10 Tips Winter Family Driving Safety on the Road in Snow & Blizzard Conditions

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Top Ten Tips for Safe Winter Road Travel

That's me above, enjoying an East Coast snow day as a kid with my brother in the 1960s. If you've read some of my most recent posts, you may know that I'm a big fan of family fun in the snow.  In fact, though it's in the 60s here in California today, I can't help but be enchanted by the beautiful snow covered mountains off to the east of downtown, jutting out of the Southern California horizon.

50 years later, me sledding with my own kids in this picture taken by my eldest son...

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Don't worry, though, if you happen to live where it's really cold right now, this post is not intended to flaunt our temperate weather.  I'm an Eastern girl at heart -- having been raised less than an hour from New York City -- and am very aware of all the snow and blizzards that have blanketed many more northernly parts of the country the past week and am particularly concerned about the associated dangers of driving with kids in such treacherous weather.

So, I'm glad to be able to bring you this post about roadway safety, thanks to the editorial staff of Rand McNally -- the map people -- who have pulled together some great advice for safe winter road travel whether you are alone or traveling with your family.

10 Ways to Safer Winter Road Travel

1. Know the differences among various winter weather advisories

The National Weather Service issues several cautions; understand what they mean before you hit the road:

a. Winter weather advisories are for conditions that may be hazardous, but should not become life threatening when using caution.

b. Winter storm watches mean that severe winter conditions may affect your area and

are issued 12-36 hours in advance of major storms.

c. Winter storm warnings mean a storm bringing four or more inches of snow/sleet is

expected in the next 12 hours, or six or more inches in 24 hours.

d. Blizzard warnings mean snow and strong winds will produce blinding snow, deep

drifts, and a life-threatening wind chill.

2. Let someone who is not traveling with you know your timetable and travel route

This is especially important if you'll be driving in areas with little traffic, rural locations, or large park or other unpopulated areas.

3. Prevention is the best medicine

Driving slowly and maintaining plenty of room between you and the next car is the easiest way to avoid accidents. We all want to our destination faster but that extra 30 minutes could save your family's life. In bad weather, allow for 3 to 12 times more stopping distance depending on the size of your vehicle and the way your car or truck handles.

4. Stock your with all the essentials

Be sure you pack your car with a shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, flashlights, warning devices (flares), sand or kitty litter, and high-calorie non-perishable food as well as plenty of bottled water. Also, if you have young kids, be certain to bring way more formula, food, and/or diapers and wipes than you will need for the journey so you'll have enough if you have to stop along the way.

5. Keep spare, charged batteries for cell phones in your car

Duracell and others make instant chargers for popular phones such as the iPhone; there are also some hand crank generators on the market that can be purchased at outdoor and camping stores.  If your car battery dies, you will be glad you spent the extra $15 to reach help.  If you regularly travel to very remote areas where cell towers are few and far between, consider investing in a satellite telephone or an in-car service like On-Star.

6. Keep your gas tank full to prevent the fuel line from freezing

Also, make sure the windshield wiper fluid reservoir is full. In addition, be sure your car is properly maintained (check the oil) and winterized with anti-freeze fluid and snow tires or carry snow chains.

7. Check to make sure your head and tail lights and windshield wipers are functioning properly

Also that your center and side rear view mirrors are working properly before traveling. In most states it is illegal to drive if either is malfunctioning; and in certain weather situations it is also extremely unsafe.

8. Know your health insurance plan's emergency care policies

What kind of doctors can you visit? If you have in-network benefits what happens if you need medical care beyond your home city or state? Are you charged differently for treatment at a hospital emergency room (without being admitted) or an emergency walk-in clinic? It goes without saying that you should carry a copy of your health care policy and/or membership cards if you belong to an HMO, for example.

9. If you get stuck in the snow, stay in your car – it’s your best shelter

Don’t leave unless help is within 100 yards and, ideally, is visible.

10. Nearly 60% of accidents are the result of improper driving

Whether you've had a bit too much to eat or a bit too much alcohol, don't drive until you are fully awake and not impaired by anything. Most adults know well enough not to drink and drive, but few realize accidents are just as easily caused by being drowsy or impaired by legal drugs like cold medicines. When in doubt, pull to the side of the road being sure that you are completely off the highway and out of harm's way, stop at a designated rest stop to wait the storm out or check into a motel for a quick nap.

And a bonus point:

Always carry a first aid kit in the car with you. This is especially important if you have children or the elderly riding with you. Don't forget to bring all prescription medications you'll need with you and have extra with you, just in case your travel is delayed by bad weather.

My youngest son building a whole army of mini snowmen...

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For even more travel suggestions and ideas on driving distances with kids during winter weather or for maps and directions, visit the Rand McNally website

What other ideas do you have about driving in winter weather with your kids? Definitely post a comment and share your advice with other families.

FTC Disclosure:  Rand McNally provided the original content for this blogpost which was then edited by MommyBlogExpert.  I did not receive any payment or other compensation.   See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

6 Ways to Design a Healthy & Eco-Friendly Home Baby Nursery

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My newborn Triplets, MommyBlogExpert.com

When you're expecting a new baby, designing and creating the perfect nursery is on the top of your to-do list. There are lots of decisions to make and the biggest factor to keep in mind is safety.  The fact is, that there's a way to streamline the process.

Eco-conscious parents can start protecting their new bundle of joy before he or she is even born by selecting products that are healthy and green.  To guide expecting moms and dads in the right direction, the co-authors of The Peaceful Nursery - Healthy Home and Lifestyle experts Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes offer some great suggestions for making your nursery healthy and eco-friendly.

Clean With All Natural Cleaning Products.  A study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that pollution inside a home could be two to five times higher than outside, even in large, industrialized cities. Household cleaning products are one of the causes of indoor air pollution, with many containing harmful chemicals such as ammonia and phenol.  Natural cleaning products such as Paw Safe  are widely available in stores these days, but you can also make your own using ingredients such as white vinegar and baking powder. 

Buy Organic or Untreated Fabrics.  Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, soil fumigants, and fertilizers and fabrics made from organic cotton aren't treated with chemicals in the mill process, either.  Look for clothes and sheets made from natural materials like linen, wool, hemp, bamboo, silk, and organic cotton.  Avoid treated fabrics -- permanent press, wrinkle free, stain resistant, flame resistant, etc. -- because these all are made with chemicals.

Decorate With Eco-Friendly Materials. Paints can give off toxic fumes known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can remain in the air even after the paint is dry. Non-VOC paints are a healthier, more eco-friendly alternative. No matter what, paint your nursery at least a month in advance of your baby's arrival and keep the windows open, so that the majority of any VOCs and other solvents will have time to dissipate. You can also use natural paints, such as milk paint or natural lime paint. Look for furniture made with organic or untreated fabrics and PBDE-free foam and furniture made from wood that comes from responsibly harvested forests.

Buy Second-Hand Furniture or Borrow From A Friend.  Check with friends to see if they have any baby furniture you can buy or borrow, since it's only useful for a short time. Used furniture more than five years old has most likely off-gassed the majority of toxins in finishes, paint or construction, which makes buying or borrowing used furniture an excellent way to be health conscious, stay within a budget, and practice recycling.  However, be aware that hand-me-down cribs may not meet current safety standards and older furniture made before 1978 might contain lead paint.  Check to make sure used products are up to current standards with the Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association. 

Keep It Simple and Don't Get Caught Up in the Hype.  When shopping for your baby, keep in mind you may not need everything that's recommended.  For example, if you have a dresser that's an appropriate height for changing the baby, you can just buy a changing station "top" for the dresser. Or you can change your baby on the floor or on your bed. Perhaps you will decide to simply use bio-bags to dispose of diapers or even employ a cloth diaper service rather than buy a fancy diaper pail. It's easy to over-buy in anticipation of your baby, especially if you never been a parent before and aren't sure what you'll want or need. We suggest visiting a friend who parents in a way you relate to, and asking her advice.

Keep A Shoeless Home.  Shoes track in dirt and pesticides from outside onto our floors where babies spend a great deal of time.  Have everyone who enters your home, remove your shoes before entering your home and avoid using pesticides and insecticides in your yard.

About The Peaceful Nursery

With the brand-new, innovative Peaceful Nursery iPhone app, everything you need to know about designing and creating a healthy and eco-friendly nursery is right at your fingertips. Features include a quick and easy shopping checklist of all the right items to buy for the nursery, along with tips about what to avoid, and an explanation of chemicals often found in each product. A paint guide, tips on everything from helping baby sleep to uses of color, and how to arrange your nursery are also included, along with video insights from the app's co-authors.  The Peaceful Nursery ($1.99) has versions compatible with iPhone 3 and iPhone 4, as well as iPod Touch and is available from Apple's iTunes Store.

What ideas do you have for creating a baby nursery that's healthy for your family and earth friendly too?  Please comment.

FTC Disclosure:  The Peaceful Nursery provided the original content for this blogpost which was then edited by MommyBlogExpert.  I did not receive any payment or other compensation.   See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

National Writing Competition for High School Students - New Topic & Contest Monthly

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My two sons (foreground) at Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment Event

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, California

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

As a mom of four teens myself, I am a strong proponent of extra curricular academic activities that enforce and build upon what kids are learning in school.  This is equally true whether you're talking about the sciences, mathematics, language arts or any other academic field they typically study.

Writing contests, such as the one I'm writing about in this post are fabulous ways to engage teens in using the skills they've learned in classrooms and turning them into projects that are not only constructive but  esteem-boosting as well.  With that in mind, I'm pleased to share this growth opportunity with both my parent and teen readers.

Each month, an organization called Stage of Life features a national writing contest for high school students dealing with a different real-world issue.  Past contests have dealt with the Gulf Oil Spill, America's relationship to food, education improvement, teen stress, etc.

This student writing competition is a non-fiction, memoir, blogging, diary, letter, or essay-style contest for teenagers in high school.  Quality entries from teens with authentic voices in their submissions are highly sought.  The monthly winner receives several prizes as well as publication and public acknowledgment for their work.

Entry Deadline for this month is January 31, 2011

For the January 2011 Teen Writing Contest the topic is "What organization, company, non-profit, or cause will help make the world a better place in 2011?"

You'll find more information about the contest including how to enter HERE

About Stage of Life™

StageofLife is a free, non-partisan grassroots project hosting blogs, information and resources for teens, Millennials/Gen Y, Gen X, and Baby Boomer generations.  Its specialized content includes lesson plan ideas and writing prompts for Language Arts teachers, monthly writing contests for high school students  and college students, blogging resources, a platform for writers and bloggers to promote their work and much more, including My Life Rewards, an area dedicated to providing relevant coupons and discounts exclusively geared towards each stage of life.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation in association with this post.  However Ritz-Carlton (which is not in any way involved in the writing contest described in this post) hosted me and my family for the event mentioned in the photo that accompanies the story.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.