Household & Car Maintenance Customer Service

When you need the service of a home or car maintenance person, here are some points to consider:

1. Explain the problem to the service person.

2. Listen to the explanation of the problem.

3. Get a written estimate and understand what it covers.

4. Make sure you have a written copy of the estimate sent or emailed to you.

5. You do not need to make an immediate decision and you may choose to get

another estimate from another company.

6. Ask the service person how much experience he has in that job.

7 DO NOT be pressured into agreeing to something you do not understand.

***********************************

Examples of home maintenance: 

HVAC (Heat & Air-conditioning Hot water heater)

Clogged pipes

Broken toilet 

Leaking Basement

Leaking roof

Tree storm damage

                                  ***********************************

Examples of car maintenance: 

Dead battery

Flat tire

Necessary oil change

Rotate tires 

Service brakes

What to Do if You are Stopped by the Police While Driving

Being stopped by police is a stressful experience that can go bad quickly.  Here we describe what the law requires and also offer strategies for handling police encounters.  

You can be pulled over or stopped by the police when driving for many reasons. Speeding, tail gaiting (driving too close to the car in front of you) can also get you pulled over. Weaving in and out of traffic (especially without using your turn signal), rolling through stop signs, trying to beat a red light are other aggressive driving behaviors that could cause harm to you and those around you. Drive defensively (with care, obeying laws including speed limits, and avoiding risky driving practices) and keep yourself and your family safe not just because you can get caught.

You may get stopped for other safety reasons, like if your car has a headlight, taillight, break light, turn signal, etc. out or not working.

You may get a warning or a ticket. The penalties for driving faster than the speed limit or conditions cost you a ticket:

• A basic speeding could cost  $175
• Speeding through construction and school zones: a ticket costs $300

Talking to the Police

Knowing what to expect when talking to the police is important. In the United States, you have "the right to remain silent", which is a right many people forget. Shouting and arguing is never in your best interest because "anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law." Lying to authorities is perjury and can be a felony which is a serious crime that is punishable by a year or more in prison. 

You can and should talk to the officers. Stay calm. Be respectful. Listen. Let the officer tell you why you were pulled over. Remember a traffic stop can be very dangerous for the police officer and they have to be prepared for threats.

If you receive a ticket for driving, follow the instructions. Do not offer money or insist on paying the officer.

If you receive a warning for driving, follow the instructions (replace burnt out lights, use your turn signal, slow down, get your vehicle repaired, etc). Remember, the police try to keep you and others on the road safe.

Here is a great resource:  ACLU Know Your Rights: Stopped by Police.  

Your rights if you have been stopped by the police:  

• Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent.  
• If you are a passenger, you can ask if you’re free to leave. If the police say yes, you may silently leave.  

How to reduce risk to yourself if you are stopped by the police:  

• Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible.  
• Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way, and place your hands on the wheel. If you are in the passenger seat, put your hands on the dashboard.  
• Upon request, show police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.  
• Avoid making sudden movements, and keep your hands where the officer can see them.  

What to do if you are arrested or detained by the police:  

• Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not give any explanations or excuses. Do not say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
• If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer. They can and often will listen to a call made to anyone else.

In the United States, the role of the police is to protect and serve the community. The police are ready to help in any situation. Do not be afraid to call the police for help and support or to report anything that seems off. Call the non-emergency number when you have time and if a situation is not life threatening. 

Most of all, remember is that every action a police officer takes is to protect us and keep us safe. Don't ever hesitate to call the police when you need help.  

Vocabulary words:  

• culpability: deserving blame
• dealing with: to tackle or combat a problem
• defensively: in a manner that protects you and others
• impression: a feeling or opinion not based on any particular fact
• pulled over: stopped by a police officer for breaking a traffic law
• seems off: is not typical or is unusual

Citations/Resources:  ACLU Know Your Rights: Stopped by Police

Safe Driving Tips

Knowing the rules of the road and knowing how to drive safely are critical skills.  Make sure you know how to keep yourself and others safe while driving.  

Safe Driving

This has been a summer of construction all around town. Watch signs and follow instructions. Fines in construction zones are higher otherwise.

People tend to drive faster and in a less safe manner when weather conditions improve causing more accidents.  The penalties for driving faster than the speed limit or conditions cost you a ticket:

• A basic speeding could cost  $175
• Speeding through construction and school zones: a ticket costs $300

Tail gaiting (driving too close to the car in front of you) can also get you pulled over. Weaving in and out of traffic (especially without using your turn signal), rolling through stop signs, trying to beat a red light are other aggressive driving behaviors that could cause harm to you and those around you. Drive defensively and keep yourself and your family safe not just because you can get caught.  

Here are Some Refreshers for the Proper Way to Drive through a Roundabout:

Roundabouts (also known as traffic circles) are becoming more and more common; usually because they are proven to be safer (roundabouts reduce fatal accidents by up to 90%), more efficient (roundabouts increase traffic capacity by 30-50%), and less expensive (roundabouts save an average of $5,000 per year in electricity and maintenance costs) than traditional, 4-way intersections.  For more information and statistics about roundabouts, explore these links:  Indiana Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.  

• Slow down and stay in your lane
• Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout
• Obey one-way signs at all times
• When traffic is clear, merge to the right and continue to stay in your lane
• Continue through the roundabout until you reach your exit point
• Avoid stopping in a roundabout
• Yield to pedestrians and bicycles when there is a crosswalk
• When exiting, signal and exit to the right
• Left turns are completed by circling around the center island and then making a right turn to exit
• Indiana State Police also say state law requires motorists to yield the right-of-way to semi-trucks while driving inside a roundabout.

Photo source:  https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/roundabouts 

School will be starting soon. Here are some Rules of the Road to help keep our children safe:

• You must always stop for a bus that is loading or unloading children. The bus lights flash red and the stop sign arm is out. This is true even if there are multiple lanes of traffic.
• If the roadway is divided (has trees, grass, or cement separating the directions of traffic) and you are on the opposite side of the road from the bus, you do not need to stop.
• Watch and obey the reduced speed limits in school zones.
• Watch for children playing or congregating near bus stops.  
• Be aware that children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking
• Be prepared to stop when yellow flashing lights appear on the bus, which warn drivers the bus is coming to a stop.  

Photo source:  https://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/district/communications/district
-news/details/~board/news/post/oshkosh-school-bus-practice-run-happening-august-25

Staying Safe on the Road Around Emergency Vehicles

Driving laws require you to pull over and allow emergency vehicles (such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles) to pass you.  However, there are some exceptions to this rule:  

• For example, you’re not allowed to break the law to pull out of the way. 
• Additionally, you shouldn’t put yourself or other drivers in danger while attempting to pull over. 
• Also, you don’t have to stop if you’re driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway.  

If you are driving and an emergency vehicle approaches, you can follow the SIREN method to navigate the situation safely:  

• Stay alert.  Keep the noise level in your car down far enough that you can hear sirens of emergency vehicles when they approach. Also, be aware that more than one emergency vehicle could be nearby.  
• Investigate.  Use your mirrors to determine where the emergency vehicle and what you can do to pull over out of the way.
• React.  Move calmly and as quickly as you can to safely and smoothly pull over to the side of the road. Always use your turn signal, and don’t slam on your brakes.  
• Enter.  Before re-entering the flow of traffic, look around carefully and use your turn signal.  
• Never.  Don’t pull over if you can’t do so safely or without breaking the law, and don’t try to outrun an emergency vehicle or follow it too closely.

Here is a quick, three-minute read that explains how to drive safely near emergency vehicles.  

Vocabulary words:  

• aggressive:  forceful, bold; this can also mean violent and argumentative.  
• congregating:  when several people gather together in the same place.  
• dart:  run quickly
• defensively:  in a manner that protects you and others.  
• pulled over:  stopped by a police officer for breaking a traffic law.  

Citations/Resources:

• Information About Roundabouts from the Indiana Department of Transportation
• Information About Roundabouts from the Federal Highway Administration
• How to Yield to Emergency Vehicles (3-minute read)

School Words and Phrases for Parents

The start of the 2023-2024 school year is coming up fast!  Make sure you know how to effectively understand and communicate with your child's school and their teachers.  

School Websites

Most schools have a website you can use to find important information, such as school calendars, teacher contact information, and bus schedules.  

Here are the websites of a few local Indiana schools you can explore to get a better understanding of how school websites work.  Note: these are links to the entire school districts, so make sure you select your child's individual school (i.e., Cherry Tree Elementary School, Westfield High School) on the website to get the correct information for your child:    

• Carmel Clay Schools (in Carmel, Indiana)
• Hamilton Southeastern Schools (in Fishers, Indiana)
• Westfield-Washington Schools (in Westfield, Indiana)
• Indianapolis Public Schools (also called "IPS"; located in Indianapolis, Indiana)

Tips for Navigating School Websites

• A lot of information on school websites is put under different tabs and/or dropdown menus.  Take your time and explore all the features of your child's school's website.  
• Be sure to find the correct website for your child's school.  There are websites for entire school districts, so make sure you choose your child's individual elementary, middle/junior high, or high school from your school district's website.  
• Many school websites have a translation feature that can translate everything on the website to a different language.  Feel free to use the website's translation feature if you are confused to get a better understanding of your child's school.  

School Registration

Make sure you register your child at the appropriate school in your district before the school year begins.  Go to the website for your child's school and browse or search for information about registration and enrollment.  

Note:  Most (if not all) schools need proper documentation for your child in order to enroll/register them as a student.  For example, Carmel Clay Schools in Carmel, Indiana require at least four different documents when enrolling/registering new students.  These documents include (1) the child's official birth certificate or passport; (2) immunization (vaccine) records; (3) proof of residency (proof of where you and the child live); and (4) government issued photo ID of one of the child's parents or legal guardians.  

Here is a link to the registration and enrollment information for Carmel Clay Schools.  

Here is Carmel Clay Schools' 2023 Back-to-School Guide for more information about starting school.  

Interacting with School Personnel

It is very likely that you will have to meet and/or talk with your child's teachers, administrators (principles, vice principles, etc.), and school nurses at some point during the school year.  Make sure you know what to expect when talking with school employees.  

Talking and Emailing with Teachers

During the school year, your children spend more time at school with their teachers than they do at home with their families.  Building respectful and positive relationships with your childen’s teachers is very important.  

Here are some things to remember when talking or emailing with a teacher:  

• Teachers are working to help your child, not to hinder them.  
• Do your best to understand the situation from the teacher's point of view.  If you need a translator or interpreter, don't be afraid to ask for one.  
• Understand that the teacher does not know everything about your child's personal life.  You can supply the teacher with information about your child's life if you think it would help the teacher better understand your child.  
• Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say.  The teacher has information about how your child acts at school that you do not have.  
• Do not assume that all communications from a teacher will be negative.  Many teachers send emails or call home when your child does something good or gets a very good grade.  
• Try to stay calm.  It can be difficult not to get emotional when your child is having a problem at school, but you and the teacher can solve the problem if you stay calm.  
• Your child's teachers are there to help!  Their focus is to help your child succeed.  If your child is struggling or having problems, don't hesitate to reach out to their teachers for help.  

Teacher Conferences and Open Houses

Some teachers require the parents/guardians of their students to meet with them at least once during the school year.  These meetings are called teacher conferences or parent-teacher conferences.  During these conferences, you will meet with your child's teacher(s) to discuss your child and how your child is doing at school.  These conferences may seem intimidating, but they are designed to help your child's teachers better understand how to successfully teach your child.  

• Check out this short article for some tips on what to do to have a successful parent-teacher conference.  

Most schools have an open house at the beginning of the school year.  An open house is an evening event held at the school that allows parents to learn more about the school, the school's district, the school's teachers, and the school's facilities.  Open houses can be very useful for parents, especially if they are new to the district.  

• Read through this short article for more information about school open houses.  

Talking with the Front Desk, School Administrators, and School Nurses

The front desk may call you with questions about or issues with your child's enrollment paperwork, registration information, or attendance record.  Your school's front desk is where you leave items your child may need. In some schools you call to let them know if your child will not be at school that day (due to illness, vacations, family reasons, etc.).  

School administrators (principals, vice principals, etc.) may call you if your child has been having any behavioral or disciplinary issues.  

The school nurse may call you if your child is ill or injured and needs to go home.  They will also call you if your child has an allergic reaction at school.  Schools in the United States require every student to be immunized (vaccinated) against certain diseases.  When you send your child's immunization records to your school, the school nurses keep them on file.  Also, if your child needs to take any medications during the school day, their medications must be administered by the school nurse.  You need to let your child's school know if your child needs to take medication during the school day.  Then, once the school year begins, your child will go to the school nurse's office each school day to take their medication.  

A school counselor may call you if your student is struggling academically, mentally, or emotionally.  A school counselor may also call you if your student wants to change their class schedule.  

The conversations you have with school administrators, school nurses, school counselors, or the school's front desk will almost always involve very important information about your child, your child's health, and/or your child's academic performance.  Make sure you listen carefully when talking with these school employees, and if you need help understanding them, ask for a translator or interpreter.  

School Safety and Security

Your child's school has protocols in place to keep students safe in the event of a fire, severe weather (tornado, blizzard, earthquake, etc.), and active shooters.  Several times throughout the school year, your child's school will do drills in which all students and staff practice what to do in the event of an emergency (fire, severe weather, etc.).  Your child will take part in these drills at school.  Your child's teachers and administrators will tell your child exactly what to do and where to go for these drills.  Read this article for more information about what schools, teachers, and administrators do to keep your child safe at school during an emergency.  

If there is an emergency at school, or if your child feels unsafe at school, most schools have special police officers known as School Resource Officers or SROs.  These police officers have special training in keeping students and schools safe during emergencies.  If your child sees something unsafe happening at school, they can report it to their school's SROs.  

Citations/Resources:  

• Carmel Clay Schools website
• Hamilton Southeastern Schools website
• Westfield-Washington Schools website
• Indianapolis Public Schools website
• Registration and Enrollment Information for Carmel Clay Schools
• Back-to-School Guide for Carmel Clay Schools 2023
• Tips for Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Information about School Open Houses
• School Safety Drills Information

Calling 911 or Calling the Police/Emergency Services

When you call 911, it is an emergency.  Make sure you know what to do if you are experiencing an emergency.  

In an emergency, call 911. Your call goes to the dispatcher and the correct emergency authorities are sent to you (fire, Emergency Medical Technicians or EMTs, or the police officer for that jurisdiction). The dispatcher asks you a series of questions to make sure the right resources are sent to help you. Use this number when lives are in danger.  

Here's some important information about making 911 calls:  

• When you dial 911:
1. Stay on the line until they tell you to hang up. They continue to give you directions and instructions.
2. Know your location. Practice saying your address so it is a habit.  
3. If you accidentally dial 911, stay on the line. If you hang up, they call you back to make sure you are ok.
4. Use 911 for emergencies such as fires and accidents or dangerous situations where you need immediate help.  
5. Expect to have a fire truck, ambulance, and police officers arrive.
• You are not charged money for the emergency calls.
• If someone calls for emergency services on your behalf (or for you) you are not charged. Neither are they.
• You do not have to take the ambulance. You have a right to refuse medical help. (But please accept the help!)
• Emergency fire and medical response in Carmel is around five minutes.
• The police come and come quickly when called.
• Call the police to report unusual or suspicious activities.
• Call your gas/power company when you smell gas; not 911. They give you directions to keep you safe that include not turning on lights, leaving your home, etc. and dispatch someone immediately to investigate.  
• Police and emergency services are paid for through local taxes.  
• Here is a solid video about learning and teaching children to make 911 calls (and it helps adults, too).

When you call 911, it is an emergency. It is always good to know your local police phone number for non-emergency calls. 

For example:  Carmel Police Website and non-emergency phone number: (317) 773-1282

Enter your local police numbers (Fishers, Indianapolis, Zionsville, etc.) into your mobile phone, so you can be prepared to call at any time. Be assured that dialing 911 will always get you to the right resource.

There are three ways to contact the local police in a non-emergency: 

1. In Carmel, the Non-Emergency dispatch number is 317-571-2580. Use this number when you see something that might cause a problem for other people; an officer may be needed. If something seems unusual, like a car is circling the neighborhood or there are people walking around your neighbor's home while they are out of town, try to get a description of the people or of the vehicle as well as a license plate number. 
2. The Carmel general office number is 317-571-2500. Call this number if you have general questions about the police or for information.
3. Walk in! You are welcome to walk in to the police office any time to get your questions answered or to report something. 3 Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032.  

There are many opportunities to know more about our police. Check your community police web pages for information including crime watch, neighborhood watch, senior safety, opportunities to ride along in a patrol car, Teen Academies, Citizen Academies and more. The police are here to help.

Here are a few places you can go if you need medical care and want to/are able to drive to the medical centers yourself:  

• Urgent Care: Immediate access to physicians, nurse practitioners, etc. These services are particularly helpful on weekends.  
• Minute Clinic: Urgent Care housed in a CVS. You can book in advance through their website
• IU Health: Urgent care offered in stand alone or hospitals provided by IU Health
• Walgreens
• OrthoIndy Urgent Care: Urgent care seven days a week for orthopedic injuries and treatment. Where was this when my kids played sports?!
• Emergency Room: The department in a hospital that is dedicated to emergency care; because of the unexpected nature of emergencies, all imaginable equipment and staff is powered on and ready to save lives; patients are triaged and cared for in their order of the severity and mortality of their emergency. 
  

Vocabulary words:  

• 911:  when referring to the emergency number say "nine one one." "Nine eleven" refers to the date of the coordinated terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda on the United States.  
• dispatch:  send someone.
• dispatcher:  the person who directs resources.  
• local:  specific to your town, city, or county.  
• mortality:  threat to life.  
• on your behalf:  when someone does something for you.  
• solid: reliable
• stay on the line:  don't hang up the phone. The dispatcher can tell what is going on and alert the emergency staff of your situation. They will call you back if you hang up.
• triaged:  classified or sorted.  

Citations/Resources:  

• Carmel Police Website
• CVS Minute Clinic Website
• IU Health Urgent Care Website
• OrthoIndy Urgent Care Website
• Video on Learning and Teaching Others to Make 911 Calls

How to Have an Effective Visit to the Doctor

A visit to a doctor can be intimidating or it can be productive. Being prepared is key to getting the best results. 

Arrive on time for your appointment.

Be prepared to fill out several forms, especially if this is your first visit to this doctor. 

Bring a list of current medications, including the name and dosage of the medication and the name of the prescribing physician. Better yet, bring the actual medications, including over the counter drugs (OTC), vitamins and herbal supplements.

Bring any other necessary documents or items, such as x-rays, pathology reports or other medical records, or be sure that these records have already been sent to the doctor.

Bring an adult relative or friend to act as your advocate. Translators are available to help overcome language barriers.

Be prepared to give specific answers to the question, ‘What brings you here?”

Bring specific questions you want the doctor to answer and write down the answers to these questions.

If the doctor prescribes a new medication, ask:

• What is this for?
• Does this medication replace anything else I’m taking?
• How do I take this medication?
• How long do I take it?
• What side effects can this drug cause?
• Is this drug new to the market?
• Is this drug safe to take with other drugs or dietary supplements that I may be taking?
• Are there any other drugs or supplements I should avoid when taking this drug?
• Are there any activities I should avoid while taking this drug?
• If the generic version of this medication is available and costs less, could I take it?

Understand the doctor’s plan for follow-up treatment.

If the doctor orders blood work or lab tests, follow up on getting the results. Also, request a written copy of the results for your records.

advocate: someone who supports or argues on behalf of another person or group

About the author: The author, Cynthia Young teaches English  She is a retired nurse and wife of a doctor  

Getting and Giving Help

Everyone needs help. Everyone can give help. Most people want to help.

Asking for help:

• Can you help me?
• Please help me [fill in].
• I need help with [fill in].
• Help me [fill in].

Offering help:

• I can help you.
• Can I help you?
• How can I help you?
• Do you need help?

And then say:

• Thank you.
• Thanks so much.
• Thank you very much.

But-

"Thanks a lot." can go two ways. It can mean “Thank you very much” or it can mean “Wow, that really was not helpful!”