5 Things Nov. 4: Touch a Truck, Helping Injured Animals and More

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Touch a Truck
The second annual Touch a Truck program will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Henri A. Yelle Elementary School. Climb aboard a police cruiser, fire truck, school bus, tow truck, construction vehicle and many others. The cost of the event is $3 per child, which will benefit the L.G. Nourse Elementary School P.T.A. This event will be held rain or shine.

2. All God’s People worship
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, will share a worship and fellowship opportunity called “All God’s People” the first day of each month starting Sunday, Nov 4 at 12:30 pm. This spiritual gathering will share the blessings of worship, spiritual care and community for children and adults with disabilities, their families and anyone wishing to participate in a new way. The brief worship service will be interactive with music, prayers of the people, a seasonal message for the season and encouraging for “all God’s people” to participate within their range of ability. The service will be followed by a meal, providing an opportunity to build connections and a sense of spiritual support. A sign language interpreter will be present for the hearing impaired. The building is wheelchair accessible. For more information call 508-222-2898 or contact Kathy at agp@immanuellc.org.

3. A Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving
Family and friends of Community VNA Hospice and Palliative Care along with members of the public are invited to gather together in an interfaith celebration honoring their loved one’s life and memory at Saint John the Evangelist Church, 133 N. Main St., Attleboro. The free service features music, candle lighting and readings followed by refreshments. A memorial table will be available to place a small photo of your loved, if you wish. For more information call 508-222-0118, extension 1373.

4. Tips to avoid hitting animals and helping those injured in an accident
The Humane Society of the United States wants to remind drivers to slow down and be aware of wildlife activity as days get shorter and the end of Daylight Savings Time approaches. Vehicle-animal collisions can cause injury, death and car damage, and October through December is the worst time of year in many states for run-ins with deer.

• Follow speed limits. Many animals are hit simply because people drive too fast to avoid them. This makes the roads safer for other drivers and pedestrians, too.
• Watch for wildlife in and near the road at dawn, dusk, and in the first few hours after darkness.Keep in mind that where there is one animal, there are probably others—young animals following their mother or male animals pursuing a female.
• Be especially cautious on two-lane roads bordered by woods or fields, or where streams cross under roads. Most animal/vehicle collisions occur on these roads. Slow down to 45 mph or less.
• Scan the road as you drive, watching the edges for wildlife about to cross. This will also make you more aware of other hazards such as bicyclists, children at play, and slowly moving vehicles.
• Don’t throw trash out car windows. Discarded food pollutes the environment and creates a hazard by attracting wildlife to the roads.
• Use your high beams whenever possible.
• Lower your dashboard lights slightly. You'll be more likely to see your headlights reflected in the eyes of animals in time to brake.

• Do not put your own safety at risk. Unless you can move the animal from the road in absolute safety, do not attempt to do so. Use your hazard lights or emergency road flares to warn oncoming traffic of the injured animal. Never attempt to handle a large animal, like a deer, or one that could give a serious bite, like a raccoon.
• Call someone with the proper training and equipment. When you need assistance, call the non-emergency number of the local police department (program the phone number into your cell phone right now so you have it when you need it) and describe the animal's location. Emphasize that the injured animal is a traffic hazard to help ensure that someone will come quickly. Stay in the area until help arrives.
• Use heavy gloves to protect yourself or avoid direct handling if you try to rescue a small animal yourself. Remember that the animal doesn't know you are trying to help and may bite or scratch in self-defense. An old towel is helpful if you need to move an injured animal.
• Gently coax or place the animal into a cardboard box and transport him/her to an animal shelter, wildlife rehabilitator, or a receptive veterinarian. If there is a delay, keep the animal in a dark, warm, quiet place to minimize fear and stress.
• If you accidentally kill an animal, try to move the animal off the road—but only if you can do so in complete safety. Otherwise, report the location of the animal's body to the local police department, and it will arrange for removal. This will prevent scavengers from being attracted onto the road and eliminate a potential traffic hazard.