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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | DECEMBER 2024 31 Safety Committee SAFETY 4 "ALL" SEASONS As we enter the holiday season, we are oen faced with moving or reorganizing boxes lled with holiday decorations. Typically, these boxes and decorations are stacked and stored in locations that are dicult to access. As you attempt to move large and heavy items, you can put your body at risk for back injuries. e following are some tips to help you prevent back injuries. REDUCE THE RISK OF BACK INJURIES - STORE IT OFF THE FLOOR One way you can reduce the risk of a back injury is to "store it o the oor." • Waist level is the best place to store heavy items, boxes of holiday decorations, or other things you use oen. • Liing from the oor is twice as risky as liing while you are standing upright. • Liing something from oor level means you must bend down to pick it up. is means you are also liing the weight of your own upper body when you come back up. Good liing technique does help but a lot of stress is still placed on your back when you are liing from the oor or lower shelves, even when you bend your knees. • Liing above your shoulders puts you at risk for neck and shoulder injuries. • Heavy items should not be stored overhead, because those items can fall and cause an injury. ADDITIONAL TIPS TO HELP PREVENT BACK INJURIES • Size it up. Is the load light enough to be lied by one person? If not, use a hand truck or ask someone for assistance. • Safely li. If the load can be lied without help, bring it as close to your body as possible. Li with your legs, not your back. Keep your head up and your back straight, and bend at the hips. • Move it with care. Keep the load close to your body as you walk. Shi, don't twist, your body to turn. • Don't just drop it. When you are ready to set down the load, let your leg muscles "carry it down." Make sure your ngers and toes are clear of the load before setting it down. HOLIDAY SHOPPING SAFETY REMINDERS While many of us utilize the convenience of online shopping, there are times when we are required to shop the "old fashion way." Many hazards exist in shopping mall parking lots that can contribute to pedestrian injuries: inadequate pavement striping, potholes or cracks, lack of signage, debris, poor lighting, and puddles can lead to slips, trips, and falls. In addition, choosing the right parking spot can go a long way toward deterring the and crime. Consumer Reports provides the following safety tips: • Pick spots that are well-lit and close to stores where you will be shopping. • Lock your doors. • Store your purchases out of sight – in the trunk or under dark colored blankets. Large parking lots, such as those found at shopping malls, are considered most vulnerable to crime according to the Urban Institute Justice Policy Center. One way for shoppers to "steer clear" of trouble is to pick a lot where pedestrian trac is restricted, and video surveillance equipment is used to monitor the facility. We hope everyone has a blessed holiday season and a safe new year! Remember, the Safety Committee is committed to helping to ensure your safety and well-being. Monthly CPR Sunday classes are not currently being scheduled. However, you may arrange to schedule a CPR class for your club or committee by calling, texting, or emailing A J Reilly to set up a class: (951) 522-9975 or reilly58@me.com As a reminder, the Safety Committee meets on the rst Tuesday of the month at 10 am in the RCN Conference Room. We encourage you to attend the meeting should you have any concerns or if you would simply like an update on our ongoing safety projects. All the best. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com Our Savior's Lutheran Church — ELCA •• •••• • -€‚••ƒ‚‚„•-• Sunday Worship 9 am also on Facebook Live Sunday & Weekly Bible Studies All are welcome (951) 849-3343 • 1320 W. Williams, Banning oursaviorsbanningca.com

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