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Swamp Haunted Hikes – BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

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The Baton Rouge Holloween events haves started and Swamp Haunted Hikes at BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is one of our favorites! Our kids had a great time last year, it’s an evening chock-full of activities and not-so-scary Halloween fun! Check out our short video from last year below! 

 Swamp Haunted Hikes – BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Baton Rouge Haunted HikesBluebonnet Swamp’s Haunted Hikes are designed especially for children, but all ages enjoy the spooktacular excitement of these Halloween-themed evenings. Event admission is through the education building where crafts and storytelling are just around the corner. Venture outside to find a way through the Haunted Maze to get to the carnival games for more fun and prizes. Be on the lookout for our silly-swampy costumed characters as they have some great treasures to share! Inside the nature center, the kooky-spooky adventures continue with the Animal Morgue, Wings of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary in the Bat Cave, the Creepy Cavern, and face-painting. 
Swamp Haunted Hikes
Costumed characters lurk throughout the site ready to share “kooky treasures” with all the attending little witches, fairies, hobgoblins, and heroes. Don’t be afraid of the dark! At night, head into the woods to get some treats and learn about snakes, insects, rats, and other “creepy critters” at educational stations along the Haunted Hike Trail. No scare tactics are used during this program as we strive to create cheerful-not-fearful experiences for our younger participants. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are welcome and flashlights are recommended. Food vendors will be on-site during the event. Join us for a howling good time!

WHERE: BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
WHEN: Oct. 11 + 18 + 25 – Doors open at 6 p.m., trail opens at dark.
COST: $6 per person 

We hope to see you there!

 
Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

 

Bargain Boutique Overstock Baton Rouge – Children’s Boutique Clothing

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Bargain Boutique Overstock Baton Rouge is extremely excited to announce the Baton Rouge Liquidation sale on October 9 & 10 at The Crown Plaza! Bargain Boutique Overstock has acquired children’s “boutique” style clothing inventory and will be offering thousands of items at unbelievable prices. Shop thousands of children’s “boutique” style clothing, shoes, and accessories! Wholesale & discounted pricing will be given to the general public.

Baton Rouge Bargain Boutique Overstock

Bargain Boutique Overstock Baton Rouge

WHERE: The Crown Plaza 4728 Constitution Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
WHEN: Wednesday, October 9- 9 am- 10 am 
VIP shopping 10 am-7:00 pm open to the public
Thursday, October 10- 9am – 4pm open to the public

**Strollers are permitted each day AFTER 1 pm only**

**GIVEAWAY**

Baton Rouge Bargain Boutique Overstock

We’ve partnered with Bargain Boutique Overstock to host a giveaway for a $150 shopping credit + VIP entry (able to shop 1 hr before opening to the general public) Enter to win on Facebook and Instagram! 

Baton Rouge Bargain Boutique Overstock

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

BREC Fall Tennis – Kids, Juniors & Homeschool Programs

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While tennis might not be as popular as sports like baseball or football, it remains a great option for young athletes. As a parent trying to decide which sports will benefit your children the most, be sure to consider tennis as an option. Enrolling your child in tennis will not only expose them to a great sport now but could also lead to a lifelong passion for this popular game. BREC Fall Tennis lessons are the perfect way to introduce your child to the sport that many call the sport of a lifetime! Be sure to check out our Top 10 Developmental Benefits of BREC Tennis For Kids! 

BREC Fall Tennis

BREC Fall Tennis

BREC’s Tennis Department manages five major tennis centers, each housing its own pro shop that offers tennis resale merchandise, equipment rentals, refreshments and a full staff that manages court reservations and fees. The five major tennis centers provide a number of programs to the community, including tennis instruction, school athletic programs, youth, and adult league play and tournaments. Facilities are available for rental to organizations for tournaments, workshops, and high school league practice. There are also 85 neighborhood tennis courts located at recreation centers throughout East Baton Rouge Parish where patrons can play tennis at no charge.

BREC Fall Tenis

BREC Fall Tennis

After School Jr. Tennis Program

(Ages 8-16) A four-week program for beginners to introduce and reinforce fundamental tennis techniques. Every Monday and Wednesday, Oct. 16-Nov. 11, from 4-5 p.m. $40 per person for one day per week; $65 per person for two days per week. Registration Deadline: Friday, Oct. 11. Instructor: Jeremiah Casson.

Pee Wee Tennis Program

(Ages 3-6) A six-week program that introduces the game of tennis to younger children. Help your child develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, overall athleticism, and fundamental tennis strokes. Fun is guaranteed! Thursdays, Oct. 24-Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 28), from 1:30-2:15 p.m. $50 per person. Registration Deadline: Friday, Oct. 18. Instructor: Jeremiah Casson.

Home-School Tennis Program

(Ages 6-17) A six-week program designed especially for home-schooled children. Participants will learn about the game of tennis in a fun learning environment. Program includes drills, games, and tennis knowledge. Thursdays, Oct. 24-Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 28), from 1:30-3 p.m. $60 per person. Registration Deadline: Friday, Oct. 18. Instructor: Ray Anders.

Junior Programming

All levels is provided by tennis pro, Chase LeBlanc, during October. For more information, contact Chase LeBlanc at 225-337-2575 or chaseman1984@gmail.com.

FREE ONE YEAR JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP FOR KIDS 10 AND UNDER
Kids 10 and under, new to the USTA, can receive a free one-year junior membership – a $20 value!
Must use source code FYFE for this offer.  Offer expires December 31, 2019.
Click here for registration form.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

 

Fall Fun with Art programs at BREC: Eek A Boo & Holiday Camp

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BREC Art provides a wide range of programs for the youngest artists to grow their skills and make the most of their interests. Artistic exploration is among the best ways for kids to build confidence in expressing themselves, learn to solve problems and think critically. BREC provides a comfortable place where the next great artist can begin to unleash their creative energy. Let your little ones enjoy some fall Fun with the following Art programs at BREC: 

Fall Fun with Art programs at BREC

BREC Fall Art

Little Picassos

An introduction to the fun aspects of art. Young artists will experience their first encounters with art – using paint, oil pastels, watercolor and mixed media.

WHEN: Sept. 4 + 11 + 18 + 25
WHERE: Highland Road Community Park
AGES: 5-7
Cost – $30

Eek A Boo

In this holiday workshop we will create a BOOTIFUL 3-dimensional house! Participants will learn the basics of collage and simple construction and will leave with a piece of art that will celebrate family Halloweens for years to come!

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 26, 2019 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Milton J. Womack Park
AGES: 8-12
COST: $15 / $10 each for two+ registered at the same time

Clay Creations

A basic hand-building class for beginners. Artist Terry Kennedy will introduce basic clay hand-building techniques and students will create several finished fired pieces over the four class periods.

WHEN: Oct. 1 + 8 + 15 + 22
WHERE: Webb Park
AGES: 15+
COST:  $100

Beginning Watercolor

In this two-hour class participants will learn the basics of watercolor painting. Topics of investigation include color hues and intensities, graded washes and types of brush strokes. The end result will be a graceful and smooth composition.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 12, 2019 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Milton J. Womack
AGES: 15+
COST: $60

WINTER HOLIDAY ART CAMP

Enjoy a flurry of cool art projects as we investigate the elements and principles of art.
Dec. 26 + 27 / Jan. 2 + 3
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ages: 7-11
$96 EBR Parish resident / $115 out-of-parish residents.

 

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

BREC’s Extreme Sports Park – BMX Clinics for all levels!

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Did you know BREC’s Extreme Sports Park offers BMX Clinics? As a mom of four boys, we were thrilled to learn about these clinics at Perkins Road Community Park. BMX Skatepark and Dirt Track clinics are designed to help improve BMX bike riding control, skill, and technique for beginners who have no to minimal riding experience to intermediate riders who have already established the basics of bike control and are looking to make it to the next level.

BREC BMX Clinics

BMX Beginner Skatepark Clinic

BMX Skatepark and Dirt Track clinics are designed to help improve BMX bike riding control, skill, and technique for beginners who have no to minimal riding experience to intermediate riders who have already established the basics of bike control and are looking to make it to the next level.

WHEN: September 14 & October 12
WHERE: Perkins Road Community Park
COST: $20 per clinic

BMX Intermediate Skatepark Clinic

BMX Skatepark and Dirt Track clinics are designed to help improve BMX bike riding control, skill, and technique for beginners who have no to minimal riding experience to intermediate riders who have already established the basics of bike control and are looking to make it to the next level.

WHEN:  Saturday, Sep 21 & October 19th
WHERE: Perkins Road Community Park
COST: $20 per clinic

BMX Beginner Dirt Track Clinic

BMX Skatepark and Dirt Track clinics are designed to help improve BMX bike riding control, skill, and technique for beginners who have no to minimal riding experience to intermediate riders who have already established the basics of bike control and are looking to make it to the next level.

WHEN: September 28 & October 26
WHERE: Perkins Road Community Park
COST: $20 per clinic

For More Information
225-766-9039
xsports@brec.org

BMX Intermediate Dirt Track Clinic

BMX Skatepark and Dirt Track clinics are designed to help improve BMX bike riding control, skill, and technique for beginners who have no to minimal riding experience to intermediate riders who have already established the basics of bike control and are looking to make it to the next level.

WHEN: September 7, October 5, November 2
WHERE: Perkins Road Community Park
COST: $20 per clinic

For More Information

225-766-9039
xsports@brec.org

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

 

Six Reasons to Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park

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Baton Rouge families, the Louisiana Children’s Museum opens to the public August 31st and you should start planning your day trip now! We recently had the opportunity to attend a media preview of the LCM, it wasn’t yet complete, yet we felt like we were walking through the most magical of places. It’s going to be something special for Louisiana families, a tactile experience that will delight young and old alike. Every section of the LCM is created to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through many inventive and engaging experiences, most importantly PLAY! Every decision made throughout the museum was intricately thought out to help elevate the capacity of our little ones. 

Julia Bland, CEO of Louisiana Children’s Museum, spoke beautifully on the importance of childhood, she encouraged us to enjoy and celebrate children where they are and to not make the mistake of wishing away seasons of childhood. The museum has been structured to support parents in their efforts to embrace each stage of development while focusing on literacy, environmental education, health and wellness, STEM, arts, and our rich Louisiana culture. 

Why the relocation? The new location allows the museum to better meet the needs of the community as well as improve geographic access and connect children to nature. The attention to detail outside is just as significant as the inside. The Louisiana Children’s Museum will include five new exhibit galleries indoors as well as a literacy center, a parent/teacher resource center, an edible garden, a sensory garden, and full-service café. There are a plethora of reasons to make the day trip to New Orleans to visit the LCM, here are just 6 reasons to start planning your family day trip…

Six Reasons to Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum

Talk and Play Center

The Talk and Play center is a family-centered space that encourages families to make joyous connections  – connections of children to parents, to grandparents, to life long learning, to growing cycles – the continuums, connections, circles, and cycles that we see in so many parts of our lives.

Play With Me Exhibit

Created for children under the age of four, this ground-floor gallery is designed to provide easy access for parents of young children with strollers. Little ones can explore and play while resources are available to support parents in their journey as children’s first teachers. The Play With Me exhibit includes a fun one of a kind Sensory Lagoon, much like a tiny Lilly Pad water bed for children play on and experience. Play With Me also includes a Cypress Tree Book Nook, Peek-a-Boo Puppet Theater, Early Literacy Sensory Wall and a Discovery Zone. 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Follow That Food 

Follow That Food will be one of the largest galleries. It will take children on a playful Louisiana Growing & Gathering food journey that starts in the fields and coastal waters, passes through the busy Ports & Cargo with stops at the Food & You Market, Creole Kitchen, café and finally, makes its way to the family table. 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Dig into Nature

Overlooking the lagoon on the ground floor, this gallery is where children will discover the abundance of natural resources unique to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region. Through this tactile and textural set of experiences, visitors will explore the relationships between the diverse resources, ecosystems, plants and animals who live here. The “caring” and “sharing” stations will allow children to bring their own outdoor treasures to examine under massive microscopes and projector. The exhibit also includes Exploration & Innovation, Sedimentation Table, Storytelling Nest, Cajun Pirogue and an amazing Promise Tree Portal.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Make Your Mark

Entering the second floor, Make Your Mark celebrates New Orleans’ rich art and its architectural, musical, historical and cultural heritage. When children understand and embrace their heritage it invites children to discover how to make their mark with their own original creations.  This is exhibit includes Studio in the Park, Jammin’ House, Jackson Square, NOLA Urban Design Studio, Build Big Dreams, Book Nook & Light Tables and more! 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Move With the River

Move with the River will immerse children in an action-packed wet world of fun where they will begin to explore the story of the Mighty Mississippi River. Families will follow the journey of Louisiana’s most abundant resource, water! 

Acorn Café 

We’re not done yet, a huge BONUS to your visit to the Louisiana Children’s Museum is the family-friendly Acorn Café! Acorn a Dickie Brennan & Co. Cafe at the new Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park is the icing on a day of fun exploration. Guests can enjoy a meal indoors or outdoors on the LCM balcony overlooking the lagoon, oaks, and wildlife. The menu is sourced around high quality, local food at an affordable price. The majority of children menu items are $6, and adult entrees range from $6 to $11. Have a little one with a food allergy? No worries! Acorn will be peanut-free and will offer many gluten-free options, including a gluten-free dough for pizzas. Come early or stay late, Acorn will open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with French Truck coffee and pastries served for a morning starter or an afternoon pick me up.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

We can’t wait for you all to visit. The new Louisiana Children’s Museum is breathtaking, but don’t take our word for it, make it a family day trip and plan to visit the new museum in City Park which will open on August 31st. 

Learn more about the museum, prices, birthdays and more on the LCM website at LCM.org.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

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Back to school…three words that represent great joy to parents who are ready to get back to routine and bring great anguish and “pain” to kids who aren’t quite ready to give up their summer freedom. In order to ensure a smooth transition from the fun and less structured summer into a new school year, I think it is important as parents to take the time to talk to our children about their worries and concerns going into the fall semester. The question could be as simple as, “Is there anything you are worried about for this school year?” I know in my office when I ask this question, I have had many a parent be surprised by the answer their child might give. When we know what our children are worried or afraid of, it makes us, as parents, better equipped to give them the guidance they need to maneuver through the unchartered waters of a new school experience happily and successfully.

Back to school baton rouge

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

I encourage parents to teach children to view school as their job. What better time to start teaching children about work ethic than from the very beginning of school. As parents, we should set expectations for our children in regards to their “job” performance, and if these expectations are not met, then they should be held accountable. Now, the expectations, as well as the consequences, will, of course, vary by age, but even the youngest child should understand that they should strive to be the best they can at their job. Even my son who is starting Pre-K 3, knows that mommy and daddy expect him to listen to his teacher, follow directions, and be a good friend to his classmates. If he doesn’t achieve these things, he doesn’t get to read books at night (his favorite pre-bedtime activity). These expectations are established from the get-go so that there is no confusion about the “job description.”

I also encourage all parents, but especially the parents of elementary aged children, to establish a good rapport with their child’s teacher. After all, the reality is that in many cases their teacher will spend more time with them during the weekday than we will. It is crucial to make sure there are channels of communication that exist between parents and teachers, and these should not be one-way avenues. Parents should feel comfortable bringing up concerns to teachers just as teachers should be respected when they bring concerns back to parents. A partnership between teacher and parent is vital to helping children achieve success in the classroom which often translates to increased self-confidence in kids.

So as everyone heads back to school, establish those expectations, let them know their “job description,” and then make sure your voice as a parent is a positive one with excitement, support, and encouragement for the upcoming school year. As kids make the trek up the ladder to reach those expectations you have set, make sure they know you are their biggest cheerleader and will always be behind them to catch them when they stumble, to give extra little pushes along the way, and to celebrate all of their achievements all from a place of unconditional love.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM’s experiences with food,  fitness, health and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

 

Run like a cheetah to the 14th annual Family Zoo Run Run

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Whether you are a turtle or a hare there is fun for all to be had at the Baton Rouge Zoo’s 13th annual Family Zoo Run Run 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, August 24, 2019. You are welcome to come aim for that exclusive Ostrich Egg award for first place, try out your creative skills to run in an animal-themed costume or enjoy some post-race animal crackers. It’s sure to be a wild time. Where else do you get to run alongside cheetahs, elephants, monkeys and more? 

Baton Rouge Zoo Run Run

Participants can enjoy refreshments for the whole family after the race in our Capital One Pavilion area. As well, any supporter in a participant’s party gains free admission to the Zoo after the race, so you can make a family day after the race! All pre-registered participants will receive a Zoo Run Run T-Shirt on Race Day as well. You can pre-register at http://www.brzoo.org/events/special/zoo-run-run/.

Family Zoo Run Run 5K And Fun Run

You can register on race day at the event near the front entrance of the Zoo starting at 6:30am. 

All proceeds from the event support BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo and international cheetah conservation efforts. We encourage our entire community to come out for this one-of-a-kind outdoor experience at the Zoo. So, run like a cheetah and get pre-registered today!

WHEN?

Registration opens at 6:30 a.m.
Fun Run begins at 7:45 a.m.
5K begins at 8:15 a.m.

Race Day

Race day registration will be located at the front entrance of the Zoo. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge, take Exit 8A off of I-110 North and turn right onto Highway 19. Continue to the second stoplight and turn right onto Thomas Road. The Zoo entrance is one mile on the left.

Chip Timing

Only 5K runners will be timed. Your RFID timing chip will be attached to your race bib.

Race T-Shirts

Participants who are pre-registered by August 15th are guaranteed a Zoo Run Run t-shirt on Race Day.

Entry Fees

Adult/Teen Registration
  • Pre-registration (before Aug. 24): $25
  • Race Day Registration: $30
Child Registration (ages 12 and under)
  • Pre-registration: $12
  • Race Day Registration: $17

 For more Family Zoo Run Run information check out:  BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Website

For questions or to volunteer, please call (225) 775-3877 or email info@brzoo.org.

Flock on down and join the herd for a great event for competitive and casual runners, walkers, and families alike, all for a great cause. We hope to see you there! 

 

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness: Sandbags, Checklists & Resources

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There is still a lot of uncertainty with Tropical Cyclone #2. The latest forecasts for Potential Tropical Cyclone #2 predict it will become Hurricane Barry and make a Louisiana landfall by Saturday. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), PTC #2 is expected to become Tropical Depression by Thursday, Tropical Storm Barry by Thursday night, and a Category 1 hurricane Friday. Currently, rainfall is the main concern for our area. Residents are urged to have an emergency plan in place. Having been through hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Rita, Issac and the Great Flood of 2016, natural disasters are something we have become accustomed to preparing for. We hope this Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness guide will help you get preparations in order. 

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness Useful Links

Sandbag locations:

Sand and bags are available at the following BREC sites:
BREC Airline Highway Fairgrounds – 16072 Airline Highway 
– BREC Alsen Park – 601 Old Rafe Mayer Road 
– BREC Cadillac Street – 6117 Cadillac Street 
– BREC Doyles Bayou Park – 7801 Port Hudson-Pride Road
– BREC Flannery Road Park – 801 S Flannery Road 
– BREC Hartley-Vey at Gardere Park – 1702 Gardere Lane 
– BREC Lovett Road Park – 13443 Lovett Road 
– BREC Memorial Stadium – 1702 Foss Street 
– St. George Fire HQ – 14100 Airline Highway

City of Baker locations:
– Baker Public Works Yard – 1507 Mississippi St.
– Baker City Hall – 3325 Groom Rd.

Stay informed! For more information contact MOHSEP at (225) 389-2100, follow Red Stick Ready (@RedStickReady) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter, and download the Red Stick Ready mobile application – free on Apple and Android devices by searching “Red Stick Ready”. Residents are urged to bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags. Real-time information about the locations can also be found at: http://gis.brla.gov/emergency

List of Flood-Prone Baton Rouge Streets

Barricades have been placed at the listed sites in case there is high water covering the streets. Attempting to pass through the barricades once they have placed across the street is a traffic violation that will be enforced. Try to prepare for heavy rain, possible flooding and power outages. Avoid driving if possible. Call (225) 389-2000 for non-emergency issues or 311 for high water, power outage, and downed trees in your area.

Baton Rouge Flooding

Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide

This Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide is an excellent, comprehensive resource! From identifying the most likely risks to providing sheltering information, evacuation routes, listing supplies to identifying special needs and more. This Guide should be YOUR Guide to personal planning and business planning.

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness

Top 10 Emergency Preparedness Apps

  • Red Stick Ready (iOS) The East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness strives to provide critical information to the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish to help them prepare for, respond to and recover from all emergency situations.
  • iMapWeather Radio (iOS) this is by far my favorite app but it does cost $9.99.  You will receive critical voice and text alerts on threatening weather events. Your iPhone will “wake up” and also “follow you” with alerts wherever you go. Listen to local weather forecasts while you are on the move. Enjoy the power of a NOAA Weather Radio, with all the convenience and precision of a smart phone. Winner of MediaPost’s Appy Award in the weather category.
  • Hurricane Tracker –(iOS) $2.99 offers detailed storm maps, National Hurricane Center info, threat level maps, audio/video forecast updates, real-time feeds and push alerts.
  • Hurricane — (iOS) FREE American Red Cross for both Android or iOS is a newer, totally free addition to Android’s growing hurricane-tracking stable, but it’s more than just a tracker — this app lets you “monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out.
  • FEMA Install the FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices.
  • StopDisaster-   $1.99 If you can’t stop the calamity, you can stop it from turning into a disaster if you are organized. The app provides a handy series of items you’ll need on hand for various emergencies – floods, earthquakes, high winds etc.
  • Phone Aid –  $1.99 CPR is one of the things not covered by most basic preparedness courses (it’s standalone training) this app offers a series of slideshows that will help jog your memory if you’ve done CPR training and, if not, provides some first aid measures to do while you wait for emergency services.
  • Disaster Alert – (Andriod) – Disaster Alert (by PDC) – Current global disaster info on an interactive map Disaster Alert (by PDC), Active Hazards on an interactive map and in a list as they are occurring around the globe.  Additional hazard information can be viewed and shared.

Preparation Before the Storm:

— Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood.

— Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.

— Clear gutters of debris.

— Reinforce the garage door.

— Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.

— Fill a bathtub with water.

— Get full tank of gas in one car.

— Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.

— Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.

— Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes, if possible.

— Store important documents — passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds — in a watertight container.

— Have a current inventory of household property.

— Leave a note to say where you are going.

— Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.

— If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for residence.

Emergency Preparedness list:

— A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.

— Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.

— A can opener.

— Flashlight(s).

— A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.

— Extra batteries.

— A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly, having the best inversion table for back pain is also a plus and it will help a lot with any pain emergencies.

— A small fire extinguisher.

— A seven-day supply of medications.

— Vitamins.

— A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.

— Cell phones and chargers.

— Contact information for the family.

— A sleeping bag for each person.

— Extra cash.

— A silver foil emergency blanket.

— A map of the area.

— Baby supplies.

— Pet supplies.

— Wet wipes.

— A camera (to document storm damage).

— Insect repellent.

— Rain gear.

— Tools and supplies for securing your home.

— Plastic sheeting.

— Duct tape.

— Dust masks.

— An extra set of house keys.

— An extra set of car keys.

— An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.

— Household bleach.

— Paper cups, plates and paper towels.

— Activities for children.

— Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.

Recover

  • Wait until an area is declared safe before returning home.
  • Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.

Sources: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Hurricane Center

Summer Travel Safety Tips – Ask the Experts on Baton Rouge Moms

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“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge. This week on Ask the Experts, Smith Shanklin Sosa, fellow Baton Rouge parents, are sharing a few Summer Travel Safety Tips.

Car Seat Safety

Summer and road trips go together like peas and carrots.  Traveling during these high traffic times can be dangerous and it is important to be extra cautious when sharing the road with large trucks and buses.  Even though truck drivers are well aware of the dangers their vehicles present to other passenger vehicles, I can guarantee that this mama is not going to trust my family’s safety to another driver.  As a personal injury attorney, I have seen beautiful vacations turn tragic on highways and interstates.  Follow my top 3 Summer Travel Safety Tips and put your family and yourself in a better position to avoid tragic accidents.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Summer Travel Safety Tips

  1. Be Aware of the “No Go Zones”

Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots as shown in the below photo.  It is best to spend as little time as possible in these “No Go Zones”.  If you have a feeling that the driver of a large truck or bus does not see you, make some noise and honk that horn.  I know that horns can make you feel like your yelling at the other drivers on the road, but I personally have avoided my fair share of accidents by letting my horn rip. 

Summer Baton Rouge

  1. Safe Passing

Make sure you can see the driver in the vehicle mirror. If you do not see the driver, it is best to assume he/she cannot see you.  When passing a truck or bus, make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front giving extra space.  If possible, it is a good idea to avoid passing trucks and buses when you are traveling downhill.  These big trucks and buses take longer to stop and you do not want to be on the receiving end of their failure to slow down.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

 

  1. Avoid Wide Turns

Buses and trucks make wide turns.  Be aware that these trucks usually have around a 55-foot turning radius.  A lot of times truck/bus drivers will swing wide to accommodate this turning radius and you want to avoid them swinging into your vehicle.

Summer Baton Rouge

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.