safety - Haiti Observer Blog

The city of Verettes in the Arrondissement of Saint-Marc has a lot to offer. Not only it provides a vibrant and lively night life, it also offers security to its residents and visitors. A number of restaurants, clubs and other entertainment venues are available in Verettes, making music popular in the area. Though it has an active night life, people have nothing to worry about when it comes to their safety. According to reports, the city has an impressive record because it has a very low crime rate.

The city's 51,000 population is divided between two social classes - the rich and the masses. Wealthy families can be recognized by the houses they live in, as most of them reside in homes designed with iron gates and large stone walls. Also, most businesses in the city are owned by rich and well-off families.

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The summer months are synonymous with fun, however, neglecting good sense when dealing with the inherent dangers posed by the hottest months of the year can lead to situations much less enjoyable than anticipated. Child safety is solely the responsibility of parents as soon as school lets out. For those who need a primer on what that requires, here are some tips on summer safety.

Sunscreen, Heatstroke and Hydration

Of course you know this! An SPF of 15 or higher will protect them from harmful sun rays and prevent painful sunburns. Pack enough for hourly reapplications as they tend to fade with sweat.

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Despite fear being universal in all human beings, some individuals could actually lack the sense of fear in a given situation.

Yes, fear is beneficial in identifying danger and preparing for it, but what if one does not feel fear despite the danger?

The absence of fear is characterized by one's neglect of any risks that could happen when faced with a dangerous situation. This is solely situational of course, depending on the individual and the factors at hand. When it comes to motherly instinct in animals for example, a mother fearlessly fights off a predator much bigger and stronger than she is when the life of her offspring is threatened. This is also the case for human beings when children are involved.

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They steal, rape, kidnap, and kill their way into many people's fears. Aside from these threatening uninvited visitors, the ordinary household could turn into a danger zone because of the simplest of objects and areas. Knives, loose electric wires, flights of stairs, and even a banana peel could prove to be very fatal.

Fear dominates the existence of the human race. That is why some businesses try to make money out of it. Billions of dollars are spent on products and services that supposedly ensure the safety and well-being of an individual. This is what people pay for the sake making their fears come true, but to what extent?

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Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, just recommends the renewal of the Minustah mandate for one year. He recommended that the Security Council extend its mandate of yet another, which is until October 15, 2013.

Le'ts face it folks, MINUSTAH is here for good.

Based on my analysis, the decision on whether these people stay or leave does not depend on us.

If we have to put up with them, shouldn't they at least protect the population?

According to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, "the security situation remained relatively stable although punctuated by sporadic civil unrest due mainly to socio-economic demands and to the instability caused by members of the former armed forces". The General Assembly is expected to spend nearly $650 million to finance the operation of the Minustah in Haiti for the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013

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Elderly people are not as mobile and quick as they used to be, and lack the strength of a younger person. Gifts that lessen the stress of performing tasks and offering protection should be high on the list of gift givers.

The bathroom, particularly the bathtub or shower stall, is the riskiest place in the home for them. Gift them with hand rails and support bars to steady them. Add a bath or shower mat to avoid slips and falls during showering or bathing.

Elderly people's musculature weakens as they age. Sitting and standing becomes difficult, especially when using the toilet. Buy a portable raised toilet seat and toilet safety-arm rest. Similarly, buy a remote control device for their landline phone to avoid repeated efforts at standing or sitting.

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When a weather bulletin predicts an extremely violent storm headed in your direction, pay attention to the time they expect the storm to hit your area.

Gather your family members when storm conditions indicate high danger, and get to a pre-determined place in your home you will use as a shelter.

Find flashlights in accessible storage areas, where you've stored them ahead of time. Have one on you at all times before and during the storm.

Prepare your children by explaining what will happen and how you'll all stay safe. Be calm for them; they are depending on you.

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