Summer Safety

Firework Safety Tips

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Read more: US Consumer Product Safety Commission, CALFIRE, TeensHealth,  

Fire Safety

• Grill safely: Always use your grill outdoors, keeping it away from siding and deck railing. For gas grills, check the gas supply line for damages and replace it, if needed. If you are using charcoal, use an electric or chimney lighter that allows you to use newspaper rather than lighter fuel. Always wait until your grill cools completely before putting it away, especially if you use a grill cover.
• Be careful with outdoor fireplaces and candles: Make sure that there are no structures, low tree branches or other flammable overhead obstructions near your tiki torch, candle or campfire. Keep fires small, away from dry grass and leaves, and at least 10 feet away from anything else that can burn.
• Always keep kids and pets away from fire: Keep kids and pets away from campfires, fireworks, candles, matches and lighters. Avoid playing games with flying objects like baseballs, basketballs or plastic discs anywhere around the grill, torches or candles.
• Never leave any flame or fire unattended: Whether you’re grilling, using a fire pit, or toasting s’mores around the fire, never leave any flame or fire unattended and put out any fire before you leave it.

Ready, Set, Go!

Read more: US Fire Administration, CALFIRE, LA County Fire 

Water and Boating Safety

Swimming/Water Safety

• Learn to swim well.  Almost two million people of all ages learn to swim each year with Red Cross programs.
• Always closely supervise children whenever they are near any body of water. Weak or inexperienced swimmers should wear U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets anytime they're around water.
• Know how to respond to an emergency (including lifesaving CPR skills), how to tell if a swimmer is in distress or is drowning, and how and when to call for emergency help.
• If you have a pool or hot tub, keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have on hand a ring buoy, life jackets, rope, pole or other object that can be used to help a person in trouble. Be sure to have a first aid kit, cordless phone and emergency contact information by the pool.

Boating Safety (Tips courtesy of Popular Mechanics)

• Stay afloat - Wear a life jacket! Life jackets save lives. According to Coast Guard studies, 90 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).
• Stay Alert - Do not drink and boat! About 17 percent of boating fatalities are the direct result of boating under the influence (BUI).
• Stay in Touch - You can not rely on spotty cell phone coverage out on the water. A modern VHF marine radio, on the other hand, is a near guarantee that you'll be able to communicate with rescuers and guide them to your exact location in the event of an accident.
• Stay Informed - Hone your skills by taking a safe-boating course. Of the 700 annual boating fatalities, just 10 percent are in the boat with a driver who has had any sort of formal safety training.

​Read More: American Red Cross, Safe Kids USA, CA Dept. of Boating and Waterways, US Coast Guard Boating Safety Division

Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Illness

• ​Never leave infants, children or the frail elderly unattended in a parked car.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
• Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Use a hat and sunscreen as needed.
• Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage to replace salts and minerals lost during heavy sweating. (If a client/resident is on a low-sodium diet, check with his/her physician first.)
• During the hottest parts of the day, keep physical activities to a minimum and stay indoors in air-conditioning and out of the sun.
• Use fans as needed.
• Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate when appropriate.
• Use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to the body. Eat frozen treats.

Don't Forget Your Pets!

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Animals, particularly those that spend time outdoors, are vulnerable to the heat as well. Check out the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website for important tips on keeping your pets protected from heat and other emergencies.