A Fresh Start with Safety in the New Year

Hours, weeks, or months; how long will your New Year’s resolutions last? Each year, many of us give in to the pressure of adopting resolutions. Whether it’s a desire to learn something new, seek a lifestyle change, or eliminate an unfavorable or unhealthy habit, we often have the best intentions. Unfortunately, most resolutions end up being short-lived and rarely make it past January. However, the beginning of a new year is a great time to prioritize safety goals by revisiting and refreshing safety plans around your home, farm, or ranch.

Safety Around the Home

Protect your family where they feel most safe and secure. These five actions can help prevent incidents in and around your home.

1. Test smoke alarm batteries and replace any that are more than 10 years old. A working smoke alarm should be on every level of your home. Working fire extinguishers or fire blankets should be easily accessible around the home with everyone knowing where they are and how to use them.

2. Create an emergency escape plan and practice it with all family members.

3. Keep first-aid and disaster preparedness kits well-stocked and easily accessible. Discard and replace any expired items.

4. Replace lightbulbs both inside your home, as well as the exterior for added visibility and security. Check in and around your home for any tripping hazards like cords or items left on the stairs.

5. Add or update emergency contact numbers in your cell phone and have a listing in a central, easily accessible location, like the refrigerator.

Safety Around the Farm or Ranch

Evaluating the safety of your farm or ranch is great way to help workers prepare for the busy spring planting season. Here a five safety tips to consider:

1. Conduct safety training sessions for all workers. Review and update safety plans by establishing clear emergency procedures including everything from severe weather to barn fires.

2. Ensure first aid kits are on-site and easily accessible. Consider adding or replacing fire extinguishers or fire blankets in and around equipment, barns, heating sources, etc.

3. Adequately inspect all equipment and machinery. Ensure everything is properly working and fix or replace anything broken or warn, like headlights, SMV emblems, etc.

4. Safeguard all employees by providing personal protective equipment (PPE).

5. Ensure proper handling and storage of chemicals and hazardous materials.

Protecting the Future Generation

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) continues to be recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. Since its inception in 1995, the program has reached more than two million children and adults with age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences.

PAF continuously looks to partner with safety and health champions willing to lead the charge locally and share their time, talent, and treasure with others. Each year, the Foundation educates, equips, and mentors hundreds of volunteers from across North America to serve in the role of PAF Coordinator.

You, too, can join the mission and provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. Visit www.progressiveag.org for more information and click on Get Involved to learn about volunteer opportunities, donating to the cause, or how to bring a PAF Safety Day to your local community.