Holiday Safety Tips

With this weeks snowfall - it's beginning to look like Christmas....

The best gift you can give this holiday season is the gift of health andsafety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips from the Center for Disease Control.

Winter Highway Safety Information

From NDOR 

Prepare the vehicle:

• Get a complete tune-up in the fall. Check your tire pressure at least once a month.
• Have your exhaust system carefully checked for leaks that could send carbon monoxide into your vehicle.
• Check your radiator and hoses for cracks and leaks. Check anti-freeze and heater.
• Make sure wipers are in good condition, and fill up on winter washer fluid.

Prepare the driver:

• Make sure you have enough fuel. Keep at least half a tank.
• Clear all snow from the hood (especially the air intake vents), roof, windows and lights. Clear all windows of fog.
• If you are forced to stop at the side of the road, put on your emergency flashers.
• Carrying a cell phone gives you an edge in an emergency. A car charger for the phone battery, or an extra charged battery is also a good idea. But never use the phone while you are driving the car.
• Give yourself extra time to travel, plan your route and let someone know your destination, the highways your will travel on, and when you will be expected.
• Keep to the main roads. Avoid passing another vehicle when weather conditions are bad.
• Wear warm clothing that does not restrict movement. Dressing in layers is always a good idea.
• Pack a Vehicle Survival Kit and keep it in the trunk of the car at all times. And don't forget your cell phone and charger.
  • Recommended items:
    o Shovel
    o Sand or kitty litter - traction mats - tow chain
    o Warning light or road flares and flashlight
    o Extra clothing, hat, scarf, footwear and blankets
    o Emergency food pack and first aid kit
    o Booster cables
    o Ice scraper and brush
    o Extra windshield washer fluid
    o Fuel line antifreeze

If you become trapped in a storm don’t panic! The following steps can save your life:

• Avoid overexertion and exposure. Shoveling and bitter cold can kill.
• Stay in your car. You won’t get lost and you’ll have shelter.
• Keep fresh air in your car. Crack open a window on the side sheltered from the wind.
• Run your engine sparingly. Beware of exhaust fumes and the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Ensure the tailpipe is not blocked by snow.
• Set out a warning light or flares.
• Exercise your limbs – keep moving and don’t fall asleep.
• Wear a hat, as you can lose up to 60 per cent of your body heat through your head.

The Nebraska Safety Center Offices will be closed for Winter Shutdown at noon on December 21, 2012 - January 1, 2013, reopening January 2, 2013 at 8:00 am. 

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!   

Welcome to the Nebraska Safety Center

 Located in West Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney the Nebraska Safety Center was established by the Nebraska Legislature in 1978.
 
Mission Statement
We exist to conserve human and economic resources through safety and accident prevention.
 
Vision Statement
Our VISION includes recognition as the regional center providing universal safety education which enhances the quality of life for Nebraskans.
 
What does the Center do?
The Nebraska Safety Center provides instruction in safety education, service through seminars and workshops, coordination of statewide programs, and research in safety education. These purposes and functions of the Nebraska Safety Center are addressed through five areas outlined in the legislation. These five areas are: Traffic, Industrial. Home, Fire and Recreational Safety.
 
When was the driving range developed?
The Center's driving range facility (The Ron and Carol Cope Nebraska Center for Safety Education and Research) was developed in 1981 and is the hub of most of the traffic safety activities. For directions to the Driving Range Click here Range Map
 
What services does the Center offer?

• Driver Improvement Courses 
• STOP (Safety Training Option Program) - a diversion class for violators of minor traffic offenses 
• Evaluations for Driver's who are medically challenged 
• Mine Safety Training for approximately 200 mines in Nebraska 
• Driver Education Classes 
• Pupil Transportation Level Training 
• Safety Consultation Services