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June 2008 - National Safety Month, Tips for Graduating Seniors
Each month, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) identifies general themes which coincide with the scope and vision of the Department's boards and bureaus. You can view a full listing of events that the DCA will be attending, many of which correspond with the theme of the month, on our Outreach Events Calendar.
National Safety Month
June is National Safety Month, and the Department of Consumer Affairs, in partnership with the National Safety Council, offers you an opportunity to educate yourself and your family about different safety issues. Each week in June is dedicated to an important aspect of personal safety.
June 2nd – 6th : Emergency Preparedness
Heart disease and heart attacks, are the leading cause of death in United States. Would you be prepared if you witnessed someone having a heart attack? CPR and Automatic Electric Defibrillator devices (AED) can double a heart attack victim's chance of survival. CPR and AED’s can also save the life of the victims of a drowning, choking or electric shock incident. Training may be available from your employer, or you can sign up for a local class provided by the National Safety Council or the American Red Cross.
The Department of Consumer Affairs is proud to host the Medical Board of California and the Respiratory Care Board of California, both of which offer important information on licensed medical providers in California.
June 9th – 13th : Distracted Driving
Despite the cost of filling up the tank, Californians will still be taking to the road this summer. Distracted driving leads to tens of thousands of car accidents annually, with many of these accidents resulting in serious injuries or even death. Distractions while driving include eating, drinking, changing the radio station, reading and using a cell phone. The first responsibility of all drivers should be to safety.
The National Safety Council warns that the slower reaction time caused by cell phone use is comparable to that of people who are legally drunk (.08 blood alcohol content).
A new law will go into effect on July 1st 2008, which will require drivers to use hands-free devices while operating a motor vehicle. Click here to read a press release from Governor Schwarzenegger regarding the hands-free law. The California Department of Motor Vehicles offers this FAQ about the new law.
The goal of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is to reduce deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from traffic related collisions. Click here to visit their Web site.
The Department of Consumer Affairs is proud to host the Bureau of Automotive Repair. California's Bureau of Automotive Repair oversees the automotive repair and Smog Check industries, regulating thousands of automotive repair facilities, lamp and brake inspection stations, and Smog Check stations across the state. The BAR constantly works to ensure vehicle safety through their Consumer Safety Outreach Program.
June 16th – 20th : Poisoning Prevention
Almost every Californian has some sort of potentially deadly poison present in their home. Medicines, cleaning products, houseplants and vitamin supplements all can be poisonous. Children and pets are often the most likely victims of poisoning accidents, but there is also a very real threat to adults who misuse prescription drugs.
Deaths from unintentional overdoses of prescription drugs are on the rise at an alarming rate. The DCA's California Board of Pharmacy has begun work to develop standards to make prescription container labels more readable and easier to understand. Click here to read a press release about the program.
Lead poisoning is also a growing concern amongst California consumers. The Department of Health Services has established the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch to work with the problem.
June 23rd – 27th : Falls Prevention
One in three persons over the age of 65 falls each year, and this number increases to one in two by the age of 80. Fall-related injuries are often serious enough to result in hospitalization and even premature death. The Center for Healthy Aging has put together this list of fall prevention resources.
As always, The DCA takes a very active role in protecting Californian's senior citizens. Click here to view our Consumer Protection Information for Seniors.
Tips for Graduating High School & College Seniors
Whether you're hunting for the perfect school, or a new apartment, you've come to the right place. The Department of Consumer Affairs offers everything from great college search sites, information on private postsecondary vocational schools, tips for job seekers, and information on your rights as tenant.
While many college students are in the process of discovering who they want to be, the last thing they need is to have someone else assume their identity and commit fraud. Click here to learn more about protecting your identity.
Credit card companies are a visible presence on campuses these days. You'll see their displays where students gather, staffed by representatives offering "free" items when you sign up for a credit card. You may think, "What's the harm?" but that "free" t-shirt may cost you more than you ever bargained for. Click here to learn more.
Living on your own for the first time can be a daunting experience. There are a few things you should know about renting an apartment or house before you sign a lease. Click here to learn the ABCs of Apartment Renting. Also check out our California Tenants guide.
Picking a college is one of the biggest decisions of a young persons life. Make sure you are being an informed consumer when you pick your school. Check out the Official Source for College and Career Planning in California.
The U.S. Department of education has created a special search engine to help you find your perfect school Check out the Cool College Locator.
The Department of Consumer Affairs is proud to host the Board of Private Post Secondary & Vocational Education. Click here to see a video of the Boards workshop webcast.
The State of California offers some great resources to help you pay for College. Click here to visit the Financial Aid in California Web site.
