From the Fire Marshals Desk
Summer Safety Tips 2008
‘Tis the season……What are the “rules” for hurricane safety? There are no hard or fast rules, but there are common- sense guidelines.~ Take weather forecasters seriously when they say a hurricane is headed your way.~ If they say evacuate then do it; don’t try to be a hero and brave the storm.
If you live in a coastal area, as we do, knowing the guidelines for hurricane safety is of utmost importance. If you live on the beach or peninsula, here is some good information:
Your first priority should always be the safety of yourself and your family; if you’re told to evacuate please do it, but before you go………
1.~~ Put any outdoor items like outdoor chairs, plants, grills etc. inside (they will blow around).
2.~~ If you have time and have hurricane shutters, put them up.
3.~~ Take anything that can’t be replaced (pictures, important documents, etc.) with you.
4.~~ Get in your car and drive away as far from the storm as possible. Do it before the wind and rain starts. Here a few items to include to make your trip safer… maps, medications, food and water, first aid kit, pillows, cell phone and charger that can be powered by your cars power outlet etc.
5.~~ Yes, you will probably have to wait in line for gas, and yes, the traffic will be heavy. And yes, there is a chance that it will all be for nothing.~ But that’s a good thing, think of it as a mini-vacation.
6.~~ Take your time coming back after the storm. Wait for word from the authorities that it is safe to go back.
Summer~Safety…. is for all of us young or old. You can greatly reduce the chance of you or one of your family becoming a casualty by following simple safety tips.~ Childhood memories are flavored with fun summertime activities including trips to beach, walks to the ice cream shop, and rides around the neighborhood or vacations. Unfortunately accidents peak during this time; because children are supervised less, they have more free time and engage in more outdoor activities.~ This also applies to some of us adults. Let’s all follow these safety guidelines …..
1.~~ Swimming:~ Learn how to swim, (young and old alike), swim by Life-Guards, swim in known areas, and never swim by yourself.
2.~~ Avoid the heat, Yeah, as if we can do that down here during the summer, but take heart, there are a few things we can do help… Wear loose fitting clothes, eliminate strenuous activities during the heat of the day, stay in air-conditioning when possible, and increase your intake of non-carbonated caffeine-free beverages like water or juice.
3. Outdoor Grilling!~ Can’t you just smell the burgers?~ Outdoor gas grills can be fun to cook on and provide delicious food, but they can also be dangerous.~ Follow these few tips, and you should be safe…. , understand manufacturers instructions, never modify the system, or ignore safeguards, check all gas connections for tightness, never cook inside a structure, LP gas for grill’s are under pressure; be careful around it.
4. Watch out for overhead electrical lines when trimming or pruning; not watching what you are doing can be a “SHOCKING” experience.
5. Garage/tag sales. What a perfect time to clean up your garage and make some vacation money and make your garage more fire safe and roomy (clean it after the heat of the day is done.)
School’s Starting, …The first day of school for kids~will begin August 18th so be sure to watch for them.~ When driving please watch your speed and make sure you do not make a right turn on red when pedestrians are present.~ Many children will be riding bikes, walking or rollerblading to school while the weather is nice.
Parents of children, please remind your children to cross only at intersections and to look left, right, and then left again before crossing. Bicycles should be walked across all streets and ridden in the same direction the traffic is flowing.
In closing, remember this if nothing else…..You can read as many safety tips as you like but more important than all that is common sense. Always be alert and use your instincts to the best of your abilities. Know your surroundings and know the risks.
Have a safe rest of the summer,
Jeffrey Shroyer
Fire Marshal
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