What benefits are you interested in learning more about? The OMBUDSMAN have been discussing putting together a “Family Night” at the Community Center and bring experts to Valdez to help family members interested in learning about specific services and benefits. Websites only give you so much information, unless you are quite familiar with the programs from routine use or interaction.
It’s challenging to know about all the stuff you are entitled to like money for education (special loans and grants) and child care assistance, special kits containing tools for expecting mothers and families with young children and kits for those families who are preparing for college or taking care of an elderly family member. And multiple organizations offer similar services that you may take advantage of such as CGMA’s layette package (containing a receiving blanket, accessories and other items for a newborn child) and WorkLife 4You’s Prenatal Kit (containing best-selling pregnancy and child care books, a diaper bag, bib, immunization magnet).
We as Ombudsman receive e-mails regarding grants, scholarships and such. If you would like to be added to an e-mail distribution list to receive these e-mails as well, please let us know. valdezombudsman@gmail.com
Information of Services Available to Family Members:
Coast Guard Legal Services are available to family members. This is FREE legal assistance you can use concerning contract, credit, adoption, tax and estate planning issues.
As you well know, our loved ones accept significant risk when executing many of our missions. All personnel, but particularly those with family members, should consider getting a Will, Living Will, Medical Power of Attorney and, possibly in appropriate circumstances, General Power of Attorney to make their wishes clear in the event of death or severe disability. Our legal assistance attorneys can draft the necessary documents. Members sometimes also have other personal legal issues that may be a distraction and our legal assistance attorneys are just as ready to provide advice and guidance to help keep their focus on mission execution. http://www.uscg.mil/legal/la/Legal_Assistance_Resources.asp
If meeting some of these program specialists is something you’d be interested in, let us know. They have expressed a willingness to travel and meet you. Shoot us an email and let us know what you want to know…and we’ll incorporate that into the event.
Winter Driving 101:
The winter months are here we want to make sure everyone is prepared in the event of severe weather. If you have studded tires, now is a great time to get them on your vehicle. If you are going to be driving in wintery and icy conditions, please review the following winter driving safety tips.
Driving Safely on ICY roads
• Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brakes before braking again.
• Turn on your lights.
• Don't use cruise control.
• Bridges and overpasses, will freeze first, even at temperatures above freezing.
Skidding
• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• If you are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right, until you re-gain control.
• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes.
Stuck in the Snow
• Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
• Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
• Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
• Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
• Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Essential Supplies
In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk:
• Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
• Shovel
• Jumper cables
• Bag of salt or cat litter
• Tool kit
• Working Flashlight with Extra Batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
• First Aid Kit
• Extra Windshield Cleaner
• Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
• Wooden Stick Matches in Waterproof Container
• Scissors and String/Cord
• Non-perishable, high-energy foods (i.e. unsalted nuts, dried fruit, and hard candy)
• Blanket