Spring Safety Tips

As the snow melts away and flowers begin to bloom, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of spring. But amidst all the sunshine and fresh air, it's important not to forget about safety.

Whether you're heading out for a run or spending time outdoors with family and friends, or taking that much-anticipated spring break vacation, there are a few key things you can do to ensure your safety this season. So, grab your sunscreen, and let's dive into some important spring safety tips!

Modify Your Everyday Carry (EDC) Bag

As you transition from sweatshirts to T-shirts, don’t forget to transition your EDC as well. When the weather gets warmer, people start spending more time outdoors. This means that there are more opportunities for criminals to target unsuspecting victims. To help you stay safe this spring, we've put together a list of tips to modify your everyday carry (EDC).

Pick the Right Bag

Whether you’re going to the office, headed to the airport, or hiking the great outdoors, having the right EDC carry bag is essential when it comes to safety.

Here are a few recommendations we have for you:

• At the office - our Armored Vertex Adennes Valet bundle has the function of a professional workplace bag but is so much more. The custom-designed NIJ ballistic Level IIIA insert provides an extra layer of protection, while still leaving plenty of room for your belongings.
• In the Air – our Armored Vertx Commuter 3.0 bundle is a great option if you’re planning to travel by air. Great for mobility, this bundle comes fit with an armored panel that fits perfectly, as well as multiple pockets to easily organize your belongings. It's also fully TSA approved!
• The Great Outdoors – our Armored Vertx Overlander bundle is designed for use in the great outdoors. With ample storage space for all your essentials, including dedicated easily accessible pockets for water bottles, safety equipment, and the unparalleled added protection of a custom ballistic panel, this is the perfect bag for all your outdoor adventures.

Update and Refresh Your EDC Supplies

Hotter temperatures mean you’ll need to remove and replace some of the supplies in your EDC:

• Sunscreen (although let’s be real – even in the colder months you should always have it with you!)
• Sun hat - replace warmer hats with one that has a visor and mesh for breathability
• Cooling cloth
• Warm weather clothing - moisture wicking shirts are great for this
• Rain gear - ponchos take up very little space, but are great to protect you and your belongings in a sudden shower
• Water bottles – hydration is essential, so make sure you carry a collapsible or reusable water bottle at all times
• Bleed kit – did you know most serious injuries or deaths are the result of bleeding out? Grab a bleed kit that's small and easy to carry, yet includes all of the tools you’ll need to help stop bleeding and buy precious time for the medics to arrive
• Insect repellant – warm weather brings out the bugs, so make sure you’re prepared with spray or other repellant
• Allergy medicine – make sure you have enough allergy medication, both for seasonal allergies and any insect bites  

Stay Safe While Traveling this Spring

There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling this spring. Situational awareness is the number one way to keep yourself safe while on the road but here are a few more suggestions as you travel more.

1. Be aware of your surroundings, including who or what is around you at all times
2. Always have an emergency plan. This includes making sure you are aware of where any exits are located
3. Reduce and avoid distractions - and not just while driving. Being on your phone makes you an easier target
4. Make yourself a hard target. You can do this by making eye contact with people, showing them that you see them
5. Listen to your instincts. Pause for a few seconds when exiting a store or restaurant and look around to make sure nothing feels out of place
6. Always be prepared for the unexpected
7. Carry personal protection. Whether you carry a handgun, taser, or pepper spray, make sure you have some kind of weapon you are comfortable using
8. See something. Say something. 

In addition to situational awareness, always make sure you:

1. Plan your route and carry maps (your GPS may not work everywhere)
2. Inform your family or friends of your plans and how to contact you in an emergency
3. Always have an emergency contact that is NOT traveling with you 
4. Keep valuables close to you and out of sight
5. Avoid isolated areas - a quick Google search can make you aware of unsafe areas when you're in a new city
6. Carry something for self-defense
7. Do your research! Know where you’re going, what is happening there and the specific items you may find yourself needing 

Keep Your Home Safe While You're Away

When you're away from home, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your home is safe. Here are a few tips to help keep your mind at ease:

1. Make sure all doors and windows are locked before you leave
2. If you have an alarm system, make sure it’s turned on 
3. Double-check your appliances and make sure the garage door is closed
4. Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house and collect your mail while you’re gone. Better yet, pause your mail delivery while you're gone.
5. Turn off the water to avoid leaks and costly repairs
6. Make sure outside motion sensor lights are working
7. If you have a yard, make sure it's cut. An overgrown yard can be a sign no one is home
8. Avoid ordering any packages leading up to travel, as boxes on the porch can be another sign no one is home

Keep Safe While Enjoying the Great Outdoors

As the weather gets warmer and we start spending more time outdoors, it's important to remember to stay safe. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the great outdoors:

1. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses (keep your EDC bag packed and ready to go!)
2. Wear the proper footwear for whatever activity you’re planning, and bring extra socks and shoes if the activity involves water
3. Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water
4. Be aware of your surroundings – you want to avoid poison ivy and snakes
5. Consider carrying personal protection such as a concealed weapon (when permitted) or a knife. Add bear spray to your bag if you'll be hiking
6. Carry a first aid kit equipped to handle outdoor injuries and consider carrying a specialized bleed kit
7. If you'll be in a more remote area, make sure someone knows where you'll be. Adding a personal locator beacon (or something similar) is a great precautionary tool

Top 5 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe this Spring

As the weather gets warmer and days get longer, it’s natural to want to spend more time outdoors. But before you let your kids loose, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind:

1. Have a plan - know where your kids will be and setup a plan for them to check in with you periodically. If they will be with friends, get the friend's phone number so you have multiple ways to reach them
2. Use sunscreen - even on cloudy days, ultraviolet rays can cause sunburn and skin damage. Limit their time in the sun, especially during the midday hours
3. Hydration - make sure your kids drink plenty of fluids, especially on hot days. Water is best, but sports drinks can also help replace electrolytes lost through sweating
4. Wear helmets and protective gear – before sending your kids out on their bikes, roller blades or any other moving contraption kids own these days, make sure they are properly equipped 
5. Be aware of insects and other harmful critters - insect bites, poison ivy, and snakes, just to name a few, can quickly turn a sunny day cloudy. Make sure your children have insect repellant and the information they need to identify the “good” from the “bad”

Emergencies are the last thing anyone wants to think about, but with a bit of upfront preparation and information, you can greatly limit your chances of finding yourself facing one. Now let’s get out there and enjoy all that nature has to offer this Spring!