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"89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases"
Lesson #39: Numbered lists
 Use
numbered lists in press releases to offer free information, tips and
advice.
This press release is about Debra
Holtzman, a child safety expert, who posted it online at
Expertclick.com,
where she has a subscription and is a member of their Experts
Database.
Debra can write up to 52 press
releases a year and takes full advantage of her subscription. All
her releases are picked up by the Google and Yahoo news feeds and
Lexis-Nexis.
As a
result, the media contact her frequently when they want background
and commentary on child safety issues. Also, parents who are concerned about
child safety find the releases online, and many of them buy her
book. Some of her biggest
media hits, listed at the end of the release, are highlighted in
yellow.
Here's the release. You can
see what it looks like online. And you can see all the other
press releases she has distributed
here.
Hollywood, FL 33021
August 17, 2006
7 Must-Know Airplane Emergency Safety Tips
for Parents
In addition to packing in your
carry-on baggage necessities such as breast milk, baby formula,
diapers, medicine and items that will keep your child entertained,
there are steps that you should take to make the flight safer for
yourself and your baby", says Debra Holtzman, JD, MA, an
internationally recognized safety and health expert and author of
the book, The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety
(Sentient Publications, 2005.)
1. Fly Nonstop
It is more than inconvenient to have to change planes, running the
risk of missing a connecting flight and racing through a busy
airport carrying a baby or toddler and all of her gear. A nonstop
flight is actually safer. Most crashes occur during takeoff,
climbing, descending and landing than the flight itself.
Sometimes changing planes cannot be avoided. Most airlines will
provide assistance in transporting your child, child safety seat (CSS)
and luggage. Arrange for this in advance.
2. Plan Ahead for the Appropriate CSS to Be Used on the Plane
Although the FAA permits children under age 2 to fly in a parent's
arm, imagine trying to hold on to a child in turbulence or in an
emergency.
Look for a label that says, "This restraint is certified for use in
motor vehicles and aircrafts. In order to fit on an airplane seat,
the seat CSS cannot be wider than 16 inches.
All children 40 pounds and under should be in child safety seats on
an airplane. The same age and weight rules apply for planes as for
cars. In order to sit facing forward safely, a child should be at
least 12 months and weigh at least 20 pounds. Rear-facing infant
seats fit best on airplanes, but you can use a rear-facing
convertible seat. Children weighing more than 40 pounds should be
secured by the standard-issue aircraft safety belt. Even though some
booster seats and harness vests can be used safely in a car, they
are banned from use in aircraft during taxi, take-off and landing.
3. Inform the Airline That You Will Be Traveling with a Child
Some airlines may have special policies for transporting children.
Be sure to ask. You may also get a break in price, even though the
child is, essentially, taking up as much space as an adult. Some
airlines offer discounted tickets for children younger than 2 years
of age who will be traveling in a CSS.
If you can, avoid the busiest days and times for flying; this will
make it more likely that you will have adequate space.
The CSS must be installed in a window seat so other passengers are
not prevented from getting out into the aisle. And children cannot
ride in emergency exit rooms.
4. Become Familiar with the Aircraft
As you board the plane, take your seat and locate the exits closet
to you. Count the number of rows to the nearest exits (toward the
front and back of the plane) In a smoke-filled cabin, you'll be able
to feel your way to the exit.
Check to see if there are seat-back telephones available.
Read the written safety instructions. You've glanced at them dozens
of times, of course, but a quick review will prepare you to handle
an emergency should it arise. And pay close attention to the flight
attendant's preflight emergency briefing. Reviewing what you already
know can help you act quickly if there is a need.
5. Keep Your Safety Belt on
Throughout the flight, stay belted and keep your child in the
child-restraint system. If the plane hits unexpected turbulence and
the pilot must negotiate unusual maneuvers, you'll be ready.
6. Remember: Your Oxygen Mask Goes on First
If emergency masks come down, grab the one dangling in front of you
and put it on first. If your brain is starved of oxygen, you can
pass out or get disoriented, in such a situation, you won't be able
to help your child get out of a plane.
7. Don't Panic!
In the unlikely event there is an emergency situation, you need to
remain calm so that you can focus on the directions of the flight
attendant and crew.
Debra Holtzman is an award-winning parenting author, corporate
spokesperson and renowned safety and health expert.
Debra has been recently
featured on NBC's Today Show, Dateline NBC, CNBC and MSNBC.
Her latest book, The Safe Baby: A Do-it-yourself Guide to Home
Safety (Sentient Publications, 2005) is in bookstores everywhere.
Interviews may be arranged via:
E-mail
Telephone: 954-963-7702
http://thesafetyexpert.com
Opportunity #39:
Job change
If you take a new position,
write a press release for your local newspaper, business journal and
trade publications. Often, this will generate no more than a few
lines of type in the back of the paper, but it keeps your name out
there, in between the bigger stories you're generating. Want to be
featured in an even bigger story about your job change? Contact a
reporter or columnist who writes on career issues and share your
experiences finding a job.
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