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We’ve all heard important tips about how to protect ourselves in case of emergency or disaster — such as having a first-aid kit, flashlight and enough bottled water and dry food to last a few days. September is National Preparedness Month. I want to share four potentially lifesaving tips that may not even be on your radar screen.

 

Save someone’s life — As reported by Good Morning America on September 3, 2014, a mom was in a shop with her one-month infant when suddenly the baby lost consciousness and stopped breathing. The store owner called 911. Two blocks away, a mechanic heard an alarm on his phone and an address appeared on the screen. He rushed to the store, performed CPR and saved the baby’s life. The EMTs were still several minutes away. PulsePoint was the smartphone app that alerted him (and other CPR-trained people in their registry) to the local emergency. It was created to help improve cardiac arrest survival rates. It is available for use only in public places, not residences. Click here for information.

Escape your vehicle — Keep an escape tool, part hammer, and part blade, that you can grab in an instant. If there’s an accident and you can’t open the door, use the hammer to break a window.  If your seatbelt is jammed, use the blade to cut it and free yourself.  Get one combo tool or two separate tools. Here’s a link to one combo product, LifeHammer, that sells for $14.95 on Amazon.

Personal alarm — The POD (protection on demand) Personal Security Alarm is available from First Alert, the well known manufacturer of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Protect yourself and/or your belongings with this palm-sized, lightweight device. It can function as a bag alarm, door alarm, panic alarm and LED flashlight. Carry it with you and, in an emergency, pressing the panic button will cause a 100-decibel alarm to sound and LED lights to flash. Activate and attach the device to a handbag, computer bag, stroller, suitcase or other such item and the alarm will sound and LED lights will flash if the object is moved (you can set a 20-second delay). It also has a door motion detection function with a 20-second delay to either leave or re-enter a room before the alarm sounds.  First Alert sells the device now for $29.95, regularly $39.95. For info or to purchase, click here.

Personal safety — LiveSafe is an app that was created for college students to be safer on campus. There are four main functions. (1) Report Tips: Report concerns like suspicious activity, sexual assault or accidents to the nearest police department using text, photo and/or video. (2) Emergency: Call or chat with local police (can be done discreetly). (3) View Map: Get the latest activity or broadcasts for the local area. (4) SafeWalk: Out late and heading home? Send your route to friends and even talk to them as you walk.  Users can remain anonymous so no need to fear possible retribution. Also, police can push information to warn of dangerous situations or extreme weather conditions. The free app is available for Apple and Android devices. Click here for information. The app’s use is expanding outside college campuses. If you like it, help to spread the word.

ON A SEPARATE NOTE

National Rx Drug Take-Back Day is this Saturday, September 27, from 10:00-2:00.  It was created to provide a safe, environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted prescription medications. It’s not advisable to flush meds down the toilet (trace amounts are showing up in our nation’s water supplies) or toss them in the trash (they leach into the soil or are ingested by animals seeking food).  To find a collection site near you, click here. Some pharmacies take back meds.

 

Another very important way to be prepared for emergencies is to create a household inventory. If there were a fire, would you know everything you have? Do you have proof for the insurance company? If you’d like my help to create one for you, contact me at 215.540.9401 or adriane@organizedapproach.com.

Notable Quote

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.  ~Benjamin Franklin

My Upcoming Engagements

Saturday, October 11 — Co-presenter at Women’s Independence Network’s (WIN) monthly workshop for women in transition due to divorce or widowhood. Lots of information, advice and resources are given by a divorce attorney, estate planning attorney, therapist, divorce coach, financial planner and, as the professional organizer, I talk about organization and, if applicable, home staging, downsizing and redesign. Workshops are held on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at DeVry University, Room 105, 1140 Virginia Drive, Ft. Washington, PA (NOTE NEW LOCATION). The fee is $45. For more information or to register, go to www.allaboutwin.com (click on the circle for Montgomery County Community College if DeVry University is not shown), call WIN at 855-200-iWIN, or call me at 215.540.9401.

Saturday, November 8 — WIN workshop

Friday, December 12 — Guest presenter on business organizing techniques for the new year to NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) Greater Philadelphia, PA chapter, 9:00-10:00 am at KenCrest, 502 W. Germantown Pike, #200, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

Saturday, December 13 — WIN workshop

 

If you like my tips, don’t keep them a secret — share my blog posts with your family and friends! Have them sign up to receive post announcements directly in their inbox. Click here to subscribe to my Timely Tips blog (use the form on the right) and get 27 free expert home and business organizing tips!

An Organized Approach can help you with organization at home and/or work, home staging, downsizing or redesign.  Call 215.540.9401 or e-mail adriane@organizedapproach.com for a FREE discovery call.

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