| How to Stay Safe on the Highway Posted: 01 Jan 2018 04:00 PM PST Driving on the highway can be nerve-racking. However, by familiarizing yourself with basic highway safety, you can help ensure you get from point A to point B with minimized risk. By paying attention to the road, practicing defensive driving, and taking care of your vehicle, you can feel safe and confident behind the wheel. EditPaying Attention to the Road - Eliminate distractions like phones, loud music, or eating. All of these things divert your attention from driving, and can put you and others at risk for accidents. If you need to do anything that could inhibit your ability to focus on the road, simply pull over.[1]
- Pull over if you're tired. If you're half asleep, it will be difficult for you to concentrate on driving. If you catch your eyes starting to close, or you drift, this is sign you shouldn't be on the road anymore. Find a rest stop or a hotel so you don't endanger yourself or others.[2]
- Check your mirrors regularly. This will help you to be continuously aware of the drivers that are beside and behind you. Make sure your mirrors are properly positioned to minimize blind spots.[3]
- Follow posted traffic regulations. Keep an eye out for all traffic notifications, such as speed limit, safety, construction, and hazard signs. These will help guide your driving and lower your risk for accidents.[4]
EditDriving Defensively - Avoid tailgating other vehicles. Getting too close to other cars can instigate road rage, and can also lead to accidents when people have to break quickly or lose control of their car. Try to leave at least a 3 second gap between you and the car in front of you.[5]
- Distance yourself from erratic or aggressive drivers. If a car is hectically changing lanes, fluctuating speeds repeatedly, swerving, or tailgating, try to put as much space as possible between you and them.[6]
- Make yourself visible to other drivers. Use your headlights whenever the road and other cars are hard to see. Anytime it is foggy, overcast, raining, sleeting, snowing, dusk, dawn, or dark, your headlights will help you see others, and others see you. Make sure to use your turn signal any time you are changing lanes.[7]
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt. Not wearing a seatbelt puts you at an enormously higher risk for death or injury. Seatbelts cut your risk for accident fatality by 45%, and cut your risk for injury in half.[8]
- Prepare for accidents or mechanical issues. Keeping a first aid kit, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, a jack, and a spare tire can help you handle a wreck or a car issue. Make sure you have an emergency contact in your phone just in case.[9]
EditTaking Care of Your Vehicle - Take your car for an inspection before any long trips. Have your mechanic check your fluid levels, tire pressure, and do an overall diagnostic of your car to make sure it's safe for travel. Be sure to repair any mechanical problems that could put you in danger before driving.[10]
- Wash your windshield, windows, and mirrors. Dirty glass makes it difficult to see outside of your car while you are driving, increasing your risk of not seeing something.[11]
- Ensure your lights all work. This includes your low beams, high beams, brake lights, taillights, and turn signals. Check to make sure their encasements are clean. Having all of your lights in working order is extremely important for overall visibility on the road.[12]
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| How to Evaluate a Job Offer Posted: 01 Jan 2018 08:00 AM PST After making it through the interview process, it's tempting to accept any job offer thrown your way. However, some scrutiny over the details can help you decide whether a job is truly right for you, your family, and your career. Taking time to explore the job's immediate benefits, long-term opportunities, professional expectations, and personal costs can ensure you make the right choice for such a major commitment. EditAnalyzing the Pay and Work Benefits - Break down the paycheck to see how much you'll make. Look first at the direct income being offered. Ask whether the job is hourly or salaried and how that affects the money you make. Then, use a take-home pay calculator to find how much you will be left with after taxes. If you are not receiving a physical paycheck, ask how your money will be distributed and if there are fees associated with it.
- Ask what taxes the company covers. Before accepting a position, make sure the company's tax policies meet your needs. If you are being hired as a standard employee, ask how much the company contributes to your tax burden. If you are being hired as a freelancer or independent contractor, be aware of differing tax expectations and what filing forms the company will send you at the year's end.[1]
- Compare your salary to industry standards. Use salary comparison sites like PayScale to get an idea about existing salary trends in your area. If your position will be tied to a union, see if the offer meets or exceeds negotiated standards. If a company offers significantly less than competitors, it should serve as a major red flag.
- Ask about sick days, paid leave, and holidays. Look at how many sick days and days off you have to start and how you can earn more.[2] Ask what holidays the company takes off and whether you get paid on those days. Look at what, if any, vacation packages your company offers and how those affect your paycheck.
- If a job provides no paid leave or very few vacation days, it may indicate that they overwork employees.
- Ask how the company handles raises. Some employers offer standard, tiered raises over a period of time. Others give them based on personal performance. If you expect to be with the company for a significant length of time, ask if raises are offered and how they are applied.[3]
- Tour the company facilities. Before accepting a position, ask to look inside the building you'll be working from. Take note of any employee lounges, gyms, and other areas included in your benefits package. If possible, tour the work area during operating hours to see what employees are doing and if they are happy.
- If they know a tour is scheduled, many managers will have their team clean the area and dress more formally than normal. Just like you at the interview, they're putting on their best face.
- Ask about healthcare and life insurance. If offered for your position, look at what insurance options the company is willing to offer, along with local coverage details. For each policy, look at what is protected, what is not, and what deductibles exist. Ask how each plan affects your pay and how the cost is split between you and the company.[4]
- Avoid working for companies that only provide minimum coverage plans, especially if you have significant health issues.
- If you are married or have dependents, ask if and how each policy covers them.
- If you do not like the employer's offerings, remember that you are allowed to turn them down and look for better or cheaper private options.
- See if you can work from home. Depending on the job, many companies allow full or partial telecommuting options. These policies are particularly prevalent in start-ups, computer jobs, and personal creative work. If offered, ask how time is tracked, what hours are expected, and how you report to the company.
- Working from home can be a great benefit if you lack steady transportation or live in a remote area.
- Ask about stock options and other financial benefits. Some employers offer stocks or a stake in the company as part of the benefits package. Make sure you read what your specific haul includes, the risks associated with it, and how to cash out when appropriate.[5]
EditEvaluating the Costs - Ask about standard working hours. Look at what times you are expected to be at work, along with how many breaks are offered. Some jobs have flexible hours, while others have more rigid expectations. Ask about whether overtime is required and how that would alter your work schedule. Make sure any excess work follows government mandated overtime laws.[6]
- Look at reviews of the company. Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Vault offer in-depth rankings and employee reviews of companies. When making your decision, be aware of how other people felt during their time of employment. Keep in mind that different employees have different priorities, so a user praising a company's emphasis on travel may be a red flag for those looking to stay local.
- Read your privacy rights. High-level and government positions often expect your public communication, including locked social media posts, to adhere to company policies and standards. Before accepting a position, read the company's privacy policy to find out whether they can look through your private accounts or request personal information, as well as how that may affect your employment.[7]
- Some companies do not allow employees to accept side or supplemental work. If the job will not provide enough money to live, or if you hope to break into gig-based industries like film, acting, or writing, you may want to reject the offer.
- Ask about compensation for personal expenses. While some jobs provide all supplies necessary to work, others expect employees to provide or purchase their own items. Ask whether you are compensated for these and, if not, whether they can be written off your taxes.[8] If you are expected to drive, ask how they calculate mileage compensation and whether you will use your own car, a company car, or a rental vehicle.
- Break down your commute cost. Figure out how far you'll have to travel to reach your office each day. If you are using a car, calculate how much gas you'll need and how long each trip will take in heavy traffic. Certain companies, especially those located in cities, require parking permits, so be aware of any costs required to obtain one.
- If you are using public transit, ask whether the company or local government offers free subway, streetcar, or bus passes.
- Ask how much you will travel for work. At some jobs, an employee never leaves their desk. In others, they are expected to make small trips during the day or large trips throughout the year. Ask how much traveling you are able or expected to do, as well as whether you will be driving, flying, or both.
- Think about how the job will affect you and your family. Before accepting a job offer, think about how the position will change your life. Jobs with long or abnormal hours may be perfect for someone single, but it could have a negative effect on family relationships. If you are expected to move, think about what the change means for you personally and your partner or children.
- If you are relocating to another country, make sure you qualify for entry under their current immigration laws. Factor local cost of living, currency exchange rates, and cultural differences into your decision.
EditLooking at Your Future Goals - Ask about career growth opportunities. Some jobs offer very little room for professional growth, while others offer a significant amount of upward mobility. If you are being offered a labor or floor job, see if it is possible to become a manager over time. If you are starting from a high position, find out where the employment ceiling is and what those jobs offer.
- Typically, large corporations offer a lot of room for growth while small companies do not. Start-ups may in the future, but they also have a high risk of bankruptcy and layoffs.
- Think about your position title and what it means. Before accepting a position, ask about your job title and what it entails and represents. Read through your employee expectations and make sure you're prepared to tackle them. If you are moving from a senior role in one company to a junior role in another, think about how that will affect your overall career timeline and CV.[9]
- Think about how the job affects your career path. Every time you get a new job offer, it helps to do some introspection on how it can alter your career. Though a job may pay your bills in the short-term, it might not provide the experience or growth you're looking for. Taking a full-time job outside your desired industry may hurt your chances at landing a dream position, especially for highly-specialized fields like medicine and law.
- If the role is a natural extension of your previous work, it makes sense to accept the offer. However, if the job adds little value to your CV, it may be best to let it go.
- Ask about employee retirement packages. If you expect this to be your final place of employment, ask about the company's retirement policies. Look through what retirement packages are available and when they are distributed. Some companies expect you to retire after a certain age, so make sure you are aware of any elder ceilings in place.
- Ask for at least 48 hours to evaluate the job offer. This will give you the opportunity to take a clear-eyed look at what's on the table, evaluate it, and weigh your new employer against your current.
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| How to Prepare for Winter Camping Posted: 01 Jan 2018 12:00 AM PST Winter camping is an exciting alternative to traditional camping that provides a unique set of challenges and benefits. To stay safe and get the most out of a trip, it's important to be well prepared for the road ahead. Knowing what to bring and what to wear is important to ensure the safety of all campers. Understanding what to do while at the campground helps maximize the fun of each and every day. EditPacking the Necessary Supplies - Pack a tent. For protection against cold winds and bad weather, purchase a 4-season domed tent or similarly durable shelter. Make sure you open and test the product before leaving, that way you know how to set up the tent and whether or not it has holes, is missing poles, or is otherwise defective. If your tent does not include stakes, make sure to purchase enough to secure it to the ground.
- Pack a sleeping bag. For warmth during the night, purchase a thermal or insulated sleeping bag, sometimes referred to as a mummy bag. These bags are tight, sturdy, and will hold in heat throughout the entire night. Avoid cots when camping in cold weather, as the air under a cot will be colder than the temperature of the ground.[1]
- Pack plenty of food. The food you bring should be hot, simple to make and, if you expect to camp for a while, non-perishable. Meals like pasta, soup, and oatmeal will keep you warm and full, while sandwiches are good to eat as a quick dish. Bring plenty of trail mix, crackers, and similar snacks for quick boosts of energy throughout the day.[2]
- Avoid energy bars and similar treats, since the frigid temperatures will make them hard.
- Pack cooking supplies. Bring a portable stove, burner, or similar lightweight cooking device, along with a lighter and any fuel it requires. Make sure to include cookware, utensils, and a tin or insulated cozy to eat out of.[3] If you're camping alone, consider using your cookware as a plate to cut down on redundant supplies.
- Pack a thermal water bottle. Look for an insulated bottle that maintains a drink's temperature for a significant period of time. Consider bringing tea packets, a portable coffee maker and grounds, instant coffee, or hot cocoa mix for something warm to drink. If your campsite does not offer a water pump, make sure to bring jugs of bottled water.
- In case of an emergency, pack iodine tablets or a filter to clean untreated water.
- Pack a snow shovel. If bad weather is expected, this will help you break up ice and clear out any snow around your tent or vehicle. It is also a useful tool for digging a fire pit, creating a restroom, and clearing or smoothing the ground.
- Pack a flashlight. Bring a large, durable flashlight, along with any other lighting fixtures you expect to use during your trip. Pack more batteries than you normally require, as cold air significantly decreases the life of a battery.[4]
- Pack a first-aid kit. Anything can happen on a camping trip, so be prepared for whatever scenario comes up. In your kit, include items like:[5]
- Bandages, gauze pads, moleskin, and rubbing alcohol for wounds.
- Burn ointment.
- Any prescribed medication, as well as over-the-counter solutions like aspirin, antacids, hydrocortisone cream, and antibiotic cream.
- A thermometer.
- Pack personal hygiene supplies. Though camping offers a great opportunity to get dirty, it's important to stay clean and healthy while out in the wild. To do so, bring personal items like:[6]
- A toothbrush, toothpaste, and other dental supplies.
- Biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer.
- Towels, wash clothes, and baby wipes.
- Toilet paper in a separate bag.
- Pack a map and compass. Though many campers rely on their phone for navigation, campgrounds are notorious for their poor cell coverage. For times when your GPS goes offline, make sure you have a map of the area and compass to help find your way.
EditDressing for the Cold - Wear winter headgear. A lot of heat escapes through your head, so adequate covering is essential for staying warm. In addition to a winter hat, consider bringing a ski mask, liner balaclava and, for extreme weather, goggles. Look for gear that fits you well so winds don't rip it away.[7]
- Wear wool undergarments as a base layer. Wool provides a layer of fabric that will adjust based on the temperature, retaining heat when it's cold and letting cool air in when it's hot. If wool is not available, look for polyester materials.[8]
- Wear a fleece shirt and pants as a middle layer. Fleece helps retain body heat, keeping the wearer warm in incredibly cold environments. Depending on how chilled the weather is, this layer can vary from light clothing and jackets to full coats.[9]
- Wear a waterproof and windproof coat as an outer layer. Look for a shell that is breathable, letting sweat vapor escape while keeping external liquid out. Based on the weather, you might wear either a light windshell or a large coat.
- Wear winter gloves. To account for a variety of circumstances, bring multiple pairs of gloves in different styles. Include at least one pair of light fleece gloves, waterproof working gloves, and waterproof mittens.[10] Avoid fingerless gloves, convertible mittens, and similarly styled hand wear, as they often don't hold up in extreme wind and frigid temperatures.
- Wear warm socks. Bring wool socks and polyester boot liners to keep your feet warm. To avoid cutting off blood-flow, make sure your socks are not too snug. Pack multiple pairs with the expectation that some will get wet or dirty.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots. A solid pair of waterproof boots will give you traction in the snow and protection from the elements. Look for a pair that is light and comfortable enough to wear for long distances. If necessary, consider going up a half-size to a size to accommodate large socks and any feet swelling that may happen during the trip.[11]
EditStaying Warm - Relax in your layers. After a long hike or activity, you'll want to cool down and relax. During this time, make sure to keep your layers on in order to retain body heat. Do your best to keep your internal temperature consistent, as it is easier to maintain warmth than gain it.[12]
- Keep your socks and shoes in your sleeping bag. Few things are as disheartening as cold feet in the morning. To keep your socks and shoes warm, place them at the bottom of your sleeping bag before going to bed. Though it may feel strange at first, it will make every morning better.
- Bring hand warmers. For extra warmth throughout the day, consider bringing HotHands or similar hand warmers. When placed in your socks, gloves, or pockets, these small pouches provide extra heat to help you power through particularly cold patches. If you have trouble staying warm at night, consider putting a few inside your sleeping bag.
- Build a fire during the day or evening. For warmth during the day and light at night, bring some flammable paper to start a fire with. Place your paper in a fire pit surrounded by dry grass and leaves, small twigs, and branches. Ignite the fire using your cooking lighter and, once it starts to burn, build and maintain it using larger logs for fuel.
- For safety, make sure you burn in a clear area and contain the flames to the fire pit. Have water and dirt on hand to extinguish the fire quickly. Make sure someone is watching the fire at all times.
- Check if there are any active burn bans in the area you intend to camp. If so, you will not be allowed to start a fire.
EditBeing Safe - Check the weather before leaving. Before heading to the campground, check local and national weather reports for the area. If non-standard weather is expected, pack additional supplies as necessary. If the weather looks particularly bad, with reports predicting storms, freezing rain, blinding snow, or blizzards, consider postponing your trip.
- Pitch your tent in a safe, comfortable area. When setting up camp, look for a patch of clear, smooth ground on which to erect your tent. Look for an area that is near water, provides access to a man-made bathroom or private spot, and that has natural protection from wind and falling debris. Set up your tent with the door facing away from the wind, making it easier to get in and out throughout the day.[13]
- Use the buddy system when leaving the campground. If you're adventuring with friends or family, make sure you always travel with someone when leaving the common area. Though it may not feel necessary, the buddy system provides insurance should any accidents occur. If you're camping alone, make sure a friend at home knows where you're going, when you will be back, and what to do if you fail to return.
- Stay hydrated. It's easy to forget when you're having fun, but water is essential to staying healthy in the wilderness. Keep a full water bottle with you at all times and drink from it often, especially on hiking trips. If your mouth is dry or you start feeling dizzy, getting headaches, or feeling constipated, drink more water. If your urine is yellow, drink more water to offset the other liquids in your system.[14]
- Know the signs of hypothermia. Look for a temperature below 95°F or 35°C, confusion, shivering, tiredness, hyperventilation, pale skin, or general behavioral changes. If any of these symptoms occur, get the person to a warm area and seek medical attention immediately.
- Know the signs of frostbite. Look for ice crystals forming on the skin, paleness and reddening, numbness, pain, and swelling. If any of these symptoms occur, start rewarming the area using winter clothing and warm water. To avoid any further damage, leave the cold area and seek medical attention immediately.
- Pack items in your backpack in an order that you will easily remember. This will help you avoid having to take everything out of the bag in order to retrieve something.
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