"Safety first" is an expression we've all heard—usually without giving it a second thought. But now, like millions of Americans, the heartbreaking COVID-19 pandemic has forced me to think harder about, and appreciate more deeply, what it truly means to prioritize safety. These days, when I'm caring for my elderly parents, connecting with my nieces and nephews, deciding when and how to get groceries, or developing protocols for CR staff to stay healthy, safety really does come first, informing every choice I make—it simply has to.
The unfortunate reality right now is that, for the foreseeable future, safety needs to be our priority in our homes, our work, and our schools, and in our civic engagement. I am hopeful, however, that when the coronavirus threat subsides, we will retain a healthy awareness of our safety—and bring that increased awareness to bear in a positive way on the marketplace and society.
At Consumer Reports, we are constantly working to ensure that products and services are as safe as possible. This month you'll read about pesticides and the potential dangers they present in our food. And throughout the year, we are looking closely at the water we drink. With America's Water Crisis, a partnership with the Guardian US, we are highlighting the safety, access, and affordability of water across the country. To see our coverage, go to CR's Guide to Water Safety & Quality.
I look forward to the promise of safer days ahead—and hope you and your family stay safe as we work through this challenging moment together.
Consumer Reports Annual Meeting
The Consumer Reports 2020 Annual Meeting will be held online on the evening of Oct. 21, 2020. If you are a paid member of CR, get registration information, and please watch your email for an electronic ballot to vote on the current CR Board of Directors slate. If you haven't provided your email address, you can do so by calling us at 800-333-0663 or by going to your My CR account page.
Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the October 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
