Be Safe, stay cool

Published 1:53 am Friday, October 3, 2008

It would appear that winter is upon us, so I would like to remind you

all of some basic things you need to be ready for. As an example, do you

have your outside faucets for the garden hose covered? If not, I would

suggest you do it today. The same goes for any outside pipes or water pipes

exposed to the extent that they may freeze. Get them covered before you end up

with a swimming pool in a location in your house you had not planned on.

PPP

Going to the family car … do not only check your anti-freeze level

but also check your battery. If it is one that needs water, make sure you are up

to the proper level. If you have studs for your tires, remember two

critical things. They keep you going in snow and ice but

do not stop you faster. Keep plenty of space between you and

the car ahead in snow and ice conditions. And on wet or dry pavement,

remember that you are no longer stopping on rubber, but metal studs. They will

not stop you as quickly as rubber. So again, keep extra space between

you and the car in front, or your insurance rate will go up after the accident.

PPP

As to the season at hand, remember that around public places

especially, there will be a great deal more traffic, and children going to and

from holiday activities, shopping and parties, so keep alert and keep it slow.

I want all of you to have a great holiday season, and also not to

make someone else’s a very unhappy occasion, due to an accident that

hurts someone. Stay alert and watch what is going on around you.

If shopping, put your holiday treasures in the trunk or keep them

covered with something. Whenever possible, put your items in your car,

and if more shopping is needed in that area, move your car to another

location. There are those who will be watching as you leave the car, and

drop over to do a little “shopping” of

their own, but not inside the stores.

PPP

Alert. I have received information for the children of Preston that

there will be a visit at the Preston Fire Station by a well-known man in a red

suit, with a white beard and a large bag over his shoulder. He will be dropping

by the Preston Fire Station for the children of Preston from 2 to 4 p.m.

on Dec. 18. It is a grand time for children of all ages, so be sure to be there.

PPP

It is the season in which we should do more than normal to assist those

in need, to understand and forgive those who have perhaps stepped on our

toes. It is a time when efforts to show love and understanding to all should be

our goal, not to get all upset over incidents that may really upset you but did

not really cause you any real harm, like the less-than-thinking driver that

cuts you off on the freeway or the person in the fast lane at the checkout

stand that waits until after all is run up to start looking for their checkbook

or credit card. Yup, they are not thinking about you. But instead of getting a

bit angry, just consider those behind you by being ready yourself.

PPP

Thought for the week: No, I have not been writing much this last

year. It’s a long story not worth going into at this time. I do intend with

my newfound focus to get back into the swing of things and give you

local news and perhaps some things to think about that I would love to hear

comments on.

Until next week, be safe and stay cool.

Preston News Notes author,

P.O. Box 918, Preston, WA 98050