In the Philippines, using car seats for children are not required by law. However, if you have children and value their safety, it is advisable to invest in one.
Here are some safety reminders when it comes to children riding a vehicle:
- Remember that the safest place for children in a vehicle is the back seat.
- Rear-facing infant car seats should NEVER be placed in the front seat of vehicles that have the air bag feature.
- Double check if the car seat has been properly installed and harnesses secured on your child properly before driving.
- Make sure that the car seat is appropriate for your child’s weight, height and age. Refer to car seat manual.
March is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines. Here are some fire prevention tips that you can apply at home. Make it a point to practice the following advices to prevent fire.
- Do not overload electrical outlets by plugging too many appliances.
- Unplug all electrical appliances after every use.
- Make it a point to set regular checkups for all electrical installations.
- Regularly check gas stoves and LPG tanks for leaks.
- Do not leave lighted candles, mosquito coils and cigarettes unattended.
- Never throw away lighted cigarette butts on the grass or garbage containers.
- When going on extended trips, unplug electrical appliances after every use.
- Turn off and unplug electrical appliances during harsh thunderstorms.
- Invest on a fire extinguisher for your home.
- Teach every member of your household on what to do in case there is a fire. (Make sure you have emergency telephone numbers posted in your home.)
I shared some safety tips about proper use of pedestrian lanes in our village newsletter and thought of sharing them here as well.
Sadly, I see a lot of people who do not heed warning signs by crossing restricted areas, despite availability of pedestrian lanes and overpass. Some say they are in a hurry and going up to take an overpass is time consuming. Others say they prefer to cross where it is convenient. I don’t understand how some people can carelessly disregard their own safety.
Here are some important safety reminders about crossing:
- Let safety be a top most priority. Use pedestrian lanes and other designated means of crossing (e.g. overpass, underpass)
- Be a good example to others. Help educate other pedestrians about the proper use of pedestrian lanes.
- Familiarize yourself with important pedestrian signs. For example, take note that PED Xing is short for Pedestrian Crossing
- Always look both ways when crossing the street.
- Cross when both ways are clear. Do not stay on the middle of the road.
- Be concerned of others. Help children and the elderly cross the street safely.
- At night, make yourself more visible in the dark by wearing light colored clothes or carrying a flashlight.
They seem very simple and easy to follow but you would be surprised how others can be so negligent.
Don’t Take Chances. Obey Pedestrian Traffic Signals.