Tips - Haiti Observer Blog

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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Summer 2013 could perhaps have some of the highest temperatures ever recorded. For most, this means a higher energy bill.

Conserving on your energy bill will end up saving you big, especially leading up to 2013's summer scorcher.

With A/C:
• Ensure your unit fits snugly in its window and there are no openings for precious cool air to escape. Cool rooms only when they are occupied (same goes for using the lights and appliances) and close off unused sections by shutting doors. This heat boundary can save you up to 20% on your bill. Also, keep your filters clean and service your unit annually.
• Block out the sun by closing curtains or shades. During the hottest parts of the day, the sun's penetrating rays kick a/c units into overdrive. Stave off this effect by blocking some of the light. Investing in trees that will grow to provide shade at easterly and westerly points is a good, long-term idea.
•
Without A/C:
• Unplug appliances that aren't being used. That red light on your TV, radio, DVD player or cell phone charger (which uses the same amount of energy in use or dormant) sucks power even when you're not looking! Keeping your plugs on one unit means it's easy to unplug whole sections not being used at once.
• Taking cold showers is not just practical in the heat, it is energy efficient too.
• Give your oven a break; they have a tendency to heat up the whole house, which in turn inspires energy usage for cooling down.
• Use energy saving bulbs.
Finally, go out and enjoy the summer at the beach or somewhere cool. Your electricity bill will miss you, but... what to do?

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The location of your business can make or break its entire operation. Many Haitian businesses close down because it is in the wrong location.

Have you ever seen a Haitian business open, whether in the Diaspora or Haiti in a beautiful location and doesn't last three Months? Many time, the investor did not do an analysis of the environment as to who comes her, for what purpose.

In order to help you out, here are some tips about Business location you may want to keep in mind before opening your next business to serve the Haitian public.

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Haiti is still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Sandy, which damaged a large amount of crops and agriculture produce in the country. According to reports, floods covered almost the entire southern part of the country. This means that not only houses are affected but also crop and livestock farms. As a matter of fact, officials are now worried that losses in crop production can lead to food shortages.

Disasters such as floods are not uncommon in Haiti and this is the reason why people, particularly farmers, should always be prepared. However, it is not everytime that farmers have enough time to keep their farms safe from floods. In this case, one must know how to deal with the floods' effects on their farm goods.

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Reports on fake kidnapping scams have been made recently. According to reports, scammers call random people and tell them that they have abducted a relative. It can be someone's brother, sister, son, or others. Once the victim has believed the caller, the criminal will then ask for ransom. These fake kidnappers would also frighten the caller by "threatening" the life of his/her relative.

Such incidents have happened in various places already, including Singapore and the American state of Miami. Officials said this crime is not new because it actually started in 1998 in Puerto Rico. According to Miami officials, more than 40 cases of kidnapping scams have already been reported in the past months. The Federal Bureau of Investigation added that the agency receives similar reports at least once a week.

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Floods can cause mold in your home and it can be a big problem for you and your family. Keep in mind that mold is bad for the health. Those who have allergies and asthma will be put at greater risk if mold in your house is not removed immediately.

Health officials called on people whose homes were submerged in water to remove the mold in their properties. One can do this by cleaning every inch of the house, drying it out, and throwing away things that are infected by mold. It might be difficult for you to discard mold-infected items, especially of they are very personal and important to you, but it might be your only way of getting rid of the entire mold. Remember that mold and mildew usually grows in just a day. Moreover, they can stick to different parts of your home.

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Kidnapping cases in Haiti are high. As a matter of fact, the Caribbean nation has been considered one of the world's kidnapping capitals. Victims are not mainly targeted based on their profession, age, gender or social class.

According to a report by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, everyone in Haiti is at risk of getting kidnapped. Just because a person is poor or unpopular does not mean that he/she would never be a victim.

In fact, some reports noted that most victims are poor because wealthy people often have a security team to protect them and ensure their safety. However, other reports stated that kidnappers are more likely to set their sights on rich people and those who look like they have money to pay for ransom.

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The weather can be unpredictable. Disasters can occur anytime, anywhere, even if you are on a trip. Being in a different place when disaster hits can be confusing and difficult, especially if you are in another country. Given this, you have to be prepared all the time so that you can deal with disasters while you are travelling.

First of all, it is necessary for you to read every document and policy given to you by your travel agent. This would inform you of rules and regulations involving bad weather during trips and other related circumstances. You should also do the same with your travel insurance so that you can know if you can get a refund should you have to cancel your flight due to a calamity.

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Haiti has been included in the list of kidnapping capitals in the world. Even if the country has recorded a decline in its kidnapping cases in the past, the number remains very high. Kidnappers in Haiti do not select victims based on their gender, age, nationality or race. As long as they have the opportunity to snatch someone, they will.

There are areas in Haiti that one must avoid due to security and safety concerns. Port-au-Prince, the country's capital, has a high crime rate. Slum areas in the capital, including Cite Soleil, Carrefour, Martissant, and the Delmas road area are hot spots for criminals. The same goes for urban route Nationale #1, the Boulevard Toussaint L'Ouverture and the American Road. Even public transportations are not safe because criminals, including kidnappers, can attack people in these areas.

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Disasters are a valid reason for cancelling your flight. However, not every airline is willing to give you a full refund. Sometimes, airlines only give back a certain amount or a voucher for future use. This is why it would be better if you know some tips on cancelling flights during a disaster.

One thing to be aware of is buying tickets from third-party discounters. There are several third-party discount agencies that sell more affordable airline tickets. However, they are also unlikely to give refunds should you decide to cancel your flight. Your option when it comes to this is to buy tickets with a cancellation policy or to pay additional charge to avail of such a policy.

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