October Safety Newsletter (Sign up here to get upcoming newsletters - FREE!)

In addition to the human loss and suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina last year, we learned about the tens of thousands of animals that either died or were left homeless by the disaster. A little more than a year later, most pet owners are still without a plan.

The ASPCA has published some really good guidelines for preparing your dogs, cats, birds and other pets for disasters. Click here to get more information or to print a pamphlet.

Authors Allen and Linda Anderson have outlined 5 ways you can prepare in their book “Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster”. The book is full of great information and dramatic stories of volunteers fighting to save pets left behind after Hurricane Katrina.

Senior Safe Mobility Week

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has designated October 22-28 as Senior Safe Mobility Week. I don’t know if the two are related but there is a trial going on now in Los Angeles to decide if the 86-year old man who drove his car through a crowded farmer’s market last year should go to jail.

Related or not, it is clear that government leaders, insurance companies and others are focusing more on helping seniors and their families deal with the critical, yet highly sensitive, issue of automobile safety. One great resource I found is “Senior Citizen Driving: Warning Signs and Helping an Unsafe Driver to Stop Driving” from Helpguide.org. The article contains some warning signs of unsafe driving, risk factors to consider, how to monitor a senior driver who could be unsafe and other great information. See the entire article here.

Emergency Contacts Profile Tip

Be sure to let your designated contacts know you've included them in your plan. A quick email or phone call letting them know you've enrolled and included them in the profile may save confusion later. Be aware that some people may surprise you and say they don't think they can handle the responsibility. Click here to see other helpful tips.

Member Referral Program

Did you know that you could get additional months of Emergency Contacts service free when you refer friends or family? If you know someone who you think should sign up, have them put your name and membership number in the “Referred by” box on the form and we’ll add a free month of service to your account. Click here to sign up if you’re not already a member.

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(Click here for the September Newsletter.)