Tag Archives: Minneapolis childcare

Severe Weather Awareness Month in Minnesota

April is Severe Weather Awareness Month and it’s important to be ready. Late spring is when we see a large number of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, so here’s how to handle that.

A severe thunderstorm is one which may include any or all of the following: frequent lightning strikes (which can be extremely dangerous,) high winds, hail, and heavy rain with street flooding.

A tornado is a specific kind of storm where winds and air pressure combine to create a funnel cloud. This spins around in a circle and creates crazy wind speed. Depending on the severity, trees can be knocked into houses, houses can be blown down, windows can shatter and strew broken glass everywhere.

If a severe thunderstorm watch or a tornado watch is announced, that means  that conditions are right for bad weather to develop, but nothing is happening yet. Mainly, just be aware of what’s going on outside at this point – maybe don’t get too far from shelter. I would turn the TV on or listen to the radio to see if there is anything near me.

If a severe thunderstorm warning or a tornado warning are announced, that means they have identified an actual storm in your area. Sirens will go off and they will definitely break into programming to give you information. If the warning is for a thunderstorm, keep everyone inside and away from windows – sometimes hail can break a window, or lightning can strike right through it.

If the warning is for a tornado, DROP EVERYTHING, Grab the kids and go to a safe part of the basement – away from windows, and also in a sturdy place – under the staircase can be perfect. Stay there until you hear that things are all clear – sometimes tornadoes can come in waves, so just because one has gone by doesn’t mean the danger is over. Try to keep the kids calm by singing or reading to them.

Families probably want to have things like a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and maybe a blanket ready in the basement in case of severe weather.

I’ll be going over all this with the au pairs at our April cluster meeting.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Tubing au pairs

Winter Driving Safety Tips from the Minnesota Safety Council – Long but worth it!
WINTER DRIVING TIPS

In addition to the basic safe driving habits we practice all year long – buckling up, driving alert and sober, and driving at a safe and legal speed – be aware of extra steps you can take during the winter months.

Make sure your car is ready for the season and that the brakes, battery, exhaust and cooling systems, headlights, fluids, windshield wipers and washers are all in proper working order. Throughout the winter, keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze.

Keep close tabs on the weather. Avoid traveling, especially alone, if severe weather is forecast. Before taking a trip, inform someone at your destination of your expected arrival time and your route.

Keep an emergency survival kit in the car. It should include:
a working flashlight and road flares
an ice scraper, snow brush and shovel
jumper cables, tow chain and a toolkit
a blanket, warm clothes, boots, hat and gloves
a metal bucket or coffee can, small candle and matches or a disposable lighter
a brightly colored square of cloth such as a bandanna
basic first aid kit
a large plastic garbage bag (can be used to insulate feet, legs and torso)
a bag of sand, salt or cat litter to use for traction when tire is stuck
high energy, non-perishable foods (granola bars, unsalted nuts, dried fruits)

If your car has been outside during a snowfall, brush all the snow off before setting out. Snow left on the front hood will blow into the front vent and cause defrosting problems, and can also melt and re-freeze on the windshield. Snow on the roof will cover the rear window and snow on the rear deck will blow onto tail lights. Pay particular attention to cleaning off headlights and tail lights so that other motorists can see you.

Adjust your speed to the conditions and increase following distances. Remember that bridges and overpasses can be more slippery than other parts of the road. If you begin to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and gently turn the wheel in the direction you want the car to go. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.

Check that your cell phone is fully charged for use during emergencies. Because driving requires your full attention, be sure to find a safe place to pull over when you need to make a call.

If You Get Stranded While Traveling…
Stay with your vehicle. Don’t try to walk to safety – you’re safer staying in your vehicle.
Call for help on your cell phone
Make yourself visible. Tie a brightly colored (preferably red) banner or cloth on your antenna or hang it out a window. After the snowfall ends, raise the hood of your engine to indicate trouble.
Run vehicle for ten minutes every hour.Operate the heater and keep your overhead light on to remain visible for rescuers. Keep the exhaust pipe clear to prevent fumes from entering the vehicle, and always leave a down-wind window open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, keep the radiator free of snow to prevent overheating.
Keep moving. From time to time vigorously move your arms, fingers, legs and toes to keep blood circulating and to stay warm. Avoid over-doing it. It is important not to get hot and sweaty because wet clothing loses its insulating ability. If you are with others, huddle together for warmth and sleep in shifts.
Acknowledgments:
National Safety Council

Au pair extension program

Au pairs come on a 12 month, J-1 visa. If they complete the requirements for their first year, they can extend with the program for up to a second year. This can be great for families who want to have the continuity of two full years with the same person. No learning curve!

Au pairs can choose to change families for their second year, instead of staying with their first family. This is generally because they would like to experience another part of the US. Their host family writes a recommendation for them and their profiles become available to families seeking a new au pair.

Second year au pairs can work out very well for families. The au pair has already gotten through the worst of any homesickness, and she understands exactly what the job of an au pair in the US is. They have probably been driving in US traffic, and their English has improved. Some families really enjoy these benefits. The only drawback is that the au pair can’t extend again, so it’s not for families who are looking for two years with the same caregiver.

You can see mini-profiles of many of the au pairs interested in extending by going to http://www.aupairinamerica.com/aupairs/available_year2.asp

Halloween

If you’re a kid in the United States, Halloween is one of the best days of the year. Kids get to dress up in all kinds of fantastic costumes and go door to door, collecting bags of candy. It’s a great day to celebrate being a child. Many kids have planned what they want to be for months.

It’s important that the adults in a child’s life are aware of safety at this time. Many families put lit candles in pumpkins outside their front doors, which can quickly ignite a costume, so be aware of fire safety all the time. Also, although it’s very rare, sometimes candy can be tampered with, so adults should check all the candy before kids get to eat any. It’s also important to be aware of weather, steering kids toward costumes that would allow a sweatshirt or gloves if needed. Be sure kids are visible to drivers with glow sticks or reflective tape strips on the costumes.

Au pairs can be involved in Halloween in many different ways, from helping to make costumes to carving pumpkins into jack-o’lanterns, to handing out candy on Halloween night or going trick-or-treating with the kids. Make sure you have your camera handy!