Colorado is in the middle of a drug war. This past November, the continued legal operation of medical marijuana was on ballots across the state. In the minds of many Coloradoans, complete legalization isn’t too far behind, and some proponents are preparing a campaign to pursue that in 2012. As a result of continued debate over legalizing marijuana — medical and otherwise — and the effects it has on the body, a state lawmaker is now proposing legislation that would implement “driving while stoned” limitations.

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It’s rare, but it does happen. People in Colorado sometimes encounter mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas, and panthers. Most escape unharmed, some end up injured, and unfortunately, a few people have been killed. Humans are not preferred prey for mountain lions. They usually hunt deer. But when conditions are right, mountain lions will sometimes attack people. It occurs most often when people are camping or hiking in areas populated by mountain lions, but as cities continue to encroach on the animals’ habitat, the possibility of mountain lion-human encounters increases. Whether it’s in the wild or in your neighborhood, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe if you ever find yourself facing down a hungry cougar.

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Since September 6, 2010, more than 6,100 acres in Fourmile Canyon, outside Boulder, have been charred in a wildfire. At least 166 homes have been destroyed, and several other non-residential structures have burned to the ground. A second wildfire started near Loveland on September 12, and approximately 710 acres have already been lost in that one. Events like this remind us of the awesome power of nature, and our inability to control it, try as we might. No matter what precautions we take or how careful we are, there is still only so much we can do to avoid disaster like these tragic fires. In fact, the Fourmile Canyon fire illustrates that point perfectly — because it was started by a 20-year veteran of the Fourmile Fire Department.

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Once kids make it to high school, parents may relax a bit about sending them off to school by themselves. They’re older, bigger, and learning more responsibility for themselves. This doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from a few reminders about safety, though. They’re still kids, and teenagers, even though they’re more mature than middle schoolers, can sometimes be irresponsible and even reckless. Some back to school safety tips apply no matter what your child’s age, but there are some things that only apply to high schoolers. Sitting your teenager down for a talk about safety can help make the school year easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

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The best attorney is one who can empathize with a client, and make that person feel as though they’re truly understood and supported. Shari Willis is one such attorney, and we’re proud to have her on board at Bachus & Schanker. In addition to her outstanding legal work, Shari is a tireless supporter of charities close to her heart. She fights for her clients, not only because they’ve been wronged, but as a result of her own personal experience.

Shari specializes in complex medical negligence (malpractice), catastrophic birth injuries, and birth trauma. She is able to relate especially well to parents whose infants suffer injury and trauma at birth. Her own daughter, Katlyn, passed away in 1996 at just seven months of age after being born with severe disabilities, and contracting a respiratory infection.

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One of the most nerve-wracking things a parent can do is send their children away to summer camp. It’s relinquishing a certain amount of control which can be difficult for any parent, but especially for parents of younger children. To put your mind at ease, look for certain features of the camp that will help ensure your child’s safety.

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On Thanksgiving Day in 2008, nine-year-old Erica Forney of Fort Collins, Colorado, died. She didn’t have a terminal illness. She wasn’t playing with matches or an unattended gun. Two days before Thanksgiving, she was riding her bike home from school, the way she did every day. Just two houses away from her own, she was hit by a two-ton SUV. She sustained a head injury which led to her death. The woman behind the wheel of the SUV was using her cell phone while driving.

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Every year, thousands of children are injured during the summer months. The warmer the weather gets, the more time kids spend outside, engaging in activities that expose them to potentially dangerous situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injury. Many of these accidents and injuries can be avoided if parents take a few precautions.

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Every day, firefighters are injured on the job, whether from smoke inhalation, heat exhaustion, or actual burns, all while trying to save people and their precious belongings from fire. Not many people will willingly enter a burning building for any reason, yet firefighters do it every day for little pay and sometimes no recognition. Because it’s not something we’re affected by every day, we tend to forget the sacrifices firefighters make. One man in Australia set out to change that.

Wildfires are common in Australia due to frequent drought and oppressive heat. Yet firefighters continue to risk their lives to fulfill their duties of keeping people and property safe. In 1998, five firefighters died in a horrible wildfire in Lindon, Australia. Afterward, the local community paid tribute to them and the sacrifices they made by wearing red ribbons in their honor. This small gesture was the beginning of what is now observed as International Firefighters’ Day.

The loss of those five men, and the ensuing tribute prompted a volunteer firefighter named JJ Edmondson of Victoria, Australia to begin an online campaign to coordinate international recognition for firefighters around the world. The positive response was overwhelming, and after some discussion, it was decided that International Firefighters’ Day would be observed on May 4 every year.

This date was chosen because it is also the day that celebrates the life of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, among other things. He stands for selfless dedication to duty and saving lives, the very things today’s firefighters risk their lives for.

Last week, those who want to pay tribute to firefighters wore a blue and red ribbon to honor those firefighters who have been injured, who have given their lives to save others, or who simply take on that risk every single day. Whether or not you observe this international day of recognition and tribute, the bravery and dedication displayed by firefighters everywhere is undeniable.

Last December, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law a ban on texting while driving, joining 20 other states, the District of Columbia, and Guam in an attempt to prevent the increasing number of accidents caused by cell phone distraction. Six other states, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all forms of cell phone use while driving. Many people feel that this cell phone law is simply too difficult to enforce, will increase traffic stops, and waste law enforcement officers’ time. Others feel laws like this threaten an invasion of privacy. Now the National Safety Council (NSC) is weighing in.

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