Law

From USA.gov
The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal
Volume 11, No. 9
September 9, 2011

September Features on USA.gov:

• 9/11, 10 Years Later
• September is National Preparedness Month
• New Consumer Resources on USA.gov
• Newest Air Passenger Protections in Effect
• Beware Improper Dosing of Acetaminophen in Kids
• President’s Environmental Youth Award

9/11, 10 Years Later

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 is a milestone for our country. Americans everywhere will be reflecting on that fateful day. The President will be visiting lower Manhattan, Shanksville, PA, and the Pentagon to pay tribute to the fallen and their loved ones, but regardless of where you live, there are things you can do to remember the victims; honor our military and first responders; and celebrate our resilience as a nation.

As the third annual National Day of Service and Remembrance approaches, opportunities abound to serve or support a cause in your community.

It's also important to remember how much we've accomplished, and what still needs to be done, to prevent future attacks.

Learn more about the September 11 10th anniversary.

El 10˚ aniversario de los ataques terroristas del 11 de septiembre es un día para recordar a quienes fallecieron y acompañar a sus familiares y a sus seres queridos.

September Is National Preparedness Month

The 9/11 anniversary, as well as the earthquake and hurricane that shook the East Coast in August, are just the latest reminders that Americans need to take emergency-preparedness seriously. While disasters come in many forms, a few simple steps can help you prepare for almost all emergencies:

• Assemble an emergency supply kit.
• Create a family emergency plan.
• Have information about the emergency at hand.

Ready.gov can help you prepare your family, your home, and your business for all types of manmade and natural disasters. And Ready Kids can help your kids get involved.

Ready.gov has resources especially for:

• people with disabilities;
• pet owners; and,
• military families.

Mes Nacional de Preparación: manténgase informado en caso de emergencias

New Consumer Resources on USA.gov

Do you have a problem with your phone or Internet service company, auto mechanic, or credit card company? Do you want to learn how to avoid being scammed, report an unsafe product, or be a safe and savvy online shopper? USA.gov's Consumer Protection page can help you:

• Download or order a copy of the resource-packed 2011 Consumer Action Handbook.
• Learn how to file a consumer complaint.
• Find recalled products.
• Discover tips for getting the products and services you need at a fair price.

Ordene la Guía del Consumidor

Newest Air Passenger Protections in Effect

Air travel is looking up, thanks to new passenger protections. The latest Department of Transportation rules require that:

• If you're involuntarily bumped from a flight, you can receive twice as much compensation as before.
• Airlines must refund your baggage fees if they lose your luggage.
• Tarmac delays at small airports must be limited to three hours, and delays of international flights at U.S. airports must be limited to four hours.
• Airlines must post all optional fees, including baggage, meal, and change fees, on their websites.

Beware Improper Dosing of Acetaminophen in Kids

With the variety of formulas, strengths, and dosage amounts in children's acetaminophen, it's easy to give your child an accidental overdose. But acetaminophen overdoses can lead to nausea, vomiting, and even liver failure or death. And it doesn't happen only when you give your kids too much of the wrong strength of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.

Follow these tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure healthy dosing:

• Never give your child more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at a time. To find out if an OTC medicine contains acetaminophen, look for “acetaminophen” on the “Drug Facts” label under the section called “Active Ingredients.” For prescription pain relievers, ask the pharmacist if the medicine contains acetaminophen.
• Choose the right OTC medicine based on your child's weight and age. The “Directions” section of the “Drug Facts” label tells you if the medicine is right for your child and how much to give. If a dose for your child's weight or age is not listed on the label or you can't tell how much to give, ask your pharmacist or doctor what to do.
• Never give more of an acetaminophen-containing medicine than directed. If the medicine doesn't help your child feel better, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
• If the medicine is a liquid, use the measuring tool that comes with the medicine—not a kitchen spoon.
• Keep a daily record of the medicines you give to your child. Share this information with anyone who is helping care for your child.
• If your child swallows too much acetaminophen, get medical help right away, even if your child doesn't feel sick. For immediate help, call the 24-hour Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222, or call 911.

President's Environmental Youth Award

The new school year is a great time for your young environmentalist, or their whole class, to plan a submission for the President's Environmental Youth Award. The deadline for applying is December 31, and kids in kindergarten through 12th grade can enter. Winning projects have included:

• environmental science projects;
• recycling programs in schools and communities;
• construction of nature preserves;
• major tree planting programs; and,
• videos, skits, and newsletters that focused on environmental issues.

For more ideas, read about past youth award winners.

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