of transportation. As new technologies, standards and safety features are developed, the safety of the iconic yellow school bus will only improve.

(Information obtained from the American School Bus Council.)
Visit their website to see the full article and additional resources:

America’s Safe Schools Week, occurs annually during the third full week in October.  The next America’s Safe School Week is October 18-24, 2020.  Activities conducted during America’s Safe Schools Week draw attention to the continuing problem of school violence and educate everyone about how schools can be made safer and more secure. National SAVE Day is on Wednesday of this week. Be sure to show your SAVE Promise Club spirit on that day!  America’s Safe Schools Week offers an opportunity to address this very important issue and to take steps to ensure that schools offer students and teachers an environment in which they can perform to the best of their abilities. #safeschoolsweek

(Information obtained from SAVE Promise Clubs website.)
Visit their website to see the full article and additional resources:

This week is National Safe Schools Week, designed to build awareness and motivate key education and law enforcement policymakers as well as students, parents and community residents around school safety. School safety concerns can include keeping campuses free of crime and violence for physical and emotional well-being, as well as educating students on online safety and good digital citizenship.

1. The National School Safety Center offers educators School Safety Leadership Training on a variety of current school safety challenges such as bully prevention, hate crime prevention, diversity issues, student developmental issues, classroom management and crisis response and recovery.
2. The National Association of Elementary School Principals offers safety resources and advice for principals, staff and parents.
3. Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools offers information, resources, training and services in the field of school and HigherEd emergency operations planning.
4. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention created this list of resources for different school safety issues that apply throughout the school day including getting to school safely, safety while in school and safety during after-school sporting activities.

(Information obtained from GettingSmart.com.)
Visit their website to see the full article and additional resources:

Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today. #BeReady

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Week 1 Sept. 1-5: Make A Plan
Week 2 Sept. 6-12: Build A Kit
Week 3 Sept. 13-19: Prepare for Disasters
Week 4 Sept. 20-26: Teach Your Youth About Preparedness

(Information obtained from Ready.gov Official website of the Dept. of Homeland Security.)
Visit their website to see the full checklist and additional resources:

Download the FEMA app for free on the App Store and Google Play. Learn safety tips about what to do before, during, and after disasters. Receive notifications about severe weather for up to five locations nationwide.

The FEMA App: A simple and easy-to-use tool

• Receive fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations nationwide.
• Learn how to prepare for emergencies and useful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe before, during and after disasters.
• Locate open shelters and disaster resource centers near you.
• Submit photos of damage in your area.
• Prepare your emergency kit, make a family plan, and set reminders.

(Information obtained from Ready.gov Official website of the Dept. of Homeland Security.)
Visit their website to see more information regarding the FEMA App:

Ready.gov PSA COVID-19 Videos by FEMA click on link.

Ready.gov PSA COVID-19 Videos:

Can I go to the Store?
Can I go Outside?
Stay Home and Limit Visitors
Stay Home

Click on link below to view videos by FEMA:

How prepared is your family if disaster shows up at your doorstep? Go to Ready.gov/plan to make an emergency plan with your family today. So if a disaster comes knocking, you'll be ready to keep your family safe.

As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It's important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year. Download the back-to-school checklist here.

School Safety

Many School-related injuries are completely preventable. Follow these steps to ensure your child's safety at school.

Backpack Safety

Choose a backpack for your child carefully; it should have ergonomically designed features to enhance safety and comfort.

• Ask your children to use both straps when wearing their backpack to evenly distribute the weight on their shoulders
• Don't overstuff a backpack; it should weigh no more than 5% to 10% of your child's body weight
• Rolling backpacks should be used cautiously since they can create a trip hazard in crowded school hallways

Playground and Sports

• To reduce strangulation hazards on playgrounds, have your child leave necklaces and jackets with drawstrings at home
• A few bumps and bruises can be expected when your child plays sports, but head injuries should never be ignored.

(Information obtained from the National Safety Council's Website.)
Visit their website to read the full article:

It’s that time of year again when parents and children across the country are preparing to go back to school. As part of our commitment to overall campus safety, ADT would like to help you with your preparations by offering these simple safety tips.

• School Zone Driving Safety Tips
• Riding Your Bike to School
• Playground Safety
• Walking to School
• Clothing and School Supplies
• School Bus Safety

(Information obtained from American District Telegraph (ADT) Website.) Visit their website to read the full article:

School bus safety is a high priority in Pennsylvania. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus.

Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law

• Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended.

• Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.

• Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.

• If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.

• Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.

(Information obtained from the PA Department of Transportation Website.)
Visit their website to read the full article:

The latest guidance on Coronavirus in PA:

In PA, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home. Masks are mandatory in all public spaces. Have questions about mask wearing? View the Universal Face Coverings Order FAQ.

Elementary and secondary schools in the state’s yellow and green phases may resume in-person instruction and activities beginning July 1 under a phased reopening approach. Postsecondary institutions and adult basic education programs, effective June 5, to begin in-person instruction immediately following the development of a health and safety plan outlining strategies for safe operations. View the preliminary reopening guidance.

Back-to-School Guidance Fact Sheet for Parents

What is coronavirus? 

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include: 

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath 
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. 

(Information obtained from the PA Department of Health Website.)
Visit their website to read the full fact sheet:

Universal Face Coverings Order FAQ

Mask Guidance for Children

How to wear a mask correctly? PDF Download

Homemade Mask Fact Sheet

Information obtained from PA Department of Health Website. Visit their website to read all of the Fact Sheets:

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather. But are you protecting yourself from potential risks? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named July as Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. The goal is to spread the word about how important it is to protect everyone’s skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. This presents a teaching opportunity for oncology nurses and their patients—not just during July but all year long.

Information obtained from: ONS (Oncology Nursing Society) Website

Visit their website to read the full article:

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s UV Indexexternal icon for your area, and follow these recommendations to help protect yourself and your family.

Information was obtained from: The CDC's Website (Center for Disease Control and Protection)

To read the full article visit their website:

The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death. In 2017, 87 people died in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat, according to Injury Facts.

Information obtained from: National Safety Council's Website

Visit their website to read the full article:

Topic for June: Awareness of Environment: What potential dangers lurk in the workplace?

17 Workplace Safety tips to Share with your Employees: Keeping employees safe is paramount to creating a healthy workplace environment that they will enjoy working in.
Information obtained from: Alsco's Website
Visit their website to read the full article: 

According to Injury Facts®, preventable workplace deaths totaled 4,493 in 2018. And, for every worker lost, countless loved ones, co-workers and friends are affected.

For more than 100 years, the National Safety Council has been a leader in workplace safety, and we believe we can eliminate preventable deaths in our lifetime. Workers' Memorial Day on April 28 reminds us that we still have a long way to go. Despite all the advances that have been made in safety, between 2017 and 2018, preventable work-related deaths increased 2%.

Information obtained from: National Safety Council's Website
Visit their website to read the full article: