‘Wife Swap’ searches for Bayonne families
Producers of the ABC’s show “Wife Swap” are currently searching Bayonne and the New Jersey area for families to appear on an episode of the popular program. The premise of “Wife Swap” is that the mother from each household swaps places for one week to experience how another family lives.
If you’ve ever wondered if the grass is greener on the other side, this is your chance. The producers are searching for traditional and non-traditional families; parents and kids who love sports; households with strict rules and no rules; vegetarian families and families who eat anything; moms and dads who love the arts, and families who just want to have fun, along with everyone in between.
Potential families can live anywhere in the United States, but producers will be in New Jersey in mid-July meeting families who are up for this opportunity. Those interested in applying for the show should consist of two parents who have at least one child age 6 or older and living at home.
To submit for the show, call (855) 777-SWAP (7927) or email a family photo and description to candra.nazzaro@zodiakusa.com. For more information, visit www.zodiakusa.com and click on WifeSwap.
Sires introduces legislation on international adoptions
Late in June, Rep. Albio Sires along with Representatives Janice Hahn, (D-CA) and Donald Manzullo (R-IL), introduced H.R. 6027, the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012. This legislation would combat fraud and improve transparency by requiring accreditation for all agencies providing for adoptions between any two countries.
In 2008, the United States became a full member of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption. Under rules of the Convention, the United States requires that International adoption service providers be accredited to increase their accountability. Currently, this requirement only applies to adoptions involving countries the have also signed and implemented the Convention. Adoptions taking place in countries not part of the Hague convention due not currently have the same protections.
“Under current law, adoption agencies who work with non-Convention countries do not need to meet the accreditation requirements, and this creates a double standard for the treatment of children and families,” said Congressman Sires. “My legislation will strengthen U.S. adoption practices by requiring accreditation for all international adoption service providers. Universal accreditation will help create an adoption process that is lawful, safe for the child, and respectful of the families involved.”
The Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 was introduced as the House companion to S. 3331, introduced by Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Richard Lugar (R-IN), James Inhofe (R-OK), and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) on June 21, 2012.
This legislation is designed to prevent horrendous acts such as selling of babies or other forms of fraud and abuse that can occur in international adoptions.
DCA issues power outage safety precautions
With the recent flurry of storms throughout the state, residents should be prepared for the possibility of the loss of electric power, in some cases for extended periods of time. New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Richard E. Constable, III recently reminded residents about potential dangers regarding the use of portable generators as a result of power outages and encouraged safety precautions during their operation.
State Fire Marshal William Kramer, Jr. warns that gasoline and diesel powered generators release a large amount of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas.
“Running generators within a basement, garage or any enclosed or partially enclosed structure will lead to a dangerous – and often fatal – accumulation of carbon monoxide,” said Kramer. “Because the gas is odorless and colorless, its’ effects are not recognized and people will either fall asleep or not wake up. When this happens, it is usually too late for them to survive.”
The Division of Fire Safety recommends that generators only be used outdoors and well away from any structure. In addition, generators should never be connected to a buildings electrical system unless done so by a licensed electrician as this can cause “back feeding” into the areas electrical grid re-energizing downed wires.
When electric power is out, many people turn to candles for light, which is dangerous. Candles are meant for effect and smell, not for lighting. They should never be left unattended, placed in areas where children or pets could knock them over, and or placed near combustible materials such as curtains.
It is not unusual during episodes of high wind for power lines to be blown down or taken down by falling trees. The Division of Fire Safety warns that every downed wire should be considered energized. People should stay away from them and contact their electricity provider.
“Even if you know that the downed line is not electric, it could be wrapped around and energized by a live wire. Stay away,” Kramer said.
The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as for implementing public education and firefighter training programs.
For more information, log on to www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dfs/ on the DCA website.