This week’s column will feature tips for the upcoming prom season, as well as food storage, April’s Do 1 Thing theme.

 

Do 1 Thing

The mission of Do 1 thing is to move individuals, families, businesses, and communities to prepare for all hazards and become disaster resilient. April’s theme is food, so I will continue with the first tip.

Buy a three-day emergency food supply for the household. Put this this aside for disasters. You probably have a better idea than anyone else how much food you and your family members would need for three days.

Follow the BUS rule to help you. BUS stands for balance, usability and shelf-life.

Balance means a balanced diet for the family. A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups. This is especially important for people with certain health conditions. Also include high-energy foods (such as nuts and protein bars) and comfort foods (such as graham crackers or chocolate).

Usability means food that doesn’t need to be cooled, heated, or need a lot of water. Examples include canned or dried meat, dry cereal, and canned vegetables. Make sure you have a manual can opener if you plan to use canned goods.

Shelf life needs to be considered. Look at the expirations date listed on the food item. Use and replace foods before the expiration date.

With high school prom season approaching, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is advising students to make smart decisions and take extra precaution to stay safe while celebrating.

 

Prom season ahead

“Prom is an exciting time for high school students and we want to encourage teens to have fun by making good choices,” said F/Lt Michael Dawson, Niles Post Commander. “Students should know the consequences of underage drinking. There are legal ramifications, but most importantly, you can get yourself or someone else seriously injured or killed.”

Not only is it illegal for anyone under 21 to have alcohol in their system, but it is illegal for someone under 21 to have alcohol in their possession at any time, regardless of whether they’ve consumed any of it. The consequences of underage drinking can be an arrest for Minor In Possession (MIP) or for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) if a teen chooses to drive. Additionally, many employers, colleges and military recruiters take alcohol-related offenses into consideration when hiring or accepting applications.

Parents play an important role in keeping their teen safe on prom night.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their child about evening plans and know how to get in contact with him/her. Parents should confirm details of parties with other adults, making sure alcohol will not be present at any gathering their child will be attending. Keep pertinent phone numbers and addresses on hand for any location their child is visiting and arrange for safe transportation.

 

Here are some tips that can help keep prom night safe:

• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

• Abstain from sexual activity.

• Don’t drink and drive.

• Don’t get into a car with an intoxicated driver.

• Wear a seat belt at all times while traveling in an automobile.

• If hiring a limo service, make sure the service is properly licensed with the state of Michigan.

• Watch out for your date and others around you.

• Get directions to the location of the prom or other gatherings.

• Keep parents or guardians informed of your whereabouts.

 

Rob Herbstreith is a Michigan State Police trooper. Questions or comments can be emailed to TrooperRob53@yahoo.com.