5 Safety Tips All Drivers Should Know

5 Safety Tips All Drivers Should Know

According to the 2000 census, more than 112 million people drive or carpool to work daily.

With all these people on the road, drivers need to take every precaution to ensure they arrive safely at their destinations. Here are some tips to heed in your travels.

* Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Follow the recommended service intervals found in your vehicle owner’s manual, always monitor hoses and belts, and check filters, spark plugs and fluids. Also, be sure tires are properly inflated and gas levels are sufficient.

* Carry an emergency kit. In addition to standards such as a first aid kit and battery jumper cables, consider adding the Autolite TriGlo safety light to your vehicle emergency kit. Powered by four AA batteries, this compact light serves a dual purpose: It shines like a flashlight and alerts like a flare. Triangular in shape, the TriGlo light can be used as a bright spotlight or as a blinking safety triangle to warn oncoming traffic of a motorist’s presence.

* Buckle up. When lap and shoulder belts are used correctly, they reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.

* Know your route. Before hitting the road, take the time to map out your route. Motor clubs such as AAA provide auto travelers with maps and detailed directions to their destinations. Be aware of traffic, construction and weather advisories along your route so you can make alternate plans should these conditions affect your drive.

* Reduce driver distraction. Traffic, construction and careless drivers are distractions beyond your control. However, you can reduce the risk of an accident by decreasing the distractions inside your vehicle.

For instance, to avoid the glare from overhead lights used by your passengers, consider a product such as the Autolite SpotGlo seatbelt light source. This compact, battery-operated recessed light clips easily onto a passenger’s seatbelt and slides smoothly on the strap for desired positioning. It directs a powerful LED light source right where passengers need it, without distracting the driver.

No matter where you’re headed, heed these suggestions to arrive safely at your destination. Happy travels! – NU

How To Pack For A Backpacking Trip

How To Pack For A Backpacking Trip

Learning how to pack for a backpacking trip is the key to a rewarding and enjoyable hike.

Over pack and you risk fatigue setting in as your energy and enjoyment of the hike drains out; under pack and you may find yourself without essential items. Although experience is going to serve as your best teacher, here are a few things to consider when preparing your pack.

How you pack your pack is always going to depend on 4 factors – the length of your trip, the weather, the location of your hike, and your own personal preferences.
The best way to pack for a backpacking trip is to make a list, check it twice and then check it again before ever putting anything into your pack.

Section the list into things you will need and things you may need.

When purchasing and packing, keep in mind each items weight, and always choose gear that provides a dependable balance of durability, flexibility and weight.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Clothing

Clothing is always going to depend on the climate and your personal preferences. All experts recommend that you stay away from cottons when possible, break in your boots before the hike begins, and buy heavy wool or synthetic socks to protect your feet. Aside from the clothes on your back, we recommend that you also pack a waterproof windbreaker to keep you dry when it rains and a bandanna, great to block the sun and for emergencies.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Food

Freeze dried meals provide the nutrients and energy your body needs, without the weight and clumsiness of other types of packaging like cans. Pack enough for your planned trip, and then add a meal or two in case an emergency arises. For cooking, take along utensils and one titanium or aluminum pot that have a non-stick surface, a handle and that is large enough to prepare your meal.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: water

By having sufficient water for your backpacking trip you can prevent unnecessary dehydration during your hike. Plan your water supply according to the mapped locations of the natural and man made water sources found along the trail. And dont forget water purification tablets for natural water no matter how clear it may appear.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Gear

Essential gear for your backpacking trip should include a hand-held flashlight, as well as one that does not require holding (use your head instead), fire starters and tinder, a sleeping bag, tent, map, compass, a knife, and a few plastic bags for wet clothing and garbage. Emergency gear should include a whistle, signal mirror, insect repellent, a cell phone and a first-aid kit.

Useful things to remember when packing for a backpacking trip:

When packing, its best to use a backpack that is up to the task of your trip. It should have straps for your poles and a place for your tent equipment. Place heavy gear, such as your cooking supplies, and less needed items toward the bottom of the bag, and keep frequently used smaller items (like your compass) inside your pockets.

Always plan ahead before venturing out on your backpacking trip, no matter how long you plan to be out. The time spent making sure that your pack is light and yet ready for any situation will set the foundation for an enjoyable backpacking experience.

From Anger To Peace Of Mind

From Anger To Peace Of Mind

Anger is a serious problem for one in every five Americans. Road rage, workplace violence, domestic abuse and even addiction are just a few of its many expressions. The reason such a large umber of our nations citizens are on antidepressants, overweight, and involved in all kinds of difficult relationships can be directly traced to the effects of anger, particularly the hidden kind.

Anger has many faces. It appears in various forms and creates different consequences. Anger that is overt is the simplest to deal with and understand. When we or someone we know is openly angry, we know what we are up against and can address it directly. Unfortunately, however, most anger lurks beneath the surface. It often does not come to our awareness and manifests in endless, hidden ways as depression, anxiety, apathy, hopelessness, and in myriad other forms.

Today we fear all kinds of external enemies. It is not so easy to realize, however, that the worse enemy we face is the anger that resides within us, the terror it causes and the ways this poison affects so much of our lives.
It is one thing to be told to forgive one another. It is another to know how to do this. Even though we may want to forgive, anger can be ruthless in the course it takes, attacking and disrupting our body, mind and spirits. However, there are many specific steps we can take to root this toxin out of our lives.

As we do the results will be reflected not only in our mental and emotional well-being, but also in our environment and physical health. When anger is rooted out, love and forgiveness arise naturally and our lives and relationships become all they are meant to be.

Some of The 24 Forms of Anger

The first step in rooting anger out of our lives is becoming aware of it. It is crucial that we recognize anger for what it is, be aware that it is appearing and notice the devastation it creates. When anger is allowed to remain camouflaged it holds us in its grip and easily erodes the quality of our entire lives. By recognizing the 24 forms of anger, we will be able to shine a flashlight on the poison within. Then we can choose to eliminate each one of these forms of anger, one a day. There are many wonderful antidotes that we can take. Instead of allowing anger to take hold, we simply replace it with a life giving, constructive, healing response.
To begin we will look at a few of the 24 forms of anger, and how it affects your life. More will be explored in further articles and are also detailed in The Anger Diet.

In this article we will also explore some ways these forms of anger can be eliminated.
1)Straightforward Anger Attack. This is anger that is clear-cut and easy to
recognize. The anger comes right out. Many regret it afterwards, feeling they couldnt control themselves. This kind of anger has a life of its own; it rises like a flash storm and can easily turn into verbal, emotional or physical abuse.
2)Hypocrisy You are angry, but hide it beneath a smile and present a false
persona, pretending to be someone youre not. This behavior evolves into bad faith of all kinds. Although you think you are fooling others, in truth you are losing yourself and your own self-respect.
3)Depression Depression is so pervasive these days, and it ranges the gamut from mild to severe. Depression is anger and rage turned against oneself It comes from not being able to identify or appropriately express the anger one is feeling. It then simply turns into depressions, attack against the person who is experiencing it.
4)Passive Aggression This is a form of anger expressed not by what we do but by what we do not do. We refuse to give the other person what they ask for, want or need. In this manner we anger the other while making it seem as though they are the one that is overly demanding. This is a way of expressing anger without taking responsibility for it, and blaming the other for what we have set in motion.

Steps To Dissolving Anger

Needless to say there are many specific steps to take to undo different forms of anger. We will offer some samples. The important point to realize is that anger can be dissolved in a moment. We can choose to see things differently. We can choose to make a different response.

It takes only a moment to escalate a situation and in that same moment, the trouble can be de-escalated. We must stop in the middle of automatic anger that arises, and take charge of what is going on. We can and must decide that we will not let anger take over and rule. We have the right and responsibility to choose how we will respond.

Sample Ways To De-Escalate Anger:

1)Straightforward Attack: Stop in the middle of a situation in which you either feel angry or are being attacked. Expand your vistas. Rather than respond in a knee-jerk manner, say to yourself, Like me, this person has suffered. Like me, this person wants to be happy, like me this person experiences loneliness and loss. As you do this, you are recognizing the similarities and common humanity you share, rather than focus on the differences. For a moment, allow the person to be right. You have plenty of time to be right later. Ask yourself, what is more important to you, to be right or to be free of anger? Choose compassion and see how you feel.
See how the other feels as well. Watch new vistas open in your life.
2)Hypocrisy: This is a common form of anger that appears in many different ways. When you notice yourself pretending, lying, exaggerating or deceiving, stop. Tell the truth at that moment. Be the truth. If you do not know what the truth is, be silent and become aware of what the deepest truth is for you. (This does not mean pouring out negativity or blaming the other. It means taking responsibility for what is real and true for you. (This will not only restore good will, it will connect you with what is most meaningful in your life.)
3)Depression: Make friends with yourself today. When we are depressed, we are rejecting, hating and blaming ourselves. Undo this false state of mind. Find five things you admire and respect about who you are. Focus on sharing your good qualities with another. In depression we are only absorbed with ourselves. A wonderful antidote is to become absorbed with how you can reach out to and help another.
As we root anger out of our lives, and find meaningful substitutions not only our lives but the lives of our loved ones, friends and acquaintances will be lifted and enhanced. Try the full anger diet and see.
Cc/author/2005
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A Mountain Survival Guide

A Mountain Survival Guide

Why climb the mountain? Because it’s there! North America’s many mountainous regions hold a certain fascination for numerous people on vacation from around the world. But every year, thrill seekers are hurt and sometimes killed from accidents that have happened while traversing these mountains. Most of the time, if precautions are taken, you can keep you and your family safe.

If you are going to be traveling in the mountains, there are a few things to consider before you head out, to ensure you are safe should a problem arise. First, dress in layers. One of the main difficulties when traveling through higher altitudes is the huge variance in temperature that you will face. Should you be stranded in the mountains at night, it can become very cold. To avoid problems that come as a result of the weather, dress warmly but in layers that can be removed if it becomes too warm.

Before leaving, make sure that someone knows where you are heading, and when you expect to be back. This is crucial to your rescue if you should become lost. If there is someone expecting you to be back at a certain day and time and you do not return, a search party can begin. However, if no one knows where you are and when to expect you, then it may be weeks before they start looking.

Hansel and Gretel had the right idea when it came to marking a trail so they wouldn’t get lost. Instead of using bread crumbs, they should have made sure they had a pocket knife before they left the cottage. With a knife, you can carve a notch in a tree or rock every few yards to retrace your steps if needed.

Always travel with a flashlight and extra batteries. Also, make sure you take waterproof matches along with you. A space blanket and a small tarp are essential to your survival in the mountain wilderness. Bring along some water purification tablets in case you should need to search for something to drink. A container that can hold water is also a must.

If you do find that you are lost in the mountains and do not know how to return to where you came from, the best thing to do is to stay where you are. If you move around, you will be harder to find when rescue comes. However, if you are near a stream and you feel you must keep moving, head downstream. This will take you towards the bottom of the mountain, which is usually closer to a road or town. If you can find shelter where you are, stay put and get out of the elements. Leave a marker, like a brightly colored jacket or tarp, so that rescuers might find you. Then you need to get into shelter.

Stay away from any animals you might encounter. The animal you will be most likely to encounter is a bear. Whatever you do, do not surprise an unsuspecting bear! Catching a bear off guard is the reason for most bear attacks.

Do not become overly concerned about food. Watch the local wildlife and find berries or nuts that you can eat. Remember that the human body can survive up to three weeks with no food, but it is much more important to stay hydrated, as lacking water can bring you close to death quickly. Make sure you have access to water at all times.

A Camping Checklist Will Help You Remember The Essentials.

A Camping Checklist Will Help You Remember The Essentials.

Camping can also be a frustrating experience and even a matter of survival when an important piece of camping gear is left behind. Imagine sleeping with no sleeping bag (Its been left behind before). A checklist serves as a great reminder of what to bring and what you really should leave behind. And camping with a checklist will save you from having to drive to the nearest store, which could be located dozens of miles from your campsite.

Preparedness: A checklist for car camping serves as a reminder of the necessities and the accessories that you will want to pack for your next camping trip. Included are the essentials, or the survival gear that is necessary for your camping excursion . These can not be left behind. I also included, in the checklist, camping accessories that are completely optional but will add the wow-factor to your nature experience.

Backcountry camping requires a checklist of its own based on minimalist packing and an immense emphasis on the essentials. Packing for the backcountry means bringing the necessary survival gear in addition to your tent and sleeping bag.

Camping Checklist Essentials:

_____ Backpack
_____ Water filtration system
_____ Tent
_____ Topographical Map
_____ Sleeping Bag- down or synthetic
_____ Tarp and Rope
_____ Sleeping Pad- lightweight, self-inflating or closed cell
_____ Headlamp/Waterproof Flashlight
_____ Stove/Fuel Canister
_____ Hiking Shoes
_____ Pots/Pans- aluminum pie plates for serving
_____ Rain/Wind Gear
_____ Cooking/ eating utensils/ Drinking Cup
_____ Insulating Layers: Capilene and/or Fleece Down Jacket
_____ Camp Suds/Camp towel
_____ First Aid Kit
_____ Leatherman/multipurpose tool
_____ Fire Starter Kit
_____ Small Pillow Case
_____ Insect Repellent

I have included some fun and some added safety products for your nature excursion. These are listed below:
____ Inflatable Soft Tub
____ Skyscout
____ Binoculars
____ Altimeter Watch
____ Bird Guide
____ Waterproof Flashlight
____ Camera
____ GPS
____ Solar Backpack
____ Katadyn Water Filtration
____
____ Solar Shower Bag

The camping checklists provided here are to serve as a basis to packing for your next camping trip. The included checklists do not include the numerous optionals that can be included in your camping travels. Please modify and adjust as necessary and enjoy.

Strobing Flashlights: A Police Officer’s Non-violent Weapon

Strobing Flashlights: A Police Officer’s Non-violent Weapon

Law enforcement, government agencies and independent developers have all been searching for non-lethal and less forceful methods of subduing criminals and enemies. The use of tasers, rubber bullets and various gases and sprays have all been, and are all being, studied to find out how much damage, both short term and long term, they do. Some of the newest and most promising devices are being developed using an existing flashlight feature strobing LED light.

While it may seem a little silly to think that a pulsing light can stop a criminal intent on breaking the law or committing violence, it is actually very effective. Just think about how disorienting it can be when a bright light is suddenly turned on in a dark room. Most people will squint or turn their head when light is suddenly introduced. In a lot of cases, that is all an officer needs to get the upper hand.

The light emitting diode, or LED, bulb is well suited for this type of application. We most often come into contact with these lights in our electronic devices. They are the kind of bulb used to let you know that the power is on. Over the last ten years they have started to play a bigger role in everyday lighting. They are prominent fixtures in the world of outdoor lighting equipment (think flashlights, lanterns and headlamps). There are many towns that are starting to replace their standard traffic lights with ones made with LEDs. These lights are also being used as home lighting replacement bulbs and around the landscaping. LED bulbs burn much brighter on less energy, are very durable, last for longer spans of time and can come in a variety of colors.

Strobing lights have the effect of disorienting the communication between our eyes and our brains. This forces someone looking at them to have to look away or flee from the pulsing of the light. Police officers have been using strobe flashlights for several years as a means to stop fleeing suspects by stunning and confusing them. This non-violent means of incapacitating a criminal is being looked at for wider use.

CBS News ran a story recently on what is being called the LED Incapacitator. This LED light takes this strobing concept to the next level without losing the inherent benefits of an LED bulb. It uses some specific light frequencies that affect the brain and then cycles through those frequencies too fast for the brain to adjust. The light also shifts through various colors to cause additional confusion. This new police tactical light is bright enough to be used in both brightly lit environments as well as the dark.

Not only are these tactical flashlights helpful for law enforcement officers and the military, they are also considered beneficial for personal defense. Strobing LED flashlights are available to the public for use in their own safety. With a push of the button, a general LED flashlight can turn into a strobing light in the event of an attack while in a parking garage or walking home at night. This pulsing light can provide a few extra seconds to get away or call out for help. Some who do not wish to carry pepper spray will find this an excellent alternative.

Strobing flashlights and torches are innovative and potentially life saving. As new devices are being created for our uniformed professionals, we may see more and more derivatives of those products available to the public.

~Ben Anton, 2008