According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 60% of people who have dementia may wander, become disoriented, and get lost. If not found within 24 hours, up to half of those lost will suffer serious injury or even death. Finding them quickly is critical. The Cargiver’s Guide to Wandering was created so you will have quick and easy access to your loved one’s identification information in case they wander. You will be able to collect their fingerprints, DNA, and medical information that the police will need to help identify your loved one in case of an emergency.

Visit our Wandering Website for more information and to order your copy.

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Here are some safety tips to remember when you are using the internet:

1. Don’t give anyone your password, name, address, the name of your school or any information about your family
2. Don’t talk to strangers on the Internet
3. Don’t agree to meet anyone in person that you’ve met online
4. Don’t fill in a profile that asks for your name and address
5. Don’t visit a chat room without an adult’s / parent’s permission
6. Don’t stay online if you see something you think your parents won’t like
7. Don’t post pictures of yourself without your parents’ permission
8. Do not download or install anything on your computer without your parents’ permission
9. If you have any questions about something you read, ask your parent or guardian
10. If you are talking to someone online and they make you uncomfortable, remember you don’t have to talk back to them

For more information about Internet safety, check out the McGruff Safe Kids new and improved Internet Safety Kit. The kit includes eight pages of information and advice on social networking sites, Internet predators, cyber-bullying and more.

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1. Try your costume on before you go Trick-or-Treating; it should be light-colored and short enough that you don’t trip on it. You can decorate the costume with reflective tape or stickers so you can easily be seen at night
2. Wear comfortable shoes and make sure your laces are double-knotted to avoid tripping
3. Avoid masks that make it hard to see your surroundings. You can use non-toxic make-up instead of a mask
4. Don’t carry fake weapons (knives, swords, guns etc.) that look real; they should be flexible so as not to hurt you or anyone else
5. Stay away from jack-o-lanterns and candles while you are wearing your costume.
6. Make sure that your costume is made of a flame-retardant material. Go over the “Stop, Drop and Roll” routine before going trick-or-treating just in case.
7. Never trick-or-treat alone! Make sure you have at least two buddies to go with you.
8. Make a map of your trick-or-treating route before you head out. Make sure you and your parents have a copy.
9. Only stop at well-lit houses. Never go inside a stranger’s house; only accept treats in the doorway.
10. Stay on the sidewalk. If there is not a sidewalk available, walk facing oncoming traffic and keep a safe distance between you and the cars.
11. Only cross the street at corners after looking both ways.
12. Never run between parked cars or crisscross back and forth across the street
13. Carry a watch, flashlight, glow stick and cell phone if possible
14. Agree on a time when you will be home – if you are going to be late, call your parents.
15. Always have a parent check your candy before you eat it

Let’s make this year the best Halloween ever! Share these safety tips with your friends and family. Be sure to order your McGruff Safe Kids Halloween Kit. The kit is an eight-page guidebook containing safety tips, fun games, recipes, costume ideas and more! Have a spooktacular, crime-free Halloween!

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Additionally, many states are experiencing serious drought on top of intense heat waves. Being careful with your water conversation, fire use and lawn care will help not only keep you and your loved ones alive and well hydrated, but will also aid in wildfire prevention and management.

Head over to Ready.gov: Natural Disasters for more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of intense heat and for more tips on drought management.

Originally published by The National Preparedness Community, a place where more than 44,000 people connect and collaborate on emergency preparedness online. Use it to empower yourself to prepare and to coordinate preparedness activities with your family, neighbors, co-workers, and those with whom you may study or worship. Every day, members nationwide share tips, guidance and instruction on how everyday citizens can and should prepare themselves for disasters man-made and natural alike.

The post Drought and Intense Heat: How to Keep Your Cool When the Heat is On appeared first on McGruff Safe Kids.

Unfortunately along with these beautiful displays, comes the danger. If not used properly, fireworks can be dangerous especially when fire conditions are extreme. As severe drought continues to plague many regions nationwide increasing the threat of wildfires, its important to celebrate the Fourth of July in the safest way possible.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 200 people on average go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. Fireworks are dangerous! This Independence Day, protect your family from fireworks. Attend public displays and leave the lighting to the professionals. Additionally, don’t forget that Independence Day occurs during the hottest time of year, so make sure you stay hydrated and keep out of the sun during times when the heat is most intense!

This week, we wanted to provide you with informative handouts and important information to remember as we gather to celebrate the Fourth. Don’t forget to share this with friends and family!

Safety Tips & Resources

• Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireworks Information Center
• FEMA: Summertime Burn Safety
• FEMA: Summer Fire Safety
• Ready.gov: Extreme Heat
• US Fire Agency: Grilling Fire Safety
• Just In Time Disaster Training: How to Recognize and Treat Heat Stroke in Dogs

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season. It is up to you to use fireworks in a safe and responsible manner: 

• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are using fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; Read the caution label before igniting.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
• Lastly, soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor, fire resistant garbage can away from buildings and flammable materials.

Originally published by The National Preparedness Community, a place where more than 44,000 people connect and collaborate on emergency preparedness online. Use it to empower yourself to prepare and to coordinate preparedness activities with your family, neighbors, co-workers, and those with whom you may study or worship. Every day, members nationwide share tips, guidance and instruction on how everyday citizens can and should prepare themselves for disasters man-made and natural alike.

The post Happy Independence Day from the National Preparedness Community appeared first on McGruff Safe Kids.

As you know, September is National Preparedness Month and FEMA invites you to again pledge to prepare by joining the National Preparedness Coalition.

The 2012 National Preparedness Coalition Online Community is the largest community yet, with over 15,500 members connecting and collaborating on emergency preparedness. Members are empowering themselves to prepare and coordinating preparedness activities with family, neighbors, co-workers, and those with whom they may study or worship.

Here are the top 5 reasons to join:

• Get access to the latest useful information to help you prepare.
• Promote your national preparedness event on the calendar.
• Get support and share best practices with over 15,500 members.
• Re-connect with FEMA personnel and others near you in the regional forums.
• Help others prepare and increase our resilience.
• Join the National Preparedness Coalition now!

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