Mom Tip Tuesday
In the wake of the tragic Maryland Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, my heart goes out to the many families affected. Such events are a stark reminder of the unexpected dangers we can encounter on the road. As a coastal creature, this has always been a fear of mine, but I want ya’ll to be prepared. This Mom Tip Tuesday is not to scare you but to share crucial awareness and preparedness tips, especially for those of us who have lived or traveled on the East Coast where bridges are a part of daily life.
Essential Escape Tips for Families
Stay Calm, Act Fast: The first step in any emergency is to remain calm. Your children will look to you for cues on how to react.
Unbuckle and Break Free: Before the car is submerged unbuckle your seatbelt and help children out of theirs immediately. For older children, teach them to unbuckle themselves as a part of emergency drills. Usually, the car will go nose down so take this opportunity to move to the back of the vehicle.
Window of Escape: If the doors won’t open, your best exit path is through the windows. Keep a window breaker tool within easy reach and teach older children how to use it. Experts state as soon as you know your car is going over get those windows open. The pressure underwater can make them immobile and add to the fear and possibly electrical issues it’s better to open them ASAP.
Floating Devices: I used to keep life vests in my car for my children back in Columbia, SC because of all the waterways and old bridges, a habit I picked up living on the East Coast. It’s a simple precaution that can make a big difference. Make sure they’re easily accessible. Even pool noodles under seats can make for a flotation device and with summer coming up you know you will have something in the car. Bonus points if you and your family can swim.
Recommended Safety Tools for Your Car
Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker Tool: A 2-in-1 tool that can cut through seat belts and break windows is essential.
Life Vests for Children: Especially if you frequently travel over bridges or near bodies of water, having life vests like this for each child can provide peace of mind.
Waterproof Flashlight: Visibility can be low in water; a waterproof flashlight can help you see and signal for help.
Carabiners: This can be used to hook kids together as there will be currents in the water. Keep them in the center console or where they won’t fly around during a collision.
While the thought of such a scenario is frightening, being prepared can make all the difference. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to everyone impacted by the Maryland bridge collapse. Let’s use this moment to reflect on our road safety practices and ensure we’re equipped to protect ourselves and our loved ones. If you want to learn about what I keep in my first aid kit check this article out here. Come back next Tuesday for more tips and as always Winefam hoping your wine or your coffee is stronger than your kids.
Cheers,
Amber-Nicole
Meet the face behind CarbsNCabernet.com –Amber a devoted mom, wife, wine enthusiast, and advocate for balancing life’s pleasures with practicality. With a passion for sharing her journey through motherhood, she offers a unique blend of honest insights, humor, and relatable experiences. From navigating the chaos of parenting to savoring the simple joys of a good glass of cabernet, she believes in embracing both the mess and the magic of everyday life. Her blog is a haven for moms seeking solidarity, inspiration, and a reminder to enjoy the little things, one carb and one sip at a time. Join her as she uncovers the beauty in imperfection and the richness of daily living – all with a touch of wit and a lot of heart.
This article does contain affiliate links. Please shop them at no cost to you but your continued support helps to fund this blog and keep the #winefam going. I appreciate everything! Don’t forget to share xoxo
