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)
Visit their website to read the full article and additional resources:

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)
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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)
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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.)
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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.)
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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
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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
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