Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.  I hope that everyone had a great holiday and enjoyed some much-needed time with family and friends.  With the holidays behind us, it is a great time to ‘re-foucs.’

With all of the challenges and distractions that we face in today’s world, it is often difficult to be truly present in the moment. It is important to recognize, and adjust, when our minds are not fully focused or present on the task at hand. All too often, we are physically present somewhere, but our focus and attention are not. We have all been in this position.  For example, when driving, we may zone out for a few moments, only to realize that we have driven several miles, yet have no recollection of the drive. This kind of disconnect from the present moment can be extremely dangerous when at work or at home.  Consider the following tips to help you re-focus:

• Take note of how well you are focusing and where your mind is at. From there, make the conscious choice to improve your focus and attention, if needed.
• When you are part of a discussion or receiving directions, make sure you are actively listening to the person speaking.
• Eliminate distractions
  • Take a deep breath, before you
• Identify any personal concerns that are causing your mind to wander and not be fully present at work. If it is not possible to eliminate them, talk about them with your supervisor so they can help you address them accordingly.

It can be challenging to truly be present in the moment. Distractions such as; family obligations, politics, long hours, family, and overall stress may plague our ability to be fully engaged in the task at hand. Being present and focused is only possible when we take a step back and consider all of the steps necessary to complete that task. 

Also… every 30 minutes, take 30 seconds, and look 30 feet around you to improve your focus and situational awareness.

Lastly…

2023 elections will be taking place in the coming months and we are hoping to see some new names on the ballot!  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  The Chesapeake Chapter is one of the most active chapters in the nation, with monthly chapter ‘hybrid’ lunch and learns and multiple social events that take place during the day and in the evenings.  In addition, we are actively recruiting members to serve on many committees.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.  Now that Thanksgiving is behind, many of us will focus on the winter holiday season.  If you celebrate any of the upcoming Holidays, there are some unique hazards in your home that you may not have considered… These hazards include:

• A giant tree in the middle of your living room
• Tiny lights plugged in throughout the inside and outside of your home
• Lit candles in your home for eight consecutive nights
• A dozen or more family members gathered in your kitchen singing carols, arguing about politics, and/or eating way too much
• Friends and families just gathering for a meal to share stories
• The potential for a fat man in a red suit to slide down your chimney to bring your children presents

With that in mind, consider the following tips:

• Be sure to inspect your lights and look for frayed wires or other damage to cords
• Be sure to check the filter on your furnace and replace regularly
• Keep outdoor lights off of the ground and away from metal rain gutters
• When you prepare your Holiday Dinner, ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked
• Store leftovers in sealed plastic containers and heat them to their required temperatures
• Never leave candles burning unattended
• If you have a fresh cut Christmas tree, be sure to water it routinely and keep it away from open flames such as candles or fireplaces
  • A tree that is not properly watered is at greater risk of catching fire, which can result in an entire house becoming engulfed in a matter of minutes

If you like to celebrate the New Year by ringing it in with a few adult beverages, consider the following:

• More drivers are killed between midnight on January 1^st and midnight on January 2^nd than in any other 24 hour period throughout the year
• On average there are more than 150 drivers killed in a drunk driving collision on New Year’s Eve, nationwide
• DUI arrests on New Year’s Eve are nearly double that of any other day
• The average cost of a DUI is more than $10,000
• The average cost of an UBER for a 20 minute ride is less than $25

Consider the following tips if you are planning on having a few adult beverages

• Walk, use public transportation, an UBER, or a taxi service to get home
• Be cognizant of your surroundings
• Stay home and celebrate

If you make the decision to go out….

• Plan ahead
  • Take a cab or an UBER TO YOUR DESTINATION, so that you won’t be tempted to drive home
  • If possible, stay at a friend or family member’s house and off of the road

The unofficial start of the winter season has arrived.  Before you know it, the winter holidays will have passed us by.  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  The Chesapeake Chapter is one of the most active chapters in the nation, with monthly chapter ‘hybrid’ lunch and learns and multiple social events that take place during the day and in the evenings.  In addition, we are actively recruiting members to serve on many committees.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.  Now that Halloween is in the rear-view mirror, many Americans are planning for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Whether you enjoy a large family dinner, sitting on the sofa watching football all day, or scouring the aisles for those black Friday deals… most of us will likely have to travel at some point.  In fact, the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving sees more motorists on the roadways than any other day.  With that said, here are some tips to keep you safe while traveling:

• Perform a vehicle maintenance check
• Pack a winter safety kit
• Avoid driving during peak times
• Make routine pit stops
• Get plenty of rest, prior to driving
• Allow ample time to reach your destination
• Have entertainment available to keep children occupied

In addition to high traffic on the roadways, Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day at airports.  Here are some air travel tips:

• Arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours prior to domestic flights and 2 hours prior to international flights
• Travel on the day of the holiday to save a few bucks getting to your destination
• Consider an extended stay and travel back the Tuesday or Wednesday after the holiday to save even more
• Pack enough… but not too much
• Consider shipping holiday gifts, rather than packing them
• Be aware of the TSA requirements
• Register with TSA pre-check to save time at the terminal

The official start of winter is on the horizon.  Before you know it, the holiday season will have come and gone.  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  Regardless of the industry that you work in, ASSP has something for you.  In addition, we are looking for assistance on one of our many committees.  While many of our volunteers spend 8 or more hours per month, in their volunteer roles, many others spend less than 2 hours.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter

ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Welcome to the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals and thank you for taking the time to visit our web page.  The cool, crisp weather is in the air, and summer is officially behind us.  In just a few weeks, forty-eight states will turn the clocks back one hour, from daylight savings time to standard time, and we will slowly transition from fall to winter.  However, prior to that, many Americans will celebrate Halloween by sending their little ones out to trick treat, trunk or treat, or stay home and pass out candy.  Here are some tips to consider to keep you safe on Halloween

Statistics

• 175 million Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year
• More than 41 million children will go trick or treating this year
• The average American will spend $86.79 on Halloween festivities
• 3.8 million children will dress as their favorite princess
• 20% of celebrators will dress their pet
• Box office earnings for horror movies exceeded 750 million dollars in 2019
• 6.9 million dollars has been spent on pumpkin spice products since the end of August

On a more serious note…

• Every year, approximately 7,450 pedestrians died in traffic or non-traffic incidents
• 18% of those deaths occurred at road crossings or intersections
• Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year

Tips for Trick or Treating

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
• If your older children are going alone, plan their route with them
  • Agree on a specific time that they should return home
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home
• Children and adults should never walk while looking at their cell phones or electronic devices
• A responsible adult should inspect all candy prior to allowing anyone to eat it
• Any candy that is not in a wrapper or has a wrapper that has been tampered with should be discarded immediately

Tips for Motorists

• Avoid driving during Trick or Treat hours, if possible
• Slow down in residential areas and obey all traffic signs and signals
• Drive at least 5 MPH below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street
• Don’t utilize your high beams as they make it difficult for on-coming traffic to see trick or treaters
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, curbs, sidewalks and streets with no sidewalks
• Watch for children crossing the street who cross mid-block or between parked cars
• Watch for trick or treaters who may dart from behind cars or other obstructions
• Carefully enter and exit driveways
• Don’t park in the street if you don’t have to
• Use extra caution when backing up
• Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible- even if the sun is still out
• Be Alert, Be Safe, Be Aware
• Have Fun!

In the next couple of weeks, the chapter has multiple events planned, some of which offer a virtual or in-person option.  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  Regardless of the industry that you work in, ASSP has something for you.  In addition, we are looking for assistance on one of our many committees.  While many of our volunteers spend 8 or more hours per month, in their volunteer roles, many others spend less than 2 hours.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Happy Fall.  The start of the fall season has a different meaning for many of us.  For many chapter members, the Region VI Professional Development Conference symbolizes the end of summer, and it was a pleasure to interact with many of you who were in attendance, in Myrtle Beach.  Many Americans consider the Labor Day holiday to be the end of season, while the official conclusion came on September 22, with the autumnal equinox. 

Regardless of how you mark the end of summer and the beginning of fall, the kids are back at school, the leaves are changing, and pumpkin spice… well… everything is on the store shelves.  As the season changes from summer to fall, there are some additional precautions that you can take to keep you and the community safe, while on the roadways:

• Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.
• When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and obey all traffic laws.
• Always stop for school busses that are loading or unloading children.
• Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
• Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, in the streets, in school parking lots, etc.
• Never pass other vehicles, change lanes, make u-turns, or text while driving in a school zone.
• Avoid using a cell phone, unless it is completely hands-free, while driving in a school zone.
• Unless licensed to do so, never use handicap or emergency vehicle lanes or spaces to drop off or pick up children at school.

The summer months passed us by very quickly and there is no doubt that we will be talking about winter weather safety before we know it.  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  Regardless of the industry that you work in, ASSP has something for you.  In addition, we are looking for assistance on one of our many committees.  While many of our volunteers spend 8 or more hours per month, in their volunteer roles, many others spend less than 2 hours.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Happy New Year!  As we turn the calendar over to the 2022-2023 chapter year, I think this is a great time to take a moment to thank Jim Kane for his service as chapter president, for the past two years. Jim’s leadership skilled enabled our chapter to sustain consecutive successful years, despite having to navigate through the global pandemic that directly changed the way in which we interact with one another. Moving forward, the Chesapeake Chapter will continue to provide many different avenues for our members to connect and flourish as safety professionals.

As we move into the new chapter year, we have several plans in the works, for our members to continue to grow and benefit from the many tools that ASSP has to offer.  In order to continue to provide these opportunities, we are looking for volunteers to help in our many committees. As committee members, you will in engage with other safety professional and be able to build your network of safety peers.  Please reach out to me directly, if you are interested in helping us out.  I look to forward to meeting all of our members this year, and growing our chapter.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President