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Safety Tips
Click on the month's below for their Safety Tips
January |
February | March |
April | May | June
July | August |
September | October | November
| December
Safety Tips 2008
January's safety tip
is on smoke detectors.
Properly installed and Maintained smoke detectors are critical life saving
devices.
While a smoke detector won't prevent a fire, it can save lives. Smoke detectors
are
designed to warn of fire danger in time to allow for escape. The ear-piercing
alarm
of a smoke detector may provide you and your family with the extra minutes that
you
need to escape. When installing smoke detectors take the following steps:
• Install at least one smoke detector in the hall leading to the bedrooms.
• Install additional smoke detectors, especially if your home is more then one
level.
• Make sure your smoke detectors are approved by Underwriters Laboratories.
• If your smoke detector is battery operated, check the batteries often and
change them
at least twice a year ( Spring and Fall).
Here are some fire safety rules that the whole family can practice together:
• Sketch the layout of each floor, including windows, doors, and stairways.
• Work out TWO escape routes from each bedroom and mark them on your layout.
• Hold frequent fire drills, including some at night, so everyone will know what
to do and be able to act quickly.
• Assign a member of the family to be responsible for the elderly or the very
young. A buddy system
should be organized to ensure their safety.
• Designate a meeting place outside of the home and instruct everyone to go
there at once. Count heads, stay together and DO NOT go back into the house for
anything.
Now, call the fire department from the nearest phone by DIALING 911.
Note: Lapeer County Firefighter's Association has two smoke trailers for the
public to go through. The smoke trailer is used to simulate a fire, while
trained firefighters teach you the proper way to exit. If you would be
interested in going through one of these trailers, check back with us by
visiting our upcoming events page.
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February's safety tip is on fire safety.
Every year people are killed or seriously injured from fire where they live. The
victims are most often children, elderly people, or handicapped. Most fire are
the result of accidents that could of been prevented. Most fire are a result of
carelessness, the greatest element of safety comes from prevention.
• Store paint, paint thinners and other flammable materials away from all fire
sources.
• Don't overload circuits or use frayed electrical cords.
• Use only fuses and circuit breakers which bear the labels of a nationally
recognized testing agencies.
• Never run extension cords under a rug.
• Never let large amounts of trash build up indoors or outdoors.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Never smoke in bed.
Based on the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission data from 1996, there were
about 26,000 mattress fires and bedding fires resulting in about 700 deaths and
roughly 2,600 injures each year. About half of the mattress fire deaths are
attributed to careless smoking. This number over the past several years has
dropped significantly do to federal mattress flammability standards.
Two people die each day as a result of residential furniture fires. The U.S.
Consumer Products Safety Commission data reported that, on average 55 people die
per month in fires where upholstered furniture is the first item ignited. Most
of these fires are caused by cigarette ignitions; a significant portion are
caused by open flame such as matches, lighters and candles. The killer is
upholstered furniture, which is one of the most flammable items in American
homes. In 4 minutes, a sofa fire can engulf an entire living room in flames.
Consumers need to know their furniture is flammable. The foam used in cushions
is shipped to furniture manufacturers with warnings that include language like
this: Flammable! If ignited, polyurethane foam can burn rapidly, release great
heat and consume oxygen. The resulting deficiency of oxygen will present a
danger of suffocation and death to the occupants.
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March's safety tip is on ice safety
Winter recreation sports are popular among many Michiganders. Ice fishing,
sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating and skiing are among the most popular. With
these activities come safety precautions, especially when ice is involved. Ice
can be very dangerous, and people can be injured or even killed when ice is not
respected. Ice on ponds, lakes and rivers can be affected by many things. The
strength and thickness of the ice should be known before and activities take
place on it. To determine what activities can safely take place, a rough rule of
thumb is:
INCHES * ACTIVITIES
2" WALKING
4" FISHING
5" SNOWMOBILES
* inches of new clear ice
Note: River ice is usually 15% weaker then pond or lake ice.
Ice safety points to consider include:
• New ice is stronger than old ice. As ice ages, the bond between the crystals
decay, making it more dangerous and weaker even if melting has not occurred.
• Wind speed influence ice formation. Light winds speed up the formation. Strong
winds force water from beneath the ice and can decay the edges of the ice.
• Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong. It can also insulate it to keep it
from freezing. When ice is covered by snow, great precautions need to be taken
to determine ice thickness before starting any activity. Snow can also hide
cracks, weak and open water areas.
• Slush is a danger sign. It indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the
bottom and indicates weak or deteriorated ice.
• Ice can change with the surrounding climate conditions. Temperature,
precipitation, wind speed, ice age, water depth, and water quality are all
factors that affect ice strength and thickness.
• Never check ice or rescue a victim of ice failure alone because you yourself
could become a victim very quickly.
• When is ice safe? Ice is NEVER safe!
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol increase your chances for hypothermia and
increases the likelihood that you could make a stupid mistake that could cost
you your life.
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April's safety tip is
on tornado's
Each year thousands of tornado's touch down in the U.S. One of the most
important things you can do is to be aware of changing weather conditions. Most
deaths and injures happen to those that are not aware or informed. If a tornado
watch is issued for your area, that means that a tornado is possible. If a
warning is issued, that means a tornado has been spotted and to take cover
immediately.
Where is the best shelter for a tornado?
In a home the best shelter is in the basement. Under
the stairs or table away from the west and south walls this
will protect your family from falling debris. If you have no
basement, go to an interior room like a closet, bathroom
or hallway, the walls are closer together in this area's, that
gives support to the ceiling.
Where is the best shelter in a Mobile home?
If you live in a mobile home check with the park manager to find out where you
should go in a event of a tornado. Do not stay in your mobile home.
The worst outbreak in U.S. history was on April 3-4 1974. 148 twisters touched
down in 13 states, before it was over 330 people were dead and 5,484 were
injured. The damaged path from the twisters covered 2,500 miles. The states
involved were: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West
Virginia. Outbreaks
like the one in 1974 can happen again.
Remember if inclement weather approaches stay tune to your local weather
channels and stay informed.
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May's safety tip is on electricity
General Safety Rules
• Electricity and Water don't mix. If it's raining or the ground is wet, avoid
using electric yard tools. Never step into a flooded area if water is in contact
with electric outlets, appliances or cords.
• Only plugs or plug guards should be placed in any outlet. Be sure outdoor
outlets and outlets near wet areas of the kitchen, bath and laundry room have
GFCI's (ground fault circuit interrupters) to prevent
serious shock injuries.
• Make sure tools, appliances and holiday lights are approved for outdoor use.
Outdoor tools and appliances should have heavier wiring, special insulation and
a three-prong, ground plug.
Always look up
Whether your working or playing outdoors, always remember to look up. Whenever
you're using a ladder, pool skimmer, tree pruning tool or other long objects,
watch out for over head wires. Be especially careful when working near power
lines attached to your house. A metal ladder is lightweight, but it is also
conductive and should not be used around electricity. Use a wood or fiberglass
ladder instead.
Fly kites and model airplanes in open area's well away from overhead wires.
Avoid kites with wire, metal or foil parts and don't fly kites or model planes
in wet weather. Damp strings and wires conduct electricity.
Stay at Least 10 Feet Away
Keep at least 10 feet away from pole-to-pole power lines at all times. Power
lines are not insulated in the same way as your household wiring. That is why
they're mounted well out of harm's reach or buried in the ground, just as the
National Electrical Safety Code requires.
Avoid underground wires. Find out where power lines and other utilities are
buried before digging. State law requires that you call Miss Dig at least three
full working days in advance. A simple phone call to 1-800-482-7171 is all it
takes. Miss Dig will contact the utilities in your area. At no cost to you, the
utilities will mark the approximate locations of their underground lines.
Downed Wires!
Our power lines and equipment are build to meet rigid state and national safety
standards under normal conditions. Icing conditions or severe storms hits, power
lines can come down. Never touch a down power line, or anything it is in contact
with, ever if there is no sparks. A live wire may whip or sweep through a wide
area looking for a ground. A ground is the earth or something touching the
earth. Remember to be especially cautious near metal fences after severe
weather. Electric current will be strongest where a downed line has touched the
fence.
Down wires on a vehicle
Stay in your vehicle and wait for help. If you must get out because of a fire or
other danger, jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at
the same time. Then shuffle don't run or stride away. Electricity spreads out
through the ground in ripples. The voltage is highest closest to the vehicle and
decreases with distance.
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June's safety tip is on drinking and driving
Drunk Driving is considered to be the most serious traffic safety problem in the
United States. Statistics show that alcohol-related crashes cause nearly 190,000
deaths and injuries each year.
While having a single drink before driving can affect driving ability, drunk
driving is operating a motor vehicle in a location that is generally accessible
to motor vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is greater then
the legal limit. The table below shows these legal limits.
Age Minimum BAC
Under 21 Zero
Over 21 .08% (Impaired)
Over 21 .10% (Drunk)
I n Michigan there are several drunk driving crimes that vary in severity. The
table below lists these crimes from least to the most serious.
Offense Abbreviations
Under 21 operating a vehicle with any BAC Zero Tolerance
Operating a vehicle while Impaired (.08% BAC) OWI
Operating a vehicle under the Influence of Liquor (.10% BAC) OUIL
Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level UBAL
Operating a vehicle under the influence of Liquor causing an injury (felony).
OUIL - Incapacitating Injury
Operating a vehicle under the influence of Liquor causing Death (felony). OUIL -
Death
In Michigan, those convicted of drunk driving can be subjected to five
sanctions. The table below lists this sanctions. First conviction by offense:
Offense Points License Suspension Fines Incarceration Community Service
Zero 4 1 - 3 Months 0 - $250 None 0 - 45 Days
OWI 4 3 - 12 Months 0 - $300 0 - 90 Days 0 - 45 Days
UBAL, OUIL 6 6 - 24 Months $100 - $500 0 - 90 Days 0 - 45 Days
OUIL (Injury) 6 Revoked $1000 - $5,000 0 - 5 Years None
OUIL (Death) 6 Revoked $2,500 - $10,000 0 - 15 Years None
There are several drunk driving countermeasures that could be used to reduce the
incidents of drunk driving in Michigan these are:
• Sobriety checkpoints.
• Reducing the minimum BAC for OUIL to .08%.
• Vehicle impoundment or immobilization after a drunk driving conviction.
• Ignition interlock system for repeated offenders.
• Stronger enforcement of alcohol server laws.
• Public information effort aimed at reducing the acceptance of underage
drinking.
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July's safety tip is on
toxins in your home
Staying home is hazardous to your health! Toxins found in the home injure about
789,000 Americans each year, and this number is suggested to be underestimated.
Toxins account for 90% of all reported poisonings each year, this data was from
the American Association of poison control. While this figures include
everything from non-fatal aspirin overdoses to the deadly consumption of drain
cleaner, they fail to include in this figures the long-term exposure to toxins
like lead and asbestos.
Some other types of toxins in your home are:
Formaldehyde - vapors from adhesives used to manufacture most inexpensive
wood-based products. Carpets and carpet cushions may also off gas formaldehyde,
causing eye and upper respiratory irritation.
Radon - Radon is a natural radioactive gas that enters into the home through
cracks in the basement, the surrounding foundation and well water. It enters the
body quietly through the airway.
Lead - Leads are found in paint in older homes, old plumbing and soil near
highways and busy roads. It causes neurological and kidney damage, high blood
pressure and disrupts the blood cell production.
Carbon monoxide - Carbon monoxide will kill an estimated 700 Americans each
year. Un-serviced furnaces are the biggest culprit ( propane, butane or oil ).
Attached garages will also let Carbon monoxide into your home, start your car
and pull it outside.
Vinyl chloride - Is the source of the " New car smell " The plastic interior of
a new car off gasses this known carcinogen.
Hydrofluoric acid - can cause intense pain and damage to tissues and bone. This
highly corrosive substance is the active ingredient in many household rust
removers.
Solvents - Benzene and methylethylketome are known carcinogens.
Be aware of what substances, from pesticides to cleaners, pose threats in your
home. Maintain ingredient awareness. If mixed many household products will give
off a toxic gas like ammonia-chlorine bleach reaction, which produces the deadly
respiratory irritant chloramine.
For more information go to: http://www.epa.gov
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August's safety tip is
on Heat Emergencies
Certain individuals are at increased risk of developing problems related to the
heat. " The very young and elderly have a difficult time adjusting to extremely
high temperatures. People who work or play outside need to be cautious also.
To stay cool and avoid heat related emergencies, drink plenty of fluids,
especially water. Stay out of the sun if at all possible. Use sunscreen with an
SPF of 15 or greater. If you must be outside take frequent breaks in a cool
place.
HEAT CRAMPS (least serious)
Symptoms:
• Muscle cramps
• Heavy perspiration
Action:
• Move to a cool place
• Offer sips of cool water
• Rest the affected muscle
HEAT EXHAUSTION (Serious)
Symptoms:
• Skin is cold and clammy
• Heavy perspiration
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
Action:
• Move to a cool place
• Sips of cool water
• Apply cold packs/towels
• Elevate legs
• Seek medical attention if no improvement in 30 minutes
HEAT STROKE (Most Serious)
Symptoms:
• Skin is hot and dry
• Little or no perspiration
• Loss of consciousness
• Fast, weak pulse
• Fast, shallow breathing
Action:
• Move to a cool place
• If conscious, offer sips of cool water
• Elevate head/shoulders
• Call 911
• Apply cold packs/towel
With the higher then usual temperatures we see increases of heat emergencies.
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September's safety
tip is on Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. A product of
incomplete burning of hydrocarbon-based fuels, carbon monoxide consists of a
carbon atom and an oxygen atom linked together. During normal combustion, each
atom of carbon in the burning fuel joins with two atoms of oxygen-forming a
harmless gas called carbon dioxide. When there is a lack of oxygen to ensure
complete combustion of the fuel, each atom of carbon links up with only one atom
of oxygen - forming carbon monoxide gas.
Why is Carbon Monoxide a health problem?
Carbon Monoxide enters the bloodstream through the lungs and forms carbon
hemoglobin, a compound that inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to
organs and tissues. Persons with heart disease are especially sensitive to
carbon monoxide poisoning and may experience chest pain if they breathe the gas
while exercising. Infants, elderly persons, and individuals with respiratory
diseases are also particularly sensitive.
How does CO enter the home?
Carbon Monoxide can escape from any fuel-burning appliance, furnace, water
heater, fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Most newer homes are built very
air tight, thus cutting down on the supply of fresh air to your furnace - and
creating an oxygen starved flame. Tight closing replacement windows and doors,
as well as additional insulation can cause similar problems in older homes.
What to do in a CO emergency?
If your alarm sounds from your CO detector and your are feeling drowsy or dizzy,
leave the house and call 911 from your neighbors home. You may need medical
attention for CO poisoning. Do Not re-enter your home until it is safe!
Proper placement of a carbon monoxide detector is important. If you are
installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can
wake you if you are asleep. For added safety one should be installed on every
level of a home.
Some of the fuels that can give off Carbon Monoxide:
• Natural Gas
• Oil
• Coal
• Wood
• Kerosene
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October's safety tip
is on Trick or Treating
BEFORE HALLOWEEN:
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well
and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact
with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat
bags for greater visibility.
• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly
within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and
decorative hats as safer alternatives.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase only
those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must
be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to
prevent injury.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in
place of candles in decorations and costumes.
• Teach children to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they
have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free at
any payphone.
• Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their
clothes catch on fire.
• Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.
• Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway.
Check around your property for low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses
that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
FUN ALTERNATIVES:
• Ask around your community and check your local newspaper for information on
special events.
• Community Centers, Shopping Malls and Houses of Worship often have organized
festivities.
• Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior Center.
• Create an alliance with College Fraternities, Sororities or Service Clubs for
children's face painting or a carnival.
BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN:
• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters
from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with
holiday lighting or special effects.
• Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps away from drapes,
decorations, flammable materials or areas where children will be standing or
walking.
• Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable
to you. Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.
WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:
• A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their
neighborhood rounds.
• Remind Trick-or Treaters:
• By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing
traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
• Always walk. Never run across a street.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by
local custom).
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street,
driveway or alley.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.
Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
• Never consume food items or drinks that may be offered.
• No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at
home.
• Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious
or unlawful activity.
AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is
rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any
spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such
as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.
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November's safety tip is on Winter Hazards
If you become stranded in your vehicle - attach a cloth to your antenna to
attract attention and then remain in the vehicle. Run the motor about 10 minutes
each hour for heat. However, open the window slightly for fresh air and make
sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. Exercise by moving arms, legs, fingers and
toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
• Keep telephone numbers of local tow service and/or roadside assistance in case
your vehicle becomes disabled or stuck in the snow. A telephone book is good to
have in your car any time of the year.
• Keep the gas tank and windshield washer reservoir full. (keeping your gas tank
full will help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines).
• Make sure wiper blades and snow tires are in good condition prior to the start
of the winter season.
Do you know the terms used for forecast winter weather?
BLIZZARD WARNINGS: Are issued when the National Weather Service expects
considerable snow and wind of 35 miles per hour or more. Visibility can be so
poor that you will not be able to see for more than a few yards. A blizzard is
the most dangerous of all winter storms.
TRAVELERS ADVISORIES: Are issued to indicate that falling, blowing, or drifting
snow, freezing rain or drizzle, sleet, or strong winds may make driving
difficult but now seriously enough to require warnings.
WINTER STORM WARNING: Means that heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected.
WINTER STORM WATCH: Means that severe winter weather is possible.
FREEZING RAIN and FREEZING DRIZZLE: Is forecast when expected rain is likely to
freeze as soon as it strikes the ground, putting a coating of ice on roads and
walkways.
SLEET: Indicates small particles of ice usually mixed with rain. If enough sleet
accumulates on the ground it will make travel hazardous.
wind-chill - is the perceived temperature resulting from the effect of wind, in
combination with cold air,
which increases the rate of heat loss from the human body.
Frostbite - is the damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen.
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in
extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. Frostbite
varies in severity from frost nip to deep frostbite, depending on the length of
exposure, temperature to which the skin is exposed and wind speed. For frost
nip, place firm, steady pressure from a warm hand against the area. Also, blow
on the surface holding the frost nipped area against the body. Do not rub the
area, apply snow or plunge it into very hot or cold water. Victims of severe
frostbite must receive prompt medical attention.
Hypothermia - occurs when the body temperature drops to 95 degrees F. or lower.
It can develop whenever body heat loss exceeds heat gain. Hypothermia is not
exclusive to winter. It can occur during the wind and rain of spring and summer.
Hypothermia is often mistaken for fatigue, irritability, or dehydration and may
include some of these signs: Abnormal decision making; improper response to
cold; apathy, lethargy; decreased cooperation; slurred speech; disorientation;
shivering; stumbling, and muscle stiffness progressing to inability to move.
TREATMENT : Prevent further heat loss. Dry, remove from cold and insulate.
Re-warm by warming the body core first. Re-hydrate with warm broth. If severe
hypothermia, seek medical attention.
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December's safety
tip is on Christmas Tree's
A freshly cut, green Christmas tree is a beautiful sight. But it is also a
potential fire hazard if not properly cared for. The importance of keeping the
tree as fresh as possible while it is in the home can't be overemphasized.
Supply plenty of water. If the tree is to be stored for some time before being
moved indoors, stand the tree trunk in a container filled with water. If the
tree is to be displayed immediately, set the trunk in a tree stand that is
designed to hold water. Saw one-fourth to one-half inch off the bottom of the
tree trunk before placing the tree in the stand, to allow the tree to take up
water.
Keep your tree stand filled for as long as the tree remains in the home. Check
it daily, especially the first few days after it is cut.
DO NOT add bleach to your Christmas tree water. In recent years, some media
reports recommended that a bleach solution be used. "Unfortunately, the
recommendation to use bleach is potentially dangerous,". "Bleach can quickly
kill cut trees. The dead trees then become fire hazards. Generally, the best way
for keeping trees fresh is to re-cut the base of the tree and place it in water.
Well-watered trees should remain fresh for 3 or 4 weeks."
• Locate the tree away from heat sources and away from doors in the home. In the
event of a fire, the tree could block escape from the room.
• Keep the Christmas tree room cool. The cooler the room temperature, the longer
the tree will stay fresh in the house.
• Turn your tree lights off when not around the tree.
• Do not burn candles on or near the tree.
• Avoid overloading electrical cords.
• Keep light strings and other electrical decorations out of children's reach.
• Do not burn Christmas tree or packaging in a fire place or wood stove.
Make sure your home's smoke detector is working properly and keep a portable
fire extinguisher handy just in case.
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