Life 101.9 Mornings » Safety

Safety for Your Family

Brent Manion — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:07:18 +0000

Scott Drzycimski Team Lead - Strategic Communications Interstate Power and Light Co., an Alliant Energy Company

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless odorless gas you don’t even know is there….but it can be in our home and can be a serious threat to our family. Here to help us sort out the issues and keep ourselves and our children safe is Scott Drzymcimski from Alliant Energy.

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Alliant Energy’s PowerHouse TV Carbon Monoxide information

Alliant Energy’s PowerHouse TV Carbon Monoxide detectors

Toyota Accelerator Pedal Recall

Brent Manion — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:01:53 +0000

Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander except hybrid models,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this action?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?
The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly. It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.

Are you continuing to investigate other models?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.

Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?
Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is necessary.

Keeping you safe, here is link for more information on the Toyota Accelerator Pedal Recall.

During a Power Outage

Brent Manion — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:48:32 +0000

Check your fuses or circuit breakers to rule out problems with electricity inside your home. If you’ve blown a fuse, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. If the breaker has tripped, reset it from “off” to “on.” If you’re unsure about fixing a fuse or circuit breaker, call an electrician.

Call your local energy provider to report an actual outage. Do not call 911 unless there is a real emergency.

For MidAmerican the number is 800-799-4443.

For Alliant Energy the number is 877-740-5050

Listen to radio reports. If the outage is widespread, use your radio to monitor the outage restoration process.

Unplug computers, TVs, VCRs, and other sensitive appliances to avoid possible damage when electricity comes back on. When power resumes, reset clocks and check automatic alarms and timers. Plug in only essential items. Wait 10 minutes before connecting the rest to let the electrical system stabilize.

Turn off all but one of the lights that were on, so you will notice when electricity is restored.

Use a flashlight when it gets dark. Avoid candles because of the fire risk.

Turn off heat-producing appliances like electric irons and heaters to prevent a fire in case no one is home when power is restored.

If you use a standby generator, make sure it has a transfer switch. This switch will isolate your home circuits from power lines. A generator that does not have a transfer switch can back feed electricity into main power lines, causing a shock hazard for you and utility crews.

Be alert for carbon monoxide (CO) buildup from portable generators. Never run a portable generator inside or near a building.

Traffic lights and railroad crossings may not work. If you are in a car remind the driver to stop, look and listen for cross traffic.

Crib Recall

Brent Manion — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:04:12 +0000

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall Tuesday of 20 models of Dorel Asia cribs with both drop-sides and fixed front rails.

The cribs are being recalled because the drop side can detach from the crib, creating a space where a child can be trapped and suffocate or strangle.

For more information visit:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10114.html

Winter Travel Safety Tips

Brent Manion — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:14:28 +0000

Getting stranded with a vehicle that is stuck or won’t run is never fun. But getting stranded in the winter season can be dangerous if you don’t keep a few simple items in your vehicle to help keep you and your family safe.

Old Hat, scarf, gloves, boots, and blanket (You may not have all of these, but some is better than none:)
Boots, old coveralls.
Bottle of water under the seat.
(My Favorite) Keep Hand Warmers in the glove box. You can stick them between layers of cloths or socks to keep you warm!

Home Safety

Brent Manion — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:54:24 +0000

The Burglary Prevention Council says July and August are peak times for break-ins.

ADT Security Services recommends these steps to keep things safe on the home front:

Put indoor lights on a timer. Set different rooms for different times.

Make sure shrubs and bushes do not block the line of site to the entries of your house.

Tell a neighbor where you are and have them get the mail and paper.

Keep curtains slightly open as if someone is home.

Lock everything with a deadbolt, where possible.

Leave a car in the driveway.