June is National Safety Month

Week 3: Prepare for Active Shooters

Through the month of June, we are focusing on safety topics impacting people in both the occupational and non-occupational environments. The third topic in our series focuses on how to respond to an active shooter situation.

Did You Know?

No one wants to think about being involved in a situation with an active shooter – it can be scary, unpredictable and unfold quickly. Because active shooters often behave erratically, they have no pattern and their victims are usually random. Being prepared can be your best defense.  The National Safety Council has offered several tips to respond to an active shooter situation:

  • Active shooters can appear in public places such as movie theaters and shopping malls or in private workplaces. No matter where you are, remain as calm as possible.
  • Be aware of any possible danger in your environment.
  • Identify the two nearest exits.
  • If you can flee, do so immediately – leave belongings behind.
  • If you cannot flee, hide in an area where the shooter can’t see you.
  • If you are behind a door, try to lock or block entry to it.
  • Silence electronic devices.
  • As a last resort, try to incapacitate the shooter. Keep moving and be distracting. In close range situations, fighting increases your chance of survival.
  • Call 911 as soon as you can do so safely.

 

Wait for law enforcement to arrive Law enforcement will usually be required to end the situation. Help them by complying with them so that they can resolve the situation as quickly as possible. There are several ways you can assist:

  • To the best of your ability, be prepared to provide 911 and law enforcement with your location, the number of shooters, physical description of the shooter(s), the number and type of weapons used by the shooter(s) and the number of potential victims.
  • When law enforcement arrives, remain calm and follow all instructions.
  • Don’t scream or yell.
  • Keep your hands raised, visible and free of any objects.
  • Evacuate the area quickly – do not stop law enforcement to ask questions or for help.

Facing an active shooter can be unimaginable, but being prepared might save your life. Remember to stay alert and as calm as possible. Try to run first, hide if you cannot flee safely and fight only when you have no other choice Stay tuned! Next week we’ll be talking about Ergonomics. Thank you and Stay Safe!

Greg, Glenn, and Your Team at Madison Insurance

June is National Safety Month
Week 2: Recharge to Be in Charge (Focusing on Fatigue)

Through the month of June, we are focusing on safety topics impacting people in both the occupational and non-occupational environments. The second topic in our series is sleep deprivation.

Did You Know?
An estimated 37% of the working population is sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation can be either chronic or acute. Diet, health, lifestyle, work hours, environment and habits can all play a part in depriving people of sleep. A lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, inattention and waking micro-bursts of sleep (brief moments of unawareness or unconsciousness), which adversely affects the brain and cognitive function. This can be particularly dangerous if one is driving, operating equipment or engaged in other high hazard activities. Sleep deprivation can also lead to safety concerns such as slips, trips and falls which we discussed in last week’s communication. Remember it remains a leading cause of injury both in and out of the workplace.

The National Safety Council has offered several tips to help reduce sleep deprivation:
Get 7-9 hours of sleep every day.

  • Create and follow a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day – even on weekends.
  • Eliminate unnecessary light.
  • Keep your bedroom temperature neutral – neither hot nor cold. If noise is a problem, try earplugs, a fan or a “white noise” machine to cover up the sounds (remember you need to hear your alarm clock).
  • Make sure your bed and pillows are comfortable and support restful sleep.
  • Avoid eating right before bed.
  • Remember that bedtime is for sleeping, not reading or watching TV.
  • Avoid using electronic devices before bed which can inhibit sleep.
  • Turn off “notifications” on your phone (Facebook, Snapchat, etc.)
  • Drink caffeine only in the morning.
  • Caffeine has a 6-hour half-life, which means it takes a full 24 hours to work its way out of your system. Have a cup of joe at 8am and you’ll still have 25% of the caffeine in your body at 8pm.
  • Get regular exercise, however, try not to exercise close to bedtime. It may stimulate you and make it hard to fall asleep. Experts suggest not exercising for at least 3-4 hours before bedtime.
  • If you have trouble lying awake and worrying about things, try making a “to-do” list before you go to bed. This may help you avoid focusing on those worries overnight.

Stay tuned! Next week we’ll be talking about Active Shooter Safety.

Thank you and Stay Safe!
Greg, Glenn, and Your Team at Madison Insurance