True Love Prepares

Valentine's Day is fast approaching!  Like, seriously fast.  If you need some ideas on what to get the sweetie-pie in your life, look no further than disaster supplies.  Not romantic, you say?  Au contraire, mon frere (which is fancy talk for "What'chu talkin' bout Willis?)  What could be more romantic than a backpack filled with emergency food, water, tools, first aid and more?  It's a gift that says, "Hey Girl (or Boy) if there's ever a big disaster, I want you to be safe.  Because I care."

Here are some websites where you can find ideas or products for the ones you love:
www.simple-safety.com

www.preparesmart.com

Flowers die, chocolates are fattening, teddy bears are cliche, but disaster supplies, my friends, disasters supplies are the gift that keeps on giving!

Let's Have a SAFE Weekend

Rumor has it that this weekend is going to be hot! Hot weather is great, but it always seems to bring tragedies related to our areas lakes and rivers. Please be safe this weekend and practice good water safety habits. Wear a lifejacket, even if you're just washing your car. I wear one in the shower, just in case. Ok, I don't, but seriously, enjoy this beautiful summer weekend safely. We only get a few of them, make them count!

Summertime Safety

It's summertime and that means fun in the sun and cooling off in our area's beautiful rivers and lakes. After enduring months of rain and cold, of course the Washingtonian has a ravenous, pent-up need for sunshine! Please remember that our rivers are swift and very cold, no matter what the outside temperature.

Swimming can be a great way to have fun while getting full body exercise. However, each year between 4,000 and 6,000 people drown in the United States. It is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 15 to 44 years old. Shockingly, it is believed that two-thirds of the people who drown are believed to never have had any intention of being in the water. Since tragic water accidents happen quickly, we have compiled the following information to help everyone have a safe and fun summer.

By keeping these few simple things in mind, you can make your experience in the water much safer.

*Learn to swim before you go into the water. Sounds silly, but many people think it will come naturally, and it really doesn’t.
*Swim near a lifeguard so help is available if you need it
*Never swim alone
*Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
*Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water
*Alcohol and swimming don't mix
*Protect your head, neck, and spine by jumping feet first into unfamiliar waters
*As soon as you believe that you may be in trouble, call or wave for help
*Follow regulations and lifeguard directions
*Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances

Swimming and playing near water are favorite summer time activities of children everywhere. Parents and guardians need to pay extra attention and make sure they protect little ones from the dangers that water presents. Here are some points to consider about water safety for children.

*Never leave a child alone near water. Accidents happen in seconds, so if you have to leave, take your child with you.
*Watch out for neighborhood pools. Whether it is your own or your neighbors, toys that are left around the pool can attract children to the water.
*If you have a pool, make sure you surround it by a fence that is tall enough that children cannot climb over, and with a gate that locks.
*Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. Lessons won't make your child "drown-proof," but they will increase their safety and prepare them for a lifetime of fun in the water.
*Teach your children to always swim with a buddy.
*Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy.
*Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Celebrate Independence Day Safely!

This oppressive Amazonian mist we've been enduring makes it hard to believe that the 4th of July is almost upon us. It looks like the weather will shape up for the long weekend though! With that in mind, let's take a minute to review the rules for not setting yourself, your loved ones, your home or anything else on fire, shall we?

• Be PREPARED before you light fireworks
---Use legal fireworks, available at licensed outlets, not "fireworks" that your teenage neighbor makes and promises will be "like crazy sick, dude”
---Store fireworks out of children’s reach
---Keep pets indoors if at all possible
---Always keep a water bucket and/or fire extinguisher handy

• Be SAFE when lighting fireworks
---Only adults should light fireworks
---Only use fireworks outdoors
---Do not throw fireworks or hold them in your hand
---Never re-light a dud
---Be considerate of your neighbors and pets, especially as the following day is a work day. (I mean a work day for people, not so much for pets. Those lazy free-loaders can sleep all day if they want) But if your pets are skittish, maybe lay off the loud fireworks. According to state law, fireworks may be discharged until midnight on the 4th, however, much like vinyl hotpants---just because you can doesn't mean you should.

• Be RESPONSIBLE after you finish lighting fireworks
---Soak used fireworks in water
---Clean up used fireworks
---Keep matches and lighters away from children.

Also, watch out for ashes and debris falling down from fireworks because they can fall in your eye and scratch your cornea. If that happens you'll have to consult with a 24-hour medical advice line who will advise you to wear an eye patch. Which you will do for two days and look like the world's most pathetic and irritated pirate. Ask me how I know this....I dare you.

Holiday Safety Tips

Have a safe and happy holiday season by following these safety tips:

TREES
· When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
· When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green; needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles (watch "A Christmas Story" for a visual demonstration).
· When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

LIGHTS
· Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards.
· Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
· Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord (for a lesson on what not to do, I recommend viewing "Christmas Vacation" starring Chevy Chase).
· Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted. Or just return your metallic tree to 1961 where it belongs.
· Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples, not nails or tacks, to hold strings in place. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).
· Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
· For added electric-shock protection, plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician (not your cousin-in-law Darryl).

DECORATIONS
· Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
· Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
· In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
· Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

FIREPLACES
· Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from anyone who might find them tempting to ingest.
· Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
· Have your chimney inspected every year.
· Install a carbon monoxide detector as an extra precaution.

Most tips courtesy of US Consumer Products Safety Commission, others were embellished by staff.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are strong narrow channels of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches and rivers. These currents often are characterized by a difference in water color or debris that is moving seaward.
When going to the beach or river, be aware of the local conditions and pay attention to posted warning and signs.

If caught in a rip current:
* Stay calm
* Don't fight against the current
* If you can't escape, float or tread water
* Call or wave for help

Remember - if in doubt - don't go out.

from Washington State Emergency Management Division

http://www.emd.wa.gov/

Swimming Safety

It's summertime and that means fun in the sun and cooling off in our area's beautiful rivers and lakes. After enduring months of rain and cold, of course the Washingtonian has a ravenous, pent-up need for sunshine! Please remember that our rivers are swift and very cold, no matter what the outside temperature. Swimming can be a great way to have fun while getting full body exercise. However, each year between 4,000 and 6,000 people drown in the United States. It is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 15 to 44 years old. Shockingly, it is believed that two-thirds of the people who drown are believed to never have had any intention of being in the water. Since tragic water accidents happen quickly, we have compiled the following information to help everyone have a safe and fun summer.

By keeping these few simple things in mind, you can make your experience in the water much safer.
*Learn to swim before you go into the water. Sounds silly, but many people think it will come naturally, and it really doesn’t.
*Swim near a lifeguard so help is available if you need it
*Never swim alone
*Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
*Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water
*Alcohol and swimming don't mix
*Protect your head, neck, and spine by jumping feet first into unfamiliar waters
*As soon as you believe that you may be in trouble, call or wave for help
*Follow regulations and lifeguard directions
*Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances
Swimming and playing near water are favorite summer time activities of children everywhere. Parents and guardians need to pay extra attention and make sure they protect little ones from the dangers that water presents. Here are some points to consider about water safety for children.
*Never leave a child alone near water. Accidents happen in seconds, so if you have to leave, take your child with you.
*Watch out for neighborhood pools. Whether it is your own or your neighbors, toys that are left around the pool can attract children to the water.
*If you have a pool, make sure you surround it by a fence that is tall enough that children cannot climb over, and with a gate that locks.
*Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. Lessons won't make your child "drown-proof," but they will increase their safety and prepare them for a lifetime of fun in the water.
*Teach your children to always swim with a buddy.
*Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy.

*Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Be Safe this Independence Day!

Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks

From CRESA blog

For Americans, Fourth of July celebrations usually signify summer fun, vacations, and the gathering of family and friends, but Independence Day can also bring tragedy. In a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported on July 4 than on any other day and fireworks account for half of those fires. Sparklers, firecrackers, and rockets are the leading contributors to these injuries. Because most fireworks injuries are preventable, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday by following a few fireworks safety tips. (From FEMA Website)

Who is at Most Risk?
*In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries.
*56% of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.
*49% of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29% were contusions and lacerations.
*The risk of fireworks injury was 2 ½ times as high for children ages 5-14 as for the general population.
*Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 56% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007.

By the Numbers: Fireworks
30,100 = Estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year
9,500 = Estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks each year
11 = Fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2007
$34 million = Amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks in 2006

Bottom Line: Please be careful with fireworks!