HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA ---Safety. It’s become an International issue to be aware, be on alert and above all to stay safe. Discovery Home Channel’s “Toolbelt Diva,” Norma Vally is on a mission to show women how to GET SAFE! With Home Safety for Women Hosted by The Home Depot on Saturday, May 19th, 2007 – 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The Home Depot in Huntington Beach.
“Don’
Joining Vally will be Huntington Beach Police Department, Presenter: Lieutenant Craig Junginger, Women's Transitional Living Center, Inc., Presenter: Rocio Watson, Executive Director; Aikido of Rossmoor, Women's Self-Defense Demonstration - Presenter: Derek Nakagawa 4th degree black belt in Aikido’ CPTED Security Consultants, "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" and Huntington Beach Fire Department, Presenter: Fire Captain. These expert speakers will join Vally in offering information on crime awareness, self defense, domestic violence awareness, and fire prevention. Vally will provide a HANDS ON WORKSHOP arming attendees with the know-how and skills to Install a peep-hole, add bolt locks to doors and change locks, mount motion sensor lights…and more. There will be a Q&A raffle, with great prizes – including Vally’s book, “Chix Can Fix: 100 Home Improvement Projects,” T-shirts, and Ryobi Power Tool Kit for correct answers to the safety discussions and demos. The event is free to the public.
“I created GET SAFE! to empower women with power tools! Too often I hear women say, ‘I’d do it myself, but I have no idea how.’ GET SAFE! is an event that will not only show you how, but show you how easy it is. I’m thrilled that The Home Depot and expert guest speakers have joined me to bring to women, and yes men too, the know-how and awareness to be safer and more secure in their homes,” states Vally.
Vally is aware that most people take safety for granted until something happens. Her mission is a strong one, focusing beyond this local event and hoping to create change with information and educational tools to empower women everywhere. Vally has her “Top 10 Diva’s Dos and Don’ts” list of helpful hints to help people be safe at home while doing home projects.
“TOP 10 DIVA’S DOS AND DON’TS” FOR AT-HOME SAFETY”
1. DO clean your dryer hose with a special dryer brush regularly—clogged dryer vents slow drying time and are notorious for causing fires.
2. DO unplug your power tools when you’re adjusting a part or changing a blade. “Just turning the tool off isn’t enough,” cautions Norma. “Accidents can and do happen, so be sure to always unplug your tools or remove the battery.”
3. DON’T wear loose clothing while performing home improvement tasks. Loose-fitting garments can get caught in power tools, especially saws—a potentially life threatening situation.
4. DO know where the main shut-off valves for all your utilities are located. Women need to know how to turn off the main power sources for the gas, water and electricity in their homes. This is critical in an emergency.
5. DO use a sharp blade in your utility knife—a dull blade will cause you to “force” and that’s when injuries happen.
6. DON’T where open toed shoes when working on a project—something as simple as a dropped tool could cause a major injury.
7. DO wear safety glasses when cutting, scraping, prying, and working above your head.
8. DO be aware of lead in older homes as well as mold and other harmful agents in paint and construction dust. Wear a filtered respirator—a dust mask will not suffice.
9. DO use an appropriate gauged extension cord for the tool you’re powering—it should be listed on the tool label or in the instructions.
10. DO follow all ladder safety instructions posted on the ladder—i.e., make sure it’s locked in its open position, on a stable surface, etc. Never stand on the top step, stay centered between the rails, and don’t exceed maximum weight. Ladder injuries account for 163,000 emergency room visits per year!
EVENT INFO: http://www.chixcanfix.com. MEDIA INQUIRIES: Stacey Kumagai – mediamonster@
