Having fun in the snow is big business. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, 10.6 million people visited ski and snowboard resorts last winter. Fortunately skiing is relatively safe. The National Ski Areas Association reports an average of 37 deaths annually from ski and snowboard accidents as compared to 3600 swimming-related and 1000 bicycle relates fatalities. Continue reading Staying Safe On The Slopes »

Whether for convenience, recreational, or environmental purposes, bicycle riding is an increasingly popular activity among all age groups. But no matter what situation you are riding your bike in, safety is always something to consider. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are over 150,000 bicycle related injuries every year, and more that 10,000 of these injuries require hospitalization. This means that you should always take the proper precautions to reduce your risk of injury. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NTHSA) offers some helpful hints to help make your ride a safe one. Continue reading Bicycle Safety On The Road »

Now that kids have started going back to school, they have the opportunity to play with friends they may not have seen all summer, and with new friends as well. But even though recess might be a highlight of their school day, don’t let the playground be a dangerous part of your child’s good time. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), over 200,000 children are hurt each year, and 15 children will die due to a playground accident. Many of these injuries can be prevented by following some of these tips Continue reading Keeping Recess Safe Now That School Is Back In Full Swing »

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities for Americans, being both healthy and fun. However, even a simple day hike can become dangerous if you aren’t careful. Thousands of people each year become lost and in need of rescue, including many who are experienced in the outdoors. Of all the National Park Service search and rescue missions for 2005, nearly half of those were in search of hikers on day trips or overnight camping trips. Numerous factors contribute to people needing to be rescued, but the most consistent reasons are also quite avoidable. Fatigue, insufficient equipment or experience and errors in judgment top the list. For just $4, survival expert Mike Marcon assembled a kit which anyone can put together, and which can save your life in an emergency situation. The most important thing is to not panic, as a clear head is critical to guiding emergency decisions. But following his suggestions, and carrying just these few items could very well save your life Continue reading Wilderness Survival Guide »