Prepare Ahead 4
2/03/10

Toyota, Temblors and TWA

Safely Handling All Three

The Temblor 
For many of  us our cup of coffee came with a little JOLT on Monday.
A M4.4 earthquake located 41 miles SSW from Imperial Beach reminded us that San Diego County seismically speaking is very much awake. 
 
Toyota Experiences a Shake Up of its Own
Toyota shook the automobile industry this past weekend by recalling nearly 2.3 million vehicles because of a faulty accelerator that causes "Unintentional Sudden Acceleration"
 
TWA and a Shake Up for Commuter Airlines
On Tuesday, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that the crash of a commuter airline on February 12, 2009 was the result of a complete breakdown of cockpit discipline and basic piloting. 
(TWA was acquired by American Airlines in 2001)
 
S Comes Before T
The following brief but practical articles will offer basic steps that can be taken quickly to provide you a measure of Safety should you find yourself in a Toyota, Temblor or TWA
Toyota - Recall Information & Safely Handling "Unintentional Sudden Acceleration"
Toyota Recall and Safety Steps to Take
Toyota Logo
 
Recently, Toyota announced two safety recalls that cover some of its models. Both recall campaigns address conditions related to the accelerator pedal.  
Select the following links to see if you or your family's car is on the recall list:
"Floor Mat Entrapment"
 
                                                   "Pedal Recall" 
 
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment but if you experience "Unintentional Sudden Acceleration" Toyota recommends taking one of the following intentional actions:
  • If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.
  • Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
  • If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
  • If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
  • If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.
 
 Links:
 Safety on the Road - National Safety Council - defensive driving,distracted driving, teen driving and more.
 
 
                                     KOGO 600Am Radio and listen Online
 
 
The Temblor - Earthquake Safety
7 Steps to Earthquake Safety
7 Steps to Eaethquake Safety
 
The information in this article and the links provided are from the Emergency Survival Program (ESP) in 2006, and based on "The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety" in the handbook, Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.  
 
Step 5 - Drop, Cover and Hold On!

Drop, Cover, and Hold On, can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury.

During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops and remember aftershocks can be just as powerful so repeat step 5 as often as necessary.
 
Links:
The Great California Shakeout - A Statewide earthquake drill to be held on October 21, 2010 at 10:21am. Last year 6.9 million Californians participated will you be among them this year? Registration is free, easy and beneficial to you and your loved ones.
 
Play "Beat The Quake" an Interactive Quake Quiz - Earthquakes can happen at any time, so act now to Beat The Quake!
 
Did You Feel It? - Be among those the USGS looks to for information about a recent earthquake. It's easy, quick and interesting.
 
Terremotos.org - ¡Prepárate Hoy! Los residentes de habla hispana del sur de California encontrarán aquí información científica sobre los terremotos y consejos prácticos sobre cómo prepararse, como parte de la campaña "Dare to Prepare". Esta campaña está uniendo a la comunidad del sur de California para "hablar de nuestras fallas" y prepararnos juntos antes de futuros terremotos
 
 TSUNAMI
Imperial Beach and other parts of low-lying coastal San Diego County can be affected by a tsunami after an earthquake or other oceanic disturbance
 
 
Kids Let Mr. King (crab that is) teach you what to do in the event of a tsunami - Video and activities for children of all ages. This is also a Teacher's Resource.
 
NOAA's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center - Real-time updates and information for all regions, Pacific Ocean, Hawaii, Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea
 
Look and See San Diego's Daily Seismic Activity - Google Earth WithUSGS Real-time Earthquake placemarks that contain data about a specific area's seismic activity and a link to more extensive information
TWA (TWA was acquired by American Airlines in 2001)
 
Inestigator at the Site of the Airline CrashThe Pilot is in control of the plane and you are in control of the safety of yourself and those around you
 
Some may have something to say about the statement above especially after several incidents that have taken place within the last year - Delta Air Line's pilots risked catastrophe when they landed a Boeing 767 on an active taxiway at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport on Oct. 19, 2009. 
Two days later, two Northwest Airlines pilots overflew their destination of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as they pored over their laptops. On Oct. 25, 2009, a Midwest Airlines regional jet almost taxied into the path of a Northwest Airlines Boeing 757 that was taking off at Los Angeles International Airport.
 
However, we do have the outstanding example of piloting and crew member action in US airways Flight 1549. Although Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles cannot be our personal pilots whenever we fly there are steps we can take to try and make a mishap or crash a survivable one. 
 
Steps to take and decisions to Make
On board the aircraft there are some things you have to remember, a.o. to:
  • Pay attention to the flightcrew safety demonstration/video
  • Carefully read the safety briefing card
  • Know where the nearest emergency exit is and know how to open it in case of emergency (refer to the safety briefing card).
  • Always keep your seatbelt fastened when in your seat (Clear Air Turbulence can be unexpected and can cause serious injuries)
Links 
Have a Safe Flight - Prepare4 Blog Article
 
Flight Safety.Org - Aviation Safety Network
 
Top Ten Airline Safety Tips -Also the "Six basic safety crash positions" video
 
Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) - Airport status, delays and other current news
 
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB-Aviation) - Crash investigations, safety alerts and publications
 
Late Breaking News:

Al Qaeda can be expected to attempt an attack on the United States in the next three to six months, senior U.S. intelligence officials told Congress on Tuesday.  - CBS News article and video 

Terrorism will always be a threat and knowing what to do before, during and after will keep us prepared and ready!
 
Recognizing the 8 Signs of Terrorism -Prepare4 Channel video - hosted by John Elway produced by The Cell in partnership with the Governor's Office of Homeland SecurityDepartment of Agriculture  and the Colorado Information Analysis Center 

 Ready LA- Terrorism facts and preparedness

 
 Ready San Diego - Terrorism facts and preparedness
 
Here Comes the Rain Again! 
Read my  East County Magazine article about storm damage and insurance coverage,
 

Thank you for taking a moment to read and learn about the 3... and now 4 T's that affect all of us.  - Tod Aubin

Contact Information:
Call or Text 1-619-518-8980
 
February is American Heart Month-Learn CPR & Basic First Aid and make a difference!