Rescue story: Three little girls rescued by United Hatzalah
Aaron Simon, the Donor communications officer at United Hatzalah recently sent us a rescue story. This non-profit medical service organization is doing an amazing work at providing the fastest medical first response in Israel.
United Hatzalah’s Volunteers on duty
The resqme tool is attached to the volunteer’s keychain
- Published in Community
Behind the Wheel at Work
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It’s the right time to take a closer look at this prevalent problem and dangerous behavior that claimed 3,477 lives in 2015 alone. Millions of workers drive or ride in a motor vehicle as part of their jobs. Knowing that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S, the risk is there.
About Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system—anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Many distractions exist while driving, but cell phones are a top distraction. Texting is the most alarming one: sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds.
At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. Holding a phone in your hands while driving is illegal in many states. Even if other distractions such as eating, putting make-up on, and having a dog sitting in your lap are not illegal, it doesn’t mean that you should still do it.
More info: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
Keeping workers safe on the road
Distracted driving is a growing risk to workplace safety but both employer and employees can tremendously change the tendency with few easy steps. Companies that have a policy that prohibits any use of the smartphone while the vehicle is in motion (and actively enforce the policy) have seen drops in crash rates in excess of 50%.
Efficient steps for the employer
- Face and address the issue. 400.000 people are injured every year because they were not paying attention to the road. Addressing it gives you an opportunity to establish and enact best practices and be a leader in the community.
- Require workers to pull over in a safe location if they must text, make a call, or look up directions.
- Use health and safety promotion programs to get road safety information to all employees and their families to improve their road safety on and off the job.
- Partner with local and state governments and safety advocacy groups that will help you identify regional safety problems, select solutions, and create real change. You can also organize speeches and conference in the work place with professionals.
- Choose fleet vehicles with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking. It raises the level of safety for everyone on the road.
The example of Tulsa
While no state has a law prohibiting all cell phone use while driving, employers are putting policies in place banning the use of handheld and hands-free devices. See how the city of Tulsa implemented a total-ban cell phone policy for employees.
Simple steps for the employee
- Take your time driving. The entire object is to keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road.
- Store loose gear, possessions and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
- Secure children and pets before getting underway. If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
- Do not manipulate your smartphone while driving your vehicle. If the device is used for music or navigation, it should be programmed before the drive commences. Activate the “Driving mode” on your phone if available.
- Do your multi-tasking outside the car.
- Limit the level of activity inside the car.
How to prevent drowsy driving
Driver fatigue, which may be a result of insufficient sleep, long distances traveled to well sites, and long work shifts, is a factor in some of these crashes. In addition to the loss of life, the average on-the-job fatal crash is estimated to cost employers $671,000. Legal settlements can be even more costly.
- Implement a fatigue management policy and program, and integrate it into your existing health and safety management system.
- Limit the number of hours employees may work and drive per day or trip segment.
- Provide a rested driver to transport workers from remote sites after extended shifts.
- Practice open communication, and check in regularly with drivers to create a culture of caring.
- Make sure workers have an opportunity for sufficient sleep.
- Educate workers about how alcohol and drugs impair driving, and the possible side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Consider using technologies to detect fatigue before driving (such as actigraphs that monitor rest/ activity cycles) and while driving (such as lane departure warning systems). The alertme drowsy driver device is a great safety tool for any driver as it helps prevent accidents caused by falling asleep behind the wheel.
———-
This article is referring to researches and recommendations from:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov)
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (https://www.nhtsa.gov)
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/index.htm)
- The American Automobile Association (https://exchange.aaa.com)
- International Transport forum (itf-oecd.org)
- Published in Driver Safety, Safety Awareness, Uncategorized
Meet our team: France
Meet our team! A true French girl, France was born in Vichy, France. At the age of 21, she decides to travel to perfect her English. Boston, New-York… so many dreamy destinations she got to see. She eventually set her mind on the sunny town of Santa Barbara, California. “It was a life call to me. This town is so peaceful and you feel safe and happy there.” With almost 300 sunny days per year, we understand why. And it goes without saying that her beloved grandmother used to watch a TV series named Santa Barbara. “A lot of French people know about Santa Barbara thanks to this show”, she laughs. After this American adventure, she went back to France to get her international business certification before settling down for good in Santa Barbara, where she got a diploma in Business and Marketing.
Her journey at resqme started 7 years ago, over a cup of tea with Laurent Colasse, the president of the company. “Back then, we were only three people working: Enrick, Cesar in the warehouse and Laurent. I started as Enrick’s assistant and quickly became the sales manager of the company.” She is now in a new position as the supply chain manager. “I am the physical link between the sales team and the clients. I make sure that everything goes well and smoothly, by informing, explaining and assisting the clients. I explain the prices, why it takes that much time, which packaging would suit the best their needs, and more.” This sense of responsibility suits her well. Seeing the company evolving is an everyday motivation for her: “We started with three employees and we’re now sixteen- with a real boost over these last two years. Being a part of the growth of the company is really stimulating.” Very sensitive to the graphic environment, she enjoys seeing the website and product packaging evolve and become modern.
Among many current projects, she’s excited about the opening of a new warehouse in Ventura, California and the launch of resqme Europe in France. “The new structure will allow a faster and better service to the European customers by providing shorter shipping times, as well as increasing inventory and product availability and avoiding custom duties. This is really exciting!”
Any challenges? “Of course, and this is also what makes everything that interesting. At resqme, we all come from very different places and have different cultures. Success is making it all work together. Luckily, we all get along very nicely here.” And to give her the extra boost during days spent behind the computer screen, France can count on her best frenemy, Mister Chocolate!
- Published in resqme News
4 Things You Need to Know About Tire Safety
Saying your tires are crucial to the safety and performance of your vehicle is likely one of the understatements of the year. To ensure the four tires on your car stay in great shape, they must be regularly checked and maintained.
With this in mind, here are four tips to help keep your tires as safe as possible and performing at their peak:
- Perform Regular Rotations
Tire rotation is a lot like exercising — it’s something we know we should be doing, but don’t always set enough time. But just like being fit might help us live longer, performing regular tire rotations can extend the life of your tires and vehicle. In general, tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles — and failure to do so can cut the life of your tires in half.
Additionally, most tire manufacturers will not honor warranties if the tires aren’t regularly rotated on schedule. Getting your tires rotated isn’t overly expensive, and some installers will do it for free if you purchased the tires directly from them. But no matter how much you wind up spending, this small investment will come back many times over in the form of extended tire life and vehicle safety.
- Ensure Proper Balancing and Alignment
If you notice one or more of your tires are wearing unevenly, it might be time to have all four balanced and the wheels aligned. According to Exchange.AAA, properly balanced tires last longer, vibrate less and make for a quieter ride. Tires should be balanced when they’re first installed and when a puncture is being fixed. When you purchase new tires, spring for the additional wheel alignment to ensure the tires wear evenly. Then, once you’re on the road, listen for any odd vibrations in the tires; if you hear anything, bring your vehicle in to have the tires rebalanced.
- Check the Air Pressure
To optimize vehicle control, get the best fuel mileage possible and help your tires last as long as possible, they must be properly pressurized. As Tread Wisely notes, be sure to check the air pressure when the tires are cool. You can find the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure located on a sticker inside your car’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual.
Make sure to follow these steps: Remove the valve cap, take a tire gauge and press down on the valve stem of each tire; if the reading is too high, push on the metal stem in the middle of the valve with the tip of a pen to release air. If the reading is too low, immediately add air and then recheck the reading until it’s at the correct level.
- Examine the Treads
Every time you drive, the tread on your tires gradually wears down. Over time, tires can become bald, which increases the chances of it going flat or you being in an accident. To ensure your tires have plenty of life left in them, examine your treads regularly and have a penny or quarter handy.
Brand new tires have a tread depth of around 10/32nds of an inch, which is about 1/3 of an inch. Once the tread wears down to 2/32nds of an inch, your tires are considered legally worn out. To check the depth of your treads, insert a penny into the tire grooves with Abe Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Honest Abe’s head, the tires are at 2/32nds of an inch or less, meaning you should buy new tires right away.
If you do the same trick with a quarter, using George Washington’s noggin as a guide, you can see if your tires have 4/32nds of an inch or more left. This may be the more prudent approach, as you will know when your tires are “almost” worn out as opposed to totally bald and dangerous.
Read more about tire treads here.
Regular maintenance prevents big time tire problems
Proper tire maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming. In fact, simply checking all four tires on a regular basis will only take a few minutes, and scheduling regular rotations and checking the air pressures should also be a quick process. By following these easy and important tips — and making tire safety a priority — your tires will last longer and keep you safe on the road.
Jiro from social monsters
- Published in Auto Safety, Driver Safety, Family Safety, Uncategorized
Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road
Driving in any season is risky, but driving in winter weather can be downright treacherous, especially if you have a job that requires traveling in all road conditions. Before you get behind the wheel, take time to prepare. Follow these life-saving tips to keep your winter commutes as safe as possible.
Winterize your vehicle.
Schedule a tune-up with your mechanic to check for any leaks, worn hoses, and any other parts that need repairing or replaced. Ask about recalls, and do a little research yourself by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s current list of recalls. If anything on your vehicle has been recalled, have it replaced immediately or as soon as possible.
Specifically, make sure these are maintained or replaced if needed:
- Car battery – tighten cable connections, check voltage, amps and reserve capacity
- Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals
- Windshield wipers and blades – fill washer fluid reservoir, replace worn wiper blades
- Antifreeze
- Front and rear defrosters
- Tires – make sure you’re using the right tires for your vehicle and road conditions.
Stock emergency supplies.
Having some essential items stored in your car could mean the difference between life and death if you happen to get stranded. Some things you should have on hand at all times, such as a good spare tire, jack, tire tool, pressure gauge, flashlight, flares, warning triangles and jumper cables.
For winter driving, you should also stow these items:
- Small snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
- Kitty litter or sand for traction if you’re stuck in the snow
- Extra blankets
- Tow and tire chains
- Extra wiper fluid and antifreeze
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- A car escape tool like the resqme tool
For every trip, make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Make sure you have a charger that can plug into your cigarette lighter, or bring a portable charger. Pack extra doses of necessary medications to avoid possible medical emergencies.
Keep your children safe and warm.
Protect your most precious cargo. All children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat with proper child restraints. Review the NHTSA’s guidelines to make sure you’re using the safest booster or convertible car seat for your child’s age and size. Check for any recalls and replace your child’s restraint if needed.
Keep these items on hand, depending on your child’s age:
- Extra winter clothing – hats, gloves, socks, snow or hiking boots
- Small, vehicle-safe space heater
- Sleeping bags
- Water and snacks
- Extra diaper bag stocked with diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, etc.
- Trash bags and toilet paper
- Coloring books, crayons, mp3 player, earbuds, books, hard candy, etc. to keep them occupied if you get stranded
Drive with extra caution.
Before setting out, be as well-rested as you can. Since winter driving requires an extra level of alertness, it’s extremely important to stay awake at the wheel. The NHTSA estimates that an annual 83,000 vehicle accidents are caused by driver fatigue. Stay safe with a drowsy driver alert like the alertme®. This electronic device helps prevent accidents caused by falling asleep behind the wheel.
Check local weather conditions to be prepared for incoming snowfall or ice. If at all possible, wait until road conditions improve before you drive. But if you must be on the road, remove all ice and snow from your vehicle, including lights, mirrors and windows. Make sure your gas tank is full or close to full. When warming up your vehicle, don’t keep the engine running in a closed garage. Every year, nearly 20,000 to 30,000 people die of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can come from car exhaust.
When you get behind the wheel, put on your seatbelt, and make sure any passengers are properly restrained as well. Avoid all distractions. Plan your route so you won’t have to take your eyes off the road to look at your GPS. Stay off your cell phone – don’t talk or text! Avoid eating, putting on makeup, and listening to loud music or other audio content.
On the road, slow down, and don’t use cruise control. Don’t follow too closely behind other vehicles to allow more braking time in case you need it. Keep your headlights on in poor visibility conditions. Watch out for ice, especially on overpasses and bridges. If you start to skid, don’t panic. Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Don’t slam on the brakes or accelerate. If you cannot see the road in a snowstorm or conditions become too hazardous to continue, seek shelter, and wait it out if possible.
What if you become stranded?
If you get stuck due to road conditions, an accident or a vehicle breakdown, try to pull off the road and out of traffic. Stay calm and call for roadside assistance or 911. If you’re in an unpopulated area, unless you know there’s a busy road or building nearby, stay in your car with the doors locked. Be cautious if a stranger stops to offer help. Crack the window and ask him/her to call for emergency roadside service. If your only alternative is to accept his/her help, ask for identification, phone number and address. Write this down, along with where you are going and why and leave this in your vehicle.
While you wait for help, take these steps to stay safe and to alert other drivers and first responders:
- Turn on your emergency flashers.
- Watch for oncoming traffic while setting out warning triangles 100 – 300 feet behind your vehicle. The bright orange color will alert approaching traffic by day, while the red reflectors make it visible at night.
- Clear your tailpipe of any snow and ice to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide in the vehicle’s interior.
- Start your car if possible and run the heater occasionally.
- Stay warm, and try not to overexert yourself if attempting to push or dig your way out of the snow. Excessive sweat can cause loss of precious body heat.
- On a very busy road, it may be safer to exit the vehicle. Turn on emergency flashers, exit the car on the side away from oncoming traffic and seek shelter as far from the road as possible (preferably in a gas station or other public building) until help arrives.
Slippery roads increase the risk of skidding or slipping that can cause a car to go into water. If you get trapped inside of your car, follow these lifesaving steps.
By following these winter driving tips, you’ll be well prepared to venture out despite the road conditions. To help you remember, print out this brochure from AAA, review it before every winter season, and keep a copy in your car for reference when you need it.
Emma from BestCarSeatHub.com
A little note on safety
Road safety rules are meant to be followed. They are, after all, not there just to punish you with tickets. Road safety rules are primarily in place to protect lives, including your own, so follow them at all times. While this may sound preachy, it also sounds like common sense. To know more about road safety rules everyone must follow at all times, check out the infographic below (courtesy of arizdui.com)
- Published in Auto Safety, Driver Safety
Another rescue for United Hatzalah and resqme!
Last week, we received a touching rescue story from Eli Beer, the President of United Hatzalah. This non-profit medical service organization is doing an fantastic job at providing the fastest medical first response in Israel.
“Recently, a grandmother accidently locked her baby grandson in the car, with the keys still inside. The little boy was screaming and crying, and his grandmother was frantic with worry. Your partner in lifesaving Yishai Solomon of Jerusalem immediately responded to the call. Police on scene were awaiting firefighters to arrive and extract the child. Having responded to many similar situations, Yishai grabbed his United Hatzalah resqme tool, designed especially to break car windows. Shattering the window opposite the child, the resourceful medic managed to safely break in to the vehicle and open the door. He extricated the baby, checked him over and handed him to the anxious grandmother. Thanks to Yishai’s quick response, the baby was safe and out of harm’s way!”
The resqme tool Yishai used to break the side window
After the resqme
Resqme is proud to work with United Hatzalah (their name means ‘united rescue’). Seeing a natural alliance between the goal of the organization and the resqme, Inc’s mission, it was clear to the president of resqme, Inc, Laurent Colasse, that resqme, Inc. needed to contribute to their efforts. Accordingly, he first sent 2400 resqme tools to United Hatzalah to equip their volunteers, back in 2013. He later offered 1500 more units during their big fundraising event taking place in New York.
“Every single volunteer in Israel has one with them at all times and it has been used on many occasions to rescue people.” Eli Beer
Since time is key when it comes to saving lives, the resqme tool is the perfect tool for the job! Seven lives were saved with the use of the resqme tool! Eli Beer says: “We have already saved many people using your tool. Thank you so much for this, it is really wonderful. Every single volunteer in Israel has one with them at all times and it has been used on many occasions to rescue people. Thank you for partnering with United Hatzalah to save lives in Israel!”
About United Hatzalah
United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Service organization that provides the fastest and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. United Hatzalah’s service is available to all people regardless of race, religion, or national origin. United Hatzalah has more than 3,500 volunteers around the country, available around the clock – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With the help of their unique GPS technology and their iconic ambucycles, their average response time is less than 3 minutes across the country and 90 seconds in metropolitan areas. Their mission is to arrive at the scene of medical emergencies as soon as possible and provide the patient with professional and appropriate medical aid until an ambulance arrives, resulting in many more lives saved.
More info about United Hatzalah here: https://israelrescue.org/
- Published in Community, News, Safety Awareness
Wildfires: How to evacuate
Resqme, Inc. was one of the many businesses and affected by the Thomas Fire in Southern California during the month of December 2017. Several of our employees had to evacuate and were in the danger of losing their homes. During this fire we learned how important it is to be prepared for emergencies that may occur in our county, and we want to share this wisdom with our customers. When a fire like this one hits, time is of the essence. Here is a to-do list to help you be ready to evacuate if you need to.
Things to do ahead
- Sign up for a local alert system: receiving timely and updated information about weather conditions, fire directions and evacuations are essential during a wildfire. To find out what alerts are available in your area, you can do an Internet search with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts”; you can go to the website for your local emergency management or public safety office; or you can contact these offices by telephone.
- Remember to always act as the fire would come your way. Being ready is a great way to ensure your safety.
- Make a list of what to pack. It’s better to write it down ahead of time to avoid forgetting anything important.
- Assemble an emergency kit before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Plan to be evacuated for at least three days. This kit should include:
– P95 or N95 masks to avoid breathing inhaling hazardous particles
– Important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
– Three-day supply of food and water and change of clothing
– An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
– Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
– Prescriptions or special medications, extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
– First aid kit
– Flashlight
– Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
– Sanitation supplies
– If you own pets, get food and water.
- Open your garage doors and gates. Fill the car gas tanks and park the vehicles nose-out.
- Receiving updated information is critical. A battery-powered radio tuned to local stations will help you stay updated in case of a power outage. You can purchase NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
- Know your escape routes. Have a backup plan in case roads are closed. Also, have a safe destination planned, such as a friend’s house or an evacuation center. A Family Communication plan will allow all family members to have access to the same information if separated during an evacuation.
- Have fire extinguishers on hand and train your family on how to use them. Ensure that your family knows where to locate the shut-down controls for your gas, electric, and water.
=> You can download an official home-evacuation checklist here.
If you have few hours to evacuate
- Assemble supplies. Grab your emergency kit and add last-minute items: passports, phones, chargers, laptops, easily carried valuables. Also, grab what you would miss! Everything that has a special place in your heart: pictures, paintings, a special piece of clothing or a plush… We all have different stories and memories that speak to us. Put everything in the trunk.
- Wear long pants and long sleeves shirt to protect you against the heat and the ash. Provide every member of the family with a flashlight and a respirator mask.
- Share your location with your family and friends. You can use the Google Maps feature that allows you to share your current location for few days or more.
- Turn off your gas when leaving.
- Snap pictures of every room in your house and your yard: you might have to use them for insurance purposes.
- If you have enough time, give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire. To do so, you can irrigate your roof and property if you have a pool and a pump. Remove dead leaves and clear the gutters. Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.). You can also leave buckets of water around your property for the animals.
- You don’t really need to unlock your doors and windows. If the firefighters need to enter, they will find their way in, whether the house is locked or not (that’s a tip given by a firefighter!).
- Check on your neighbors.
How to stay updated
You can monitor the fires and the air quality on this interactive map.
Google also has a crisis map that shows you the active wildfires and the voluntary and mandatory evacuation zones. Google’s dynamic maps are worth bookmarking, so you can stay up to date with the latest updates from affected areas.
Another great source of the latest info would also be your County/City Twitter account.
Download the the Wildfire is Coming, Are You Ready to Go! brochure from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
——————
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the Thomas Fire and other wildfires.
We also want to thank all of the firefighters for their brave and hard work to fight the fires and keep everyone safe.
This article was written using content and advice from the Santa Barbara Independent Magazine, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection website and personal experience of the author.
- Published in Community, Emergency Preparation, Safety Awareness
Let’s celebrate Cesar’s 19 years of service at resqme, Inc.
Cesar was born in Iguala in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. At 20 years of age, after working on his family’s land, he decided he could do a better job of helping them by being employed in the United States. Accordingly he came to Santa Barbara and started working for resqme, Inc. in 1999. This makes him our longest standing employee!
Where it all started…Cesar posing with our original two safety hammers!
Cesar is responsible for preparing orders for shipment, and a lot has changed since he was hired! When he started, there were only two safety products on sale and three people working for the company. Now, we offer many products, and have many more people in the company! Seeing the company and the line of products develop has been deeply rewarding to him and he enjoys the variety of his responsibilities. He says: “You are always active! From prepping to wrapping and making sure that every step is correctly fulfilled.” As a committed employee who values our product, customer satisfaction is important to him.
Have a glimpse at Cesar’s prepping skills!
Fun fact: he met the president of the company, Laurent Colasse, on a soccer field! They were team buddies. When he is off work, Cesar loves to play soccer and spend time with his family and friends.
Get to know more about the whole resqme team here.
- Published in News, resqme News, Uncategorized
The perfect gift guide for car lovers!
Holiday celebrations are around the corner and it’s time to shop for our loved ones! Car lovers can be difficult to gift if you are not a race-pilot-in-the-making yourself. We’ve got you covered with this list of new, useful and fun gifts to help your family and friends keep their peace of mind behind the wheel. 
Stay updated and organized
- Nowadays, we use our smartphone all the time, on and off road. You gave Mom a sweater last year. And Dad that TV he really needed. But now what? Keep your friends and family company on their commutes with audio books! A nice way to entertain them hour after hour and allow them to catch up with classics or new books. Get an audible gift card here!
- How about a dash cam? They can make recording what you see on the road so much more fun! Choose one with a wide-angle lens and high-definition video so your fellow motorist can share the journey on social media!
- An organizer can be helpful too! Staying organized – especially for busy parents – can be a struggle. Accordingly, a smart storage solution might be helpful. Whether it’s to keep your snacks put, baby’s toys and necessities handy, or keep your automotive essentials in check, an organizer is a great present for your not-so-organized friends.
Stay safe
- The resqme® is a car escape tool made in the USA and the original 2-in-1 emergency device that cuts jammed seatbelts and breaks car side windows. Powerful, yet small enough to be put on a keychain, it is a thoughtful gift for every driver. Spread safety awareness with this gift for life! A great stocking stuffer under $12, get the limited edition tools here.
- When you’re behind the wheel, eyes should be on the road, but this can lead to unexpected dangers behind the car. Every year, thousands of children are killed or seriously injured because a driver backing up didn’t see them. This $250 backup camera system allows drivers to see what’s behind their car at all times so that we can avoid these terrible accidents in the future.
- Do you know anyone who drives late at night or for many hours? The alertme® is a lifesaver electronic device to help prevent accidents caused by falling asleep behind the wheel. It is lightweight and about the size of a Bluetooth earpiece. It works by detecting when the user’s head nods while driving and emits a loud sound to wake the driver up. Get yours here for less than $10!
Stay wild
A car is made for travel. So let’s go! Planning a successful road trip takes effort, and having the right gear along for the ride can make all the difference. For the adventurers out there, you might think about getting a cooler to bring yummy drinks along. As long as cars don’t feature a built-in fridge, a cooler is the best place to keep drinks cold and enjoy them at the top of the mountain when looking at a great view.
- For your fellow outdoors lovers, what about a sturdy camping tent that can be put on top of the car roof? Because winter landscapes are so worth it, these roof top tents will allow your friends and family to stay high above the cold ground. They also assemble in seconds, which allow more time around the campfire and less time fiddling with tent poles.
Stay stylish ?
- Cruising in style is essential and here are some great additions to set you up! Decades have come and gone since fluffy dice air-fresheners were all the rage and a new one might just do the trick. Time to invest in something more creative like these $4 bacon slices ones. Even if you don’t own a car, the right bacon-obsessed individual will easily find use for this one. On this website, you can even customize the shape, scent and message of the air-freshener so it makes the perfect personalized gift!
- Do you have a girly friend? Treat her to gold glitter printed car floor mats! For less than $90, we love that you can even customize them with her name. You can also throw in a personalized bumper sticker so people know who is driving in front of them!
- Published in Family Safety, Uncategorized
A Self-Defense Guide to Situational Awareness
Do you know what to do in an emergency situation? Do you know what you would do if someone grabbed you or if your safety was in danger? A lot of people think about these questions on a daily basis, especially women, but don’t have a lot of answers to.
Even though the world can be a scary place at times, you can’t live your life in fear. Situational awareness promotes ways to identify, process and comprehend the world around you and help you determine the best way to react to emergency situations. The following is a self-defense guide to situational awareness:
Be Observant
Situational awareness relies on your observations. When you’re walking down the street, you should keep your head up (not buried in your phone) so you can see who and what are around you. Notice buildings, doorways, side streets, people walking by, what people are doing and everything else around you. A great way to practice being observant is to people watch. Take some time to sit on a bench and watch people as they walk by. Notice what they’re doing, who they’re with and what their behavior is like. You also should use all five sense, not just your eyes. Listen to what people are saying and the sounds around you. Pay attention to odd smells or if something doesn’t feel right.
Trust Your Feelings
Sometimes your brain can get in the way of situational awareness. You may be trying to absorb too many details or you may have something else on your mind that distracts you from the situation at hand. However, you often can feel when something is wrong before your brain has the chance to process the information. Pay attention to these feelings. If you feel afraid or nervous, stop what you’re doing to think about why you’re experiencing those feelings. Turn your attention to what’s around you and get yourself to a safe place.
Have the Right Tools
Being aware of your surrounding is a huge first step to protecting yourself; however, you need to have the right tools to take the next steps. If you’re in a dangerous situation, one of the most effective ways to defend yourself is to change your location and put as much distance between you and the danger. Make sure you have a charged cellphone and an unlimited data plan so you can call 9-1-1 or have someone pick you up if you’re in trouble. If you’re nervous walking home by yourself, have a cellphone buddy that you can call to talk to until you reach your destination. You also should invest in protection equipment, such as pepper spray or a personal safety alarm. Our new defendme® personal safety alarm comes with a piercing 120 dB siren that can be heard up to 300 feet, which is the size of a football field. If you’re confronted by a stranger, you can use the alarm to alert others around you that you’re in danger and need help.
The new defendme by resqme, Inc.
Know How to React
Situational awareness helps you know how to react in an emergency situation. For example, if you need to run away from a stranger, you would be aware of side streets, open stores or restaurants and other possible escape routes. You also can call for help immediately or change your location before anything happens. Situational awareness could even help you recognize an attacker’s weakness or ways to identify them later on. The more you notice, the more opportunities you have to react quickly and efficiently.
And even if it might look a little bit intimidating, getting into a martial art is a great idea. Learning self-defense is more than a simple exercise. Some martial arts styles are quite physically demanding and “hands on” than others, which means you’ll be training and sparring with an opponent right from the start. You can find some help to pick the best martial arts for you here. And as a high heels wearer, you might even be able to use your stilettos as self-defense tools!
——
Sara Parker for Social Monsters
About the author: Sara started her writing and editing career in the world of technology and gaming. She has written numerous articles about the tech world and knows more about the cloud than she ever thought she would. She’s an Android enthusiast and is always looking to learn about the next big thing in tech.
- Published in Community, News, Safety Awareness
A new softball complex to honor Ashley
After many years of fundraising and hard work, the new Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex has opened, to honor Ashley’s life and her passion for softball. Thanks to the support of associations, local businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals in Brandon and the surrounding areas, the new softball complex includes four full-sized diamonds and four mini-diamonds for youth ages 4-12, a canteen, and washrooms. Over 500 people attended to celebrate its opening and honor Ashley, who is deeply loved and missed. The opening ceremony included a doubleheader featuring the Dickinson Blue Hawks versus the Mayville Comets.
A field to play and remember
Ashley’s parents Phil and Bev also constructed a granite memorial monument at the entry of the field in which a portion of Ashley’s ashes will remain. resqme, Inc.’s President Laurent Colasse promised them while he came and visited them in September 2015 that the resqme foundation will show its support for this project by donating the monument.
Eight years ago, Ashley Neufeld, 21, and two of her teammates, Kyrstin Gemar and Afton Williamson went on a late-night stargazing adventure in an SUV crashed into a farm pond in Stark County, North Dakota. Tragically, Ashley and her friends were unable to escape when the car became submerged in water and never returned from their adventure.
The Ashley Neufeld Memorial Fund, was originally founded by Ashley’s family members to make sure that no other parents will lose their child because of a drowning vehicle, so they thought the resqme® tool was a perfect fit for fundraising efforts because of its reliability and commitment to saving lives. Thus, the “Ashley tool” was born—a resqme® device bearing Ashley Neufeld’s name. Since the resqme foundation and the Ashley Neufeld Fund began their partnership, over 7,000 resqme® tools have been sold and over $520,000 has been raised in Ashley’s memory.
Most importantly, the Ashley Neufeld resqme® tool is saving lives and rapidly became the safety symbol for an entire community. The “Ashley resqme® Tool” has already been used in numerous incidents of vehicle entrapment in Ashley’s home of Province of Manitoba and has saved several lives.
We, at the resqme foundation, are grateful to help make a difference in others’ lives by making them safer on and off road. In honor of the eighth anniversary of Ashley’s tragic accident, we hope to continue to raise awareness about car safety and vehicle entrapment.
Find all the pictures of the event here.
More articles about the tragic event:
http://mysocialgoodnews.com/resqme-inc-saves-lives-in-honor-of-car-crash/
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-local-athlete-is-found-dead-in-nd-pond-2009nov04-story.html
- Published in resqme News, Safety Awareness, Sponsors, Uncategorized
Meet Enrick Duval, Director of Operations at resqme, Inc.
This April, 2017, Enrick Duval celebrated his 15th anniversary at resqme, Inc. Originally from Paris, Enrick moved to California in 2000 after he received a Master’s Degree in business. Since his arrival at resqme, Inc. Enrick has been part of the company’s many changes and important milestones which means he knows a lot about safety and our company’s main product, the resqme® car escape tool. We talked with Enrick to find out what’s behind the compact safety tool that has sold over 4 million items worldwide.
What’s your role in the company?
During my first 10 years at resqme, Inc., I was the Sales and Marketing Manager. 4 ½ years ago, the company went through a major shift in its business model and I was appointed as the Director of Operations. Among my tasks, I am in charge of the coordination of the inventory, production and distribution processes while ensuring the smooth day-to-day business operations. I also keep learning! For 2 years, I went through intensive training with the APICS organization[1] and follow the CPIM program[2] and more recently, I have started my Six Sigma[3] training.
So you were there at the beginning!
Pretty much! Back in 2000, I was working as the Business Service Manager at the French American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles (FACCLA) and at the time, the President of resqme, Inc., Laurent Colasse, was one of the members. In 2001, Laurent Colasse was looking for someone to help develop and grow the sales department. So we met in Santa Barbara and had a lunch at his favorite pizza place! Laurent explained his project but at the time, I had other opportunities in Paris and in Dublin. But things didn’t work out as planned. During that time, I was still in contact with Laurent and when he offered me again the position, I didn’t let the opportunity pass. On April 2002, I moved to Santa Barbara and joined the team. It was meant to be!
Starting from scratch must be an incredible experience. Were you involved in the choice of the company’s name change, the logo, all of that?
Definitely and what a great experience that was! It’s hard to believe that 5 years ago the company was still called with its original name, Innovation Distributing Inc. Back then, we were doing business as NOV8., which stands for “innovate” and we had two main divisions: NOV8 Safety and NOV8 Promo.
The Innovation Distributing logo
The Innovate logo
The resqme, Inc. logo
Tell me more about the evolution of the company branding.
As the company grew, it was important for us to see how our brand could grow as well in the USA but also worldwide while reflecting our mission statement. The answer was right in front of our eyes and we decided to name the company after our best seller tool, the resqme®.
We worked on creating new designs for the logo. Even the spelling changed! We decided to put everything in lower case with a 3 branches cross. If you pay attention, the “me” is “safe” inside the cross. It was a major and a critical step in our development in getting a global brand. I think that if we would have kept our original company name, our business would have been totally different.
How would it be different?
Promoting a line of products with a company name easily identified and a powerful logo is key. Changing the company name to resqme, Inc. was a good move. Moreover, “resqme” tells a story that people can connect with. Most of our products includes the “me” that leads to consistency and create a sense of adhesion.
What do you like the most at resqme, Inc.?
It’s mainly about the fact that we are not only here to sell something. We have a mission and every day, we are doing our part to make life safer. Since the beginning, I personally feel a strong connection to the products and especially with the resqme® car escape tool and I am convinced that one day people will have the resqme attitude!
The resqme attitude?
Absolutely! Having a good attitude toward safety is key to be ready for the unexpected, don’t just wish for the best! I also think that it is important to increase awareness around you, especially towards your loved ones and friends.
Tell us more about the resqme car escape tool, since this is where it all started.
The resqme® tool
The resqme is a compact powerful car escape tool with the specific purpose of helping save lives. For me, it is not a gadget! So our goal is to offer a high quality tool with a main purpose. I don’t believe in all those 5-in-1 safety tools that will distract you from the main reason why everybody should have a safety tool like resqme.
I have noticed that a lot of fake copies come with whistles, flashlights or other functions that the resqme doesn’t have.
Yes, that’s correct and actually that’s a choice we made! Companies often like to offer more and more features to a product, so the consumers feel like having it is a good deal. It might be true for some products, but when it comes to safety, I personally think that you need to get the best possible tool that will do the “job” when you need it the most. My two main mottos are, “less is more” and “don’t gamble with your life”. We want to make a real change in the community and keep growing as a professional and reliable safety company.
What would be challenging then?
I would definitely say that it is to keep the integrity of the product, and making sure that nothing can interfere with its quality. It could be from the manufacturing process, the supply chain and all the way to when the people have the product on hand. Our end users MUST have the best experience possible with our products.
Being in the operations, you have to literally think about everything that happens before and after the sale: from the choice of the plastic, to the quality of the blade, the steel, everything. Thanks to my 10-year background in sales, I have a good idea what the sales department is trying to accomplish daily and what ultimately our clients are looking for. This does help a lot. There is no room for approximations, which fits my personality since I have a strict methodology. Voice of the customer is key, so we try to meet their needs as much as possible. We have been selling over half million units per year for the past 8 years: that’s over 4 million people with the resqme on hands. It is rewarding to know that these people are safer with our tool.
Can you think of anything you would do differently?
The team at resqme, Inc., is always coming with new concepts, new ideas and inevitably we end up with too many projects. I wish we had more time to do more for the community.
What makes working at resqme different than working somewhere else?
The company, resqme, Inc. is a very small entity, operating with 15 team members. Working here allows me and everyone else to express their visions and ideas. The resqme attitude, starts right here with all the people working at resqme, Inc. Also, working in Santa Barbara is a blessing! I love it here. As a French American person, I can see that Californians people are very open to other cultures, including food! I am a foodie and love to cook! Here I can find pretty much find everything that I like! Finally, being surrounded by beaches, the Sierra Nevada and beautiful National Parks, I really enjoy traveling with my family and taking photographs of the landscape.
Where do you see yourself in the next years?
I definitely see myself with resqme, Inc. and who knows, for another 15 years! We have some many projects. Like the launch of a new company in France called, resqme Europe, SAS. We are also diversifying and our new project is to soon launch in conjunction with our safety app called “SOS resqme”. This is new and we are all up for the challenge.
[2] https://www.apics.org/credentials-education/credentials/cpim
- Published in Community, News, Uncategorized
Dangerous! A car doesn’t have to be moving to be…
Even if you drive one of the safest cars on the market and you always make sure your kids are correctly restrained in their car seats, there are dangers every parent and relative needs to consider. Terrible and preventable car related accidents and heat stroke cases kill a large number of children in the USA every year.
A car doesn’t have to be moving to be dangerous.
People don’t realize that a car in a driveway can be potentially deadly. Children are not aware of the danger of playing behind parked cars, and their size can make them impossible to be seen from your car’s blind spots, this can lead to a child being run over. Did you know that blind spots are a deadly flaw for most SUVs? There are also other potential dangers for children in and around a car: power windows, trunk entrapment, drowings, falls from motor vehicles, seatbelt strangulations, carbon monoxide poisoning, underage drivers… Remember to always keep an eye on your kids when there is a vehicle is present, and invest in the proper safety tools to help in case of an emergency!
Frontovers and backovers represent the two main causes of non-traffic fatalities for children age 15 and under[1]. It happens when the driver is moving and doesn’t see the kids standing in the blind spots in the front and in the back of the car. Be aware that the “blind zone” and “blind spots” got their name for obvious reasons: they’re the area behind, on the side and in front of a vehicle that the driver cannot see from the driver’s seat – and will not see if there is a child in those zones. “Two children every week are dying because they can’t be seen behind these larger vehicles that we’re driving” said Janette Fennell, the president and founder of the education and advocacy organization KidsAndCars.org.
To prevent these fatal accidents, it is important to teach children not to play in or around cars. The driver should also walk around the vehicle before entering and roll down the windows so you can hear if there are children present. Blind-spot mirrors are also a great investment to increase safety.
Heat stroke represent 16% of all of non-traffic deaths. Each year, an average of 37 children die from heat-related deaths after being trapped inside vehicles. Science show that everyone is capable of unknowingly leaving a sleeping baby in a car; this can lead to injury or even death. Stress or distractions are the main reasons people forget their children inside the vehicle. When children are locked inside a car, temperatures quickly rise, and they can get heat stroke. Learn more about the science behind the phenomenon of children forgotten in cars here.
If you see a child or pet left in a hot car it is important that you call 911. If you believe that the child is in immediate danger you should try to break a window to save the child. This can be done with a car escape tool like the resqme. Learn what to do here.
This article is mainly based on the research by Kidsandcars.org. Prevention and awareness are key, so we proudly partnered with Kidsandcars.org and are working hard to create awareness, and stop these preventable deaths from happening. Support the cause and get your KidsAndCars resqme tool here.
[1] http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/20070606_trauma_backovers/index.html
car moving dangerous
car moving dangerous
car moving dangerous
- Published in Community, Family Safety
Back to school 101 checklist
Believe it or not, summer is winding down, and it’s time to start thinking about going back to school! To make the transition as easy as possible, we’ve got you covered with a fresh to-do list. We’ve covered it all and are here to help you get ready for a new year of student life.
- Get a fresh haircut. “New start, new you” they say. Why not try something different? You always wanted to rock bangs or a bob haircut but you were never brave enough? There’s no time like the present! Set up an appointment with your favorite hairdresser. And if you end up not liking it, which we highly doubt, it will always grow back!
- Pack wisely. Think twice when packing. Space can be limited when moving from home to attend school. Remember, free time will be at an all-time low so don’t fill it with all those books you have but never got a chance to read. Same for your clothes, only pack what you wear the most and feel confident in. eBay, consignment stores, or better, donate the stuff you don’t wear anymore.
- Invest in things you’ll use again and again. A new laptop, a sturdy back pack, cozy jacket, a top quality set of headphones and an extra phone charger!
- Create a space you love. Everything from wall decals to pillows, picture frames and scented candles, can help make your dorm feel like home.
- Edit your resume. Before getting into a school routine, update your resume. So that the moment when you encounter the perfect side-job to finance your weekends you’ll be ready for hire.
- Pick up a new planner. You might get one for free but it won’t reflect your true self as much as a furry mermaid cover one would. Get some new school supplies, too.
- Try a new activity. Always wanted to try indoor climbing? Check out the Student Activities and Campus Life for clubs and student groups. Experiencing activities outside the classroom is a great way to socialize!
- Stay safe. College can be an incredible and rewarding experience. But as busy as you will be with adjusting to independence, new classes and new friends, don’t forget to stay safe and to maintain awareness. Sadly, at campuses big and small, rural and urban, safety is an issue. During 2015, more than 36 thousand criminal offenses were reported. Always have somebody to walk with after dark. Stay safe off campus as well: ask a friend to walk you home, keep your door locked, and keep a safety device with you. Our defendme personal safety alarm comes with a powerful siren that immediately draws attention to you when needed and it’s ideal for campus students. Pepper spray is also a good option. Get our combo deal here!
- Finally, trust and be yourself. Be confident: it’s time to blossom into your best self and enjoy a great time in your life!
- Published in Auto Safety, Community, Driver Safety, Family Safety, Uncategorized
Recent Posts
-
Tips for Mental Health Awareness Month.
It seemed as if it was yesterday that we... -
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!
As phone usage behind the wheel has become the ... -
Prevention Checklist: From the Female Point of View
By: Aleksandra Mircevska The fema... -
What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Driving.
By: Aleksandra Mircevska Getting a drive... -
Happy New Year and all the best for 2021!
2020 has officially ended! It would be a euphem... -
Safety tips for Thanksgiving
If you are lucky enough to be able to be with f... -
5 Safety Tips For Halloween ?
Be extra careful with children crossing Hallowe... -
Top 5 things to always have in your car
Take good care of your car and you will drive i... -
What is inside the resqme®?
We all know the importance of being prepared in... -
5 things to do if confined during the outbreak
We are living a period of uncertainty with a lo... -
Top 5 New Drivers Tips
You just got your driver license, congratulatio... -
How to use the resqme®?
The resqme® is a great car escape tool but some... -
5 tips to prevent fatigue during long commutes
There is no way around it, a long commute can b... -
New technologies to prevent hot car deaths
This past summer, 43 kids died of vehicular hea... -
Kids in hot cars
Summertime is here! June 21st marked the beginn... -
Resqme and Rescue 42 team up for the release of the Ripper™ Laminated Glass Cutter
Resqme, Inc. is proud to collaborate wit... -
5 things that will get you pulled over
1. Lights malfunction You were taking your time... -
5 tips when coming home late at night
1. Be aware of your surroundings When walking i... -
5 tips when running alone
1. Listen to music at a reasonable volume When ... -
5 things to be a better car owner this year
All right so 2019 is here! Happy New Year every... -
Happy Holiday Season from the resqme Team!
Ah the Holiday season… that special time of the... -
Top 5 things to expect when driving with your kids
Ah, taking a family trip! Away from work, it is... -
Survivor testimonial: how the resqme tool helped save Jack’s life
It is always a great reward for us when someone... -
Thank you, Firefighters and first responders of California
As the summer is almost ending, we would like t... -
How to travel with your dog
America’s love for dogs is getting stronger and...