Back-to-School Safety Tips for Walkers

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Krissyar

Unfortunately summer break is starting to come to a close; and as the kids prepare to go back to school, it’s a good idea to go over some safety precautions for any of your kids that will be walking (even if it’s just down to the bus stop). Busy streets, intersections and street crossings with kids walking to school, parents driving them, and people trying to get to work can make for a dangerous environment. If you prepare your kids for some basic pedestrian safety tips it can help keep their walk to school safer – and keep your mind at ease.

This post is sponsored by Reedman Toll Auto Group.

You need to make sure that your kids know how to cross the street properly, and be aware of their surroundings for their safety. Kids are easily distracted talking to friends, listening to music, or even playing on their phones or gaming systems. Remind them that the below rules are to make sure they make it home safe to you!

  • Be sure to obey ALL traffic signs and lights
  • walk at designated crosswalks ONLY
  • do not run but walk when crossing (so you can pay better attention)
  • look both ways not only before crossing, but while crossing as well
  • if walking when it’s dark out (especially for early morning bus riders) wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight

IF THEY RIDE A BUS OR PASS A BUS

  • Make sure they know to keep their distance from the bus; bus drivers have limited visibility and you definitely want them to make sure the driver can see them. If they must cross in front of it, make sure they use the sidewalk to walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus before crossing, and that the DRIVER SEES THEM. When stepping off, step into the sidewalk and walk the 10 steps out and away before continuing.
  • NEVER EVER WALK BEHIND A BUS or PLAY near a bus. It can begin moving at any time, and again, the driver has limited visibility
  • If you drop something near a bus, tell the driver before just picking it up

They also need to watch out for other vehicles – as we know, people are easily distracted while driving by their phones, music, their breakfast, or even their kids in the backseat. Don’t walk onto a street if there is a lot of brush like bushes, shrubs or trees that might block them from view of these drivers. Also NEVER walk between parked cars! A parked car could move at any time, and most of the time drivers are looking for other vehicles, not people when pulling out into oncoming traffic.

Moving vehicles ESPECIALLY need to be watched with CARE -even if they are moving slowly, and ESPECIALLY in school parking lots! We have experienced this a lot when I used to drive my son to school. They are too busy trying to get out of the traffic of the school parking lot (which is a whole other post on its own) then watching for littles exiting their parents vehicles. Always be mindful when walking in a parking lot, or crossing where vehicles are!

If kids are made aware, and can grasp the concept of the dangers that can be right in front of them they are more likely to pay attention and follow the rules!

 

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The In’s and Out’s of Ridesharing

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Krissyar

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are all the rage – it can be a great way to make some extra money if you are a driver – and also a great way to get where you need to go as a passenger. With the popularity of these apps sometimes we forget that we still need to take some basic safety precautions. Here’s what you need to know to make it a pleasant ridesharing experience for both drivers and passengers:

This post is sponsored by Reedman Toll Nissan of Drexelhill.

Tips for Drivers:
Being a driver can be just as dangerous (if not more so) than a passenger. Essentially you are allowing a stranger to get into your personal vehicle with no knowledge about them whatsoever. You are not only putting your self at risk, but your vehicle as well. So there are a few tips you can follow to be a bit more cautious as you are out there trying to make some extra money.
Watch Where You Park. Sometimes your passenger can be standing at a very busy intersection, or corner. Instead of picking them up directly where they stand it is OK to let them walk a few steps. Be sure that you are out of the way of traffic and in a safe spot – also be sure not to park over a crosswalk or emergency lane area.
Assess Passengers Before they Get In. As a driver you do have an option to decline a passenger a ride if you don’t feel safe. Compromising your safety isn’t worth the possible extra few bucks, or even customer satisfaction rating. You must always chose your safety over money making, or upsetting someone.
Be Cautious of Your Hours and Your Neighborhoods. The great thing about the ridesharing app as a driver is you get to pick what hours you work, and where you will go. You can avoid driving late night or early morning hours, and even avoid certain neighborhoods or areas that have a higher crime rate. You can use crime-mapping apps and websites to get an idea of how safe a neighborhood is, and if you aren’t comfortable with a certain area – then you decline and wait to accept a ride in an area you are more comfortable with. I know of people who even won’t drive passengers on the interstate and prefer to stay in the city and suburbs. That’s what is awesome – you get to chose what is right for you and what makes you feel safe.
Get a Dash Cam. Dash cam’s have a lot of useful functions. First off, just having one can discourage a rowdy passenger from acting out, or someone trying to harm you or rob you. Also, if you have a cam you have proof and footage of anything that happens in your vehicle, in case a lawsuit or accident/ticket would arise.

Tips for Passengers: Being a passenger in a rideshare vehicle can be dangerous as well – especially for women. You need to always be aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to the ‘star’ rating on your drivers when you pull them up on your app. I personally won’t take a ride from a driver who hasn’t been around for awhile if I’m alone; it’s just too much of a risk, and makes me nervous. Though you always need to be cautious, there are ways that you can be safe when getting a ride.
Make sure it’s the right car. Sounds pretty simple, but if you’ve been drinking ,or if there is a large group of people all leaving and ubering or whatever at the same time, you could see multiple cars there to pick up people – it would be very easy to get in the wrong car – or God forbid, even someone’s vehicle who was pretending to be your rideshare driver! Be sure to confirm car model, color, license plate number and even the driver’s picture on your app before getting in.
Leave early if you feel uncomfortable. If you start to get an odd feeling, you want to go ahead and get out as soon as possible. BEFORE you reach your destination. Pick a safe spot (preferably a busy place) and then call a friend, or family member – or even another rideshare driver. Also always make sure that you have your phone charged and some type of cash with you whenever you travel in a rideshare vehicle (or really anytime you travel).
Ride in the backseat. Though most ridesharing companies do require criminal background checks, it’s always a good idea to avoid any awkward situations. There’s always a chance you could get a driver that is acting in an inappropriate way, and it’s a lot easier to get out if you sit in the backseat than the front.
Use common sense. Just be smart – most ridesharing drivers are good people just looking to make some extra money, and it can be a great way to get to know new people (I have quite a few stories I’ve heard from my Uber drivers). Just keep these safety tips in mind, and enjoy the ride!

 

 

 

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The Best Chemical Free Cleaner for Streak Free Car Windows

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Krissyar

I have tried many a window cleaners – like a lot. Many have made a lot of promises for streak free sparkling windows, but the best cleaner I have tried is made up of my own concoction. A simple mixture of vinegar, ammonia and cornstarch.

This post is sponsored by Reedman Toll Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Jenkintown.

Here’s what you need for streak free windows:

  • Cornstarch: (cornstarch helps prevent streaking).
  • Ammonia: (ammonia helps remove grease and fingerprints).
  • White Vinegar: (white vinegar is helpful and removing water spots).
  • Warn water
  • Clean bucket
  • Spray bottle
  • Lint free cloth

Create the solution: in the bucket mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch , 1/2 cup of ammonia, and a 1/2 cup of white vinegar along with 3-4 liters of warm water. Pour the finished mixture into a spray bottle.

Apply to car windows: spray the mixture onto your car window (it will be quite a milky texture).

Wipe, rinse and dry: wipe the window with warm water to rinse; then rub with the lint-free cloth (or even a paper towel). It’s best to avoid washing windows when you are in direct sunlight because the cleaning mixture may dry too quickly and could leave streaks. Try wiping the windows using an up and down stroke on one side, and side to side stroke on the other side so you can see if you’ve “missed” any area.

You can also use cornstarch to help deodorize your car – sprinkle it on the fabric seats, carpet and mats and let it sit for about 30 minutes or so, and then vacuum it up!

 

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Tips on Dealing with Foggy Windows

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Krissyar

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, or where you live; dealing with foggy windows when trying to keep your car the right temperature can be a bit tricky. During warm and humid times cranking your AC at full blast can cause your windows to get foggy from the outside. When it’s cold out and you are trying to warm up your car, there is fog in the inside! It seems like it’s a no-win situation. But the key to reducing or eliminating the issue is to adjust the temperature on the inside of the car to match or be close to the outside temperatures..and here’s how:

This post is sponsored by Reedman Toll Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Springfield.

So we established that the reason your windows get foggy is the temperature and the air’s moisture content. On cold days any moisture in the air inside your car turns into condensation when it hits the air next to the window – so that’s what makes your car’s windows foggy; and of course the opposite happens on hot and humid days. So whether the fog is inside or outside, it’s hard to see and that can be dangerous, so it’s good to know how to make sure to get your windows clear and get you to your destination safely.

When it’s Cold Outside and you turn your heat on, the fog will usually start inside your car. Here’s some of the best ways to defog your car windows in cold weather:

  • Turn the heat on full blast, since hot air can hold a lot more moisture
  • Then if you can, turn the AC on for a minute so it can pull the moisture from the air as it passes over the cooling coils.
  • Then turn off the re-circulation button so the colder dryer air is brought into the car.
  • Finally, if you can, crack your windows for a couple minutes to help exchange the humid interior air for dryer outside air.

If you want to defog the windows in the cold just have your car continually take in the drier outside air instead of re-using the air from the inside that is more humid. Use that re-circulation button! It will be that cool looking button on your dash that has an arrow going through a car in a circle or semi-circle.

When it’s Warm Outside so when the temperature and moisture level outside is higher than inside the car, the moisture will condense on the exterior of the car glass. So somewhat like when it’s colder outside than inside, the goal is to get the temperature inside to match the outside.

 

  • First thing is use your windshield wipers. This will help get rid of the condensation until you’ve balanced out the temperature.
  • Turn down the AC to the least coolest setting to increase the temperature without it becoming too uncomfortable.If it doesn’t work, just turn the AC off completely for a bit.
  • Unlike when it’s cold out, when it’s warm you leave that re-circulation OFF. It’s a good idea to leave it off to battle the foggy windows so the temp and moisture level in your car begin to balance with the temp outside.

Trying to see through foggy windows can definitely be a safety hazard, but with these tips you should be able to see clearly and get to your destination safely.

 

 

 

 

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Buying The Right Jewelry If You Have A Metal Allergy

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Krissyar

Metal allergies are caused because your skin mistakes metal for some threatening substance and activates your body’s defenses. This kind of problem with your immune system can develop at just about any age, so you may find that certain kinds of metal bother you that never bothered you before. Take a moment to learn more about metal allergies and how you can buy the right jewelry to avoid them.

Common Types and Symptoms Of Metal Allergies

To buy the right jewelry to avoid a metal allergy, it helps to understand why some people react to metals that other people find harmless. Even though scientists don’t know exactly why some people are sensitive to certain types of metals that don’t bother others, they do know that this allergy tends to be genetic. If you have a parent or sibling with a metal allergy, you are more likely to develop one.

Some typical, mild symptoms of metal allergies include bumps, red splotches, and an itchy or burning sensation. In some cases, you might even react by developing a runny nose or cough. Even worse, a few people feel more serious symptoms that could include chronic fatigue and even cognitive impairment when they are exposed to metal that they have an allergy to. If you see or feel any symptoms, you should not ignore them because they can get worse over time.

Nickel appears to be the most common source of allergic reaction. Some other kinds of metal.  that tend to provoke allergic responses include copper, cobalt, and chromium. The problem for people is that these are common metals that are used in jewelry, watches, appliances, and fasteners for clothing. They are also used to create alloys with other metals. People with serious allergies have to take care to purchase safe jewelry from Elizabeth Diamond Company Jewelry and Repair shop.

Buying The Best Jewelry For People With Metal Allergies

People who have typical metal allergies can still find plenty of attractive jewelry. It’s just important to know what to look for and what to avoid. While gold and silver are thought of as hypoallergenic metals, there are still a couple of things that buyers should know about. These warnings have to do with alloys and plating.

Be Careful Of Gold And Silver Alloys

When many people think of a hypoallergenic metal, they tend to think of gold first It’s true that few if any people will react badly to pure gold. The problem is that most gold jewelry is actually an alloy that may contain copper, nickel, or another problem metal. Pure gold is too soft for jewelry, and it’s also cheaper to dilute pure gold with base metals.

Problems with gold alloys are particularly common on such common and pretty metals like rose gold and white gold. When selecting gold alloys, look for a purity of at least 14K because more pure forms of gold are less likely to cause problems.

Is Jewelry Gold Or Silver Plated?

 

Very often, jewelry makers will use a base metal to make pieces and then just plate these with a very thin layer of silver or gold. Obviously, plated jewelry will cost less than jewelry that is entirely made up of precious metals. At the same time, this plated jewelry still looks as beautiful as the metal used for plating.

As long as the plating is intact, it should protect sensitive skin. The problem is that a thin plating can wear off over time to expose the base metal underneath. When purchasing plated jewelry, make sure it has a thick layer of precious metal to protect your skin.

Plating Or Re-Plating Jewelry

If you have old plated jewelry that has become worn, you can also take it to a jeweler to get more plating added. If you have jewelry that you love but aggravates your metal allergy, you might also consult with a jeweler about it. It’s possible that they can plate that jewelry with silver, gold, or another hypoallergenic metal for a reasonable fee.

Consider Pewter As A Hypoallergenic Jewelry Metal

Pewter is an alloy of that is mostly tin, but it also contains a small amount of copper. Most people are not sensitive to pewter, even if they are sensitive to pure copper jewelry. One good thing about pewter is that it is much cheaper than gold or silver. Even though finished pieces may look a lot like silver, pewter also will not tarnish the way that silver will.

You should be wary of any antique pewter pieces because jewelry makers used to use lead in the alloy. Wearing lead near the skin is unhealthy because this metal can actually be toxic. If you like pewter, make sure you choose modern pewter pieces that are made without lead. In addition, some pewter alloys may contain nickel, which is one of the most common causes of metal allergies.

Other Jewelry Metals For People With Metal Allergies

Typically, the precious metals that don’t cause allergic reactions include platinum, gold, titanium, and sterling silver. Besides these precious metals, some hypoallergenic jewelry makers use aluminum, especially for those parts of jewelry that have close contact with skin. For instance, earrings often have sterling silver or aluminum ear clasps even if other parts are made with base metals.

Some people have the mistaken idea that surgical steel or stainless steel will not aggravate allergies, but today, most of these products are made with some nickel. It’s better to avoid stainless steel jewelry or fastenings.

Why Buy Jewelry Made From Hypoallergenic Metals?

It’s better to be safe than sorry. As mentioned before, people can develop metal allergies when they are children, young adults, and even senior citizens. Like other allergies, more exposure may increase the chance of developing an allergy later. In some cases, these symptoms of these allergies may become very serious.

 

People who are buying gifts may not know if the recipient has a metal allergy or not, and nobody wants to give a present that will give somebody a rash. It’s always prudent to favor hypoallergenic metals when purchasing jewelry.

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