Airports & Ebola - Are You Prepared

Do you know what to expect at the airport the next time you travel internationally? Well, I decided to present the top 3 things you need to know about airports and Ebola. Right now, the Department of Homeland Security is sending mixed messages because each State is handling the Ebola "crisis" differently. The DHS has a responsibility to help out with national health concerns on a threatening level, but each State also has to make decisions based on their specific needs and population concerns.

Either way, below are the top 3 across-the-board things to know about Ebola at airports.

1. Starting 11/01/13, all International airports will start screening for Ebola. There are no nonstop flights to the U.S. from Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea, the three countries hardest-hit by Ebola. Nearly 95% of the roughly 150 people traveling daily from or through those West African countries to the U.S. land first at one of the five airports selected for extra screening.

2. Homeland Security employees at airports will use no-touch thermometers to take the temperatures of passengers who have come from or through West Africa.

3. If you present a fever at an International airport, know the DHS isn't playing games. Case-by-case, health workers and the DHS will direct the passenger either to the local medical system or public health system for possible treatment or routine follow-ups, including daily temperature readings for the 21-day Ebola incubation period. There are quarantine areas at each of the five International airports that can be used, if necessary.

Please pass this information on to anyone you know who will be traveling after Saturday. :)

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett
HireIme.com

How to Keep Your Family Safe During A Terrorist Attack

I want to talk today about three easy ways to keep your family safe during a terrorist attack. During an attack, people will panic. Providing a long list of "to dos" sometimes can be counterproductive because we, naturally, panic. So, I broke down three easy-to-remember things to help keep your family safe during an attack.

1. Be aware of your emergency exists. If you start this today, it will be second nature to you. Every single time you walk into a business, amusement park, etc. with your family (and yourself), point out the emergency exits to your family members and then note the ER meeting place. It seems simple, but this is the best thing you can do to save a life during an attack.

2. Know how to handle minor and major medical issues. How? Take a CPR course and a first-aide course. Refresh the course knowledge every year. The information learned will be on automatized recall during a true emergency.

3. Find a police man or EMT and ask where you should go. Don't just head to the ER meeting spot and stay there. Once you collect your family members, ask what the plan is next. Find the closest first-responder and ask where the safest place to move to is.

I hope this information helps you make smart decisions when it comes to keeping your family safe during a terrorist attack, hopefully-however- you will not have to use it!

Twyla N. Garrett

Feeling Negative? Let Me Help!

Business owners and employees can feel negative about their work experiences from time to time. It happens. We all have bad days or run ins with people that sour our attitudes. Bouncing back from feelings of negativity is a necessity when it comes to being successful. The first thing you want to do is always address why you're feeling negative. What are the circumstances surrounding your mood? Are you just feeling negative or is there fear involved? Fear is often involved if you feel your status within the company has been threatened or that your business is in jeopardy.

After addressing the situation take a walk. Walking will clear your head and allow you to think about the severity of what is going on with your emotions and within the company. Are your assumptions and fears right? Can you really not stand THAT person? A little perspective can go a long way before a call to action is required.

Negativity also stems from feeling rejected or experiencing anger. Perhaps you pitched a proposal to a client or boss that was shot down. You might feel negative because you feel rejected. Or, maybe an undeserving competitor or coworker got what was to be your account. You might feel very angry and also negative. Regardless as to what happened, immediate reactions can be detrimental to your reputation. Don't let feeling negative ruin your reputation.

Twenty percent of your work generally produces 80 percent of your results! You need to stay focused and, again, gain perspective on your feelings and why you feel that way. If you need to take an hour to walk it off, or a mental health day- do so! Whatever you do, don't react when feeling fueled with negative feelings- it will only escalate a situation.

Stay as positive as possible and remember to focus on the 20% of work that produces 80% of results. Keep your eye on the prize!

Twyla