Like everybody, you’ve undoubtedly received a ton of emails with “safety tips.” Because so many of these tips have been circulating around the Internet for years, the information gets changed and distorted. Some of the tips are bogus–created by someone out to generate a little attention and see how far they can spread the lies.

Michelle Sigona set out to figure out which ones are real and which are myths.

Myths:

• Entering your ATM PIN Number in reverse will notify police.
• Your car door can be opened by using a keyless remote pressed at a far away location into a cell phone holding your phone next to your car door.
• Dialing 112 will connect you to a Worldwide Emergency Operator even if your signal is blocked.
• Dialing *3370# will unlock hidden battery power in your cell phone.

Realities:

• In a disaster or emergency when many people are using their cell phones you’ll have an easier time contacting a loved one by text messaging rather than calling.
• An old cell phone without service will connect to 911 if it has power.

We use our cell phones every day to keep in touch with our family, friends, and colleagues. But not everyone is aware that your cell phone could also help to save your life: if you find yourself in an emergency situation, your cell phone might be your only means of getting through to someone who can come to your rescue. Even if you are unable to make a call, your phone can still help. Brittany Cozart, 20, was seriously injured in a plane crash, yet was able to communicate her situation through text messaging and guide her rescuers to her location.

Check out these other articles right here on the AMW Safety Center to learn of other ways your cell phone can help keep you safe:

Should I Have 911 On Speed Dial?

“In Case Of Emergency” Contacts

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 2.5 million children are injured or killed by accidents in the home every year. While there are many potential hazards in any home that could be dangerous to a child, there are also simple safety devices that you can easily install in your home to help protect kids from injury.

The CSPC lists a number of safety items that you can install yourself to childproof your home:

• Install safety latches & locks on cabinets and drawers in the bathrooms, and kitchens to prevent access to cleaning supplies, medicines, or injuries from sharp objects.
• Use safety gates to prevent kids from falling down stairs and keeping them out of dangerous areas.
• You should have smoke detectors installed on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you of a possible fire. Check each of them once a month to make sure they are working.
• Use corner and edge bumpers to make help protect kids in your home from falls against sharp furniture or counter corners.
• Cover unused outlets with outlet covers to prevent electric shocks and accidental electrocutions.

You want to make sure to choose sturdy, well-made products that will help protect your kids from injury, but you also want them to be easy to use. The CSPC also advises that nothing is entirely childproof, and if you have older children, be sure to re-secure safety devices that they may undo. Check out this CSPC guide for even more information on safety devices that can help protect the children in your home.

There are approximately 200 million registered firearms in the United States. 1,500 children are injured each year by the accidental discharge of a firearm in the home. There are several steps you can take to ensure a gun does not end up in your child’s hands. (more…)

As I know all too well from my own family’s experience, when someone goes missing – whether it’s a child or adult – the not knowing is the hardest part for their loved ones. I’m very passionate about pursuing AMW’s mission of being a voice for victims and helping them find justice. But sometimes, getting some answers for a heartbroken family is the best you can hope for. That’s one reason why a story we broadcast this month really upsets me. It’s about a family that should have had some answers years ago – and would have, if only we were able to get our act together as a nation and build a unified national DNA database system. (more…)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 40 million Americans have some level of disability, and depending on the type of disability, it might affect a family member’s mobility. This summer, as you plan your family’s excursions, you may have to do some advanced preparation if traveling and you or a family member is affected by a disability. The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality has some tips for preparing for your trip. (more…)

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 70 percent of Americans have purchased a product online. While the internet can make shopping from home quick and convenient, consumers may be unwittingly making it convenient for thieves to steal their personal information. Sally Greenberg from the National Consumers League (NCL) offers some simple advice for you to keep in mind when shopping online. (more…)

Camping can be a great way to spend time with your family, but the most important thing that you will need to remember is to be prepared.

Kids Health warns that not being properly prepared for a sudden change in weather, or becoming lost are two of the most common problems experienced by campers. Before leaving for your trip, be sure to carry the right clothing for the weather, and learn as much as you can about map reading and recognizing your location. (more…)

Each year over 1 million cars are stolen in the U.S. We’ve given you some advice before on how to protect your own car, and how you can help to crack down on auto crimes in your community. Another simple technique that might help protect your car is VIN Etching. (more…)

Any time you visit a crowded shopping center, you and your belongings can become vulnerable if you aren’t paying attention. Thieves thrive in crowds. More people means more wallets, purses, and expensive items accessible from unsuspecting shoppers.

Be careful to protect yourself, your children and your belongings in any public place. Most importantly, if you’re with your kids, teach them to go to a store clerk if you get separated. With a lot of moving bodies around, would-be kidnappers could easily make a quick, easy and anonymous getaway. Here are more shopping safety tips from the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff’s Office:

• Shop during daylight hours. If you must shop at night, go with a companion.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry that could attract thieves.
• Men should carry a wallet in a front pocket. Women should be sure to hold a purse close to the body and on the inside if walking in a pair.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or credit cards.
• Don’t overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have a clear sightline.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Any time of the year, con artists may try various methods to distract you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and take the keys with you when you leave.

Also, many retailers offer online shoppers surprising sales which could save you time and money. But as with anything you do online, be careful where you enter personal information, like addresses and credit card numbers. For more tips on online shopping, check out the National Consumers League’s PDF on Internet purchasing safety.